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2013's Best New Boutiques In OC

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As a major West Coast fashion and style mecca, Orange County attracts entrepreneurs from near and far who are ready to sell what’s in vogue or hoping to spark the next trend. Each year brings a new array of shops and boutiques to the many retail hubs throughout the county. In 2012, trendy shops such as Irene’s Story and Mariposa Bridal Boutique made their debut in OC to the warm reception of fashionable fans. This year, a new wave of stores celebrated their grand openings to the delight of local shoppers.

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Z Collection
7876 E. Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92657
(949) 715-2245
www.shopzcollection.com

Z Collection is the product of two style-savvy sisters who had a vision to bring comfortable high-end and boutique clothing lines to OC women of all ages. Jacqui Zehe and Kristie Haugh opened their spacious boutique in March and offer clothes, handbags, shoes and accessories. The store carries products from designers such as Cynthia Vincent, Loeffler Randall and Samantha Wills. New styles arrive nearly every week, and promotional sales and markdowns can make being fashionable affordable.

Li'l Baby Sprouts OC Baby Boutique Lil
(credit: Li'l Baby Sprouts OC Baby Boutique)

Li’l Baby Sprouts OC Baby Boutique
1280 Bison Ave., Unit B9
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 721-1077
www.lilbabysprouts.com 

Treat your bundle of joy to the exclusive Orange County lifestyle by shopping at this new baby boutique in Newport Beach. The store offers high-quality brands that can only be found in the OC from unique clothes to toys to furniture. New moms and moms-to-be can also attend classes taught by experts on such topics as vaccine safety, breastfeeding and tips for dealing with a picky eater. While you won’t find bargain prices in this boutique, the personal attention and unique selection of products will surely make up for the difference.

Related: Ask An OC Expert: Tips For Shopping On Cyber Monday

OC goodwill
(credit: Goodwill OC Boutique)

OC Goodwill Boutique
501 E. 1st St.
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 716-2126
www.ocgoodwill.org

With the growing popularity of vintage and recycled clothing, it was only a matter of time before Goodwill capitalized on the trend with a “new community concept.” The OC Goodwill Boutique in Tustin offers repurposed brand-name clothes and accessories at thrift shop prices. The store redefines shopping with a mission, since purchases support Goodwill’s job training and employment services. Gently used designer apparel from Burberry to Christian Dior are marketed in a hipper, more upscale fashion to appeal to budget-conscious fashionistas in Orange County.

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(credit: Klein Epstein & Parker)

Klein Epstein & Parker
2930 Bristol St., Space A108
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 668-9008
www.kleinepsteinparker.com

Men throughout OC can rejoice over the May opening of Klein Epstein & Parker at The Lab in Costa Mesa. In a fashion world dominated by women’s clothing boutiques, K.E.P. is a breath of fresh air for men. The store blends contemporary fashion and classic style together to create a custom wardrobe that is made to measure. At K.E.P., men are urged to express themselves through their clothes by being creative and personalizing what they wear. The owners hope to start a new movement that allows men to experience freedom in fashion.

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(credit: Love & Whiskey)

Love & Whiskey
2967 Michelson Drive
Irvine, CA 92620
(949) 660-5659
www.loveandwhiskey.com

OC shoppers now have a place to go to find men’s and women’s apparel while taste-testing whiskeys. Love & Whiskey opened this year in Irvine and is the product of the same great minds that brought Deer Lovely and Whiskey Tango 1977 to Orange County. Owners Mike and Sarah Dowdell offer local and cause-driven brands such as VSTR, Tankfarm and Toms Shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. Shoppers will find a mix of prices and brands for a unique collection of clothes, shoes and accessories.

Related: Best Personal Stylist And Shoppers In OC

Truc Dever is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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