It’s time to do LAUNDRY

LAUNDRY by Shelli Segal offers one of the most sought after

collections of sportswear, day and evening dresses for modern and

sexy women. Teenagers to grandmothers shop here for versatile looks

in separates, suits, knit and dresses -- interpretations of current

trends. Sizes 0 to 12 available. Prices are reasonable. An average

dress costs $160. Its flagship store in SoHo, N.Y., is where

celebrities, including Kelly Ripa and Julia Styles, shop. Now that

Liz Claiborne Inc. owns LAUNDRY, it’s considered one of the most

solid sportswear and dress companies in the country. Seasonal sales.

Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Level 2, near the

escalators at South Coast Plaza. (714) 445-0046.

CARE ABOUT THIS EVENT

Newport Coast Shopping Center hosts its first “Spring Fling”

fund-raiser for Newport Coast Cares from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The fun-filled family event benefits the Corazon de Vida Foundation,

which raises money for orphanages in Baja. Admission is $10. The

event will have games and rides for children of all ages. The event

is similar to the center’s popular Halloween Carnival last fall,

which also benefited Newport Coast Cares. That event raised $25,000

and had an attendance of 750. Spring Fling activities include pony

rides and a petting zoo, the “world’s largest” bounce house, a giant

slide, a rock climbing wall, a laser tag game, and a sumo wresting

game. Refreshments can be purchased. Newport Coast Cares was started

in 2000 by a small group of Newport Coast families. The group works

to raise support for children’s causes and educate children and

families about volunteer opportunities. For information, contact Jim

McAleer at (949) 476-1144, ext. 358, or visit www.corazondevida.org.

LOOK IN THE SHOE BOX

Newport Children’s Bootery was a traditional American bootery; now

it’s a very fashion-forward shoe store called Shoe Box, established

in 1974. This is where to find the best selection of stylish and high

quality shoes for newborns to teens. Owner Brad Levy knows what’s in

for kids. He’s always keeping up with current trends. “Geox,

breathable Italian shoes, are the hottest ticket in America,” Levy

said. “And another hot line are the Dolce & Gabbana shoes.” A lot of

girls start wearing women’s sizes as young as 8, Levy said, so he

carries up to size 10 to accommodate them. Other popular brands

include Elefanten, a European infant line; Aster, a French line;

Amiana, featuring adult-like styles; Nina and New Balance. 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. Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

(949) 644-2464. www.groovyshoes.com.

GET DRESSED FOR SUMMER

Subtle Tones offers special promotions on merchandise, including

gifts with purchases through Monday. A “summer party” on Saturday

features sassy sandals, cool T-shirts and tank tops, and bright

linens. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be available, too. Subtle

Tones offers comfortable casual clothing for women and children,

bedding, antiques, lighting and accessories. Especially popular are

the pajamas and nightshirts in attractive prints. Open from 10 a.m.

to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. 844

Avocado Ave., Corona del Mar Plaza. (949) 640-2781.

GARYS MIXES IT UP

For more than 20 years, Garys, a high-end luxury men’s clothing

store, has offered a progressive international mix of designer

brands. Many lines are Italian -- top sellers include Zegna, Giorgio

Armani, Loro Piana and Luciano Barbera. It’s the only store at

Fashion Island to carry Haupt and George Roth collections. Owner Dick

Braeger was one of the three original partners of Cole Haan, so

naturally, Garys does a big shoe business. About 60% of the shoes are

Cole Haan’s. The rest are specialty Italian brands, including Giorgio

Armani, Prada and handmade Moreschi and Gravati. Eight exceptional

tailors on staff can offer same-day tailoring. Garys also has its own

BOSS Hugo Boss shop that offers a label system; red is fashion

forward, trimmer fit; orange is sport; black is classic; green is

golf; and white is the Baldessarini luxury collection. Sportswear,

knits and T-shirts sell like crazy here, yet they offer an extensive

suit collection, as well. Ask for David Cantu, who offers excellent

customer service. Two annual sales happen after Christmas and in

July. 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. Fashion Island in

Newport Beach. (949) 759-1174.

* BEST BUYS appears Mondays and Fridays. Send information to Greer

Wylder at [email protected]; at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA

92627; or by fax at (949) 646-4170.