They (Emmy Rossum, Sharon Stone, Kristin Davis, Calista Flockhart) came to shop for the arts

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With 225 designer handbags -– all stuffed with Dior beauty products -- for sale in a silent auction at Tuesday’s annual P.S. Arts Bag Lunch, guests didn’t just arrive on time. They came early to Heather Thomas Brittenham’s Santa Monica home to plan their bidding strategy.

“This is such madness,” said Emmy Rossum of “Shameless.” “You would think they were giving the bags away for free.”

Sharon Stone said she was considering a classic orange purse, which she called “chic” and “old-school,” while Kristin Davis of “Sex and the City” said she was waiting for the frenzy to die down before making her choices. An event host, Davis explained that funds would go toward restoring arts education in public schools. “I was a good student in school, but the arts were what I felt most connected to. It’s so sad that, that’s what getting cut.”

Also among those surveying the merchandise were Sophia Bush, Calista Flockhart, Shiva Rose, Kaley Cuoco, Lisa Rinna, Perrey Reeves, Abigail Spencer and Melissa Rivers, plus event organizers George Kotsiopoulos of “Fashion Police,” Elizabeth Stewart, Diane Vavra, Maria Bell, Julia Sorkin, Jen Rade, Kelly Fisher Katz, Allison Olesky, Marilyn Heston, Carla Sands and Jill Chayet. With more than 200 guests shopping, sipping Champagne and dining on paper-bag lunches, the day’s tally topped $150,000.

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-- Ellen Olivier