March events are what’s in fashion

GREER WYLDER

Fashion Island in Newport Beach is offering a number of

spring-related events this month.

* Tonight, J. Jill shoppers may view the new spring line from 5 to

9 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres will be served and customers will receive a 10%

discount on purchases, 15% for J. Jill card holders. J. Jill is

located between Carousel Court and the koi pond, across from the

Apple Store. (949) 640-9364.

* The Easter Bunny will arrive at his Fashion Island holiday home

on Wednesday. He will greet children and pose for pictures in his

spring garden on the Atrium Lawn through March 26, from 11 a.m. to 6

p.m. daily. Customers who purchase an Easter Bunny photo and stop by

California Pizza Kitchen will receive a free children’s-menu item,

with a minimum of a $10 purchase, through March 27. (949) 721-2000.

* Aerosoles is holding its annual spring Try-On-A-Thon through

March 28. Shoppers can try on a pair of Aerosoles and enter to win an

Aerosoles gift certificate. The first-prize winner receives a $250

gift certificate; the second-prize winner receives a $150 gift

certificate; and the third-prize is a $75 gift certificate. Aerosoles

is located between Robinsons-May and Macy’s. (949) 640-1668.

* Auntie Anne’s is introducing Pizza Knots -- Auntie Anne’s

original pretzel dough topped with cheese, pizza sauce and seasonings

-- this month. Three Pizza Knots cost $2.96. Auntie Anne’s is located

by Fashion Island’s Iris Fountain. (949) 721-1255.

* The St. Croix Shop is accepting gently used men’s sweaters

through the end of March for donation to the Orange County Rescue

Mission. Customers bringing in sweaters will receive a $25 gift

certificate toward their next purchase. One certificate will be

issued for each donated sweater, and each certificate counts toward

one sweater. St. Croix is located in the Atrium Court. (949)

760-8191.

* Wentworth Gallery is hosting an artist reception with David

Schluss from 6 to 9 p.m. on March 19. (949) 760-9554.

* Martin Lawrence Galleries will host a Modern Masters Show from

6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on March 19. It will feature original works by

Picasso, Chagall, Miro, Renoir, Francis and Warhol. It’s a must-see

for fine-art enthusiasts and serious collectors. RSVP at (949)

759-0134.

THEY’RE NOT LYIN’

Stop by South Coast Plaza’s Jewel Court to see the Tony

Award-winning costumes from the “The Lion King” through March 13. The

costume exhibit includes masks, maquettes (models) and costume

pieces, and celebrates the upcoming performances of “The Lion King,”

from March 10 to April 24, at the Orange County Performing Arts

Center. Julie Taymor received the Tony Award and Outer Critics Circle

Award for Best Costume Design in 1998.

And on Friday, the Easter Bunny will arrive at two locations in

South Coast Plaza, staying through March 26. Family photos can be

taken at the Carousel Court and Crate & Barrel/Macy’s Home Store

Wing. (714) 435-2083.

STRETCH OF THE IMAGINATION

Helena Sprake at Inner Rhythms Yoga has taught yoga for more than

30 years. Customers can experience her expertise with a special rate

on Gentle Yoga classes this month.

The classes are “designed to release stress, tone the body, relax

the mind and strengthen your overall being,” Sprake said.

Her classes are geared for both beginners and those with some yoga

experience. Sprake said the classes are good for those who have had

an injury or some other limiting health condition, and people looking

for a beginning yoga class without feeling intimidated or

overwhelmed. The classes are small and provide individual attention.

Mention this column and pay only $5 for a first class (a single

class is normally $15). And if you sign up for four classes on your

first visit, you’ll receive the series for $35.

Classes are offered on Mondays, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., and

Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at 471 Old Newport Blvd., Room

103, Newport Beach. (949) 548-4059.

Sprake also teaches a Restorative Yoga and Healing Sound class

once a month, using yoga poses combined with vibrations of Tibetan

and crystal bowls and other drums. The next class will be March 13 at

7 p.m. with Sprake and Deanna Ainsworth at the Hot Yoga Studio, 230

East 17th St., Costa Mesa.

A MIXED BAG

Neiman Marcus at Fashion Island is hosting a beauty event,

starting today. With any purchase of $85 or more in fragrance or

cosmetics, shoppers will receive a Neiman Marcus tote bag filled with

a dozen trial-size beauty products. Some of the best names in skin

care and fragrances are included in the bag, including Kiehl’s,

Molton Brown, Natura Bisse and Yves Saint Laurent. (949) 759-1900.

* 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.