Dress up like a celebrity

ABS by Allen Schwartz is known for its celebrity and designer

knock-off dresses. It’s at the top of the list for girls looking for

prom and formal dresses. Gowns priced from $195 to $375. Allen

Schwartz carefully copies awards show dresses of the stars. Expected

to arrive from this year’s Academy Awards show are copies of dresses

worn by Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Renee Zellweger and Jennifer

Garner. Currently you can buy a Sarah Jessica Parker, Drew Barrymore

or Reese Witherspoon gown. Allen B., their fun, funky sportswear line

is available here, too. All designs are a twist of the current

seasons fashions taken right off the runway. There’s a lot of cargo

and camouflage for spring. Always a great after Christmas sale, where

merchandise is marked down 50%, and sometimes a July sale. 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, Saks Fifth Avenue wing. (714) 979-9101

www.absstyle.com.

SOMETHING TO WALK ON

Great buys on high-quality rugs are at Hemphill’s Rugs & Carpets’

spring sale. A large assortment of machine-made and hand-knotted area

rugs are reduced an additional 50% off the regular discounted price.

Machine-made 5-by-8-foot rugs are priced from $399 and hand-knotted

6-by-9 rugs start at $650. The hand-knotted rugs come from India,

Nepal, Pakistan and Tibet. Sizes range from 3 by 5 feet to 9 by 12

feet. Also, there are factory promotions on all broadloom carpets,

and Karastan and Masland area rugs. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to

Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 230 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa.

(949) 722-7224.

TRY A SIDE OF ESCADA

Escada is known for its fluid, fun and flirty silhouettes. The

Munich-based fashion brand designs a full range of lines: evening,

couture, scarves, belts, handbags, intimate apparel, fragrance and a

diamond collection. More than 350,000 loyal customers worldwide

choose Escada for its colors, fabrics and functional designs. This

season, its biggest seller is anything and everything leather. Beaded

halter tops and Swarovski embellished jeans are also most popular for

spring/summer 2003. Hot accessories are colorful tangerine and

rose-colored suede handbags and shoes. 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 2, Nordstrom wing at South Coast Plaza. (714) 957-8600.

www.escada.com.

KEEP WARM

The St. Croix Shop carries almost all of its own label of men’s

sportswear, as well as some accent pieces from other labels. St.

Croix is known for its extensive selection of jackets and knitwear.

The sweaters made from cotton micro fibers are machine washable and

dryable. Many have tone on tone, designs in the background and

vibrant colors. Also, there’s a selection of trousers, outerwear and

hosiery. Big and tall sizes available, too. Atrium Court, above the

Farmer’s Market. (949) 760-8191.

RUMMAGE THROUGH THIS

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church holds its 38th annual Rummage

sale Wednesday through Friday. The preview sale begins Wednesday from

3 to 6 p.m. with a $3 donation at the door. The sale begins from 9

a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. 600 St. Andrews

Road in Newport Beach, across from Newport Harbor High School.

FOOD TO ENTERTAIN

Live entertainments and specials offered at “Tuesday Nights in

Atrium Court” at Fashion Island from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Specials begin

at 5 p.m. and entertainment begins at 6 p.m. The Atrium Court’s

restaurant choices include Blueberry Hill Gourmet Hamburgers, Cento &

Fanti, China Grille, Gelato Paradiso, La Salsa, Stone Creek Cafe,

Pain du Monde, Pasta Bravo, Philadelphia Grill, Sushi Bar, Tokyo

Kitchen and Tacone.

GET THE FRESHEST

Oak Tree Market, a boutique grocery store at the Atrium Court at

Fashion Island, carries fresh produce, specialty items and an

extensive selection of imported and domestic cheese. It says it has

one of California’s largest salad bars, and there’s a deli, hot food

counter, fresh sushi bar and bakery. Full-service catering and

holiday meals offered. (949) 760-0403.

CORRECTION

Finally, a correction from Friday’s column. The Tuesday dinner

provided by Roy’s of Newport for the Newport Harbor High Culinary

Arts Academy is a $100 dinner for $50 per person. For more

information, call Hennie Sondel at (949) 548-4044.

* BEST BUYS appears Mondays and Fridays. Send information to Greer

Wylder at [email protected]; at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA

92627; or by fax at (949) 646-4170.