Pacific Cheer

Nothing captures the best of Los Angeles like living in Malibu. At the Malibu Country Mart, rows of mom-and-pop style eateries (Joan's Garden), fancy restaurants (Nobu, Tra Di Noi), and even a recently resurrected movie theater are intermingled among some of LA's key boutiques — from Ron Herman and Madison to Henry Beguelin and Chrome Hearts. But everyone's favorite, and the quintessential Malibu store, is the accessible Planet Blue, always a good place to start your holiday shopping. The stacks of cozy cashmeres, perfect t-shirts, and a floor-to-ceiling wall of denim make for a safe selection for low-key Angelenos. For the friend whose gift you'll steal for yourself later, Mike and Chris' hooded, buttery-leather jacket is a cool and luxurious choice. Matta's Indian-inspired scarves in muted hues will add that instant, effortless chic on nippy nights for Malibu moms. Hunter's classic navy rain boots are a funky way to get through a precipitous winter. And Jess Jewelry's simple, never-take-off rings, bangles, and layered necklaces are so well priced you'll be able to shower your friends with several pieces. The sky-blue wood-panel photo frames are the perfect addition to any beach bungalow — add a black-and-white snapshot of you and your giftee for a personal touch.

A few stores down is the month-old Ralph Lauren boutique, where cashmere skull-print doggie sweaters, black embossed leather frames, and leather and white gold hardware saddle belts make the most luxurious stocking stuffers. For more rustic gifts, head next door to its sister shop, Double RL, where you'll find some of the best gifts for the man in your life. Patrician piles of '70s vintage leather belts crowd a wooden ladder in one corner, and canvas and leather WWII-era-styled satchels make for the perfect man bags. The wall of vintage patterned flannels in every color imaginable screams holiday-wear. Collectible '30s antique robots (priced in the low thousands) make for an original and special gift for any avid collector. And of course, for the people you don't know well — one can never go wrong with a great coffee-table book — the selection of Rock 'n Roll books on Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and Elvis, as well as film icons like Paul Newman, make for easy pickings.

On the opposite, more hidden side of the Country Mart you'll find Room at the Beach — one of the best beach-house-style furniture stores around. Luckily, you don't have to have a beach house to enjoy gifts such as cream cable-knit candle covers, La Belle Vie's power puff and bath petals set, or the French country-style frog-and-butterfly printed Kleenex box, vase, and garbage can sets.

While on the west side, try Venice's lovely Abbot Kinney district, where the legendary street is littered with cute boutiques and restaurants. The newest of these, Stronghold, is an old clothing company, famed for being the first-ever in Los Angeles, which was recently resurrected. Here you'll find great gifts for your most nostalgic buddies, as well as the Dapper Dans in your life. Other than the 1930s-style jeans the company is known for, leather jackets, t-shirts, and other basics are available. There's even made-to-measure children's wear; pick up a blue pinstripe railroad jumpsuit for your choo-choo obsessed son or nephew. Circle back to Mameg in Brentwood: in addition to avant-garde-light t-shirts from Martin Margiela, a few statement-making Balenciaga pieces are still in the store for surprising the fashionista who's been drooling over archive-inspired pieces.

Head eastward and drop in at the big brand stores for select items. At Barneys, the diverse selection of Lanvin totes and shoulder bags are good buys now, before they become like the ubiquitous Balenciaga bags. Throw in Serge Lutens Clair de Musc or Frédéric Malle's Musc Ravageur fragrance for the discerning nose. Head up Rodeo Drive to Fendi and snatch up that ruched black cocktail dress — a knockout for that special lady for the holidays and beyond. Nip in to Cartier and confidently purchase the La Dona de Cartier handbag to impress an already exquisitely turned-out woman. Further east at Maxfields, vintage Hermès watches and jewelry will not disappoint the status-conscious.

If you don't want to leave the beach — or your home — your best bet is West Hollywood's Milk boutique's new website, shopatmilk.com. For your girlfriend, you can't go wrong with a Mia & Ko gold and diamond monogrammed necklace or Julez Bryant's assortment of brushed yellow, rose, or white gold rings, earrings, and necklaces, all available with white or black diamonds. Any Angeleno girl would love you for a pair of London Sole's cute ballet flats — go with the black patent leather or camel suede for a new take on an old classic. For a fancier gal, Carmen Ho's luxe crocodile and leather chocolate heels or Pedro Garcia's black or nude satin heels with crystal-encrusted chain-link detail will seal the deal. If she's fashion forward, try McQ by Alexander Mcqueen's plaid and fur belted zip-up vest, or any whimsical number by Milk's most coveted and exclusive line, Sretsis. And when in doubt, the knit cardigan coat seems to be everyone's favorite winter item — executed flawlessly by Manoush, Giulia Piersanti, and Adam + Eve.

The best thing about the new Los Angeles is that everything is available locally, including great gifts.
-Ilaria Urbinati

Photos:
Jeans from Stronghold
Vintage robots from Double RL
Serge Lutens Perfume
Vintage Hermès from the 1980's
La Dona da Cartier Bag
McQ Cropped Shearling Vest
Fendi a/w '06-'07
Manoush tulip embroidered cardigan from Milk