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GREER’S BEST BUYS:

Harlow, a cutting-edge fashion emporium for men and women at The LAB in Costa Mesa, just opened an incredible online store.

To celebrate the grand opening it is offering 20% off (just enter the promo code HARLOWONLINE). Owners and husband-and-wife team Chris Smith and Kerri Harlow have gathered years of apparel experience to offer an expansive yet intimate boutique that feels like a giant his-or-hers walk-in closet.

Across the street at The Camp, Smith and Harlow opened Harlow Shoes, a shoe connoisseur’s boutique. Harlow Shoes carries the latest footwear from coveted designers as well as the latest handbags, hats and an organic skin care line.

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Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Harlow at The LAB is at 2930 Bristol St. in Costa Mesa; (714) 966-6600. Harlow Shoes at The CAMP is at 2981 Bristol St. in Costa Mesa; (714) 966-6616, www.harlowboutique.com.

Restaurant ambience

French 75 at Fashion Island in Newport Beach offers special menus on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The restaurants’ classic French brasserie ambience — with romantic red lighting, stamped tin ceilings and red leather booths — make the holidays even more festive. Enjoy classic and contemporary American and European bistro cooking, and at the Rouge Bar, signature martinis, champagne cocktails, beers and an extensive list of wines by the glass. Christmas Eve, the restaurant opens from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the regular a la carte menu, and dinner starts at 4:30 p.m. with a special fixed-price menu ($70).

To celebrate New Year’s Eve, there are two fixed-price menus offered at an early seating, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and a second seating, from 9 to 9:30 p.m. for $75 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. French 75 is at (949) 640-2700, www.culinaryadventures.com.

Boss hosts sale

Hugo Boss at South Coast Plaza is offering a winter white sale through Dec. 31. Find savings throughout the store on European-cut men’s and women’s apparel and accessories reduced 20%, excluding tuxedos. Hugo Boss offers top quality, cut and fabrics. The store is 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 on Level 1 at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa; (714) 641-8661, www.hugoboss.com.

Dishes for discount

Design Within Reach at Fashion Island in Newport Beach just reduced an assortment of gifts up to 50%. Choose from glasses, bowls, throws, candelabras, book ends, fireplace tools, children’s toys and more. 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. Design Within Reach Studio is on the lower level of Atrium Court at Fashion Island Newport Beach; (949) 721-0031, www.dwr.com.

Yoga comforts

At La Perla at South Coast Plaza you’ll find some great holiday gifts including the Studio yoga/lounge pants, camisole, tees and long-sleeve shirts. This line (favored by Oprah) is incredible: body conscious, slim fit and ultra soft at $39 to $86. For men, Grigio Perla crewneck, V-neck tees and boxers in Italian stretch cotton are simply the best ($38). 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. La Perla in on Level 2 at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa; (714) 754-7500, www.laperla.com.

Relax for wrap

The Island Hotel takes some of the holiday stress away by offering free gift wrap through Saturday. Just bring your gifts to the concierge at the Island Hotel, and they’ll wrap your presents for free while you relax at the Palm Terrace Lounge with a glass of champagne, festive martini and small bites.

They’ll even place them in your car. Available from noon to 6 p.m. at 690 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach; (949) 759-0808, www.theislandhotel.com.


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.

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