Anastasia Boutique and Cafe is Where High Fashion Goes to Brunch

One of the best things about living in Orange County is that LA feels a world away. And one of the worst things? That LA is a world away.

In Laguna Beach, there’s no shortage of hip, on-trend boutiques that offer shoppers everything from locally-sourced jewelry to eco-conscious swimwear. But if you’re looking for a shirt from the latest Rick Owens collection or see a blazer you just have to have from Ann Demeulemeester, chances are you’re shopping it online or trekking to good ol’ Los Angeles to snag it from a flagship store.

Laguna’s own Anastasia Boutique however, is striving to give Laguna Beach fashion-lovers a way to shop the latest from designers from Europe, the US, and Japan without jumping on the 405.

Since 1983, Anastasia Boutique has been curating the best from up-and-coming and mainstay designers, offering a series of ready-to-wear, vintage, and archival pieces that belong in any sartorial adventurers’ closet. The avant-garde pieces here are unique, but wearable, from names like Vivienne Westwood, Maison Martin Margiela, Issey Miyake, and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Love looking but not quite sure how to pull off the eccentric runway looks of late? Anastasia has a team of stylists on hand to help you accessorize with fur sandals or pull off a laser-cut, leather blazer.

Additionally, Anastasia Boutique has their own blog dedicated to educating shoppers about the designers showcased within their walls and how to recreate the looks at home.

Still, if the outlandish styles of Gareth Pugh are a little difficult for you to imagine in your everyday wardrobe, there’s more than enough reason for you to stop by anyway. On occasion they offer archival collections on display, allowing shoppers to experience the work of iconic designers and discover the inspiration and artistry behind one-of-a-kind creations. Some of the exhibits feature collections from as far back as the late ‘80s, with select pieces available for purchase.

After picking up a vintage Paco Rabanne dress, head next door to their own Anastasia Cafe, which has been a popular breakfast and lunch spot for the last 20 years.

It’s an understandable assumption if the worlds of high fashion and brunch food don’t seem like a natural pairing, but with an interior that feels like a Parisian cafe and a menu that feels just as decadent, somehow Anastasia makes it work. The walls are exposed brick, there’s an extensive wine bar behind the counter, and a Louis Vuitton airplane hanging overhead, because why not?

Food is served in sizable portions, and you could opt for fresh fruit and a glass of wine just as easily as you could indulge in Belgian gingerbread waffles served with Chantilly cream, syrup, and blueberries. While it’s an admittedly convenient place to grab brunch after a morning of perusing the boutique, it’s a fun stop on its own whether you’re looking for a few bites before you shop or are simply in the mood for a crepe.

Marissa Stempien is a freelance editor and writer who’s only mildly obsessed with Vivienne Westwood bags and vintage Alexander McQueen jewelry. With a degree in English Literature and a minor in Asian Studies, she has written on travel, fashion, beauty, technology, culture, and food, and enjoys writing short stories in her spare time. Find Marissa on social media at @paperandlights.

Photos by: Grant Puckett.

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