Whiz Biz: Romano's Tailor and Clothier

Whiz Biz: Romano’s Tailor and Clothier

Owner: Rita Palma

Address: 22441 Antonio Parkway, Suites A330-A345, Rancho Santa Margarita

Phone: 949-589-1555

Fax: 949-766-8753

Website: www.ritaboutique.com

What Makes it So Awesome: From bridal gowns to pageant dresses to men’s suits, offers the finest selection of name brand formal wear in south Orange County. Their tailoring service is also top-notch, but what really shines is the love story between owners Rita and Romano and the personal touch they bring to the business.

What’s the Scoop: Rita Palma was a pretty young woman living in Italy; Romano was a romantic at heart. The minute the two met, he declared she was the one for him. He wrote her name on a mountain top to profess his love, and not long after, he showed up at her family’s house to serenade her. “We’d better get out the pasta,” her mother insisted, bustling around the kitchen as the young man attempted to win over Rita’s heart. The two fell in love, and as they say, the rest is history.

Romano studied the art of elegant tailoring through many years of schooling, incorporating an old world sense of pride into the fine details of his work. He and Rita left Abruzzo, Italy and ventured across the Atlantic Ocean after they married, settling in Rochester, NY. Romano worked for Hickey Freeman Company as a tailor and soon gained a respectable reputation. From there, they moved to Warren, OH to work at R and R Tailors, and finally to Southern California, the place they now call home. The Romanos opened their store, originally called The Golden Needle, in 1990 and haven’t looked back. They have two sons and grandchildren who reside in south Orange County.

When asked the secret to her successful 45-year marriage, Rita had this to say: “Treat your husband like a king. Marriage is built on honor, respect and love. Every morning since we’ve been married, I bring Romano his coffee in bed.” Her eyes lit up as she spoke about the man who first captured her heart in Italy years ago; it’s clear they’re more in love than ever.

Their recipe for a success spills over into the business they’ve been partnering in for more than 20 years. Romano still works as a tailor while Rita focuses on the boutique side of things. She is the sole employee of Rita Boutique, the other half of Romano’s. The store has become her second home, and she insists there’s no place she’d rather be every day.

What’s Unique: One step into Rita Boutique and one might forget she is in a shopping center and not in a fairytale land. Everything, from the elegant dresses to the custom-made jewelry to the dainty high-heeled shoes, seems to sparkle. It’s obvious this is no ordinary boutique, but a closer look will convince you this place is definitely one-of–a-kind. Even the dressing rooms, complete with a glass case of unique nec ties on the wall, boast a personal touch. Rita, who enjoys decorating her own home as well, takes pride in her carefully appointed displays, and her passion for fashion shows throughout the store.

“Look, isn’t this just beautiful,” Rita says, pausing to admire a stunning orange bejeweled dress on display as if seeing it for the first time. “I just love that dress.”

“Customers come in here looking for a special dress for all sorts of events,” Rita explains. The boutique includes a wide selection of formal wear, lingerie, shoes, accessories and custom-made jewelry. Bridesmaid, sweet 16, mother of the bride, military ball gown, pageant, bridal and cocktail dresses are just a few of the many she has in stock; name brands include Sherri Hill, La Femme and Vera Wang. The men’s side includes a large selection of shirts, ties, suits and accessories, as well as tuxedo sales and rentals. And, of course, Romano offers his specialty tailoring, bringing his fine detailed touch all the way from Italy.

But it’s not just the clothing that makes this place unique. In a world full of impersonal chain stores, Rita’s place brings that mom and pop touch so many folks desire but can’t seem to find anymore. A store is just a store, but it’s the owner who makes it what it is, and Rita knows this well.

Just minutes after I arrived, she brewed me a fresh pot of coffee and presented it in a dainty tea cup. I soon felt like we were old friends as we chatted away. She insisted that honesty was her best policy and the secret to her success includes treating people as one would want to be treated.  With her warm smile and easygoing manner,  it’s easy to see why Rita has been so well loved by her customers and the community over the years.

“I look forward to seeing my customers every day,” she said. “They are the reason I do this. I am so grateful to each one of them for their business.” She reminisced about Italy, where people take the time for leisurely strolls down the street, elegant dinner with good friends, and naps in the afternoon. “People really make time for others there,” she said. In hustle and bustle Southern California, this leisure is foreign to most, but Rita brings a bit of that old world philosophy to her business, and her effort goes a long way. When her customers drop by, whether to just say hello or to browse, she makes sure they feel like they are the most important person in the world.  She knows the importance of finding just the right outfit for that big event, and she’s happy to help them shop. It’s this personal attention, along with the unique selection of apparel, that have brought people back time and time again.

What’s New: With holiday parties just around the corner, Rita knows things will be busier than ever. The store just offered its once-a-year blowout sale, but there’s always something at just the right price to be found here. So whether you need a hem, a tux, a cocktail dress or perhaps just a cup of coffee, a friendly chat and a reminder that true love and hospitality still exist, Romano’s is the place to visit this season.