Hand-made, sans the ugly
This holiday season, it’s fashionable to buy local. And that’s where the Handmade for the Holidays arts and crafts fair comes in. “All these recalls in China, all this craziness going on, people have a chance to buy this stuff that supports designers in our country,” says event organizer Christa Waydo, who also founded www.homegrownmarket.com, an e-commerce site for made-in-America goods. But just because the fair is crafts-inclined doesn’t mean the merchandise is amateurish. Look for pebbled stingray bracelets ($75) by Unearthed, loose-fitting shirtdresses by the Vancouver brand Cuche ($195) and two-SPACE’s pinstriped baby-doll numbers ($166). There will also be a craft station where you can design your equivalent of Anya Hindmarch’s canvas “I Am Not a Plastic Bag.” Admission, $2, Fairfax High School parking lot, 7850 Melrose Ave., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. There is also an online shopping opportunity, at www.holiday fair.homegrownmarket.com
OPENINGS:
Steve & Barry’s The sporty East Coast retailer opens its 12th boutique, featuring Venus Williams’ new EleVen line. Burbank Town Center, 761 N. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank; (818) 972-9145. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Harlow Just a stone’s throw from South Coast Plaza, husband-and-wife team Kerri Harlow and Chris Smith have opened a mod-Victorian space filled with shoes, bags, beauty items and jewelry. Highlights include Botkier handbags and Mike & Chris’ new line of shoes. 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa; (714) 966-6600. 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.harlowboutique.com
A+R Andy Griffith’s and Rose Apodaca’s store may be filled with avant-garde design, but there are nods to fashion too. Apodaca, a contributor to The Times’ Image section, has selected gorgeous faceted glass jewelry by Phuze, a Mexico City designer, and delicate wood and resin pendants by local designer Stuart Breidenstein. A+R, 1121-1 Abbot Kinney Blvd., (310) 392-9128. Noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. www.aplusrstore.com
EVENTS
Ready, Set, Shop! Saturday: For the uninitiated, downtown shopping can be intimidating, but Christine Silvestri can lead the way to wholesale steals. As part of the L.A. Fashion District’s Fit for the Holidays series, Silvestri hits the streets to reveal boutiques that stock $10 leggings, $50 wool coats and more. Tickets are $36 per person; meet at Santee Village Lofts, 1716 S. Los Angeles St., (meet outside of the sales office in the courtyard). Reservations required, call (213) 488-1153 or go to www.fashiondistrict.org
Icon Wall at Tom’s Shoes Monday through Jan. 23: The Theory boutique takes Tom’s Shoes off the street and puts them on the wall to honor the company’s spirit of giving. Tom’s Shoes donates a pair of shoes for every one sold, which meant 10,000 pairs went to developing countries last year. The wall will feature photos from last year’s “Shoe Drop” in Argentina. You can also buy your own pair at the boutique, including the new silver and gold glitter slip-ons for the holidays. Theory, 8428 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 782-0163. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
TRUNK SHOWS
Pascha Trunk Show Today: The years Masha Archer spent in Kiev, New York City and Mexico City are brilliantly reflected in her one-of-a-kind jewelry designs, featuring bright beads, tribal objects and antique coins. Facets, 146 S. Lake Ave., No. 107, Pasadena; (626) 304-9765. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
SAMPLE SALES
Stop + Shop Today: Up to 80% off Paul Frank, NSF Clothing, Amo & Bretti, Saint Grace, Twill 22, Modern Amusement, Lily McNeal and more at the Thread Foundation’s latest event. Ten percent of sales will benefit the Polaris Project, an organization that fights human trafficking worldwide. 828 S. Main St., Los Angeles. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.threadfoundation.com
The Sample Collective Today: Peeler boutique pulls out the stops every third Sunday of the month, and this week the loungy hip-hop band Hollywood Kill will perform while designers from L.A., Great Britain and Japan sell their wares in the parking lot. Look out for Hitch Couture (a mobile label that travels around in a trailer), Cityboy Empire (a streetwear line) and TNS Skateboards’ custom skatedecks, as well as handbags, jeans and more. Peeler, 1164 Western Ave., Hollywood; (323) 466-8806. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.myspace.com/thesamplecollective.
Rock and Republic Today: 50% to 80% off Rock and Republic men’s, women’s and kids’ denim, sweaters, jackets, blazers and more. Sony Studios, Stage 9, 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City; (310) 839-3330. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
DDCLAB Through Nov. 25: DDCLAB, the New York company known for wild technology (case in point: the Electro Magnetic Field-Blocking Trench Coat), launches a massive sample sale to benefit the organization Charity:Water, which builds wells in Africa. Snag men’s and women’s jeans for $25, silk tops for $20, women’s dresses, $30, and much more. 8906 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; (310) 385-8085. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. www.ddclab.com
Warehouse Sale Today: Orange County bargain hunters can wade through more than 25,000 jeans, jackets, tees and more by Antik Denim, 575, True Religion, BCBG Max Azria and Taverniti, all up to 80% off. Free with RSVP, or $5 at the door. Orange County Fair & Expo Center, 88 Fair Drive, Building No. 14, Costa Mesa; (818) 238-9898. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.thewarehousesale.com
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