What Are the Best Luxury Items to Shop For in November?

The 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.  

Fur or flip-flops? Or furry flip-flops? What should be on your luxury shopping list in November? Here at Dandelion Chandelier, we find that luxury shopping gets seriously confusing this time of year. Resort collections arrive. Cute sandals and strappy stilettoes meant to dance the tropical night away flood the shoe department. But there are also fun faux furs everywhere. There are chic performance ski clothes to investigate. There are also winter white sweaters and furry boots and knit hats with pom-poms on them for après-ski (whether you spent the day on the slopes or in the sauna). We find this disconcerting. It’s a psychic disconnect that takes some of the fun out of shopping this month. Nevertheless, we’re not going to be deterred. Here’s the report from our reconnaissance mission to ID the necessary items and the great places to find them in November 2017.

• Luxury ski clothes. This is the perfect time to buy a new ensemble for your winter snow adventures. Even if all you intend to do is hang out by the fireplace in your chalet. We did a quick scan, and Moncler Grenoble, FENDI, Perfect Moment, Fulsap and Sorel all have fantastic items for snow season, available right now. We’ve got our eyes on a shimmering silver, grey, slate blue and black ski jacket from Toni Sailer. My Theresa has a nicely edited selection.
• Holiday and après-ski casual looks. You can never go wrong with winter white, and fall was all about the importance of red, but we’ve seen some terrific forest green items that we want to bring home with us (that was a tease: catch our post on this in the next couple of days). Tartan plaids and checks are definitely a Thing this season, as is velvet (you already knew that). Other of-the-moment ideas? Corduroy, Fair Isle sweaters, Americana, “grandpa” cardigans and gem-encrusted sweaters. Brands we’re loving? Gabriela Hearst, Co and Altuzarra for sweaters, Theory for black leggings. The designer sneakers right now are more ornate than ever – led by Gucci, of course. We spotted some great casual boots at Chanel that you wouldn’t mind taking outside in actual snow. Have a look at Bergdorf’s shoe salon, and you’ll get the idea.
• Holiday party clothes and shoes. The key word here is shine. Whether you opt for Chanel’s sparkly space-inspired boots; Saint Laurent’s rocker-tough leather shorts; Tom Ford’s Hollywood liquid lame gowns; or the foil, chain metal, or metallic lace that you’ll find everywhere, it’s a timeless truth that dark winter nights demand sparkling evening wear. The party shoe options are amazing right now – tease: we’ll be posting about our favorite ones in the next few days. In the meantime, browse the brilliant offerings at Barneys.
• Cold–weather accessories and coats. Scarves, hats, mittens, gloves – there are some seriously cute ones out there right now from Pologeorgis, Chanel, and FENDI. Many of the statement coats for fall-winter 2017-18 are already sold out, but one look that you can still nab is anything shearling – the “teddy bear” jacket is the perfect cozy companion for the winter ahead.
• Resort items. Even if you’re not taking a warm-weather vacation in another month or so, you should still take a close look at the resort deliveries. They are generally more refined and luxurious than many summer collections – with more shine, making them feel more festive. And this year, some of them are surprisingly radical, like the VLTN collection from Valentino (which we love). If you’re planning a spring break in a tropical location, this is the right moment to add something fresh to your wardrobe – when you go looking for it in February, it won’t be there. And of course, if you’re headed for Maui, or Bali, or the Caribbean in a few weeks, by all means, stock up. Key trends? Grecian looks – both apparel and footwear. Luxury flip-flops (at this price point, they’re called “thong sandals”) festooned with feathers, gems, fur and leather. And socks with heels. FENDI is a good place to start – if you want a small piece of the dream, opt for the adorable bag charms shaped like ice cream cones.
• Sunglasses. This deserves its own mention, because there are some truly fabulous and fun sunnies out there right now. Some designers have launched new lines (like Joseph Altuzarra). The legendary luxury houses – Chanel, Prada, Gucci and Dior – have also just released new sunglass collections to complement their resort ready-to-wear. For starters, check out the fanciful new delivery from Gucci.
• Handbags. You’ll find a bewildering array of sparkly bags to take to parties; fur bags in jewel-toned hues; straw totes for the beach; and limited edition bags, like the second Masters collection at Louis Vuitton. We’re loving Prada’s new whimsical, pastel-colored resort line of leather handbags, designed in collaboration with artist James John.

Of course, this is all in addition to holiday gift shopping (we’ve got a ton of ideas for you on that front).  And you might need a new suitcase or new headphones for your year-end vacation. Plus something to read. Welcome to November. Game on.

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