Virtual Shopping

What a year, right!? I am normally very excited for the holiday season to arrive.  Weeks and weeks of planning, shopping, decorating and preparing my annual Christmas Eve party.  What a difference a year can make.  But, just because Covid-19 is keeping you and your loved ones apart, it doesn’t mean that Christmas is cancelled.  Maybe, this year it really will be about the thought.  Make it more about quality than quantity.  This year’s Holiday Shopping Guide is the most socially distant friendly shopping experience the season has to offer.

This year I am going to decorate every corner of my home, as I always do.  In fact, I just may go a bit further, add a few more lights, another strand of garland, one more wreath.  We need Christmas more than ever this year! Instead of lamenting the terrible year, let’s try celebrating the season and anticipating the new year.  Live it up!

I for one will be doing almost all of my shopping online for the very first time.  In preparation I have been doing some reconnaissance to get myself ready for the Virtual Black Friday to come. I have also reached out to some of my favorite local boutiques to see what plans they have made for those gifts I just cannot get online…and of course, I am going to share it all with you.

Let’s start with my online favorites. Some of these companies you will know, others may be new finds.  Either way they are all worth a peruse to find some of the most beautiful and unique gifts you might ever have found if not online.

www.AMAZON.com I know, it’s an easy one, a throw away on any virtual shopping list but, did you know that Amazon actually categorizes your Christmas shopping for you?  Your shopping couldn’t be easier.  You will find links to every category of gift giving you can think.  No empty and over loaded searches.  Choose the link to fashion for women, men, kids. Or try beauty.  Try Stocking Stuffers or, how about Holiday Deals?  You know everyone on your list will want some electronics, click the section, then filter your particular category. Every category of gift is just a click away. They make searching for the perfect gift as easy as a click.  And, feel free to shop early, most everything on the site is returnable thru January 2021.

www.QVC.com Bet that is one you never thought I would mention!  The QVC website is like a department store.  It’s full of everything you could want and to give.  If you have an interest in buying or sending food gifts you will be amazed by the incredible selection of foods and food gifts.  You will recognize many brands and you will discover new artisan gourmet companies. Many of the holiday offerings even come with gift boxes to make giving easier.  I have ordered fresh cookie dough, candies of every variety, incredible crab cakes, cauliflower crust individual pizzas, breakfast croissants and more.  Everything arrives quickly, unbroken and fresh. Give them a try, everyone loves a gift of comfort foods!

www.therealreal.com  If you are looking for the very best in top luxury designer fashion and accessories, look no further.  Here’s the catch…it’s all preowned so the prices are fantastic!  TheRealReal is very selective in what they take on consignment.  Every item and garment are fully reviewed and authenticated before they are offered online.  They only offer the top luxury goods brands so you can satisfy ever label lover on your list.  And, if you are looking to make a little extra cash this season to spend on gifts, you can have one of their professional consultants give a virtual review and pricing for your offerings.  They will evaluate everything and send you pre-paid shipping labels.  I can say from personal experience their consultants are knowledgeable and delightful.  When you sell items on their site you not only get your check quickly but, you earn discount rewards to use on the site for yourself or more gifts.

What could be more meaningful for your community and your neighbors than to support small businesses which have been the hardest during the virus.  You can have the joy of giving and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping your local businesses.  Your purchase, no matter the size can actually help them to survive into the new year and offer them and their families the hope they so badly deserve.  With that in mind here are just a few of the boutiques I will be shopping with by appointment, private showings and even home delivery.

Wil Styles, Palm Springs. Located at 875 N. Palm Canyon drive in Palm Springs, design district, they have become the go-to place for specialty brands, emerging designers. Their contemporary fashion offerings run from casual to evening and they cater to both women and men.  They also happen to have one of the best designer sun glass offerings anywhere in the desert!  Will Styles is open by appointment right now and through the holiday season.  I have been shopping with them for years, taking friends in and buying gifts for everyone on my gift list all year long.  Give them a call (760.327.9764) and let Molly or Wil treat to a private buying experience.  You may never want to go back to other way of shopping!

Brandon Boswell Diamonds. Even staying close to home doesn’t negate a woman’s (or man’s) desire for fine jewelry.  Here is your chance to shop one of the newest boutiques on El Paseo and give the kind of gift that will be remembered forever.  Brandon’s beautiful brand-new boutique is intimate, sparkling and full of one of Bespoke pieces.  The store is open, feel free to make an appointment or stop by.  For everyone’s safety, mask and social distancing guidelines are followed.

With our perfect weather, and most restaurants open during Covid-19, why not give a gift to make any foodie happy.  Restaurant gift cards are available in any denomination and they can be sent electronically in some cases.  These are the easiest and safest way of gift giving and celebrating the season.  Some of my favorites in Palm Springs are Tac/Quila for upscale Jalisco Cuisine, and Eight4Nine.  Both restaurants offer fabulous food, service and atmosphere, as well as outdoor social distance dining.

Celebrate the season.  Be safe, be well and Live Well.

Designer Dann

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www.foleystinnette.com