We may all love a bargain – especially when it comes to buying a quantity of gifts this time of year. But, here's the irony: when it comes to gifts, we are ALL – and I mean ALL – label snobs. I don't just mean in that "it's a Gucci card holder" or "that's a YSL evening bag" way.
I mean in that, "I got it for you at Barneys!" way. Or, "it comes all the way from Bergdorf Goodman, the chicest store in the world!" You could get somebody the smallest thing – but if it's from Tiffany's – remember Holly Golightly's engraved keychain? – or Saks Fifth Avenue – or Armani – well, it's much more exciting. To be able to tell your relatives you traversed the virtual golden pavement of Rodeo Drive or Fifth Avenue and Madison – the greatest shopping streets in America – in search of their gifts, well – even if you live close to LA or NY, they're going to be impressed. The further away you live, the more impressed they're going to get. Hey – you braved the shopping crowds to go to the best stores in the US! For them!!!!
Well, much to my excitement, I just discovered that TheFind.com added "mini malls" to your search options. So instead of just searching for the best trench coats for three hundred bucks or under, now you can refine your search. You just punch in the item ("trench coats") and then a bunch of tabs come up above all the items. If you hit Rodeo Drive or 5th and Madison, selected items from Michael Kors, Barneys, Bebe, Bergdorf's, Giorgio Armani, Saks Fifth Avenue, Brooks Brothers, DKNY and much more come up.
So, let's try it, shall we? This is MY first time trying this, too – letting my fingers – my nails still wet from one coat of OPI's "Russian Navy" drying at present - do the walking down the great shopping boulevards at 9pm when everything's closed on both coasts – and I get to turn on "Nip/Tuck" in a little while –WHILE I'm shopping Rodeo and Madison!!!!!!! This is multi-tasking at its finest. And I've got the new Bob Dylan sound track from the movie "I'm Not There" playing on iTunes while I'm shopping. So join me on my little bi-coastal virtual jaunt.
I think I could get used to this.
Okay, I type in "nightgown," something I love to buy my friends because I know I love getting them – you can never have enough. I select the 5th & Madison tab. Bergdorf's has a pale blue beauty, all in soft pleats, for $125.00. And the Disney Store has all variety of princess nightgowns for princesses large and small, for $24.50. After you and your kids see "Enchanted," there's going to be a run on these or anything related to a princess.
I know a beret is a gift I'd love to receive – and it's the chic new look of the season. I select the Mall stores tab. Banana Republic sells a cream wool beret for $32.00. Saks has a Helen Kaminski black wool one for $98. And if you want a sequined one – flashy for New Years! – Bebe has them in all colors for $49.00. Brooks Brothers has a cable knit camel one for $98.00. And Coach has a terrific patchwork beret – utterly unique – with no price listed, in white, grey and beige.
Now let's try "slippers" – a great gift for women, men and kids – (and the dogs love 'em, too, but only to chew). Browsing around in 5th & Madison, Saks has a lamb leather pair in the palest cotton candy pink for $30. But if you want those tootsie-tickling comfort fabrics, go for the suede UGG slippers for $60 at Saks. Your friends in cold climates will thank you every chilly morning. Frette, the fabulous luxury bedding store, has a suede pair for $250. And if there's a man you really really love, Brooks Brothers' crocodile slippers at $998 are a whole lotta love – and luxe.
What girl doesn't need a new makeup bag? I've got Lancome lipstick all over my current one. Again on 5th & Madison, Saks has a Trish McEvoy cutie in pink for $85. And Pierre Deux, the great French fabric store in New York, has a great travel quilted cotton one for $79.99 – these Pierre Deux ones last forever and are roomy. But if you have a lady in your life who likes her makeup bag to double as an evening clutch, Jimmy Choo has one in purple silk satin for $595 that is dead chic.
Now what female friend wouldn't want a gift from the perfume counter at Barneys in LA or NY? Their perfume counter is quite simply Ground Zero of great scents from all over the world – the veritable Grasse, France of America. They have an exclusive on the brand new Serge Lutens perfume, "Chene" (it means "cedar") for $130 – grab it while you can, it's a limited edition. They have Emilio Pucci's Vivara in a great Pucci designed glass bottle for $110. And the Balsam Perfumed Agraria candle for $50 is a steal. Get several. Get a dozen.
Earrings are another perfect gift, and all the better that they hail from Rodeo Drive or Madison Avenue. Saks has Juicy Couture "crown"earrings for $52; Bebe has rhinestone hoops for $34 (even better than the real thing), and the best bargain I've seen ANYWHERE are the Judith Ripka crystal and diamond (YES DIAMOND) drop earrings for $150 at Saks. If you want a friend for LIFE, get them these.
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Now time for a second coat of Russian Navy – and some sunglass shopping. Did someone say boutiques? I hear Dior Homme has great ones for guys . . . . .
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