Where Vitamin A's Designer Shops For Luxe Wares in the OC

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Los Angeles has more stores than anyone could physically tackle, but somehow we always keep returning to the usual suspects. To break out of the rut, we've asked some local shopping and fashion gurus to provide their hidden retail gems—those unique stores around LA that we might not all know about. Cue the Beatles: We're about to get a little help from our friends.

Laguna Beach-based designer Amahlia Stevens is the Cali babe behind cult-favorite swimwear label Vitamin A. Stevens has been designing her figure-flattering suits and coordinating sexy swimwear shoots since 2000. To boot, her sultry bikinis are eco-friendly and manufactured locally. In honor of Miami Swim Week's kick off today, we tapped Stevens to share her favorite shopping gem in her hometown and she led us to a very beachy, very chic boutique that she likes to visit for some retail therapy and a glass of bubbly.

Aris on the Coast in Laguna Beach is one of my favorite under-the-radar retail gems. Aris has an eclectic designer mix including Diane Cotton, Ramy Brook, L'Agence, Rag & Bone and Vitamin A bikinis, giving the boutique a beachy, yet chic vibe. In addition to women's apparel, you [also] can pick up fresh cut flowers, gorgeous gifts [like] coffee table art and photography books and home decor [items] including an intoxicating selection of Diptyque candles. Aris is the perfect spot on the coast in Laguna to stop by for shopping and a cup of fine tea or glass of champagne.

· ARIS on the Coast [Official Site]
· Vitamin A [Official Site]
· All Shopping Confidential Posts [Racked]