The Los Angeles Confidential team gives us daily updates on what they're coveting and buying for loved ones this holiday season.
"Indulge a wine-loving friend with a little bit of history this holiday season. Ruffino was the first chianti brought to the US, and this classic wine still has a rich, sumptuous taste so many years later."
-Cait Rohan, Online Managing Editor
Riserva Ducale Oro 2007, Ruffino ($40). Wally's Wine and Spirits, 2107 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, 310-475-0606
"I am dying for a pair of these gold and black diamond petal earrings from Phillips House. They're the perfect accessory to any New Year's Eve get-up."
-Alexandra Calamari, Online Market Editor
Yellow Gold and Black Diamond Petal Earrings, Phillips House ($1,850). Broken English, 225 26 St., #17, Santa Monica, 310-458-2724
"This is a must-have kitchen game-changer for the budding at-home cook or aspiring chef! With the help of this seven-in-one appliance and a decadent trip to Whole Foods, I can hardly wait for my next dinner party."
-Valerie Robles, Associate Publisher
Cooking Chef Kitchen Machine, Kenwood ($2,000). Williams-Sonoma, 339 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-274-9127
"For your foodie friends you can't go wrong with this chocolate and port wine gift set from LA's Bouchon Bistro. The kit includes all the supplies to whip up Thomas Keller's famed dessert, paired with a bottle of Meyer Family Port."
-Alexandra Calamari, Online Market Editor
Chocolate Tart and Port Wine Experience, Bouchon Bistro ($260). tkrg.com
"Campari is already a great gift, but artfully designed packaging really ups the ante. The art on this bottle is a reimagining of Leonetto Cappiello's 'Spiritello' advertising poster."
-Cait Rohan, Online Managing Editor
Limited-Edition Art Label Bottle, Campari ($28). Mission Liquor, 1785 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, 626-797-0500
"I'm from the South; and around holidays, I always start to crave the cakes and pies my aunts and grandmothers used to make. Now, Maxie B in Greensboro, NC ships the South all over the country! I would pick a favorite for you, but with cream cheese pound cake, fresh banana pudding, and a seasonal white chocolate peppermint cake, who can choose just one? I guarantee this is one gift that will never get exchanged. Enjoy!"
-Melinda Jagger, Marketing Manager
Assorted cake flavors (gingerbread layer cake pictured), Maxie B (prices vary). maxieb.com
"A premium steak is the perfect present for just about any guy—or steak-lover—in your life. Flannery Beef's ribeyes are sumptuously tender, and will only taste better with this gift pack's addition of 'wine lovers chocolate.'"
-Cait Rohan, Online Managing Editor
Set of 2 California Reserve Ribeye Steaks, Flannery Beef (2 @ 12 oz., $73; 2 @ 16 oz., $93). flannerybeef.com
"I'm having a major lust attack for one of these diamond slice rings from Susan Foster."
-Alexis Johnson, Deputy Editor
Diamond Slice Ring, Susan Foster ($10,000). 11695 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, 310-820-4244
"Gift your wine aficionado friend with a bottle that tastes phenomenal now…or later. Blueberries, bacon, and hints of wet earth mingle with velvety and round tannins for a full-bodied, yet fruity, finish. Pairs well with steak!"
-Cait Rohan, Online Managing Editor
2007 Brunello di Montalcino, Fanti ($43). sokolin.com
"Who knew headphones could be so chic? The perfect accessory for any music aficionado, these Frends headphones are fashionable, comfortable, and designed in LA!"
-Alexandra Calamari, Online Market Editor
Taylor Gold Headphones, FRENDS ($199). wearefrends.com
"A set of quality cigars and an artfully sculpted ashtray is perfect for dad, your husband/boyfriend, or just about any refined man in your life."
-Cait Rohan, Online Managing Editor
Exclusive L&M Sculpted Ashtray and Metropolitan Quartet Union, Nat Sherman ($100). natsherman.com
"This is the perfect stocking stuffer! These iPhone cases from Adopted come in a variety of colors, from leather wrapped and 'liquid ink' to iridescent, so you can find the perfect hue for even the pickiest of your friends."
-Alexis Johnson, Deputy Editor
Leather Wrap Case for iPhone 5 in White/Gold, Adopted ($49.95). adopted.com
"I love these candles by Fornasetti Profumi. They burn forever, smell incredible, and they actually look cool while doing it!"
-Alexandra Calamari, Online Market Editor
Fornasetti Profumi, Scented Candle with Lid - Burlesque ($495). RON ROBINSON at Fred Segal, 500 Broadway St., Santa Monica, 310-458-1160
"'Tis the season for bubbly, and lots of it. This is the perfect hostess gift for a friend who's throwing a holiday shindig. I love the adorable packaging!"
-Paige Lawler, Marketing Coordinator
Ponsardine, Veuve Clicquot ($50). Mel & Rose, 8344 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323-655-5557
"What to get for the guy that has everything? A 24-karat gold thread tie from Canali! Talk about feeling like a million bucks."
-Valerie Robles, Associate Publisher
24-Karat Tie, Canali ($295). 261 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-270-4200
"Red is a classic holiday color and the bottle's design is so elegant, plus part of the proceeds go to The Global Fund, which raises money for HIV/AIDS care and research. Especially important since December 1 is World AIDS Day."
-Cait Rohan, Online Managing Editor
(Belvedere)RED ($37.99). Mel & Rose, 8344 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood,
323-655-5557
"These sunglasses would make a a great stocking stuffer!"
-Elizabeth Moore, Account Executive
'America' tortoise shell sunglasses, RETROSUPERFUTURE ($195). Optical Shop of Aspen, 2904 Main St., Santa Monica, 310-392-0633
"These riding boots from Tory Burch are so classic."
-Paige Lawler, Marketing Coordinator
Amanda Riding Boot, Tory Burch ($346.50). 142 S. Robertson Blvd., 310-248-2612
"For hitting the slopes, this adorable jacket from LA-based Snow Sugar is a must. I especially love how the feminine, corset-style waist is miles away from the usually unflattering cold-weather gear. Removable three-quarter sleeves make it appropriate for a cold day in LA, too."
-Cait Rohan, Online Managing Editor
Cupcake Jacket, Snow Sugar ($399). snowsugarshop.com
"I love this ring—the design is so classic and timeless and it can be worn on either hand. It’s feminine without being too delicate and the width of the band definitely makes it a statement piece."
-Melinda Jagger, Marketing Manager
Victoria Band Ring, Tiffany & Co. ($15,000). 210 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-273-8880
"I’ve been using my old, tattered high-school bag for weekend trips for way too many years, and I think it’s finally time for an upgrade. This Anywhere Weekender from Brahmin is large enough to fit all the necessities, and gorgeous enough for me to carry proudly on my shoulder!"
-Paige Lawler, Marketing Coordinator
Brahmin, Anywhere Weekender ($395). brahmin.com
"I’m absolutely in love with this perfectly pink band of feminine flair! For a modern twist, wear it on the pinky or middle finger."
-Valerie Robles, Associate Publisher
DeBeers, DB Classic Pavé Eternity Ring Half Band ($2,000). debeers.com
"Loving these Nicholas Kirkwood kicks—they're the perfect festive dancing shoes for NYE!"
-Alison Miller, Group Publisher - Western Division, Niche Media LLC & Publisher, Los Angeles Confidential Magazine
Nicholas Kirkwood, Erdem Millian Floral-Print Satin & Paillette Heel Pumps ($1,495). Saks Fifth Avenue, 9600 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-275-4211
“Art is such a personal—and unexpected—gift for friends and family. I particularly love this print from artist Gia Coppola. It’s a limited edition available exclusively on The Tappan Collective, an online gallery that connects young collectors with emerging artists.”
-Alexis Johnson, Deputy Editor
Chateau Marmont, Gia Coppola ($200, unframed; $290 framed). thetappancollective.com
"This is a beautiful, timeless piece—the perfect accessory for your winter wardrobe."
-Elizabeth Moore, Account Executive
Escort Shoulder Bag, Barbara Bui ($1,140). 405 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-275-4452
"Hoping Santa delivers the most stylish way to keep time! Coveting the Ikepod hourglass from Westime…."
-Alison Miller, Group Publisher - Western Division, Niche Media LLC & Publisher, Los Angeles Confidential Magazine
Hourglass, Ikepod ($13,000, small; $28,000, large). Westime Beverly Hills, 254 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-271-0000
Watch the video to see how Ikepod hourglasses are made here.
