You’ll never catch her in a Christmas sweater — even for the sake of irony. No, the fashion trend-setter on your holiday gift list only steps out in true style. So whether she favors understated elegance or eye-catching glam, celebrate her sophisticated flair with one of these tasteful picks. (And note the lack of reindeer appliqués.)
Artful earrings
The San Diego Museum of Art’s gift shop is a treasure trove of cultured keepsakes like these earrings from David Howell & Company which are inspired by Wassily Kandinsky’s 1923 lithograph “Violet.” The museum shop’s collection includes earrings influenced by such painters as Jackson Pollock, Théophile Steinlen, Katsushika Hokusai and Piet Mondrian. $30. sdmart.org
Black and white and red (carpet) all over
Awards season design darling Tadashi Shoji is a master of the flattering, elegant dress. On trend for the season is this black and white, degradé-dot print crepe and knife-pleated, paillette-embroideredtulle gown from the Tadashi Shoji Resort 2020 Collection. She’ll be the star of any holiday soirée. $608. Tadashi Shoji is sold at Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and tadashishoji.com
Blue beauty
She’ll turn heads with this charming, black and turquoise, structured Mini Phoebe calfskin cross-body leather bag from London-based accessory label Danse Lente. Unique features include an interior that opens accordion style and strap hardware inspired by spiral notebook rings. $430. nordstrom.com
Made in the shade
Co-founded by former Solana Beach resident Dave Gilboa, Warby Parker is the first name in stylish, affordable glasses. These pretty pink Faye shades, in layered rose quartz crystal with riesling, are perfect for our sunny SoCal winters or any time. Available in prescription and non-prescription, pick them up at Warby Parker’s Westfield UTC boutique or online. Starting at $145. warbyparker.com
No giftwrap required
These super sexy, strappy, sparkly Jimmy Choo Talaya 100 party heels come with all the red ribbons she needs for a festive holiday. Expertly made in Italy with suede and shimmering crystals, the heel is 3.9 inches, with miles of style. We confess that when we spotted them in South Coast Plaza’s Fall 2019 Portfolio lookbook, we gasped. Imagine what her reaction would be. $1,995. southcoastplaza.com/directory/jimmy-choo
Capturing icons of style
Image is everything and three recently published books pay homage to key figures in fashion in vivid color and black and white photographs, each spanning five decades. “Zandra Rhodes: 50 Fabulous Years in Fashion” ($40; Yale University Press), explores Rhodes’ star-studded career that included the British-born Del Mar resident being dubbed “The Princess of Punk.” “Bill Cunningham: On the Street — Five Decades of Iconic Photography” ($65; Clarkson Potter/Penguin Random House), shows in 750 photos why his work for The New York Times chronicling the city’s fashion identity, from celebrities to office workers, New York socialites to hipster bike messengers. And The Design Museum’s traces the essential designers, brands, models, stars and pop culture style moments of the last 50 years in “Fashion Evolution: The 250 Looks That Shaped Modern Fashion” ($30; Hachette). It’s surely the first book that includes Diane von Furstenberg’s wrap dress, clogs, “Soul Train,” Jackie Kennedy, Wonder Woman and the WonderBra.
Paris privée
Take her to Paris, oui, but what would guarantee a Joyeux Noël would be a three-hour private shopping experience in the fashion capital of the world. Personal shopping ambassadors from Localers tour company lead visits to exclusive boutiques and small designer ateliers in such trendy districts as Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The experience also comes with the ultimate perk: “advice on how to create the effortless and elegant chic look Parisians are internationally known for.” $59 per person; $209-$354 for groups of up to six people. localers.com/our-tours-in-Paris/fashion-tour-in-le-marais
