The Babes took to the streets of Santa Monica and cruised the once hip and happening Montana Avenue.

Bulletin, Montana is making a comeback from the clutches of white bread and mayonnaise retail blandness.

Back in the 80’s and 90’s, Montana Avenue was the place to shop for stylish adult and children’s clothing.

Courtny looked like a fashion maven in the most adorable outfits uncovered at the unique children’s clothing stores. The kid’s furniture stores were noteworthy along with the debut of Shabby Chic which made a huge impression on Montana.

The last decade it has become all about the nails, facials and blow outs with at least 4 Dry Bar style salons, nail salons, waxing chambers, boutique coffee shops and many mediocre restaurants.

The Babes cruised the Avenue and happened upon Clare V which opened on Montana in November and has very cool items rooted in the LA design community. Courtny purchased a fabulous suede bag.

Slowly, Montana is getting back on track.

Ox and Sons, which I have previously reviewed, has made the street extremely palatable.

We indulged in a delicious brunch consisting of Bahn Mi Breakfast Bowl with coconut sticky rice, sausage, pickled vegetables, soft egg, cilantro, jalapeño and cucumber ($14) and a wonderful Radicchio and Braised Cardoon Salad with whipped goat cheese, sunflower brittle sumac and ash ($13).

We sat outside on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon. The tables were very close together and we could not help eavesdropping on a Match.com hook up between an older French man and a very annoying Russian woman.

She was loud and proud with her food demands, asking if they had liquid egg whites and then proceeded to tell the waiter everything she couldn’t eat. The list was quite lengthy and she went on ad nauseam, finally silenced and ordered tea. We couldn’t figure out why the guy didn’t run.

We dodged Montana and headed to the ever popular shopping and eating destination on the westside, the celebrity laden Brentwood Country Mart. I do not think I have ever gone there without seeing Ben and Jen, but, alas, they couple no more.

When we initially resided in LA in the 80’s, Courtny would have lots of play dates at the Country Mart which consisted of utilitarian shops and kid friendly eats…not a fashion or food mecca. It originally debuted in 1948.

Before entering the high priced Mart, we came upon a revamped vintage 1987 Blue Bird school bus that has been renovated with a mid-century modern vibe motif.

Beautiful Things LA is a retro modern incarnation of mobile retail therapy with an emphasis on stylin’ locally sourced and sustainably crafted products.

The bus was laden with appealing hats, jewelry, scarves and bags.

It is a clever concept and, stylist by trade, Henny, one of the driving forces behind the movable retail feast, is a charming woman with curb appeal.

Courtny purchased a sleek wool baseball cap and a groovy necklace.

We made our way to Calypso to peruse the stunning home items and clothing. Liza, the affable manager, is always a hoot to dish with.

Next, we made a beeline to the brand spanking new Christian Louboutin store. Thankfully, the men’s department had not been adequately stocked so temptation was non-existent, but it is lovely to have the Loubs in our ‘hood.

The red clapboard Country Mart structure evokes early American and English country marketplaces with shops and stalls arranged around a central courtyard.

There is a grouping of outdoor food purveyors such as Reddi Chick that has been in the same location since 1979. I enjoy the Beach Body Salad at Barney’s Burgers.

The Mart keeps it cozy with a fire pit and picnic tables that invite people to sit together under umbrellas.

We perused the Farmshop, an artisanal restaurant, bakery and market, offering prepared foods, wine, chocolates and cheeses.

The pastry, breads and prepared foods are always appealing…overpriced, but tempting.

We downgraded and scampered over to Olympic Boulevard in West LA to check out new bedding for Courtny who jumped the gun on her original duvet…patience is always rewarded and I think we found a perfect bed covering to go with her amazing imported English Rose wallpaper.

Visually replete and purchaseless due to strict adherence to my austerity campaign, we rushed home to catch the Yankees/Red Sox battle.

It was a national televised game and as with the NY Football Giants, my teams usually lose when prominently displayed on national television…love me some public humiliation.

The newly renamed Westside Wenches (aka Beverly Hills Babes) enjoyed a fabulous summer afternoon.

Clare V 1318A Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, California. Also in West Hollywood and Silverlake. In New York at 239 Elizabeth Street, Nolita.

Ox and Son 1534 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica.

The Brentwood Country Mart 225 26th Street, Los Angeles.