Trend Watch: Affluent Goods is the new hidden gem

There’s nothing like getting a deal on exclusive labels. With that in mind, Affluent Goods boutique has opened at Newport Coast Shopping Center.

Cleveland native Abbey Said, 28, dreamed up the concept. Consignment shop Affluent Goods sells new and some gently used designer clothing, handbags, accessories and shoes. The boutique carries brands such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Fendi, Louboutin, Hermes and Prada.

“I always wanted to have my own boutique,” she said, adding that she felt there was a need for such a shop in the area. “It’s a fun addition to this area and the shopping center we’re in.”

She said she checks all items to ensure authenticity and also works with the brands’ shops to verify them.

Prices cover quite a range. Right now, the boutique has a rare Hermes crocodile bag that’s going for about $36,000. Other items, like a Louis Vuitton bag, start at $400. Shoes and jewelry start at about $100-plus.

The boutique is a cool mix of something off Rodeo Drive and fashion-forward elements like mannequins from Hong Kong and dressing room glass doors that frost when someone is in them, a concept Said designed.

In February, Affluent Goods will carry a spring collection of contemporary clothing, consignment pieces from high-end luxury brands and vintage couture.

“We’re taking it in a different direction,” she said.

Affluent Goods is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The shop is in the Newport Coast Shopping Center, 21111 Newport Coast Drive; (949) 715-1092.

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Design Within Reach

Design Within Reach has opened what it calls Studio in the South Coast Collection shopping center.

The 20,000-square-foot shop is one of the largest for Design Within Reach and centers around a design hub that includes the brand’s Light Cloud lighting installation and 30-foot walls of upholstered tiles, according to a news release.

Studio features eight house-like rooms for living, dining, bedroom and work/office space.

Shoppers can also test-drive Design Within Reach’s dining chairs and upholstery collections.

The store, at 3303 Hyland Ave., is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday; (714) 427-0628.

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Five Crowns carolers

The Handbell Carolers are back at Five Crowns restaurant in Newport Beach, performing at dinner through Dec. 24.

The costumed singers are celebrating 30 years of performing at the Victorian-themed Five Crowns, according to a news release.

“People don’t realize how much a song can mean to someone,” group founder Randy Pryor said in a statement. “The groups are happy to take requests, and while they never forget the reason for the season, they are dedicated to the idea that Christmas is fun.”

Pryor has produced five CDs of the groups’ holiday music, the latest of which will be available to guests at Five Crowns.

Five Crowns is at 3801 E. Coast Hwy. in Corona del Mar; (949) 760-0331, or thefivecrowns.com for more information and to make reservations.

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South Coast Plaza Happenings

A rash of stores has opened at South Coast Plaza: fine watch designers Jaeger-LeCoultre, Patek Philippe Corner, IWC Schaffhausen, the newly-remodeled Tourneau, and Vacheron Constantin.

Locally based Fringe, which offers fast-fashion trends for women and young women, opened up in the Crate and Barrel Home Store wing and skin/bodycare shop L’Occitane en Provence is set to open mid-January, according to a news release.

Chef Signings: Food Network Tyler Florence will be promoting his new book, “Tyler Florence Fresh,” at 11 a.m. Friday. For details, call (714) 751-1166.

And don’t forget Santa’s Village and holiday crafts in the Carousel Court and Macy’s Home Store wing, as well as Santa’s Express Train and Santa’s Reindeer Carousel, both $1 each. Complementary hot cider and hot cocoa are served in the Garden Terrace on the weekends.

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Craft Guild show

As long as there’s no rain, the Laguna Craft Guild will host its art show from 9 a.m. to sundown Sunday at the cobblestones of Main Beach, 335 S. Coast Hwy.

More than 30 artists will be selling unique and handcrafted paintings, glassblowers, textile artists, potters, jewelry and other things, according to a news release.

No cost to attend the event. More information is at https://www.lagunacraftguild.org or call (949) 228-6206.

ALISHA GOMEZ is the managing editor of the Coastline Pilot and Huntington Beach Independent newspapers. She can be reached at alisha.gomez@latimes.com or (714) 966-4618.