Time to get physical with Pilates

GREER WYLDER

Living Fitness, a state-of-the-art personal training facility at

Newport Coast Shopping Center, just celebrated its one-year

anniversary.

The center offers motivational personal training, a Pilates

studio, as well as the latest cardio equipment. Living Fitness also

offers Powered Pilates, a routine that is more intensive and

comprehensive than standard Pilates, with the goal of achieving a

higher degree of fat reduction, strength and flexibility.

At Living Fitness, trainers take members through five phases of

training. Upon completion of all phases, members return to phase one,

but at an advanced level. The system was designed to prevent injury

and boredom and to produce maximum fitness levels. Living Fitness

also has luxurious locker rooms, stocked with luxurious Frette

linens, spacious custom wood lockers, showers and a collection of

toiletries. Open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. 21139 Newport Coast Drive,

in Newport Coast. (949) 640-2300.

PUTTING A GOOD FOOT FORWARD

Since Kenneth Cole started collecting shoes for the homeless 13

years ago, the company has collected more than one million pairs of

shoes for HELP USA. Kenneth Cole’s national shoe and clothing drive

benefits the country’s largest provider of housing and services for

the homeless.

Through Feb. 15, customers at the Kenneth Cole New York store at

Fashion Island can donate their gently worn clothing or shoes and

receive 20% off their next purchase. All of the clothing and shoes

are donated to HELP USA residences located in New York, Philadelphia,

Las Vegas and Little Rock, Ark. In areas where HELP USA is not

located, donations go to local homeless organizations.

The Fashion Island store carries the company’s complete men’s and

women’s lines -- the biggest selection in Orange County.

Shoppers can find apparel, shoes, jewelry, watches, purses and

briefcases. Cole’s style ranges from conservative to fashion forward

-- very East Coast. The Reaction line is a little more edgy with some

catchy party colors. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m.

to 7 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. (949) 219-0671.

www.kennethcole.com

GET IN THE TRUNK

Neiman Marcus at Fashion Island hosts an Yves Saint Laurent Rive

Gauche trunk show on Saturday. Guests can preview the spring 2005

collection and enjoy informal modeling in the couture department on

level two. Also, another trunk show happens Wednesday, featuring the

spring 2005 collection of Liancarlo. The Liancarlo collection

features glamorous evening gowns made from the finest European

fabrics. Each dress is handmade in Miami. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Fashion Island in Newport Beach. (949) 759-1900. www.neimanmarcus.com

PUTTING ON THE RITZ

The Ritz restaurant has new entertainment appearing 6:30 to 9:30

p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The Fabulous Baker Boys appear for a

limited engagement direct from Piero’s in Las Vegas. 880 Newport

Center Drive in Newport Beach. (949) 720-1800. www.ritzrestaurant.com

FOR CROCODILE HUNTERS

In 1933, French tennis legend Rene Lacoste co-founded the Lacoste

company. It manufactured the same crocodile logo-embroidered shirts

that he wore playing tennis. Crocodile was Lacoste’s nickname. It

could be the first time logos were placed on apparel.

The shirt’s style, logo and fabric revolutionized men’s sportswear

-- it replaced formal, long-sleeve shirts -- and remains Lacoste’s

most popular item. It featured a ribbed collar, short sleeves and a

comfortable knit fabric, dubbed Jersey petit pique. Each shirt is

made from a single batch of soft and strong cotton. Then the

lightweight mesh fabric goes through a rigorous dyeing process to

ensure long-lasting color.

Lacoste also designs sporty and fashionable men’s, women’s and

children’s apparel collections, as well as fragrances, footwear and

watches. Level One, at South Coast Plaza. Open 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) 641-1730. www.lacoste.com

* 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.