Sony’s retail power hits South Coast Plaza

GREER WYLDER

South Coast Plaza is opening Sony Electronics’ first Sony StyleSM

concept store on Saturday. It will showcase Sony’s latest

electronics, entertainment products and services in a stylish setting

complete with a silver and white theme, polished steel and kinetic

lighting. Experience Sony’s innovations including a tiny digital

camera that can be a worn as an accessory and high definition home

theater systems. Demonstration areas in the nearly 6,000-square-foot

store for “test driving” products includes a digital imaging

“shooting gallery” with a variety of digital still cameras,

camcorders and photo printers. From Sony Music and Sony Pictures

Entertainment there will be music and movies selections.

WITHIN REACH

At Design Within Reach, a display of designs entries from the

American Institute of Architects Orange County 2003 Design Awards

Competition is on view through Sept. 18. You’ll have a chance to see

the latest fall collections of contemporary furnishings on Sunday,

Sept. 21. (The store will open early, at 10 a.m., for the collection.) Juice and muffins will be served. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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

p.m. Sunday. Design Within Reach is on the lower level of Atrium

Court at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. (949) 721-0031.

WEDDINGS ON THE WATER

Electra Cruises Weddings at Sea offers luxury yachts for memorable

weddings and other important events. The company offers a fleet of

five popular yachts in Newport that can comfortably carry up to 200

guests. There’s the perfectly restored “Electra,” built in 1929; a

100-foot classic fantail yacht for 100 guests; the “Athena,” a

Grecian-style 115-foot yacht for 100 guests; and the “Newport

Princess,” a New Orleans style paddle wheeler for 200 guests. Its

most striking ultra-modern “Destiny” is a 125-foot yacht for 100

guests with lounge areas on two levels, dining and separate dancing

area, with an open air upper deck with cocktail tables and chairs.

“Galatea” is an intimate 65-foot yacht for 50 guests. A simple

coordinating service helps with all planning details. Hassle-free

wedding packages offer everything you need for a beautiful event. A

four-hour cruise aboard the yacht, with a buffet menu served on

china, linen and silver. Servers come dressed in full tux, and the

chef can design the perfect menu. Beverages include soft drinks,

juice, served in crystal glassware and a coffee/tea bar. Bartenders

are included. Beer, wine and Champagne is available for an additional

charge of $11 per person; and a well bar is an additional $13.

There’s a captain who performs the marriage ceremony. And also

included is the wedding cake; professional photographer; professional

disc jockey; and bridal bouquet, groom’s boutonniere and cake

flowers. Prices are reasonable for amenities included, starting at

$4,611 to $12,715. At Lido Marina Village, 3405 Via Oporto in Newport

Beach. (949) 723-1069.

PRIORITIES IN PLACE

Priorities at Fashion Island celebrates a new look and in-style

collections for women. It’s offering 10% off purchases of $100 or

more. It carries some exclusive designers and the latest looks and

celebrity favorites in denim, sexy dresses, skirts and tops.

Priorities just added Louis Verdad, Moschino, Ashley O’Rourke and

back-in-style fashions by Diane Von Furstenberg. Other popular lines

are from Nanette Lepore, Miguelina, Santisimo, Three Dot, Teenflo for

misses, Diesel and feminine lingerie by Cosabella. For spring and

resort wear, Priorities will be adding new designs by Tracy Reese,

D&G; and more. Hot for fall are Chan Luu’s “ring” necklaces, bracelets

and earrings. Rings are designed with dangling semi-precious stones,

or other pieces have interlocking circles of sterling silver. Open 10

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

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Near Macy’s. (949) 720-0070.

FISHER QUEEN

Eileen Fisher just opened at South Coast Plaza. The New York-based

designer is known for understated fashions that can be both elegant

and comfortable. Natural fabrics range from soft cotton corduroys,

breathable silks, layered velvets, boiled wool with a felt effect,

and washable, packable silk matte jerseys. Fisher’s clothing can be

worn for all occasions by simply changing one piece, not the outfit.

Pieces can be worn at yoga, work, and for evening. On Thursday, Sept.

18 from 6 to 8 p.m. Eileen Fisher celebrates its opening by offering

a shop for a cause event. You’ll receive $25 off on your purchase,

and the store will donate 10% of its proceeds to Human Options, a

nonprofit group “helping women, their families and our community

break the cycle of domestic violence.” Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday

through Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Sunday. Level Two, between Jewel and Carousel Court. (714) 437-3111.

* 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.