Kate Spade's new totes strike a local note
Kate Spade is taking over California, one tote bag at a time. The New York accessories doyenne who built an empire on boxy, nylon totes is celebrating a slew of new boutique openings here with a series of limited-edition canvas bags ($155) that nod to the history of Southland neighborhoods where the new shops sit.
At the Thousand Oaks store, a bright yellow tote reads "Jungleland," referencing the exotic animal farm built there in 1927 to house showbiz beasts (MGM's famous roaring lion was a resident). Century City's black and white Tinseltown bag lets mall walkers know that they're shopping on the former Fox Studio back lot.
And the next best thing to owning a shiny red super-stock Dodge may be owning Spade's red Go Granny, Go tote, which echoes the words of Jan and Dean's iconic 1964 song "The Little Old Lady From Pasadena." Each style is limited to 50 pieces.
Kate Spade stores, 436 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, (805) 497-3617; Americana at Brand, 116 Caruso Ave., Glendale, (818) 956-1705; Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 788.0791; 39 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (626) 356-9460. www.katespade.com
SALES
Geren Ford Friday and Saturday: Silk is the heart and soul of Geren Lockhart's contemporary collection of billowy day dresses and a-step-above-casual separates. Now that the designer is slashing up to 90% off a selection of holiday 2007, pre-spring 2008 and spring 2008 goods, feed your own soul with tunics, tank tops, maxi dresses and shorts perfect for steamy summer evenings. Stand-out styles include hot pink silk Capri pants with gray cotton piping ($60, originally $244) and an architecturally inspired, black-and-green dress with an asymmetrical hem for $100 (originally $365). 453 S. Spring St. No. 820, Los Angeles, info@gerenford.com. 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. www.gerenford.com
Amaya Dylan Bridal Gallery Today through Friday: Three years ago when Troy Letus was looking for a wedding dress, she was so shocked by the poor customer service that she hung a new shingle and opened her own bridal boutique. She's offering 15% off every dress, veil and garter. Dina Bar-El's simple designs are $850 (originally $1,000), while more complicated, hand-beaded lace confections by Jane Wang Couture are $1,200 (originally $8,250). Custom orders are also 15% off. 622 N. Doheny Drive, West Hollywood. (310) 279-1149. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday or by appointment. www.amayadylanbrides.com
