The Montecito Pivot

Malia Mills

“We are so damn lucky to have a store in the little bit of paradise that is Santa Barbara and Montecito,” designer Malia Mills said. She compares her store’s intimate, welcoming feel to the vibe of SB and Montecito. “Plus, we’ve got one of a kind pieces that are hard to find anywhere else, like the ocean-meets-mountains beauty that surrounds the Montecito Country Mart.” She launched her first collection in 1993, and her classic cuts have withstood the time. For example, the mini-corset cut in shimmery mica tones has been a fan favorite since they first launched decades ago. What stands out about Malia Mills is her drive to meet the need of every shape, age, and size. Her website features models that are – gasp! – full-figured to boy-like body shapes and sexy silver vixens in between. Basically, if Malia sat at the popular lunch table in high school, she’d invite everyone to sit. Currently based out of NYC, she’s presently hunkering down with the rest of the city while staying hopeful for bright days ahead. “Christine, our fit specialist, has been helping our mavens online. We call her our ‘bikini whisperer,’ Malia said. “She is so incredibly knowledgeable and exudes good Chi.” A nonjudgmental personal shopper is just what every woman needs when searching for a suit post-winter, post-quarantine. Current hot items include the limited edition Dionne Maillot cut from Liberty of London cotton, “made extra special thanks to the smocking on the backside,” and the French crinkly striped cotton wide-legged pants, which clients pair with full-piece swimwear to act as bodysuits. Pop online to shop for bathing suits for lounging socially distanced on Butterfly Beach this summer and enjoy the free gift with purchase – it’s Good Chi.

Malia Mills
1026 Coast Village Rd, Suite C, Montecito Country Mart
(805) 845-2137
www.maliamills.com

William Laman Furniture. Garden. Antiques.

You may not know this, or maybe you do, but we have a Hall of Fame interior designer in our midst. Internationally renowned designer Bruce Gregga and partner William Laman teamed up in 1995 to open William Laman Furniture, Garden + Antiques, combining their talents for infusing antiques with modern and handmade decor. Their unique mix of curated merchandise from around the world has enticed top interior designers, Hollywood celebs, and clever locals and visitors to peruse, and their online shop is no exception. Click on an Eighteenth Century French LXVI Gilt Wood Mirror to a large tule stool handwoven from natural palm fiber made in Mexico. Or, gifts like a Mother of Pearl footed shell to use as a soap tray or to display favorite novelties, and a glass tube flower holder encased in a bamboo frame. The New England-esque building is the setting for a layout which rotates furnishings and accessories, “as they would be used in one’s own home and garden.” Though we’re in a time where grocery essentials are flying off shelves, home indulgences seem to be a close second. As the shop’s tagline states, “What you will find here is not what you need, but what you want.” Which, after an over-two-months-long stay-at-home order, could be considered the same thing.

WIlliam Laman Furniture. Garden. Antiques
1496 East Valley Road, Upper Village
(805) 969-2840
info@williamlaman.com
www.williamlaman.com