Splurge, this Christmas!

07 days to Christmas

Just to make sure you're armed with the right outfit with a dash of glitz to add to the fervour of the season, we give you our low-down on the best Christmas shopping in the city

It is the season of making merry and it's the time of the year when you shouldn't mind searching every nook and corner of the city for that ultimate gift or outfit.u00a0 It's Christmas, yes, we agree! But you don't want to be too OTT, bling-ed beyond redemptionu00a0-- ending up looking like a Christmas tree! You don't want to be too understated either and pass of as a plain jane.

So here's our line-up of the best shop destinations of the season. With superb discounts and even better new seasonal lines, we're sure you'll be satisfied. Dig in...

The party starts
With dozens of options to choose from, go Desi with local designers this holiday. All you femme fatales out there can get your style quotient soaring with these hot designer dresses. Try the chiffons, or the satin, or the velvets and don't miss the silks in varied avatars, read halters, tubes and dresses with daring backs and plunging necklines. Ditch the black rule and experiment with the bright hues on offer instead.
At: Inspira, Koramangala; Astara, Ulsoor Lake Junction; and Amanda Bachali, Sigma Mall

Just stone no more
If you prefer the cold beauty and glitter of precious stones instead then indulge in luxurious diamonds, crystals or semi precious stones in exemplary designs. These are sure to add to the dazzle, sparkle and allure of your evening dress. Make sure you accessorise in style with great shoes, bags and the right jewellery, which need not always be all that expensive.
At: Minawala Jewellers, UB City; and Swarovski, Forum Mall.


Men-splurge
Men can splurge this season too with the best of International brands all housed in one store. The Collective's Christmas shopping spread will make any man want to stuff his stockings will all things good.


Shop for cufflinks from Jan Leslie or Tateossian to go with that Versace Suit today, and throw in a few scarves from Etro and Duchamp in the bargain.

If that's not enough, tomorrow can be your shopping day out, target: the perfect cocktail party melange.

On Saturday, Dec 19, cut the glares of the winter sun in style and pick up a pair of funky shades from Sunglass heaven and we're quite sure you won't be late for the Christmas Eve party; after you've got yourself a Hermes or Gucci watch on Sunday, Dec 20.

There's more, shop for Ercolano and Christofle on Monday, Dec 21, or pick up your fragrance for Christmas, while on Tuesday, shop for decorative cigar trays. Tuesday, Dec 22 is also the perfect day for a makeover from the salon JCB. Do you really have an excuse to not splurge this season anymore?
At: The Collective, 40, Vittal Mallya Road.

Eleventh hour?
With everybody going bonkers over that perfect gift, don't find yourself getting stumped last minute and head to Maspar's festive new collection.


The collection boasts of some really chic, bohemian and trendy cushion covers, rugs and bed spreads available in red, blue and green.

There is also a corporate gifting range that allows you to add a monogram to your special gift, as long as you order a larger number. Now that all your gifts for the women are managed what about the men?

We'd suggest you get more personal and try a leather wallet for them. These soft and supple wallets come in subtle nappas and cabrettas with a soft waxy touch.

The men can choose from a wide variety, while the women can also choose from the luxe leather collection in mimicked ostrich leather.
At: All Lifestyle and Maspar stores.