Cabinetry

H&M and other big-box retailers are obvious go-tos for fast fashion. But they aren't the only stores in town for shoppers seeking that little black dress in lace or a cashmere sweater that won't break the bank. Many of L.A.'s independent boutiques offer a curated selection of dresses, sweaters, pants and accessories in a more intimate environment with attentive service. Below we look at five of those boutiques, with current styles and prices that frequently average less than $100.

"Hitchcock," which opens Friday starring Anthony Hopkins as the famed director and Helen Mirren as his wife, has a lot more to catch the eye than Scarlett Johansson 's re-creation of the Bates Motel shower scene in "Psycho. " Production designer Judy Becker walked us through the film's varied interiors, which run from from Old Hollywood parlor to Jet Age kitchen to midcentury bachelor pad at the beach. PHOTO GALLERY: Home design in "Hitchcock" "We followed their basic taste," said Becker, who pored over period photographs of Alfred and Alma Hitchcock's clapboard, pre- World War II residence in Bel-Air and consulted vintage swatch cards for wall paint colors.

Architects, general contractors and divorce attorneys agree: Remodeling is a major cause of relationship stress. Therapists rank it somewhere between infidelity and meddling mother-in-laws. Symptoms of remodeling stress range from the occasional argument to lonely nights on the couch. And in extreme cases, the stress caused by construction can even lead to divorce.

For about 15 days a month, Alaska Airlines pilot Jim Lancaster lives in a motor home in Parking Lot B near the southernmost runway at Los Angeles International Airport. Every four minutes, a jetliner or turboprop roars in -- 500 feet above his front door -- for a landing. The noise is so loud it forces Lancaster to pause during conversations. But he doesn't mind. Lancaster puts up with the smell of jet fuel and screaming engines to save time and money.

Masco Corp. said it has acquired Franklin Brass Manufacturing Co., a Rancho Dominguez-based maker of bath accessories and bath safety products. Terms were not disclosed. Franklin Brass, which has annual sales of about $45 million, will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Masco. Its top management team will remain in place. Taylor, Mich.-based Masco makes home improvement and building products and is best known for its Delta and Peerless faucets and Merillat cabinetry.

A verdant acre in the residential heart of Beverly Hills is the setting for a contemporary home with Old World flair designed by architect-to-the stars Harold "Hal" Levitt. Levitt's design combines modern elements such as geometric skylights, generous sheets of glass, touches of concrete and an open floor plan in reimagining a European villa. Levitt, who died in 2003, designed the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences building in Los Angeles.

Consumers shopping for modern kitchens often complain about a dearth of choices between high-end European manufacturers and low-end IKEA. Custom cabinetry maker Henrybuilt aims to fill that void with its new company, Viola Park, scheduled to launch July 15. Modules will be made in Henrybuilt's Seattle shop with Forest Stewardship Council-certified woods. The average package -- about 60% larger than the combination pictured below -- will cost $15,000, excluding counters and backsplash.

This is one of those places where you suck in your breath, let out a low whistle and think, "So this is how the other half lives." Nestled in the mountains, Thousand Oaks' Hidden Valley might be called the millionaires' bargain club. What it's about First, let's talk about what it isn't. It isn't the Sherwood Country Club, the premier golf community right next door that has drawn the likes of hockey giant Wayne Gretzky and Memphis Grizzly Mike Miller.

I would like many things. I would like a large four-bedroom ranch home to fall on Jon and Kate. I would like my life to be more like Bollywood. I wish my hair could talk. These things are not going to happen. Indeed, I could spend this column and the next listing all the things I desire but am not going to get: a 1-meter telescope; a poodle with a knowledge of fine wine. Somebody stop me.