‘Do What You Love’
Such is the motto of Corona del Mar teens Cole Friedman and Andrew Boukather, founders of Spruce Clothing. “The line is an extension of what we do and love—surfing, skating and creating music and art,” Andrew says. Spruce’s first line launched just a few months ago and has since grown exponentially—from being sold out of the trunks of the boys’ cars to a multi-store distribution agreement with Jack’s Surfboards. The key to their success? The “abstract mentality” that embodies their brand and reflects the culture into which they breathe life every day. “We live the Southern California lifestyle, so we understand what people our age do and what they want to wear. … We are the market.” Spruce’s second line is out now in time for back-to-school, featuring four T-shirt designs, in baseball and short-sleeved styles and in different colors. Future plans include a winter line to be released before the holiday period. (sprucementality.com) —F.N.
There’s an App For That
Looking for a guide to Newport Beach? You can now navigate your plans with the new Visit Newport Beach Inc. Mobile Concierge app, available on the iPhone and Android.
Three To Read
“Provocateur”
In a clash of genders, Laguna resident Charles D. Martin’s “Provocateur” (Chaney Hall Publishing, 2012) explores the timeless contest between men and women in the social order through the tale of Nadia, a young Russian woman who arrives in America via a mail-order-bride program. She begins working for an enterprise operated by an ex-CIA agent to extract money from wealthy men, surprising alpha males with her audacity and feminine prowess in a test of smarts. The thriller will soon appear on the silver screen in Academy Award-winning screenwriter David Ward’s adaptation.
“Show Trials”
“No one believes it when I tell them. A photograph of bikini-clad pop superstar Katy Perry gets more legal protection in our courts than a Chinese rice farmer trying to avoid deportation back to a totalitarian regime that may kill him,” says local entertainment litigator and law professor Peter Afrasiabi. The pro bono attorney’s latest book “Show Trials” (Envelope Books, 2012) traces true stories in a legal system the average American would scarcely recognize, spotlighting the gritty realities of immigration rights practices in our nation’s courts.
“The Book of Styling”
Corona del Mar-based author and fashion expert Somer Flaherty helps teens find their personal style and how to make it work for their budget and body type in her insider’s guide, “The Book of Styling” (Zest Books, 2012). The how-to explains the whats, whys and hows of styling, Somer says, so whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe or curate your closet, this book has the answer. —V.Y. and A.B.
Newport’s Got Soul
Laguna Beach-based apparel company, Soul Project, has officially launched Newport Soul, a line dedicated to Newport Beach. The line—which includes T-shirts reflecting the city’s casual beach culture—features artwork from local artist Ben Brough. As with all Soul Project goods, $1 from every item sold goes to the Soul Project Foundation, which makes grants to local nonprofits dedicated to children and the environment. For Newport Soul, the benefiting organization is the Boys and Girls Club. The Newport Soul line is now available at Seed People’s Market at The Camp in Costa Mesa. (949-497-4208; soulproject.com) —L.D.
Carry the News
While most people toss out their old Sunday newspaper, Lindsey Lamoureux of Newport Beach is using hers more creatively and economically—to design eco-friendly, re-usable shopping and gift bags. Since October 2012, Lindsey has sold her handmade West of Camden bags from kiosks at Fashion Island and Downtown Disney. She chooses select sections of old newspapers and then coats them in vinyl to create her durable bags—a unique way to make a fashion statement and encourage the trend of “going green.” West of Camden also sells recycled frames, clutch purses and totes that say “I Feel Re-Used.” West of Camden kiosks can be found outside the Atrium at Fashion Island (near the koi pond) or by the ice rink at Downtown Disney. —A.T.
Carry The News
While most people toss out their old Sunday newspaper, Lindsey Lamoureux of Newport Beach is using hers more creatively and economically—to design eco-friendly, re-usable shopping and gift bags. Since October 2012, Lindsey has sold her handmade West of Camden bags from kiosks at Fashion Island and Downtown Disney. She chooses select sections of old newspapers and then coats them in vinyl to create her durable bags—a unique way to make a fashion statement and encourage the trend of “going green.” West of Camden also sells recycled frames, clutch purses and totes that say “I Feel Re-Used.” West of Camden kiosks can be found outside the Atrium at Fashion Island (near the koi pond) or by the ice rink at Downtown Disney. —A.T.
Grand Openings
Hidden Treasures
For treasure hunters in search of rare antiquities, The Bunker 1970 in Costa Mesa features one-of-a-kind pieces in a space reminiscent of an indoor flea market. Recently opened, the antique gallery collective carries hand-selected merchandise such as centuries-old battle flags and candelabras, vintage matchbooks, Victorian mirrors and war relics. Mixing classic style with modern sensibility, The Bunker 1970 provides a space for customers to browse through relics of times past in hopes of uncovering a hidden gem. (949-722-7002)
Italian Heritage
Recently reopened, Fendi debuts its first Italian-inspired design concept at its South Coast Plaza location. While the boutique still offers customers a selection of high-end handbags, ready-to-wear apparel, shoes and accessories, the 2,800-square-foot space now features classic ancient Roman stonework and ribbed glass panels in a “Palazzo” style—a nod to the company’s headquarters in Rome. (714-751-1111; fendi.com)
Casual Comfort
Whether you’re a marathon runner or a yogi, the new Glyder Apparel retail space for women has an outfit for any active occasion. Located in Fashion Island, the store offers athletic clothing with performance-enhancing fabrics and precision fit components. Women can pair Southern California-inspired tanks, tees and bottoms for a versatile look suited for workout or daily wear when out and about in Newport. (949-759-0898; work-sweat-play.com)
A Modern Shave
Men’s grooming is elevated to an art form at The Art of Shaving, newly reopened at South Coast Plaza in November 2012. The new location helps men achieve “The Perfect Shave” with a four-step regimen focusing on preparation, lathering, shaving and moisturizing. Offering a collection of essential oil-based grooming products, premium shaving accessories such as razors and brushes, The Art of Shaving is inspired by the classic heritage of traditional men’s barber services. (714-460-1988; theartofshaving.com)
Personalized Design
Fashion meets home decor at the recently opened West Elm. The first location in Orange County, the South Coast Plaza store offers multipurpose furniture and home accessories, as well as a professional design lab with complimentary consultations to help customers create a personalized space in their homes. The 13,000-square-foot space features a monogram shop and exclusive designs from West Elm’s artist collaborations. Inside “The Loft,” customers can find a curated selection of products from local Etsy artisans, on-trend merchandise and a collection of charitable gifts. The centerpiece of the store is the three-sided “living wall,” featuring floor-to-ceiling greenery in a unique design concept. With organic bedding, handmade room decor and custom furniture, West Elm offers a design touch for every style. (714-662-1960; westelm.com)
Style Notes
Designer resale boutique, Onquestyle, recently reopened with an expanded location in Corona del Mar, offering consignment services as well as a selection of apparel, handbags, shoes and accessories (949-717-7795; onquestyle.com)
Opened at the end of 2012, Affluent Goods in Newport Coast’s neighborhood offers pre-owned designer handbags, watches, jewelry and accessories from exclusive brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes and more. (affluentgoods.com)
Crush Clothing owner Diane Pratt recently opened Balboa Boardsports, inspired by her 12-year-old son’s passion for skateboards. The new shop offers surf and skate apparel and equipment for men and women from local and worldwide brands. (balboaboardsports.com) —A.H.
‘Glee’ Feline a Newport Resident
If you’ve ever seen the hit Fox show “Glee,” you’ll know about Lord Tubbington, the overweight, evil cat of main character Brittany Pierce. But did you know that the 25-pound feline, whose character is supposedly addicted to drugs and on the Atkins Diet, is just a normal housecat named Aragon living in Newport Beach with its owner, CeCe Card? While on the TV show, Lord Tubbington’s pastimes include smoking and reading Brittany’s diary; at home he prefers to cuddle and snack on catnip. CeCe, who adopted the Bengal in 2005 from an East Coast rescue, says that Aragon is a happy cat who likes to go on strolls. He got his big break into the entertainment industry when CeCe took him for a walk with a friend who happened to be a talent scout. The friend immediately noticed Aragon’s star qualities, and one month later he had an audition for “Glee.” In the future, CeCe says she would love to see Aragon in a Super Bowl commercial, but for now, her main goal for the feline is to spread messages of love and acceptance. –A.T.
Bears and Bracelets
A local teen is raising funds for diabetes research—and putting smiles across the faces of children affected by the disease. Devon Cohen, 13, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2010, has donated 200 teddy bears with medical ID bracelets to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) in hopes of helping children and teens affected by diabetes, in addition to raising more than $30,000 for diabetes research through various local fundraisers. According to the American Diabetes Association, 5 percent of people with diabetes have Type 1, which is unpreventable and genetically transferred. The bracelets can help save kids’ lives if there’s an accident, Cohen explains, and the bears are there to lend comfort and hugs. (choccommunity.org/devon) —A.T.
$75K
Amount raised at the 2012 National Philanthropy Day Orange County Awards Luncheon, an event that honored two business philanthropists in Newport Beach: The PIMCO Foundation and Ronald Simon, founder of the Simon Scholars Program and Simon Foundation for Education and Housing.
Happenings
2013 Champions to CureDuchenne Gala
Feb. 9, Balboa Bay Club
Join community members and socialize over music, cocktails, a live auction and delicious meal put together by a mystery celebrity chef. All proceeds benefit CureDuchenne, a national nonprofit organization aimed at fighting the lethal muscle disease Duchenne, which impacts one in 3,500 boys. (949-872-2552; cureduchenne.org)
Hummingbird Walk
Feb. 16, Environmental Nature Center
Hummingbirds were dubbed by early Spanish explorers as “flying jewels” because of their unique flying traits. Get an up-close look at these magical creatures on this nature walk with ENC naturalist Leslie Helliwell. Reservations are required. (949-645-8489; encenter.org)
Artisan Market
Sundays, Lido Village
The former Pelican Courtyard Open Air Market moved to Lido Village in January. Aptly named the Lido Village Artisan Market, the new market, open from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., will operate alongside the existing farmers market and will offer goods such as jewelry, pottery and fun vintage items from some 40 vendors. The market will be held on a one month-trial basis, so show your support if you’d like to see it flourish. (facebook.com/lidovillageartisanmarket)
Full Moon Walk
Feb. 25, Environmental Nature Center
Learn all about the full moon and its legends on this nature walk with ENC Naturalist Leslie Helliwell. This is suitable for everyone ages 6 and up. Reservations are required.
(949-645-8489; encenter.org)
Astronomy Night
March 8, Rancho Sonado, Silverado
With so many city lights, it can be difficult to properly stargaze at times. Take advantage of this opportunity presented by the Orange County Department of Education and spend an evening gazing at stars through telescopes and learning about constellations in the canyons without city distractions. (714-708-3885; ito.ocde.us)
16th Annual Witte Lectures
Ongoing, Newport Beach Central Library
Through May, the Newport Beach Library Foundation extends the opportunity to attend lectures by respected writers, including Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and social critic Anna Quindlenm and Adam Gopnik, staff writer at The New Yorker. (949-548-2411; nbplfoundation.org)
Multicultural Fair
March 23, Sage Hill School
Explore the globe without leaving Orange
County, at Sage Hill School’s 12th Annual Multicultural Fair. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, enjoy culinary delights from other countries, a broad range of cultural entertainment, artisan demonstrations, a Kids Zone, and much more. (mcf.sagehillschool.org)
Easter Weekend at the Dunes
March 29 – 30, Newport Dunes
The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort promises an “eggciting” time at its 21st annual Easter celebration, which kicks of Friday with egg decorating and a BBQ. Saturday a 6,000-prize egg hunt is followed by a pancake breakfast. On Sunday, Back Bay Bistro offers a sweet Champagne brunch with an extravagant buffet. (newportdunes.com)
For the visual and performing arts calendar, visit page 26. NBM
