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.