GREER’S BEST BUYS:

One of the hottest O.C. stylists, Louis Orozco, owner of the chic Madison Salon in Newport Beach, just added Studio Two, an exclusive second floor for a VIP experience. Stylists can work their magic on your hair in front of the cozy fireplace or outside in the fresh air while overlooking the marina. You can also enjoy a champagne.

Studio Two completes Orozco’s vision of creating a relaxed and beautiful setting for his clients. Each chair has its own suspended and retractable hair dryer. Orozco and his team of four professional stylists create modern and flattering cuts, color and styles, and use only premium hair care products, including Kerastase and Shu Uemura.

Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, at 502 30th St. in Newport Beach, (949) 675-7757; www.madisonsalon.com.

Furniture half off

Studio Chameleon in Newport Beach offers a chance to save on select home accessories reduced 50% through Dec. 1. The classical modern showroom offers original art and framing, custom-made furniture, Bernhardt upholstery, premium fabrics for bedding and drapery, rare and eclectic petrified-wood tables, unique glass art and more. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, at 1733 Westcliff Drive in Newport Beach; (949) 650-7979.

Pairing pizza, pinot noir

The Island Hotel just debuted a wonderful midweek respite. Spend Wednesday evenings from 4 to 8 enjoying a new Pizza & Pinot Menu followed by a musical performance by award-winning performer, vocalist and entertainer Jimmy Hopper until 10. The Palm Terrace Lounge offers four specialty pizzas created by chef Bill Bracken, paired with a choice of six exceptional pinot noirs, ranging from California to French Burgundy to high-end Oregon selections, with each glass costing $15 to $35. Pizzas are $4 each with a glass of pinot and include taleggio cheese and crushed truffles with lobster and chives; blue cheese with black cherry jam and arugula; duck confit with caramelized onions, grapes and Humboldt fog goat cheese; and classic Marguerite. At 690 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach; (949) 760-4920, www.theislandhotel.com.

Designer for diabetes

Local fashionistas can meet the belle of Milan, Alberta Ferretti, at a special engagement at Neiman Marcus at Fashion Island when she presents her spring 2008 collection during a charity event.

Neiman Marcus will partner with the Dream Guild in support of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Dream Gala 2008 with a cocktail party and Alberta Ferretti fashion show Tuesday. There’s a VIP cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. with Ferretti for about 100 guests, a cocktail party at 7 p.m., a runway fashion show at 7:30 p.m., and champagne and dessert bites with her afterward. Ticket prices are $150 for the cocktail party, show and champagne reception afterward. VIP tickets for the VIP reception, cocktail party, show and champagne reception are $250. All proceeds from the event go to JDRF.

For tickets and information, contact Erika Overland at (949) 553-0363, eoverland@jdrf.org. Neiman Marcus also hosts an Alberta Ferretti’s trunk show Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m. Ms. Ferretti will work with customers individually from 2 to 4 p.m. (949) 759-1900, www.neimanmarcus.com.

Relax, drink, shop

At Caffe Balboa, you can accomplish favorite pastimes at once: drinking coffee, eating and shopping. Owner Deborah Nguyen created a place for locals to unwind, relax and shop. Caffe Balboa bakes fresh bagels, croissants and muffins daily, and serves sandwiches and espresso drinks. Within the cafe there’s a boutique featuring affordable and stylish brands like Carilyn Vaile and Privacy.

Caffe Balboa also hosts a special holiday boutique event each Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring complimentary wine, coffee and appetizers. Open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursdays; 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturdays; Closed Tuesdays, at 613 E. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach, (949) 723-0064.

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.