If you shop at fast-fashion stores for the prices but have a hard time finding a work-appropriate suit or a dress without a loose seam, In Add Minus, a new entry to the field, promises premium fabrics and contemporary style for prices only a heel higher than Zara.

The contemporary boutique chain debuts this week at Westfield Century City with plans for stores in New York in January, then Miami and Costa Mesa in late 2011.

“That’s how we target customers -- better quality, affordable and still trendy as well,” says Nasarudin Nasimuddin, the 27-year-old chairman of the Malaysian company Naza Group, which owns the brand (In Add Minus is an anagram of Nasimuddin). Nasimuddin says In Add Minus is manufactured in Asia but features Italian knits, French fabrics and Japanese denim.  

For fall/winter, In Add Minus offers sweaters, leathers, dresses and blazers. A men’s wool suit from In Add Minus retails for $600, including pants, blazer and shirt. For women, dresses and blouses retail for $100 or less and knitwear is under $200. Leather jackets for both men and women are $395.

Why did Nasiruddin choose the City of Angeles to launch In Add Minus?

“In LA, I found freedom to dress every which way,” says the USC alum, who currently lives in Rancho Palos Verdes. "And I was brought up in a [former] British Colony where everyone is in a suit.”

-- Max Padilla

Photo: The new store. Courtesy of In Add Minus

It might be gloomy outside now, but summer is right around the corner.

On Thursday, May 20, let Madewell style your summer look -- just in time for that Memorial Day barbecue.

Madewell, J.Crew's little sister, is having its first-ever seasonal styling event with former Teen Vogue editor Jessica De Ruiter at Westfield Century City. De Ruiter will help shoppers create summer looks like a silk brushstroke tank ($88) with slouchy shorts ($72).

That evening, 15% will be taken off all purchases at the register.

Bring the gals to pose for a custom photo flip book, all while enjoying complimentary cocktails and a DJ.

Guests are encouraged to RSVP to LAevents@madewell.com.

Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. 7 to 9 p.m.

-- Max Padilla

Photo: Madewell's floral dress ($148), Panama hat ($58) and messenger bag ($128). Credit: Madewell

William Rast co-founder and co-creative director Trace Ayala (sans childhood buddy Justin Timberlake) pops into the label's Century City flagship store Thursday night, and rapper Nelly is slated to appear at the Macy's in Culver City Friday on behalf of his Apple Bottoms line.

On Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Westfield Century City (10250 Santa Monica Blvd.), Ayala will be in the house to celebrate the spring/summer 2010 collection, DJ Travis Keller will provide music, 901 Silver Tequila will provide the drinks and spending $250 will get you a cool 15% off (spend twice that and your savings will be 25%).

Friday night (also at 5 p.m.) Cornell "Nelly" Haynes Jr. will be holding court in the junior's department on level two of the Macy's at Westfield Culver City (6200 Slauson Ave.). In addition to helping move some merchandise (customers who buy $50 or more worth of Apple Bottoms product will be able to meet the rapper and get his autograph), he'll also be trying to encourage folks to give blood and register as bone marrow donors -- a bone marrow registry will be set up in the store and a blood drive truck will be set up in the Macy's parking lot from noon to 7 p.m..

Let's just hope the "Twilight" fans don't mistake it for the latest in gourmet food trucks.

-- Adam Tschorn

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Left photo: Rapper Nelly. Credit: Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times 

Right photo: William Rast co-founder Trace Ayala. Credit: Stefan Gosatti / Getty Images

Kim Kardashian entered Sephora in Century City to applause from the store’s staff followed by sporadic shouts of “we love you Kim!” from the throng of people waiting outside (some for more than eight hours). They were there to meet the reality TV star who had just flown in from presenting her clothing line for Bebe at New York fashion week, but Kardashian showed no signs of jet lag or fatigue and came geared up in a one-shoulder dress and 5-inch Louboutins to promote her new fragrance.

I’ll be honest  I think the fragrance smells exactly like Michael Kors with its overt notes of tuberose and gardenia, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Although it may not be the most original scent, in her case that’s not really the point.  Kardashian seems to be able to sell anything, including cupcakes and Quick Trim, and there’s no doubt -- especially judging by the couple of hundred people who already bought a bottle in order to meet the brunette bombshell  -- her scent will sell to all the fans who want a whiff of her alluring world.

I caught up with Kardashian for a moment amid  the flashbulb-filled reality that is very much her life.

MM: What are you wearing? It looks similar to something I saw in your runway show.

KK: It is. The dress is from our line for Bebe and the necklace is from Nicole Romano.

MM: Are you more comfortable designing clothes or creating a fragrance?

KK: It’s pretty equal. All these projects have been in the works for a long time so seeing them all show up at the same time is really cool and also a little bit overwhelming. The clothing line is great because Khloe, Kourtney and I can do it together. This dress is super “Kim” signature style.  If you look at the whole collection there are looser pieces that are totally Kourtney’s style, because she’s more bohemian.  Khloe is more edgy. The leather leggings, the blazers, that was all her. So you see all of our personalities shine even though it’s a line for all three of us.  I love working with them, but this was kind of cool to do something on my own

MM: Do you have plans to develop this scent into other products?

KK: For sure. It’s my debut fragrance, but I definitely think we’re going to branch off and have candles and body wash. To me this is the most special thing I’ve done so far, so I want to expand on it. I hope that this does well and that I can make more fragrances because I really like the process.

MM: What is it you were trying to evoke through this scent?

KK: It’s voluptuous; it’s rich and creamy, but still fresh. It’s for daytime, but also transitions through to night. It’s feminine and girly, sexy for sure but still youthful.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photo: Kim Kardashian/Jeff Gentner, Getty Images

Allen Edwards Ongoing through Jan. 31: Woodland Hills salon is discounting select packages, including $50 shampoo and style (regularly $60) and $47 express facial ($55).

20855 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. (818) 887-7330. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday; 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.www.allenedwards.com

Equinox Ongoing through Jan. 31: Receive 25% off any spa service (massage, facial, waxing, body treatment) by appointment. Service includes full access to club fitness classes, outdoor swimming pool, Turkish bath and sauna.

10220 Constellation Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 552-0420. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

8590 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 289-1900. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.www.equinoxfitness.com

Recess Ongoing through Jan. 31: Nail spa featuring nontoxic treatments adds organic waxing services, with introductory prices of $20 for eyebrow maintenance and $35 for a Brazilian wax. Take an additional $5 off other waxing treatments when you mention discount code "wax." Valet parking is free Fridays through Sundays with validation.

8408-B Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 782-9919. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.recess-la.com

-- Max Padilla

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Last-minute holiday shoppers who missed some of the “gifts that give back” events can still hit the Space 26/Designer Direct pop-up store at Westfield Century City, open through Dec. 30.

Space 26 (named for its mall location) stocks fall/winter 2009 women’s and men’s clothing and accessories from brands such as Tommy Bahama, Anthology, Axis, Gran Sasso, Jhane Barnes and Cutter & Buck. Prices start at half-off retail and go lower --  for instance, Eton of Sweden's men's dress shirts that sell for $350 are $125. Women's leather bombers by Remy are on sale for $300 (retail, $795).

If you bring a new or laundered blanket, you will receive an additional 5% discount off your entire purchase. The blankets head to a charity that will hand them to those without a home.

10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 578-3326. 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. today through Wednesday. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m Thursday, Dec. 24.

-- Max Padilla

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Friday through Sunday, the hip all-American casual brand Martin + Osa is offering cashmere cardigans and V-necks, and denim jeans (skinny, straight and boot cut) for $59 (regular price $89.50 to $170) online (beginning at midnight Thursday) and in-store beginning at 8 a.m. Friday.

10250 Santa Monica Blvd. L.A. (310) 785-7924. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. www.martinandosa.com

-- Max Padilla

More shopping news

Street Fashion: Westfield Century City shopping mall

Hear ye, hear ye: For the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Disney Store in the Westfield Culver City Shopping Center on Saturday, the Magic Kingdom is trotting out its newest royalty to meet the public.

Princess Tiana, from the upcoming movie "The Princess and the Frog," has apparently penciled 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. into her royal itinerary, and will be receiving guests and posing for photos in the mall court for what we're told is one of the few opportunities to see her in the flesh before the movie debuts on Nov. 25.

What's more, the first 100 kids in the store after its 10 a.m. opening will get free kid-sized Mickey Mouse ears, and everybody gets a 20%-off coupon to use toward purchases this weekend.

No word if Prince Naveen of Maldonia -- in human or amphibian form -- will be part of the royal entourage. If he jumps into the scene as the latter, practice your puckers, ladies.

The Disney Store at Westfield Culver City, 6000 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City.

-- Adam Tschorn

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Photo: Prince Naveen and Princess Tiana in a still from the upcoming Disney movie "The Princess and the Frog." Tiana is set to turn up at the new Disney Store in Culver City on Saturday to meet her subjects and pose for pictures. Credit: Disney Enterprises Inc. 

Our intrepid fashion scout Colin Young-Wolff was on the hunt again a few days ago, as he caught styling folks at the Westfield Century City mall. Here, he found USC student Ja'Lon Johnson, 21, who says his look is "urban, yet sophisticated." Ja'Lon is wearing a Forever 21 necklace and Diesel jeans. To see what other people wore on their shopping outing, check out our photo gallery.

MORE FASHION SCENES:

Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade

Santee Alley

Old Pasadena

Los Angeles' 3rd Street neighborhood

Abbot Kinney, Venice

Melrose Trading Post

Photo: Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times

Justin Timberlake is bringing sexy back to one of L.A.’s least sultry neighborhoods -- Century City.

The pop star’s L.A.-based denim brand, William Rast, announced plans to open a store at the Westfield Century City Shopping Mall on Nov. 1. A second full-priced store will bow simultaneously at the Westfield Valley Fair Shopping Mall in San Jose, along with an outlet store at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon, Calif.

Pasadena Bead and Design Show Thursday through Sunday:The expo, showcasing jewelry and bead-makers, returns to Pasadena for the fourth time. Jewelers and handcrafters will exhibit their wares, featuring glasswork, lapidary and precious metals. Workshops include sessions on setting cabochons in silver, silk painting and making gemstone pendants. On Friday, Suzi Click will moderate "How to Develop Style With Artwear," featuring a panel, fashion show and raffle with complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres ($35 admission for the event, which runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m, includes four-day entry to the show). Pre-registration is available online.

168 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena. (530) 274-2222. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $10 admission good for all four days.www.pasadenabeadanddesignshow.com

Martin + Osa Guaranteed Fit Sessions Saturday: Martin + Osa denim designer Paul Dillinger reveals his denim secrets at the Westfield Century City and Americana at Brand. Learn how to get a perfect fit and customize jeans at home with a customization kit that includes a deck of cards, tea, needle and thread. The first 30 guests who purchase a pair of denim ($79.50 to $110), will receive a Dillinger custom kit.

10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 785-7924. 1 to 3 p.m.

867 Americana Way, Glendale. (818) 243-1885. 5 to 7 p.m. www.martinandosa.com

Hollywood Fest Saturday Lisa Moffie inaugurates a fashion, art and music bazaar under a giant tent in the parking lot of Ca'Brea restaurant. Moffie's booth will stock new off-price designer clothing ($50 to $700) from Valentino, Luisa Beccaria, Lotta Stenson and Tory Burch. Other vendors will be offering knitwear, jewelry and artwork. Shoppers are encouraged to drop into neighboring Ca'Brea for a Champagne brunch.

346 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (213) 840-1664. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. moff15@hotmail.com

Store news and upcoming sales

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Yigal Azrouël/EBay Until June 19: New York-based designer Azrouël has teamed up with EBay for a charity auction to benefit the Natural Resources Defense Council, which works for a safe and healthy environment. Select spring/summer pieces from the runway collection will be offered, including $190 high-waisted denim trousers (regular price $460), a $185 green-gold stripe jersey top ($445) and a $420 strapless peach column dress ($1,110). Eco-friendly T-shirts exclusive to the online sale are $35. www.ebay.com/yigal

Martin & Osa Thursday: The refined casual brand throws an evening charity sale at its Century City location, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Fashion Forward Foundation, which raises funds for local charities and sponsors a twice-yearly clothing drive. Martin & Osa, a division of American Eagle Outfitters, will give a 20% discount on purchases that evening, and the first 15 guests will receive a $25 gift certificate. New summer styles on sale include a braided racer-back maxi-dress (regularly $150) and a racer-back camisole top ($59.50). Father's Day gift ideas to look for are polo shirts ($44.50) and board shorts ($54.50).

10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 785-7924. 6 to 8 p.m. www.martinandosa.com