Bonobos Guide Shop & AYR Denim

The fifth Californian, but first Orange County Bonobos Guideshop opened it's doors at the Fashion Island Shopping Center in Newport Beach a couple weeks ago. I was given a tour of the guideshop and the scoop on how men can receive a personalized shopping experience with a Bonobos Guide (fit expert). The once solely e-ccommerce store is now operating from 16 brick-and-mortar- locations and continually growing, giving customers the option to find that perfect fit or style in the guideshop before purchasing online or making the order in the store to be mailed later.

Men out there, say good bye to ill-fitting clothing from standard sizings and the frustrations of shopping and trying clothes on without direction. Bonobos offers a comprehensive shopping experience by providing countless styles, fits, and fabrics so you can find exactly what you like.

Here's how it works:
� Make an appointment for a one-on-one fitting with a Bonobos Guide at www.bonobos.com/guideshop; walk-in appointments are also welcome

� Once you�re fit, check out at Bonobos.com either during your Guideshop appointment, with the help of a Guide, or place your order at home later

� Shipping is free and items are delivered to your doorstep in 2-5 days

� Bonobos offers easy returns (free return shipping) and guarantees 100% customer satisfaction

Bonobos also has the sister brand, AYR, which specializes in denim and wardrobe staples for women, yet offers the same customized fit and customer service as Bonobos; which currently has select styles from their denim line (see photos below) carried at Nordstrom.com and at The Grove in Los Angeles; with plans to expand to more Nordstrom locations. I just received a pair of The Skinny in Oil Slick and absolutely love they fit and style; can't wait to style them in an outfit!

RARE by Goodwill in Anaheim, CA

I was invited to come check out new concept specialty boutique, RARE by Goodwill back in November but unfortunately couldn't make it to their media preview. I had attended an event and shopped the OC Goodwill boutique in Tustin before and was therefore expecting RARE to be very similar, boy was I wrong when I finally got to stop into the location a couple weeks ago. RARE is a treasure trove of specially handpicked and curated clothing, accessories, and home goods; whereas as the other thrift locations, the items on the sales floor have not been as carefully selected for the store. The artful and intriguing displays and fixtures are r-epurposed items or elements that were taken from the materials used in the daily operations of the Goodwill company, and clothing is hung on recycled hangers; therefore promoting eco-consciousness and sustainability.

One of the most striking displays of the store aside from the old television chandelier, t-shirts situated to create am ombre effect at the cashwrap, and three floating chairs showcasing shoes; is the amazing book wall with the statement 'We are ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY - We are Rare', which perfectly encompasses what the store is all about, and also serves as a great lounging and reading nook. A very exciting feature of the store is the vinyl records section in which you can peruse the wide selection then get to listen to the record with a Crosley record player! Every item is individually priced compared to a flat price for each category of items at the usual Goodwill store; and instead of a 'sticker color' of the day discount, RARE hosts weekend sales such as 25% off bottoms.Visit this beautiful gem of a place that is constantly supporting our community.

RARE by Goodwill
411 W. Broadway, Suites C-H
Anaheim, CA 92805  
(Find the entrance off the Center Street Promenade)

Phone: (714) 786-6642 / Street Parking, but call for other parking options and SALES!

Business Hours:
M-Sat: 10AM-8PM
Sun: 11AM-6PM

Holiday Shopping at South Coast Plaza

Get your holiday shopping done at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa

I had the wonderful opportunity of getting to toast the holiday season on one of the craziest holiday shopping days of the year, Black Friday, at South Coast Plaza's The Penthouse. I had been to the Penthouse Suite before for a shopping event with La Perla, and was fascinated to see how the space was turned into a festive, winter wonderland. Guests and the media were able to enjoy breakfast and lunch offerings, blood orange mimosas, coffee, and pampering amenities such as manicures by Lollipop Nail Studio, hand massages by Aveda, a hair refresh by Vidal Sassoon, mini makeovers by MAC, and flash tattoo applications. I grabbed sweet treats on the way out from the candy bar and also received an amazing SCP tote bag filled with goodies to survive Black Friday.

As expected, the shopping center was PACKED, and I window shopped, but didn't bother going inside stores. It looked like shoppers really took full advantage of Black Friday deals; if you're still looking to get gift shopping done, South Coast Plaza probably won't be as much of a frenzy as Black Friday and you have such a great selection of shops. Check out the beautiful ornament displays and Christmas tree in the shopping center as well!