Greer’s OC: Fiat ‘pwns’ Mini
Move over, Cooper.
One of the hottest cars on the market, the Fiat 500, is the talk of the town as Orange County’s only Fiat dealership just opened in Costa Mesa. Orange Coast Fiat unveiled a cool, state-of-the-art studio, where customers can customize cars with interactive exhibits, sip Italian espresso and relax while watching flat screen TVs.
The popular 500 boasts an affordable price — starting at $15,500 — and gets about 40 miles per gallon, with Italian style and cutting-edge technology.
“The Fiat 500 set to invade American shores after a several-decade hiatus isn’t the same car that’s caught on in Europe,” said Justin Hyde at Jalopnik, a website devoted to the obsession of cars. “It’s better, with more engine, revised suspension and upgraded safety. The Mini Cooper just got pwned.”
You can stop by to see for yourself what the buzz is all about. The car comes in three trims — Pop, Sport and Lounge — and in 14 dazzling colors.
The dealership is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. The studio is part of Orange Coast Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram, and OC Motorsports in Costa Mesa. Orange Coast Fiat is at 2524 Harbor Blvd. For more information, call (888) 433-1872 or visit https://www.fiatusaofcostamesa.com/index.htm.
*
What’s in a name? Luxury, darling
We just discovered Merritt Charles, a chic, up-and-coming label created by Los Angeles-based designer Lacey Horning, who recently opened an additional office in Orange County. And we think it’s a must-have. The pieces are effortless chic, comfortable and flattering. Merritt Charles is bridging the gap between casual wear and high fashion.
Lacey uses her family name, Merritt Charles, for this collection of modern classic staples made locally, mostly in Los Angeles, from high-end Italian fabrics. Merritt Charles designs luxury casual apparel that you can keep and wear for years. Choose from sweaters, tanks, hoodies, denim, cardigans, a great infinity scarf and more.
Lindsey Garland, buyer and owner of the fashionista’s favorite boutique, Westerly in Corona del Mar, said Merritt Charles is ideal for the Southern California lifestyle.
“The fabrics Lacey uses are the best quality, and you can see that in the way the line feels and fits on the body,” Garland said. “We blow out of it at Westerly. It is a no-brainer purchase for our clients. It takes them from home to carpool to a lunch date, around town and back. It’s beautifully made, and easy to throw on and go.”
You can find Merritt Charles at chic boutiques in Orange County including Westerly, 2909 E. Coast Hwy. For more information, call (949) 313-7111. Candace Paige is at 324 Marine Ave. on Balboa Island. For more information, call (949) 673-5707 11th Moon is at 1259 S. Coast Hwy. in Laguna Beach. Call (949)715-3254. Or visit https://www.merrittcharles.com.
*
From pop-up to permanent
After waiting for months for Paula Hanson to grow from a pop-up to a larger, permanent store, it’s finally happened. Now Paula Hanson has settled into a premier space, in front of Haute Cakes Caffe at Westcliff Court in Newport Beach.
Paula Hanson specializes in avante garde and deconstructed hard-to-find apparel in sizes XS to XL.
Paula gives unique fashion designers from all over the world an opportunity to showcase their talents.
The new store is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Paula Hanson is at 1827 Westcliff Drive. For more information, call (949) 515-3811 or visit https://www.paulahanson.com.
*
Dine for children’s cause
Enjoy gourmet food prepared by “Top Chef” star Fabio Viviani while raising money for kids at Harvesting Hope for the Olive Crest Kids.
Fabio will prepare one of his signature Italian specialties. There will also be gourmet culinary stations, a cupcake tasting table from Casey’s Cupcakes; the chance to sample fine wine with admission to a premier tasting room at an additional charge. Bid on luxury-themed items at silent and live auctions; and enjoy music by DJ Trey Jarvis.
All proceeds will benefit Olive Crest’s Project Independence, a transitional living program for safe and affordable housing that also provides a support network and teaches essential life skills to foster youth. One of the highlights at the event will be a moving presentation by those who have benefited from Project Independence.
The event is in full swing from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Big Canyon Country Club, 1 Big Canyon Drive, in Newport Beach. Individual tickets cost $195, $220 with the premier tasting at https://www.olivecrest.org/hhk.
*
Panera holds the umbrella
Remember the iconic Parasol building in Seal Beach? Now it’s home to a new Panera Bread. Built in 1967, the umbrella-shaped roof structure features the classic architecture-style of Googie, known for pointed angles and futuristic themes.
The bakery-café is offering hot panini sandwiches, hand-tossed salads, fresh soups served in bread bowls, bagels and delicious fresh pastries. Panera is known for its select organic and all-natural ingredients; a menu with 0 grams of artificial trans fat per serving; antibiotic-free chicken breakfast sandwiches; and made-to-order baked egg soufflés. Also, Panera Bread offers specialty coffees and espresso. Take advantage of its free WiFi.
Panera is open 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Panera Bread is at the Shops Rossmoor at 12241 Seal Beach Blvd. in Seal Beach. For more information, call (562) 240-2987, or visit https://www.panerabread.com.
*
Get designs, help Boys Hope
Find unbelievable bargains from designer warehouses at the Designer Flea Market from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Stonemill Design Center in Costa Mesa. It’s a great chance to save on designer furniture, art, accessories, fabrics and trims, pillows, rugs, plumbing fixtures and more. Proceeds will benefit the Boys Hope of SoCal. Be among the first to arrive and receive a goodie bag.
Stonemill Design Center is at 2915 Red Hill Ave., Costa Mesa. For more information, call (949) 643-1549.
GREER WYLDER writes Greer’s OC for the Huntington Beach Independent each Thursday and the Daily Pilot and Coastline Pilot each Friday. She’s the founder and president of greersoc.com, a free daily e-mail service that provides the latest in Orange County fashion, dining, music, events and trends. Her blog can be viewed at https://www.greersoc.com and she can be contacted at greer@greersoc.com.