A Guide to the Best of Southern California : BROWSING : Crowning Glory

Ever since the rise of the beehive hairdo led to its decline in the late ‘50s, the hat has been fighting its way back into fashion--and into stores. But Frills, a 6-month-old vintage clothing shop and tea parlor in Monrovia, is brimming with cartwheels, halos, matinees and other headwear that predate the ‘60s.

Owner Tara Root’s inventory, culled from collectors nationwide, also includes men’s suits ($45 and up), never-worn flapper shoes ($45), “little black dresses” ($20 to $50), Victorian tea gowns ($85 and up) and linen baby dresses ($18 to $30)--all in perfect order and pristine condition.

And there are jars filled with presorted antique buttons, just what one would expect to find in a bustling mercantile emporium.

Partner Gayle Theilacker’s genteel domain is a cluster of tables where tea and Welsh shortbread, chocolates and scones are served on ‘20s lusterware amid topiary arrangements. Shoppers can gaze up at wedding dresses draped from the ceiling as they sip Earl Grey.

Frills, 504 S. Myrtle Ave . , Monrovia; (818) 303-3201.