RETAIL ROUNDUP:

Punxsutawney Phil, the famed furry marmot of Pennsylvania, has prognosticated an early spring, and high-end designers are doing their part to get our closets ready.

As designers show their fall lines on the catwalks at this week’s New York Fashion Week, they’re also holding trunk shows displaying their spring lines here in Newport-Mesa.

Trunk shows can give shoppers a glimpse into the new lines for the season and often give them a chance to buy pieces before they’re up on the store racks.

“It’s sort of a first-hand experience between the designer and the customers so they can gain a little insight into exactly what the designer is doing and where they’re taking fashions and their own interpretation of what’s current and relevant,” said Kerri Harlow, Costa Mesa’s Harlow boutique owner. “It’s a great opportunity for customers and designers to mingle and discuss fashion and particularly whatever they do, whether it’s jewelry, clothing or shoes or accessories.”

It’s not always the principal designer who can make every trunk show, but the aim is to bring the line and its wearers together to get a better feeling of what everybody wants.

While the customer can get a glimpse into a designer’s vision, the shop benefits by giving its customers a chance to learn about fashion, which in turn can positively affect their business.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for our costumers to meet the people behind the names that we carry…. It gives them a little more exposure to fashion and to be one-on-one with some of their favorite and local designers,” Harlow said.

Harlow plans to have an accessories trunk show of Lucy Notions Headbands in March.

For a look at what could be hot this spring and to get a leg up on springtime shopping, check out these shows at South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island. Bloomingdales in Newport Beach will host a Stephen Singer Estate trunk show from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today. The show will include rare vintage pieces and designer jewelry. Neiman Marcus will feature the Akris clothing line by designer Albert Kriemler at its spring 2007 trunk show today in its Couture Salon. Neiman Marcus will also showcase Yves Saint Laurent fashions on Monday.

Looking for more today? Check out a Hayluv Jewelry trunk show from noon to 5 p.m. at Gary’s Island.

South Coast Plaza also has its fair share of shows, and Nordstrom will present Stephen Yearick’s spring line of dresses Thursday and Friday, with models displaying the gowns.

If you’re not sure what look is right for you this spring, or what is going to be hot this season, check out Neiman Marcus’ Next Big Thing showcase Feb. 15 through 22 when the store will have on display what everyone should get for spring.

Valentine’s spending to top $17 billion

The National Retail Federation forecasted that lovers in the United States will shell out $17 billion collectively this year on their valentines.

According to the retail association, which is based in Washington, D.C., the most popular gifts continue to be the old standards — cards, candy and flowers — all things that can be considered simple or extravagant.