Fashion & Style Ranch & Coast

Michala Lawrence, Barbara ZoBell, Mary Beth Kellee, Feben Yohannes, and Esther Jane Paul, banner image above: Sally B. Thornton, Ferne McCuen, Valerie Cooper, Daran Grimm, and Natalie Daryl Walter Nth Degree Stylemakers A reception was held in early November at Bertrand at Mister A’s to celebrate San Diego’s top ten best-dressed women and ten best-dressed men as selected by Fashion Forward’s Leonard Simpson. Honorees met and mingled while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres al fresco overlooking twinkling downtown San Diego. The 20 stylemakers (featured here) were then honored at Mercy Hospital Auxiliary’s inaugural Dressed to the Nth Degree runway fashion show and luncheon at the US Grant Hotel in mid-November. Chaired by Linda Masters, with Merle Lotherington as co-chair and Sally B. Thornton serving as honorary chair, the event also featured a Champagne reception, boutique shopping, and silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the hospital’s Robotic Surgery Department. — Mia Stefanko, photos by Bob Stefanko Dean Spanos, Bertrand Hug, Scott Johnston, and David Reicks Left to right: Bertrand at Mister A’s, Jessie Knight, Jr., and Todd Figi Rueben Poon, Michael Bixler, Harry Cooper, and Jonathan Shiff Lena Evans Sweater Girl Cameron Diaz has a baby blue cardigan decorated with blue topaz, Fergie favors pink with rose quartz, and music producer Quincy Jones sports smoky quartz on his cable vest. The bejeweled cashmere collection is the work of Rancho Santa Fe’s Lena Evans, who launched Jade Phoenix Designs during New York Fashion Week. The former entertainment industry executive was frustrated by cheap buttons often found on luxurious cashmere. "I was at a jewelry shop with a girlfriend and it was one those light bulb moments," Evans recalls. "I said, ’What if we put jewels on the sweaters?’ That’s how it was born." The soft-as-a-cloud cashmeres come in an array of colors and styles from a demure pink pullover with pearls to a sexy little black number with shoulder cut-outs and garnets. There are tiny sweaters for babies, and "birthday sweaters" adorned with birthstones. The Saigon-born Evans called her line Jade Phoenix after her Vietnamese name. Attached to each sweater is a jade coin, symbolizing health and wealth. Prices range from $250 to $2,000. (www.jadephoenixdesigns.com) — Andrea Naversen		Leonard Simpson


		A Sparkling Night ’Tis the season for all things that twinkle. On Thursday, December 4, from 6-8pm, Charriol boutique in La Jolla will host a holiday event featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, along with fashions by Nicole Miller. Include the name of any friends who will be accompanying you when you RSVP to receive $100 off your purchase at the event. Each friend will also receive a gift certificate. A portion of event proceeds will benefit Las Patronas. (800/872-0172, www.charriolusa.com) — Jane Shiomi

		Men’s Shopping Soiree La Lace Boutique will get hearts racing on Tuesday, December 16, at 7pm, when it hosts a men’s holiday shopping night and fashion show featuring fine lingerie at Pasquale Del Mar & Finley Lounge. La Lace offers collectible, hand-sewn haute couture lingerie from the world’s finest designers including Sabbia Rosa, Ritratti, Eres, La Perla, and more. (858/756-2727, www.lalace.com) — Jane Shiomi

		Haute Holidays Holiday shoppers, take note — HauteDeals, a recently-launched boutique designer warehouse sale off El Camino Real in Encinitas, offers a wide range of designer brands often found in the most chic boutiques for women, men, and children. Shop for everything from loungewear and denim to holiday dresses, shoes, and accessories, all from designer lines. "So many people in our community and across our country are struggling to pay their bills right now, but the holidays don’t go away," says Megan Novak Shockney, partner at HauteDeals. "People are still, somehow, going to celebrate these special events with their family and friends. Why not bring beautiful and fun fashions to our community at wholesale prices?" The wide range of products provides the perfect opportunity to finish up your Christmas shopping with something for everyone on your list. This year, the business will run through December 24. HauteDeals will also be collecting non-perishable foods for the MCAS Miramar Food Locker, a nonprofit organization that feeds military families in need. (www.sdhautedeals.com) — Rina Van Orden