Baubles need a home

Move over, diamonds. Vintage costume jewels are quickly becoming the baubles to beat. Neil Zevnik started collecting more than a decade ago and now has thousands of vintage chokers, glittering rhinestone rings and oversized clip-on earrings. So many, in fact, that he’s selling some.

“It’s an obsessive hobby,” says Zevnik, a private chef for the likes of Pierce Brosnan and Liz Taylor. His home is a bejeweled museum with cases of triple strand pearls from the late 1940s and massive turquoise and silver bracelets circa 1960 filling each room. Once Zevnik senses that a piece is begging to be worn, it’s out the door to one of five charity sales he holds throughout the year.

Visitors to the latest shopping soiree, which benefits the Child Development Institute focusing on children’s health, will find a selection spanning centuries and price ranges. Look for a 1950s-era crystal chandelier necklace by Elsa Schiaparelli ($235), a beaded Miriam Haskell wrap bracelet from the late 1930s ($350), as well as gold and sterling silver cuffs for under $100. A vast selection of large, playful earrings are a mere $5. Zevnik even polishes and buffs each piece by hand.

Looks like girl has a new best friend.

Child Development Institute, 6800 Owensmouth St., Suite A, Canoga Park. (818) 888-4559. 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 22. www.myspace.com/joolspectacular. Free admission; RSVP mandatory.

Sales

Faire Frou Frou starting Saturday: This mother/daughter-owned lingerie shop is offering pieces by La Perla, Emanuel Ungaro and Vannina Vesperini at up to 75% off. Find bras, panties, nighties, lounge wear and even garter belts. 13017A Ventura Blvd., Studio City. (818) 783-4970. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. www.fairefroufrou.com

Mary Norton Friday: The fanciful shoe designer’s colorful stingray clutches, Lucite minaudieres and ankle strap stilettos are now 40% off. And, for the bride, a pair of French brocade sling-backs with mammoth-sized crystals on the toes are $479 (originally $795). 8436 Melrose Place, West Hollywood. (323) 852-1800. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. www.marynorton.com

ShopBop.com: This Madison, Wis.-based e-tailer has a killer selection of contemporary and runway names that would take eons to find at brick-and-mortar stores. While supplies last, get 30% to 70% off a range of clothes and accessories at the site’s high-end designer area. Find a semi-sheer silk blouse by Chris Benz for $196.50 (originally $655), Zac Posen’s leather “Zac Sak” for $647.50 (originally $1,295) and gray suede gladiator sandals by L.A.’s first daughter of fashion, Jenni Kayne, for $206.50 (originally $295). Derek Lam’s sensuous silk dresses made us salivate, while Proenza Schouler’s Victorian lace-up booties made us -- dare we say it -- wish for fall. www.shopbop.com

Events

Kriss Soterion Makeup Tour Friday and Saturday: This New Hampshire-based makeup guru paints the faces of some important political players, including John McCain, Rudy Giuliani and Barack Obama. Her techniques erase wrinkles and keep shine at bay during grueling presidential debates. Tickets, $75. Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. (603) 624-2333. 10 a.m. to noon or 7 to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to noon or 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday. www.kriss cosmetics.com

Mimi & Hy 1st Birthday Party Saturday: Forget cake and ice cream. The birthday blowout at this accessories and gift boutique features margaritas, martinis and a tower of Twinkies. Shoppers will score eco-friendly goody bags filled with skin-care products by Malin & Goetz, samples of L’Artisan Parfumeur and celeb fave LnA cotton tees. Nevermind the goody bag -- all we really want is one of the $770 oversized handbags by Vivia Ferragamo (Salvatore is her grandpa). 12019 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. (818) 761-2202. 1 to 5 p.m. www.mimi andhy.com

Versace Fall Preview Friday and Saturday: Catch a sneak peek of Donatella’s slick satin cocktail dresses, slit-up-to-there dresses and one-shoulder tops. Champagne and caviar will be served. 248 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 205-3921. Noon to 4 p.m. www.versace.com

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erin.weinger@latimes.com