When giving a gift, you can never go wrong with the sumptuous scent of a luxury candle. Balenciaga’s Paris L’Essence candle ($65) ignites the senses with a violet fragrance infused with woody and leather undertones. Nordstrom The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr., 323-930-2230; shop.nordstrom.com

Kristin Cavallari and Rebecca Taylor
 
Designer Rebecca Taylor celebrated the opening of her Robertson Boulevard boutique with a star-studded party on December 7. The brand’s first West Coast flagship will feature Taylor’s collection of apparel and accessories as well as special collaborations with Cosabella (undergarments), Chan Luu (scarves), Claeson (T-shirts) and Vale (jewelry). To mark the occasion, Taylor partnered with Jessica Alba, Kristen Bell, Michelle Tractenberg, Rashida Jones, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Selena Gomez to craft one-of-a-kind tote bags, which were auctioned off that night with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Dress for Success Worldwide-West. During the party guests were also treated to Sprinkles cupcakes, Jacques Torres chocolates and ever-flowing glasses of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. 107 S. Robertson Blvd., LA

Inspired by the art of sailing and port cities around the world, David Yurman launches the new fall Maritime collection of men’s jewelry and accessories with the help of his son, Evan. The younger Yurman incorporated nautical elements into the brand’s traditional pieces. Silver cuff links are in the shape of small square knots, and dog-tag necklaces are engraved with etchings of the North Star (which sailors use as a navigational guide). “LA is a very fashion-forward market, and I think the Maritime collection is one of [our] most fashionable and diverse [lines],” says Evan Yurman. “These pieces work well for the LA gentleman who likes to make a subtle, classic statement.” 319 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-888-8618

FROM TOP: David Yurman Maritime 18k yellow-gold and sterling silver cuff links ($1,700); Maritime 18k yellow-gold and sterling silver knot cuff links ($650).

Make Eliot Raffit’s glitzy ornaments your next holiday collectors’ item. Handcrafted with glass glitter, each piece undergoes a special heating process to ensure its trademark shimmery luster and vintage style. Simple yet stunning, the ornaments come in various shapes ranging from a petite elephant to a propeller plane to a traditional snowflake (pictured above)—each a show-stopping addition to any holiday tree. 9570 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; barneys.com

Sherry Lansing and Jane Fonda

Although this is Hollywood, it’s not everyday you see the caliber of women that attended The Hollywood Reporter Women In Entertainment Breakfast convene in one place. The event recognizes the 100 most powerful females in the industry (as chosen by The Hollywood Reporter) and this year Jane Fonda took top billing receiving the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award, an honor previously bestowed upon Meryl Streep, Barbara Walters and Halle Berry. Lansing, a former Paramount head, presented her namesake award to Fonda, a longtime friend. A teary eyed Fonda gladly accepted saying her Oscar statues were collecting dust so she needed more hardware to add to her collection. The event also paid tribute to the late Laura Ziskin (mega-producer and Stand-Up to Cancer co-founder) with stories from friends Kirsten Dunst and Sony Pictures co-chair Amy Pascal. Other attendees gathered at the Beverly Hills Hotel for the reception included Chelsea Handler, Anne Sweeney, Bonnie Hammer, Octavia Spencer and Dana Walden.

Shoes from the Lika Mimika Home Edition collection

Lika Mimika, a trendy line of Spanish footwear, recently marked its US debut. Offering a colorful collection of leather espadrilles, the brand is the latest to enter the ultra-comfy shoe market (think a more upscale version of TOMS or Uggs). Armed with a distinct look and butter-soft lamb, goat and calfskin leathers, the unisex models have natural rubber soles and can interchange between the left and right foot. Also just introduced (and sold exclusively on the brand’s site) is the Home Edition collection made with luxurious rabbit fur. Creatures of Comfort, 7971 Melrose Ave., LA, 323-655-7855; creaturesofcomfort.us

Since debuting in September, Tom Ford’s cosmetics line has been the buzz of the beauty industry. Now all eyes are on his latest product launch—a 16-shade collection of nail lacquers ($30 each). The assortment of rich, bold, classic hues with names like Toasted Sugar, Ginger Fire and Bitter Bitch epitomize the fresh, sexy Tom Ford brand. Featuring amplified shine and a glossy coat, the polish is one the most luxurious on the market and sold exclusively at Neiman Marcus. 9700 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-550-5900

Russell Brand and Sarah Silverman may be brash, but they are full of heart when it comes to giving. Brand, a star in the much-anticipated Rock of Ages, and Silverman, best known for The Sarah Silverman Project, have teamed up for a one-night-only comedy show at The Wiltern Theatre on December 11—free of charge. The catch? As part of Brand’s Love X-Change initiative, guests will get a ticket on the house in exchange for a two-hour commitment to community service. To sign up, head to Brand’s Facebook page and volunteer for one of six LA-area charities including The Art of Elysium, Rootstrikers, the Friendly House, Habitat for Humanity, the Los Angeles Food Bank and the Los Angeles Animal Alliance. 3790 Wilshire Blvd., LA, 213-388-1400

Jessica Alba and her daughter, Honor

LA-based lifestyle brand Splendid celebrated its new Santa Monica location with a holiday party geared toward helping others. With the help of Crafting Community, the colorful 1,800-square-foot boutique transformed into a family-friendly arts-and-crafts workshop and toy drive to benefit Baby2Baby, which supplies baby gear to homeless children in Los Angeles. Jessica Alba and her three-year-old daughter, Honor, Ali Larter, Amy Smart and Sasha Alexander were among those helping to make holiday crafts. Splendid Santa Monica will cater to women, men, children and babies by offering the line’s casual collections Splendid, Splendid Mills, Splendid Mills JR, Splendid Girls and Splendid Littles. 1324 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 310-434-9590

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Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger Conique bracelet (Price upon request)

 

Chopard Imperiale pendant ($35,350)

 

CC Skye Woven Shield necklace ($875)

 

Carly Brooke Earrings by Dana Rebecca Designs ($6,160)

 

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1. The Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger Conique bracelet is exquisitely made with red spinels and diamonds set in18k gold and platinum. (Price upon request.) Beverly Center, 8500 Beverly Blvd., 310-657-0016

2. Chopard’s Imperiale pendant is beautifully crafted in 18k white gold with 98 diamonds (4 carats). ($35,350) South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa

3. A colorful statement, the CC Skye Woven Shield necklace is handmade with leather and 18k gold plate chain. ($875). Ron Herman, 325 North Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310-550-0910

4. The Carly Brooke Earrings by Dana Rebecca Designs are one-of-a kind pieces featuring carved white jade and diamonds. ($6,160) Broken English Boutique at The Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th St., Brentwood, 310-458-2724

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF TIFFANY & CO. (TIFFANY); CHOPARD (CHOPARD); CC SKYE (CC SKYE)