THE WORD ON WHAT’S HIP AND WHAT’S HYPE
French Connection
Designers in Motion has translated 17 of Henri Toulouse-Lautrec’s whimsical works into silk ties ($45). It’s only fitting that the modernist painter--who chronicled pop culture in the late 1800s with scenes from the bohemian life of Paris cafes, cabarets and brothels--is part of popular fashion. But it’s not art appreciation that’s got customers excited. “People have fallen in love with the patterns and bright colors,” says Kathy Lowe of Saks Fifth Avenue in South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa.
Sparkle Like a Star
For her 40th birthday, Richard Burton gave Elizabeth Taylor the priceless Shah Jehan diamond, which belonged to the builders of the Taj Mahal. Now, it can be yours for only $250. Well, a faux copy, that is, from Avon’s Elizabeth Taylor Collection ($50 to $250). Avon designer Shaill Jhaveri teamed up with the legendary Liz to reproduce costume jewelry culled from her personal pieces or inspired by her films. “She’s so closely associated with magnificent jewelry,” says spokeswoman Audrey Yantus-Lucas. Look for an equestrian theme when “National Velvet” celebrates its 40th anniversary next year.
Elegant on the Inside
Velvet is everywhere this season--even under outerwear. Lingerie made from ruby-, jade- or kohl-colored velvet makes for a plush holiday. Frederick’s of Hollywood has teddies, bustiers, thongs, two-piece baby dolls and G-strings ($12 to $48) for day- and sleepwear. Embellished with lace, sequins and pearls, or trimmed with maribou, “they’re very sexy, very glamorous,” says spokeswoman Christa Koegl. Complete the look with a sheer or lacy cover-up ($16 to $29). “There’s nothing plain or simple about it,” she adds. Hey, it beats cotton standbys.
Money in Your Shoes
Bring in any pair of old shoes to a Vans store and get a $7 discount on a new pair of their tennies through Dec. 24. Your sole donations will go to World Shoe Relief, a volunteer group that has distributed about 70,000 shoes in five years to homeless agencies worldwide. One-seventh of those came from the Orange-based retailer, says spokeswoman Susan Friedman. Because they “want to get shoes on feet when it’s most necessary, during the cold winter months,” sandals aren’t needed.
