LET THE TOTE BE THE GUIDE
Kate Spade is taking over California, one tote bag at a time. The New York accessories doyenne who built an empire on boxy, nylon totes is celebrating a slew of new boutique openings here with a series of limited-edition canvas bags ($155) that nod to the history of Southland neighborhoods where the new shops sit.
At the Thousand Oaks store, a bright yellow tote reads “Jungleland,” referencing the exotic animal farm built there in 1927 to house showbiz beasts (MGM’s famous roaring lion was a resident). Century City’s black and white Tinseltown bag lets mall walkers know that they’re shopping on the former Fox Studio back lot.
And the next best thing to owning a shiny red super-stock Dodge may be owning Spade’s red Go Granny, Go tote, which echoes the words of Jan and Dean’s iconic 1964 song “The Little Old Lady From Pasadena.” Each style is limited to 50 pieces.
Kate Spade stores, 436 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, (805) 497-3617; Americana at Brand, 116 Caruso Ave., Glendale, (818) 956-1705; Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 788.0791; 39 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 356-9460. www.kate spade.com
SALES
Geren Ford Friday and Saturday: Silk is the heart and soul of Geren Lockhart’s contemporary collection of billowy day dresses and a-step-above-casual separates. Now that the designer is slashing up to 90% off a selection of holiday 2007, pre-spring 2008 and spring 2008 goods, feed your own soul with tunics, tank tops, maxi dresses and shorts perfect for steamy summer evenings. Stand-out styles include hot pink silk Capri pants with gray cotton piping ($60, originally $244) and an architecturally inspired, black-and-green dress with an asymmetrical hem for $100 (originally $365). 453 S. Spring St. No. 820, Los Angeles, info@gerenford.com. 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. www.gerenford.com
Amaya Dylan Bridal Gallery Today through Friday: Three years ago when Troy Letus was looking for a wedding dress, she was so shocked by the poor customer service that she hung a new shingle and opened her own bridal boutique. She’s offering 15% off every dress, veil and garter. Dina Bar-El’s simple designs are $850 (originally $1,000), while more complicated, hand-beaded lace confections by Jane Wang Couture are $1,200 (originally $8,250). Custom orders are also 15% off. 622 N. Doheny Drive, West Hollywood. (310) 279-1149. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday or by appointment. www.amayadylanbrides.com
Temperley London Saturday through July: Alice Temperley’s glamorous, feminine frocks are a hit with Hollywood’s leading ladies. The British designer is taking 60% off every piece in her West Hollywood boutique, giving regular gals the chance to own a retro-inspired creation. The cocktail-length Pandora dress, splashed with rows of triangle-shaped cutouts, is now $580 (originally $1,450). The beige-and-black Loretta dress, $398 (originally $995), shows Temperley’s playful side with puffed, short sleeves and an attached short jumper. Metallic snake-embossed leather tote bags, $518 to $638 (originally $1,295 to $1,595) are not to be missed. And MAC artists arrive at 2 p.m. to make up faces to match the fabulous frocks. 8452 Melrose Place, West Hollywood. (323) 782-3000. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.temperleylondon.com
LF Warehouse Sale Friday and Saturday: Waiting for your favorite Sam Edelman flats or Era of Chaos high-waist jeans to go on sale can be a lengthy pursuit. But good things come to those who wait. LF boutiques are holding a warehouse sale with 80% or more off last year’s clothes and accessories, including $24 jeans (originally $130-$280), $8 tees (originally $36-$88) and $24 dresses (originally $200 and up). Shoes by Dolce Vita and Jeffrey Campbell are a mere $15 (originally $80-$196). 5333 McConnell Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 437-4100. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. www.lfstores.com
OPENINGS
Diane von Furstenberg Outlet: Visitors to the recent DVF sample sale in New York waited in lines around the block to snag a signature wrap dress at discount. On our fair coast, the designer is sharing the love year-round, opening an outlet store. Goods as current as March 2008 include tops, bottoms, swimwear, shoes, perfume and even Von Furstenberg’s autobiography. The classic wrap dresses that put her on the map in 1972 come in a multitude of colors and patterns. A black, short-sleeve style has a modernized V neckline and an updated price tag -- originally $325, the dress is now $219. Desert Hills Premium Outlets, Suite 229, 48400 Seminole Drive, Cabazon. (951) 922-9600. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. www.dvf.com
EVENTS
The Lost Art of Being a Gentleman Thursday: The man behind Jake Vintage is making good on his vow to change the City of Angels “one man at a time.” Boutique owner and high-end vintage junkie Jonathan Kanarek is launching a series of how-to seminars in civility that will teach guys how to make the proper choices on everything from wardrobe to wine. The inaugural seminar, “The Rules for Proper Dress,” will cover the basics of personal style, how to ensure the right fit and the “how-to” grooming tips that seem to have skipped a generation. By explaining such topics as the dictates of the black-tie dress code and how to incorporate vintage into your own look, Kanarek will try to give the men a well-dressed leg up. Jake Vintage, 4644 Hollywood Blvd., Los Feliz. (323) 662-5253. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets $65. jakevintage.com
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erin.weinger@latimes.com
