Trend Watch: Unique finds at new retro shop
Locals will have another place to shop for retro and vintage-inspired clothes when Unique Vintage opens in downtown Huntington Beach.
Unique Vintage is hosting a grand opening party starting at noon March 9 at its shop, 155 Fifth St., next to Forever 21. Rockabilly band Hot Rod Trio will perform at 1 p.m. Shoppers will receive 20% off the entire store, a free pair of sunglasses with each purchase, and prizes that will be raffled throughout the day. Local shop Scoop on Cookies will serve up complimentary treats.
Burbank-based Unique Vintage has two other locations, one in Burbank and one in Valencia. The majority of its business is done online, said Public Relations Director Robin Tolkan-Doyle.
The Huntington Beach shop will have a beachy twist on offerings, selling retro swimsuits, 1950s pinup-style fashions, swing dresses and flapper-like hand-beaded dresses such as those inspired by “The Great Gatsby,” she said.
Swimwear prices will range from $60 to less than $100 and dresses will range from about $70 to just less than $150. The dresses “are reasonably priced,” “unique,” and not like ones found in the mall or department stores, Tolkan-Doyle added.
Check out the fashion offerings at https://www.unique-vintage.com.
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Baby shop hosts grand opening Feb. 28
Lil’ Baby Sprouts, an upscale baby boutique in Newport Beach, is hosting its grand opening from 3 to 7 p.m. Feb. 28.
Guests will enjoy refreshments and children will be entertained by a balloon artist and free music class, according to a news release. There will also be hourly giveaways for prizes such as gift baskets, professional photography sessions and more. Anyone who buys more than $25 in merchandise will get 10% off their purchase, or 15% off for purchases more than $50.
Lil’ Baby Sprouts sells high-end products for newborns and toddlers such as organic blankets, toys and other items. It will offer classes taught by experts for moms and moms-to-be starting in March, such as Baby Care Series, Sleep Coaching and more.
The shop is in Newport North Shopping Center at 1280 Bison Ave.; call (949) 721-1077.
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Seaweed Sok offering special deal
Soaking for health and leisure seems to be trending these days. Seaweed Sok in Newport Beach wants people to get in on all the soaking fun and has continued its special holiday offer. Customers can buy any Voya product at the shop and get a one-hour soak, valued at $65, for free.
Owner Missy Finlay said that due to the popularity of the deal, she and her husband decided to continue it past the holidays. The two started the business in August, as previously reported in the Daily Pilot. Seaweed soaking is big in Ireland, where the Finlays discovered it.
Voya products are described as “organic seaweed beauty products,” according to the company’s website. There are products for the face, bath and body.
Seaweed Sok is at 504 W. Balboa Blvd. in Newport Beach; call (949) 689-7086.
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Get children healthy with new series
Seeds Arts and Education Inc. is offering the “Growing Healthy Kids Series” starting March 14.
The workshops will address the issue of preventing childhood obesity, according to a news release. They will help parents to educate their children on the link between dietary habits and health.
Highlights of the series include a starter workshop, “Dr. Sears’ L.E.A.N. Start Workshops with Shanna George.” George is a certified L.E.A.N. (Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude and Nutrition) coach who will give parents the basics to start making healthier choices and behaviors. The class is from 6 to 8 p.m. March 14.
After that, there are three workshops in the series and all are free and open to the public, thanks to a grant from the Laguna Beach Community Foundation. All of the classes are at the Anneliese Schools’ Willowbrook Campus, 20062 Laguna Canyon Road.
The first workshop is “Build My Own Garden” with Greg Johansen from 2 to 4 p.m. April 14. The second workshop is “Menu Planning” with Chef Linda Elbert (adults only) from 4 to 6 p.m. May 12, and the third is “Seasonal Cooking” with Chef Ryan Adams, from 370 Common, from noon to 2 p.m. May 18. Families are welcome with children ages 5 and older.
Registration is required. More information is at https://www.seedsed.org.
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Time’s ticking on Fleming’s winter menu
There is only a little bit more time to taste Fleming’s winter menu by Executive Chef Russell Skall.
Through March 10, guests can taste Skall’s “innovative, market-driven prix fixe, showcasing two courses at a special price of $40.95,” according to a news release. Wine Director Maeve Pesquera pairs a ruby pomegranate and herbaceous sage margarita with the meal, which starts of with a “crusty crostini layered with housemade ricotta flavored with lemon zest and juicy bosc pear slices drizzled with Meyer lemon honey and orange zest.”
That’s followed by an entree of an iron-seared Delmonico steak “topped with spiced blue crab glacage and plated with a crispy potato cake and baby heirloom carrots.” The seasonal dessert, which costs extra, is a frozen almond souffle flavored slightly with Amaretto and topped with a fresh blueberry sauce, whipped cream and cocoa nibs.
Fleming’s is at 455 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. For reservations, go to https://www.flemingssteakhouse.com.
ALISHA GOMEZ is the managing editor of the Coastline Pilot and Huntington Beach Independent. She can be reached at alisha.gomez@latimes.com or (714) 966-4618.