By Joanne Galey

Looking to add a little of sparkle to your holidays? At this time of year, it’s not only the window dressing fantasies of Neiman Marcus, Saks and Cartier that are “decked for the holidays;” it’s the entire City of Beverly Hills. Considered the most fabled shopping district in America; world famous Rodeo Drive has been transformed into a magical twinkling jewelry box by way of a spectacular display of Swarovski crystal sculpture illuminating the Drive. A day on Rodeo Drive during the holiday season is truly an event. Ladies are lunching, girlfriends are shopping, men are browsing and children are wide-eyed with all the glitter and glamour of a sparkling Beverly Hills Christmas.

Saunter off the main boulevard and onto Two Rodeo, the city’s newest addition that seems to come into its own during the holiday season. The short, curvy cobbled streetscape is punctuated with whimsical tulle and tinsel spheres and a neck-craning Christmas tree that groans under an abundance of silver and amethyst shimmer. The magnificent Beverly Wilshire Hotel sits majestically like a jewel-encrusted bookend at the Drive’s southern boundary.

Considered to be the Holy Grail of world-class shopping, with luxury fashion houses such as Fendi, Lanvin, Chanel, Gucci, MiuMiu and Prada, it isn’t hard to see why gleeful tourists and locals alike flock to this trend-setting designer mecca. The Luxe (Rodeo’s only hotel) offers a brief respite from a hard day’s shopping at their outdoor sidewalk café, while enjoying some of the best people watching (and star gazing) on the planet.

So, what to wear when checking your list and cruising Beverly Hills? Street style on Rodeo Drive is no longer easily classified. Back in the day, Dynasty dames in designer denim and comic padded shoulder pads intermingled alongside the rocker-esque interpretations and “industry unsuits” with their deconstructed jackets and five o’clock shadows. These days, literally anything goes. From the Angelino uniform of skinny jeans, teeter/totter heels and designer handbags to ultra glammed up ensembles still warm from the Parisian runways, and everything in between – the look is personal, individualized and as diverse as the Los Angeles region itself.

Friday nights in December mark a magical kick-off to the weekend. From 5 - 8 pm snow and sparkle effects are floating and fluttering at Two Rodeo Drive and Beverly Canon Gardens. All that sparkle and shimmer fills the night sky over the Golden Triangle as shoppers all over town experience traditional holiday classics, the likes of horse and carriage rides, Dickens style carolers and street performers, and of course, Santa atop his crystal-encrusted throne. Restaurants are amping up the “happy” in their happy hours and stores and boutiques are staying open later, so you'll have plenty of time to meander, dine, imbibe and of course, shop while enjoying a healthy dose of jolly holiday cheer along the way.

“Tis The Season” – make yours’ Merry and Bright!

Fashion Director:
Tawny Sanders

Photos by:
Tracey Morris
traceymorris.com

Fashion Stylist:
Kelvin Seah of Aim Artists

Stylist Assistant:
Lara Baumgarten
Models:
Anastassija M. and Margaux Brooke of Elite Models
Make up:
Alexis Ellen using MAC Cosmetics
Hair Stylist:
Randi Petersen with ArtistsbyTimothyPriano.com
Manicurist:
Beth Fricke for O.P.I at ArtistsbyTimothyPriano.com
Camera/Lighting Assistant:
Daniel Kintz
Digital Tech:
Douglas Markland
Intern:
Natasha Barriger