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Style Binge ~ Candice Shih blogs about fashion and shopping in O.C. and beyond.

Rag & Bone launches new lower-priced basics line

February 9th, 2010, 3:00 pm by Candice Shih, Staff Writer

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More affordable collections are coming to Barneys CO-OP, and Rag & Bone is among them.

The South Coast Plaza store is expecting to get a shipment of the basics — called Rag & Bone/JEAN, Rag & Bone/SHIRT and Rag & Bone/KNIT — any day now.

Jeans come in a skinny fit in red, yellow, bleach, gray, black, medium rinse, dark rinse and rinse; straight fit in rinse, dark rinse, bleach, black and gray; and stiletto boot fit in rinse, dark rinse, medium rinse and black. Prices range from $165 to $185.

Shirts will come in seven styles and will cost $175 to $195. Knit tops and a dress will run you $70 to $115.

The main collection’s shirts might run $250 or more and jeans typically cost $250 .

“Simplicity is key,” said co-designer David Neville in a statement. “We’ll continue to evolve these collections, but in essence, this is about creating a distinct space within our brand for items that work as the foundation of a wardrobe.”

The new Rag & Bone collections will also be at Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Intermix, Neiman Marcus and specialty stores such as American Rag Cie.

Also coming up exclusively for Barneys CO-OP is Richard Chai Love, a lower-priced line from Richard Chai.

Already at the local Barneys CO-OP store is Under.Ligne, a lower-priced collection from Doo Ri.

Tell me: Do you get excited about designer lines offering lower-priced alternatives?

More Sportswear:

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Grab Bag: $1K shopping spree, Valentine’s promos

February 9th, 2010, 12:00 pm by Candice Shih, Staff Writer

Want a sign that retailers want you shopping this week before Valentine’s Day? Check out these events, deals and promos happening in Orange County this week.

THE GRANDEST OF GRAND PRIZES

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South Coast Plaza / Courtesy photo

I may be giving away this bag of beauty samples, but I can’t beat South Coast Plaza.

The shopping mecca of Orange County is giving away prizes that include a $1,000 shopping spree, overnight stay at The Westin South Coast Plaza, lunch for two at Quattro Caffé, 1 year valet parking pass and a VIP Access card. That entire list is actually one prize.

Other prizes are a Frette linen set ($550 value), Judith Leiber crystal-embellished leather gloves ($400 value), Bulgari bracelet ($360 value) and a package including dinner for two at Charlie Palmer and tickets to the opening night of Shen Wei Dance Arts at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

This embarrassment of riches is being given away in celebration of Chinese New Year, which is on Sunday.

The only thing you need to do to enter is fill out a form available at any concierge desk by Sunday. Winners will be notified on Feb. 22.

CELEB APPEARANCE

Pamela Anderson is meeting fans and promoting her fragrances, Malibu and Malibu Night, at Sears at South Coast Plaza on Saturday. Click here for the details.

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Best and worst Valentine’s Day gifts revealed

February 9th, 2010, 6:00 am by Candice Shih, Staff Writer

valentineBirthday and Christmas gifts are special, but on Valentine’s Day, a gift that embodies love and romance is expected. That doesn’t mean that’s always what you get.

Here, readers recall their best and worst Valentine’s Day gifts.
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It was Valentine’s Day, and I was going to have a really nice dinner for the two of us. We had been married 28 years at that time. It’s 58 years now. The kids were out of the house. I said, “Be sure to be here early.” I didn’t mention it was Valentine’s Day, but I was hoping he’d remember, which was silly of me because he never did before.

The time came, and he wasn’t there and I blew out the candles. Then in he walked, with his hands behind his back. He said, “One of the girls at the office reminded me it was Valentine’s Day. So I quickly ran into See’s.”

I thought, “Oh, he’s got a big box of candy behind his back.” Then he took out his hand and gave me the number he got for waiting in line. He said, “The line was so long and I knew you didn’t want me to be late.”

– Lila, Mission Viejo
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Feb. 14. found me and my husband miles apart. I was in Dallas on a job, and he was in Salt Lake City holding down the fort. On Valentines Day, I had to fly to Orlando for a conference.

After getting comfortable on the plane, the flight attendant came up to me, handed me a small gift bag and said, “Your husband would like you to have this with his love for Valentines Day.” There was “Aaaahhh” in unison from the people seated around me as my face flushed red. As the flight got under way, I opened the bag to find a diamond tennis bracelet and a pair of channel-set diamond earrings.

As we were deboarding the plane, a stranger seated several rows back came up and said she thought that was the sweetest thing she had ever witnessed. I had to agree. He had to have saved for a year to buy the gift. How he pulled it off, I will never know. Although he has continued to surprise me on such occasions, this remains at the top of the list.

– Randi, Cypress

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Win tote bag, beauty goodies

February 8th, 2010, 12:00 pm by Candice Shih, Staff Writer

neiman-toteI’ve been storing up some goodies over the winter, and now you can win them without having to make a minimum purchase!

The winner of this week’s contest will receive:

  • Navy blue tote with gold accents from Neiman Marcus
  • Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Creme Matte Lipstick
  • Colorescience Achromatherapy Gem Spritzer
  • Colorescience Skin Neutralizer
  • Colorescience Lip Serum
  • Colorescience Sunforgettable Powder with SPF 30
  • The Overnighter Set from Hanky Panky and BeneFit, which includes one thong and mini foundation, lip shine, brightening eye cream and rose-tinted lip and cheek stain

Here’s the story behind Colorescience. And what’s the deal with the Overnighter Set? As it says on the box, it includes the “sexy, little beauty whatnots for those ‘unexpected’ sleepovers.” Hey, you don’t have to use it if you win it.

A second winner will take home this gift bag from Space NK (which a previous winner never picked up).

To enter a random drawing for the prizes, just leave a comment in the area below that answers this question: Now that it’s award season, which celebrity’s red carpet style do you like the most?

The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Fine print: Register employees and people who know me personally are not eligible to win. The winner will be contacted via the e-mail address attached to their comment. The winner must be able to pick up the prize at the Register’s main office in Santa Ana.

Good luck!

Here’s some inspiration for your answer:

Pamela Anderson to meet fans in OC

February 8th, 2010, 6:00 am by Candice Shih, Staff Writer
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Pamela Anderson / Courtesy photos

No, you shouldn’t go running after her a la Borat, but you can meet Pamela Anderson and get her autograph at a promotional event for her new fragrances Saturday.

The former “Baywatch” bombshell will be at Sears at South Coast Plaza from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Catch her earlier that day from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Sears at the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance.

The two scents, called Malibu and Malibu Night, are each $39 for a 1.7 oz. spray or $49 for a 3.4 oz. spray.

Here’s how they are described:

Malibu (Blue) “for flirtatious days,” is an enticing sexy blend of juicy wild berries and zesty mandarin fruit lifted by sweet honeysuckle accents and blooming white florals. Coupled with ambered sandalwood, creamy caramel, rich vanilla bourbon and a touch of tantalizing praline, this sweet scent will complete your day’s ensemble.

Malibu Night (Pink) “for sensual nights,” combines tropical pomegranate, chocolate persimmon and illustrious glimmer with black orchid high-lites, sweet lotus and rich champacca flower with fresh vanilla violet, warm mahogany wood, patchouli and glowing amber to create a sensual scent that is sure to make nights memorable.

pam-anderson-malibuIn an e-mail, Anderson, 42, said, “I’m an voracious bather and product slatherer.  I love all the scents from sandalwood, amber, vanilla to patchouli, chocolate, wild orchids.”

Anderson, who is a vocal vegetarian and animal rights advocate, said her new perfumes were not tested on animals and she will be donating a portion of the proceeds to PETA.

The Malibu scents first debuted in November at CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Nordstrom, Sears and other department and drug stores. Anderson is also planning to introduce Malibu Men,  a comprehensive cosmetics line and a skin care line this year.

“The fragrance was a good first introduction,” Anderson said. “And I’m proud of keeping it natural and affordable.”

More Beauty:

Amanda Seyfried wants you to see her sexy side

February 5th, 2010, 12:00 pm by Candice Shih, Staff Writer

amanda-seyfried-slidesWell, look who’s all grown up.

Actress Amanda Seyfried, 24, highlights her sex appeal at the recent premiere of “Dear John” (pictured), but she wasn’t always so glammed up.

Her early forays on the red carpet were what you might expect from an inexperienced teenager. Later Seyfried began to incorporate evening shorts, draping that accentuates her curves and some slammin’ strappy shoes.

Check out the slide show to see how Amanda Seyfried’s style sense has grown with her star power.

More Red Carpet Style:

Death to hoodies

February 5th, 2010, 6:00 am by J. GALLEGO

Death to the hoodie.

I know in the OC this is blasphemy — especially to the 24 and younger set. And I know that here in OC the ubiquitous hoodie (really what is the HOOD FOR?!? I never see anyone wearing them) holds the same place of esteem as the  little black sheath dress does in New York  and other grownup places. But can we ditch the hoodie already?

Juicy Couture Pink velour hoodie, $97

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Why is shapewear being worn as outerwear?

February 4th, 2010, 3:00 pm by Candice Shih, Staff Writer

When you hear of underwear being worn as outwear, usually you think of camisoles with lace trim or some other kind of skimpy satin top.

Apparently, shapewear — which nobody is ever supposed to see — is becoming more visible, too.

Check out Pink and Lady Gaga wearing nude bodysuits to perform on stage.
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Pink at the 2010 Grammys / Matt Sayles, AP

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Lady Gaga at the 2009 American Music Awards / Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

I’m thinking this “trend” deserves the same advice as the catsuit — unless you’re a performer, you shouldn’t leave the house like this.

What’s next? Women putting padding outside their bras? Let’s keep our secrets to ourselves, shall we?

More Trends: