Down to the Wire on Holiday Shopping? Head Downtown!
by Jeff Wing and Zach Rosen
‘Tis that time of year… the parking lots are getting thick and the shelves are slimmin’ as seemingly everyone hurries around town to wrap up their holiday shopping. If you’re similarly behind in the holiday hustle, these downtown Santa Barbara stores can help you fulfill that loving checklist faster than a holiday sleigh flying downhill.
La Arcada on any given day is already charming with its ivy-laced overhangs and brick-lined paths weaving the stores together. But this time of year is when the shopping center really shines – or more specifically, glimmers with garland and endless strands of holiday lights. The rows of stores are not just pleasingly festive eye candy – they also offer a wide range of gifting potential with a little something for everyone on your list.
Entering Coast 2 Coast Collection feels like you’re taking a step into Santa’s home showroom. A grand Christmas tree towers in the store, decked out with a bounty of ornaments that can be taken home for your very own pine. Coast 2 Coast hosts a plethora of dishware, vases, décor and more; and from top-of-the-line brands like Christofle and Baccarat. Ginori 1735 plate in mauve with gold trim? Kim Seybert holiday table runner with the ornate holly and sprig placemats to match? Yes please. Whether gifting someone a keepsake for their kitchen or just upping your home entertaining game – each piece at Coast 2 Coast is unforgettable and will bring an undeniable gracefulness to the homestead.
Although garnering international praise, Catherine Gee is a local, homespun company from the eponymous fashion designer with her flagship store right in the heart of La Arcada. Contemporary, casual, and classy in a cadre of cute patterns – these silk blouses, slip skirts, jumpsuits and more make both a perfect gift for that stylish friend, or an elegant accent for that holiday party you still need an outfit for.
While Catherine Gee fits the fashionable female, the nearby Ace Rivington can clothe the men (and women) in your life in comfortable high style. Denim is their calling, and each piece is made from hand-crafted Italian Candiani denim – by reputation the “greenest textile company in the blue world.” Founded in 2013 by Beau Lawrence, Ace Rivington has branched out to flannel, short-sleeved shirts, and other fits made with an eye towards top-notch materials that offer a particularly soft feel.
If you need some sustenance after all that shopping, then The Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant conveniently sits right at the State Street corner of La Arcada. Kick up your sko and have a bite of some Hakkebøf… you’ve earned it. Of course you may need to float home after a Viking Platter. While there, make sure to grab some festive treats – such as a set of Mazarin cake petit fours wrapped in a chocolate coating and decorated like mini gifts of almond goodness – for any holiday parties coming up. Don’t forget the Apple Kringle the size of Santa’s head.
The indefinable Yes Store has been the unofficial nexus for Santa Barbara’s teeming artist community for 56 years. You kidding? Fine jewelry, fragrant leather, glasswork — the Yes Store, as its name implies (or outright declares) trades in human creative expression. Select a gorgeously handmade one-off at the Yes Store, and your recipient will take delighted possession of an object d’art that is literally singular in all the world. Think about that.
Some business names are helpfully practical, but offer little in the way of a true picture of the scope of what’s on offer. Italian Pottery Outlet, family owned for 40+ years, is your conduit to genuine Italian artisanal pottery. Italian Pottery Outlet offers a deliciously large and varied selection of imported old world handmade Italian ceramics – biscotti jars, vases, lamps, clocks, etc!! Import a sunstruck bit of la dolce vita into your life and home.
Family-owned Viva Oliva is, as its name suggests, your one-stop for the highest quality extra virgin olive oils, as well as fused and infused olive oils. If “fused and infused” leaves you mildly confused, the happy folk at Viva Oliva embrace your epicuriosity. Viva Oliva’s small batch artisanal food producers cater to a select consumer – one who insists on purity of both product and creative passion. Anyone can pick up a bottle of olive oil. What you seek is Viva Oliva.
In 1965 Bob Bryant founded the now-iconic State Street destination that is so perennially beloved, every local knows his family name by heart. In-house gemologists and jewelry professionals make this more than a storefront. Purveying only those brands known for their unimpeachable quality, Bryant & Sons are also longtime experts at maintaining your jewelry’s valuation (heirloom and otherwise), and their goldsmiths are standing by – delighted to create a stellar piece according to your specifications, preferred materials, and heart’s desire.
Bella Rosa Estate Jewelers was founded in the epochal year 1967, and in the intervening decades has only grown more respected in the antique and estate jewelry space. Father and daughter duo Joe and Sarena Schweke are Belrose’s second and third-generation owners, and as such carry their curatorial expertise and taste in the DNA. Their jewelry meets their own impeccable standards of sustainability, and their artisanal work drawn from recycled metals and stones must be seen to be believed. Their State Street location has been open for 18 years and will be closing soon. With that, they will be liquidating an entire $5,000,000 inventory with up to 70% off. Take a gander at diamonds, gemstones, engagement rings, 14k & 18k gold jewelry. All of it must be sold at never-to-be-seen-again prices.
The Art of Consignment may be a little off of State but it is worth the venture. Can “Art” and “Consignment” ever be said to intersect? Let’s put it this way: Yes. Chairs, coffee tables, art, bedding, tableware, precious metals – the “Art” in the title refers to the “Found Treasure” quality of the inventory. Everyone loves stumbling onto a breathtakingly terrific deal where least expected. The Art of Consignment encourages you to expect the magic you ordinarily only hope for.
Mountain Air Sports is one of those places that serves the community no matter what season it is. Biking… kayaking… snowboarding… if it goes well with a breath of fresh air and comes with a side of adrenaline, then they’ve got the gear for it. Taking the family up to Mammoth? Well, skip the lines at the lodge and rent your snow stuff here. And if you need something for the sporty one in your life… Why not look for gifts while getting your skis serviced? It’s a busy time of year and there’s a whole outdoors to explore.
Now, if all that athleticism (or gift buying) is making you break a sweat, no problem. Just a little past Mountain Air Sports is the Riviera Towel Company. Located in the cluster of shops on Gutierrez Street near State, the vibrant store is filled with a rainbow of towels (and more) in different hues and styles that one could call “California fresh.” Feel that gentle, soft touch? It’s not just the Turkish cotton they use in each towel, it’s also the 5% of net profits donated to several marine agencies, including local ones like Heal the Ocean and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper.
Nearby is Folio Press & Paperie – one of the area’s longstanding gift-giving gems. Still need holiday cards? Find ‘em here. Small gift for a coworker? Check out this nice leather-bound notebook. Uh oh, we’re going to have to smell Aunt Sue’s house – let’s gift her this aromatic candle. Oh no! We forgot the wrapping paper and ribbons! Well, look at these imaginative options. Folio’s offerings are colorful but elegant and simple – affordable yet classy – and all of the other descriptors that need not be diametrically opposed. It is honestly my go-to spot for “oops, I need a gift quick” moments. It is great for a first stop, final stop, or really anywhere in between.
Best of luck out there. Still plenty of time to get all you need locally. Just act now if you want to have a coal-free holiday.
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