Spring into action at Traditional Jewelers

GREER WYLDER

Traditional Jewelers at Fashion Island in Newport Beach hosts a

special spring event today from 2 to 7 p.m. It’s ideal for finding

gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation or anniversaries.

Select merchandise will be presented by prominent watch and jewelry

designers. During the event, a percentage of sales will go toward the

Fashionables, a local group that supports Chapman University. Also,

with purchases of $1,000 or more, customers will receive a $200 gift

certificate toward a John Blom family portrait. Don’t miss the

extravagant display of Kwiat and Stuart Weitzman’s $2-million Red

Carpet Cinderella slippers, worn by singer Alison Krauss at this

year’s Academy Awards (she performed two Oscar-nominated songs from

Cold Mountain). The sparkling high-heeled sandals have more than 500

encrusted diamonds weighing 50 carats. They’re on display through

Sun. Local classical guitarist Josef Yshar will entertain guests, and

wine, champagne and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Fashion Island is

at Pacific Coast Highway and Newport Center Drive. Call (949)

721-9010 for more information.

Meet a famous designer

Today at Neiman Marcus meet renowned designer Jay Strongwater.

He’s famous for his heirloom jeweled picture frames, individually

cast in metal, then plated with an antique finish, enameled by hand

and set with Swarovski crystals. His collection has grown to include

boxes, clocks, candles and other objects d’art. At this rare

appearance, he’ll share his inspiration for his “Jewels For The Home”

collection and tell his captivating success story. Strongwater will

appear at Home Decor, Level 3 at Neiman Marcus at Fashion Island. To

make reservations, call (949) 759-1900, ext. 3327.

Deli offers cheese-tasting event

The incredible Picnics Deli will sponsor a fine cheese-tasting

event today from 4 to 6 p.m. Chef and co-owner Robert Whitesell

hand-selected his favorite cheeses for you to try. Picnics offers

fine foods to go. It has hors’d’ouevres, salads, fish, chicken, and

meat entrees, fresh pastries and other great desserts. The store is

open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Catering is

available daily. The store is at 435 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. Call

(949) 722-7200 for more information.

‘Brighton’ up Mom’s day with these gifts

Great Mother’s Day gifts can be found at Fashion Island’s stores

and kiosks. Benchley Luggage & Gifts celebrates Mother’s Day with a

special Brighton brand promotion. Now through May 14, if you purchase

any Brighton necklace and bracelet, you will receive a complimentary

pair of Brighton earrings. Other great gift ideas include Brighton

handbags, wallets and jewelry, jewelry boxes, attache cases, pens,

clocks and desk accessories. Other popular gift items for moms, dads

and graduates are Mont Blanc pens, Ghurka leather goods and Tumi

luggage. Benchley also offers complimentary monogramming on leather

items, free gift wrap, and the store can ship anywhere in the

country. Benchley Luggage & Gifts has relocated to a temporary space

in Atrium Court. Call (949) 759-9101 for more information. For mom’s

who appreciate feminine decor, find gifts at the Shabby Chic store.

It carries romantic candles, decorative pillows, beaded frames and

other accessories. There are also tabletop accessories, linens and

other items in floral designs and fresh, spring colors. It’s also

temporarily relocated to Atrium Court at Fashion Island. For more

information, call (949) 219-0663. For moms with a sweet tooth, find

delicious fresh caramel corn at the Big City Caramel Corn cart in

Carousel Court. The store offers caramel corn in bags, and one- or

two- pound boxes. Moms who love chocolate will appreciate a box of

Teuscher Chocolates. They offer adorable, decorated boxes with your

choice of flowers or various whimsical characters. The chocolates are

hand-made in Switzerland, then flown in fresh. Only the finest,

all-natural ingredients go into Teuscher chocolates. Its signature

champagne truffle with a cream center of Dom Perignon is outstanding.

Teuscher is in Carousel Court, across from Robinsons-May. (949)

721-1801. At Ease Women’s and Home Store also offers gifts for mom.

The store carries an assortment of decorative soaps, sachets adorned

with embroidery or florals, feminine pillows and candles, and bath

products by lines such as Gianna Rose. New arrivals include spring

silk sweaters and cotton blouses. High-end lines available include

Barry Bricken, Zanella for women and Starington. At Ease Women’s and

Home Store is in Atrium Court and can be reached at (949) 759-7985.

More Mom’s Day gift leads

South Coast Plaza also offers ideal Mother’s Day gifts. At Ben

Bridge Jewelers shoppers receive an exclusive collectible porcelain

jewelry free with any jewelry purchase. At Burberry select from silk

scarves ($210) to a “Brit” fragrance gift set ($62). Dooney & Bourke

offers handbags, wallets, card cases and wristlets in new spring

colors. At Judith Leiber shoppers can find fully beaded pill boxes,

card cases, lipstick cases, compacts, sunglasses and necklaces.

Kiehl’s carries Mother’s Day gift sets of Kiehl’s favorites along

with some of the newest formulations, ($49 - $217.50). Lalique offers

a heart pendant in 19 colors, ($130); perfume sets, $70 and charm

bracelets, $180-$240. Lucy Zahran has collectible Halcyon Days

Mother’s Day Box, ($185); Montblanc “Lady Profile” watches feature

satin or colorful alligator straps as well as diamond detailing.

“Diaries and Notes” collection help moms stay organized and stylish.

Room & Board has Eva Zeisal elegant porcelain vases, ($49 - $119).

Jonathan Adler ceramic vases come in rich colors and textures, ($69 -

$119). Swatch offers a “Motherly” watch which comes with a glass vase

for flowers, ($50). TSE offers timeless cashmere twin sets, ($660);

Wolford has the “Menthe” Intimate Apparel Collection. Shoppers may

select from turquoise and floral print bras and panties.

On Friday 10% of all purchases made at the Villeroy & Boch store

at South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, will go toward

the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Isabelle von Boch, an eighth-generation

family member of Villeroy & Boch, will also be on hand from 1 to 4

p.m. sharing tableware tips on accessorizing dinnerware.

* 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.