Tiffany & Co

They have consistently created fabulous window displays and this year is no exception. Make sure to stroll down the Via Rodeo and read each window beginning on Rodeo and finishing at the top of the steps past the snowmen and penguins. It's a story about a blue bird and love. Of course there are diamonds involved. Seen here with a 4 carat diamond in her beak.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Make your room reservations now as occupancy in Los Angeles is predicted to be high. Enjoy responsibly.

Shopping Facts

U.S. retailers' 2010 holiday sales jumped 5.5 percent for the best performance in five years as shoppers snapped up clothing and jewelry at Macy's Inc., Tiffany & Co. and other stores. Retail sales, excluding autos, rose to $584 billion from Nov. 5 through Dec. 24, said MasterCard Advisors' SpendingPulse, which measures retail sales by all payment forms. That compared with a 4.1 percent gain a year earlier. Apparel sales grew the fastest in the 50 days before Christmas, with an 11 percent gain, more than 10 times the pace of last year. Sales of jewelry accelerated 8.4 percent, SpendingPulse said. Luxury sales rose 6.7 percent, compared with 0.9 percent a year ago. Consumer electronics sales increased 1.2 percent after falling 4.6 percent a year earlier. Furniture climbed 3.8 percent after a 2.2 percent drop last year.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,
Thank you for your sweet birthday note! That was so thoughtful of you. I am finding many of the things on this card about December 28th Capricorns to be true. Hope you are doing well and have a Happy New Year! Best regards, Ashley [BOSLEY]

Stylechic tip for the week

For that perfect dress-up moment on New Years Eve, Dresses: Frocks are on the wane, so think of them as tunics, elongated vests and coat dresses. After reigning supreme through the new millennium, they now need a strong partner, like pants, leggings, or, more of the moment, a tailored jacket on top. Full spectrum: Tough and body-con are hanging on, while ladylike looks proliferate. Bags: Flat envelopes , clutches, handheld retro bags. http://www.stylechic.com

Thought for the day

Love is a gift; friendship is an exchange. -Wilma Askinas

A Contented Guest

Thank you Wendy. My stay at Luxe was great. It's my to-go-hotel now when I have to stay overnight in LA again. Best, Gundolf [ Pfotenhauer Creative]

Thought for the day

Q: Why are Christmas trees bad at knitting?

A: They keep dropping their needles. [Chris, age 8]

The morning after

Make Merry

It's Christmas Eve. Make sure to leave cookies for Santa; it will save you from eating all the sweets in your pantry. Photo taken at Neiman Marcus in their home decorating department.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,
I have wanted to thank you for the birthday card and your generous complimentary drink tickets. I was out of town for awhile, and on my birthday as well. I hope you enjoy the holiday season with family and friends. Please know that I appreciate all that you do for me and all that you continue to do for so many others. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2011…
In Light, Trisha xoxoxo

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Wendy, Thank you so much my dear for thinking of me on my birthday. I love the Mark Twain quote…."Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been". I agree with this totally.
Enjoy the Holidays and have a wonderful New Year!
With kind regards, Paulette [Luxury Travel Specialist, Protravel International]

Naughty or Nice?

Santa knows if you've been naughty or nice. Be careful what you post on Facebook, he's more savvy than you think. Good luck! You could by naughty and just save Santa the trip! Seen here is Santa at Two Rodeo on the Via Rodeo meeting small shoppers.

Window Shopping

Each year Beverly Hills' stores out due each other for best decorated windows. Even if you think you can't afford to shop in Beverly Hills, it's worth a trip to see our windows. Walk Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Blvd for the 'best in show' and have a special dinner at one of the many great restaurants in the Golden Triangle. Seen here is a window at Saks Fifth Avenue. Fa La La La La La

Travel Fact

According to AAA about 92.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from their homes during the year-end holidays, up 3.1% from 2009. AAA cited pent-up demand for travel and an improving economy for the increase. Consumer optimism has risen despite a jump in gasoline prices.

Snack before going to a party

Friends have been sending me "Eating Tips for the Holidays"; it's gone viral. The message begins with advice about crudites versus frosted cookies, pies, eggnog and fruitcake. Tip #5 was: Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a holiday party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Good luck to all and to all a good night. Enjoy the holidays. January is just around the corner.

Thought for the day

Q: Where did Santa Claus go on vacation?
A: To a ho, ho hotel! [Ann, age 10]

Badgely Mischka

According the The Apparel News Bureau, Badgely Mischka label will be opening their Rodeo Drive Boutique before Christmas. Although, it looks as though it's still under construction, Badgely Mischka claim the 2,800 square-foot store, located at 477 N. Rodeo Dr., will be spectacular! "The look is a mix of the historic and new," said label spokesman Rob Caldwell. "Reclaimed floors from barns in Tennessee mixed with crystal chandeliers; upstairs is devoted to bridal with creamy, upholstered walls and antique mirrors from France." I can't wait 'til it opens!

Christmas dinner at Luxe

Celebrate Christmas at Cafe Rodeo with a special holiday menu prepared by Chef James Jung. Three delicious entrees to choose from and plenty of good cheer. Reservations recommended by calling 310-691-7655, e: dining@luxehotels.com

La Perla and Jean Paul Gaultier

This evening I arrived at La Perla Beverly Hills and was greeted by the most beautiful models wearing the latest creations from the famed luxury lingerie boutique. I came to find out there's more to La Perla than just lace and Lycra. Visit their newly remodeled store on Rodeo Drive this holiday season and find cotton sleepwear and menswear. Surprise. Seen here with one of those fabulous models.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hey Wendy,Thank you so much for my Birthday wishes – you’re very sweet. Have a wonderful holiday season – I’m off to Australia tonight.
xx Justine [Stage and Screen Travel]

Luxury shoppers are making a comeback

High-end retailers are reporting renewed fervor for handbags, shoes, jewelry and other indulgences at full price. After snapping shut their designer wallets during the recession, luxury shoppers are making a big comeback. Gone are the drastic cost-cutting measures by high-end retailers, who are now reporting renewed fervor for handbags, shoes, jewelry and other indulgences at full price. U.S. retail sales overall are expected to rise about 3.5% this year, but the trend is even stronger at the high end, with a projected 7% jump over 2009. That's an encouraging sign for the overall economy because affluent shoppers wield outsized spending power. The richest 20% of households account for nearly 40% of total consumer spending in the U.S., said Michael Niemira, chief economist at the International Council of Shopping Centers. Their pent-up desire to spend money is being abetted by the stock market rally, a more stable jobs picture for those who are still employed, and expectations that the economy will continue to show steady, if slow, improvement. Excerpt from LA TIMES, Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Stylechic tip for the week

Feet and Legs: Platform soles are slowly descending. Legs are up for decoration in patterned hose or shiny leggings. The newest-looking shoes have almond-pointed toes and reasonable heels. For evening: Most heels are still up in the stratosphere. http://www.stylechic.com

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Greetings, Wendy!
Just wanted to thank you for your thoughtfulness and sweetness in remembering my birthday! (Your data base must be awesome!) LOVE your personal touch. Love your hotel, too!
Happy Holidays, Flo [ALTOUR / PALISADES]

We still refer to a sparse spruce as a Charlie Brown tree

A Charlie Brown Christmas is one of the TV specials we most associate with and look forward to at Christmas every year, and this week marks the 45th anniversary of the premiere. It was on Dec. 9, 1965, to be exact, that the Peanuts gang made its cartoon debut, in a special that almost didn't make it to air. Along the way, Schulz and company would have to convince network executives at CBS, the special's original network, that they didn't want to use a laugh track; that they wanted to use actual children to voice the young characters; even, though executives fretted about it. All the worry was for naught, as 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' was an immediate hit, drawing a nearly 45 percent viewership share and getting rave magazine reviews and kicking off a four-decades-plus run that would solidify its status as a beloved holiday tradition.

The Fashion File

Brooks Brothers invited their customers to an evening of holiday cheer which included live jazz, carolers and festive refreshments last evening during SNOW90210. Janie Bryant, the award-winning Mad Men Costume Designer, signed her critically acclaimed book, The Fashion File. Seen here with Janie in my favorite Michael Kors' coat.

West Hollywood celebrates on Avenues of Design

Celebrate the season with a festive fusion of glamour, gifts and a good dose of holiday cheer at the Holiday Walk on the Avenues in West Hollywood. Find food and coffee trucks, carolers, music, shopping specials and cocktails. December 10th, 6-10 p.m. and December 11th, noon-4 p.m. at Melrose Village, Melrose Ave., between San Vicente and Orlando. http://www.avenueswh.com/

Where you can meet Santa in Beverly Hills

Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for a chat and a sip of hot cocoa at The Paley Center for Media on Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19 from 11 am–3 pm. See their website for listings of television screenings. http://www.paleycenter.org/

Thought for the day

"I am thankful for today" as seen in the window of James Perse Boutique on Canon Drive, Beverly Hills. It seemed like a good reminder of what's really important. James Perse is also recycling old James Perse t-shirts for store credit. T-shirts will be reconditioned, redyed and donated to homeless men, women and children. Call your local James Perse Boutiques for details.

Let it snow!

Rodeo Drive is bracing for snowfall tonight as the City celebrates the Holiday Season with Snow 90210. The three shopping blocks of Rodeo will close to traffic at 5:30 p.m. for horse drawn carriage rides, over 52 in-store events, live entertainment and gourmet food trucks serving holiday-themed goodies at this Beverly Hills' extravaganza. The centerpiece of the 6 - 9 p.m. celebration will be horse drawn carriage rides in the midst of the falling snow from 40 snow machines on the 300 and 400 blocks of Rodeo Drive with complimentary rides for guests who show their receipt of purchases from participating stores - while rides last.

Snowflakes

Don't miss the centerpiece of the celebration: the UNICEF Snowflake hanging above the legendary Beverly Wilshire hotel at Wilshire and Rodeo Drive. Designed by Ingo Mauer and covered in 12,000 Baccarat crystals, the Snowflake originally hung at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street until it made its Beverly Hills debut in 2006. Visit Two Rodeo and purchase a crystal snowflake to hang on the 16 foot tree - all proceeds will go to UNICEF.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Dear Wendy, Thank you so much for always remembering my birthday! Have a wonderful holiday. Melody [Air Apparent]

Zanotti opens on Brighton Way

Giuseppe Zanotti Design is the newest boutique to open in Beverly Hills. This evening they had a soft opening with preferred clients and a few press at their Brighton Way location. The metallic sandals, kitten heals and pumps were especially impressive. Check out the jewelry line in the front case. Seen here with those all-about-town Genlux Magazine gang.

SNOW90210

Mark your calendar for Thursday, Dec. 9 from 6-9 p.m. as Rodeo Drive and the City of Beverly Hills celebrate the Holiday Season with SNOW 90210 and a 100% chance of snow. In a city that averages a 70 degree high temperature, guaranteeing a blizzard in December over 3 blocks of famed shopping street Rodeo Drive and also on Brighton Way will be something to see. More than 50 stores will be hosting in-store events to celebrate the season. Special live entertainment and Holiday-themed fare provided by some of L.A.’s top gourmet food trucks including Border Grill Truck, Cart for a Cause, Coolhaus, Frysmith, Sprinkles cupcakes, The GastroBus and the Grilled Cheese Truck.
SNOW 90210 is the perfect lead-in to a myriad of holiday events taking place over the following two weekends and right up through Christmas Eve.

Travel Fact

Customer satisfaction with airlines improved in the last year, reversing a three-year decline. The J.D. Power and Associates Study of 11 U.S. airlines found consumers giving airlines a satisfaction score 15 points higher than last year and the best score since 2007. They ranked JetBlue No. 1, Alaska Airlines scored highest among so-called traditional network carriers, followed by Continental.

Candyland

The magical elves at Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel have created a complimentary Candy Bar as a super sweet treat for the holidays for our guests and visitors.This beautiful display is in our lobby through the end of the month and miraculously fills itself continuously! Stop by for a candy or two and the jolly staff at Luxe Rodeo Drive wish you the best for the Holiday Season. And remember. There are no calories during the holidays!

'Tis the season at The Grove

After seeing a movie on Saturday evening, I left the theater and found myself in a throng of shoppers and families. Children were still queueing to see Santa and lovers were walking hand in hand. I had to wait my turn to take this photo at the singing fountain. The clock chimed nine and it was time to head home but not before I took one more look over my shoulder. Enjoying the simple moments.

Martini of the month

During this festive holiday season, make sure to stop by to see Otto in Cafe Rodeo for one of his chocolate martinis.
Ingredients: 1 ounce Godiva Original Liqueur and .25 vodka
Preparation: Drizzle chocolate syrup around the glass, rim glass with crushed peppermint, add Godiva Original Liqueur and vodka. Stir. Serve. Drink.

A Contented Guest

Short note to say thank you (I did not have the manager’s e-mail, so please forward) !! It’s been quite a while since I’ve been to the Luxe on Rodeo … but my recent 1 night stay (Dec 1) was treated like a homecoming, with everyone stopping to say hello. Thank you to your team, from the car valet and bell staff, to your desk team and the team at the bar … top to bottom, a great return, and a great stay. The economy has put a significant dent in my travel to the LA area, but I will always try to make the Luxe my stop. (also, the plate of cookies was very nice, and appreciated after a long day … again, thank you !!) Regards, Joseph [RGLA Solutions, Inc.]

Best wishes for a less than frantic holiday season

It's December 2nd and it's just begun - that holiday frenzy. Try these tips:

- Distract yourself

- Do something nice for someone else

- Stay in contact

- Seek inner peace through outer order

Good luck!

Christofle's Menorah offer

Warmest wishes for a holiday celebrated with loving family and friends. We noticed that Christofle has a very special offer of a complimentary mezuzah with your purchase of a menorah and we thought we'd pass this along. Sterling silver is always a great gift. Happy Hanukkah! Now until December 9th! http://www.christofle.com/