No language barrier here

Super friendly Nadia Dorsey of Spectrum Languages offers private

foreign language sessions and weekend adult seminars. The language

and culture institute also offers elementary and high school

tutoring, after-school programs, adult intensive learning sessions,

travel language and business language programs. Business owner Phil

Willms of Wet Okole in Costa Mesa says he’s very impressed by

Spectrum Languages. “My Spanish is coming along great,” Willms says.

“She’s teaching me ways to learn Spanish that I would never even

think about.” An intensive Spanish Weekend Language Special teaches

the basics of Spanish in one weekend. It’s $250 per person (normally

$400), with a three-person minimum. Language sessions are offered at

your home, office, school or the location of your choice. Lessons are

personalized to fit your goal and level. Language classes offered

include English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Mandarin,

Japanese and Latin. (949) 706-2661. www.spectrumlanguages.com.

ALL ABOUT MEN

Avventura has the most men’s shoes, belts and jackets of any

boutiques at South Coast Plaza. Most of the shoes are designed

exclusively for Avventura. European designer brands include Mezlan,

Lorenzo Banfi, Donald J. Pliner, Moreschi, Pacco Bucci and Aldobrue,

as well as the Avventura brand. The recently launched Via Spiga line

is available here. Matching belts for almost every shoe, and a large

selection of exotic belts. Size 14 and up available. Jackets are made

in Italy. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Level One, near Saks Fifth

Avenue. (714) 979-9900. www.avventura.com.

A DATE FOR DESIGNING

Designer Dana Buchman will be at Neiman Marcus on Thursday to show

her latest line featuring interchangeable pieces in beautiful

fabrics, tailored with special attention to detail. Modeling,

refreshments, music and more. Neiman Marcus is at Fashion Island in

Newport Beach. To RSVP, call (949) 759-1900, ext. 2375.

BETTER THAN BOTOX

Macy’s South Coast Plaza has new anti-aging alternatives to Botox

and Collagen from Shiseido, Lancome and Biotherm. From Shiseido, a

Total Revitalizing Cream (1.8 ounces/$220) claims to visibly reduce

fine lines and wrinkles, while the face regains a firmed appearance.

Resolution D-Contraxol from Lancome is an intensive anti-wrinkle

treatment created to hydrate and soften skin. Resolution is supposed

to work on skin cells that manufacture collagen and elastin. Lancome

scientists claim that within four weeks the number, depth and size of

wrinkles will be significantly reduced. (1.7 ounces/$68.00)

Biotherm’s Densitelift -- a three-product care line -- contains

Purified Yeast Extract that claims to help the surface skin’s

pressure system by improving skin’s moisture level for renewed

density and plumped wrinkles. (Serum/$42, Eye cream/$30,

Moisturizer/$39) (714) 556-0611 ext. 4135.

PEARLS OF WISDOM

Mikimoto is known for offering the highest-quality cultured pearls

since 1893. Fine jewelry and home accessories start at $95. Two new

collections were recently introduced: Pearls in Motion and Milano.

Pearls in Motion are white Japanese and black Tahitian cultured

pearls that glide along an 18-karat white gold chain. The wearer can

move and reposition the pearls, to create an infinite number of

looks. This collection ranges in price from $1,900 to $3,400. The

Milano Collection a contemporary line. All pieces are hand made in

Italy. It features Mikimoto South Sea and Japanese Akoya pearls.

Prices range from $590 to $13,000. (714) 424-5440. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6:30

p.m. Sunday. Level One, Nordstrom wing at South Coast Plaza. (714)

424-5440.

THE FEEL OF CLASS

Loro Piana is an Italian textile company, mostly known for its

cashmere and fine wools. Luxury collections for men, women and

children include knitwear, sportswear, accessories, bags and small

leather accessories. Custom tailored clothing available. Styles are

classic and timeless. Only colors change from season to season. Loro

Piana cashmere robes at nearly $2,000 are one of their most popular

sellers, along with outerwear for the entire family and throws.

Classic v-neck cashmere sweaters for men and women start at $495. No

sales. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Level Two, at South Coast

Plaza. (714) 432-1301.

* BEST BUYS appears Mondays and Fridays. Send information to

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

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