On Watch for the Perfect Gift
DEAR HOT SHOPPERS: If you’re looking for a gift that’s both unique and functional, we’ve found just the ticket, er, uh, ticker. MTV, the network that recently offered one lucky viewer a free radio station (along with Billy Idol serving as kickoff deejay), has a new line of watches.
As you probably guessed, the watches are high on high concept. For the conservation-minded, there’s one (pictured) with assorted endangered species around the dial, a faux pony fur watchband and the words: “Stop Senseless Killing Now Before Extinction.”
For the heavy-metal crowd, there’s an outrageous, black-and-silver “Square Bed of Nails” watch that appears to have been made for Bluto-sized wearers. Surfers, rap enthusiasts and other groups also have designs targeted specifically at them.
The watches are sold at department stores throughout the country, including Bullock’s and Nordstrom stores in Southern California. The good news is that prices are inexpensive (suggested retail: $25 to $45). The bad is that a band on one of the watches we sampled began to split on the first wearing.
DEAR HOT: I want to update my old party clothes with some interesting stockings for holiday parties. . . you know, like with seams or lace. But if I can’t try them on in the store, how will I know they’ll look good with a particular outfit?
DEAR HOT SHOPPER: The first Golden Rule of Stockings is: The more eye-catching the pattern, the more attention will be drawn to your legs. So, if your legs are a bit on the heavy side (and you know who you are, we don’t have to name names), go for a plain style--no all-over lace patterns, polka dot designs or rhinestones.
The second Golden Rule of Stockings is: The more complicated the dress, the less complicated the stockings. A relatively unadorned black suit, for instance, might look great with black seamed stockings, or panty hose with a touch of embroidery at the ankle.
Try to visualize how the whole thing will look together--accessories, hair and all. You don’t want to end up looking like the poster child for fashion victims. If you’re still in a quandary, bring the dress to the store and ask a well-dressed salesperson for help.
VIVE LE DISCOUNT--Discount shopping veterans know that even factory outlets don’t always offer great sale prices, and the merchandise is often the same stuff you see at virtually every department store. So we were thrilled to discover below-wholesale prices on stylish European women’s clothes at a place called “Schmatta Jungle.”
This “Jungle” offers close-out items such as leggings, skirts, jackets, pants, earrings, belts and more during the month of December. The items vary week to week, but the accent here is on trendy, kicky clothes sold in a casual atmosphere--it’s like a fun girls’ shopping club.
In the past we’ve found stretch velour body suits, floral printed leggings and linen skirts. There is a limited quantity in various sizes, so arrive early. The sale is on Fridays and Saturdays only, beginning today and ending Dec. 22. While you’re there you can sign up for the mailing list for future sales. Hours are Friday 10 to 5, Saturday 9 to 5, at 1454 and 1456 N. Sierra Bonita Ave, just south of Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. For information, (213) 851-8797.
T-SHIRT OF THE WEEK--For that angler in your life, Homeworks, a Santa Monica boutique, is offering a “Combat Fishing” T-shirt. It’s $15, 100% cotton and features a wood-cut style drawing of man battling his ever-elusive prey.
Wondering what kind of lingerie to buy now that Madonna’s new “Justify My Love” video has been banned by MTV? Hot to Shop is based on conversations and reader mail.
