The O.C. Bargainista:

For haute couture straight from the runways of Milan and Paris, check out A’Maree’s, at 1649 Westcliff Drive in Newport Beach. The sweet boutique, a mother-daughter business since the 1970s, is offering up to 75% off fall and winter clothing and accessories; options include the fashion houses of Lanvin and Balenciaga, or Lucien Pellat-Finet cashmere. For more information, call (949) 642-4423.

Crafty Children

It’s I Love Mickey Month, so the Disney Store at South Coast Plaza is pulling out all the stops with loads of free family events. From 5 to 7 p.m. weekdays or 1 to 4 p.m. weekends, enjoy the following: Mickey storytime and sing-alongs Sunday to Feb. 13; Mickey trivia Feb. 14 to 20; and How to Draw Mickey sessions Feb. 21 to 26.

Alternately, the Costa Mesa IKEA store will host free kids’ activities from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday (crafts) and Feb. 13 (face painting). For more information, call (714) 444-4532.

Pre-register to take kids in first to fourth grades to the Newport Beach Central Library’s Asian Craft Day from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday at 1000 Avocado Ave. For more information, visit newport-beach.ca.us/nbpl.

Cheap Chow and Chai

For those willing to battle crowds and lines in the name of all things complimentary and drizzled in syrup, February means free (and frequent) pancakes. Denny’s is re-creating its much-hyped Grand Slam breakfast giveaway of 2009, with a free Grand Slam breakfast from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday. Look for the ad during the Super Bowl. On Feb. 23, IHOP celebrates National Pancake Day from 7 to 10 a.m. with a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes. They request a donation to a local children’s hospital in return.

If tea is more your style, visit the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf at South Coast Plaza, which is offering a free 12-ounce Chai, Chai Rooibos or Chai Mate tea latte from 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 12. If you’re not free to drop everything to go at that time, never fear; those who buy or reload a $25 gift card this month will receive a free 16-ounce Chai Mate or Chai Rooibos tea latte.

Have a hot sale tip, or know about a great local business that you think deserves a little attention? Contact the O.C. Bargainista, CANDICE BAKER, at [email protected]. And remember — never pay retail!