SHOP TALK : Attention Men: Give a Sign of Your Love : A little luxury--lingerie or jewelry--is in order this holiday season. Just make sure it’s exchangeable.
What can be going on in the heads of these men at the malls? With only about 18 shopping hours left until Christmas, panic is our best guess. And of course, fear, terror and dread. How can a man possibly expect to please his beloved with these mobs getting in the way?
If you’ve postponed buying your Christmas gifts, the large department stores will be open tonight until midnight. (Stay out this late, however, and you may not need to buy a gift.) Tomorrow, Christmas Eve, the stores will be closing at 6 or 6:30 p.m.
We’ve got a couple of suggestions for you guys.
No toasters and no dust-busters please. If you’ve already bought one, get back in the car. Women want a sign of your love. Something to make them feel cared for, desired and appreciated. A little luxury is in order. Just make sure it’s exchangeable.
We strolled around the mall spying on men--some of whom were positively wild-eyed. Robes and pajamas? OK, but make them soft and pretty. Victoria’s Secret has a good selection--and gift certificates for the truly baffled. If you purchase a gift certificate, be sure to toss in a pair of panties or something tangible. By the way, those skimpy ones are called thongs--not G-strings.
Jewelry is always a popular item, and size is mercifully not an issue. Pearl earrings are classic and flattering to all. The Broadway has them starting at $39.95.
If your taste is more eclectic, try The Museum Company at The Oaks mall. They have cases of unusual and artistic jewelry at very reasonable prices. In the “New Designers” case, we saw wearable art pins by Minnesota artist Sandra Kuzma for $45. That’s a great price for handmade jewelry. We really fancied the watches at this shop. For $60, these quartz watches have faces with famous paintings on them.
An evening bag is a luxury item that makes a great gift. Women usually must borrow them for special occasions. Bullock’s has a huge selection of gorgeous bags. The best buy in bags is at the Gap. A black crocheted pouch bag is $32.50--and it looks just as good as some of the other bags priced as much as $100.
Also at the Gap is a black beaded sweater for $58. Angora and wood sweaters in gray, black and oatmeal are $48. Chenille V-neck sweaters are $68, in green, black and brown. Save your receipts because the Gap marks down items really fast.
Which brings us to the most important aspect of giving your loved one a gift. You want her to like it, right? If there is any hesitation sensed, don’t let ego get in the way. A man who can generously offer that the gift be exchanged is a swell guy in our book. Better yet, offer to accompany and help pick out something else altogether. Expect an embarrassing display of affection.
Julie Sawyer, an experienced shopper, writes the Shop Talk column regularly in Ventura Life. Want to know where to find the best stuff at the best price? Write to her at 5200 Valentine Road, Suite 140, Ventura, 93003 or send faxes to 658-5576.
