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Trend-Setting Holiday Fashions to Be Found At The Christmas Company, a Junior League of Orange County, Ca, Inc., Fundraiser

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Aug. 29, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The latest fashions from trend-setting clothiers and jewelers are once again among the star attractions of The Junior League of Orange County, California, Inc., (JLOCC) Christmas Company. The annual shopping extravaganza will showcase more than 80 vendors Sunday, October 16, through Wednesday, October 19, at the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center, located at the 55 Freeway and Fair Drive in Costa Mesa.

This year, large rings, bold bracelets and long earrings are hot, and yellow gold is back in a big way. Jeweler Diane Lawson will feature designers from the U.S. and Europe including Alessi, Peter James, Michou, Elle, and Rembrandt Charms. According to Lawson, the new styles move and shake, and whimsical motifs feature everything from vegetables to chocolate bars. L.A. stylist and designer Safia will also showcase her work, which has adorned celebrities including Julia Roberts, Halle Berry, Drew Barrymore, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Tyra Banks, to name just a few.

For the latest in fashion, Ronit Benjamin's "My Collection" offers famous designers such as Ella Moss, Splendid, Sanctuary Clothing and more. Lily Pulitzer's 2005 resort collection themed "Private Island Getaway" will be previewed at a Tuesday Luncheon Fashion Show, presented by Newport Coast's Pink Wasabi as well as available for purchase. Also for the little ones, the children's clothing of Fashion Island's "Butterfly Kisses" will be featured. San Juan Capistrano's Slater and Sloane will offer merchandise in the Christmas Company's Fairgrounds location, making their goods convenient for purchase by North Countians.

Corona del Mar's Lu Ping Pearls, created by mother and daughter designers Patti Estabrooks and C.C. Knowles, will showcase their unique way of wearing pearls and gems. In place of a clasp, the necklaces and bracelets gracefully loop around the neck and wrists. They're held in place by jade Buddhas, large pearls and gemstone drops, antique Mahjong pieces, mother of pearl buttons, bone butterflies and more. Their inspiration comes from India, China, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan and Malaysia, and every piece is made entirely by hand.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of The Christmas Company, which has raised more than $6.5 million for the benefit of the JLOCC's charitable projects. This year's recipients are Canyon Acres Children and Family Services; Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA); Impact Orange County; Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center; Casa Teresa Mentoring Program; Girls, Inc., Action for Safety Program; YMCA Youth Service Corps; and Bear Hugs.

The Christmas Company will be open to the public Sunday, October 16-Wednesday, October 19, starting at 10 a.m. Closing hours are 6 p.m. on Sunday and Wednesday; 9 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. Admission is $7 per person. Preferred Shopping Admission, allowing early entry (8 a.m.) and a continental breakfast, Sunday ($30), has typically sold out in advance. A Fashion Show Luncheon featuring the 2005 Lily Pulitzer resort collection themed "Private Island Getaway" will be presented by Newport Coast Retailer Pink Wasabi at noon, Tuesday, October 18 ($30), and an American Girl Fashion Show (10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16 and 4 p.m., Monday, Oct. 17, $25) will feature local youngsters who walk the runway while cradling dolls dressed in matching attire.

The Junior League of Orange County, CA, Inc., (JLOCC) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and the leadership of trained volunteers. The members of the JLOCC share a vision of a community in which all children and adolescents are supported to flourish and realize their hopes and dreams and a vision of the organization in which each individual member is supported and encouraged to increase her experience, knowledge, and leadership skill set in the process of becoming an effectively trained community volunteer. To learn more about the JLOCC, call (949) 261-0823 or visit www.jlocc.org.

CONTACT:  Junior League of Orange County, CA, Inc.
          Susan Ballou
          (949) 477-3070
          susanballou@att.net