Give the family dogs the luxury they deserve

Devoted dog lovers already know about Three Dog Bakery. They

regularly bring their dogs in for fresh bakery treats that could

rival a fine pastry shop’s. Dogs mostly request the Puptarts,

Pupcakes, Boxer Brownies and they want dozens of Dottie’s Spots

(carob chip cookies). Also popular are custom cakes, for weddings

too, and personalized carob-printed Dino Bones. Owners Sandy

Deem-Naff and Roger Naff say that, occasionally, clever unleashed

dogs charge behind the counter and slurp frosting straight out of the

bowl. Not to be missed are the two annual costume parties: a summer

pool party, when dogs come dressed in swimwear, and Halloween, when

150 to 300 dogs show up in costumes. Some owners just slap a sarong

on, but others go all out. Tuxedos, bulldogs dressed like ladybugs

and Austin Powers costumes are worn. The bakery is also filled with

hats, collars, leashes, beds, toys, shampoos, carriers, sunglasses

and more. “If it’s out there, I’ve got it,” Sandy said. Open from 10

a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. 924

Avocado Ave., Corona del Mar Plaza. (949) 760-DOGS.

IT’S NOT TOO EARLY FOR SWIMMING

Diane’s Swimwear carries year-round swimwear and active wear.

There are one-piece suits, bikini sets, separates, cover-ups, shoes

and accessories. Best selling bikinis are Lucky Brand, Vix, Becca and

one-piece suits from Calvin Klein. Top sizes range from extra small

to DD, and bottom sizes range from extra small to large. Open from 10

a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

920 Avocado Ave., Corona del Mar Plaza. (949) 759-6880.

MAKE MI PLACE YOUR PLACE

For the past 28 years, Mi Place owners Mary Frankel and Iris

Rubenstein have offered some of the best designer apparel and

accessories in a small boutique setting. They carry Michael Kors,

Celine, John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier, Narcisso Rodriguez and

Alberta Ferretti. Custom gowns and special occasion dresses are their

specialty. Beverly Hills-based jewelry designer Loree Rodkin, who

specializes in platinum, white and yellow gold with diamonds, is

featured here. Rodkin also designs Gothic crosses. One of her first

customers was Cher. The prices on fall/winter collections are reduced

50%. Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday; from 10 a.m. to 6

p.m. Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 916 Avocado Ave., Corona del Mar Plaza. (949) 219-9919.

GIORGIO ARMANI READIES SPRING, SUMMER WEAR

Today, the Giorgio Armani Boutique at South Coast Plaza is having

an exclusive trunk show featuring the women’s spring/summer 2003

collection. 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

one, outside of Macy’s. (714) 546-9377.

HIT THE PAVEMENT

FOR THIS SALE

Huge discounts are offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and

Saturday at the sidewalk sale at East 17th Street and Tustin Avenue

in Costa Mesa. Participating merchants are Bassinets & Blueberries,

Bow Danglers, Blue Springs, Flare, Villa Bella, Amethyst Hair Salon

and Tea & Sympathy. 369 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa.

TASTE A BIT OF PARADISE

Gelato Paradiso makes small batches of gelato at 5:30 a.m. daily

using imported ingredients and recipes from Italy. Pistachios come

from Sicily, hazelnuts from the Piedmont region and its lemon sorbet

recipe comes from Sorrento. The most popular flavors are

stracciatella (chocolate chip), hazelnut, Tiramisu and cappuccino.

Co-owner Tyler George says they have the largest selection of sorbets

in the county and they supply 40 restaurants and hotels with gelato

and sorbet. Beautiful custom gelato and sorbet cakes were launched in

June. They sell so quickly, the store can’t make them fast enough.

Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; from 11 a.m. to 10

p.m. Friday and Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. 952

Avocado Ave., Corona del Mar Plaza. (949) 640-9256. Also in the

Atrium Court at Fashion Island. (949) 718-9800.

* BEST BUYS appears Mondays and Fridays. Send information to

Greer Wylder at [email protected]