Get fit on the cheap

Sports Consignment is stocked full of home-fitness gear. A great buy

is the Schwinn 920i Recumbent Bike for $899.95. It’s less than a year

old and retails for $2,395.

“We also have lifecycles, ellipticals, Stairmasters and much more

at a fraction of the original price,” owner Sara Remmey said. “We

have new Rollerblades that retail for $100. We’re closing them out

for only $29.95.”

Also, there’s a big supply of full-size wetsuits, from $29.95 to

$59.95. Surfboards are available in all sizes. You can turn in unused

equipment for extra cash. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through

Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 670 W. 17th St., Costa

Mesa. Information: (949) 548-0660.

FINE LEATHER

Bottega Veneta’s renaissance started in 2001 when Gucci bought the

company and Tomas Maier took over as creative director. Maier brought

back Bottega’s motto that initials are not enough -- Bottega’s stands

apart from its competitors by using the most luxurious leathers.

Handcrafted woven pieces are its signature. The softest Napa and

deerskin leathers are used. Bestsellers here are the ladies Tref

deerskin bag in bianco (white) at $1,050; ladies Box sandals in ebano

(brown) at $460; men’s deerskin travel bag in naturale at $2,800; and

men’s Doge loafer in ebano (brown) at $680. Level Two, Nordstrom.

Information: (714) 540-9760.

BOLD HOSE

Fabulous hosiery can be found at Wolford Boutique. Wolford’s

factory in Austria has produces bold designs and graphics on hosiery,

and is a leader in innovative fabric technology. Some collections

are: Logic (no gouging waistband, this hosiery grips on the hips);

Long Distance compression hosiery (good for circulation and helps

prevent swelling); and Sheer 15 (comes with transparent silicon print

on soles to prevent slipping). Plus merino wool, cotton velvets and

invisible control top styles. Wolford also has the most flattering

body wear, lingerie and swimwear collections. Collaborations with top

designers Vivienne Westwood and Karl Lagerfeld add to Wolford’s

appeal. This boutique does very well with classic bodysuits in new

spring colors like Rosy, Cornflower (blue), and Celestial (pale icy

blue). Also popular is the sleeveless Marina top, a combination of

opaque and transparent stripes for $145. A new group called Body

Shade has rousching (fabric gathered at the seam) details. One opaque

top with sheer rousched sleeves is very popular in white or black for

$210. Manager Lisa Snowden says there’s a huge burst of excitement

about fishnets since the release of “Chicago.” Wolford’s fishnets

were featured on the cover of Vogue in November 2002 worn by

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger. Wolford offers a variety of

fishnets, from tiny elegant gage (called the Twenties) to an extra

large funky fishnet (the Eighties) and for spring an updated fishnet

look called Flowernet. Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through

Friday; from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 6:30

p.m. Sunday. Level Two, Nordstrom Wing at South Coast Plaza.

Information: (714) 556-7900. www.wolford.com.

TWO COLLECTIONS FOR SOPHISTICATES

Donna Karan New York features her two collections: ready-to-wear

Signature, and couture Collection. This is the only Donna Karan

Collection boutique outside New York. Karan sold the company to LVMH

group, Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, in 2001 and remains very much

involved as creative director. Karan’s known for luxurious fabrics

and flattering bias cuts. The Signature Collection is based on a

system of dressing. Karan’s philosophy that seven-easy pieces are

wardrobe essentials: a jacket, underpinning, sweater, bottom,

leather, outerwear and dress. Karan’s a trendsetter and designs for

sophisticated women, mostly ages 30 to 60. Karan’s glamorous designs

are celebrity favorites. Manager Stuart Winston says Karan’s pieces

are sent to Academy and Golden Globe Awards participants. The

collection also has shoes, lingerie, fragrances, handbags and

accessories. Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; from 10

a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Level

Two, Nordstrom wing. Information: (714) 549-1053. www.donnakaran.com.

A PLACE TO GET COOKIN’

Kitchenware supplier Sur La Table also offers great cooking

classes for beginners to accomplished chefs through its Culinary

Program. Classes offered this session, taught by local and traveling

instructors, include chocolate, Asian cooking, baking, fundamentals,

Italian cooking, comfort food and more. Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday to Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at 832 Avocado

Ave., Newport Beach. Information: (949) 640-0200.

* 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.