World-class shopper Al Miller of El Rancho has a sharp eye for style and design and a keen sense for what works best to enhance the appearance of his friends and colleagues. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
Retired art teacher Al Miller has a gift … he is a world-class shopper and stylist to his wide circle of friends. Al is spontaneous and fun and advises them on just the right clothing, accessories and shoes to enhance their look. He finds outfits that follow current trends and knows the best places to shop in Los Alamos, Santa Fe and beyond. One of Al’s favorites in Los Alamos is The Cricket Window, owned by Rachel Hensen at 2101 Trinity Drive Suite F.
“I love going there because it’s wonderfully curated in a contemporary style … owner Rachel has a great eye for cutting edge style,” Al said. “It’s yummy … everything is clean and priced to sell and one never knows what treasure they might find at a Cricket Window Estate Sale, which is a wonderful service Rachel provides for the community.”
One of Al’s favorite things to do on Wednesdays is peruse the United Church and Trinity on the Hill shops.
“The volunteers at both churches provide a fun and festive environment for all shoppers and I love going shopping there for friends,” Al said. “The Friends of the Library Bookstore is always a great experience where I can find wonderful hidden books.”
Al can always be found capping off his Wednesday routine with a visit to Ruby K’s where he shares coffee with friends and shows them his morning purchases, often presenting one or more with a gift he found just for them.
“I have a bagel and enjoy the staff,” he said.
Longtime White Rock resident Lil Ortega has experienced a shopping spree with Al.
“We had a really fun time and he found some clothes and accessories for me that I would not have found for myself,” Ortega said.
Another store Al said he really enjoys is OPCIT.com in DeVargas Mall next to Starbucks.
“OPCIT.com specializes in new and used books, first editions, selected remainders and ephemera,” he said. “The owner and staff are always willing to help pick out the perfect book for the perfect person.”
Al has a knack for finding the unusual during his shopping sprees.
“Array Home owned by Tom Stark is place I adore,” Al said. “Tom travels the world selecting incredible items for his modern-day mercantile on Guadalupe. He offers an ever-changing collection of objects for the home and gifting … one never knows what treasures await.”
For several years Al has shopped at Santa Maria Provisions in the Sena Plaza Courtyard at 125 East Palace. The shop specializes in home decor, gifts and apparel.
“Julie has a great eye for the unique and it’s a wonderful place to find amazing hostess gifts,” Al said. “Also on East Palace is Gusterman Silversmiths, a family owned and tiny store with the most unique handcrafted gold and silver sterling rings and bracelets from the Starry Night Collection of darkened metal and diamonds. There are many more fabulous shops I could talk about as well as all the shops inside the museums … each having gifts that reflect their individual focus. And of course Casa Chimayo on Water Street is a must for dinner and relaxation after a hard day of shopping.”
Al loves to share his creative ideas and take people shopping – he can typically be found Wednesday mornings at Ruby K’s in downtown Los Alamos.