Santa arrived prematurely at many large retailers, and despite the economy being cited as the reason for voting preferences, consumer spending is at an all-time high. Oscar Wilde said “living well is the best revenge,” but perhaps in today’s parlance it’s more like shopping well. And lucky us, as Los Gatos is truly a mom-and-pop commerce mecca. Were parking less of a hassle, this town’s businesses might see even more foot traffic during the holiday season.
Despite that inconvenient detail, there are as many reasons to shop in Los Gatos, as there are plenty of options. These range from sophisticated and sexy, to fun and funky; from stylishly practical, to entirely fur-trimmed frivolous. Take your pick. Today we’re highlighting some of the town’s stars with ideas for gifting and self-directed retail therapy.
Azuca has adorable ornaments from local craftspeople and clever hands in Peru and the Himalayas. There are one-of-a-kind original art pieces created by owner Amy Fasnacht, who is renowned for her totems made of repurposed materials. She takes items that might have hit the scrap heap and transforms them into fanciful forms fit for any décor agenda. You’ll also find a huge selection of affordable made-in-the-USA earrings arranged by color. The stuffed gingerbread people are utterly adorable, as are all the alpacas and reindeer, along with lots of gifts for cat and dog lovers.
At Blacy’s, owner Jeanette Blacy will guide you to the on-trend jewelry of today, with a sparkling collection of gems for every occasion. For the holidays, the Christopher Designs Crisscut star drop earrings are stunning, and the opera length diamond necklace, from A Link Metropolitan Collection, will set you back the price of a new Fiat 500e. But diamonds are generally far more reliable. Jennifer Candler at JEN Statement Jewelry carries striking Damaso pieces from Bilbao, Spain, including items from their alluring Moonspell collection.
Kismet has the fashions you’re looking for this holiday, whether it’s an abstract feather-look Joseph Ribkoff midi coat, a Girl Gone Plaid mixed pocket shirt in holiday red from Habitat or vests in fab faux fur. Their Anorak mid-length down vests are nicely layerable with Flaherty sweaters. Owner Jennifer McRay tells us that cashmere wraps are always in, but this year the buttery feeling chamois-like snugs are the cat’s meow. Nobody beats their selection of real Frasier Fir candles, in every size, or their Brighton collection.
Jackie O. has stylish clothing with a youthful flair: we love the camel-colored shawl-collared Macey coat, while Jennifer Croll has unique long dresses and superb men’s shirts.
Time Out Clothing has the perfect Los Gatos pajamas: check out the Jungle Cat pattern from Rails. Statement dresses like the Kariselle chiffon maxi in the Blossom pattern, featuring a v-neckline with pico edging and delicate diagonal ruffles, are sure showstoppers.
Find headwear for men and women, along with accessories like gloves and scarves, at Black Cat Hats. If you’re seeking the finest in bespoke menswear, Franco Masoma should be your destination. The fabrics are lavish and the experience of designing a custom shirt, suit or Italian leather duffel bag—priceless.
One should not miss what’s new at 2 N. Santa Cruz Ave., a place that has housed everything from French antiques and linens to telephones. It is now filled with the incomparable exotic floral motifs of Johnny Was, emblazoned on robes, pajamas, loungewear and evening wear. Store Manager Kiya Dryer says their silk scarves make great gifts, as do their travel blankets. Velvet embroidered tunics are irresistible, as are buttery soft car coats with vibrant linings reminiscent of the interiors of the finest French boudoirs. They’re like donning a Monet.
Jill Stapleton has filled She She Shoes with giftable feminine fun, like holiday sweaters, a self-care Advent calendar, Sexy As Hell hand crème, Christmas shower steamers and a slam dunk selection of pickleball-themed ornaments, towels, bags and hats. On trend are “In My Christmas Era” cocktail napkins: Taylor, you will not swiftly be forgotten. Glam up the adorable ribbed sweater bubble skirt mini-dress or wide-legged pantsuit with a pair of Sam Edelman “Bianka” sling heels in shiny silver or black leather.
Michiko Marron-Kibbey of Deux Cranes offers artisanal chocolates and custom confection sets, crafted from Valrhona chocolate imported from France and inspired by Japanese aesthetics and traditions.
All are robed in exquisite packaging. A holiday cookie and bon bon assortment includes two cookie bar flavors: spiced apple cheesecake and kokutō, and passionfruit and kinako, plus bonbons in flavors like cassis and chestnut, dark chocolate peppermint and white chocolate yuzu koshō.
Hapa Chocolat’s single origin bars make ideal and special stocking stuffers, especially the Spice Cake from Ecuador, infused with cinnamon, cloves and ginger. The chocolate for this bar comes from local star Dandelion Chocolate, who roast the beans in their San Francisco roastery.
Carnico is the new place in town to find supplies for the live fire grill maven in your life. Check out their dry aged steaks, Mibrasa ovens, Ibérico ham, and more.
Gooseberry Designs specializes in stylish hand-drawn maps and illustrations of your favorite towns and states across the country, rendered on bags, cutting boards and towels.
Don’t forget The Butter Paddle, “a gift-givers best friend,” with all manner of items, from serveware to Los Gatos-themed towels. Plus, they have cool jewels, kid stuff and home décor, as well as jams, condiments and Roxanne’s Biscotti in irresistible flavors like triple ginger and butterscotch.
Proceeds from shopping here go to Pacific Clinics. The Butter Paddle is the fundraising arm of the EMQ Auxiliary, which has served the needs of local children since 1934.
Margaret Smith of Domus says her high-end knife collections, especially the Shun knives, are an absolute hit. “We just brought them in, and certain styles are already sold out,” she told the Los Gatan. She also recommends whiskey “golfballs” that you refrigerate before placing them in a beverage.
Her collection of nutcrackers continues to be a big hit, especially “eight maids-a-milking” and “seven swans-a-swimming.” She increased her order from last year, yet is already headed for an early sell-out. “Wooden boards for charcuterie presentations are also a big hit,” she said. “It seems we are wrapping a few every day.”
Time to get cracking on that holiday list. Tout de suite.
