Get ready to party
Evening wear designer Katy Rodriguez and friends have come together for a sample sale that could be the answer to the age-old holiday dilemma of what to wear. The best of L.A. design will be on offer today only, including Rodriguez’s chicer than chic party dresses (the “twist” style with its side-swept skirt is a favorite, in vintage 1960s silk), along with Jeremy Scott’s Pop-print bathing suits and knits. Folksy pieces by Magda Berliner are up for grabs too, as are handkerchief gowns by Gregory Parkinson. And the prices? Originally $1,200, Rodriguez’s silk creations will go for $150. Meanwhile, her boyfriend, skater Tony Alva, will play tunes to put you in the party mood. Resurrection Los Angeles, 8006 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 651-5516. Noon to 5 p.m.
OPENINGS
Vilebrequin With St. Tropez-style ‘70s swim trunks as a signature, it’s a wonder it took the French brand this long to open its first Orange County boutique. Surf daddies will dig the brightly printed father-son matching board shorts ($90-$115). Other choice finds include sunglasses, linen shirts and pants, and plush beach towels. Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. (949) 287-0143. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Badgley Mischka Sunset Plaza Mark Badgley and James Mischka ditched their digs on Rodeo Drive for this more intimate boutique, featuring one-of-a-kind red carpet gowns such as a silver beaded number with tulle godets ($18,900), as well as ready-to-wear. And being on Sunset Boulevard, the atmosphere is pure Hollywood, with black-and-white accents and crystal sconces hand designed to mimic the designers’ embellished gowns. Also on offer are statement-making accessories, jewelry, handbags and glasses. 8667 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 248-3750. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Intermix South Coast Plaza Just weeks after opening on Robertson Boulevard in L.A., Intermix continues its expansion into the Southland, offering Orange County femmes all their favorite designer fixes under one roof. Key pieces for the holidays? Jay Godfrey’s one-shoulder bow dress in fuchsia, Privee’s sequin tank dress, and patent-leather Mary Janes. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. (714) 754-7895. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Whatever Lola Wants It looks like whatever owner Lola Elmo wants, she gets. Enter her whimsical pink-and-blue lingerie and accessories shop and you’ll find a bounty of hand-selected vintage and contemporary pieces. Highlights include Linda Farrow sunglasses, gloves by George Morand and pretty underthings from Fifi Chachnil. 834 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 461-3155. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
EVENTS
Room 222 Today: The first of what promises to be a monthly sale of pieces handpicked by Lisa Mionie, a collector of higher-end vintage clothing. American, Japanese and European designers are represented, including Halston, Dior and Balenciaga, and organizers insist prices will be below what’s offered at Decades, the Way We Wore and other local vintage boutiques. Room 222, 509 Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. (818) 980-1055. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Shecky’s Girls Night Out Wednesday-Thursday: Online guide Shecky’s throws an event with two days of nonstop shopping and 75% off indie labels such as Bodyrocks jewelry, Jamah handbags, La Chica Chic apparel and more. Look for free beauty treatments, massages, cocktails and goodie bags too. Barker Hangar, Santa Monica Air Center, 3021 Airport Ave., Santa Monica. 5 to 10 p.m. General admission, $10. www.sheckys .com
Banana Republic Thursday-Dec. 12: Help others bundle up when you donate a gently used sweater at any Banana Republic store. You’ll receive 30% off the purchase of a new sweater too. Donations from the drive support local Goodwill job training and career services. All Banana Republic boutiques. www.banana republic.com
Sunset shopping event Thursday: The chic boutiques on Sunset Boulevard are celebrating the holidays with sweet deals. Buy Madison shoes at 40% off and get the second pair for half off, and go gift-bag grabbing at Euphora Apothecary and Jeffrey Kara Salon. 8560-8590 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 860-0806. 6 to 8 p.m.
Montana Ave. Trunk Show Shop Hop Saturday: Stroll Montana Avenue’s shopping drag, meet designers and score stocking stuffers. Jewelry maker Cynthia Wolf and knitwear designer Sharon Lee Cohen will greet shoppers, and merchants will offer kooky add-ons such as complementary lashes with a purchase of $100 at Benefit Cosmetics. Montana Avenue, Santa Monica.
TRUNK SHOWS
Vintage Dress Friday-Sunday: Shabby Chic guru Rachel Ashwell’s second pastime -- collecting vintage prom dresses from the 1930s and ‘40s -- takes center stage this week, when she displays 20 of her favorite finds at Fashion Island. The frothy creations in pastel blue and Creamsicle colors will be available for purchase as well. Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic, Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive, Suite 207, Newport Beach. (949) 219 0663. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
SAMPLE SALES
Monique Lhuillier Wednesday-Thursday: It’s that time again. The sale that drives engaged gals crazy starts this week, with bridal gowns and ready-to-wear at 40% to 90% off. 708 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 655-1088. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
LaRok Thursday-Saturday: Cutie-pie looks from LaRok at rock-bottom prices. Snag a jersey tunic with gold hardware for $41 (originally $228), cashmere sweaters for $63 (originally $348) and hoodies for $36. 5175 Soto St., Vernon. (323) 584-3500. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
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