David Rickey Sport, a vision of a men’s boutique

David Rickey Sport is an upscale men’s clothing boutique at

Westcliff Court and probably the best designed men’s store in town.

Every inch of this modern store was a vision of owners David Heil and

Rick Lamitie. They chose beautiful South African avodire satin wood,

oversized dressing room doors that spin 360 degrees, as well as

spinning display units for instant changing looks. A runway cuts

through the store for fashion shows.

It’s easy to find sizes. Six shelves travel around the store with

sizes arranged on the same level. With 50 different collections to

choose from, the store’s No. 1 goal is to carry something for

everyone.

This sister-store to custom clothier David Rickey & Co. is also

known for its travel apparel suggestions. An island, altitude, city

and vintage wardrobe can be customized. It might seem that most

designs are a little edgy, but there are classics too -- basic tees,

slacks and simple knits. Teens to men in their 70s shop here for hip

and fashionable designs by Paola Pecora, Paul Smith, John Varvatos, 3

Dot, Just Cavalli, D & G and the David Rickey label. Nice fabrics and

patterns. The store also offers accessories, shoes toiletries and my

favorite, the Fruits and Passion Cucina soap line.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.

to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. David Rickey Sport

is at 1733 Westcliff Drive in Newport Beach. Call (949) 650-6400.

MORE DAVID RICKEY

Near South Coast Plaza, David Rickey & Co. offers hand-tailored

wardrobes for sports figures, entertainers and professionals. David

Rickey dresses NBA coach Phil Jackson and the entire Lakers team as

well as other NBA and NFL players. Starting with one-on-one

consultations to find out clients’ lifestyles needs, David Rickey

then provides both casual and special occasion wear. With more than

10,000 fabrics to choose from, modern to classic apparel can be made.

Walk-ins are welcome.

Store hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.

to 5 p.m. Saturday. The store is at 580 Anton Blvd., No. 105 in Costa

Mesa. Call (714) 432-7848.

THE WHITE DRESS

When Marlis Porter and Jeannine Penta opened The White Dress, a

new bridal store, they set out to offer couture wedding gowns that

you can’t find anywhere else in Southern California. They searched

for gowns in San Francisco, Chicago and New York and now carry

designer gowns from Elizabeth Fillmore, Robert Danes, Reva,

Mivasagar, Model Novias, Palazzo and Wearkstatt.

The gowns range in price from $1,700 to $6,600. All are samples

and each dress is custom fitted by the designer. Local custom jeweler

Jayson Hanson, who’s popular in certain circles for his platinum and

diamond designs, also has a storefront display. Hanson can even

convert a tiara into a necklace.

The store offers hair accessories, tiaras and hair combs, too. And

there are FleurGemme custom floral evening bags for weddings and

special occasions. The bags will be featured in upcoming issues of

InStyle and Town & Country magazines.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to

4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The White Dress is at

2853 East Coast Highway in Corona del Mar. Call (949) 723-0121.

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE THRIFT

The Assistance League of Newport Mesa’s Thrift Shop is definitely

upscale. It could challenge any consignment shop with its designer

items. It carries furniture, small appliances, clothing, jewelry,

silver, china and crystal. Proceeds go toward community projects

sponsored by the Assistance League, including the Children’s Dental

Health Center, Operation School Bell Community Outreach and Kids On

The Block.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10

a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The thrift shop is at 2220 Fairview Ave. in

Costa Mesa. Call (949) 645-5536.

STYLISH SARA

One of the Fashion Island’s best boutiques for stylish woman’s

clothing, footwear and accessories is Sara Boutique. If nothing else,

stop by for the Petite Bateau t-shirts. They’re cheap, wash really

well and last forever -- customers often buy five or six at a time.

Other popular designer’s labels include Trina Turk, Seven Jeans,

Juicy Couture, Alice & Olivia, Frankie B., Robert Rinaldi and Diane

Von Furstenberg. The capes, scarves and panchos from Christy Conaway

are especially hot now. It’s adjacent to the koi pond. Call (949)

729-4585.

* BEST BUYS appears Mondays and Fridays. Send information to

Greer Wylder at greerwylder@yahoo.com or 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa,

CA 92627, or via fax at (949) 646-4170.