Babystyle opens a new store in Newport

Babystyle, a leading maternity/baby lifestyle brand, opened its

second retail store at Fashion Island. Its flagship store is in

Manhattan Beach. The 3,300-square-foot store offers exclusive, high

quality and at the same time affordable products. Babystyle started

out in 1999 as an Internet business and then expanded to a catalog.

Retail stores are its newest venture. Babystyle offers an efficient,

hassle-free and friendly shopping environment. “We are very excited

about Newport Beach as the next step in expanding Babystyle’s retail

presence,” said Laurie McCartney, founder and chief executive. It’s a

great community with a strong Babystyle following and a significant

number of growing families.”. Babystyle-brand apparel and products,

as well as leading brand products and hard-to-find specialty items,

can be found here. So can maternity wear, baby gear, adorable clothes

and toys for infants and toddlers. Merchandise is by high-end

designers such as Lilly Pulitzer and Ralph Lauren. The store also has

a gift registry. Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; from

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Near

Robinsons-May at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. (949) 759-1129.

babystyle.com.

BEACH PARTY

April Cornell at Fashion Island is throwing a “beach party” from

June 5 to June 15. The store’s friendly staff will model the new

summer fashions. April Cornell offers women’s fashions as well as

matching dresses for mother and daughters. The store also carries

home decor and accessories, as well as gift items. Open from 10 a.m.

to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and from

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. April Cornell is across from Pottery Barn,

between Macy’s and Robinsons-May at Fashion Island. (949) 721-9061.

RAISE MONEY

Susan Eaton of Newport Beach, a volunteer at UNA/UNICEF shop in

Orange County, says those who want to support UNICEF can attend its

semiannual sale from May 31 to June 14. Jewelry, pottery, carved wood

pieces, glassware, masks, jackets, toys, baskets, batiks and weavings

from all over the world are featured in the gift section, where

supporting customers receive 25% off. UNICEF items include

all-occasion cards, mugs, books, teddy bears, candles, plates and

wrapping paper. UNICEF items are not discounted. All profits directly

help alleviate poverty and health needs of children overseas. On June

21, the shop will hold a special Guatemalan weavers open house, with

weavers demonstrating their art throughout the day. Refreshments will

be served, too. Open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 Monday to Friday; and from

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. 2428 N. Grand Ave., Suite F (three blocks

north of the Garden Grove Freeway in Grovemont Square) in Santa Ana.

(714) 542-9743.

WINE SOME MORE

Great Legs Wine changes its winery of the week on Friday. This

week’s wine is from Burrell School, a family-owned winery near the

Santa Cruz Mountains. Wine specials include Turnbull 1998 Merlot

(regular price $24.95, special offer $17.95); Coastal Ridge

Chardonnay ($6.95); Coastal Ridge Cabernet ($6.95); LeCARRE white

($7.95); and LeCARRE red ($7.95). Open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday

to Wednesday; from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; and from

noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. 2901 W. Coast Highway in Newport Beach. (949)

515-8466.

AVOID RUST

Patio Outlet sells furniture made from rust-free, lightweight

aluminum, cast aluminum and teak with choices of table tops. To avoid

problems with uneven ground of patios, the tables and chairs come

with adjustable feet. Umbrellas are their best buy, starting at $200.

They’re custom made with weather-friendly Sunbrella fabrics and come

with a three-year warranty. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 1741

Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa. (949) 548-2449.

WATCH OUT

Tourneau Watch Gear carries more than 30 brands of watches -- the

latest styles at affordable prices. Like its upscale parent store,

Tourneau, Tourneau Watch Gear offers a “buckle to buckle” protection

plan -- all parts covered and on-site service and repairs. Prices are

from $50 to $3,000. Techno Marine for diving, Movado, Oakley, Oris

and Versace are some of their popular brands. The Tissot T-touch

($550 to $600) with meteo (barometric pressure), altimeter

(altitude), chrono, compass, alarm and thermo touch screens is one of

their best sellers. Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday;

from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Level 2, at South Coast Plaza. (714) 432-1290. www.watchgear.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.