Turn pages at a new bookstore

The First Page, a fine children’s bookstore, celebrates its grand

opening from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Storytelling by Steve C

(formerly of Radio Disney), face painting, creative activities and

free refreshments make the opening fun for everyone.

The First Page features a first-rate selection of literature,

including classics and award-winning titles and authors, as well as

lesser-known and hard-to-find books from up-and-coming authors and

independent publishers. Books are displayed facing out for easy

viewing, organized by age groups (0 to 14), a friendly staff and an

inviting atmosphere ideal for booklovers. Founder Christy Coyne and

her staff hand-select each book for outstanding quality. Fun

activities, delightful storytellers and guest authors are announced

in the First Page newsletter. Also, the First Page Book Club offers

discounts and other benefits.

Daily one-hour story times are scheduled from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; and from 4 to 5 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday to Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 270 E. 17th

St., No. 10, Costa Mesa. (949) 645-KIDS.

THIS BOUTIQUE HAS IT

The White Dress, a couture bridal boutique, shows the modern,

stylized and understated designs by Reva Mivasagar from 1 to 6 p.m.

today and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. His ready-to-wear pieces

incorporate exquisite detailing, texture and feminine shapes.

Australian-born Reva has a retail store in SoHo, New York City, where

he offers an exclusive design service, from custom gowns to

ready-to-wear. His fall 2003 collection and best-selling designs from

past collections are featured here this month. 2853 E. Coast Highway,

Corona del Mar. (949) 723-0121.

YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND

Take home man’s best friend this weekend at German Shepherd

Rescue’s adoption event held at PetsMart in Costa Mesa. The

organization asks for a $200 donation. Go to their informative Web

site at www.gsrescue.org to find out the background of each dog. Open

from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 620 W. 17th St.,

Costa Mesa. (949) 764-9280.

PLACE FOR PANTS

Owner and designer Vicki Peterson has two local shops: the Chantel

and Vicki Shoppe in Costa Mesa and Sommerska (dressmaker in Swedish)

on Balboa Island. Peterson has a signature line of novelty rayon

print dresses, bias-cut slip dresses, skirts, tops and lounge pants

-- perfect for spring and summer with trims or beaded fringe.

Customers go crazy for the vintage Levis with Swarovski crystal

buttons and capri style Levis with rhinestone hems. Hip lines

available also found in L.A. boutiques include Language, And Cake,

Project e, Hank, Freedom 11, Burning Torch, Jake’s, Velvet and

European Culture. Chantel and Vicki Shoppe, 432 E. 17th St., Costa

Mesa, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. (949)

646-7506. Sommerska, 324 Marine Ave., Balboa Island, is open from 10

a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

(949) 673-5707.

SOMETHING TO WINE ABOUT

The new Great Legs Wine, Tasting & Boutique specializes in wines

from the central coast of California, Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara,

and offers wines from other regions, too. Daily wine tasting and wine

by the glass available, as well as wines, gift items, custom and

pre-made gift baskets. Best Buys readers who mention this column will

receive $5 off on any purchase of retail wine and gifts. The offer

excludes wine tasting. Open from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; from 11 a.m.

to 7 p.m. Monday to Wednesday; and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday to

Saturday. 2901 W. Coast Highway, Suite 100, Newport Beach. (949)

515-8466.

* BEST BUYS appears Mondays and Fridays. Contact Greer Wylder at

[email protected]; at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627; or by

fax at (949) 646-4170.