This year, we can finally celebrate the season of merry-making as we used to when we didn’t have to turn in proof of vaccination along with an RSVP, or have to finagle sipping a cocktail while wearing a mask. The holidays just seem more joyous. Even the city itself seems to be brimming with holiday spirit. The jingle of Christmas music, from the recently upgraded sound system, drifts along the thoroughfares. There’s a new Hanukkah menorah statue and a 14-foot Christmas tree in Beverly Gardens Park, a light sculpture exhibit at Beverly Canon Gardens, and a light show projection at City Hall. And as you eye your stack of invitations to holiday parties or begin to plan a gathering you’re hosting, you may be looking to step up your cheer quotient this year as well. We’ve compiled this collection of the latest offerings at local shops to inspire you to sparkle up your wardrobe or warm your home. You might even find some gift ideas for loved ones on your list.
Merry and Bright
Tired of your go-to LBD? Upgrade your cocktail wardrobe with this 1940s Hollywood-inspired dress from Badgley Mischka. $595 at Neiman Marcus, 9700 Wilshire Blvd., 310-550-5900 and neimanmarcus.com
The construction of each pair of these Ferragamo patent leather slip-on shoes takes five days, requires 160 different phases, and is done almost entirely by hand. $1,150 at Ferragamo, 357 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-273-9990 and ferragamo.com
Make your fashion statement a festive one in Gucci’s wool linen herringbone formal jacket for men. The cardinal red blazer, festooned with gold-toned buttons, speaks for itself. $3,600 at Gucci, 347 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-278-3451 and gucci.com
Channel your inner Wonder Woman with this elegant Tiffany & Co. 18-carat gold cuff from Elsa Peretti’s “Bone Collection.” $16,000 at Tiffany & Co., 210 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-273-8880 and tiffany.com
An evening bag should never be an afterthought. In fact, you might want to build your entire ensemble around this one made of bright red, recycled fox fur patches by Fendi. $4,400 at Fendi, 201 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-623-3420 and fendi.com
Sparkle and Shine
You’ll rival the sparkle of disco balls and out-flash paparazzi cameras in this sequined Carolina Herrera gown. $5,490 at CH Carolina Herrera, 230 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-276-8900 and carolinaherrera.com
This chic portable wireless speaker from Louis Vuitton offers a booming 360 degrees of sound and a colorful light show, so you can bring the party with you wherever you go. $3,100 at Louis Vuitton, 295 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-859-0457 and us.louisvuitton.com
Nambe’s sleek, contemporary revamp of a traditional menorah (available at Neiman Marcus) is made with the company’s signature eight-metal alloy. It has a silver-like luster but will never tarnish. $175 at Neiman Marcus, 9700 Wilshire Blvd., 310-550-5900 and neimanmarcus.com
Sumptuous and soft, the “Oasi Cashmere Shirt Jacket” by Zegna, shown here in ink blue, offers a fresh and modern take on the classic navy blazer. $4,650 at Zegna, 337 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-247-8827 and zegna.com
The blue sunburst color of the dial on the 5205G by Patek Philippe gently fades to black as it nears the white gold bezel, calling to mind the heavenly shades of nightfall. A prominent moon-phase indicator adds to the effect. It’s a timeless timepiece that will make any collector of fine watches swoon. $55,590 at Gearys Patek Philippe, 360 N. Rodeo Drive, #2, 310-887-4200 and gearys.com/patek-philippe
These versatile high-shine slingbacks from Prada work for both formal occasions and casual ones. Their neutral silver metallic shade will match any outfit. $1,200 at Prada, 343 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-278-8661 and prada.com
Good Tidings
A pair of classic tall black boots are indispensable. You’ll want to wear these from Louis Vuitton with literally everything this season. $2,490 at Louis Vuitton, 295 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-859-0457 and us.louisvuitton.com When it launched in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date was a major innovation. It was the first calendar wristwatch to also indicate the day of the week, a technical feat at the time. It’s since been worn by so many presidents and dignitaries, it’s earned the nickname the “Presidents’ Watch.” The latest iteration, the Day-Date 36, carries on this rich history. $36,950 at Gearys Rolex, 360 N. Rodeo Drive, #1, 310-887-4200 and gearys.com/rolex The 18-carat gold and malachite “Perlée Couleurs” ring by Van Cleef & Arpels might look dainty in its simplicity, but with its mesmerizing green striations and pearled setting, it’s as audacious as a cocktail ring. $2,550 at Van Cleef & Arpels, 300 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-276-1161 and vancleefarpels.com A velvet dinner jacket should be a staple in any fashionable gent’s party attire arsenal. This elegant, emerald version by Tom Ford will work for any fête no matter the dress code. $4,590 at Tom Ford, 346 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-270-9440 and tomford.com These jewel-like malachite boxes from RH provide an elegant storage solution for miscellaneous items. $1,795 each at RH West Hollywood, 8564 Melrose Ave., 310- 652-0323 and rh.com Slinking around your wrist, the stunning “Panthère de Cartier” bracelet by Cartier features onyx, two emeralds and 225 brilliant cut diamonds totaling 2.55 carats, all set in 18-carat yellow gold. $56,500 at Cartier, 411 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-275-4272 and cartier.com
Winter Wonderland
A pair of blue and gold metallic jacquard trousers from Etro bring a little festive flare, just add a simple black top and heels. If you’re feeling extra bold, there’s a matching fitted jacket with satin lapels. $1,295 at Etro, 9501 Wilshire Blvd., 310-248-2855 and etro.comToast to the New Year with these sapphire-tinted glass LSA champagne flutes. They are sold in sets of two at Saks Fifth Avenue, perfect for a thoughtful hostess gift. $125 at Saks Fifth Avenue, 9600 Wilshire Blvd., 310-275-4211 and saksfifthavenue.com Inspired by a favorite childhood toy of world-renowned jeweler Harry Winston, “The Ultimate Kaleidoscope” functions as a working miniature kaleidoscope, a timepiece, and a pendant. A mix of whimsy and masterful craftsmanship, the exquisite trinket boasts a dizzying array of precious stonesyellow, pink and blue sapphires, tourmalines, topaz and diamonds. Price upon request at Harry Winston, 310 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-271-8554 and harrywinston.com There’s something regal looking about these mustard-colored velvet Saint Laurent pumps. You could imagine them peeking out from beneath the voluminous gowns of Marie Antoinette. Slip them on, and you might feel like a queen. $845 at Saint Laurent, 326 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-271-5051 and ysl.com While technically part of the Dior Ski capsule collection, this yellow and ivory wool jacquard sweater is just as at home on the streets as it is on the slopes. $1,350 at Dior Men, 319 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-247-8003 and While technically part of the Dior Ski capsule collection, this yellow and ivory wool jacquard sweater is just as at home on the streets as it is on the slopes. $1,350 at Dior Men, 319 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-247-8003 and dior.comTravel in style with this luxurious rolling suitcase by Goyard. It’s carry-on sizenot that you’d even think of checking this beautiful piece of luggage. Price upon request at Goyard, 405 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-237-5745 and goyard.com
Comfy and Cozy
Still obsessed with the pumpkin spice craze? Nest’s pumpkin chai candle (available at Nordstrom) will fill your home with the sweet aroma of spicy masala chai, cardamom, ginger and cinnamon. $78 at Nordstrom, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., 424-207-1177 and nordstrom.com These suede Chukka boots from Brunello Cucinelli are destined to become your everyday go-to shoe. $1,095 at Brunello Cucinelli, 220 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-724-8118 and shop.brunellocucinelli.com Keep your furry family member warm with this reversible Pendleton dog coat from Nordstrom. One side features a Southwestern print, and the other, a quilted faux suede. $69 at Nordstrom, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., 424-207-1177 and nordstrom.com The fan-shaped motif of these earrings by Bulgari was inspired by the mosaics of the Roman Baths of Caracalla. They’re made of 18-carat rose gold, carnelian and round brilliant cut diamonds. $3,150 at Bulgari, 401 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-858-9216 and bulgari.com Here in Southern California, you might not need to wear these buttery mid-length gloves from Bottega Veneta very often, but when the temperature dips or when packing for a trip abroad, you’ll be happy you have them. $1,100 at Bottega Veneta, 320 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-858-6533 and bottegaveneta.com Made of vicuña, the finest and rarest natural fiber in the world, the Arvel coat, with a removable knit collar, from Loro Piana lends a luxurious polished look and plenty of warmth. $34,800 at Loro Piana, 313 N. Rodeo Drive, 310-860-0765 and us.loropiana.com
