Greer’s OC: Dina Marie gives beautiful family photos

We found out about Huntington Beach-based Dina Marie’s incredible photography talents from a friend who trusted her to shoot their precious newborn and family photos. The resulting slide show was mesmerizing, and we couldn’t imagine having to decide which images to order. Each one was absolutely beautiful. Dina Marie captured the essence, joy and love of this young family on camera.

Dina Marie has a gift for shooting natural-light portraits of babies, children and families. She combines a photojournalistic style with an original way of documenting fleeting expressions, nuances and personalities. Though she’s based in Orange County, she can travel anywhere, even out of the country. A minimum of five booked sessions is required for travel.

Her portraiture work decorates the walls at hospitals throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties. And she’s been featured in many magazines.

As a special for Greer’s OC readers, Dina Marie is offering $100 off a sitting fee and a complimentary 8-by-10 through the end of April. Just mention Greer’s OC. Sessions normally cost $250, or $350 on weekends. Add $100 for groups of eight or more. Your proofs are presented in a beautiful online slideshow. Your session also includes an in-home visit to show actual prints. Photo collections, digital collections and a la carte prints are available, too.

To commission Dina Marie, call her at (714) 272-9113, or visit https://www.dinamariephotography.com.

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11th Moon slices prices in half

When it comes to seeking hard-to-find designers in one boutique, 11th Moon in Laguna Beach nailed it. This mother-and-daughters-run store, owned by Virginia Cooke, is a fashionista’s oasis. The handpicked labels and pieces are so unique and special — choose from great apparel, shoes, scarves, jewelry, wallets and accessories.

If you haven’t discovered 11th Moon yet, it will easily become a fave shopping spot. And now you can save on coveted items. Select boots, shoes, sweaters, skirts and pants are reduced 50%. And if you buy two items reduced 50%, you’ll receive an extra 10% off, too.

Choose from designers including Arabella Ramsay, Henrik Vibskov, Giorgio Brato, Organic by John Patrick, Rachel Comey, Flannel, Merritt Charles, Suno, the Local Firm, U-NI-TY, Vena Cava, Siwy Denim, American Vintage, Society for Rational Dress and VPL.

11th Moon isn’t just about finding fabulous items; customer service is also a priority. They get to know their clients’ likes and dislikes and make the shopping experience even better.

11th Moon is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 1259 S. Coast Hwy. For more information, call (949) 715-3254 or visit https://www.11thmoon.com.

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Bikinis are popping up

Already thinking about bikinis for the spring/summer season? The new SwimSpot Pop-Up Shop at Irvine Spectrum will get you covered up in style on the beach or in the pool. The temp store, open through the end of August, has a modern, minimalist feel with plasma TVs and iPads featuring SwimSpot’s Bikini Builder that allows you to customize your favorite looks online before hitting the dressing rooms. And to make shopping easier for you, the store is divided into three sections: young contemporary styles from Guess, Hurley and Reef; luxury, with upscale designs by St. John, Luxe by Lisa Vogel, Ella Moss and Splendid; and missy, featuring suits by Athena, Tommy Hilfiger and Next.

SwimSpot is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at 71 Fortune Drive. For more information, call (949) 727-4790.

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Chef hosts fundraiser brunch for Japan

As a native of Yamagata, Japan, master chef Takashi Abe at Bluefin in Newport Coast is contributing a special all-you-can-eat fundraising brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. All proceeds will benefit the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan through the American Red Cross Japanese Disaster Relief Fund. At the buffet-style brunch, you can choose from seatings at 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m. Bluefin is asking for a minimum $50 donation per person, and 100% of the donation is tax-deductible. Choose from appetizers, sushi, rolls and grilled items, as well as soda, beer and sake.

Bluefin is in Crystal Cove Promenade at 7952 E. Coast Hwy. in Newport Coast. For more information or to make a reservation, call (949) 715-7373 or visit https://www.bluefinbyabe.com.

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Try out the Italian version of American Apparel

Brandy Melville, a popular Italian-based brand of beachy, chic apparel, just opened its first Orange County boutique at Fashion Island.

The label founded more than 30 years ago in Rome has grown into a cult favorite line of comfortable basics made from high-quality fabrics at reasonable prices. Often compared to a chicer version of American Apparel, it’s known for its loose-fitting off-shoulder tees, stylish dresses, tops and sweaters.

It’s a trend favorite boutique where women all over the world can find stylish apparel made in Italy. Brandy Melville is open 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 near Nordstrom. For more information, call (949) 640-0488 or visit https://www.brandymelvilleusa.com.

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One-day sale at Anastasia

Anastasia, a longtime Laguna Beach boutique and café, is celebrating 30 years in business with a one-day-only sale from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at its new warehouse in Irvine.

At the spectacular sale, nearly 3,000 items of designer apparel will be available, including favorites such as Undercover, Maison Martin Margiela, Comme des Garcons, Peachoo & Krejberg, Plein Sud, Barbara Bui, Limi Feu, Yohji Yamamoto, Dirk Bikkembergs, Jean-Paul Gaultier and many more.

The sale will be separated into two sections with $100 and $50 items — discounted at least 75% to 90% off their original price. At the sale, enjoy snacks, beverages, music and shopping.

Anastasia Boutique Warehouse is at 9670 Research Drive. The original boutique and café is at 460-470 Ocean Ave. For more information, call (949) 497-1212 or visit anastasiaboutique.com.

GREER WYLDER writes Greer’s OC for the Huntington Beach Independent each Thursday and the Daily Pilot and Coastline Pilot each Friday. She’s the founder and president of greersoc.com, a free daily e-mail service that provides the latest in Orange County fashion, dining, music, events and trends. Her blog can be viewed https://www.greersoc.com and she can be contacted at greer@greersoc.com.