Rain dosen’t dampen the spirit of shopping

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The rain may be falling in biblical proportions (by L.A. standards anyway) this week, but that didn’t slow down the fashion-loving set from attending a couple of fun gatherings last night.

New York-based designer and girl about town Elise Overland made a personal appearance at Melrose Avenue boutique Arcade. Guests perused her Fall ’08 line as well as placed orders for Spring ‘09, with the night’s big seller being her stretch leather tights. Nicky Hilton stopped by and bought a few things. The designer’s sexy, body hugging pieces are perfect for the socialite’s rail thin frame. Speaking of thin; watch out for Overland’s dreamy, paper-thin leather motorcycle jackets for Spring ’09. They are ultra-soft and come in the most amazingly vibrant colors like red and yellow. Looks like the biker jacket trend is carrying on through to next season -- in appropriately lighter-weight leather, of course.

Meanwhile, just west of Overland’s edgy-rocker crowd, Max Mara celebrated the official opening of their new boutique. The new space, which is a few blocks north of their old boutique on Rodeo Drive is twice the size and can house way more merchandise (much to the delight of the well heeled women who were inspired by the weather and tried on all the trench coats in the store). All was for a good cause, 20% of proceeds went to Women in Film.

Elizabeth Banks came by, wearing an apple-red dress with a cute flutter sleeve.

It was nice to see people out and about despite the wet weather. Who says people in L.A. don’t know what to do when it rains? Clearly, they shop.

-- Melissa Magsaysay