Chico’s offers comfortably untailored attire

Chico’s is known for its wrinkle-free Travelers Collection of

untailored clothing for women. A variety of jackets, pants, skirts,

cardigans, dresses, tanks and T-shirts are part of the collection.

Pants and skirts have elastic waists for comfort. Sizes are not

standard: size 0 extra small (4/6); size 1 small (8/10); size 2

medium (10/12); and size 3 large (14/16). The reasonably priced

all-occasion wear can be dressed up or down with Chico’s jewelry and

accessories. Chico’s designs are made in Fort Myers, Fla. and are

exclusively sold at Chico’s stores. New designs arrive weekly. Its

biggest local store is in Corona del Mar Plaza in Newport Beach.

(949) 219-9960. Also at South Coast Plaza, Level Two,

Crate&Barrel;/Macy’s Home Store wing. (714) 751-8518. www.chicos.com.

SLIGHTLY FLAWED FINDS

Miner Mistakes Designer Outlet carries discontinued, one-of-a-kind

and slightly flawed furniture and accessories for the home and

office. Many items are from their “designers only” showroom, the

Showplace South. Brand name designer furniture, rugs and accessories

are from Drexel Heritage, Marge Carson, Lexington and more. Pieces

arrive daily. Designer on site for assistance. Open from 10 a.m. to

4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 2925 Airway Ave., Costa Mesa.

(714) 979-6679.

DESIGNER CONSIGNMENT

Bellissima specializes in designer consignment clothing and claims

to have the largest selection of St. John Knits. The store is divided

into two sections: Half is European designers, half is St. John

Knits. Some popular designers include: Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Richard

Tyler, Valentino, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Chanel, Escada, Judith

Leiber, Christian La Croix, Calvin Klein and Versace. Open from 10

a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday at 2850 E. Coast Highway in Corona del Mar. (949) 718-0476.

CUTTING-EDGE BOUTIQUE

Erica Dee Boutique is the ultimate find for fashion’s latest

trends. Owner Erica Dee Berge puts together cutting-edge designers,

unique gifts, jewelry, lingerie and shoes. Collections available

include Theory, Juicy Couture, William B., Seven jeans, Michael

Stars, Earl Jeans and Diane Von Furstenberg. Even expectant moms can

shop here! It’s now carrying hip maternity lines from Seven jeans,

Diane Von Furstenberg, Juicy Couture, Micheal Stars and Cara Mio

Bambino. Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 10

a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at 2919 E.

Coast Highway in Corona del Mar. (949) 673-9333.

PORTRAIT SALE

With an eye for taking great photos of families and children,

local photographer Julie Norton is now offering a Father’s Day

special: Sitting fees are $95. The offer is good through May 1. (949)

650-5616. www.julienorton photography.com.

IN-STORE BOSE

Bose, a Massachusetts-based company, is most known for its

acoustic wave radios. Music is created through a tube or “wave guide”

for realistic and high-quality bass sounds. The advantages to buying

Bose products here, rather than through direct mail, is that for the

same price, the store can offer a 90-day satisfaction guarantee

(direct mail offers 30 days) and an extended warranty. Bose only

makes audio equipment. All electronics are from Philips, Sharp and

Loewe. Bose also offers home theater systems, speaker packages,

stereo systems and quiet, comfortable headsets for travel. An

in-store living room display shows the range Bose offers at home.

Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 10 a.m. to 7

p.m. Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Fashion Island in

Newport Beach. (949) 219-9900. www.bose.com.

TRENDY JEANS

Women’s classic and trendy jeans are the signatures of For Joseph,

an L.A.-based designer. Jeans are $108 for basics and vary for trendy

styles. Sizes are from 2 to 12. Other designs include jackets, tops,

overalls and casual sweatsuits. Suede and leather is for fall;

stretch and colored denim and tencel pieces are for spring. There are

two sales a year, in July and after Christmas. Open from 10 a.m. to 9

p.m. Monday through Friday; from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and from

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. (949)

759-0718. www.forjoseph.com.

* 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.