Fashion Island has something for the kids

Fashion Island celebrates spring by adding three children’s stores:

Pampolina, the Picture People and First Cut.

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Pampolina, an exclusive European designer of children’s clothing,

will open its first U.S. store here on Wednesday. It’s recognized in

Europe as a quintessential high-fashion brand, unsurpassed in quality

and style. Collections for babies, children and teens range in size

from newborn to size 12. Collections made with lush themes in

exciting, colorful patterns. Coordinating styles and colors available

-- jackets, pants, leggings, shirts, sweaters, T-shirts and dresses.

Adjacent to the Iris Fountain near Haagen-Dazs. (949) 644-2004.

WATCH TV AND GET A CUT

First Cut, an upscale children’s salon, offers the appearance and

amenities of a fine adult salon while maintaining a look and feel for

children. It also offers a “first cut” package created to commemorate

a child’s first haircut. It’s the first salon in the world to

broadcast the event live on the Internet so family and friends can

view the occasion. A memento includes a DVD of the event, before and

after photos, dated certificate and lock of hair all presented in a

vinyl bound album is included in the package. Each cutting station

has a flat panel TV screen with a DVD player, as well as a GameCube

with wireless controllers for older children. First Cut also has a

specially designed rocket capsule that kids can get into after their

haircut so that hair is blown away from their face and clothing. For

anxious kids, there are enclosed “screaming stations,” as well as a

playroom for all children. Services range from bang trims and

haircuts to manicures for mom. A popular package is the Galaxy

Princess Package. Girls can gather with friends for birthday parties

or other special occasions to have mini spa treatments, from a mock

facial to a “minicure.” Next to Russo’s Pet Experience. (949)

640-0956.

EVEN MORE STORES

In addition to these new tenants, Cathy Jean shoes and Gold Crown

Hallmark have relocated within the center. Cathy Jean is now near the

Iris Fountain, and Gold Crown Hallmark has moved across from Barnes &

Noble Booksellers.

A PLUM EVENT

The Sugar Plum Arts & Crafts Festival is happening from 9 a.m. to

9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Orange County

Fair & Expo in Costa Mesa. It celebrates its 25th year as one of the

largest gift fairs in Southern California. Free admission and

parking. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. Building 10. (888) 825-6724.

www.sugarplumcrafts.com.

GET QUICK SHOTS

The Picture People, a Hallmark company, delivers high-quality

creative portraits in about one hour. Specializing in portraiture

that captures a child’s personality, the Picture People uses colorful

backdrops and fun props like giant flowers, a kid-sized fire truck,

and giant eggs for Easter. Personalized gifts can be made from

portraits, including mouse pads, photo sculptures, key chains and

photo ties. Greeting cards available, too. Next to Children’s Place,

across from Barnes & Noble. (949) 721-6026.

A SHOE IN

Becker Surf & Sport has cut prices on men’s and women’s shoes in

stock 20%. Choose from DVS Revival, Etnies Callicut, Vans TNT and DVS

HEF. 3140 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. (949) 720-0533.

SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED

Don’t miss James Bond’s latest high-tech car, the V12 Vanquish by

Aston Martin, on display from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday in the

Atrium Lawn area of Fashion Island. It appeared in his latest movie,

“Die Another Day.” Meet Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer at Circuit

City from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be giveaways, and kids can

have their picture taken with Dora. Circuit City is near

Robinsons-May. (949) 720-9223.

WOOD BE NICE

L’Antico Splendore USA Inc. is having a moving sale through April.

Among more than 100 items are two Italian Renaissance revival

armoires, a hand-carved Italian hall tree, an antique rustic Italian

table and eight chairs, an antique fireplace surrounded with beveled

glass mirror and an antique Italian burl wood curio cabinet. 2940

Grace Lane, No. H, Costa Mesa. (949) 759-8542.

* BEST BUYS appears Mondays and Fridays. Send information to Greer

Wylder at [email protected]; at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA

92627; or by fax at (949) 646-4170.