Xeno, princely warrior rower
GREER WYLDER
Three-time Olympian Xeno Muller instructs addictive indoor rowing
workouts at the Iron Oarsman in Costa Mesa. Since Muller is training
for the 2004 Olympics, he can offer classes only Monday through
Friday at 6 a.m., 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (except Friday there is no 4
p.m. class). Saturday classes are at 7 and 8 a.m.
Muller says that compared to other injury inducing sports, rowing
offers a gentler approach to fitness. It’s a great class for water
rowers in training, or just for people who want to get into or stay
in shape. The 50-minute classes make a great cardio workout.
Muller says there is an underworld of indoor rowing fitness --
each year there’s a worldwide competition held in Boston -- and he
says that even centenarians can handle the low-impact sport. Classes
are offered at $13 per class; unlimited classes for one month at $99;
and up to 20 workouts, no time limit, for $190. Updated class
schedules are on the Iron Oarsman Web site at https://www.gorow.com.
440 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa. (949) 400-7630.
CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES
A German line of fine, interchangeable jewelry known as Charlotte
opened its first West Coast store at Fashion Island. The company,
founded in 1876, is owned by designer Wolf Schwarz, a
fourth-generation master goldsmith. Charlotte allows customers to
match jewelry to fit their fashion moods or looks and designs instant
daytime, classic and evening styles. Charlotte offers three
interchangeable jewelry systems. There’s Charlotte Classic, Charlotte
21 and Tipit, in platinum, silver, 18-karat and 24-karat gold as well
as stainless steel. Custom rings are popular. Thousands of options
can make jewelry personalized. For instance, attach one or more disks
with diamonds, colored semi-precious stones, flowers cut from pearls
or colorful enamel pieces. This design can be worn as a ring,
necklace, earrings or a bracelet. Patented spring mechanisms in the
Tipit and Charlotte 21 jewelry systems allow for centerpieces to be
easily exchanged. They’re secure, and at the same time the design can
instantly change. There are also ring styles popular with men,
including stainless steel bands with peridot or onyx. Charlotte fits
all budgets, with jewelry and interchangeable disks ranging from
about $30 to $3,000. It’s between NIKEgoddess and Apple, next to
Robinsons-May.
THE RITE SHOE STUFF
Stride Rite just opened a new retail store at South Coast Plaza.
Parents in the know buy their kids Stride Rites in styles from beach
sandals to special-occasion shoes. Kids love the array of colors,
textures and comfortable widths and sizes. “Certified Fit
Specialists” help find the right shoe. Stride Rite also created three
lines for kids’ feet development. For babies, there’s a “Natural
Motion System,” protecting feet while simulating barefoot walking;
for active toddlers, there’s a “Toddler Tech” with a cushioning
system for runners, jumpers and skippers; the “Kid Tech” was
developed for kids ages 4 to 7 who need shoes that are ultra-durable.
Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. It’s on level three, in the
Crate and Barrel/Macy’s Home Store wing. (714) 436-1741,
https://www.striderite.com.
IT’S IN THE BAGS
TOD’S is an Italian luxury footwear and accessories store for men
and women. It’s famous for its signature driver’s shoe that Princess
Diana made popular. (The shoe has been copied by just about every
designer you can think of.) The “Miky Bag,” at $1,100, is its
bestselling handbag. It’s available in every color and in leather,
suede and pony hair. Tod’s renamed a classic tote bag that Princess
Diana carried, the D. Bag, available in three sizes -- from $1,200 to
$1,400. The latest celebrity favorite bag, the “Candy Bag,” starts at
$610 and comes shaped like a piece of candy, with two bows at each
end. Tod’s has an extensive line of conservative and classic shoes,
handbags, wallets, key chains and makeup bags. The new “world of
Tod’s” accessories expanded to include jewelry, a croc cuff bracelet,
umbrellas, journals, computer bags and leather jackets. Open 10 a.m.
to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon
to 5 p.m. Sunday. (714) 556-0239.
DESIGNS SWEET AS COCO
The influential designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel transformed the
way women dressed in the early 20th century. Chanel replaced the
unbearable corset with comfortable, simple and chic fashions.
Attention to detail was her forte -- exquisite linings were
standards. Some of her trademarks include elegant, sophisticated
suits, dresses, women’s pants, costume jewelry, perfumes and jersey
fabric. Her signature cardigan jacket and “little black dress,”
introduced in the 1920s, remain classic Chanel looks. Since the
1980s, chief designer Karl Lagerfeld has reinterpreted Chanel,
maintaining the couture house rule -- apparel can be worn from one
decade to the next. The Chanel Boutique offers its ready-to-wear
collection, shoes, handbags, jewelry, cosmetics, perfume and
accessories. Find timeless beige and black, two-tone shoes redesigned
in trendy colors, size varieties in quilted bags and even pastel
versions of the Chanel tweed suit. It’s on level one at South Coast
Plaza and open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 8
p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. (714) 754-7455,
https://www.chanel.com.
* 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.
All the latest on Orange County from Orange County.
Get our free TimesOC newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot.