Plenty of quality luggage at Benchley

Benchley Luggage Ltd., established in 1977, features the best in

luggage, games, travel accessories, small leather goods and more. It

has a Tumi shop-in-a-shop -- a top-quality business case, travel bag,

handbag and accessories company. Exclusive nylon fabric, nearly

indestructible wheels and patented handles and closure systems are

some of Tumi’s innovations. Classic games to choose from include

chess, dominos, backgammon, bridge and Monopoly. Globes, handmade

pens, desk accessories and Kipling bags are a few of Benchley’s great

finds. Benchley Luggage is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through

Friday; from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. (949) 759-9101.

DECORATE WITH ANTHROPOLOGIE

Philadelphia-based Anthropologie, a popular upscale sister store

to Urban Outfitters, offers one-stop shopping for stylish apparel,

home decor and gifts. Even though it’s a national chain retailer, it

feels like a Parisian flea market. The enormous rusted, weathered

tin-tiled ceiling from a Philadelphia mansion and the living room,

bedroom, bathroom and garden vignettes add to its charm.

Anthropologie offers travel-inspired clothing, an eclectic feminine

take on the Bohemian look; reproduction furnishings and one-of-a kind

objects from Asia and Europe; and personal items such as soaps,

books, candles and gifts. All decor can be bought: tables, beds,

sofas, linens, mirrors, lighting, and rugs. Anthropologie is open

from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Fashion Island in

Newport Beach. (949) 720-9946. www.anthropologie.com.

GET TOUGH JEWELRY

SoHo-based Stuart Moore showcases 35 European jewelry designers,

including its own Stuart Moore line, which specializes in

hand-fabricated platinum and 18-karat gold jewelry. Designs are

minimalist; many are Bauhaus-inspired. Highest quality engagement

rings are their specialty. Stuart Moore has copyrighted designs and

says that its platinum or gold is twice as hard and has twice the

tensile strength as almost all competitors Moore says that 99% of

jewelers cast their rings. “This is the best quality product on the

market, bar none,” Moore said. “G.I.A.-certified diamonds are priced

at least 35% less than retail.” The store has an annual sale in

April. Selected styles are reduced up to 50%. Stuart Moore is open

from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Fashion Island in

Newport Beach. (949) 644-0501 www.stuartmoore.com.

HUNGRY MUCH?

Stone Creek Cafe is a gourmet deli that features Boar’s Head

meats, deli salads, a salad and omelet bar, and homemade hot foods.

It’s in the Atrium Court. (949) 760-0403.

LEARNING AT LA TABLE

In 1972, the original Sur La Table opened at Seattle’s famous Pike

Place Farmers’ Market. The store was created as a source of

high-quality cookware and unique tools for home chefs and culinary

pros. Its experienced staff can help solve kitchen-related problems

and offers expert advice. It also offers a range of cooking classes

for beginners to accomplished chefs through its culinary program.

Classes are taught by local and traveling instructors -- including

chocolate, Asian cooking, baking, fundamentals, Italian cooking,

comfort food and more. Hands-on and demonstration classes are for

adults and children. Sur La Table is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. (949)

640-0200. www.surlatable.com.

POLITE PATIO

Looking for quality patio furnishings? Stop by Pacific Coast Patio

in Costa Mesa. The owner, Ana, goes out of her way to be helpful and

offers a nice selection. There are hundreds of fabrics to choose from

for the perfect patio look. Pacific Coast Patio is open from 10 a.m.

to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

at 845 W. Baker St. in Costa Mesa. (714) 979-1336.

PERFECT ASSORTMENT

Neiman Marcus carries the new Infinity collection of luxury

intimate apparel by Cosabella. The new line features cutting-edge

light mesh fabric, with seamless edges at the top and fine side

seams. The comfortable, sexy line has a variety of styles: a low

rider thong, low rider bikini, hot pants, molded bra and camisole.

Expected to arrive soon are a push-up bra and sleeveless top. Colors

include black, nude, powder blue, powder pink and white. Cosabella is

known for its innovative fabrics. In the early 1980s, it was the

first company to use elastic tulle fabric in lingerie. It was

originally used exclusively for hosiery. The elastic tulle was used

to create Cosabella’s famous Soire collection. It’s currently

available in 30 colors and 15 styles. Neiman Marcus is open from 10

a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday; and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at Fashion Island in Newport

Beach. (949) 759-1900.

* BEST BUYS appears Thursdays. Send information to Greer Wylder at

[email protected]; at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627; or by

fax at (949) 646-4170.