Neiman Marcus offers ‘casual luxe’ redesign

For nearly a century, Neiman Marcus has offered the world’s most exclusive merchandise for men, women, children and homes.

The flagship Neiman Marcus opened in Dallas, Texas, in 1907. Its intent was to fashionably outfit Dallas residents. Now the Neiman Marcus Group operates 35 Neiman Marcus stores across the country and two Bergdorf Goodman stores in New York.

Neiman Marcus at Fashion Island has been updated with a major remodel and expansion. A third level was added with an additional 35,000 square feet. It features an expanded home decor section (modeled after Bergdorf Goodman’s beautiful home department), s holiday shop, and a men’s department. And a new, upscale Mariposa restaurant replaced the original Zodiac restaurant.

Charles Sparks, a retail architect from Chicago, carefully studied local Neiman Marcus customers and then designed the store around them. He took note of their clothing, he went into their homes, he drove along the coast, and then he designed a “casual luxe” store that reflected their lifestyle.

Sparks selected a California residential feel with colors and textures from the sea, sand and sky. Driftwood flooring was installed. Paintings by local abstract artist Rex Yuasa add color and depth to the modern-stark walls.

Bargain hunters wait for Neiman’s famous end-of-season sales where they find extraordinary deals on designer apparel and accessories.

Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Fashion Island in Newport Beach. (949) 759-1900. www.neimanmarcus.com.

SHOE BOUTIQUE

Luxury footwear designer Giuseppe Zanotti just opened a boutique at South Coast Plaza. It showcases Zanotti’s entire line of glamorous, modern footwear and handbags for women.

Zanotti’s fall collection includes trendy wedge heels and stilettos featuring jewels, feathers, fur and animal prints.

Italian-born Giuseppe Zanotti has more than 20 years experience in design. His collections are worn by fashionable celebrities including Beyonce Knowles, Madonna, Demi Moore, Naomi Campbell and Jennifer Lopez.

Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Level 1, Nordstrom wing at South Coast Plaza.

VALENTINO ACCESSORIES

The Italian design house of Valentino opened a fabulous boutique at South Coast Plaza. It carries luxury ready-to-wear and accessories for men and women.

Valentino’s name has been synonymous with style and exceptional taste for more than four decades.

In the 1960s his timeless designs were sought out by Elizabeth Taylor and Jacqueline Kennedy, and now he dresses A-list celebrities, including Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Hilary Swank.

Valentino’s current hot sellers include black velvet pants, blouses, mohair trimmed knits, embellished handbags, cashmere handbags, bow trimmed suede shoes, and V logo belts.

Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday Level 1, Nordstrom wing at South Coast Plaza. (714) 751-3300. www.valentino.com.

GET THE FAMILY ONTO THE WEB

The Family Post Inc. is a Newport Beach-based company that offers high-end personalized family websites. It just opened a retail cart at in front of Macy’s at Fashion Island.

The Family Post specializes in customized websites with options such as music selections, detailed flash graphics, and audio and video capabilities. Family members can store, organize and view family photos and videos, as well as view multi-threaded message boards, family calendars, family news, e-mail and more.

The Family Post website options can be viewed at www.thefamilypost.com. A one-time design fee costs $575, plus $17 per month for hosting, storage and customer service.

Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. (949) 851-4712.

HARDWARE GETS MORE ROOM

Crown Ace Hardware at Westcliff Plaza in Newport Beach just celebrated its 30th anniversary with an extensive remodel and expansion.

Owner Jeff Schulein purchased the store in 1975, and just expanded it by 3,500 square feet. It now features wide aisles for shopping convenience and more product selection.

“Crown’s reputation is built on service, and we feel our remodel will only enhance the shopping experience,” Schulein said. “We will continue to offer world class helpfulness, knowledgeable associates, specialty services and neighborhood friendliness.”

Services offered include lock re-keying, key cutting, paint color matching by computer, propane tank exchange, knife and scissor sharpening, glass and plexiglass cutting as well as ceiling light panels cut to size.

Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Crown Ace Hardware is in Westcliff Plaza at Irvine Avenue and 17th Street in Newport Beach. (949) 642-1133.

* BEST BUYS runs Thursdays. Send information to Greer Wylder at greerwylder@yahoo.com; at 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626; or by fax at (714) 966-4679.

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