Greer’s Best Buys:

In just a few short years, Christopher Michael Chocolatier has easily become one of the most famous OC-based chocolatiers.

As seen on “The Today Show,” his creations are sought throughout the country. Michael searches high and low for premium ingredients.

He favors fair-trade Venezuelan chocolate, organic and fresh dairy products, homegrown herbs, and fruits picked from his family orchard. He combines spices and savory flavors to make unique creations like the popular Sizzling Bacon Bar, with crispy, blended into creamy milk chocolate, and get this, Pop Rocks for a sizzling bacon sensation in your mouth.

All beautifully packaged, Christopher Michael hand-painted and handmade chocolates are the perfect gifts for any occasion.

The shop is open from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 3305 Newport Blvd., Suite D in Newport Beach. More information may be found at (949) 566-9810 or www.chrischocolates.com/ default.asp.

Holiday boutique

Costa Mesa-based Calispia, selling a line of luxury women’s lounge and sportswear, opened its first Holiday Pop-Up Boutique at the University Center in Irvine.

Calispia is offering wholesale pricing on luxury items, and it’s partnering with charities for a day of shopping — 15% of sales will go to an OC charity.

Featured in the Calispia Pop-Up Boutique is Gina Fiori Jewelry, 14-karat gold and sterling silver handmade jewelry with stones such as carnelian, topaz, opals, pearls and more. Available at high-end resorts, boutiques and private trunk shows.

Calispia is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, through December. It’s behind Britta’s Cafe and across from Peet’s Coffee at 4245 Campus Drive.

More information may be found at www.calispia.com.

Free roller skating

To celebrate the hit musical Xanadu, the Orange County Performing Arts Center is transforming its community plaza into a free roller skating rink Saturday and Sunday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Just bring your own skates, roller blades or rent a pair for $5.

Songs from Xanadu the ’80s will be played. Xanadu runs through Dec. 27. 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa. Ticket information is available at www.ocpac.org.

Holiday sale

There’s a multi-designer holiday blowout sale this weekend at the Maven Collective! All merchandise is reduced 80% off retail. More than 25 designers will offer everything from leather to shoes to jewelry for men and women.

Choose from Balenciaga, Lanvin, Cheap Monday, Corpus, Myne, AnG, Orthodox, Sabre, B.B. Dakota, Evenagamba, S2VS, Paul Frank, Modern Amusement and more.

The store is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at 1638 Pomona Ave., Costa Mesa. More information is available at www.mavencollective.com.

Trunk show

A’Maree’s, one of our favorite boutiques, is gearing up for the holidays with a Deanna Hamro Jewelry Trunk Show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m today, and from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday at its Westcliff Court location. A’Maree’s is also having a sweater and jeans sale at its Balboa Island store with 50% to 70% off.

A’Maree’s is also noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. 1649 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach, (949) 642-4423 and 332 Marine Ave., Balboa Island. More information may be found at (949) 723-0051 or www.amarees.com.

Fine jewelry

Gail Jewelers, a fine jeweler for more than 50 years, just opened at Corona del Mar Plaza.

Gail Jewelers specializes in beautiful and unique creations such as rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and brooches with diamonds and other precious stones. They also carry a collection of fine watches.

Gail Jewelers offers precious metal manufacturing and stone setting either on-site or with a design specialist, and jewelry is finished locally. Gail Jewelers also offers expert repair, appraisals, select jewelry purchases and commissioned searches for your perfect piece of jewelry.

Gail Jewelers is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Corona del Mar Plaza at 844 Avocado Ave. in Newport Beach. More information may be found at (714) 979-1631.

GREER WYLDER writes Best Buys, which runs Fridays. She’s the founder and president of www.greersoc.com , a free daily e-mail service that provides the latest in Orange County fashion, dining and trends.