After a Fashion

PEARLS OF WISDOM What every woman really wants for Christmas is fine jewelry, and it doesn't get much finer than the collections produced by Anthony-Nak. With design offices here in Austin, designers Anthony Camargo and David Nakard chose Austin as a base of operations, not only for its fertile design environment, but because it's so removed from the fashion fast track -- allowing a fresh and unique perspective for their work. Their collections of gold and silver combined with semiprecious stones are dazzling works of art. Having been covered extensively in publications such as Glamour, and appearing in ads in every major magazine, the "jewelry couture" by Anthony-Nak is a continually evolving collection that has proven increasingly popular with buyers at such prestigious retailers as New York's Bergdorf-Goodman ("The only store in the only city in the world ..."), Henri Bendel, and Neiman-Marcus. In addition to being a presence at the largest jewelry trade shows, the design team also has an L.A. showroom, providing jewelry for the Oscars and the Grammys, as well as for clients such as Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, Cher, Sarah McLachlan, and Jewel. Locally, Anthony-Nak can be seen at The Garden Room (5 Jefferson Square, 458-5407), which could virtually be a one-stop shopping trip for all your gift-giving needs, at the "Best of Austin" award-winning Cadeau (2316 Guadalupe, 477-7276, and Central Park, 38th & Lamar, 453-6988), and at La Dolce Boutique (Hwy. 360 at Westlake, 330-0485) in the swank Davenport Village shopping center. But most exciting of all, Anthony-Nak are not only moving their operation to a new location, but are also opening their first flagship store in the old Schlotzsky's on S. Congress (rumored to be designed by the multitalented and omnipresent interiorista Joel Mozersky). We'll keep you informed of their ever-expanding empire.

THE HOLIDAY RETAIL BEAT For the holidays, Shiki (3407 Guadalupe, 371-7767) has a new shipment of wrap dresses, as well as beautifully packaged coordinated essential oils and candles by Sage from L.A., who has a large following among the Hollywood glitterati. Shiki is also carrying Christmas stockings by Patch NYC -- playful and fun and modern. Crofts Original (1101 W. Lynn, 472-4028) offers wonderful holidaywear from Devan -- black lace pants and gold lace dresses, as well as jackets trimmed in faux fur by Krizia D., a group of the stylish new "slick denim" from Buffalo, in colors as well as the standard indigo, and everything else you need for your holiday looks. Angela and Jeanette of Chimera (110 W. Elizabeth, behind Güero's, 447-5720) offer a charming selection of holiday accessories for the entire body, from purses to potions and everything in between. Gail at Blackmail (2040 S. Lamar, 326-7670) says, "Bing Crosby be damned, I'm dreaming of a black Christmas!" She offers a new shipment of gorgeous 1930s evening gowns (black, of course!) and the newest additions to her Baby Blackmail collection (for the infant who is not afraid to take a fashion risk), as well as contemporary and stylish vintage for the home and body. Atomic City (1700 San Antonio, 477-0293) has, among so many great things (such as shoes to die for), truly festive Hawaiian shirts in silk and rayon in a great range of extended sizes. They're great for summer, of course, but I'd wear them now. Gomi (W. Mary & S. First, 442-9977), offering "the cure for mundane living," definitely has an unusual approach. And for those occasions that demand an orange faux-fur coat, this is the place for them, along with so much more of Gomi's fresh take on clothing, shoes, and accessories for men and women. And Maryleigh of Melange (500 N. Lamar, 236-8180) takes a new turn by presenting her own private-label collection of dresses and separates -- a bold and exciting move on her part, and definitely a lovely addition to your wardrobe.

UNDERNEATH IT ALL Lovely lingerie is a time-honored Christmas gift, and no one has lovelier lingerie than La Dolce Boutique (Hwy. 360 at Westlake Dr., 330-0485) in the swank Davenport Village shopping center (I love saying that). Carrying La Perla, among others, La Dolce also offers heavenly clothing, shoes, and accessories. For the spicier side of the holidays, Tabu Lingerie (9070 Research, 452-8228, and 4006 S. Lamar, 443-7779) features sexy, wispy, and sheer Santa outfits, as well as many Christmas-colored and flavored novelty items for stocking stuffers -- and while you're thinking about stockings to stuff, check out their selection of racy hosiery for your perfectly naughty holiday outfit! Happy shopping!