Melange is a varying collection of fine antiques

BEST BUYS

I’m thrilled that I finally discovered Melange, which has actually

been here since 1981. Melange is a darling 1920s cottage filled with

an eclectic selection of fine antiques (from Orientals to Americana),

estate jewelry, paintings and textiles at moderate prices. Owner

Kathleen Robertson keeps bohemian Laguna Beach hours (by chance),

since she travels the world constantly looking for new items.

Depending on where she’s traveled, the store could be heavy on

Oriental or French pieces. Robertson has a passion for paintings. She

also has a lot of sterling, vintage Mexican silver jewelry from the

‘30s and ‘40s, ornaments from Germany and Oriental rugs. Melange is

at 1235 N. Coast Highway. (949) 497-4915.

Upscale consignment

Affordables Buy-Sell Consignment lives up to its name.

“So many stores are outrageously priced, not everyone can afford

them,” owner Eva Kat said. “I accept attractive and in style

furnishings and sell them at a fair price.”

Most items are upscale. There is contemporary and antique

furniture, as well as china, crystal and art. A lot of beach items

sell here -- bamboo, wicker and patio items. A clearance sale is in

progress. Open from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday at 1141

N. Coast Highway. (949) 376-9811.

Ready to go blooms

Most people who stop by convenient Blooms are buying beautiful

flowers for dates or parties. Ready to go bouquets, Dutch bouquets

and hand-ties are always available. Blooms has flowers for everyone:

traditional roses, exotic flowers, Casablanca lilies and stargazers.

They take special orders, too. There’s a gift room that carries

Votivo candles, decorative trays, orchids, topiaries, vases, cache

pots and porcelain pieces. Open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through

Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 1191 N. Coast Highway.

(949) 376-6964.

Classic shack

The Pottery Shack is one of Laguna’s most visited stores and a

Coast Highway landmark for shoppers since 1936. The

20,000-square-foot store has variety, with 400 vendors to choose

from. A circular path through the store leads to dinnerware,

garden-ware, linens, silk flowers, glassware, kitchenware and pottery

departments. Italian and French imports, classic Bauer Pottery, local

art and traditional Spode china are some of the items available.

Don’t miss the great Christmas decorations that are reduced 30%. A

big after-Christmas sale starts next week. Closed only on

Thanksgiving and Christmas. Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Free

parking. 1212 S. Pacific Coast Highway. (949) 494-1141 or (800)

531-7467. www.potteryshack.com.

Relaxing gift

A gift certificate at Sue Marie’s Day Spa makes a great holiday

gift. Groups and private parties are welcome. The spa has an Egyptian

feel, with soft lighting and relaxing music. Its popular treatments

include European and Spiralina facials, microderm abrasion,

aromatherapy and Swedish body massages and body wraps. Manicures and

pedicures, too. Pampering skin products available. The spa is at 384

Forest Ave. (949) 494-7637. www.suemariesdayspa.com.

Beautiful grand opening

A grand opening is happening at Ocean Blue Beauty Supply & Salon.

For bargains, look for the coupon for 25% off on all beauty supplies

and 50% off on all waxing and facials. The coupon is good through

Dec. 31. As an added bonus, Ocean Blue accepts all competitors’

coupons. Great products lines available include Dermalogica, Trucco,

Biolage, Nexus, Crew, Paul Mitchell, Artec and Redken. The salon is

at 30882 S. Coast Highway (in the Albertson’s Shopping Center). (949)

499-4003.

Satisfying sale

Stop by Satisfy My Soul for its 30% off sale on Custo coats, pants

and tops. This trendy boutique for men and women also sells extremely

modern furniture. There’s a ball chair for $1,695, marshmallow sofas

for $1,895, egg chairs for $1,695 and a surfboard table for $475. The

apparel selection includes Sheragano separates; Isabella Fiori

handbags; very feminine and glamorous pieces from Mk Solo; Dolce and

Gabbana intimates for men; Dr. Scholl’s Louis Vuitton Sandals and

David Aubrey jewelry. Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. 236 Laguna

Ave. (949) 376-7163.

* BEST BUYS is a weekly feature of the Coastline Pilot. Send

information to Greer Wylder at greerwylder@yahoo.com or P.O. Box 248,

Laguna Beach, CA 92652, or by fax at 494-8979.