The holiday season is painted as a particularly happy time of year, and while I anticipate the holidays very much, I would have to say I find them to be a well-deserved reward for the stresses of the season. With December’s endless list of parties, decorating, entertaining, and shopping, the actual holidays are the calm at the end of the seasonal storm. And true to style, this season I am forecasting a holiday that shines bright with luxury and style. Shopping is by far one of the most stressful parts of the holiday season. Even people like myself, who love shopping and any excuse to spend endless hours at Chopard, find the lengthy lines and pushy crowds to be overwhelming.
So to help you save time and stop stressing, here are some great gift ideas that will help you to enjoy more of the season and not just the holidays. This year’s Chic Holiday Gift List is all about extravagance, luxury, and over the top gifts that are exquisitely chic, timelessly coveted, and distinguishable statement pieces that remark on a life of privilege and style. Whether you are giving or receiving, these luxurious items will ensure that the New Year is celebrated in an elegantly chic fashion.
This year, it is very true that the greatest gifts come in small packages. Elegant watches and magnificent jewelry are at the very top of my chic holiday gift list for 2007. The key is quality not quantity, so focusing on lavish pieces that last a lifetime make the perfect gifts for anyone who loves living in the lap of luxury.
Van Cleef & Arpels reinvents the ring with this Lotus Between-the-Fingers Ring, designed from white gold and diamonds to delicately wrap around your fingers.
This multi-colored gem and gold chain by Rosalina adds color and style when worn with basic black, a perfect look for a night at the ballet or black tie event. Rosalina is a San Francisco based designer, but recently I had the great pleasure of meeting her in New York. We discussed how my clients can create any piece by Rosalina to reflect their personal style.
Forever classic, these long shoulder dusting diamond Cartier earrings, worn by Debra Messing at the Emmy’s, take centre stage when worn with an elegant but simple evening gown.
Hervé Van Der Straeten’s 24k gold Vermeil cuff bracelet is a stunningly luxurious piece that wraps your wrist in one of the finest French designer’s coveted creations.
Designer Michelle Ong’s unique fusion of contemporary style with delicate detailing is ever present in this jeweled cuff, which transforms even the most structured look with a touch of femininity.
Lydia Courteille’s boutique in Paris is filled with uniquely remarkable jewelry, of which her BIG rings with intricate detailing are my favorite pieces.
This superb pair of amethyst earrings from Chopard are set with 4 flower shape cabochon amethysts. They belong to the “Haute Joaillerie” collection and can be found at the new Chopard Boutique on Madison and 63rd which is “must-see” over the holidays. I have a particular affinity for these earrings because of the elegant and romantic design and the color evokes some mystery for me.
This exquisite yellow and orange hued Graff Diamond Ring is one of the most luxurious pieces a woman can wear. Being of such exceptional color, its composition was initially questioned, but since proven to be entirely natural this diamond ring has captured the attention of collectors and high society. Such an impressive piece should be worn by someone with an equally bright personality, as to avoid being out-shined by the naturally splendid hue of this extraordinary diamond.
The vintage jewelry house of Buccellati creates the most beautifully breathtaking pieces, such as this divine 18k gold and diamond bracelet. Buccellati is one of my favorite jewelers. I own a cuff as well and I wear it all the time – dressed up or down and always receive compliments. It’s my signature piece of jewelry.
Patek Philippe’s ladies “Twenty-4” 18k white gold and diamond timepiece, with it’s unquestionable craftsmanship and classic style is the perfect accessory to wear all year long and any time of day.
Carl F. Bucherer’s limited edition Patrai Tribute to Fritz Brun watch for Him, combines luxurious Louisiana alligator leather and 18k white gold to create a stylishly sophisticated timepiece that has uncompromising quality.
In addition to the exquisite jewelry and watches that top my 2007 luxury gift list, here are a few more extraordinary gift ideas that have caught my eye and are sure to become the most coveted items of the new year. Luxurious materials and exotic detailing are transforming classic style handbags into trendsetting statements that exude privilege and are stylishly chic.
This extremely unique and decadently decorated Fendi Bag is the epitome of luxury and exclusiveness, as it is sure to have a wait list. Its outrageous plumes and multicolored texture, hung from a simple leather handle, create a bag that is chic and stylish.
Louis Vuitton’s blue Alligator bag combines luxurious leather with a classic style that can be carried through years and seasons, as it is timelessly chic.
For champagne and fashion lovers alike, the ultimate gift this season toasts to combing incredible taste, haute couture, and luxurious living. For jet setting fashionistas who love to celebrate in style, Karl Lagerfeld’s hand-signed lizard skin suitcase filled with Dom Pérignon Rosé takes the cake as the most luxurious gift idea for 2007. Included with this extraordinary collectors item is a private tasting in point-of-origin Hautvillers as well as personal invitations to the most exclusive Dom-Pérignon-Events around the world. A truly spectacular present that gives the gift of great taste and times that will last all year long.
And for those who are looking for a novelty item I suggest a gift from Lambertz. The delicious selections of gingerbread are cleverly packaged. The cover to the box is a picture frame which you can use for personal photos. A lovely idea to sweeten your holiday. And of course, for the millions of women who suffer from Paris envy, my book Chic in Paris, is a great stocking stuffer or small gift idea. This guide consists of interviews with eight Parisian women whom I have selected for their undisputed taste in fashion, their sense of self that is expressed in their style philosophy, and their secret addresses of boutiques, couturiers and designers that allows them to pull it all inimitably together. Truly a gift that will spread both style and cheer, it is available at select boutiques and at Bergdorf Goodman, or can be ordered online.
December 13, 2007 at 9:37 am
Susan,
You really capture the mood of the holidays accurately with no cliche’s. Its rare these days to read a blog online that it is written intelligently about truth and beauty. The luxurious goods are a perfect start to what I hope will be a peaceful and blissful holiday. Thank you for bringing peace and beauty to the holiday season xo
December 15, 2007 at 1:22 am
Such a fantastic post! The best things really do come in small packages, especially if those packages are from somewhere like Chopard or Cartier.
Of course, sometimes a grander gesture is necessary (for instance, check out these incredibly luxurious recommendations from 3Luxe’s Gift Guide (http://www.3luxe.com/category/All_Categories/*Christmas_Gift_Guide)
I think that both your guide and theirs have managed to capture the spirit of generosity and luxury quite well.
ps. I have your book and I love it!
January 9, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Thanks for sharing these great ideas. I’m bookmarking this for future reference. Some of these I already do, so the point resonated most strongly with me. Keep feeding the creativity.
I am currently on holiday so, for this reason, I’ve nothing better to do than surf the web for shopping, lie around and update my blog. Well, more or less anyway.
Doug C
May 11, 2008 at 9:34 pm
My dear friend, Diane Wolf , kindly remembered her friend Susan to me, just before Diane’s tragic death in January 2008. I write in sad remembrance of Diane and in in the hope that Susan and I will one day meet. With regards from
Diane’s friend, Donna. I miss her every day.
May 11, 2008 at 9:35 pm
See above.
September 17, 2009 at 7:05 pm
The Patek Philippe Ladies Twenty~4 in white gold with diamonds gets my vote!