By Nina Welch

Marie Waisner and Kristina Waisner Stitzmann, mother and daughter owners of Melrose in the OC, are proud to say they have remained present and interactive with the community on social media due to the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic. They both feel it’s a good way to stay connected with their customers and to thank healthcare workers, first responders, truck drivers, and grocery store and pharmacy workers for their commitment during this trying time. They want people to know that Melrose is a part of the community, that they’re here to stay, and not going anywhere.

Kristina and Marie opened this fashionable clothing store in the center of downtown San Clemente in 2010. Melrose specializes in women’s clothing and accessories for all ages and sizes. Fondly referred to as the Southland’s version of Hollywood’s Melrose Avenue, a shopper can find unique purchases from an oversized plum sweater to Bohemian kimonos. 

As the buyer for Melrose’s clothing apparel, Kristina’s extensive background in the fashion world makes her extremely knowledgeable in unprecedented fashion trends. Kristina began in retail in her mid-teens and in her early twenties, became a fashion forecaster and buyer for one of the largest buying offices in the United States. She was responsible for large percentages of select department store purchases. During her time as an experienced buyer, she traveled to New York, London, and Tokyo. 

Kristina likes to say she’s always sourcing even on vacation. While shopping in a quaint store in Oregon, she was thrilled to find unique hand-painted cards, exclaiming to her husband that they would be perfect for her lifestyle store in San Clemente. Two young ladies from San Clemente just happened to be in the shop. They got excited and said, “We love Melrose in the OC. It’s our favorite store.” One of the young women was even wearing a Melrose sweater. 

Kristina is the buyer for both the clothing and lifestyle stores. Marie does the store-set in lifestyle and Kristina does the store-set in clothing. Then they switch and work together on both stores. It’s a beautifully synchronized mother-daughter team effort.

[email protected], melroseintheoc.com,

 (949) 366-0561, 150 Avenida del Mar, Ste D, San Clemente

Six years after the San Clemente Melrose in the OC was launched, the Lifestyle store opened next door. The charming little shop is like a beach cottage out of the 1950s with a white Dutch door, flagstone, façade, and black awning. Marie Weisner, an accomplished interior designer, is responsible for the design of the lifestyle store. Kristina’s sister-in-law, Danielle, is the vice-president of the lifestyle store, and another family member, Maria, is the district manager. These four talented and hard-working women come together to make everything run smoothly for both stores. 

A customer in this Nordic-inspired home design shop can be anyone from a first-time-homeowner to someone looking for the perfect piece to pull a room together. Among the great finds in this large collection of unique items are pictures, candles, martini glasses, pottery, baskets, and books. The eclectic selection of books includes Ocean View, Malibu Farm, Essential Guide to Essential Oils, and Surf Like a Girl. One can also find books on the home, plants, and toast.

A San Clemente local, Kristina attended San Clemente High School, and both her parents did as well. Another San Clemente High alum is Kristen Ritzau, owner of Shoreline Dental. Kristina said she and Kristen have known each other since they were babies. In fact, they used to play make-believe about being a dentist and a store owner in San Clemente, and it came true. Their businesses are just a street a part.

Kristina has been married to her husband Daniel Sitzmann for 20 years, and they have two children: Chanel, age 9, and Ryder, age 6 months. According to Kristina, her mom said that her grandkids are the best thing on the planet. 

When everything is back to normal and the stores and restaurants on Del Mar are open again, Melrose in the OC will also include everything from both stores for online purchases at www.melroseintheoc.com. They also offer shop-to-text and are on Facebook and Instagram.

[email protected], melroseintheoc.com,

(949) 366-0561, 150 Avenida del Mar, D, San Clemente