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December 13, 2005

Freebies Flow on Rodeo Drive (L.A.)

You usually don’t get much for free on Rodeo Drive except for the view. But now shoppers who drop some cash in the neighborhood can head to the Two Rodeo courtyard on Dec. 14 for a gift bag filled with loot from Sonya Dakar, Bliss, Lancel and more (brought to you by yours truly, The Stylephile). Just bring receipts totaling $500 or more from the 60-plus stores participating in extended hours for the holidays to claim the freebies. Among the eligible shops are Barneys, Tiffany and Prada. Log onto lovebeverlyhills.org for more info

December 13, 2005 at 12:05 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ready-to-Wear Yiddish

What do you get when you mix one mensch, two shiksas and some high-grade cotton? No, it's not a joke. It's Shtetlwear, a hilariously irreverent new line of tees and underwear celebrating what the founders call a "garrulous goulash of German and Hebrew." Yiddish phrases like "nisht gefidelt" ("get over it"), "vilde chia" ("wild beast") and "gornisht mit gornisht" ("it adds up to zero") adorn short- and long-sleeved tees for men and women, as well fuchsia panties for the ladies and black drawers for the guys. Stock up now for Hanukkah. $18-$29, shtetlwear.com

December 13, 2005 at 12:03 AM in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 12, 2005

'Sideways' Sampler

Can’t wait until next harvest for another “Sideways”-inspired sojourn? Pick up this basket by liquor leader Wally’s Wine in the meantime. Included in the bounty is a copy of “Sideways” (the novel), signed by author Rex Pickett; Santa Barbara County's Sanford Pinot Noir and Gainey Chardonnay; and treats like Lazzaroni amaretti cookies, chocolate seashells and J&M wine biscuits. But absolutely, positively no Merlot. $115, wallywine.com

December 12, 2005 at 02:34 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Weeklong Malandrino Markdowns (NYC)

Meetings can wait when there are Catherine Malandrino samples to be had during work hours. Today through Friday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., pieces from the designer’s fall/winter '05 collection (sizes 2-12) will be going for wholesale and below. High-potential purchases include a silk chiffon La Bohème dress for $199 (regularly $595), a jacquard trench coat for $299 (regularly $795) and a Lorraine cowl neck sweater for $99 (regularly $325). Cash and credit cards accepted. 589 8th Ave., 2nd Floor

December 12, 2005 at 12:05 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

J Brand Has You Pegged (L.A.)

Don't let the peg leg fool you — skinny jeans aren't just for skinny girls. See for yourself at Hillary Rush on Tuesday from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., when J Brand denim hosts a trunk show of their signature ultra-tapered jeans (Angelina’s a fan). Featured styles include the 12-inch (refers to the circumference of the hem), which is great for stuffing into boots, and the 14-inch cigarette pant that offers a sleek but not so severely tapered look for the uninitiated. Both are $140. Call (310) 858-1807 to RSVP, 8222 W. 3rd St.

December 12, 2005 at 12:03 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 08, 2005

Carats in a Candle

Suddenly your $65 Jo Malone candle doesn’t seem all that outrageous. Jewelry designer Lana Fertelmeister, who works wonders in gold, has found yet another use for the metal: a limited-edition, hand-poured candle flecked with 24-carat gold flakes (yes, gold). The price? $165. So with 60 hours of burn time, you're looking at $2.75 an hour for a divine black-tea fragrance steeped in lavender, sweet rose, mandarin and peach. lanajewelry.com

December 8, 2005 at 06:22 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Killer Rocks

Sure, it costs as much as a car. But it’s also nearly as big. UK jewel master Stephen Webster is dropping jaws once again with his new Femme Fatale ring, a stunner in white gold set with a signature "Webcut" 18-carat diamond. Angelenos can meet the designer and check out the entire Femme Fatale line at Neiman's in BevHills today and tomorrow. And don't let the price tag overwhelm you: Webster is open to customizing for clients with not-quite-so-steep budgets. $30,600; available at Maxfield, (310) 274-8800

December 8, 2005 at 04:01 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Not Soap, Radio Tunes Into Bendel's (NYC)

The name might be a brain twister, but Not Soap, Radio's bath and body products are clear-cut winners. Stock up on fun bubble baths, body soufflés and sugar scrubs at trunk shows for the line at Henri Bendel Friday through Sunday (10 a.m.-9 p.m.). Goodies include retro-style gift-wrapping and samples of body polishes and moisturizers. Tip: Don't leave without trying the “I'm Not Here, I'm Really Walking the Red Carpet” body soufflé, a tub of swoon-inducing red-currant jasmine cream. 712 5th Ave., (212) 247-1100

December 8, 2005 at 12:05 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

Me & Ro Accessorizes Melrose Place (L.A.)

It’s about time Me & Ro opened an L.A. outpost (the much-adored jewelry line already has outposts in NoLita and Miami). But all will be forgiven when the city’s style set sees that the Melrose Place space is Me & Ro’s largest to date. Opened just last week, the shop features an expansive assortment of one-of-a-kind and limited-edition pieces (thousand-year-old Tibetan coral beads anyone?), plus all of the regular collections and greater options for men. 8405 Melrose Pl., (323) 782-1071

December 8, 2005 at 12:03 AM in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)

Weekend Gem Bender (L.A.)

Jewelry hounds, put on some comfortable shoes this weekend. Start at Pagliei's holiday warehouse sale (4141 Redwood Ave.) on Friday (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Saturday (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) for 50%-90% off gems, handbags and knitwear. Take it to the Orpheum Lofts on Saturday (9 a.m.-9 p.m., 846 S. Broadway, Suite 705) for bright-hued treasures from Clyde & Bean, De La Vega handbags and clothing from Miguel Torres. Also on Saturday, jewelry maven Tiffini Dooris will host a local designer sale at her Venice studio (805 Brooks Ave.), with up to 75% off her intricate jewels, Luli Soy Candles, Erica Rose clothing and more. Laslty, save steam for Uyen-Uyen Designs' sale on Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-7 p.m., 1738 Kelton Ave.) for up to 70% off fall/winter designs.

December 8, 2005 at 12:01 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 07, 2005

Go Old-School With Caps

Shabby, ripped-up baseball caps should be left to the Phi Delts, Sigma Chis and other frat brethren. Take a cue from Leonardo DiCaprio and Steven Spielberg who rock Blue Marlin's old-school lids. This New York Cubans hat, a sleek homage to the famed Negro League team, stands out in black-and-white herringbone. The vintage vibe is enhanced with a handcrafted wood and steel-dye logo that's then stitched by hand onto each cap, as they did back then. $35, bluemarlincorp.com

December 7, 2005 at 05:46 PM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

Paul Smith's New Melrose Digs (L.A.)

British fashion legend Paul Smith has gifted the city with a bright pink box this holiday season — a 5,000-square-foot store on Melrose Avenue filled with more perfectly striped button-downs and dapper loafers than you could ever wish for. This L.A. outpost also has the distinction of being the only store stateside to carry the entire women's collection for the smartly dressed femmes in your life. (Tip: She’ll love the multicolored swirl-print handbag from Smith’s holiday catalog.) 8221 Melrose Ave., (323) 951-4800

December 7, 2005 at 12:05 AM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

Designer Denim on the Cheap (L.A.)

Fellas, feeling left out of the holiday sample-sale circuit? Take heart this Saturday at Sunset Stage, where wonder twin designers Chip & Pepper will have denim, T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, coats and stuff from their Golf Punk line way below retail just for you (OK, there will be wares for women, too). Be one of the first hundred shoppers through the doors and get a swag bag to start your spree. Sale starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. 6063 Sunset Blvd.

December 7, 2005 at 12:03 AM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cool Cashmere for Cooling Climes

Ask any clothes-minded woman you know and they’ll likely tell you that Cristi Conaway’s cashmere knits are sublime. The designer has since branched out to menswear, with offerings for fall that are smart studies in contrast (e.g., a gray crewneck with burnt-orange bands on the right arm). “Wedding Crashers” Owen Wilson and Vince Vaugh are already converts. Check out the full array at Suede Box, Conaway's just-launched online gifting site, which also carries knits for ladies and babies. $230-$325, suedebox.com

December 7, 2005 at 12:01 AM in MEN'S CORNER | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 06, 2005

Line to Love: Lu

Originality in jewelry design is about as rare as front-row seats to a YSL show. Which is why it’s thrilling to find innovators like Lucinda Lopez. The designer behind Lu Jewelry looks to her environs for inspiration — sometimes a twig or a leaf, often the sea — and here she captures a sea urchin in spiny silver with one dangling black pearl. Beyond beachy and much more than whimsical, the line is organic, earthy and beautiful. $506, jenniferkaufman.com

December 6, 2005 at 03:27 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Third Street’s Buying Bash (L.A.)

You’ve contributed far too much of your paycheck to Melrose Heights lately (what with Marc, DVF, Temperley, et al). Spread the wealth to Third Street, which will hold its annual holiday shopping event/block party on Thursday from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Score deals from more than 30 stores between LaCienega and Fairfax, including faves like Hillary Rush, Polkadots & Moonbeams, Zipper, Aero & Co. and Joan's on Third. Expect treats, cocktails and music to accompany your buying spree.

December 6, 2005 at 12:05 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

Two Trunks Worth Raiding (L.A.)

Fighting over the last cashmere sweater at the mall is just unseemly. Try shopping the more civilized trunk show this week. Melrose Avenue's Creatures of Comfort will be showcasing Grey Ant's holiday collection on Thursday from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., when buyers can find increasingly wearable pieces without loss of the designer's signature daring. A little further west, Holiday Boutique will host Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent trunk shows Thursday (10 a.m.-9 p.m.) and Friday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.), with champagne and discounts all around on ready-to-wear and an inspiring new shoe collection.

December 6, 2005 at 12:03 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 05, 2005

Hung Up on Handbags

If you would give your right arm before letting your winter-white YSL Muse bag touch the yucky floor of a restaurant, then you need to get a handbag hanger. A what? An accessory for your accessory that secures to the edge of any table, providing a convenient hook to hang a purse (choose from pretty abalone or mother-of-pearl versions). Because some silly restaurants use chairs that just don’t accommodate bag fanatics. $18, liquidpetal.com

December 5, 2005 at 01:51 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Russell+Hazel Go Small

Turns out downsizing isn’t always bad. In the world of Russell+Hazel, a stationery line long adored by the style-minded, it means new products that are proportioned just a smidge smaller. Now the company’s three-ring binders, filler paper and notebooks come mini in a host of bright hues like red-orange and lime, as well as standbys such as arctic white and charcoal. Plus, the smaller size makes it easy to throw into the season's oversized handbags and frees up space in briefcases. $8-$30, russellandhazel.com

December 5, 2005 at 12:05 AM in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)

Petro Zillia's Rainbow-Bright Cause

As if Petro Zillia’s cheery colors and feminine shapes weren’t enough to make a girl feel happy. Now fans of the designer can feel even better about buying her wares with a new rainbow-bedecked philanthropy tee. Choose from a standard shirt in pink, green, grey or chocolate, or a cap-sleeve version in black or white. And don’t forget to select which charity (Project Angel Food, The Red Cross, Step Up Women's Network or The Art of Elysium) you’d like the proceeds to benefit. $24, shoppetrozillia.com

December 5, 2005 at 12:03 AM in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 02, 2005

Easy Looks in a Book

In your quest to select just the right shadows to complement your glosses, it seems you’ve bought out half of Barneys’ apothecary. Perhaps it’s time to try a pre-edited selection such as Aloette's Tranquil Days and Sultry Nights Look Books. Each does the work for you, pulling together two eyeshadows, two blushes and two lipsticks in time-appropriate hues like Cashmere shadow for the day book and Violet for the night version. $75 each, aloettecosmetics.com

December 2, 2005 at 12:32 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 01, 2005

A Lotus at Rose

Sick to death of big-gemmed cocktail rings? Yeah, you and half the planet. Make a statement with a different sort of oversized jewel. Feast your eyes on DeanBurke’s sumptuous Lotus ring. The mini sculpture is just one of the treasures you’ll find at the new Rose in Venice, a beautifully curated boutique of jewels, curios and antiques. (Note: Angelenos can peruse DeanBurke's entire line tonight from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at the store; call (310) 399-0040 to RSVP.) $1,850, roseinvenice.com

December 1, 2005 at 05:33 PM in PICK OF THE DAY | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Argyle’s Hot New Spa (L.A.)

Amande Scheer Demme’s Monday nights at the Argyle are so last season. Now the hottest spot inside the Sunset Boulevard hotel is the Argyle Salon & Spa, which officially opens for business today (though insiders and hotel guests have kept the place buzzing over the last few weeks). The new destination has brought together hair superstars like stylist Philip B. and colorist Rita Hazen (who will fly in monthly from NYC), as well as a bevy of talented massage therapists (tip: for deep-tissue, ask for Derek). argylela.com, (310) 623-9000

December 1, 2005 at 12:05 AM in OPENINGS/LAUNCHES | Permalink | Comments (0)

Must-Shop Events on the Left Coast … (L.A.)

Talk about naturally stylish — no one captures natural forms like antlers and octopi more creatively than Carol Cotu, the local designer behind Reform jewelry. Don’t miss the line’s biannual sample sale on Saturday from 1 p.m. -9 p.m. at Find Bazaar (pay $2 to shop). In other must-shop news, EM Productions is holding its own sample sale today and tomorrow from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. in the Cooper Building. Snag some of L.A.’s best, including Louis Verdad, Grey Ant, Madley and Pegah Anvarian. Reform: 1161 Logan St.; EM Productions: 860 S. Los Angeles St., Suite 216

December 1, 2005 at 12:03 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)

... and the Right Coast (NYC)

New Yorkers, no need to feel left out of the sale frenzy: First up, check out Nathan & Moe's beachy jewels at two holiday trunk shows on Sunday (1 p.m.-7 p.m.) and Monday (11 a.m.-8 p.m.), with prices below retail. Also, the Agent 011 showroom might have just opened this fall, but they're already sample sale-ing like pros. Today through Saturday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., get 70% off ready-to-wear, jewelry and other accessories from Karanina, Kale, Tamsen and more. Nancy & Moe: 183 E. 85th St., Apt. 9L; Agent 011: 42 Greene St., Loft 4

December 1, 2005 at 12:01 AM in SALES/EVENTS | Permalink | Comments (0)