American Idol finalist Syesha Mercado wears happy LA’s ink blue Velvet top for the March 19, 2008 Results Show

American Idol finalist Carly Smithson wears happy LA’s sapphire blue Shelly Steffee top for her March 11th top-12 performance.

happy L.A. owners Lori Bzura and Dawn Baker (Pacific Palisades natives) have put together a cute boutique.

The clothes are fun, but not exceptional, yet the tan, fit, SUV-driving Moms will no doubt continue to devour them. The casually trendy labels include Genetic Denim for deliciously soft jeans, American Vintage for quirky Pucci-esque separates, and Chan Luu for jewelry lacking heavily in zing. Occupying space in a strip mall, the space itself is a bit awkward, there being no obvious organization to the clothes (look, shoes! oh, wait jewelry! no, shoes! wait, dresses!). So, what puts the ‘happy’ in Happy L.A.? The details. Yes, there are those ubiquitous white disc chandeliers (available for purchase) and graphic wall stencils. But, take a closer look and discover a quilted pink high-gloss check-out counter. Try something on to discover amber sunset plastic chairs. There’s even a half-full jar of conversation hearts. We hope, echoing its blue smudged floors, that Happy L.A. catches and rides a long prosperous wave. So, hit up the current sale on winter items, and try not to feel happy in a bright boutique that sells tanks with “I love my life” printed on them. I dare you.

The Tip Jar

Written by:
Tipster Gili 10.30.2007

With west coast style quickly catching up with an always favorite east coast image, the two shores have a distinctive vibe to call their own.

In New York you’re sure to find the perfect black trench, timeless classics and cool vintage finds. Los Angeles, on the other hand, is full of laidback beach style, emerging designers and fresh and fun trends. happy LA is the latest boutique to crop up in the Pacific Palisades that sets the standards for LA’s surfside style. Owners and Los Angeles natives Lori Bzura and Dawn Baker stocked up on local favorites like Genetic Denim, Chan Luu, Me & Ro and Velvet as well as new designers such as Madison Marcus and Dear Cashmere.

The name of this boutique says it all. The décor is sleek and modern with beachy accents. The dressing room curtains are made from Missoni beach towels (which are also available for purchase). I love the ocean-like turquoise floors and bright furniture which add a lot of personality to the store, making it fun to hang out and, of course, shop.

I love going to the east coast for top-notch staples but shopping on the west coast makes me smile.

happy LA is located at 542 ½ Palisades Drive Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 310.459.5511 www.happy-LA.com

Any girl worth her salt knows that exercise is the way to happiness – and, now, this Diva actually has proof.

As the sun pierced through the swirling Autumn mist one day recently, my inner-outdoor-girl whispered, “it’s the perfect day for a hike!” I set off for Pacific Palisades Highlands which boasts some fantastic trails. Making the turn from Sunset into Palisades Drive, I spied a coffee shop and thought – oh bliss, oh joy, an opportunity to get jacked-up on caffeine before becoming one with mother nature!

Suddenly, a jolly store sign caught my eye and my retail radar began twitching out of control. You know the feeling ladies. It’s really worth noting how my need for caffeine becomes fickle in the face of a retail opportunity. I immediately killed the need for speed and headed for the boutique.

Happy LA (it actually has a small “h” but try getting your computer to do that, girls!) is an Aladdin’s cave of designers selling everything from comfortably casual to supremely sophisticated. If it’s jeans you want they’ve got Hudson, Genetic Denim and Grass. They also sell Velvet (not the fabric, but the label), and cashmere items and there are some fab pieces by Madison Marcus. Also not to be missed - the yummy goodies by the Australian line Kite and Butterfly.

Store owners Dawn Baker and Lori Bzura not only have a great eye, but as former Stylist and Production Co-ordinator on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and on “Sex in the City” respectively, they offer a honest opinions on what styles really work. It was like having my own Personal Shopper as Dawn suggested garment after garment and was 100% brutally honest on what made the Diva hot and what made her not!

By the way, there’s a great selection of accessories - everything from purses to perfume and a raft of hot picks in housewares. If, like the Diva, you feel a tad guilty after a seriously selfish splurge, there is an opportunity to buy a little something for the little person in your life – the baby/kid wear is terrific. And, while we’re not talking Target price points, the damage to the credit card is significantly less serious than you’d suffer in many other boutiques in this fine city.

So it’s true – hiking really does make you happy. If I hadn’t headed out to the Highlands I’d have never come across one of the best boutiques I’ve seen in a while. And, believe me baby, I’ve seen lots of ‘em.

happy LA, 542 1/2 Palisades Drive, Pacific Palisades 310 459 5511, www.happy-LA.com