Poinsettias to redden OCC

A favorite tradition at Orange Coast College is its annual

poinsettia sale that starts Thursday and runs through Saturday. The

sale is organized by the ornamental horticulture students.

The poinsettias are grown in the greenhouses and all proceeds fund

future student projects. The most popular 6-inch pots hold three

plants and are especially lush and full. There are also 4-inch pots,

10-inch pots, hanging baskets and centerpieces.

Color include traditional red, white, pink winter rose, red and

white, and Monet. Prices range from $5 to $40. Novelty items are also

available, such as self-watering centerpieces, plum puddings and

decorated poinsettias in sleighs and baskets.

The sale is open to the public Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to

3 p.m. Avoid the rush by picking up a pre-sale order form and picking

up your order on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Orange Coast College is at 2701 Fairview Road in Costa Mesa. Call

(714) 432-0202.

CRAFTING HAAN

A pair of Cole Haan shoes is always made by a craftsman who even

places the shoes in a box. Exquisite materials, hand-crafted leather

and hand-stitched seams are standards at Cole Haan in South Coast

Plaza. The casual luxury shoes for men and women range in styles from

classic to contemporary.

Now that Nike owns the Cole Haan label, many styles are built with

Nike Air technology for comfort. There are also handbags, coats,

briefcases, wallets and belts. Cole Haan holds two annual sales: one

in June and one in October.

Just in time for the holidays, Cole Haan is offering a premier

collection of fine watches for men and women. The watches are crafted

in Italian calfskin and stainless steel. Designs range from classic

tanks and all-steel sport watches to luxury cuffs.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.

to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Cole Haan is on

the second level of South Coast Plaza. Call (714) 751-7370 or contact

www.colehaan.com.

ERIN COLE SHOWROOM

Erin Cole Design is a new chic showroom and retail store that

offers the best in bridal accessories and gives expert consultations.

For nearly 10 years, Erin Cole Design has created an exquisite

collection of bridal accessories that includes tiaras, veils,

handbags and shoes. Cole’s designs are available at high-end bridal

salons across the country including Barney’s New York, Neiman Marcus

and Mon Ami in Costa Mesa.

Erin Cole works with brides to create a specific look. She gives

great attention to detail.

The showroom is at 298 W. 17th St. in Costa Mesa. Call (949)

642-8646 or check out www.ErinColeDesign.Com.

WELCOME, SYDNEY

Sydney Michelle, a new apparel boutique, is Balboa Island’s answer

for trend followers who want to shop on the island. It specializes in

popular labels like Seven, Juicy Couture, Joie, Theory, McGinn,

Mella, Diane von Furstenberg and Kai, plus handbags and accessories.

Find exclusives including Niese leather bags, Sophie & Jill bags and

clutches, and Dominique Cohen jewelry.

The store is at 307 Marine Ave., Balboa Island. Hours are 10 a.m.

to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday

through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Call (949)

673-2150.

HOLIDAY HOTEL RATES

Costa Mesa is offering special holiday hotel rates as low as $69

per night; ideal for out-of-town guests. Special rates include $69 at

the Holiday Inn Costa Mesa ([714] 557-3000) and at the Costa Mesa

Marriott Suites ([714] 957-1100).

The holiday rates continue with $79 at Country Inn & Suites by

Ayres ([714] 549-0300) and $89 at Residence Inn by Marriott ([714]

241-8800), Wyndham Hotel ([714] 751-5100), Hilton Costa Mesa ([714]

540-7000) and at The Westin South Coast Plaza ([714] 540-2500). Rates

are per night, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, subject to

availability. The rates will be available through the end of the

year.

FOPE JEWELRY

Blackman Ltd. Jewelers is carrying a new collection of Italian

made jewelry called Fope. The line is an 18 karat yellow and white

gold round weave style made with gems and diamonds.

There are several styles of bracelets and necklaces to chose from.

Store hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Blackman is at 3408 Via Oporto, Suite 1 in Newport Beach. Call (949)

673-9334.

* BEST BUYS appears Mondays and Fridays. Send information to

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

CA 92627 , or via fax at (949) 646-4170.