Bella Terra Striking new Italian-themed open-air center; Cost Plus World Market, REI and 20-screen cinema complex. Beach Boulevard at Edinger Avenue, Huntington Beach, 714.897.2533. Map C2

BENCHLEY LUGGAGE & GIFTS Located at Fashion Island for over 28 years carries fine luggage collections by Tumi, Hartmann, Ghurka, Briggs & Riley and Brics, a fine Italian line from Milan, Italy now exclusive to Orange County. The store also features an array of gift items such as Mont Blanc pens, Brighton jewelry, handbags and accessories, clocks, travel games, business cases, globes, jewelry boxes, attaché cases, desk accessories and much more. In addition to a selection of unique gifts, Benchley Luggage & Gifts is known for its quality leather goods. 565 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. 949.759.9101 www.benchleyluggage.com

BELLISSIMA is considered one of the top upscale designer consignment shops for its quality and selection. It features the largest selection of St John Knits. It offers world-class service and carries a wide range of the finest European and American designers, accessories, fragrances, and shoes. You will find timeless elegant designers such as Chanel, Versace, Escada, etc. all at incredible prices. 2850 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, 949.718.0476. www.bellissimaconsignment.com

BETWEEN THE SHEETS Luxury sheets and bedding. 401 Newport Center Drive Suite A220, Newport Beach, 949.640.9999 www.betweenthesheetsinc.com

BLACK, STARR & FROST From its inception in 1810, the forefathers of Black, Starr & Frost strove for the finest in reputation, quality and service. They carry their own diamond creations and jewelry from other designer collections. They also carry exquisite and rare timepieces. South Coast Plaza. 3333 Bristol Street Costa Mesa, 714.549.2522. www.blackstarrfrost.com

Brea Mall County's second-largest mall is home to several major department stores (Nordstrom, Macy's, JCPenney and Sears) plus 175 other retailers. 1065 Brea Mall Way, Brea, 714.990.2732. Map A3

The Block at Orange Entertainment center is home to Lucky Strike Lanes, Vans Skatepark. Shops include Hilo Hattie and Off 5th (Saks Fifth Avenue outlet). 1 City Blvd. West, Orange, 714.769.4001. Map J11

BORDERS EXPRESS With more than 1,200 stores around the world, Borders is finding new ways to help customers create richer and more satisfying lives through knowledge and entertainment and to connect with the books, music and movies that help shape and define us all. Westiminster Mall, 1051 Westminster Mall, Westminster, 714.894.0148.

The Camp National park–themed center geared to outdoors enthusiasts, from snowboarders to rock climbers. For eats, consider Native Foods (vegetarian) and Old Vine Café (contemporary, seasonal fare and wine). 2937 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.444.4CMP. Map J13

Corona del Mar Plaza Boutiques include Jewels by Joseph, Jack's Surfboards, Tommy Bahama Emporium, Sprinkles Cupcakes. 850 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. Map M15

CRYSTAL COVE PROMENADE Crystal Cove Promenade Ocean views, Tuscan setting. Upscale boutiques, home stores, fine dining. Crystal Heights Drive and Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Map M17 Crystal Cove Promenade

THE DISTRICT AT TUSTIN LEGACY New. One million-square-foot dining, entertainment and shopping destination. Whole Foods Market and Border's Books anchor boutiques including Madison Bleu, Ulta Cosmetics, Hush Baby plus cineplex and Strike Rock & Roll Bowling. Jamboree Road and Barranca Parkway, Tustin. Map J14

Downtown Disney Twenty–acre complex includes Sephora, LEGO Imagination Center, Club Libby Lu and Anne Geddes. 1510–1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim. (See also Downtown Disney listing in Attractions.) Map I10

FASHION ISLAND Fashion Island Elegant, very pleasant open-air center. Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, boutiques including Benchley Luggage, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Optical Shop of Aspen. French 75, Cafe R&D and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar are among many dining options. 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.2000. Map L15www.shopfashionisland.com
 
5 POINTS PLAZA No. 1 neighborhood center, says O.C. Register. Value fashions at Loehmann's, Ann Taylor Loft, Aerosoles. 18577 Main St., at Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, 714.841.0036. Map D2 www.5pointsplaza.com

Irvine Spectrum Center Nation's first free–standing entertainment-themed retail center. Nation's most visited movie complex. New are Bellini Maternity & Kids and Planet Mars for men. Giant Ferris wheel visible from freeways. 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.789.9180. Map D5

The Lab Alternative retailers for Gen-Xers in industrial, post-grunge setting include Urban Outfitters, Buffalo Exchange, Habit, Crew Salon. Check out Zipangu for sushi and cocktails or Gypsy Den for lunch and a latte. 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.966.6660. Map J13

Laguna Hills Mall Macy's, Swiss Watch Gallery and 90 other specialty stores, many youth-skewed: PacSun; Disney Store. 24155 Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, 949.586.8283. Map E6

ORREFORS KOSTA BODA Over the centuries, the artists and craftsmen of Orrefors Kosta Boda have not only embodied the distinctive folkways of Scandinavian design, but also helped define those traditions. When you buy Orrefors Kosta Boda, you’re buying history—a lineage of great design and craftsmanship that has endured for more than 250 years. One-of-a-kind glass art and fine crystal pieces are available as accessories, bar-ware, bowls, candleholders, pitchers, sculpture, serve-ware, stemware, vases and votives. The handcrafted crystal is perfect as gifts or collectors’ pieces. Engraving and shipping services are available. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714.549.1959, 800.852.3221. www.kostaboda.us, www.orrefors.us

PEPPERTREE LANE When passing through the arched brick entries of this Laguna Beach landmark, one can leave reality behind and experience the mood of a European holiday. The Peppertree Lane and its charming shops are a "must see" on your next visit to Laguna Beach! www.lagunabeach.com/shops/peppertree.html

POTTERY SHACK Gifts, ornaments and festive accents for the home. 8 Marquesa, Dana Point 949.494.1141 www.potteryshack.com

RANGONI FIRENZE SHOES offers fashionable designer footwear that are handcrafted and imported from Italy. Only the highest quality materials are used to create the exclusive Rangoni collection. With growing shops, personalized customer service, and a wide verity of sized and widths, customers find it easy to select the right shoe from Rangoni's elegant series. 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714.751.3195. www.rangonishoes.com

The Shops at Mission Viejo Nordstrom, Saks, stores from Aveda to Z Gallerie. 555 The Shops at Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo, 949.364.1771. Map E6

RECYCLED RAGS For nearly four decades, Recycled Rags has provided exquisite clothing from the wardrobes of the world’s best-dressed people. From ball gowns to blue jeans to shoes, handbags, hats and accessories, Recycled Rags is filled with styles to suit all tastes. Classic and contemporary designs, by top designers such as Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Dolce & Gabanna and Gucci, are available at reasonable prices. Personal shoppers are available by appointment. Shoppers can provide a wish list and be called when the items become available. 2751 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.675.5553. www.recycledrags.com

South Coast Plaza "The Ultimate Shopping Experience," state tourist destination. Astonishing concentration of marquee retailers such as Cavalli, Chanel and Valentino. New Rolex, Intermix, Versace. Macy's Home Store and Crate & Barrel anchor Bear Street wing. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.435.2000. Map J13 www.southcoastplaza.com

TRES CHIC BOUTIQUE This cutting edge contemporary boutique features a unique selection of comfortable and stylish clothing perfect for any occasion. Specializing in separates, from soft tees and tanks, to linen, cotton, and silk tops in striking prints and solids. Hand embroidered and beaded blouses and jackets along with denim jeans and dress slacks add to the offerings. A variety of fashion forward jewelry, purses and handmade swarovski crystal belts complete the exquisite selection. Tres Chic not only features major designers, but selectively introduces the formidable creations of up and comers. Located on 17th street at Westminster Ave., in the Staples and Mother’s Market shopping center.253 E. 17th Street, Costa Mesa 949.642.4696.

Triangle Square Trilevel center on triangular block. Edwards movie theater, Yard House and Sutra Lounge. 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.722.1600. Map K12

VILLEROY & BOCH The leader in tabletop design for over 250 years, Villeroy & Boch’s elegant South Coast Plaza shop offers exquisite china, stemware, cutlery and accessories for entertainment. Still family-owned, Villeroy & Boch is the world’s largest producer of high-end ceramics, which have graced the tables of the pope, Europe’s royal families, Michelin-starred restaurants and the White House. For any discriminating couple, the store is a natural for bridal registry, and the staff works closely with customers to make the perfect selections. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., #208, Costa Mesa, 714.540.6511. www.villeroy-boch-us.com

WESTFIELD MAINPLACE Macy's, Nordstrom, 200 shops (Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery, Brighton Collectibles). California Welcome Center, too. 2800 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.547.7000. Map G13http://westfield.com/mainplace/

WINSTON’S JEWELERS Since 1969, Winston’s Jewelers has been Southern California’s most trusted jeweler. For the ultimate gifts, Winston’s offers more than 100 diamond rings with exquisite settings, from a generous 5 carats all the way up to an ultra-opulent 25 carats. Rubies, sapphires and emeralds are offered in sizes up to 50 carats. Over 200 pre-owned timepieces crafted by Rolex, Chopard and Cartier are also available. Two certified master watch technicians, a master goldsmith and a Gemological Institute of America gemologist are on staff to assist Winston’s privileged customers. Open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1775 Newport Blvd., Suite B, Costa Mesa, 949.645.9000.

ZIA JEWELRY Artistic, colorful and unique selections. 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1322.