Gifts galore: fur sweaters, estate jewelry, Oprah’s picks and more.

Swing backs are out; activists slash mink; Persian lamb is acceptable (but mine has a swing back). The lengths are wrong: they date you (stylistically and chronologically); and the article says for the same price as a remodel (under a grand), your money is better spent on a chic, new, politically-correct knitted rabbit sweater. Knitted rabbit?

Later that very day I’m checking out new stores for Sarasota Magazine and serendipity hits at Samba. It’s right next door to the Girl from Brazil on Main Street, but has nothing to do with Latin America – go figure. My eye gravitates to two adorable fur sweaters. I ask what they’re made from, and the owner says, “Knitted rabbit – it’s really hot in Europe.” Score one for Samba. The price is even better: $595.

All I want for Christmas is a knitted rabbit sweater at Samba ($595).
 

“So why’d you name the store Samba?” (I couldn’t resist). “I love the music,” says Kate Alton, who owned a resort fashion boutique on Martha’s Vineyard before opening here last year. Samba also has great Ruby Firecat handbags ($300 to $500), Michou jewelry, and the Euro-chic dresses from $100 to $200 would tempt even Hillary to give up pantsuits.

I’m thinking: Some gift-challenged guy would really score points with one of these rabbit sweaters under the Christmas tree.  But then, who knows about Samba? There are so many fabulous little gems in Sarasota like this shop – many under the radar, perhaps not intentionally. You have to drive to some of them (that’s right, they’re called destination stores).  It’s a little less convenient than one-stop Christmas shopping at the mall, but the treasures inside (and in many cases the values) are worth the effort. Also important: The retailers need your business this time of year.

How about a gift of estate jewelry?  Did you know that Stymar Corp. (also on upper Main Street) has an impressive selection of pre-owned luxury watches and jewelry? I love the way jeweler Charles Kozlowski presents each piece with a photo and appraisal – the ones I saw were done by Richard Sherwood, a respected independent gemologist in town.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without Wonderland, where the whole idea is celebrating Christmas all year long. There’s an amazing selection of ornaments, including ones replicating your favorite breed of dog ($37.50 and 180 to choose from). Other top notch brands are Christopher Radko ($37 to $99) and the hot new collectible line, Mattursky ($18-60). I also saw irresistible and affordable gifts, from witty little rugs by the hip designer Angela Adams to Oprah’s favorite Lug Bags ($22-$75) for travel, the gym and more. 

Angela Adams cotton rugs are designed to make everyone smile. We were thrilled to find them at Wonderland.

With fun-to-find pockets for cell phone, gym card, water bottle and separate lined sneaker pouch, The Lug Puddle Jumper ($75) made Oprah's "O" list.

Samba, 1652 Main St., Sarasota (941) 953-3505

Wonderland, 1507 Main St., Sarasota (941) 364-9808