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.