An early Halloween treat

Don’t miss the fun Halloween event, Pumpkins and Pancakes, from 8

to 11 a.m. Sunday at South Coast Plaza. This annual fund-raiser is

put on by the Friends of Court-Appointed Special Advocates, a local

nonprofit organization that helps abused, abandoned and neglected

children served by CASA programs in Orange County.

The children’s Halloween extravaganza features a pancake

breakfast, trick-or-treating, live music, arts and crafts, carnival

booths and more. Tickets are $15 per person pre-sale or $20 at the

door. Children ages 2 and younger enter free. For information and

tickets, call (714) 435-2160.

NEW STORE

Novecento Studio Boutique, a showcase store of local designer

Laura Stearn Cruciano, has opened a new location at the Newport Coast

shopping center. The original Laguna Beach store will close at the

end of the year.

All of Cruciano’s collections are made of fine European and Asian

fabrics, and the cut is her forte. Trained in couture houses in

France and Italy, Cruciano wanted to bring the art of tailoring back

home. Even her linings are made of silk or viscose.

“Lots of fun, fantasy and excitement clothing,” says Jolee

Leiphon, manager. “Laura designs functional sportswear, mother’s chic

clothing and specialty collections.”

She’s known for fantasy pieces designed for charity functions,

like last year’s Mardi Gras collection, and she uses the latest

stretch fabrics for comfort. Cruciano also hand-picks Italian shoes

and accessories to compliment her designs. Connoisseurs go crazy over

shoes never seen before in the states. The attention to detail from

these small Italian manufacturers can be finer than popular high-end

shoe designers.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11

a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Novecento Studio Boutique is at 8001 Coast

Highway in Newport Coast. Call (949) 715-1700.

FALL HOSIERY SALE

All compression hosiery is on sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at

Newport Center Orthopedic’s third annual fall sale. Customers will

receive 20% off and a free gift with purchase.

Compression hosiery, often prescribed by doctors, was designed to

prevent swelling in the ankles and feet of frequent airline

passengers. It may help prevent the formation of blood clots.

Brands available are Jobst, Juzo, Sigvaris, Medi and Therafirm.

Newport Center Orthopedic is at 400 Newport Center Drive, Suite 104

in Newport Beach. Call (949) 644-0065.

AMEX GOES TO THE HORSES

South Coast Plaza and American Express are offering a special

through Nov. 3. Shoppers who purchase a total of $500 using their

American Express card will receive a free Theatre Zingaro ticket.

All American Express receipts from South Coast Plaza must be shown

to the South Coast Plaza concierge to receive the certificate.

Theatre Zingaro is a French equestrian troupe that combines horses,

men, ballet and music. It runs through Nov 8 at the Zingaro Village

in Costa Mesa, across from the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

For information, check out www.southcoastplaza.com.

NEED A COSTUME?

You won’t believe the selection of Halloween costumes at the

Disney Store in South Coast Plaza. More than 25 different costumes

for kids are in, and the store also carries accessories such as

shoes, crowns, wands, wigs, hats and feather boas.

The biggest sellers for girls are the “princess costumes,”

including Belle, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Boys are going for

the “Toy Story” characters: Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Zurg.

Prices are reasonable -- everything is priced around $30. Other

costumes available are: Jasmine, Mulan, Tinker Belle, Snow White,

Ariel, Beast, Aladdin, Eeyore and Pooh.

The Disney Store is on the first level, near the Carousel Court.

Call (714) 751-8080.

WELCOME, DR. DEMENTO

Dr. Demento, the famed DJ, is making an appearance at the third

annual Halloween, Hearse, Bug and Monster Classic Car Show on Sunday

at the Orange County Market Plaza, Costa Mesa Fairgrounds. He will

lead a hearse procession through the streets of Costa Mesa beginning

at 10 a.m., then host two live shows at 12:30 p.m. and at 1:30 p.m.

The eccentric DJ, an L.A.-area radio staple since the early 1970s,

hasn’t been heard locally for three years. However, he’s syndicated

across the country. Admission to the Orange County Market Place is $2

for ages 13 and above. Free trick-or-treating throughout the swap

meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (949) 723-6660.

* BEST BUYS appears Mondays and Fridays. Send information to

Greer Wylder at greerwylder@yahoo.com; 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA

92627; or by fax at (949) 646-4170.