It’s time to slip into summer wear

A’Maree’s added more spring/summer collections of designer women’s

clothing. The new lines include Valentino, Bottega Venetta, Project

Alabama, Hartford, Junya Whatanabe, Sacrare jewelry and clothing, and

Christian Louboutin shoes. The boutique’s established designers

include Peter Cohen, Marni, Dries Van Noten, Dosa, Loro Piana, Yohji

Yamamoto, Easton Pearson, Lucien Pillet Finet, Transit, Balenciaga

and Adriano Goldschmeid jeans. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to

Friday; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. 1649 Westcliff Drive, Newport

Beach. (949) 642-4423.

FIND THIS PLACE

Rand McNally carries the best in travel accessories, maps and

guidebooks. World wall maps, flags of the world and Garmin GPS

Navigation satellite systems that help with directions sell well

here. Students can find JanSport backpacks, and travelers can buy

durable Eagle Creek luggage, Thomas Bros.-brand Guides, personal care

packing items and more. Even fun kids travel games to keep them busy

and occupied. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 8

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

Plaza. (714) 545-9907. www.randmcnallystore.com.

CLOTHES LOVERS UNITE

Paris-based designer Agnes B. is known for her crisp white cotton

shirts, wardrobe staples and fashion forward collections that include

shoes and accessories. Year-round high-quality basics -- suiting,

white and black sweaters and T-shirts for every occasion -- make

Agnes B. boutique a major shopping destination for clothes lovers.

The collections are fun, with clean lines and classic style. The B.

Everlast line -- Agnes. B. does some cross labeling with Everlast --

specializes in sporty active wear, knit pants, skirts, sweaters and

more. Two sales a year, after Christmas and usually in July. Open 10

a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.

to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Level 2, South Coast Plaza. (714) 241-5928.

LIKE A DIVA

Becoming one of Madonna’s favorite designers helped put Domenico

Dolce and Stefano Gabbana on the map. Dolce and Gabbana even designed

costumes for one of her world tours. Their everyday wear line and

evening wear for young men and women can be found at D & G Boutique

at South Coast Plaza. D & G attracts trend followers who can afford

their high-end denim, shirts, dresses with built in bras, bustiers,

shoes and glasses. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m.

to 8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Level 2, next to

Cole Haan, at South Coast Plaza.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Cornelia Park showcases the works of Richard and Victoria

MacKenzie-Childs and carries their entire MacKenzie-Childs Home

Collection. They’re known for fanciful mixture of textures and

patterns, placed with unexpected color combinations. A massive black

and white checked train table helps display the terra cotta plates,

enamelware, porcelain and glassware. Overwhelming selection of home

accessories found here: bathroom accessories; textiles; picture

frames; rugs; and furniture. Also a selection of gift items featured

from mostly L.A.- and N.Y.-based artists. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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

Sunday. Level 2, across from J.Crew, South Coast Plaza. (714)

549-2900. www.corneliapark.com.

GO EUROPEAN

The finest names in European men’s clothing can be found at

Bernini Collection. The fashion spectrum is carried here: from

conservative to trendy. Hard-to-find high-end designers include:

Brioni for Italian suits priced from $3,500; Zilli French leather and

suede jackets, D’Avenza handmade suits from Rome; and Thierry Muglier

French-fitted suiting. Sportswear is from German designer Carlo

Collucci. The only place to find Canali casual, business and formal

wear in the mall. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to

8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Level 2, across from

Cole Haan, South Coast Plaza. (714) 432-1786. www.bernini.com.

SHOP AND RAISE MONEY

You can shop for a “Shop for a Good Cause” at J. Jill from 2 to 6

p.m. Thursday. A Corporate Tea includes an afternoon of hors

d’oeuvres, shopping with J. Jill’s wardrobe specialist and a 10%

discount on purchases made that day. Also, a portion of the proceeds

will be donated to the J. Jill Compassion Fund, which helps women and

children in need. J. Jill is across from Apple Computer near

Robinsons-May at Fashion Island. (949) 640-9364.

FEEL PRETTY

Sydney Michelle, Balboa Island’s boutique for fashion followers,

expanded its tiny location by occupying its next door neighbor’s

space. It now offers more fashions from popular labels and emerging

designers. Lines come from Development, Devan, Mella & Kai, Seven,

Lacoste and a vast collection of Juicy Couture. There’s also a new

bath and body bar for Er-go candles, custom scented oils, lotions and

shower gels in original gift boxes. There’s even chic handbags,

accessories and shoes. A grand opening event to celebrate the large

space complete with deejay, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a preview

of new fashions is at 6 p.m. Thursday. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday

to Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5:30

p.m. Sunday. 307 Marine Avenue, Balboa Island. (949) 673-2150.

* 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.