Holiday style gift guide from A to Z
AAmsterdam Girard, Electra cruiser bike designed by midcentury artist Alexander Girard Amsterdam Girard, Electra cruiser bike designed by midcentury artist Alexander Girard Electra Bicycle Co., based in San Diego, introduces the Amsterdam Girard featuring midcentury graphics by Alexander Girard adorning a modernized Dutch city bike. Fenders and an enclosed chain case make it easier to run errands in an Alexander Wang dress.
FOR THE RECORD:
Gift guide: The A to Z holiday gift guide in Sunday’s Image section said a Marc by Marc Jacobs leopard print scarf at www.netaporter.com sells for $110. The cost is $130. —
The Tree of Life retails for $749.99 and the Quatrefoil for $799 ($25 rebate for bikes priced over $399.99 if purchased before the end of the year). Available at Metropolis Bikes, North Hollywood.
BBackpack by Rick OwensBackpack by Rick Owens Leave it to Rick Owens to turn the utilitarian Eastpack backpack into a darkly glamorous accessory with his Drkshdw collection of bucket, overnight and messenger bags, available at Barneys New York. The washed-nylon backpack has a large zippered compartment, a Velcro-closure laptop compartment, a lanyard and accessory pouch. Just like junior high but way cooler and somewhat more expensive. $350 at Barneys New York, Beverly Hills.
CCustom blended fragrance gift certificate from Memoire LiquideCustom blended fragrance gift certificate from Memoire Liquide If you’re buying for someone who loves scents, they’ll appreciate the experience of concocting their own personal perfume at the Memoire Liquide custom blending bar. The outpost inside Fred Segal Santa Monica has more than 150 bottles of fragrance bases ranging from Nudite Absolue, a clean floral musk, to Soixante Six (as in the summer of ‘66) -- yes, there’s patchouli in it. $90 for a quarter-ounce roller at Studio Beauty Mix in Fred Segal, Santa Monica.
D”Dita: Stripteese,” flip books, set of three“Dita: Stripteese,” flip books, set of three A decidedly adult twist on the old-school animation process that used to keep children entertained for hours. Dita Von Teese, the woman who bare-handedly brought upscale burlesque back into the pop culture mix, now appears in a trio of flip books stylishly shot by photographer Sheryl Nields. Each book (roughly the size of a deck of cards) portrays the alabaster-skinned vixen shedding vintage clothes or glittery costumes through three of her favorite routines: the Bird of Paradise, the Classic and her signature Martini Glass -- in which she frolics in a giant drink glass accompanied by a beach ball-size olive. For extra fun, flip ‘em in reverse -- and watch the burlesque queen put all her clothes back on. $30 at Hennessey + Ingalls; Space 15 Twenty, Hollywood; and at www.amazon.com and www.barnesand.
EEtsy’s Alchemy custom gift requestsEtsy’s Alchemy custom gift requests Need a quilt made from your boyfriend’s favorite old T- shirts, socks with your mom’s initials stitched on them or a knit tie in that perfect shade of cherry red? Alchemy at the Etsy website allows you to post what you need made, along with your ideal price. Artists can bid to take on your project, so you get that perfect custom creation. Prices vary by project. Go to www.etsy.com/alchemy.
FFisherman’s Sweater from LL BeanFisherman’s Sweater from LL Bean Norway means fjords and fishermen and L.L. Bean reprises its classic Norwegian water-repellent wool-knit sweater from the 1970s. $129 at www.llbean.com.
GGarden Print Erdem Notebook from SmythsonGarden Print Erdem Notebook from Smythson Smythson’s Fashion diaries and notebooks have long been a favorite of fashion critics and editors who sit front row taking copious notes on the season’s most exciting collections. British designer Erdem Moralioglu has added a painterly, floral touch to the notebook with a vivid garden print similar to that of the dresses that opened his spring 2010 runway show. $320. Available at Smythson, Beverly Hills.
HHamilton 1883 button-down shirtsHamilton 1883 button-down shirts Barneys’ creative director Simon Doonan wears nothing but his custom-made Hamilton shirts, but long before Doonan donned the Texas company’s creations, they had built a business on handmade quality button-downs. The company has recently launched Hamilton 1883, a ready-to-wear line of their famous shirts that are less expensive. These aren’t custom-made, but you can work on that for the next holiday season. There are six styles in 23 colors.$185 for long sleeves, $165 for short sleeves available only online at www.hamilton1883.com.
IiPhone cases iPhone cases These days the thing that holds your iPhone may be just as precious as the device itself. Help someone hold the phone in style with a shiny gold or silver iPhone case from Incase or a high-end, pink patent leather holder from the British brand, Mulberry. Mulberry “Daria” iPhone case, $250 at www.mulberry.com; Incase iPhone holders in silver and gold, $34.95 at www.goincase.com.
JJewelry of the month club from J. CrewJewelry of the month club from J. Crew Your holiday gift could be the one that keeps on giving, with J. Crew’s jewelry of the month club. Sign up someone who cherishes the brand’s costume baubles and hefty cocktail rings. Each month she’ll receive one piece of jewelry picked by the J. Crew designers. $850 for 12 months at www.jcrew.com.
KKlum (Heidi) Couture Banquet art puzzle by Editions RicordiKlum (Heidi) Couture Banquet art puzzle by Editions Ricordi Not everyone wakes up Christmas morning to find supermodel and “Project Runway” host Heidi Klum under the tree, much less cavorting among a farmers market worth of foodstuffs. But that can be reality -- sort of -- for the jigsaw puzzle lovers who unwrap this elegant, limited-edition puzzle based on a Ruven Afanador photo. The 1,000 velvet-backed pieces are bagged in silk and nestled inside a hand-made, red-velvet-lined lacquered wooden box along with a number (each is one of only 1,000 puzzles) and the signature of the photographer. And if you’re balking at the price tag, consider it a gift given twice -- a portion of proceeds from each puzzle will go to AMREF (African Medical and Research Foundation) educational projects in Kenya. $490 at www.editionsricordi.com.
LLouis Vuitton Speedy bagLouis Vuitton Speedy bag This classic, structured shape done up in the LV logo-print leather is a high-end bag that never goes out of style. It comes in four sizes, but the Speedy 30 is a nice balance between too small and the slouchy over-sized sacks that seem to swallow your keys and cellphone without fail. $690 at Louis Vuitton, Beverly Hills.
MMarc by Marc Jacobs leopard print scarfMarc by Marc Jacobs leopard print scarf A red leopard print is a perfect way to make a statement this holiday season. This drapey piece will suit an adventurous dresser who loves to accessorize with designer pieces. For someone who prefers a tamer style, try the tan or blue versions. $110 at www.netaporter.com.
NNail polish in Chanel’s limited-edition holiday color TrapezeNail polish in Chanel’s limited-edition holiday color Trapeze Whether it’s glittery gold or jade green, Chanel always seems to nail the hottest polish color. For the holiday, they’ve mixed up a shade called “Trapeze,” a silvery-beige with a hint of shimmer that’s a perfect punctuation to a New Year’s Eve outfit. $23 at Nordstrom.
OOrange oxidized necklace from Bottega VenetaOrange oxidized necklace from Bottega Veneta This giant bib-like necklace will add a solid punch of color to any wardrobe. The oxidized metal and orange hue feels equal parts tribal, vintage and industrial. $2,480 at Bottega Veneta, South Coast Plaza.
PPolo shirt for your pet from Ralph LaurenPolo shirt for your pet from Ralph Lauren This may be more for your entertainment than your pup’s pleasure, but it’s just too hard to resist dressing small dogs in preppy polos. $45 at www.ralphlauren.com.
QQuartz earrings from IppolitaQuartz earrings from Ippolita These earrings feel special enough to wear for a dressy occasion, but they can also spice up a casual ensemble. A setting of rose gold warms up the smoky quartz stones. $350 at Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills.
RRibbon-trimmed sweater from Ann TaylorRibbon-trimmed sweater from Ann Taylor No longer just boxy suits and pearl chokers, Ann Taylor has bumped up the design of the line to include more quirky, fun and eclectic pieces. The cardigans come with a variety of embellishments, including crystal buttons and chiffon ribbon details. The monochromatic ribbons on this taupe cardigan make it feminine, but not saccharine sweet. $110 at www.anntaylor.com.
SScarf, by Mister Freedom for J. CrewScarf, by Mister Freedom for J. Crew Stitched together from squares of vintage ticking fabric remnants, each of these extra-long handmade patchwork scarves -- a stylish collaboration between J. Crew and local purveyor of retro-cool vintage Mister Freedom (a.k.a. Christophe Loiron) -- is a one-of-a-kind gift worth sticking your neck out for. $180 at select J. Crew stores only (including the Grove and Century City locations locally); not available online.
TTravel kit from Claridge and KingTravel kit from Claridge and King Give your frequent flier first-class treatment with Claridge and King’s travel set. Ankle socks, an eye mask and a wool and cashmere blanket keep things calm on a long flight. The case doubles as a pillow cover to put over those gauzy airline puffs. $350 at www.claridgeand.
UUnderpinnings from Phillip LimUnderpinnings from Phillip Lim Launched this fall, Phillip Lim’s line of underpinnings includes satin bras, underwear, shorts and cotton and cashmere layering pieces that effortlessly move from bed to under a blazer. The trims on bras and camisoles are feminine, sleek and meant to peek out from beneath a sweater or T-shirt. $65 to $175 at Phillip Lim, West Hollywood.
VValentino DVDValentino DVD A behind-the-scenes look at the recently retired couturier’s life as a designer, dog owner and fashion legend. Every frame is full of meticulous dress construction, power struggles and the over-the-top production of his 45th anniversary as a designer, held at the Coliseum in Rome. $29.99 at www.barnesandnoble.com.
WWalker Blue Label Whisky, custom-engravedWalker Blue Label Whisky, custom-engraved Johnnie Walker, that is! Your dad might appreciate a bottle of Scotch more than a pair of blue jeans, so get him a personalized bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label -- the Dom Perignon of whiskeys. Customers who purchase a bottle (750 ml., suggested retail price $220) can enjoy complementary engraving at participating retailers, including BevMo.
X”X” cuff links from the Graffiti Collection by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.“X” cuff links from the Graffiti Collection by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. Inspired by the way Parisian schoolgirls would sign their letters with Xs and Os for kisses and hugs, Picasso developed a line of jewelry containing the letters. Years later the accessories are still popular at Tiffany, where Picasso has been designing jewelry since 1980. $995 in 18k gold, $550 in silver at Tiffany’s.
YYSL Belle de Jour walletYSL Belle de Jour wallet What’s more practical than a wallet? This one isn’t just functional: The YSL stitched logo and eye popping red leather would make any fashion fan’s bells jingle with delight. $425 at Yves Saint Laurent Beverly Hills.
ZZebra sequin ConverseZebra sequin Converse Give these sneaks to people whose fashion sense tends to take a walk on the wild side. These will add a bold graphic print to whatever they wear. $85 at Nordstrom.
Contributors: Melissa Magsaysay, Booth Moore, Max Padilla, Adam Tschorn
