They had us at “chic shopping party” but then when we heard “proceeds benefitting our favorite charity, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)” we’re in love. So we’ll be at Fashion Island’s Passport to Luxury Event Thursday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. hosted by Riviera magazine.
The evening includes exclusive in-store events, new fall fashions, elegant gifts and giveaways and delicious food. Participating stores include American Rag Cie, Bloomingdale’s, Garys, Kate Spade, Neiman Marcus, Room Service, Traditional Jewelers, Trina Turk, True Religion and more.
And some of our favorite restaurants are on board too: California Pizza Kitchen, Canaletto Ristorante Veneto, Daily Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and Mariposa at Neiman Marcus.
JDRF will receive 20% of sales during the event, plus proceeds from a special grand prize opportunity drawing. To RSVP or for more information, please call 714.913.4697.
Shop, (save) and feel good at Saks Fifth Avenue’s charity shopping weekend, Key to the Cure. Thursday through Sunday. And take advantage of Saks’ Friends and Family Shopping event, too! Just mention the event and receive 25% off nearly everything in the store (20% off jewelry, 10% off beauty and fragrance, sorry some exclusions apply). Saks at South Coast Plaza will donate a portion of sales to local and national women’s cancer organizations and research centers.
Special guests at the Key to the Cure shopping event include John Hardy’s jewelry designer Guy Bedarida signing purchases from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday; and Kilian Hennessy of By Kilian fragrances and Marco Bicego signing jewelry purchases Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday. Saks Fifth Avenue at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. 714.540.3233.
For the first time in history, Carnegie Hall is offering its programming outside of New York City and it has chosen OC!! Take that LA! “Ancient Paths, Modern Voices” is a six-week celebration of Chinese culture in OC. Carnegie Hall’s epic partnership with the Philharmonic Society of Orange County will feature performances by leading international musicians, including some artists and ensembles traveling outside China for the first time (such as Lang Lang, Wu Man, the Shanghai Symphony and Quentin Shih). The festival will include Western symphonic and chamber music influenced by Chinese culture, traditional folk music, contemporary music, traditional marionette theater, film screenings, art exhibitions and much more. Events will take place at Orange County Performing Arts Center, South Coast Repertory, Orange County Museum of Art, the Bowers Museum and South Coast Plaza.
A few of this week’s highlights include video work by contemporary Chinese artists Gao Shiqiang and Chen Qiulin whose artistic visions capture the collision of tradition and modernity in China, which will be shown at Orange County Museum of Art. A photo exhibit of Christian Dior’s collaboration with celebrated Beijing-based fashion photographer Quentin Shih, which begins Thursday at South Coast Plaza’s Jewel Court. And the West Coast premiere of the Chinese war film “Red Cliff,” followed by a Q&A with director John Woo at Regency South Coast Village Theater Thursday, at 8 p.m.
For ticket information and programming updates, please visit www.philharmonicsociety.org/chinafestival.
hush Restaurant in Laguna Beach is hosting “Cruise for a Cause,” a sunset yacht cruise and dinner gala through Newport Harbor for Orangewood Children’s Foundation on Friday, Oct. 23. The evening will include sunset hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, a four-course wine paired dinner prepared by Executive Chef Ronnie Arnold, and live music from violinist Josh Vietti and jazz guitarist Jamie Findlay.
The live and silent auctions will include something for everyone: a five-day luxury stay in Aspen, VIP tickets to the 2010 Breeders’ Cup, art from the Peter Blake Gallery, autographed sports memorabilia from Brett Favre, Barry Bonds, Sugar Ray Leonard and Roger Federer, and even a newborn puppy! Proceeds will fund the renovation of the Orangewood Resource Center, a drop in center providing guidance, assistance and access to resources to foster youth before and after they “age out” out of the foster care system. Tickets cost $200. For more information and to reserve your ticket, call 949.315.0259 or hush Restaurant at 949. 497.3616.
It’s jean week at elle H. boutique in Laguna Beach! As elle H. is preparing to close March 31, it’s offering special weekly deals. Buy one pair of jeans at 50% off and get a second pair free. Sale ends Friday. The offer valid in-store only. (Everything in the store is 50% off!) All sales final. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. elle H boutique at 1833 S. Coast Hwy. in Laguna Beach. 949.715.1345.
Wunderful Art: This must-see art show just so happens to coincide with Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” film, and we love it! If you’re planning a weekend away to the desert, don’t miss OC-based artist Zoey Stevens’ art exhibit Alice in Wunderland (Out of the Shadows) opening Friday from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at m modern gallery in Palm Springs. Zoey’s latest show features images (acrylic on canvas and board) inspired by Salvador Dali’s renderings inspired by Lewis Carol’s, Alice in Wonderland. 2500 N. Palm Canyon Dr., # B5. Palm Springs. 760.416-3611.
Quite an Adventure: Adventure Day is officially back at Caspers Wilderness Park Saturday from 10 a.m. 3 p.m.! Free event, free parking, for all ages! The family fun-filled day includes musical entertainment, natural history tours, arts and crafts, wildlife exhibits, games and refreshments. Caspers Wilderness Park at 33401 Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano. 949.923.2210.
sign-up