Montrose is a Haven for Summer Fashionistas

Looking for something fun to wear to those barbecues, picnics and beach parties? Ladies, you need not venture further than Montrose to find all the fasion you seek, from vintage straw hats to bell-bottom white jeans, strapless maxi-dresses to elegant, flattering knit tops and much more!

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Brimming with new and vintage fashions, Pattye's has been offering one-of-kind casual and formal dresses, nifty blazers and assorted accessories at very reasonable prices since 1996. I spotted an elegant navy print maxi-dress for only $15.00. Pattye's also offers upscale designer purses, including Prada, Gucci and Dior, selling between $80 to $180.00. For the budget-minded, though, there are many treasures to choose from on the 50% discount rack in the second room. Pattye's is located at 2422 Honolu Ave. Call them at 818-957-5713 or visit their website at www.pattyescloset.com.

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From the soft scent of aroma candles burning to the charming window display that attract passersbyers, there's something special about Bella's. A popular shop for 14 years, new owner Janet Vandegriff, carefully chooses designers like BB Dakota and Jack for comfort and style. Vandegriff can put together a great look for you in a flash. For me, she pointed out a pair of white cotton Capri pants, and then without missing a beat, reached for dusty blue sleeveless V-neck ruffled-front top and voila! A superb summer outfit was born. Sizes range from 0-12. In addition to clothing, Bella offers adorable and functional purse organizers that fit into a tote, complete with slots for keys, eyeglasses, a cell, etc. Bella Boutique is located at 2225 Honolulu Ave. Call them at 818-957-6057 or visit their website at bellamontrose.com.

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How many shop owners can say they’ve had House's Hugh Laurie peer with his ice blue gaze into their window? Mary Dawson, co-owner of Revelation Tops, can, as “House” regularly shoots on Honolulu Ave. and has used her shop in scenes for the show. Check out her website in the celeb photos section to take a look. But back to the fashion. Dawson gets a new shipment of tops in every day, and retails them starting at $39.98. Regulars come from as far away as Camarillo and Apple Valley. The store features designers like Vanilla Sugar and Glima, which use unexpected materials like crochet or appliqués. Dawson also sells lightweight, seemless tanks and leggings that are great for under a t-shirt or dress for only $19.98. These tops go well with her jeggings – jean leggings, that is, which sell for $59.98. If that's out of your price range, however, check out the 50% sale rack. Revelation Dresses is located at 2321-1/2 Honolulu Ave. You can call them at 818-957-7157.

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Owned by husband and wife team Sebu and Maral Chatoyan, the The Clothing Market has been operating for seven months in Montrose.  Maral is the designer with 15 years experience selling her two fashion apparel lines: 24/7 Comfort and M Kalan to the likes of Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and small boutiques around the country. The Clothing Market is actually a little gift to Montrose; the dresses you'll find in her personal store retail for much more at the department stores that sell her lines. For example, a tube print maxi-dress selling in The Clothing Market retails $108 elsewhere. The store caters to everyone one from teens to grandmothers, says Maral. Basic pieces in the 24/7 Comfort line include such items as coordination palazzo wide-leg pants, leggings, ¾-length sleeve open cover-ups, shrugs, tunics and T-shirts. These items come in 20 different solid colors, are rayon knit and machine washable. The Clothing Market is located at 2260 Honolulu Ave. You can visit their website at www.myclothingmarket.com or call them at 818-249-5827.

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With 20 years experience in the retail shoe business, owner Julie Kumjian, has extensive knowledge is custom fitting the right shoe for each individual foot. Using a heat sensor device called the Aetrex System, she can scan your foot for problems such as heel spurs, pronation or superination (turning in and turning out) or other common ailments and then recommend the appropriate support shoe for your particular problem. She said that 90% of Californians wear flip-flops, and that can cause foot pain over time due to the lack of arch support. She found a solution: the Orthaheel a flip-flop with arch support, which she sells for for $59.95. They also make a canvas clog that she said nurses like because they’re lightweight and durable. Walk this Way is located at 2253 Honolulu Blvd. Call them at 818-248-7206.