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GREER’S BEST BUYS:Mimi Kim jewelry shines at boutiques

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Local jewelry designer Mimi Kim first started creating modern and stylish jewelry for herself and friends. Her classic and chic designs caught the attention of boutique owners. Now her jewelry line has exploded.

Kim designs beautiful handmade necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, bridal jewelry and even Mini-Mimi designs for girls. Her delicate designs of natural gemstones, mother-of-pearl and coin pearls are hand-wrapped in sterling silver or 14-carat rolled gold. Mimi’s passion for design is apparent in her eye-catching teardrop earrings, multi-faceted briolette dangle necklace and hand-wrapped pretty pink freshwater pearl ring (prices vary from $58 for earrings to $196 for a necklace).

Local boutiques carrying the Mimi Kim line include Petals in Huntington Beach (714) 536-0025, Selvaggio at Fashion Island in Newport Beach (949) 759-6877, elle H. Boutique in Laguna Beach (949) 715-1345, Stephanie James Couture in Huntington Beach (714) 960-7400 and Citrine in Newport Beach (949) 838-0215; www.mimikimjewelry.com.

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Euro-Mediterranean flavor at Waterfalls

The new Waterfalls restaurant at the Atrium Hotel in Irvine (across from John Wayne Airport) recently hired award-winning executive chef Theo Ioannou, who offers sophisticated EuroMediterranean dining in a casual atmosphere. On the weekdays, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy an extensive all-you-can-eat Mediterranean buffet (just $14.95) complete with succulent rotisserie meats, or order from the imaginative a la carte menu. Other offerings include assorted salads, accompaniments, and mini desserts. Waterfalls is open for a breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner daily (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) At 18700 MacArthur Blvd in Irvine, (949) 833-2770; www.AtriumHotel.com.

Billy Jealousy keeps men looking good

Billy Jealousy’s phenomenal sexy and suggestive men’s grooming products are available at Nordstrom at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Fans swear by the award-winning Hair Raiser follicle restorer ($75), meant to promote regrowth; the Hydroplane shave cream ($20); Ocean Front body wash ($18) and Billy Jealousy’s no-nonsense face products. The cleansing routine is painless: just a Bar None Face Wash (with a little salicylic acid) and retinol for skin issues, tone and texture ($18); Wipe Out eye cream ($34); Combat Lines face moisturizer with SPF 30 ($38) and About Face anti-aging serum ($48).

Pick up a box of their greatest “hits” package of Fuzzy Logic Hair Strengthening Shampoo 8 oz.; Hydroplane Shave Cream 8 oz; and Ocean Front Body Wash 8 oz. at Nordstrom. It’s a $60 value for $50. Nordstrom South Coast Plaza, (714) 549-8300, www.billyjealousy.com.

Mike & Chris trunk show at American Rag

You don’t want to be out of the loop with the fall fashions, do you? Well then, check out the Mike & Chris trunk show Saturday from 12:30 . to 4 p.m. at American Rag at Fashion Island. Husband-and-wife design team Mike & Chris created a much-sought-after hoodie line for men and women. It already has a big celebrity following, including Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba and Nicole Kidman. For the new collection, they’ve transformed the classic hoodie using new fabrics with their trademark fashion-forward styles. This duo melded street wear with chic fashions with their distressed leather and ultra-soft fleece hoodies. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, (949) 760-1510.

Make it yourself at Yogurtland

The cultish Pinkberry frozen yogurt is expected to open soon in Orange County. In the meantime, there’s Yogurtland in Irvine garnering all the attention. Some say Pinkberry should watch out — Yogurtland has quite a following, and for good reason. Unlike Pinkberry, it’s self-serve (ideal for control freaks).

Yogurtland attracts obsessive yogurt fans who don’t mind standing in long lines for a chance to fill up a cup of tangy and tart frozen yogurt and pile unlimited toppings of fresh fruits, mochi, azuki beans and more.

Choose from more than a dozen frozen yogurt flavors, including our favorites: blueberry tart and plain tart. Other choices include chocolate, peach, mango, cookies ‘n’ cream, New York cheesecake, chocolate mint, peanut butter, taro, green tea and espresso. Prices depend on weight, just 30 cents an ounce. The décor is fittingly young, with apple-green glass tiles, berry red plastic chairs and giant images of fresh fruit.

Open 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 14775 Jeffrey Road, Ste. J in Irvine, (949) 857-0884.


  • GREER WYLDER writes Best Buys for the Daily Pilot each Friday. She’s the founder and president of
  • greersoc.com, a free daily e-mail service that provides the latest in Orange County fashion, dining and trends.

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