Business Oasis
Located in the midst of Newport Center’s prestigious business district, the Island Hotel has long appealed to business travelers from around the world. Now the AAA Five Diamond award winner has added a new amenity geared toward its business travelers. On the 20th floor, the 2,000-square-foot Island Club lounge boasts sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Wi-Fi, LED TVs and floor-to-ceiling windows in a relaxing and accommodating space. For a small upcharge, guests will receive access to the lounge in addition to multiple hotel perks including food and beverage service, dry cleaning/pressing and entry to the spa’s steam room and showers. The lounge also offers areas to print, fax and copy documents, so there’s no need to panic about a forgotten report ever again. (866-554-4620; islandhotel.com) —B.B.
Beauty In Spades
Kick off the new year with rejuvenated skin at Spade Skin Care & More, Newport Beach’s latest one-stop shop for facial treatments, microdermabrasion, collagen production therapy, temporary and permanent makeup application and more. At Spade, which debuted in the Newport North Center in November 2013, the beautification process is reimagined to incorporate only organic products in an atmosphere geared toward holistic wellness for men and women. Each appointment with Spade’s estheticians begins with an analysis using 3-D skin imaging technology, which provides a thorough look at brown spots, sun damage, fine lines, wrinkles, acne, firmness, and skin tone and texture. Facial treatments highlight natural ingredients such as botanical enzymes, oils and minerals, and are designed to nourish and brighten skin while improving its elasticity. Meanwhile, chemical peels take it a step further, featuring components like salicylic and trichloroacetic acids to combat residual damage from acne and UVA rays, signs of aging and hyperpigmentation, among other woes. “At the end of the day, the philosophy is, ‘What can we do to help the body heal from the inside out?’ ” says Safa Movassaghi, who oversees the new location along with co-owner Azita Sadaghian. “We are excited to share exclusive technology and the best in organic products with the Newport Beach community.” (949-335-7546; myownspade.com) —T.E.
The Newport Beach Sister City Association is assembling a delegation to visit Okazaki, Japan, in April to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the cities’ friendship, which has included an annual exchange program for junior high students since 1984.
A Colorful CDM
Corona del Mar residents have a new book celebrating their town from OC-based author and publisher Douglas Westfall. “Corona del Mar: My Kind of Town” combines the beauty of a coffee table book with the personality of the people and places in Corona del Mar. “We went light on the history and pushed the color and feel of living in Corona del Mar,” he explains. In contrast to his earlier book, “History of Corona del Mar: Centennial Edition,” “My Kind of Town” only touches on stories of Francisco Sepulveda gambling his fortune away and selling land to the Irvine family, who, in turn, sold the 600 acres of Corona del Mar to George Hart in 1904. Doug’s favorite anecdotes come from stories told by local (or former) homeowners who reminisce of the days when Big Corona was a surfing mecca for Duke Kahanamoku and vacationing movie stars. The book is available at specialbooks.com or locally at Sherman Library & Gardens. Doug, who worked closely with Sherman Library on the project, dedicated the book to its late director, Charles Wade Roberts, who died in 2013. —K.P.
Looped in to Nature
Visitors to Crystal Cove now have a new suite of hiking trails and citizen science stations to explore with the opening of the Berns Environmental Study Loop Feb. 1. Following a grand ribbon-cutting celebration at the end of January, the study loop is now open to the public and offers a host of exciting programs and activities for local beachgoers, teachers and students alike. The amphitheater, fire pit, student staging pavilion and half-mile loop trail with eight miniature field science stations provide the public with opportunities to get involved with the state park’s research and monitoring of Crystal Cove’s native plants and wildlife. Located in Moro Canyon, the study loop was funded in large part from a $1 million gift from OC locals Michael and Tricia Berns. (949-376-6200; crystalcovebeachcottages.org) —A.H.
Crime-Fighting Fashion
The Newport Beach Police Department has launched a new campaign to combat thievery in the city, and the approach is certainly unexpected. Titled “The Stolen Collection,” the new print ads feature male models posing with various handbags, cellphones and other items that they have presumably burgled. The operation kicked off in December 2013 with a fashion show starring the aforementioned male models sporting the newest designer bags, iPads and sunglasses to illustrate the kinds of items that go missing.
The promising news is that, in most cases, these crimes are preventable. According to stats released in the campaign, 96 percent of Newport crimes involve property theft, with a majority being a result of items left unattended in plain sight and unlocked doors. While it’s easy to feel safe in a community like Newport Beach, police Chief Jay Johnson urges residents to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their valuables: Remember to lock home and car doors and remove any treasured items from the car before walking away. —B.B.
Grand Openings
A New Look for Coach
Coach, the leather goods powerhouse that has been a staple in women’s closets for decades, has recently revamped its styling and website. The makeover extended to the company’s retail boutiques, including its flagship shop in South Coast Plaza. Reopened in late November, the completely remodeled store boasts a more structured floor plan as well as both men’s and women’s apparel and accessories—in addition to its famous leather bags in a multitude of styles and colors. (714-979-1771; coach.com)
Skye High Shoes
Clothing boutique Skye Montgomery, which has sold designer clothing and accessories for more than three years in Corona del Mar, recently expanded its selection to also include a charming shoe salon. Those familiar with the shop will notice that the men’s section has shifted to make room for the fancy new footwear. Rebecca Austin, owner of the shoe salon, says she plans to work closely with Skye Montgomery co-owners Christina Armijo and Susan Nevell to curate pieces that will flow well with the boutique’s current styles. Boasting designer brands such as Tory Burch and Frye, new and current fans of the shop are sure to step out in style. (949-729-3900)
Ready for the Green
Luxury men’s golf apparel brand Travis Mathew plans to open its newest boutique at Fashion Island by early April. With pieces to outfit any avid golfer from head to toe, it’s a one-stop shop for everything from polo shirts to socks to luggage. For the little tykes that want to be just like dad, the shop will also offer a selection of polos in kids’ sizes. (travismathew.com)
Little Lulu
Lululemon has a dedicated following of yoga enthusiasts, runners and general comfort seekers—and now the younger generations can partake in the same brand loyalty as their parents with ivivva, which opened Dec. 6 at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa after closing its Corona del Mar showroom. The “daughter” of the Canadian athletic apparel giant will use similar designs and all of the brand’s most loved fabrics, tailored to a younger consumer. The fun, printed pieces are perfect for any number of athletic activities, from ice skating and dancing to playing soccer. (714-754-1167; ivivva.com)
Best in the West
Inspired by the eclectic Camden Market in London, West of Camden boutique offers a funky assortment of clothing, jewelry and accessories for both men and women. What started out as a simple cart at Fashion Island has now grown into a successful online store as well as a brand-new retail location, which just opened in Corona del Mar in late January. Carrying goodies such as Cruciani bracelets, Studio Manhattan bags and wallets, and West of Camden’s own line of clothing and accessories, it caters to the young—and young at heart. (westofcamden.com) —B.B.
Fresh Face
In a cool, refreshing environment, Facialworks simplifies skin care. The new space dedicated to oxygen facials recently opened in Newport Beach’s Westcliff Plaza and offers a fresh skin care regimen for clients on the go. Founder Meghan Ellis updated the traditional day spa experience that normally takes place in a treatment room, adding a fun, social element and pain-free treatments clients can enjoy with friends. Guests sit at a six-chair bar for 40-minute sessions that include a cleanse, exfoliation, mask, oxygen infusion and hydration, leaving the skin hydrated and glowing.
“They can pick a gentle or exfoliating cleanser, choice of mask (hydrating, anti-aging or both), regular or double oxygen infusion, and tinted or non-tinted SPF,” Meghan says. “For February, we will also have a chocolate mask option.”
Other add-ons to the basic facial include an extra mask or oxygen, and an airbrushed makeup application afterward. There is also a designated space for more in-depth services such as microdermabrasion and customized peels. To promote a relaxing ambience for guests, complimentary Champagne or coffee is poured while a movie plays in the background during each service. (949-877-1911; thefacialworks.com) —K.C.
Shifting Gears
The pain of a separation or divorce is never an easy thing to navigate, but Andie Day and Melissa Cummings’ newest venture is aimed at making this time of transition as seamless as possible for their clients. Based in Newport Beach—with services also offered in LA, San Francisco and Boston—Shift Legacy is a new, personal concierge service that caters to men who are at a period of transition in their lives. The company helps clients develop plans for life after divorce or separation, with services that include home relocation and interior design, personal shopping, fitness expertise and private chefs.
Following a complimentary consultation, men can work with experts to target their specific needs; for example, men with children may opt to create a “legacy map” to continue being a hands-on dad. Shift Legacy also connects men with experts such as nutritionists, personal chefs, trainers, stylists, real estate agents, architects, personal shoppers and professional matchmakers, making it easy for them to work through challenges in order to transition to the next stage in their lives. (855-263-4332; shiftlegacy.com) —B.B.
In the latest round of political musical chairs, Rush Hill was named Newport Beach mayor for 2014 shortly after outgoing mayor Keith Curry threw his hat in the ring for the 74th Assembly District.
Fresh Face
In a cool, refreshing environment, Facialworks simplifies skin care. The new space dedicated to oxygen facials recently opened in Newport Beach’s Westcliff Plaza and offers a fresh skin care regimen for clients on the go. Founder Meghan Ellis updated the traditional day spa experience that normally takes place in a treatment room, adding a fun, social element and pain-free treatments clients can enjoy with friends. Guests sit at a six-chair bar for 40-minute sessions that include a cleanse, exfoliation, mask, oxygen infusion and hydration, leaving the skin hydrated and glowing.
“They can pick a gentle or exfoliating cleanser, choice of mask (hydrating, anti-aging or both), regular or double oxygen infusion, and tinted or non-tinted SPF,” Meghan says. “For February, we will also have a chocolate mask option.”
Other add-ons to the basic facial include an extra mask or oxygen, and an airbrushed makeup application afterward. There is also a designated space for more in-depth services such as microdermabrasion and customized peels. To promote a relaxing ambience for guests, complimentary Champagne or coffee is poured while a movie plays in the background during each service. (949-877-1911; thefacialworks.com) —K.C.
Newport jeweler Black, Starr & Frost received the Six Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences—the first time a national luxury brand in the jewelry category has been recognized with this distinction.
One for the Books
Among the students, teachers and staff at Harbor Day School in Corona del Mar is a new published author: 14-year-old Sammy Pickell. Now an eighth-grader, Sammy wrote a 1,000-word children’s book when she was in fifth grade as part of a statewide competition sponsored by The Candy Palace, a nonprofit based in Newport Beach. Her book, “Doxie,” explores the adventure of a dachshund trying to make friends with a group of dogs when he moves to a new neighborhood. After Sammy’s story was announced as the winner, she spent the next few years working with the organization and an illustrator to turn her tale into a picture book. Released in late 2013, the project combined Sammy’s love of creative writing and animals. Ultimately, she hopes to write a novel and become a veterinarian when she’s older. Supporting the book’s theme of social acceptance and kindness, all proceeds from book sales will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County’s efforts to provide meals for children throughout the county. (thecandypalace.com) —K.C.
New Museum Manager
Chief Curator Dan Cameron will lead the Orange County Museum of Art while a search continues to fill the position of executive director and CEO. Cameron stepped into the interim role Jan. 1, following the departure of Dennis Szakacs, who left at the end of 2013. During this transition period, Dan will help guide OCMA with his more than three decades of experience organizing acclaimed exhibitions of contemporary art throughout the U.S. and abroad.
At OCMA, Dan has curated several exhibits, including the highly praised California-Pacific Triennial last year. Previously, he served as senior curator at the New Museum in New York City and also launched Prospect New Orleans—the nation’s largest biennial (now triennial) of international contemporary art. Dan’s appointment is the latest development in OCMA’s continued growth. In its 50-plus year history, the museum has broadened its focus from solely Southern California to include artists from around the world. (949-759-1122; ocma.net) —S.S.
Here’s Looking at You, Bride
Though relatively new in the bridal gown scene, Casablanca Bridal is making a name for itself as a go-to dress designer for the big day. Handcrafting each gown and offering endless customization options, the company is known throughout the wedding community for its flexibility and quality. Now, brides-to-be in Orange County can browse a wide selection of the company’s designs at Casablanca’s new flagship salon, which opened in the Crystal Cove Shopping Center in late January. The salon is reinventing the way that women find their gowns—brides-to-be will feel at home in the roomy changing area, and a charging station for electronics ensures that they can send all the photos and make all the calls they want. One of the most unique aspects of the shop is the lounge area, a space for brides and their guests to relax after the appointment, have a cocktail and celebrate finding the perfect dress. (casablancabridal.com) —B.B.
