Style With a Vengeance

When Gus Contreras saw Mondorama’s polyester leisure shirt with racing stripes, he thought of “1950s Latino style--slicked, tailored and driving old Chevys.” Clothes and other goods that reflect his Mexican heritage, as well as his and partner Pete Champ’s interest in alternative pop culture, make up their funky Costa Mesa boutique Vendetta. It’s an ironic name since the store, which opens today, seeks to unite different local scenes. “The shop is culturally based,” he says, pointing to posters, Catholic folk art, anti-mall gear and sterling silver jewelry on display.

Sales Hit Platinum

Platinum, the rarest, purest and strongest of all precious metals, is hot among the Generation X, says Laurie Hudson, president of Platinum Guild International USA in Newport Beach. Demand in the last year is up about 75% worldwide. During World War II, it was considered a strategic metal and its use for fine jewelry ceased; as a result, white gold was developed. Recent interest is a reaction to the “ostentation of the ‘80s,” Hudson says. “People are interested in acquiring fewer items of greater value. And because it holds diamonds more securely, all the world’s famous diamonds are set in platinum.”

In Line With the Times

In-line skates are great transportation and exercise devices, but what about when you reach your destination? Conventional duffel bags are uncomfortable to carry, as skaters Donna States and Wendell Wee of Hawaii discovered. “There wasn’t a compact enough bag we could use, and there aren’t lockers at the beach,” States says. The duo developed a boot-shaped bag (about $40) that distributes the weight. What’s more, the nylon bag converts into a backpack (with room for pads) or fanny pack, conveniently holding keys and whatever else. Their company, Pidgin Toes, rolls out about 250 bags a week to sporting goods stores.

Nothing to Sniff at

As with all great modern innovations, nose hair clippers have entered the technological age: they’ve now battery-operated. Panasonic offers a wet and dry model (about $25) that’s been a hit at the ultimate-in-gadgets-shop, the Sharper Image. A spokesman calls it among the chain’s more successful items. Salespeople are pushing the buzzing device as stocking stuffers.