Columnist Muriel Stevens: Hip resort is close for comfort

Wednesday, July 27, 2005 | 8:21 a.m.

Exchanging the oppressive heat of Las Vegas for a vacation at the hip Montage Resort in Laguna Beach, Calif., was terrific. While other Laguna Beach vacationers were complaining about the cool cloud coverage, my traveling companion and I were rejoicing over our good fortune: a stay at the Montage and cool weather.

Our first three days were spent vegging out and soaking up the ocean views. Our favorite hangouts were the outdoor Mosaic Bar & Grill and the comfy Lobby Bar & Lounge and the spectacular ocean views.

Montage welcomes its neighbors, so make reservations for Mosaic. It's a hot spot. Have a cup of tea in the lobby and enjoy housemade bite-size chocolate biscotti in place of the usual salty treats served with drinks.

To learn more about Montage, visit montagelagunabeach.com. Dining in Laguna will be covered Friday.

Shopping Newport Beach: Laguna Beach offers many chic boutiques and art galleries. For serious shopping we spent a day at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. What was once a small retail mall is now a sprawling complex with such familiar names as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's. All of these stores offer merchandise not carried in Las Vegas.

The stores I seek are the ones we don't have, such as Restoration Hardware, a mix of furniture, linens, decor and retro reproductions.

Talulah G of Las Vegas has opened a store in Fashion Island with a marvelous mix of hip styles, accessories and bling. It has a prime location.

Fashion Island is enjoying a renaissance. Stores such as Anthropologie, Barnes & Noble and many more are expanding to new locations where they will have much more space.

The Barnes & Noble at its current location was so filled with customers I had to sit on a bench in the kids' section so I could scan books.

After more than two decades the grass areas are shaded by huge trees. I sat under one while waiting for my friends to complete their shopping binge. It was a kick to observe the many kids being kids. They chased the birds, they chased other kids and rolled on the grass.

One mom was sitting with twins in a stroller. Her other children, a 3-year-old boy and a girl no more than 2, took off in different directions when said she was leaving. It was the best kind of reality show!

Back-to-school shopping: Back-to-school shopping is big business, says the National Retail Federation, which says consumers will spend $3.2 billion on clothing and accessories this year.

Little kids and big ones will follow the trends and will want Western shirts, graphic T-shirts, polos in bright colors, corduroy tiered skirts and pants, blazers and denim -- girls want embroidery and sequins and side-tie details on their must-have denims.

Guys hunger for sandblast and distressed denims. This, according to Mervyn's fashionistas who know all about young gals and guys. Grommet disc belts, belts with large plaque buckles and gold sequin sash belts are fab this year. Fashions mentioned are available at all Mervyn stores.

Off to college shopping: HomeGoods stores in Henderson and the northwest have everything from calculators to curling irons and all other necessities for college-bound young adults. With a little savvy create a multi-use bed hangout for reading, watching movies and visiting with friends. For more back-to-campus info visit homegoods.com.