Nicole Kirwan’s sartorial sensibilities run deep. “I have always been interested in fashion,” she says. “Early letters to Santa included such specific items as dolphin shorts, a ‘French’ bikini—I think this was ‘80s speak for high cut?—and a pink angora sweater with lavender hearts.” The Newport Beach native attended college in Boston and Santa Barbara before enrolling at FIDM to study fashion design and never looking back. For 16 years, she climbed the ranks at such stalwarts as Laundry by Shelli Segal, Vince and Cynthia Vincent, before moving over to the production side of L’Agence. However, the pull for something of her own became undeniable.
“I always had a daydream about a little shop that I could walk to with a back patio where my imaginary golden retriever would hang out,” Kirwan recalls. “When I was ready to make this dream a reality, I looked at a variety of locations on the westside.” Kirwan lived in Brentwood briefly during college and liked the neighborhoody feel of Brentwood Village—she found a perfect location in a spacious prime spot right next to Peppone restaurant and officially opened the doors to Permanent Vacation on Black Friday of 2016. Today, she lives within walking distance of the boutique with her seven-year-old son.
“At Permanent Vacation, we are trying to create a vibe where you feel like you are taking a little holiday whenever you come in,” says Kirwan of the 2,200-square-foot shop, which as the name suggests, is devoted to travel-inspired clothing and resort-wear that is perfect for a seaside sojourn but also equally suited for laidback Southern California life. “Most people are their best selves on vacation. You have to do an edit when you pack and you pick the things that make you look and feel good,” she explains. “I wanted to curate an assortment of those favorite, hardworking, versatile pieces. We also carry things from around the world that remind me of the special items you find when you are visiting far-flung places.”
The carefully curated selection includes flowy caftans, swimwear, matching linen sets, and their most popular category—bold, beautiful boho-style dresses—from coveted brands such as Zimmermann, Natalie Martin, Sea, Figue, Farm Rio, Ulla Johnson, the Great and more, alongside a full range of beach-ready hats, bags, strappy sandals and statement jewels. There is even denim, light sweaters, fleeces and jackets—perfect for layering during cooler summer nights. Kirwan has also developed a reputation for offering hard-to-find and lesser-known designers such as La DoubleJ (she is one of the only independent retailers in the US to sell the Milan-based brand), Paris-based La Prestic Ouiston and Poupette St. Barth. “I was very fortunate to have an amazing mentor who introduced me to a lot of the right people early on,” Kirwan explains of her exclusive access. “I also went big on the location and the buildout so that generated a lot of notice.”
The store’s design is indeed a major part of the experience, created by Kirwan in partnership with Ramland Construction and Michael David Robinson of Robinson Hill Architecture. “I wanted it to feel like a cool bohemian hotel,” she says. “I specifically designed the cash wrap to look like a bar, so you can pull up a stool and stay for a chat. We have a little fridge behind the counter that is always stocked with bubbly and other beverages.” Adding to the resort-like feel are Moroccan-style tiles, raw wood shelving and a massive steel ceiling fan. She also sells an impressive rotating selection of gifts, children’s items and décor, similar to the types of pieces you would find in a hotel boutique.
In the near decade since launching Permanent Vacation, the store has become beloved by locals not just for its superb offerings, but for its dedicated and talented staff, led by Kirwan and her two associates, Lisa Briscoe and Dawn Danjean. The three work closely with clients, often texting photos when favorite brands arrive or helping to plan for events or trips. They will even personally deliver items or pull looks prior to arrival. “It takes a minute sometimes to figure out people’s style since everyone shops in their yoga pants!” Kirwan laughs of the Brentwood customer. “We love to help people find their perfect look.”
This personal connection was on full display during the wildfires, when—following a nearly ten-day-long evacuation and closure of her own boutique—Kirwan worked with vendors and partners to quickly put together an impressive donation drive for more than 100 clients and friends. “So many of our clients lost their homes or are displaced,” Kirwan says. “It has been heartbreaking but also heartwarming to see how the community rallied together.”
Take one step inside Permanent Vacation, and it’s hard not to think of sunnier days ahead.
Permanent Vacation, 11630 Barrington Ct.; 310-208-8500; permanentvacationshop.com
“We are trying to create a vibe where you feel like you are taking a little holiday whenever you come in.”
"I wanted to curate an assortment of those favorite, hardworking, versatile pieces. We also carry things from around the world that remind me of the special items you find when you are visiting far-flung places.”