Want that in a bag?
Desiree Kohan, owner of Des Kohan boutique, has made quite an impact as a retailer, and as soon as you step inside her boutique you’ll understand why: There’s nothing else like it in L.A. Besides having an impeccable eye for the avant-garde (Hussein Chalayan, Juan Carlos Obando and Osman Yousefzada are a few of the labels stocked), she is a world scavenger with a knack for finding extraordinary pieces such as a turn-of-the-century Tiffany & Co. chinoiserie box. Naturally, Kohan would never go for the same “It” bag everyone else is carrying, so on Saturday she’s hosting a trunk show for her newest discovery, handbag designer Marc Marmel, a relative newcomer to the fashion world (his line is only 3 years old). Marmel’s handbags and suitcases ($100 to $1,500) are elegant yet functional, which means buying one piece can be like buying three. The Amanda, a mini suitcase, is partitioned to hold eight pairs of shoes (or eight wine bottles) and can also function as a weekend bag. The Herman, styled after a traditional mailbag, has a secret zipper on the outside to access its contents and can be a handbag or an airplane carry-on. The distressed Italian leather and striking silk brocade linings give the line a sophisticated, modern edge. 671 Cloverdale Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 857-0200. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
EVENTS
Beige Today: Thirty percent off regular-priced merchandise from J Brand, Ben Sherman, Michelle Mason, Alroa Ambiance and more. Prices range from $10 to $350. 7274 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 549-0064. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Melrose Place Thursday: One of the city’s most chic shopping addresses, Melrose Place, is hosting an evening of holiday cheer with extended hours at Temperley, Mulberry, Mary Norton, Me & Ro and other stores, with hors d’oeuvres and more. 8400-8485 Melrose Place, West Hollywood; 5 to 8 p.m.
Rumor Thursday: Cocktails and shopping are always a great combination, especially when everything in sight is 30% off. Look for holiday frocks by Italian designer Flavio Castellani, vintage dresses by Karen Zambos and sequined separates by La Rok. Prices range from $12 to $400. 13325 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks. (818) 981-4762. 7 to 11 p.m.
Bloomingdale’s Thursday: Chanel’s national make-up artist, John Fussel, makes his annual visit. Book ahead for a consultation. Bloomingdale’s at Fashion Island, 601 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. (949) 729-6723. 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Warehouse Sale Saturday-Sunday: Living in L.A., can one ever really have too many jeans? This super sale is offering brands such as Antik Denim, 575, True Religion, Blue Cult and Diesel at 80% off. If you are one of the first 200 shoppers to arrive, you’ll receive a gift bag worth up to $85. Los Angeles Convention Center, Concourse Hall, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. RSVP at www.thewarehousesale.com.
Eco Gift Expo Saturday-Sunday: Decrease your carbon footprint by shopping? That’s what the Eco Gift Expo is proposing, with 150 companies selling eco-friendly gifts such as organic cosmetics, jewelry, yoga products and more. There will also be an organic food court and live entertainment. Ten percent of proceeds will go to Global Green USA. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., Santa Monica. (310) 399-3097. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 online or $15 at the door. www.ecogift.com.
TRUNK SHOWS
Gucci Monday: If you didn’t get an invitation to the spring runway show in Milan, don’t fret. You can see the collection at the Neiman’s trunk show just by RSVPing. Neiman Marcus, 9700 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 550-5900. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Christian Dior Thursday: Check out John Galliano’s Marlene Dietrich-inspired spring collection of three-piece pantsuits, silk blouses and chiffon dresses. Neiman Marcus, 9700 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 550-5900. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cohesive Thursday: Designer David Appel launches his preppy-meets-punk menswear label with button-downs, henleys, polos and denim. Nordstrom at the Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. (323) 930-2230. 6 to 9 p.m.
OPENINGS
H&M; Thursday: The cheap-chic chain has claimed a storefront on Hollywood Boulevard and is opening its doors to the public at noon. Be one of the first 200 customers and you will receive a T-shirt and a gift card worth up to $300. 6922 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 466-7633. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Papillon Couture This mega-boutique features made-in-Italy clothing and accessories, including chunky belts, patent leather handbags, dresses and coats. Sunset Plaza, 8669 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 289-0125. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
SAMPLE SALES
eM Productions Friday-Saturday: Chulo Pony, Christian Weber, Cosa Nostra, Kosmetique Label and more at 30% to 70% off retail prices. Cash only. eM Productions, 1608 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood. (323) 644- 2684. 4 to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Joie Friday-Saturday: With 85% off jackets, sweaters, dresses and more from the boho California contemporary label, don’t be surprised if you have to elbow your way in. Joie, 2323 E. 52nd St., Los Angeles. (323) 277-3900. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
