It really is the most wonderful time of the year!

To add to the wonder and magic of the season, we're sending you this chic holiday treat to help as you begin to determine who's been naughty and who's been nice. Like Santa's little helpers, we've picked out some great gifts for you and yours, all available right here at Southern California's premier coastal shopping and dining destination.

We'll be back again after the holidays with more fashion and news for spring (psst, did someone say Nordstrom?!). Until then, happy holidays and as always -

Be well, be fabulous and be fashionably informed.
XOXO,
Fashion Island

Is it just us or is everyone suddenly on their best behavior? Billy remembered to take the trash out, your long lost BFF from your groupie-years sent you flowers on your birthday, and that little tart from work brought you a latte and a muffin the other morning. The one-time naughties are inching their way over to the nice column on your list so your original idea of filling your old Spanx with coal is just not going to cut it. What are you to do? Not to worry, the Fashion Island Gift Guide is here, filled with something for everyone and ready to guide your sleigh through the foggiest of nights. If you need any additional assistance or ideas, give us a call. Fashion Island's Concierge elves will do their best to get you what you need just in the "Nick" of time. 949.721.2000

+ Click here to view The Fashion Island Gift Guide

Jonathan Adler

"If your heirs won't fight over it, we won't make it" is Jonathan Adler's company motto.

Bold statement, bold creations. But expect nothing short of impeccable craftsmanship and style from Jonathan Adler, the internationally acclaimed lifestyle and home furnishings designer whose namesake brand offers the grooviest tabletop, bedding, bath accessories, furniture, rugs, pillows, lighting and...pottery. Don't forget the pottery! After all, that is how Jonathan, the designer at the helm of his eponymous company, started it all. A childhood experience with pottery at summer camp in 1978 grew into a passion. And a whole lot of clay later, in 1994, his creations captured the attention of Barneys New York.

The rest, we can say, is in the kiln... Today, Jonathan Adler's home furnishings are available via various retailers and eleven company-operated stores across the country...actually, make that twelve! The newest location has just opened right here in our fairest of cities, Newport Beach.

Stop by the boutique, located near the Koi Pond to experience Jonathan's one-of-a-kind style. Get a taste of what whirls through the head of this whimsical designer who, in his spare time, serves as a judge on Bravo TV's "Top Design" and masterminded the interior design of the posh Parker Palm Springs hotel.

And don't forget to bring some Jonathan Adler joy to your home and give some to your friends this holiday. Available in time for the season are the Jolie Judaica collection of unique menorahs and dreidels, a menagerie of porcelain ornaments, Jonathan's coffee table book "My Prescription For Anti-depressive Living" and needlepoint pillows that would make your Grandma smile. And you never know, if you're lucky, you just might see the man himself strolling down one of Fashion Island's paseos with his Norwich terrier, Liberace, in tow...Well, we can hope, can't we?

Jonathan Adler, Fashion Island 949.759.0017

Nicky Kinnaird's Holiday Beauty Picks

Three wise men once debated the age-old question, "What is your best accessory, your skin or your hair?" It took them 40 days and 40 nights and they still were unable to come to a unanimous decision. No one really remembers where they finally landed, but there's no denying that taking care of both is one way for any of us to be next to godliness. Just ask one very wise woman, Nicky Kinnaird.

Nicky is the Founder and Creative Director of Space NK, the specialty beauty apothecary located on the first floor of Bloomingdale's Fashion Island. While working as a retail consultant in her native UK, Nicky had the opportunity to travel the world. During her travels, she indulged in her favorite passion - shopping. Something, we can all relate to, yes? Her shopping adventures lead to the discovery of brands and concepts that had never made it to the UK. She was convinced they would gather quite the following if ever brought there. They just needed the right "space". In 1993 in a small shop in the heart of Covent Garden, Nicky opened such a space - Space NK, an eclectic mix of unique brands inspired by and sourced during her travels. One store has grown to 55 locations throughout the UK, four locations in New York City, a partnership with Bloomingdale's and best of all, a Space NK right here at Fashion Island. We told you that she was wise.

And now Nicky wants to share her wisdom with you, knowing full well that in addition to the much anticipated parties, family gatherings, turkey and eggnog, winter also brings cold dry air that can wreak havoc on one's tresses and skin. To keep us glowing through the New Year, Nicky has picked these five essentials for the holidays, just for you.

+ Click here for Nicky's picks (PDF)

Space NK, Bloomingdale's Fashion Island 949.729.6803

The Island Scene - For photos from recently held Fashion Island events, +Click here.

Upcoming Events

12/9 - Fashion Island and Cirque du Soleil Promotion - On Wednesday, December 9, beginning at 10am, while supplies last, buy $500 or more in Fashion Island gift cards and receive two tickets to KOOZA from Cirque du Soleil. KOOZA will premiere for a limited engagement beginning January 8 under the blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (big top) at the Great Park in Irvine. Promotion will continue while supplies last. One pair of tickets per customer. $190 value.

12/8 - 12/11 - December Neiman Marcus InCircle Event - On Tuesday December 8th through Friday, December 11th for every dollar you spend using your Neiman Marcus credit card you earn four points. For more information, please call 949.759.1900.

12/9 - 12/13 - ICON A5 Sports Aircraft On Display - Come to Neiman Marcus Courtyard between 12/9 and 12/13 for a unique opportunity to see one of the featured items in The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book up close, an ICON A5 Sports Aircraft. This luxury vehicle is perfect for the "jet"-setting couple on the go and not to worry, pilot training for two is included. For more information or to purchase please contact Neiman Marcus at 949.759.1900 or 1877.9NM.GIFT

12/19 - Fancy Nancy Event at Neiman Marcus - The fanciest of little ladies, Fancy Nancy, comes to life at Neiman Marcus with a personal appearance by illustrator Robin Glasser. Robin will be in the Children's department at 1pm meeting guests and signing her new book that's festive, fabulous, and full of tinsel - Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas. For more information, please call 949.759.1900.

For a complete list of events this holiday at Fashion Island, visit shopfashionisland.com/events.

New Stores
Your friends are all stylish and highly discriminating people, just like you. And if they weren't, would you really call them your friends? Where will you shop for their holiday gifts? Wait, do you see what I see? Why, it's goodness and light! Three new Orange County exclusive boutiques recently opened at Fashion Island in addition to the four that debuted last month.

This really IS holiday shopping at its best! Visit us soon and you'll have more than 12 days until Christmas, more than eight days until Chanukah, and plenty of time to get something for yourself. Trust us, no one wants you playing your drum for them - pa ra pa pum-pum.

Bright, Shiny and New
7 For All Mankind The world's premier luxury denim lifestyle brand opened a new boutique for its denim and clothing line for men and women near the Iris Fountain. Mankind was meant to be chic. 949.640.0138

Alessi A leading Italian company known for their innovative tabletop and entertaining design, Alessi has opened a seasonal boutique across from Macy's. 949. 287.0231

Jonathan Adler The designer's whimsical collection of home accessories, art and furniture is featured at his namesake boutique located near the Koi Pond. Add a little grooviness to your life. 949.759.0017

Now Open
Ever Ever's stylish collection of comfortable, luxury travel wear for men and women is now available in its new boutique located between Macy's and the Iris Fountain. Children's styles are also available. No sloppy jet setters allowed. 949.719.2783

Michael Stars The "casual couture" loved by Hollywood's leading ladies, is now available at the Michael Stars boutique located between Macy's and the Iris fountain. The store features its signature collection of tees, cashmere and the newly launched accessories line. Shine on, starlets. 949.999.0750

Room Service Bringing Hollywood to Newport Beach is Room Service. This full-service furniture store offers clean, modern home furnishings and accessories for stylish, trend-setting individuals like yourself and its celebrity clientele. Custom furniture, home accents and in-house design consultants await you on the main level of the Atrium Court. 949.759.1606

True Religion A trendsetter and global leader in premium denim, True Religion is also known for its men's and women's knit and woven sportswear that has a great, vintage feel. Buddha says the road to enlightenment starts with trying on a pair of their famous jeans available in an array of styles and washes. 949.760.0209

CENTER REINVESTMENT UPDATE
As you may have heard, Fashion Island is currently undergoing a $100 million reinvestment that includes new water features, intimate seating areas and plush landscaping. As the times change, so do the tastes of our savvy guests and we know that these dramatic enhancements will add yet another layer of sophistication and elegance to this world class shopping and dining destination.
+ Click here to be "Fashionably Informed".

Buon Natale! And Happy Holidays to all from Canaletto Ristorante Veneto. The ever-popular Italian eatery celebrated one year of serving up deliciousness to Newport Beach this November. It's hard to imagine a time when we couldn't enjoy the Veneto region specialties from Chef Maurizio Mazzon, or oysters on the half shell fresh from the crudo bar, or one of our personal favorites, the handmade ravioli filled with baked pear and Parmigiano Reggiano. Perhaps we just don't want to have to think about that dark period of our lives again?

Lucky for us, good times continue into their second year! Recently Canaletto launched an Ore Felici - Happy Hour. At the bar, Monday through Friday from 5 PM - 7 PM, you and your kin can enjoy a $5 menu of pizzas, appetizers, specialty cocktails, prosecco and wine, with draft beer for only $3. The restaurant's widely popular monthly Wine Dinners continue where guests can excite their palates with prosecco and appetizers before dining on featured dishes paired with specialty wines. Also each month, you can roll up your sleeves and get down and dirty with the restaurant's chefs and learn how recreate authentic Italian dishes at home.

Help us celebrate Canaletto's anniversary by grabbing a quick drink with friends, having an intimate dinner for two near their patio fireplace or celebrating with a group fete in a private dining room. It's all sure to be molto bene.

For more information or reservations please call Canaletto Ristorante Vento 949.640.0900