What Women Really Want — Under the Tree

A White Christmas. World peace. Good health. Those three always make my Christmas list, but sometimes a girl likes something all to herself, especially if she’s the mom of the household relegated to impersonating Santa for weeks.

 

By Janice Llanes Fabry

 

A White Christmas. World peace. Good health. Those three always make my Christmas list, but sometimes a girl likes something all to herself, especially if she’s the mom of the household relegated to impersonating Santa for weeks. Who else but mom truly grasps the intricate machinations of the holiday anyway? After weeks of pondering over the perfect gifts for family and friends, making painstaking efforts to buy those special stocking stuffers, grab bag and hostess gifts, even the masterful puppeteer behind the scenes appreciates a little recognition.

Yes, it’s better to give than to receive, but after writing stacks of Christmas cards and creating dazzling packages with ribbons and bows, it’s awfully nice to unwrap a gift or two from the significant others in one’s life. So, significant others: Get shopping! Christmas and Purchase Street are right around the corner.

 

Angela’s has exquisite clothes and fashion accessories that will make her swoon. Glamourpuss rabbit hats and scarves are luscious, while Jilly handbags and clutches are fabulous. They are available in a variety of colors and exotic skins, from python and ostrich to crocodile and shark. For the pièce de résistance, Angela’s offers a Quiviuk fur-trimmed sweater, made from the underbelly hair that naturally falls off a Canadian musk ox. Scrumptiously softer than cashmere!

 

Bringing in the wow factor, Great Stuff’s Omo leopard coat is striking and stylish. It can be worn over any one of the shop’s many elegant party dresses. She will undoubtedly feel very special in Remy Brook’s off-the-shoulder jasmine dress or the Burning Torch beaded, chiffon number. Great Stuff also carries silky tops galore in a variety of vibrant colors.

 

Shoppers who prefer a preview from the comfort of their laptops may follow Rags on Facebook and get the latest holiday gift updates. Then drop in and pick up the rabbit fur vest, which will bowl her over and forever keep her warm. Featured in Women’s Wear Daily, Nanette Lepore leather bags make great gifts, whether the hobo, clutch, or bow tote. The designer’s silky and sweater dresses, as well as a special pleated blouse, are stunning, too.  

 

Weezie D offers a variety of looks that capture every side of her. Trunk cotton “yoga girl” and “pilates girl” tees are fun, while their Bob Marley and Beatles tops may bring out her inner rock star. Hats and caps with bows or metal grommets come in all colors and prints, as do their very fashionable Ark and Company or Double Zero contemporary capes.

 

Take good care of her this winter with Shoes ‘n’ More boots that are both trendy and warm. Their all-weather selections by Tecnica and La Canadienne will protect her from the elements, while Skanda takes it up a notch with goat hair. For the lady who loves her iPhone, the shop carries Michael Kors wristlets with iPhone holders, as well as Echo touch gloves that “keep your hands warm while you keep in touch.”

 

Lola’s offers the ultimate in luxury with a magnificent fur-trimmed cashmere shawl, accompanied beautifully by their ostrich clutch. For a less formal look, their leather jersey tank tops and UGGs leather vests are winners. New trendy stingray bangles that can be worn plain by day and bejeweled by night are available in a variety of fun colors.

 

For a change of pace, Parkers presents Rambler’s Way sleepwear and layering pieces, made of superfine wool. Brought to you by the makers of Tom’s of Maine toothpaste, the line is organic, natural, and ever so soft. The eco thermal apparel is available at 40% off through December 31. Of course, one can never go wrong with the shop’s sleek Tumi collection of weekenders and leather-trimmed travel organizers.  

 

Last but not least, Blush offers all-natural Kat Burki candles and soaps, in sugarplum or hot toddy fragrances. Or how about giving her a session with a professional make-up artist before that New Year’s Eve party? Above all, she can luxuriate in a scented bath with the shop’s many fine products and pamper herself with L’Occitane or Thymes’ moonflower lotion that promises “to infuse the day with possibility.”