One of a kind
Find of the Week: Gifts from a jeweler and a potter
Potter Maria White Mebane opens her Hollywood studio Saturday for a holiday sale with Branch Jewelry designer Michele Scholnick, offering a 30% discount on their collections of one-of-a-kind gifts.
Mebane, whose works adorn Jar restaurant as well as film sets, creates hand-carved ceramics, such as a $40 porcelain “shell” dish, $49 tea-light luminaries and a $400 black-glazed bowl. Scholnick will bring her nature-inspired sterling silver “branch” rings ($60), “leaf” necklaces ($75), “seed” diamond necklaces ($125) and “magnolia” diamond-cluster earrings ($470).
You can pay for these precious-metal and ceramic goods with plastic and paper.
Branch Jewelry and Maria White Mebane Ceramics holiday studio sale, 1965 1/2 N. Bronson Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 841-3377. Noon to 6 p.m. www.branchjewelry.com, www.mariawhitemebane.com.
EVENTS
West 3rd Street annual holiday block party Thursday: The neighborhood’s row of fashion-forward boutiques and gift stores is holding its annual block party, featuring later hours and special discounts plus refreshments, music acts and carolers. Stores to look for include nifty gift emporiums Plastica, which features a $48 OOTS! lunch box container set, and OK, which has vintage Pierre Cardin backgammon sets ($125 to $200). Several free “community” valet stops will help make parking easier.
3rd Street (between Fairfax and La Cienega), Los Angeles. 6 to 9 p.m. www.westthirdstreet.com.
Diane Samandi and Jonquil annual holiday sale Saturday: This sale is for you if you want to pick up sleepwear, lingerie or silky dresses as gifts for 70% off wholesale (prices start at $10) -- and if you happen to be a fan of “The Office.” Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute) will appear on behalf of the Mona Foundation, which supports grass-roots initiatives for women in the developing world. All proceeds go to the foundation. Pay by cash or check, made out to Mona.
1830 14th St., Santa Monica. (310) 452-5536. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.monafoundation.org.
EcoSkin and Laura Elizabeth jewelry trunk show and sale Saturday: Preview and order the spring 2009 collection for the eco women’s line at the Blonde boutique while enjoying a 20% discount on fall looks ($120 to $250) -- and everything in the store. Laura Elizabeth will also show her “green” jewelry pieces made from recycled silver and gold set with semiprecious stones. The first 50 guests will receive giveaways and gift bags.
2430 Main St., Santa Monica. (310) 396-9113. Noon to 3 p.m. www.blondela.com, www.ecoskincollections.com, www.lauraelizabethjewelry.com.
OPENINGS
Jimmy Choo Outlet: The luxury shoemaker has opened its first California outlet at Cabazon near Palm Springs in time for the holidays. The 3,000-square-foot store carries heels, handbags, leather goods and sunglasses at a discount, with markdowns beginning at 30%.
48400 Seminole Drive, Cabazon. (951) 849-6641. Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. www.premiumoutlets.com.
SAMPLE SALES
WeSC and Keep Shoes holiday warehouse sale Thursday through Saturday: The hipster action-sport-inspired brand from Sweden offers deals on men’s and women’s denim, jackets, sweaters and accessories, priced from $10 basics to $250 leathers. Two nifty gift ideas: WeSC’s colorful DJ headphones ($15 to $80) or shoes from Keep, the “cruelty-free” canvas brand. Credit cards accepted.
11099 S. La Cienega Blvd., No. 170, Los Angeles. (310) 394-9372. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. www.wesc.com.
Royal Underground warehouse sale Thursday through Saturday: Stock up on gifts including men’s leather jackets, skinny jeans and hoodies and women’s lace tees at 30% to 50% off wholesale. Credit cards accepted.
15 Corporate Plaza, Suite 200, Newport Beach. (949) 759-9800. Noon to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. royalunderground.net.
Junior Drake sample sale Friday and Saturday: The maker of stylish but affordable Italian leather goods has its fall designs priced between $15 and $80 for wallets, satchels, totes, hobos, clutches and faux-croc hand-helds. Bring a friend and receive an additional 10% off purchase, or spend more than $150 and get a free bag. Credit cards accepted.
740 E. 60th St., Los Angeles. (800) 813-1803. Noon to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. www.juniordrake.com.
Society for Rational Dress open studio Saturday: The local avant-garde women’s label is selling looks from seasons past plus cozy knitwear, shoes and accessories at 30% to 70% off. Hot cocoa and treats will be served. Credit cards accepted.
255 S. Santa Fe Ave., Suite 100, Los Angeles. (213) 613-0757. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.societyforrationaldress.com.
Rachel Pally sample sale Thursday through Dec. 7: Take 50% to 80% off retail prices; look for cashmere knit tops for $60 and dresses for $80, plus long jersey caftan dresses -- a celebrity favorite -- for $100. Cash, check or credit cards accepted. 2301 7th St., Suite C100, Los Angeles. (323) 780-1249. 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.rachelpally.com.
The Saturday Sale Saturday: The California Market Center hosts a giant sample sale of women’s, men’s and children’s styles for 50% to 80% off retail. The brand lineup includes Hudson, Calvin Klein, Bijoux Bijoux, Rampage and Pepe. Admission is $1 or print a “get in free” coupon from the website.
110 E. 9th St., Los Angeles. (310) 837-6788. 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. thesaturdaysalela.com.
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