Best of the East Bay - Style
Best designer, sale rack, facial, show store, dresses...
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Outlet Boutique
Editor Pick
→ A new dress could wind up costing more than you’d bargained for when you factor in a clutch, baubles, and pumps. Boutique outlet My Roommate’s Closet helps you stretch your budget with generously discounted designer clothing, shoes, jewelry, and handbags. Sporting overflow items from some of the chicest boutiques in the country, it’s the only place in Walnut Creek where you can score a new Nanette Lepore dress or J Brand jeans for 50 percent off retail.
1366 N. Main St., Walnut Creek, (925) 280-8400, www.myroommatescloset.com. —Stephanie Simons
Dresses
Editor Pick: New and Notable
→ At McMullen, dresses are luscious but low key. Designer labels run the gamut from the iconic (Diane von Furstenberg) to the inventive (Malene Birger) to the totally reliable (Milly, Nanette Lepore, and Rebecca Taylor). Formerly a buyer for Neiman Marcus, owner Sherri McMullen also stocks casual-dressy accessories such as leather clutches by Palo Alto’s Helena de Natalio. Expect all the frills of a high-end department store: tailoring and customer service that go above and beyond.
4395 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, (510) 420-6906, www.shopmcmullen.com. —S.S.
Boutique
Reader Pick
→ Danville’s Erica Perez, who recently opened Duchess Boutique in downtown Lafayette, has a natural talent for seeking out the best of the best, from big names and independent designers alike. We sat down with her to talk about shopping and style.
What’s your favorite thing in your closet right now?
My J Brand Love Story jeans—I have two pairs, and I wear them until they have holes in them. Also, right now, it’s this fuchsia Rory Beca tunic—I don’t know what it is, but everyone loves it. Maybe it’s the color or maybe the style—it’s just fun.
What new designers are you watching?
I’m excited about a new denim line called Found Denim—they’re comparable to J Brand denim but more edgy. Also, Dorothy Lee, a new line I’ve picked up—they have some really classic cardigans with fun, funky details.
What’s your favorite item in the store?
These beautiful gold wedges by Goldenbleu that just arrived. I’m a wedge girl because I’m so short, and this pair is so comfy, you wouldn’t believe it.
What was your worst style mistake ever?
I think the hardest thing for everyone to learn is that even though something is in fashion, it doesn’t always look good on you. I have hips and a booty, so these tight sweater dresses that are everywhere right now are just not for me. They accentuate all the wrong things.
3587 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, (925) 962-0208, www.shopduchess.com. —Becki J. Singer
Designer
Reader Pick
→ Since Geoffrey Scott first opened in Danville, the shop has become known for its designer jewelry and accessories from the finest design houses. But, the most coveted pieces are those owner Geoffrey Cooper designs himself. Cooper produces about 60 one-of-a-kind pieces each year, priced from $1,500 to upwards of $50,000, and focuses his collection on decadent cocktail rings featuring rare gemstones.
Can’t get enough? A new flagship boutique is scheduled to open in Blackhawk Plaza this fall.
334 Hartz Ave., Danville, (925) 820-8570, www.geoffreyscott.com. —B.J.S.

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Reader Comments:
shout out to edge shop for men! so glad they got the votes to earn "best men's buisness casual" after only being aroud a little over a year. the store is great!!
Marsha Tobias Salon is my pick for best day spa services. Marsha Tobias Salon a full service salon with hair styling, coloring/color correction, and special hair treatments. The day spa services include manicures, pedicures, foot treatments, facials, and massage therapy. It's a great place. Award-winning stylists, friendly people, beautiful decor, and Laura, the massage therapist, is a real healer!
its all Change's Salon And Day spa baby, they have it all
Opulence for You Salon is my pick for best salon services in the East Bay. They offer a host of salon services whether it be expert hair cutting, coloring, make-up or skin care. Their service are always personalized and professional to meet the needs of their clients. At Opulence for You, they take the time to really get to know each of their clients and work with them to provide a custom "look" that fits their individual lifestyle. I would recommend everyone to experience the Opulence for you differnce, a decision that you'll never regret.
Opulence for You, located in Downtown Danville is my pick for best Salon in the East Bay. Susanna
Stroberg and stylists offer multiple beauty services, but they are exceptional in coloring, cutting and
styling hair. From the 1st day I walked in for a much needed Color Correction and a cut, to years later, I have always been more than happy with the results!!! The whole staff always provides professional results with a a friendly, personal attitude. I have recommended their services to many of my friends and all of them have been super satisfied clients. Thank you, Opulence......
Check out Belle Maison Children's Boutique in Alamo!!! This place has the cutest kids clothes you have ever seen!!!!
The Mermaid Lounge in Walnut Creek offers the BEST facial. It was like a vacation in Hawaii for 90 minutes. I felt relaxed and pampered. Julaine Moore is incredibly talented. She will make you feel welcome and at home. It's location is in the heart of down town but you feel miles away...The Mermaid Lounge gets my vote for best facial in the East Bay.
My choice for best day spa is Jane Norman. From Jane's warm welcome to her amazing skin care programs, Jane is your best choice for keeping your skin healthy and looking young!! I also recommend a massage with Lawrence at Jane Norman. Lawrence's tremendous sports back ground was key to helping me with soarness from my work out regimen.
Marlies Taylor Skincare is best of both worlds. Her treatments offer a spa like experience, but with medical results. I had heard a lot about her from a friend of mine, so I knew she was very knowledgeable and skilled, but she actually exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Marlies to anyone who wants to see a real improvement in their skin. She is an expert, hands down.