BEST BUYS -- Greer Wylder

A local needlepoint designer has opened a new store in Costa Mesa

called Missys that specializes in beads, buttons, fibers, needlepoint,

ribbon and trim. The owner, Missy Mittman, decided to open the store

after she was given the entire inventory of her favorite store, Larawy on

Balboa Island, where she had worked 25 years ago. The owners, Chuck and

Eleanor Larawy, had always kept in contact with Mittman, and before Chuck

passed away in August, he requested that the store’s inventory be given

to Mittman. “And so I have now opened with great delight at my good

fortune,” says Mittman. “I am a needlepoint designer and have taught

needlepoint classes in the past. My degree is in fine arts, which up

until recently had not been very useful. Now I can really use all of my

skills with all that is available in the store.” Mittman is looking for

interested students and teachers in the fields of beads, needlepoint and

any other field related to the merchandise that is in the store.

Beginning Sept. 10, there will be Monday night stitching classes for

Monday Night Football widows. Mittman is always available for stitch help

and as a designer for custom needlepoint. The store is open from 10 a.m.

to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Missys is at 1500 Adams Ave., Costa Mesa. Information: (714) 444-4210.

Fashion Island has continued to enhance the shopping experience by

adding Music on the Island, a series of weekend entertainment. From noon

to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, featured entertainers will perform

in Bloomingdale’s Courtyard. The list of performers include contemporary

jazz guitarist Dirk K. The Los Angeles-based Dirk K performs original

songs and old favorites such as “My Funny Valentine.” Kerry Getz is a

Newport Beach resident with a loyal following. Getz released her debut

album, “Apollo,” and received rave reviews, especially for the song

“Inhale,” which was awarded fourth place for folk in the John Lennon

Songwriting Contest. Lao Tizer is a classically trained keyboardist from

Colorado. Just 19 years old, Tizer has been regularly performing

throughout Southern California and has loyal fans. Smooth jazz sounds of

guitarist J.K., a German native and Los Angeles resident, will also be

included in Music on the Island. J.K. has released five CDs and has

performed with such jazz legends as Peter Erskine. Another performer in

the series is Los Angeles-based Brooke Ramel. Ramel has released three

adult rock CDs and has opened for Shawn Colvin. Ramel’s songs have been

featured on TV shows “Charmed” and “Dawson’s Creek,” as well as in

independent films. A classically trained musician, Gordon Halligan plays

flute and electronic sax/wind synthesizer, and composes all styles of

music. For more information on the Music on the Island series, you may

call the Fashion Island Concierge at (949) 721-2000.

Fitigues has set up its Lemonade for Life stand outside its Fashion

Island store. Across the country, kids are volunteering to sell lemonade

donated by Wylers for $1 a glass to help raise money for the Child Life

Department at Riley Hospital for Children, where toys and activities

provide comfort as patients undergo treatment. The goal of the Lemonade

for Life campaign is to raise $250,000 by 2003. Not only do the

volunteers make and sell lemonade, but they also build the one-of-a-kind

stands. Fitigues is at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Information:

(949) 644-6485.

Bisou Bisou has introduced the first and only machine-washable and

machine-dryable suede in the apparel industry. The first garments made of

the new fabric are a low-rise, three-pocket, slim-leg jean pant; dressier

flat-front pants; and a knee-length pencil skirt. Bisou Bisou is waiting

for more deliveries from the collection. Because the cost of dry-cleaning

suede is so high, Bisou Bisou is hoping that the popularity of washable

suede apparel will take off because suede is usually considered an

impractical luxury item. The patented technology could make suede apparel

more appealing to younger and casual-wear customers who might not want to

spend money on dry-cleaning their daily wardrobe. Bisou Bisou is on the

top level of South Coast Plaza, near the Carousel Court. Information

(714) 549-3146.

Dolce & Gabbana is having its spring and summer 2001 sale throughout

the month. The men’s and women’s designer boutique is on the second

floor, across from the Armani Exchange in South Coast Plaza. Information:

(714) 435-0404.

* BEST BUYS appears Thursdays and Saturdays. Send information to Greer

Wylder at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627, or via fax at (949)

646-4170.