A Lifestyle Guide for San Pedro, California
Originally published Saturday, March 31, 2007
By Andrea Adleman
SPECIAL TO MORE SAN PEDRO
SAN PEDRO SHOPPERS KNOW where to get the goods.
If you like your fashions cheap and chic, you can scour the chain stores such as Ross Dress for Less and
Payless Shoe Source. You can also go hunting in thrift stores, discount department stores and
secondhand shops concentrated along Pacific Avenue and downtown San Pedro.
But make no mistake, cheap-chic shoppers can score some great finds. However, the marketplace
sometimes yields more spills than thrills. You may come home empty-handed and tired from fighting the
crowds and navigating a messy, chaotic environment.
Then there are the hard-core San Pedro fashionistas, whose mailboxes bulge with glossy fashion
magazines around the third week of the month.
Buying hot-off-the-presses objects of desire may involve a trip to a high-end shopping center in West
Hollywood or time on the Internet because you just can't get those things in San Pedro.
Au contraire.
Independent boutiques dot San Pedro. Some are new, open for less than a year. Others are tucked
away.
Together, these shops sell everything that fashion-forward women and men need to create outfits
straight from the glossy magazines. From premium denim to irresistible shoes to must-have accessories, it's
here in San Pedro.
DESIGNER DUDS
Joanne's Closet is San Pedro's destination for women's fashion. Owner Joanne Eide's cozy and sleek
boutique stocks the most sought-after brands of pants, jeans, tops, velour tracksuits, accessories and
other pieces for casual and evening looks.
Designers include 7 for All Mankind, True Religion, Citizens of Humanity, Juicy Couture, Michael Stars,
Da-Nang, William Rast, and many other boutique lines.
Eide takes pride in helping customers look their best. "If you come out of the fitting room and the look isn't
right for you, I'll tell you," said Eide.
"My customers are everything to me. I want you to feel good about your whole experience at my store.
It's not just about buying clothes but about a relationship and friendship with customers," Eide said. "San
Pedro women have style. I'm here to support their fashion tastes. If they want something I don't carry, I'll
make every effort to get it."
Eide maintains lists of customers who fancy certain brands and will call them when a new shipment of
their favorites arrive.
Max's Place carries a range of women's fashions priced below retail. It features printed tops, snappy
jackets, and other pieces to complement the perfect pair of black pants or luxe jeans. Owned by
Margret Beyda (a.k.a. Max), the shop is on a remote corner of the Vons grocery store center at 25th
Street and Western Avenue.
MNM Boutique is a new off-price outlet shop in the Terraces center on Western Avenue. Owner Maral
Malikyar isn't sure this will be the boutique's permanent location. But, she is sure of her passion for selling
brand-name and designer items for women, teens, children, and babies below retail. (UPDATE: The shop
has changed its name to Maral's Designer Outlet and moved to the 8th St. Lofts, 800 S Pacific Ave.)
For youthful styles, there's a new kid on the block. It's called Vintro, a new boutique next door to the
Copper Room on Ninth Street. (UPDATE: Vintro has closed.)
Opened in October by a San Pedro mother of five, the shop features "comfy, funky, fun" clothing and
accessories for the young, hip, and female. Its selections include fine denim by Frankie B. and Joe's
Jeans, and fashionable, playful tops by a variety of designers.
The young and young at heart also shop at Seventh and Styles for Less, two larger stores flanking Ross
Dress for Less on Western Avenue. These are San Pedro's answer to Forever 21 and Windsor Fashions at
the mall.
ADD SOME ACCESSORIES
Clothes are nice, but truly sparkling outfits need jewelry. Family owned and operated, Captain's Treasure
Chest is one-stop shopping for men's and women's jewelry.
Co-owner Rosemarie Ganoe is the expert in fine jewelry for men and women.
Ganoe's young assistants keep their eyes on the trends and bring the latest costume jewelry to the store
as fast as they find it. New stock arrives every few weeks.
For more jewelry and a little of everything else, visit Mia's in Weymouth Corners.
The only constant in this inviting boutique is change. Third-generation owner Kristi Lopez stocks
best-selling jewelry, handbags, and gift items alongside a quirky variety of clothes, home decor, and
seasonal goodies. An interior decorator, Lopez will custom design your drapes, bedding, pillows and
upholstery.
FOR YOUR FEET
San Pedro shoe addicts can satisfy their cravings at Catwalk Shoes, San Pedro's fashion-forward shoe
haven. (UPDATE: Catwalk Shoes has closed.)
Twelve years after graduating together from San Pedro High School, co-owners Margaret Ciolino and
Valerie Heise dazzled downtown San Pedro with the opening of their ultra-chic shop last August.
Awakening the senses with its vivid colors, modern design and high-energy vibe, Catwalk Shoes sells
trend-setting women's shoes and boots by popular designers and exclusive European labels. It also
carries fine handbags by Sam Apto and others.
"San Pedro has been good to us and now we want to treat the community to a more upscale shopping
experience," Ciolino said. "We also want to support the San Pedro business community. So, our fashion
shows feature clothes from Joanne's Closet and jewelry from Captain's Treasure Chest.
The shop features an actual catwalk, where fashion shows are held every other month.
"The fashion models are our friends and relatives who were trained by professional models. It's exciting
for us to create opportunities for real San Pedro girls to do something totally different and glamorous,"
Ciolino said.
Over at Shooz on Western Avenue, Denise Tucker groups her on-trend shoes, handbags, jewelry and
sunglasses by color and theme. It's shopping for women who need to accessorize a special outfit from
head to toe.
Tucker opened the shop in 2001 and enjoys the challenge of styling her return customers. She also has
long-standing relationships with the husbands and children of her loyal customers who come in to buy
gift certificates for their loved ones.
If it's UGG shoes and boots you crave, Al Murray's and Urban Feet are the places to go. There you can
find a range of brand-name, trendy, athletic and even sensible shoes.
Al Murray's stocks traditional dress and casual shoes for men and women, plus the trendy "crocs" styles,
socks, hosiery and handbags.
Cruise the aisles of Urban Feet for Kitson, Ecko Red, Michelle K., Skechers and other popular brands.
TRENDY TOTS
Hey, baby! Everything trendy is shrunk down to pint-sized at Rok 'n' Ell, a baby boutique for fashionable
infants to 6-year-olds.
San Pedro nurse Alison Zuvic opened the Weymouth Corners shop last fall.
Little ones can make big statements in glittery T-shirts declaring, "Mommy is my homegirl," "Studly," or "I am
a miracle."
Pair the charming t-shirt with a camouflage skirt, some chic flats, sunglasses, a belt, even a princess tiara
hairpiece and something bubbly for bath time. Boys can dress to impress in stylish pants, shirts, jackets
and cowboy boots.
FOR THE FELLAS
Gentlemen can find fashionable dress and casual selections at Norman's in downtown San Pedro.
Elegant Calvin Klein suits, dress shirts and ties make the corner-office man, while weekend choices
include Tommy Bahama, Quicksilver, Buffalo David Bitton, Mavi, Axis and other labels.
SPECIAL TO MORE SAN PEDRO
SAN PEDRO SHOPPERS KNOW where to get the goods.
If you like your fashions cheap and chic, you can scour the chain stores such as Ross Dress for Less and
Payless Shoe Source. You can also go hunting in thrift stores, discount department stores and
secondhand shops concentrated along Pacific Avenue and downtown San Pedro.
But make no mistake, cheap-chic shoppers can score some great finds. However, the marketplace
sometimes yields more spills than thrills. You may come home empty-handed and tired from fighting the
crowds and navigating a messy, chaotic environment.
Then there are the hard-core San Pedro fashionistas, whose mailboxes bulge with glossy fashion
magazines around the third week of the month.
Buying hot-off-the-presses objects of desire may involve a trip to a high-end shopping center in West
Hollywood or time on the Internet because you just can't get those things in San Pedro.
Au contraire.
Independent boutiques dot San Pedro. Some are new, open for less than a year. Others are tucked
away.
Together, these shops sell everything that fashion-forward women and men need to create outfits
straight from the glossy magazines. From premium denim to irresistible shoes to must-have accessories, it's
here in San Pedro.
DESIGNER DUDS
Joanne's Closet is San Pedro's destination for women's fashion. Owner Joanne Eide's cozy and sleek
boutique stocks the most sought-after brands of pants, jeans, tops, velour tracksuits, accessories and
other pieces for casual and evening looks.
Designers include 7 for All Mankind, True Religion, Citizens of Humanity, Juicy Couture, Michael Stars,
Da-Nang, William Rast, and many other boutique lines.
Eide takes pride in helping customers look their best. "If you come out of the fitting room and the look isn't
right for you, I'll tell you," said Eide.
"My customers are everything to me. I want you to feel good about your whole experience at my store.
It's not just about buying clothes but about a relationship and friendship with customers," Eide said. "San
Pedro women have style. I'm here to support their fashion tastes. If they want something I don't carry, I'll
make every effort to get it."
Eide maintains lists of customers who fancy certain brands and will call them when a new shipment of
their favorites arrive.
Max's Place carries a range of women's fashions priced below retail. It features printed tops, snappy
jackets, and other pieces to complement the perfect pair of black pants or luxe jeans. Owned by
Margret Beyda (a.k.a. Max), the shop is on a remote corner of the Vons grocery store center at 25th
Street and Western Avenue.
MNM Boutique is a new off-price outlet shop in the Terraces center on Western Avenue. Owner Maral
Malikyar isn't sure this will be the boutique's permanent location. But, she is sure of her passion for selling
brand-name and designer items for women, teens, children, and babies below retail. (UPDATE: The shop
has changed its name to Maral's Designer Outlet and moved to the 8th St. Lofts, 800 S Pacific Ave.)
For youthful styles, there's a new kid on the block. It's called Vintro, a new boutique next door to the
Copper Room on Ninth Street. (UPDATE: Vintro has closed.)
Opened in October by a San Pedro mother of five, the shop features "comfy, funky, fun" clothing and
accessories for the young, hip, and female. Its selections include fine denim by Frankie B. and Joe's
Jeans, and fashionable, playful tops by a variety of designers.
The young and young at heart also shop at Seventh and Styles for Less, two larger stores flanking Ross
Dress for Less on Western Avenue. These are San Pedro's answer to Forever 21 and Windsor Fashions at
the mall.
ADD SOME ACCESSORIES
Clothes are nice, but truly sparkling outfits need jewelry. Family owned and operated, Captain's Treasure
Chest is one-stop shopping for men's and women's jewelry.
Co-owner Rosemarie Ganoe is the expert in fine jewelry for men and women.
Ganoe's young assistants keep their eyes on the trends and bring the latest costume jewelry to the store
as fast as they find it. New stock arrives every few weeks.
For more jewelry and a little of everything else, visit Mia's in Weymouth Corners.
The only constant in this inviting boutique is change. Third-generation owner Kristi Lopez stocks
best-selling jewelry, handbags, and gift items alongside a quirky variety of clothes, home decor, and
seasonal goodies. An interior decorator, Lopez will custom design your drapes, bedding, pillows and
upholstery.
FOR YOUR FEET
San Pedro shoe addicts can satisfy their cravings at Catwalk Shoes, San Pedro's fashion-forward shoe
haven. (UPDATE: Catwalk Shoes has closed.)
Twelve years after graduating together from San Pedro High School, co-owners Margaret Ciolino and
Valerie Heise dazzled downtown San Pedro with the opening of their ultra-chic shop last August.
Awakening the senses with its vivid colors, modern design and high-energy vibe, Catwalk Shoes sells
trend-setting women's shoes and boots by popular designers and exclusive European labels. It also
carries fine handbags by Sam Apto and others.
"San Pedro has been good to us and now we want to treat the community to a more upscale shopping
experience," Ciolino said. "We also want to support the San Pedro business community. So, our fashion
shows feature clothes from Joanne's Closet and jewelry from Captain's Treasure Chest.
The shop features an actual catwalk, where fashion shows are held every other month.
"The fashion models are our friends and relatives who were trained by professional models. It's exciting
for us to create opportunities for real San Pedro girls to do something totally different and glamorous,"
Ciolino said.
Over at Shooz on Western Avenue, Denise Tucker groups her on-trend shoes, handbags, jewelry and
sunglasses by color and theme. It's shopping for women who need to accessorize a special outfit from
head to toe.
Tucker opened the shop in 2001 and enjoys the challenge of styling her return customers. She also has
long-standing relationships with the husbands and children of her loyal customers who come in to buy
gift certificates for their loved ones.
If it's UGG shoes and boots you crave, Al Murray's and Urban Feet are the places to go. There you can
find a range of brand-name, trendy, athletic and even sensible shoes.
Al Murray's stocks traditional dress and casual shoes for men and women, plus the trendy "crocs" styles,
socks, hosiery and handbags.
Cruise the aisles of Urban Feet for Kitson, Ecko Red, Michelle K., Skechers and other popular brands.
TRENDY TOTS
Hey, baby! Everything trendy is shrunk down to pint-sized at Rok 'n' Ell, a baby boutique for fashionable
infants to 6-year-olds.
San Pedro nurse Alison Zuvic opened the Weymouth Corners shop last fall.
Little ones can make big statements in glittery T-shirts declaring, "Mommy is my homegirl," "Studly," or "I am
a miracle."
Pair the charming t-shirt with a camouflage skirt, some chic flats, sunglasses, a belt, even a princess tiara
hairpiece and something bubbly for bath time. Boys can dress to impress in stylish pants, shirts, jackets
and cowboy boots.
FOR THE FELLAS
Gentlemen can find fashionable dress and casual selections at Norman's in downtown San Pedro.
Elegant Calvin Klein suits, dress shirts and ties make the corner-office man, while weekend choices
include Tommy Bahama, Quicksilver, Buffalo David Bitton, Mavi, Axis and other labels.
| FASHION FORWARD |
| San Pedro boutiques can dress you up in the latest designer apparel. |
STYLISH SAN PEDRO SHOPPING
JOANNE'S CLOSET
389 W. Sixth St.
San Pedro
310-514-3219
Contemporary women's apparel and
accessories
MAX'S PLACE
1422 W 25th St.
San Pedro
310-519-9096
Women's apparel and accessories for a variety
of tastes and styles
STYLES FOR LESS
940 N. Western Ave.
San Pedro
310-832-1278
Fashions for teen girls and young women
SEVENTH
860 N. Western Ave.
San Pedro
310-514-3632
Fashions for teen girls and young women
Maral's Designer Room
The Shops at the 8th St. Lofts
800 S Pacific Ave.
San Pedro
310-521-8661
Apparel and accessories for women, teens,
children, and babies.
JOANNE'S CLOSET
389 W. Sixth St.
San Pedro
310-514-3219
Contemporary women's apparel and
accessories
MAX'S PLACE
1422 W 25th St.
San Pedro
310-519-9096
Women's apparel and accessories for a variety
of tastes and styles
STYLES FOR LESS
940 N. Western Ave.
San Pedro
310-832-1278
Fashions for teen girls and young women
SEVENTH
860 N. Western Ave.
San Pedro
310-514-3632
Fashions for teen girls and young women
Maral's Designer Room
The Shops at the 8th St. Lofts
800 S Pacific Ave.
San Pedro
310-521-8661
Apparel and accessories for women, teens,
children, and babies.
THREE FASHION
MANTRAS TO
REPEAT
1. It's not about
your body.
Whether you're a
curvy plus-size or
a petite string
bean, you don't
have to have a
"perfect" body to
look perfectly
chic. Most stylish
women don't
have model
bodies. The secret
to their success is
that they know
what works for
their shape, and
they use what
they've got to
their advantage.
2. It's not about
your budget. Take
one stroll down
Rodeo Drive and
you see that
money can't buy
style. How you put
your clothes
together matters
much more than
what you pay for
them. And no one
needs a monster
wardrobe. Have
one great suit that
fits you like glove?
Wear it every
week.
3. It is about your
attitude. If you
walk like a million
bucks, you'll look
like a million bucks
- simple as that.
Get rid of any
items in your
closet that
undermine your
confidence: If just
seeing it on your
hanger reminds
you that you don't
have the hips or
social life for it,
then give it to
your favorite
charity (mine is
Dress for Success)
and move on.
MANTRAS TO
REPEAT
1. It's not about
your body.
Whether you're a
curvy plus-size or
a petite string
bean, you don't
have to have a
"perfect" body to
look perfectly
chic. Most stylish
women don't
have model
bodies. The secret
to their success is
that they know
what works for
their shape, and
they use what
they've got to
their advantage.
2. It's not about
your budget. Take
one stroll down
Rodeo Drive and
you see that
money can't buy
style. How you put
your clothes
together matters
much more than
what you pay for
them. And no one
needs a monster
wardrobe. Have
one great suit that
fits you like glove?
Wear it every
week.
3. It is about your
attitude. If you
walk like a million
bucks, you'll look
like a million bucks
- simple as that.
Get rid of any
items in your
closet that
undermine your
confidence: If just
seeing it on your
hanger reminds
you that you don't
have the hips or
social life for it,
then give it to
your favorite
charity (mine is
Dress for Success)
and move on.
SHOOZ
28719 S. Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-519-3851
Women's shoes and accessories
URBAN FEET
329 W. Sixth St.
San Pedro
310-832-9364
Casual, athletic, and industrial-work clothing
and footwear for men and women
CAPTAIN'S TREASURE CHEST
29050 S. Western Ave., #117
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-519-1856
Fine and costume jewelry for men and women
ROK 'N' ELL
1438 W. Eighth St.
San Pedro
310-832-4145
Clothes and accessories for babies and children
through age 6.
MIA'S BOUTIQUE & DESIGN
1442 W. Eighth St.
San Pedro
310-832-7522
Women's clothing, accessories, home decor
and gift items.
NORMAN'S
371 W. Sixth St.
San Pedro
310-832-8342
Dress and casual clothes for men and boys.
28719 S. Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-519-3851
Women's shoes and accessories
URBAN FEET
329 W. Sixth St.
San Pedro
310-832-9364
Casual, athletic, and industrial-work clothing
and footwear for men and women
CAPTAIN'S TREASURE CHEST
29050 S. Western Ave., #117
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-519-1856
Fine and costume jewelry for men and women
ROK 'N' ELL
1438 W. Eighth St.
San Pedro
310-832-4145
Clothes and accessories for babies and children
through age 6.
MIA'S BOUTIQUE & DESIGN
1442 W. Eighth St.
San Pedro
310-832-7522
Women's clothing, accessories, home decor
and gift items.
NORMAN'S
371 W. Sixth St.
San Pedro
310-832-8342
Dress and casual clothes for men and boys.
-- Source: Glamour's
Big Book of Dos and
Don'ts, by Cindi Leyve
Big Book of Dos and
Don'ts, by Cindi Leyve
ON STYLE
"Style to me is
people who
always look like
themselves no
matter what - and
who don't look like
they're trying. I
think it's about
finding what works
for you and
sticking with it -
and not following
what other people
do. It's not
necessarily about
wearing a uniform,
but definitely
having an
identifiable look.
When people see
something and
say, 'Oh, that's so
you,' it means you
have a style all
your own."
"Style to me is
people who
always look like
themselves no
matter what - and
who don't look like
they're trying. I
think it's about
finding what works
for you and
sticking with it -
and not following
what other people
do. It's not
necessarily about
wearing a uniform,
but definitely
having an
identifiable look.
When people see
something and
say, 'Oh, that's so
you,' it means you
have a style all
your own."
-- Source: Andrea
Linett, writing in The
Lucky Shopping Manual
Linett, writing in The
Lucky Shopping Manual
TRENDY vs.
CLASSIC
"Although every
closet should have
a few trendy
pieces, you should
always follow the
70-30 rule: Seventy
percent of your
closet should be
staples such as
black pants, a killer
pair of jeans, a
black suit, a pair of
tennis shoes, etc.
These are things
that you will keep
for a long time and
that almost never
go out of style....
The other 30
percent should be
trendy, up-to-date
pieces."
CLASSIC
"Although every
closet should have
a few trendy
pieces, you should
always follow the
70-30 rule: Seventy
percent of your
closet should be
staples such as
black pants, a killer
pair of jeans, a
black suit, a pair of
tennis shoes, etc.
These are things
that you will keep
for a long time and
that almost never
go out of style....
The other 30
percent should be
trendy, up-to-date
pieces."
-- Source: How to be a
Budget Fashionista, by
Kathryn Finney
Budget Fashionista, by
Kathryn Finney
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