Shopping Day in Los Olivos, California

Looking for a great day trip from Santa Barbara? Los Olivos is about a 45-minute drive (take the 154 over the pass) from Santa Barbara — it’s a charming town!  I cannot believe how much it’s grown since I visited over a decade ago. No longer the dusty town I remember, it’s now a true destination, complete with countless wine tasting rooms and an Auberge Hotel.

First stop was Wendy Foster, a small, local retail group that has been in business 40 years. This outpost is celebrating a decade in business. Clothes are merchandised by color, and there were lots of paintings by local artist Trish Palmer hanging above the racks, which perfectly accented the merchandise and the ambience.  One thing I really love about this company is that each of their stores truly stock what fits in with the surrounding area. The owner knows that brands like Natalie Martin, Trovata, and Frank & Eileen will fly off the racks.  There was also a selection of jewelry from Chan Luu and Marit Rae. I definitely needed to buy a hat, and I selected one from Janessa Leoné. With my thinning hair, I think I need to build up a collection of chic hats!

Just across the walkway, I was super excited to explore two new stores which just opened a few weeks ago, in May 2023.  The first is a darling boutique called Lou. I was fortunate to meet the kind and knowledgeable owner, Leanna Drammer. She has been in the fashion world for three decades, including producing countless fashion shows.  One brand I loved discovering there was Louis Verdad.  This is THE only store where you can find his designs, though he does do custom work.  I was extremely happy to find a chic dress/cover-up by Miguelina. The dresses from Rhode will have you ready for any resort trip you have planned.  The framed photographs by local photographer Michael Haber are the perfect touch to her elegant selections.

I was super excited to explore two new stores which just opened a few weeks ago, in May 2023. The first is a darling boutique called Lou. I was fortunate to meet the kind and knowledgeable owner, Leanna Drammer.

Next door I explored the home store Layered by Paige Elise. (This is one of three locations.) The shop has an extremely global feel – well- traveled, neutrals, with many large-scale pieces. I admired large scale pottery from Morocco, and various antique items. I can see how this aesthetic would blend easily in a lot of the local big ranch houses.

By now it was lunch time, so I opted to eat at Mattei’s Tavern at Auberge. The patio was full, but honestly, I enjoyed being inside with the air-conditioning! It’s a very historic locale, brimming with old photographs and even a guest book from the 1800’s, showing where all the guests came from. I had the little gems salad with salmon. Not to be a buzzkill, but I liked the Moscow Mule more than the salad. It was a bit bland, and they don’t have bread on the side. Might be a So Cal thing. Me…I love my carbs! Next visit, I might try Nella Kitchen & Bar or S.Y. Kitchen.

Back to shopping…I had to pop into the true local cowboy shop, Jedlicka’s. It started out at a boot shop in 1932, it has morphed into a huge ranch/saddle gear store. Looking for lassos? Stirrups? Boots? Hats? Look no further. I felt completely out of my element, but I absolutely loved it.

Across the street I spied the sign “Coco Belle” and I had to investigate. And boy am I glad I did! The store was manned by Sabine Brouillet, the stunning French mother of the owner. The store is only stocked with goods from abroad, including France and Italy. I was particularly enamored with the dresses by Nina Leuca. The jewelry was absolutely gorgeous – Tahitian pearls in every imaginable design. I wanted to go home with a thick gold chain with 7 very large pearls dangling from the links. It’s most definitely on my jewelry lust list. Straw totes, brilliant hand-made dolls, and linens are among the goods you’ll find at this one-of-a-kind store.

So what do you think? Does this look like somewhere you’d like to explore? Please let me know if you get a chance to visit Los Olivos. If you’d like full access to my little black book, I’d love to have you as an exclusive member of The Curated Shopper!