A Light on Fashion, Furnishings, and Fancies

What would fashion’s top society femmes do without Ralph Lauren’s twice annual runway shows? Timeless, elegant, pieces that stand the test of time, in coveted fabrics of velvets, silks, leathers, while his signature jewelry, belts, bags, and shoes complete any look. The latest Spring/Summer ‘27 show took off during the U.S. Tennis Open in NYC last week and was of course a breath of fresh air. As fashion is taking a much-needed revamp for 2027, my vote this November is to keep your UK and Paris Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily, and Harper’s Bazaar print subscriptions going, or pick them up at the Montecito Country Mart’s newsstand!

Speaking of the MCM, Emily Joubert Montecito is now expanding their fashion finds from costume jewelry into, well, you can’t guess… slippers! Min Santandrea – CEO and founder of Venetian slipper brand SantM, established in 2020 during lockdown – is making a visit to the store on October 21, 10 am – 6 pm. While Min does have boots and other footwear, she is featuring her slippers at Emily Joubert. Designs range from the basic Mary Jane flats to velvet unisex lounge slippers. Who knows, slippers may become a trend again during your holiday events and shopping local, even now that wearing both your pjs and slippers outside during lockdown is over.

Time to celebrate a 30-year anniversary for Clare Swan Luxury Fashion & Travel Boutique, starting with their name change to Côte & Carry. Announced on their Instagram page September 1, the store deserves a strong bit of attention for its merging travel with fashion and continued business. Located at 1485 East Valley Road, Ste 12, Montecito, follow their Insta for updates: www.instagram.com/clareswan_montecito

For a French country mix of the boutique home and fashion accessory goodies you are craving, head to The Lillie (2474 Lillie Avenue, Summerland). The shop owned by Lacey Peterson was originally located in Montecito and was formerly known as Village Needlepoint on East Valley Road. At The Lillie, everything is for sale, from furniture to needlepoint supplies. The shop supports the recent Gen Z and millennials’ obsession with mahjong. The game’s explosion is based on the craving for in-person contact in lieu of living on phones and tech. There is a monthly schedule for weekly classes on mahjong and crafting, check their Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelilliesummerland

Still whining over the departure of Summerland Winery on Lillie Ave., which closed shop in April of this year? We hear you. It could be the start of a trend – wineries pulling out of the area due to the “Wine Business Improvement District (WBID) created by SB County in February 2025, and WBID’s requirement that wineries and tasting rooms pay a 1% assessment on gross retail wine sales. Flying Goat Cellars Lompoc has filed a federal lawsuit, “…challenging Santa Barbara County’s controversial Wine Business Improvement District, arguing the county cannot force wineries to fund and join a private trade organization against their will.” News of this is spanning the U.S. press, from local papers Santa Maria Times and Pacific Coast Business Times to the NY Post! 

Meanwhile, the former Summerland Winery lot and building is still listed for sale, from Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Realty to local realtors. The mixed-use commercial/residential space has a Lot Size of 11,731 square feet, the building itself at 5,932 square feet, starting at $5.3 million. 

Need a place for the little ones to do fun things and be supported while you shop and get that mani-pedi? A while back, the Montecito Journal covered the interior design store Home Crush at 2500 Lillie Avenue, Summerland. However, as you recall, there was a bit of a rough patch and the store left the area in 2025. Replacing the space is founder Sara Brennan’s Miss B’s Children’s Club. Brennan comes here from England, where she worked in London Nursery Schools (2014-2022), following her studies at Durham University, graduating in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Primary Education. Her early childhood learning, enrichment, and event center is open via membership, Monday through Saturday. Visit their Instagram at: www.instagram.com/sara.b.ee

And that’s the weekly wrap! XxJAC