Ready to move ‘em
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Most people clean their closets by removing a few pieces at a time, but Doris Raymond, owner of the upper-crust vintage shop The Way We Wore, has opened a temporary annex on Melrose Avenue to do some pre-spring purging. With more than 40,000 pieces crowding the original shop on La Brea Avenue -- and a 4,000-square-foot warehouse in San Francisco -- there’s no wondering why. All together, it’s a scene that would make compulsive hoarders salivate. “I’ve reached the point of critical mass,” she says of her colossal collection. “I can’t even walk in my back room anymore.”
Items are priced to move. Among the surplus will be pieces by Oscar de la Renta and Valentino, a 1980s-era hot pink sweater by St. John (a $95 bargain) and for $10 less, a Bob Mackie cocktail dress. The collection, largely composed of former film wardrobe, is heavy on sequins and prints, easy standouts among the racks of demure business attire. A case of kitschy costume jewels far outshines unremarkable shoe and handbag collections, but don’t be daunted: New stock will be added to the mix every 10 days. Could this sell-off cure Raymond’s inner pack rat? “I have a ferocious appetite for acquiring.” We’ll take that as a no. Raymond, who calls the annex The Way We Wore Pop Up, expects to keep the Melrose store open through May. 7264 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 932-8490. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.thewaywewore.com
SALES
Marc by Marc Jacobs His diva-like antics have created controversy for the designer demigod, but Marc Jacobs can be forgiven for any catwalk tantrum now that his line of pre-fall and fall footwear is 70% off at his midpriced offshoot. Stacked-heel boots and high-heeled Mary Janes are among the foot candy, normally $300 to $800; now they’re starting at a more friendly $90. A recent arrival of newly marked-down merchandise will ensure happy feet for seasons to come. 8409 Melrose Place, West Hollywood. (323) 653-0100. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.marcjacobs.com
Fred Segal Melrose Through Jan. 20: Like traffic jams and “Baywatch,” this fashion institution is an integral part of Los Angeles culture. This first-ever January sale is offering printed Marni blouses, studded Chloe bags and Givenchy footwear at 50% off. Also in the half-off heap: pieces from Stella McCartney and Giambattista Valli, along with Marc Jacobs handbags. And starting Wednesday, any remaining sale items will be two-thirds off the original prices. 8100 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 651-4129. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Hannah Bean Through Jan. 31: Boutiques can offer the personalized service often lost in large chains, which is why O.C. shoppers may want to skip the mall in favor of Hannah Bean. Fall and resort pieces from Theory, BCBG and Trina Turk are among the stock at this newish Santa Ana shop, and the whole inventory is now 40% off. A LaRok belted safari suit shouldn’t be missed, even though the girly frocks from Rebecca Taylor are the stars of the store. J Brand jeans are also discounted. 111 E. City Drive, Santa Ana. (714) 835-7371. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. www.hannahbean.com
Opening Ceremony The fashion flock rejoiced when New York’s Opening Ceremony planted West Coast roots last year. Now fans can celebrate again, thanks to the edgy store’s latest round of markdowns. Included are fall frocks from Proenza Schouler, Marios Schwab and Alexandre Herchcovitch that had been previously reduced 30% to 50% and now carry an additional discount of at least 10%. Avant-garde girls may fall in love with Katy Rodriguez’s asymmetrical duo tone dress, especially now that its price tag reads three digits instead of four. Guys can slip into a pair of house label wingtips, now $186 from an original $295. And both sexes will find Opening Ceremony’s namesake denim at $65 instead of the usual $125. 451 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 652-1120. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. www.openingceremony.us
Aura and Little Aura Through Feb. 1: The boutique is offering 50% off last season’s merch, including Richard Chai, Peter Som and Zac Posen. Those names can be pricey even with a half-off helper, but dresses and denim from Karen Zambos and Ernest Sewn become near-steals. Patent leather boots from Modern Vintage are also half off. 1528 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 451-0181. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Little Aura: 1123A Montana Ave., Santa Monica. (310) 451-3331. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.aura-boutique.com
Karizma Through Jan. 18: Like a gossip glossy brought to life, O.C. boutique Karizma is featuring many of the labels your favorite screen-gems wear when caught pumping gas and eating brunch, now at 50% to 75% off. Cropped leather coats from Mike & Chris, silk jewel-tone tunics by Geren Ford and Rachel Pally’s cotton dresses are a sampling of what hangs from racks; Monica Botkier’s functional bags may add star quality to your next Pinkberry run. 2908 E. Coast Highway, Santa Ana. (949) 219-0023. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.kar- izmaboutique.com
TRUNK SHOWS
Dolce & Gabbana Thursday: See the Italian design duo’s spring line in an informal modeling presentation. Nordstrom South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. (714) 549-8300. Event hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Store hours: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. www.nordstrom.com
OPENINGS
Alfred Angelo Today: This family-owned purveyor of “big day” fashion hosts a bridal fair at its newest location. Brides can check out dresses while meeting with a local photog, scoping out flower arrangements and ordering hubby’s tux. A bustle expert will provide backside expertise, and the company’s head designer will answer questions about all things dress related. 1036B West Covina Parkway, West Covina. (626) 813-7700. Event hours: noon to 5 p.m. Store hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.alfredangelostores.com
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