Plenty of quality luggage at Benchley
Benchley Luggage Ltd., established in 1977, features the best in
luggage, games, travel accessories, small leather goods and more. It
has a Tumi shop-in-a-shop -- a top-quality business case, travel bag,
handbag and accessories company. Exclusive nylon fabric, nearly
indestructible wheels and patented handles and closure systems are
some of Tumi’s innovations. Classic games to choose from include
chess, dominos, backgammon, bridge and Monopoly. Globes, handmade
pens, desk accessories and Kipling bags are a few of Benchley’s great
finds. Benchley Luggage is 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) 759-9101.
DECORATE WITH ANTHROPOLOGIE
Philadelphia-based Anthropologie, a popular upscale sister store
to Urban Outfitters, offers one-stop shopping for stylish apparel,
home decor and gifts. Even though it’s a national chain retailer, it
feels like a Parisian flea market. The enormous rusted, weathered
tin-tiled ceiling from a Philadelphia mansion and the living room,
bedroom, bathroom and garden vignettes add to its charm.
Anthropologie offers travel-inspired clothing, an eclectic feminine
take on the Bohemian look; reproduction furnishings and one-of-a kind
objects from Asia and Europe; and personal items such as soaps,
books, candles and gifts. All decor can be bought: tables, beds,
sofas, linens, mirrors, lighting, and rugs. Anthropologie is 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) 720-9946. www.anthropologie.com.
GET TOUGH JEWELRY
SoHo-based Stuart Moore showcases 35 European jewelry designers,
including its own Stuart Moore line, which specializes in
hand-fabricated platinum and 18-karat gold jewelry. Designs are
minimalist; many are Bauhaus-inspired. Highest quality engagement
rings are their specialty. Stuart Moore has copyrighted designs and
says that its platinum or gold is twice as hard and has twice the
tensile strength as almost all competitors Moore says that 99% of
jewelers cast their rings. “This is the best quality product on the
market, bar none,” Moore said. “G.I.A.-certified diamonds are priced
at least 35% less than retail.” The store has an annual sale in
April. Selected styles are reduced up to 50%. Stuart Moore is 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) 644-0501 www.stuartmoore.com.
HUNGRY MUCH?
Stone Creek Cafe is a gourmet deli that features Boar’s Head
meats, deli salads, a salad and omelet bar, and homemade hot foods.
It’s in the Atrium Court. (949) 760-0403.
LEARNING AT LA TABLE
In 1972, the original Sur La Table opened at Seattle’s famous Pike
Place Farmers’ Market. The store was created as a source of
high-quality cookware and unique tools for home chefs and culinary
pros. Its experienced staff can help solve kitchen-related problems
and offers expert advice. It also offers a range of cooking classes
for beginners to accomplished chefs through its culinary program.
Classes are taught by local and traveling instructors -- including
chocolate, Asian cooking, baking, fundamentals, Italian cooking,
comfort food and more. Hands-on and demonstration classes are for
adults and children. Sur La Table is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday through Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. (949)
640-0200. www.surlatable.com.
POLITE PATIO
Looking for quality patio furnishings? Stop by Pacific Coast Patio
in Costa Mesa. The owner, Ana, goes out of her way to be helpful and
offers a nice selection. There are hundreds of fabrics to choose from
for the perfect patio look. Pacific Coast Patio is open from 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
at 845 W. Baker St. in Costa Mesa. (714) 979-1336.
PERFECT ASSORTMENT
Neiman Marcus carries the new Infinity collection of luxury
intimate apparel by Cosabella. The new line features cutting-edge
light mesh fabric, with seamless edges at the top and fine side
seams. The comfortable, sexy line has a variety of styles: a low
rider thong, low rider bikini, hot pants, molded bra and camisole.
Expected to arrive soon are a push-up bra and sleeveless top. Colors
include black, nude, powder blue, powder pink and white. Cosabella is
known for its innovative fabrics. In the early 1980s, it was the
first company to use elastic tulle fabric in lingerie. It was
originally used exclusively for hosiery. The elastic tulle was used
to create Cosabella’s famous Soire collection. It’s currently
available in 30 colors and 15 styles. Neiman Marcus is open from 10
a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday; and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at Fashion Island in Newport
Beach. (949) 759-1900.
* BEST BUYS appears Thursdays. 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.
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