The Dandelion Chandelier Luxury Shopping List is our monthly overview of the essential items to have on your acquisition radar right now – what they are, and where to get them. We’ve done the scouting so you don’t have to.
The key word in luxury shopping in January for many people is SALE (or soldes). In New York and London, the luxury department stores and powerhouse luxury brands have already put everything from fall-winter on deep discount (think 75% off). January 10 is the start of the sale season in Paris (it’s always the second Wednesday in January). If you’ve been stalking anything all season that’s totally fabulous but was priced well out of reach, this is your last chance to swoop in and grab it. We just got a note from one of our favorite sales associates that a dress we longed for that was originally priced at $19,000 is now down to $6,000; another has dropped from $11,000 to $3,300. Not cheap, but a whole lot more affordable – and they’re available in our size! It’s also last call on winter hats, scarves, gloves and ski wear.
For those not bargain-hunting, what should you have on your shopping list this month? We’ve got some insider tips from our far-flung correspondents to help you narrow in on the best of the month. We’ve scoured the web, the mall, and the avenue, and we’ve pared it all down to a manageable number of priorities. Here’s the report from our various reconnaissance missions to ID the necessary items you might want to have on your list, and the great places to find them in January 2018.
Designer resort collections are fully delivered. The last of the resort (or “cruise”) collections are being delivered this week and next. We’ve already shared our resort round-up and we think there are some stunning and sensible investment pieces that you might want to check out. Our favorites? We’re loving Valentino, Prada, Gucci and FENDI. Also Aquazzura and Gianvito Rossi for shoes (they’re already showing spring-summer ’18 on their sites), and Chanel for bags and fun jewelry.
Haute couture and haute joaillerie shows are this month. If you’re in the haute couture crowd, you’ve already booked your trip to Paris toward the end of the month. The fantastical, mesmerizing and over-the-top glamorous shows unfold over the course of 4-5 days twice a year, in January and July. What gets less attention, but is equally dazzling, is the haute joaillerie presentations that accompany them. The major houses usually debut new collections around these shows. These are the jewels and watches of our dreams, and we love to see what the artists of each maison have created. Some of the looks will filter down to the bijoux (fashion/costume) price point – and some will remain totally out of reach – but, like other art, they’ll be wonderful and inspiring just to look at.
The ready-to-wear spring-summer 2018 previews are already starting. The luxury retail stores and online sites are already starting to tease the spring-summer deliveries, just to whet our appetites. Of course, if you really want to know what’s coming, just go to the Business of Fashion or Vogue websites, and see the runway shows for all of your favorite designers. We’ve done that, but we like seeing what actually got ordered, and what modifications have been made (many times, sleeves are added, hemlines are dropped, and colorways are changed or added). If you’re interested in both the items and the business of how they’re sold, this is a really interesting exercise: see what was shown on the runway and then look at your favorite three sites/stores/brands, and you’ll see how an idea travels from runway to consumer and what commercialization demands.
Activewear – for real or for show. We’re determined to get off the couch and into the gym no matter how cold it is, and there are some way-cool new offerings in the designer workout apparel category. We’ve shared an overview of the best luxury workout wear brands – this month, there are new items from lots of them – just in time to get after those New Year’s resolutions – or at least to appear to be doing so.
Skin care tops the beauty list. Right about now, our skin starts demanding our full attention – with over two-thirds of the continental US in a deep freeze, we know we’re not alone in exploring moisturizing and deep-conditioning treatments for hair, skin and nails. Our hair stylist uses R+Co products and Kerastase Paris conditioner, and we wouldn’t face the winter winds without them. Our Beauty Editor swears by Spanish brand Natura Bissé , and we also love Sisley Paris (especially their new treatment for eyes and lips). Masks are always fun, and this month they start to feel like a necessity. SKII is our go-to for rejuvenating sheet masks.
Sunglasses. We love shopping for sunnies in January. If you didn’t get the dream pair as a holiday gift, now is the time to check out all the fun and fashionable new shades. Whether you’re spending winter in Palm Beach, planning a luxurious spring break, or just getting ready for the summer, there will never be a better time to brighten your look and your day with a new pair. And yes, we know lots of you wear them all year round, city or suburb, sand or snow – so why not add to your collection? Check out these offerings from Gucci, FENDI, Prada, Thierry Lasry and the ultra-cool Gentle Monster.
Swimwear. There’s a wide selection of chic swimsuits available from now until the end of April. If you want something really special, this is a great time to go looking. You’re a lot more likely to find calm and patient sales help if you decide to shop retail now, well ahead of the crowd.
Fragrance. There are always new fragrance launches in December for holiday gifting – if you didn’t get what you wanted last month, why not spend some fun time sampling the new fragrances? Ultra-luxurious British brand Clive Christian has a new Private Collection series of 5 scents that spell the name C-L-I-V-E. We love the “I.”
Handbag accessories. The purveyors of luxury handbags have created an entirely new category – accessories for your luxury handbag. It started with bag charms, and has now expanded to “guitar straps,” and silk bandeaux. Can we just say that we love all of these? They’re fun and spirited, and the price points make them reasonably accessible. We received a Louis Vuitton bandeau in pink and black as a holiday gift, and we can either tie it on the handle of our favorite bag, or around our wrists as a bracelet, or around our necks as a cute little scarf. The Loewe menagerie of elephant, panda bear and frog bag charms is charming and sweet. Delvaux has stunning leather floral bag charms that can double as brooches. For an excellent mid-winter pick-me-up, have a look at FENDI, Dior and Prada.
Here at Dandelion Chandelier, we’re also going all luxury hygge and stocking up on scented candles, cashmere throws, chic pajamas and fluffy slippers. Whatever you decide to shop for this month, we hope you find exactly what you’re looking for.
