Boppin’ Bells
Converse rings in the holidays with its Christmas-theme high tops for toddlers to adults ($35). Collectors take note: the holiday footwear took off last year with the Santa Ho Ho model and Converse decided to bring back a new limited edition style every year. This year’s red and green canvas shoe features plaid laces, a green rubber sole and candy cane striped lining. Even the All Star logo is encircled by a wreath. Greg Newell of Converse digs the jingle bell. “I always know where my 1 1/2-year-old daughter is and when disaster’s about to strike,” he says.
Seeing Red
Now’s the perfect time to inject your wardrobe with the season’s hottest color: red. Add a splash with a tie, yarn tights, suspenders, lipstick or shoes and purse. Or go all the way with a cocktail dress, a stylish two-piece suit or a luxurious cashmere sweater. It’s an investment that will outlast the holidays; fashion experts say red is the ticket through next year. (Remember Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.) And try its various hues: crimson, blood red, cranberry and revolution red.
Dreaming of a Bright Christmas
Known for its controversial but politically correct T-shirts, Don’t Panic! Designs of West Hollywood is venturing out of the clothes biz this season to join the battle against AIDS. Its glass-ball ornament inscribed “Miracles Happen” features the symbolic red ribbon suspended inside. The ball comes in an ivory and green box decorated with angels and is available at Hot Stuff and Rubber Tree in Long Beach. A spokesman says a third of the suggested $10 price goes to the American Foundation for AIDS Research; the rest covers shipping and retail costs.
Attention Shoppers
Faced with too many gifts to buy and too little time? Nordstrom comes to the rescue with its personal shopping service. Just drop off your list and pick it up at the end of the day. If you’re short on ideas and money, they’ll work with you to meet your needs. Best of all: they deliver--even on Dec. 24. The entire service is complimentary and runs throughout the year, but spokeswoman Linda Luna-Frank says it’s more in demand during the holidays.
