Jeweler setting the Barr

GREER WYLDER

Charles H. Barr Jewelers offers extensive jewelry services, including

an on-site jeweler and watchmaker. Custom work, repairs and

appraisals are specialties. Choose from an array of jewelry designs

that include bridal sets, loose diamonds and precious gems.

Hard-to-find fine watches come from Cyma, a line sold exclusively at

independent jewelers that employ watchmakers. Popular gifts include

the slide bracelet, a modern version of an old-fashioned charm

bracelet (14-karat slides can also have gemstones) and products by

Correra, a high-end glassware company that provides bowls, vases and

perfume bottles. Other services include hand engraving and

restringing for pearls. The store, at 1803 Westcliff Drive at

Westcliff Court in Newport Beach, is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Call (949)

642-3310.

CASUAL WOMEN’S WEAR

Three Friends, a women’s boutique, carries casual contemporary

sportswear available in sizes 2 to 14. Popular lines include Lucky

Brand, Buffalo Jeans, Kenzie, Hard Tail and novelty blouses from

Language. “We pride ourselves on customer service,” co-owner Maggie

O’Melveney said. “And, offer fashion at great prices for all women.”

Seasonal trends, fun accessories, as well as classic cotton tees and

high-rise pants are staples. Three Friends, at 1130 Irvine Ave. in

Newport Beach, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through

Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and

Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Call (949) 548-9881.

MI PLACE

For nearly 30 years, co-owners Mary Frankel and Iris Rubenstein

have provided upscale designer apparel and accessories in a small

boutique setting at Mi Place. They carry Michael Kors, Celine,

Alberta Ferretti, John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier and flattering

designs by Narcisso Rodriguez. Hot new designers recently added to

their inventory include Naeem Khamn, who designs fabulous evening

wear, Derek Lam and Zac Posan. Custom gowns and special occasion

dresses are their specialty. Beverly Hills-based jewelry designer

Loree Rodkin, who specializes in platinum, white and yellow gold with

diamonds, is featured here. Rodkin also designs Gothic crosses. Cher

was one of her first customers. Mi Place in the Corona del Mar Plaza

is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6

p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call (949) 219-9919.

CLOTHING KINGPIN

Kenneth Cole New York carries complete lines for men and women --

the biggest selection in Orange County. Kenneth Cole started as a

shoe designer. His company, Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc., was

created in Manhattan 20 years ago. Cole designed shoes in Europe but

didn’t have the money to start a shoe company; showrooms were too

expensive in midtown Manhattan. So he borrowed a friend’s truck,

applied for a parking permit under the guise that he was shooting a

movie called “The Birth of a Shoe Company.” The film camera wasn’t

always loaded. He parked the 40-foot trailer truck with Kenneth Cole

Productions, Inc. painted on the side, across from New York’s shoe

show on 6th Avenue. He sold 40,000 shoes in 2 1/2 days. Since then

his company has grown into a full-fledged fashion brand. Cole’s kept

the Productions, Inc. name. Shoppers will find apparel, shoes,

jewelry, watches, purses and briefcases. Cole’s style ranges from

conservative to fashion-forward -- it’s very East Coast. The Reaction

line is a little more edgy -- some catchy, party colors. Kenneth Cole

supports important charitable causes across the country. The Fashion

Island store is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10

a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call (949)

219-0671 or visit https://www.kenneth cole.com.

SPECIAL ACCESSORIES

The Paper House is a specialty boutique featuring unique

invitations, stationery and greeting cards. There are also darling

baby accessories by My Vintage Baby, Little Giraffe and Woof and

Poof. The helpful staff offers design ideas for invitations and helps

select shower gifts. The boutique, at 417 31st St. in Newport Beach,

is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, or by appointment. Call (949) 566-9863.

BIG MONOGRAM SALE

The Monogram Store is having a great sale throughout February. All

Vera Bradley, Eliza B totes, Aprons and Fur Bags are reduced 30%.

Colorado Trading robes (“Kashwere”-style) are available for adults

($80) and children ($60). They also carry hooded towels, Kashwere

baby blankets, Animal Lovies as well as other great gift items. All

prices include monogramming. The store, at 1823 Westcliff Drive in

Newport Beach, next to Haute Cakes, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Call (949)

642-2119.

* BEST BUYS appears Thursdays. Send information to Greer Wylder at

[email protected]; at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627; or by

fax at (949) 646-4170.