Tops designs clothes that are suitable for the stars and you

BEST BUYS

For the past 25 years, Detlev Rothe at Tops has designed clothing

for famous musicians, movie and TV stars and for MTV. Rothe is not a

name dropper, but his celebrity client list is very impressive. He

says 90% of the women’s and men’s clothing is made here; half vintage

fabrics, half hand-painted silk. Styles are classic since Rothe is

very respectful of fabrics. The blouse he designed of 60-year old

silk with Chinese embroidery can be worn years from now.

“What makes me happy is when a client says they’re still wearing a

piece I made in 1982,” Rothe said.

Since the shop is also his art studio, he cannot keep regular

business hours. It’s best to call before stopping by. 1857 S. Coast

Highway. Information: (949) 494-7275.

FURNISHINGS BELOW MARKET

Inventory moves fast at On Consignment. Affordable home

furnishings and accessories are set below market value and prices

decrease with each passing week. The owners, Janet Wagner and Teri

Hoops, allow items to stay a maximum of 10 weeks. If not sold, all

consignments are donated to local charities or given back to the

consigner. Furniture, jewelry and art are popular here, plus bargains

on kitchen items. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday

and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at 1190 Glenneyre St. Information:

(949) 497-3700 or onconsignmentetc@ earthlink.net.

ALL-DAY WOMEN’S CLOTHES

Georgiou is a reasonably priced women’s clothing company for

business, day and evening looks. All of Georgiou clothing is tailored

and it has a big TV celebrity client list. Leeza Gibbons, Marie

Osmond, Terry Murphy and Julie Moran are regular customers. Mostly

classic styles are made of natural fabrics. Wools are imported from

Italy. Weekly sale specials. Accessories, too. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

daily at 260 Forest Ave. Information: (949) 497-4777.

ROVING ART WORK

Brett Blackman is a high quality muralist who mostly paints in

high-end residences, yet will work with all budgets. Blackman travels

from Los Angeles to San Diego to paint murals in clients’ homes, and

has had big projects in Emerald Bay and Newport Coast. Blackman has

painted all his life. With degrees in furniture and project design,

Blackman favored painting since it satisfied his expressive and

artistic needs. Blackman can create beautiful murals as well as

decorative painting. E-mail Blackman and he’ll send examples of his

work. Information: (949) 637-6981 or [email protected].

GUITARS FOR ALL

Wannabes and famous musicians love The Guitar Shoppe. It sells

custom guitars, offers lessons and has its own museum. It’s one of

the few places in the world that does elaborate repairs. Craftsmen

Marcus Angus and Kirk Sand custom-make guitars for famous musicians,

including Jose Feliciano, Lauryn Hill and Richie Sambora. Prices

range from $2,000 to $6,000. All instructors are professional

musicians and offer lessons at your home or in the shop for $20 per

half-hour. Concerts are held in a back room. Open from 11 a.m. to 7

p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at

1027 N. Coast Highway. Information: (949) 497-2110 or

www.info@theguitarshoppe.

Splash of vintage

C.J. Rose is a contemporary women’s clothing store with a splash

of vintage pieces. Owner Jennifer Johnson buys unique items you won’t

find in department stores. Some popular labels include Nikki K. a

local designer, Sandra McCray upscale sweats, vintage 501 Levis, and

Yemee. Handbags, accessories and gift items, too. C.J. Rose usually

hosts trunk shows in conjunction with the Shop and Dine Laguna every

third Thursday of the month. There’s a 20% to 70% off holiday velvets

clearance sale. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday

and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 384 Forest Ave. Suite 6.

A QUALITY DIVE

Laguna Beach has some of California’s best diving spots, so it’s

not surprising to find Laguna Sea Sports, a revered specialty shop.

It sells and rents high quality scuba equipment and snorkeling gear.

A pool on the premises is for swimming lessons and scuba

certification courses. Private, semi-private and group lessons are

offered. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 8

a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at 925 N.

Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. Information: (949) 494-6965 or

wwwscuba-superstore.com.

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

information to Greer Wylder at [email protected] or P.O. Box 248

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