Shopping takes a turn toward Valentine’s Day gifts
Shopping over the next few days is taking a decided turn toward Valentine’s Day gifts. Among some of the notable V-Day themed “shop-ops” are these:
Vintage Malibu and Malibu Country Mart are giving away a $7,000 diamond necklace and other prizes during a scavenger hunt on Sunday. Couples are invited to race the clock and each other to find five jewelry boxes hidden around Malibu County Mart. Besides the necklace, prizes include dinner for two at Mr. Chow, a $100 mall gift certificate and chocolates from K Chocolatier. Signups are required and will be held from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Sunday with the hunt slated to begin at 9 a.m. Entrants must be at least 18 years old and only one prize will be awarded per person. Find complete rules at Malibu Country Mart’s Facebook page. The mart is at 3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu.
Mack Sennett Studios plans its first iHeartSilverLake event with a special Valentine’s Gift Market from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. More than 50 local artists and designers are expected to be on hand to offer artisanal wares. Brands include Bar Keeper, Cloudhunter Co., Crap Eyewear, Nailswag, Native, the Juice, Thorocraft, Les Beaux Chocolats, Bones and Feathers Collective, Han Cholo and Earthling Jewelry. There will also be a photo booth, Tarot readings and more. Entry is $5. The event is at 1215 Bates Ave., Los Angeles.
Citibank and Gap are sponsoring a family-friendly Valentine’s celebration from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Grove. From noon to 2 p.m., stylist and fashion journalist Melissa Magsaysay (an occasional Los Angeles Times freelance contributor) will offer Valentine’s Day wardrobe tips at the Gap. (Citicard customers will receive 25% off Gap purchases of $100 or more all day.) From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., a variety of activities are scheduled in the park at the Grove, including cupcake decorating sponsored by Sprinkles, face painting and crafts. Other sponsors include American Girl Place and See’s Candy. The Grove is at 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles.
South Bay Galleria is hosting its first “AntiValentine’s Day Pamper Thyself” event on Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., shoppers can check in at the third-level food court for a list of participating merchants who will be offering special sales, giveaways, makeovers, mini-massages, complimentary refreshments and more. The first 100 people who check in will receive a $10 giftcard. The mall is also sponsoring an Instagram photo contest for photos that guests take of themselves during the event and post on Saturday with the hashtag #AntiValentineSBG. South Bay Galleria is at 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach.
Co-op 28 plans a two-day “Trunk of Burning Love” event this weekend. Four American-made handcrafted jewelry lines are to be showcased: Put a Bird On It, Solstice Ltd, My Life My Logic and West End Cool. All four are participating on Saturday, and Solstice Ltd and West End Cool will stick around on Sunday. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. both days. Co-op 28 is at 1728-1730 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles.
Historic Downtown Los Angeles is getting in on the festivities, sponsoring Shop Walk from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, just in time for Valentine’s Day shopping. The event features shopping, eating and playing in the city’s historic core. Participating merchants, bars and eateries (which include Grand Central Market, the Ace Hotel, Bar Ama, Buttons & Bows, Cole’s and more) plan to offer a variety of enticements, such as music, specials, discounts and complimentary treats.
Openings:
Van Cleef & Arpels has opened its remodeled South Coast Plaza store. The jewelry boutique now encompasses 2,174 square feet and is decorated in a modern palette of black and gray with touches of green and gold leaf accents. The boutique boasts a bridal salon, VIP room and a limited edition of eight timepieces that are exclusive to South Coast Plaza. The shop is on level one in the Jewel Court area (near Nordstrom) at the mall, which is at 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa.
Kelley Baker Brows , which is based in Venice, plans to open a Beverly Hills location on Monday and will celebrate by offering complimentary brow-shaping by appointment on a first-come, first-served basis from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The new salon is on the second floor of the Lasky Clinic, 201 Lasky Drive, Beverly Hills. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For appointments, call (310) 314-2769.
Other events:
The Inspiration fair, featuring vintage and vintage-inspired fashion and other items, is taking place at the L.A. Mart, 1933 S. Broadway, No. 2F, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are available on the website.
Alchemy Works, at 826 E. Third St., is hosting an opening party for this weekend’s Inspiration fair from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday. The evening will include men’s grooming by master barber Pedro Zermeno ($25 haircut, $40 haircut with Imperial Barber Products pomade). Weiss watches will be making watches by hand, and Figueroa Mountain Brewing is providing beer.
Citizens of Humanity has scheduled a trunk showing of Smith + Mara’s spring 2014 jewelry collection from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Designers Mara Rothbart and Sara Smith will be on hand to introduce the collection. Citizens of Humanity is at 8747 Beverly Blvd., West Hollywood. Champagne and light appetizers will be served.
[For the Record 5:28 p.m. Feb. 5: This post originally said the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique at South Coast Plaza would reopen on Thursday. It has already opened.]
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