P.I.N.K. Boutique in Hermosa Beach

Most women find themselves coping with the aftermaths of shopping: buyer's remorse. We always hear about the starving children in Africa, and those who are worse off than we are, and how lucky we are to be able to live to the standard we hold ourselves to. Shopping is a luxury activity, and many are not quite as fortunate to be able to do it as leisurely as many of us do. However, what if every time you went shopping, you knew that all your money was going to some great non-profit organization, designed to help others? That certainly rids you of buyer's remorse, and you are not only buying something great for yourself, but you are helping others out as well!

P.i.n.k. boutique opened in October of 2005, in the casual yet popular beach town of Hermosa Beach, located next to the gorgeous Pacific Ocean. Barbara Robinson, formerly of Robinson Helicopters, is the store's owner, who is currently undergoing her second bout of chemotherapy, hence, her decision to donate ALL of the store's proceeds to the Robinson Researcg Fund for breast cancer. What is interesting about her store is that they don't donate a certain percentage of their profits towards a cause, they donate 100%, which is truly amazing. P.i.n.k. has been featured on various television shows as well as in many magazines and lifestyle publications.

Another interesting fact about the store is that it is sitting on history itself. It isn't your typical boutique in a building-rather, it is a restored house - the oldest house in Hermosa Beach to be exact, and it has been preserved and improved, all the while keeping the house's original structure. It is the picture perfect beach cottage, located just up the street from the Hermosa Pier, with views of the ocean from the windows. With a beautifully trimmed gardened and white picket fence outside, one walks into the cozy store and instantly feels at home. With the classic fireplace, hardwood floors, and the porch patio, one is reminded of a summer beach house at the Hamptons. Next to the curtained off dressing rooms is a sitting area complete with a flat screen tv, for children and husbands who accompan their mothers and wives on a shopping trip.

The store carries various designers such as Fiori handbags, Nicole Miller Dresses, and all kinds of trendy yet eccentric jewelry and accessories. And you can always count on the reliable shop gal Sofia to help you out with all your needs. She is extremely helpful, knows every item in the store, and assists people such as the Mayor of Hermosa Beach's wife on her multiple shopping excursions.

"Pink is my life," Sofia said during a recent interview. "I do everything around here, but I love it. If a customer is outside waiting for the store to open, then I open the doors early for them. I help women find the perfect outfits for themselves, and I help men pick out great gifts for their wives and girlfriends."

With her long blonde tendrils and tan skin, Sofia is the typical Southern California girl you'd find walking down the street. However, she was raised in New York and originates from Greece. Shehas been with p.i.n.k. since it opened, and is devoted to the store and it's cause. Various celebrities have been seen shopping here, including Tara Reid, and every season p.i.n.k. holds a VIP private shopping party for its most dedicated shoppers, complete with drawings and prizes, catered goods, and musical entertainment. P.i.n.k. is definitely a must for all visitors in Hermosa Beach.