Usually people go to New York City to pursue careers in fashion. Lauren Miller went the opposite way.

A native of Diamond Bar, Miller, 26, studied advertising and public relations at Chapman University. She followed that with a degree in fashion design at Parsons The New School for Design in New York City.

Missing her family and her home, she’s now back in town with a new 500-square-foot boutique in Old Towne Orange.

“I really wanted to do my own thing,” said Miller, who has designed her own handmade jewelry line for one year and worked for her aunt at theDenim Bar in Los Alamitos. “Everyone asked me, ‘Why don’t you open a clothing store?’ ”

Laurenly — a play on her first and middle names, Lauren Leigh — opened Saturday.

Miller focuses on boutique brands, such as Collective Concepts, and more well-known labels such as Paige and Siwy denim and Marc by Marc Jacobs accessories. Apparel is the main focus with a sprinkling of many types of accessories, including jewelry, shoes, handbags, sunglasses, hats and even iPhone cases.

“It’s things I like and I’d want to wear, which I hope everyone likes, too,” Miller said.

Her own jewelry line, Lauren Leigh Jewelry, is also featured. Stone rings with multi-wire bands ($42) are her signature piece, and she makes bracelets from elastic, beads or delicate mixed metal chains.

In an area dominated by antique stores, a contemporary women’s boutique is a bit of an anomaly but Miller appreciates the community atmosphere.

“The vision I had fit the Circle — very quaint, unique and boutique-y,” she said.

The store itself has tiny quirks and imperfections Miller chose, including three mismatched chandeliers, an antique mirror and a raw floor.

Its proximity to Chapman makes sense, too, and Miller tailors her prices to a college student’s budget, with the exception of the premium denim. Tops start at $20, tank tops at $12 and dresses at $30.

Laurenly is at 142 N. Glassell St. It’s open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call the store at 714-538-7467.

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