Beaches and backyards in Costa Mesa

GREER WYLDER

Beach ‘N Backyards is a new concept home store that just opened on

East 17th Street in Costa Mesa. It reflects owners Linda Lu and

Galvin Bartlett’s love of travel. They felt Orange County needed a

unique store similar to the places where they found treasures in

their world travels.

You’ll find a little bit of everything here: upscale patio

furniture, hand-dyed Asian umbrellas, premium spas and barbecues. Lu

even carries her own line of Bohemian-inspired clothing and

accessories. There is always an unexpected mix of Mediterranean,

Mexican, Spanish and Asian decor items that work well for coastal

living.

“They might find antique day beds, or beaded sari silks, or

outdoor candles that will burn for two years,” Lu said. “This is a

one-of-a-kind venue where there truly is something for every taste,

style and budget.” Beach ‘N Backyards is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tuesday to Friday; from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday; and from 11 a.m. to

7 p.m. Sunday. 291 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa. (949) 645-7727.

ART RECEPTION

A fine art auction and cocktail reception will happen Friday at 8

p.m. at the Martin Lawrence Galleries at Fashion Island. Proceeds

will benefit the City of Hope. Included in the auction will be

original paintings, sculptures, serigraphs, etchings and lithographs

by artists including Picasso, Miro, Warhol, Haring and many others.

Guests can preview the art at 6:30 p.m., the auction starts at 8 p.m.

For more information, call (949) 759-0134.

TIMEPIECES ON SHOW

Traditional Jewelers will show some of the finest timepieces of

the year from 5 to 9 p.m. today. The same watches were shown at the

famous Baselworld watch and jewelry show. Premiere world-renowned

watch companies will exhibit the latest additions limited edition

pieces. Reservations are required. A percentage of sales will go

toward the Hoag Hospital Foundation and Hoag Women’s Pavilion. For

information, call (949) 721-9010.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

COME EARLY

Find pre-season specials on holiday cards at the Ultimate

Invitation in Fashion Island’s Atrium Court. It’s offering 10 percent

off any custom holiday order, including Christmas cards or holiday

invitations, placed by Sept. 30. The Ultimate Invitation carries a

nice selection of holiday cards, including photo cards, invitations,

gift wrap and more. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday

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

p.m. Sunday. 949) 759-7751.

NONCONFORMING CLOTHES

New York designer Betsey Johnson’s clothing stands out for its

wild and exuberant styles. Her nonconforming designs focus on perfect

fits, fluid fabrics and appealing silhouettes. For years, Johnson’s

fashions have attracted celebrities including Madonna, Ashley Judd,

Cameron Diaz and Salma Hayek. Her latest line of colorful sportswear,

Betsyville, is fun, Mexican-inspired clothing that features denim,

corduroy, canvas and sweaters. The Betsey Johnson store is between

Atrium Lawn and the Iris Fountain at Fashion Island. The store 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. Fashion Island in

Newport Beach. (949) 720-0186.

DISCOVERY ITEMS

Discovery Channel Store offers high-tech gadgets, health-related

products and educational items for children. All interests are

covered. The subjects include animals, astronomy, dinosaurs, the

military, espionage, the outdoors and weather. The latest gadgets

include a wireless weather station; an electronic New York Times

crossword, and a remote-control Hovercraft. The store is known for

its extensive DVD and video collections, telescopes and digital

products: cameras, binoculars and toys. Fitness-related items include

Pilates and yoga essentials. There’s a Fourth of July sale, one after

Christmas and usually one for Memorial Day. The Discovery Channel

Store is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 10

a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Level

Two, South Coast Plaza. (714) 557-0656.

RUNWAY CHIC

Marina Rinaldi offers runway chic styles in women’s sizes 10 to

22. The sleek and feminine designs are well constructed and provide

great looks for fuller figures. Sophisticated Italian apparel is made

from high-quality fabrics, including fine silks, wool blends and

cashmeres. Marina Rinaldi is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday

through Friday; from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to

6:30 p.m. Sunday. Level One, Saks Fifth Avenue wing at South Coast

Plaza. (714) 918-7600.

* 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.