GREER’S BEST BUYS:

Missing your grandmother’s home-baked treats? Well, yearn no more. SusieCakes, an all-American, home-style bake shop, just opened in Newport Beach. You can get your fill of old-fashioned, freshly baked classics. Founder Susan Sarich, a Chicago native, left her former marketing career to open a neighborhood bakery reminiscent of her childhood and as a tribute to her grandmothers (she uses their delicious recipes). SusieCakes specializes in straightforward Americana treats, nothing fancy or highly composed. Susan opened her first bakery two years ago in Brentwood, and soon followed a second location in Calabasas. The bakery is a great place to stop in for a slice of cake, an exclusive Whoopie Pie, two fudge cookies filled with vanilla buttercream; signature frosting-filled cupcakes; and a collection of cookies and bars. Check out the website for a full menu. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 2043 Westcliff Drive No. 103. For more, call (949) 646-6881 or visit www.susiecakesla.com.

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Clothes for cheap

Find bargains on premium denim for men and women at a warehouse sample sale this weekend at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. All items have a 40% to 80% discount. VIP shopping is available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and costs $15 pre-sale or $25 at the door. The first 200 customers receive a gift bag. Admission is free 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday for people who reserve a space online, or $5 at the door. The sale is in Building 14, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. For more information, visit www.thewarehousesale.com.

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TASTE OF THE BUBBLY

Discover the “Art of Champagne” at Quattro Caffé at South Coast Plaza from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday and May 9 at the restaurant’s third annual tribute to fine champagne. You can sample a cuvée tasting of Laurent-Perrier Gran Siècle, Louis Roederer Brut 2000, Dom Ruinart 1996 and Salon Clos Le Mesnil 1996, each accompanied by its own hors d’oeuvre. Representatives from each will circulate to answer questions. Seating is limited and admission is $45 per person. Reservations are required. Quattro Caffé is on level one by the Jewel Court at South Coast Plaza. For more information, call (714) 754-0300.

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New Stella

Fashion designer Stella McCartney makes a personal appearance next week at Neiman Marcus at Fashion Island for a private cocktail party and fashion show. And you can see her fall 2008 collection from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday in Designer Sportswear on level two. For more information, call (949) 750-1900.

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Star’s jewelry

The Halsea Shop in Newport Beach hosts a trunk show from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday featuring Lowd Suga’ jewelry designs created by “Days of Our Lives” star Arianne Zucker. The handcrafted pieces for women and men were inspired by the beaches of Santa Monica and Hollywood’s edgy side. Halsea is at 409 31st St. in Newport Beach. For more information, call (949) 673-7743 or visit www.halsea.com.

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‘80’s clothing deals

The Trovata warehouse sale is today and Saturday. You’ll also find great buys on Whitley Kros, the ‘80’s-inspired clothing collection created by Marissa Ribisi (married to singer Beck) and Sophie Coloma, and TOMS shoes. The store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and resides at 2122 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. For more information, call (949) 675-5904 or visit www.trovata.com.

GREER WYLDER writes Best Buys, which runs Fridays. She’s the founder and president of www.greersoc.com, a free daily e-mail service that provides the latest in Orange County fashion, dining and trends.