SIMPLE MAN
Parke & Ronen is known for its bathing suits -- manly, fitted trunks in retro-inspired prints that are neither teenager-long nor embarrassingly short. (Think Sean Connery in “Dr. No” or Tom Selleck as Magnum, P.I.)
Now the New York company has opened a minimalist boutique on Melrose Avenue, and bathing suits aren’t the only items worth checking out. There are cotton dress shirts with French cuffs lined at the collar in bright charmeuse silk ($138), tuxedo-style pants with a cotton rather than a satin stripe ($185) and sportier pieces such as the slim “Ali” shorts in washable linen, featuring a vintage-inspired 3-inch waistband and a stripe down the sides. The boutique also carries skinny jeans from Levi’s, a small collection of messenger bags by Property Of and neo-Converse sneakers by Medium. Those bathing suits are $65 to $85.
The shop’s decor is streamlined and no-frills, featuring raw-steel shelving. “It’s very organic and simple,” co-owner Ronen Jehezkel says, “and metal is very masculine.”
But Jehezkel adds that if you’re looking for basic apparel, keep walking: “If you want a simple khaki, go to the Gap.” 8012 1/2 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 852-1635; www.parkeandronen.com. Noon to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
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OPENINGS
Michael Kors The new store at South Coast Plaza is only the third to feature Kors’ runway collection, along with the brand’s lifestyle lines. Fans of the designer’s sporty, sophisticated sensibilities will find plenty to splurge on, including a gold bugle-beaded short shift ($2,595) and a cropped kimono jacket ($1,195). Accessories include watches, fragrance, eyewear, belts, shoes and handbags such as the classic Astor ($328) and the patent-leather Sutton clutch ($398). 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, (714) 557-5600. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, to 8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
H&M; Thursday: The Swedish fast fashion chain opens in the Galleria at Tyler in Riverside -- and though it won’t be offering the Roberto Cavalli collection, the shop will stock its usual array of on-trend pieces for men, women and kids. Look for high-waisted wool women’s trousers ($49.50), long-sleeved wool cropped cardigans ($59.90), trapeze coats ($59.90) and a clutch of organic cotton items for the eco-hipster. The first 100 customers receive a T-shirt and a gift card worth as much as $100. Selected items are also on sale opening day. 1002 Galleria at Tyler, Riverside, (951) 352-2733. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
The Little Seed Soleil Moon Frye, the actress best known as Punky Brewster, has teamed up with industry friends Paige Goldberg Tolmach and Elizabeth Birkett to open an eco-friendly boutique filled with baby products. The 2,200-square-foot shop carries products from Orbit Baby , makers of strollers with a minimal carbon footprint, organic bed linens from Amenity and Coyuchi, handmade toys from Barbara Sansoni and Zid Zid, and organic clothing from Fauna and Kate Quinn. Best of all, kids can let loose in the arts-and-crafts area. 219 Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 462-4441. 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily.
EVENTS
Walk of Style Thursday-Oct. 24: James Galanos will be honored with the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style award on Thursday. Those who can’t attend the party and the unveiling of the sidewalk star can glimpse Galanos’ creations in an exhibit of his work by photographer Victor Skrebneski. Galanos’ vibrant silks, intricate embroidery and precision tailoring made Nancy Reagan, Judy Garland and Diana Ross devotees. Two Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. Unveiling Thursday at 11 a.m., exhibit through Oct. 24.
Giuseppe Zanotti Thursday: Meet the elusive Italian designer of sexy, bejeweled footwear pumps and bags, at his boutique in South Coast Plaza at an event benefiting the Assessment and Treatment Services Center of Orange County (20% of sales will be donated). Attendees can also sign up for Zanotti’s latest limited-edition design: a stiletto ankle boot in Swarovski-studded black silk. Only 100 pairs will be made, and Zanotti will sign each one -- as he should, for $2,290 a pair. 3333 Bristol St., Suite 1415, Costa Mesa, (714) 979-3300. Personal appearance, noon to 3 p.m.
Christian Louboutin Thursday: The shoe czar visits the Beverly Hills Saks Fifth Avenue store to meet and greet fans of his sexy, sculptural footwear. Bring along your favorite pair -- Louboutin will be autographing his signature red soles as well. 9600 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 275-4211. 1 to 3 p.m.
SAMPLE SALES
Charles David Thursday-Saturday: For the first time in more than a decade, Charles David throws a sample sale. More than 38,000 pairs from the current collection and previous seasons will be up to 80% off ($35 to $75). Want cheaper? Look for photo and runway samples, $20. Prepare to get knocked around. 5731 Buckingham Parkway, Culver City. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, to 5 p.m. Saturday. RSVP at rsvp@charlesdavid.com.
J&Company; Today: Choose from more than 2,000 pairs of jeans from this premium denim company. Wide-leg, skinny, dark wash and faded pants and knit tops are all less than $50. 1501 S. Rio Vista Ave., Los Angeles; (323) 881.3217; www.jandcompany.com. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Webster Friday and Saturday: Santa Monica’s Holiday boutique hosts a spring trunk show for the Los Angeles-based contemporary line, Webster, designed by French actress Alexia Landeau. The line’s fall collection -- which includes cotton mod-inspired dresses in gray and charcoal, empire jersey dresses and drop-waist nautical-inspired jumpers -- will be on sale for 15% off retail (which ranges from $250 to $370). 912 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, (310) 434-9274. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Nae & Audie Wednesday: The line’s comfy sleepwear and lounge duds are slashed 50% to 80%. Look for season-less pajama bottoms, T-shirts and chemises in muted colors from the 5-year-old line, which counts Oprah among its fans. 5820 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 926-2277. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Dolce & Gabbana Saturday: Move fast to catch this Billion Dollar Babes one-day sale on one of the fashion world’s most unapologetically feminine labels. W Los Angeles, 930 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles. RSVP essential. To RSVP, go to www.billiondollarbabes.com. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 9 a.m., platinum members entry, 10 a.m., gold members entry.
Hollywood Shop Til You Drop Saturday: Local designer and fashion promoter Kami Shade holds her annual Shop Til You Drop in the Valley, offering items from 50 designers including My Girlfriend’s Closet and Katra Designs, plus menswear and accessories. Fashion shows roll out every half hour, and guests can get makeovers and henna tattoos. To RSVP, e-mail fashion@kamishade.com or call (818) 309-6490. www.hollywoodshop tilyoudrop.com. Sportsmen’s Lodge (Empire Ballroom), 12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
elizabeth.khuri@latimes.com
