Spending the holidays on the Island

GREER WYLDER

Fashion Island will kick off the festive season with one of Newport’s

favorite holiday traditions, the annual tree-lighting ceremony at 6

p.m. Friday and Saturday. Students from the Orange County High School

of the Arts will perform a song-and-dance number at the event.

The towering evergreen is adorned with 17,000 white lights, bows

and ornaments.

For parking convenience, valet parking is available throughout the

year during all center hours for $4. The valet station is next to

Robinsons-May. Annual valet parking passes are available for $100 at

the concierge desk.

The least congested entrances are the San Miguel (off MacArthur

Boulevard) or Santa Barbara (off Jamboree Road) entrances. One of the

prime parking spots is on the top level of the parking structure next

to Bloomingdale’s; its bridge accesses the center.

Fashion Island has other tips to make gift buying easier.

* Gift-wrapping and shipping are available at The Mail Room,

located in the Service Shops near Tutto Mare; The Ultimate Invitation

located in Atrium Court; and Gold Crown Hallmark near Barnes & Noble.

* Personal shoppers can assist those looking for the perfect

holiday gift at Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus.

* Fashion Island expanded its concierge desk to make room for more

holiday services. Shoppers can purchase gift certificates, inquire

about shops and check packages at the new concierge desk, located

near Starbucks on the main level of Atrium Court. (949) 721-2000.

* Macy’s Holiday Lane and The Art of Christmas offer beautiful

holiday decor from established designers, as well as one-of-a-kind

ornaments and decor. Other shops offering holiday decor include

Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s Home, Robinsons-May, Pottery Barn, Z

Gallerie, Gold Crown Hallmark, Anthropologie, April Cornell and

Restoration Hardware.

Traditional carolers will stroll throughout the center on weekends

from noon to 4 p.m. through Dec. 19. At Santa’s House, children can

visit with Santa and have a photo taken with him. A portion of the

proceeds benefits HomeAid Orange County. (To avoid crowds at Santa’s

House, make your visit on weekday mornings and weekends.)

A FASHIONABLE JEWEL

Citrine, a new boutique, carries a variety of hard-to-find

American and European designers. Its fashionable staff members can

assist you in mixing and matching classics with trends to find an

original look. Combine a feminine Tracy Reese top with True Religion

jeans and shoes straight from Italy for a stylish ensemble. Owner

Damia Azar has years of experience at New Mart in the heart of L.A.’s

fashion district, importing lines from Italy, France and Spain. It

was at the mart that Azar became familiar with exclusive contemporary

and up-and-coming designers. At Citrine, find lines including

celebrity favorite Louis Verdad, Alvin Valley, Rock & Republic,

Custo, Gazel, La Full and Plenty. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to

Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 1000 N. Bristol St., Suite 12 in

Newport Beach. (949) 838-0215.

CELEBRATING ONE

Madison Avenue and Ambrosia Home at The Bluffs shopping center are

celebrating their first anniversaries, beginning Friday through

Sunday. Both stores offer sales, refreshments and the latest in

women’s fashion and home accessories. Prices on select merchandise

will be reduced 25% to 40%.

Madison Avenue has added a collection of fall and holiday apparel.

It offers an international selection of upscale fashions for every

occasion. More than 150 designer lines include Bella Dahl, Sue Wong,

Alberto Makali, Ray’ure and Frankie B. The store’s personal shoppers

can prepare customers for any event. Shoppers can also choose from a

collection of handbags, belts and jewelry. Special holiday hours: 10

a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. (949)

219-0765.

Ambrosia Home, a home furnishings and accessories showroom, offers

a full-service interior design service where staff designers can help

define your personal style. Ambrosia Home features contemporary to

traditional styles of custom and exclusive furniture, pillows,

accessories and custom-framed art. For holiday gift giving, Ambrosia

Home offers custom gift baskets that overflow with luxurious gifts

wrapped to perfection. With 50 themes to choose from, Ambrosia Home’s

baskets can meet any gift-giving need. Prices range from $50 to $225.

Special holiday hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 11 a.m.

to 5 p.m. Sunday. (949) 219-9865.

The Bluffs shopping center is at the corner of MacArthur Boulevard

and Bison Avenue in Newport Beach.

* BEST BUYS appears Thursdays. Send information to Greer Wylder at

greerwylder@yahoo.com; at 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626;

or by fax at (714) 966-4679.