64 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2023 mcweekly.com/bestof shopping and services khaki, it’s perhaps not surprising that Khaki’s of Carmel wins top honors for best men’s clothing store—not to mention that the county’s famed literary son, John Steinbeck, favored khakis as well. But Khaki’s of Carmel has a lot more on offer than cotton pants of a beige variety—it has near-everything a well-heeled man could want, from shirts to shoes to pants of all kinds. Jackets, too. It’s often said “dress for the job you want,” and if that job is starring in a potential sequel to Big Little Lies, Khaki’s has you dialed—the clothes may cost a pretty penny, but the quality shows. Best Shopping District/Center Del Monte Shopping Center 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey (831) 373-2705, delmontecenter.com There is a lot of Steinbeck-related merchandise out there—shirts with famous quotes, mugs featuring his mug and, of course, copies of his books. Once you’ve stocked up on Steinbeck, however, you might notice that Del Monte Center has more to offer. A lot more, as in 675,000 square feet of goods, services, restaurants and cinema seating. There’s even a gym, where you can work off the dinner you had at Kona Steak & Seafood (see Best New Restaurant). Del Monte Center is one stop for all your shopping/dining/ movie-going needs. Best Jewelry Store Fourtane Jewelers Ocean Avenue at Lincoln, Carmel (831) 624-4684, fourtane.com Add some classic glamor to your life with the unforgettable jewelry at Fourtane Jewelers, voted the Best Jewelry Store by Weekly readers since 2020. Featuring authentic pieces from antique Victorian to striking Art Deco styles, you can travel through the decades via baubles, brooches and bracelets. If a Rolex or other classic timepiece is on your list, the experts at this nearly 75-year-old jeweler can help with that too. Fancy a one-of-a-kind flourish? Design a custom accessory with Fourtane and you’ll create an instant, first-edition, heirloom. Best Florist Fleurs du Soleil 598 Fremont St., Monterey (831) 656-0455, fleursdusoleil.com Describing the Salinas Valley in East of Eden, John Steinbeck wrote, “The spring flowers in a wet year were unbelievable.” So too are the flowers at Fleurs du Soleil, a florist and gift shop created by Kim England, who apprenticed in France to learn floral design. The team here makes magic. Whether you want a single bridal hairpiece, a get-well-soon bouquet or full-on wedding floral design, they are artists and pragmatists able to craft a vision and then to make it reality. Best Gift Shop The Quill 553 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 373-8189, the-quill.com Whether by a card, book, knick-knack, special wrappings or killer stationery, this Pacific Grove icon is true to its motto, always putting that little extra in extraordinary. One recent shopper shared that all supplies necessary to create any kind of invitation exist here, from ribbons to bags, bows, supplies for weddings, birthdays, graduations and celebrations of all kinds, including for canines. Best Place for Adult Novelties ooh La La 728 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 375-6969, oohlalamonterey.com Although some of the parties at Pacific Biological Laboratories were wild, and although Steinbeck himself married several times, you don’t need a new partner to introduce novelty to your sex life. Whatever you are looking for—vibrators, dildos, toys—is probably available at Ooh La La, along with so many sexy things you’ve never heard about. Cock rings, strap-ons and lubes, as well as fancy and trashy lingerie is also in stock, from lace to latex to leather. Don’t be shy. And if you are, pursue the stock online and order a delivery to your home. Best Body Art vaughn Body Art 1101 Del Monte Ave., Monterey (831) 241-6466, vaughnbodyarts.com When it comes to piercing your body you want to go to professionals who are passionate about their craft, and also meticulous about safety. The staff at Vaughn Body Art pride themselves on their commitment to cleanliness with consistent sterilization. If that’s not enough to make you comfortable Best Women's Clothing Boutique | Bliss Boutique
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