Best Buys -- Greer Wylder

Throughout the month, South Coast Plaza retailers are having their

first-ever bridal event, “Wonderful Weddings Begin at South Coast Plaza.”

The center will be filled with ideas for future brides and grooms. There

will be wedding-related in-store events, personal appearances, special

collections and trunk shows. The stores offer unlimited choices for

wedding preparations, including invitations, wedding dresses, tuxedos,

makeup, hair and accessories, jewelry, and gift registries.

If you’re feeling lucky, you can enter to win a bridal grand prize,

including a $1,000 gift certificate to South Coast Plaza; a Mikimoto

pearl necklace; Tiffany & Co. attendant gifts; a luxury suite and

breakfast for two at the Westin at South Coast Plaza; $100-gift

certificates to Crate & Barrel; wedding-day makeup, hairstyle, manicure

and pedicure from the Georgette Klinger Salon; Black, Starr & Frost

diamond stud earrings; and more.

Scheduled events at retailers are as follows:

* Smith & Hawken -- Wedding gifts from the garden on Saturday (11 a.m.

to 12:30 p.m.);

* Bodega Chocolates -- In-store raffle, samplings and live music

(today, Feb. 9, Feb. 16 and Feb. 23); * Saks Fifth Avenue Bridal Salon -- Vera Wang fall 2002 Collection

(Thursday, Friday and Feb. 9);

* Bulgari -- Ring collection (noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 9);

* Smith & Hawken -- Garden weddings in your backyard (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 10);

* Crane & Co. -- calligraphy demonstration (noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 10 and

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 13);

* Smith & Hawken -- Floral arrangements (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday);

* Christofle -- Bridal consultations (2 to 6 p.m. Feb. 16);

* Crate & Barrel -- Private bridal registry (9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 17); * Williams-Sonoma -- Bridal registry (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 24);

* Smith & Hawken -- Floral event (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 24);

* Baccarat -- jewelry show (2 to 5 p.m. Feb. 24)

Wine lovers will appreciate the selection at Villa Nova, which

recently received the prestigious Wine Spectator 2002 Best Award of

Excellence for its wine list. “We have worked very hard to build a strong

wine list,” said Andy Crean, owner. “When I bought the restaurant in

1993, there were many valuable wines in the cellar, but they were not

selling. Then the fire [Sept. 1995] really hurt our inventory. Once we

reopened [in August 1996], I stepped up the wine program. I appreciate

wine as an investment, and the strong economy enables our customers to

enjoy fine wines.” Villa Nova is focusing on its Italian wine selection,

although the award was given for its California wine list in particular.

“1997 is a banner year for the Italian red wine, so I am really

concentrating on building the Italian side of our program right now,”

Crean said. “We have a great repertoire with our suppliers, which helps

us in getting highly allocated wines. It’s an excellent time for the

restaurant, and the award was a nice bonus.” Villa Nova is at 3131 W.

Coast Highway, Newport Beach. (949) 642-7880.

The Friends of the Newport Beach Library will hold a used book sale in

the Friends Meeting Room at the Central Library from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday

for members only. You may join the Friends of the Newport Beach Library

by filling out an application at the door. Hardcover books will be priced

at two for $1 and paperbacks at six for $1. On Feb. 9, the sale will be

open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with books priced at $1 a bag.

All proceeds are donated to the library system. The Central Library is at

1000 Avocado Ave. (949) 759-9667.

Macy’s will have a “super Saturday” sale from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today,

featuring savings throughout the store on fall and winter clothing for

men, women and children, reduced 55% to 75%. Sale merchandise for men

includes all fall and winter sweaters, shirts, suits, trousers, sport

coats, shoes, ties and outerwear. Clothing for women on sale include fall

and winter sportswear, suits, dresses, coats, robes, sleepwear, bras and

panties. Children’s clothing on sale includes fall and winter holiday

dresses, outerwear, sweaters, denim, sleepwear and playwear. Macy’s is at

Fashion Island in Newport Beach, and at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.

* 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.