Party-Hopping

Are you the type who loves to go to parties where the food and drinks are free? Well, here’s a freeloader’s fantasy--an opportunity for you and a guest to go to about 30 social events--for $60.

These are parties for premieres, store openings, art showings, screenings--and you don’t even have to know the host, who might be a celebrity. By calling the Hotline, you can find out what parties are scheduled.

Ray Engel is the man who has put this together and seems to know what is going on around town.

Here are answers to the obvious questions:

1. What kind of parties are they?

Answer: One call to the Hotline will answer that.

2. Who goes to these parties?

Answer: Whoever knows about them and wants to.

3. What shall I do when I get there?

Answer: Just mingle and enjoy.

A recent call to the Hotline listed these events:

1) an afternoon reception at the Getty Museum

2) a reception at a new art gallery

3) a television premiere with catered lunch

4) an Indonesian food tasting

5) a gourmet festival of chefs

6) a screening of “Saving Private Ryan”

7) a gourmet dinner in a Westwood penthouse

8) a bikini pageant

9) a wedding fashion show

10) a pool party at a Bel-Air estate

Hotline information changes every few days. A colleague and I attended one of the offerings, a seminar on estate planning, including a sit-down luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel. If this was a sample of the events Engel lines up, it’s a class act.

The events could be advantageous if you’re new in town, have time on your hands or just want to get out and mingle.

The bargain value is negated if a person doesn’t attend more than one or two events, but even a couple of them are worth the $60. To sign up, send a check for $60 payable to Ray Engel, and five self-addressed, stamped envelopes to Engel, c/o L.A. News Network, 1730 Camino Palmero, Los Angeles 90046. Or, call the Hotline: (213) 769-4383.

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Weekend Super Sale: Need a new outfit with a designer name? Chantilly has big-name labels on the racks of this tiny store, including Liz Claiborne, Jones New York, Donna Karan Signature, Carole Little, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein.

A Donna Karan silk-knit cardigan that retails for $790 is $79, and the matching sheath, which retails for $496, is also $79.

A Calvin Klein lingerie set at $69 was $220; a two-piece Dana Buchman ensemble for $90 is $300 less than retail.

Many pieces are one of a kind. Sizes run from 2 to 14. Chantilly, 10055 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake. (818) 980-8119.