Finally!  A Retail Store in Laguna Beach that I am excited about!  I have been intrigued for awhile to see Frou Frou Boutique from the inside, always my misfortune to be by there when they are not open.  I was stunned!  The owner, Kim, has impeccable taste. Her interior aesthetic and her flair for trends is star-worthy!  I would recommend this store for all of the locals and for sure tourists.  The location is good, within the walking district to downtown Laguna, and in the middle of other good shopping.  I briefly spoke with Kim, and more with the owner of the stylist portion.  Apparently, the C.M.T, Brittni is a medical massage artist.  I have had Thai massage and Homeopathic Massage, but never Medical.  Apparently, she can relieve your Migraine as well as help a pregnant woman begin labor if she is having trouble.

It is hard to believe that in one store, you can get hair extensions, waxing, massage, shop the best trends, ( and may I compliment the fair pricing), as well as all kinds of accessories and artistic cowgirl boots.  This store is now my favorite!  Kudo’s to Kim and Brooke, way to bring Laguna back!  This fantastic Boutique & Salon is located at 750 South Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA  92651

I have been reading articles and the latest “poll” taken by Laguna residents about why the retail sales are down in Laguna.  I find them so boring, I can not finish the articles.  The latest was a blame session on the parking, the parking police and the rude store employees, all the cause of why locals don’t shop in Laguna.

Laguna retail has always been focused on tourism.  Laguna has always been a destination for “shopping” days.  It has not been a place for every day merchandise.  It was planned this way.  Now, that the economy is difficult, less people are vacationing, thus less shoppers for the retailers.

Families have favorite ways to shop.  The mall for clothing, cosco for bulk, office depot, office max for work supplies, and of course, home depot.  So, we take a trip inland for all our usual needs.  I’m guilty of this, and it is unfortunate, we are “comfortable” with these big stores.

Yes, I agree, the parking police are unbelievable, sometimes I think they hide behind a lamppost waiting to pounce on the next person that stops in front of my store – so be sure to have a quarter in the console!  But, rude store personnel?  Please!  I personally, have not experienced this, and being a local retailer, I do visit a lot of stores if not to buy, to definitely introduce myself!  I think we need to take a look at WHO answered this poll.  I never saw one, what was the demographic of those who answered it?  That, would be helpful to know.

I have been a resident of Laguna for 3 1/2 years, and an admirer for 30. Laguna Beach has always been my favorite town to walk around in.  The architecture- diverse, the shops- unique, and the people, healthy and vibrant, well except for the mass of homeless people that also love this town.  In my most recent walks, south of Legion Street, the newest news is that Duo Fashion Boutique is closed, Elle H Boutique is closing and lastly, the New European clothing store, Upside Down (formerly Saffron), is also closing.  What does all this mean?

I hear complaints that the rent is too high.  High?  Relative to what?  Sometimes, I think people say things just to hear their head rattle.  Yes, it is higher than an industrial, auto park street in Mission Viejo, but that is 20 miles inland, and this is Pacific Coast Hwy.  Has anyone looked at the strip malls lately?  I don’t care where, anywhere. The parking lots might as well be turned into driving school lots, or paint-ball fields.  There is nobody in the strip malls, and there are no tenants in the stores.

The rents are not too high, the landlords must make a monthly mortgage payment based on the worth of the building, and yes, it still costs a ton to own in Laguna.  I don’t pretend to know what the answer is, but I do read that the mind-set of the successful small boutique owners is the same as mine.  That customer service is the key to staying open in these harder times.  In the past few months, I have made a stronger effort to make a shopping experience memorable for my customers.  Make them want to return, know their name, and hopefully have their email address on hand when they leave.  Send a e-thank you card, and/or make sure they know when new arrivals, arrive.

Romantic Boutique by Delicate Illusions, 1857 S. Coast Hwy, has been open for 3 1/2 yrs. in Laguna Beach, longer than any of the surrounding stores, we are excited about the future, and excited to help you have your best Valentines Day ever!

Just in!  The Boot covers that all the rave chicks are asking for! We have basic Black, white, hot  pink and turquoise!  Also these funky leopard and also a snow leopard in our store right now…hurry!  Going fast.  No worries, though, we can always get these for your or special order different colors!  Also, a new corset line!  Only $69-$89 ea.  Can’t beat the price, and so, so, adorable!  Store address:  Look for the huge pink heart sign that reads: Romantic Boutique by Delicate Illusions.  1857 S. Coast Hwy. Laguna Beach, CA  92651

Rave Boot Covers-Leopard

Sexy Ruffle Corset

Now is the perfect time to shop Valentine’s Lingerie gifts… Lingerie and More 4u is donating 20% of all proceeds from now until Jan. 22, to the Red Cross for Haiti!  Shop now, and GIVE!

Our Romantic Boutique has re-opened in Laguna Beach! We had a 6 month hiatus while Wicked Chamber graced our location, but as it turns out, we fit this location the best! Stay tuned for so many new product updates and a ton of Romantic in-sites. Just be cause you are “doing it”, does not mean, you know what you are doing.  Many of our clientele want to bring more imagination into the bedroom, tired of the “old married sex”.  We now carry the best sex-ed videos available, Better Sex Series, by Sinclair Institute.  You may order them online, or visit out Romantic Boutique at: 1857 S. Coast Hwy. Laguna Beach, CA

Sexy Scrunch-Butt Brazilian Bikini.

10 new styles just uploaded and make sure you are ready for your Fourth of July Beach Party!