Christmast wish list(s)

While investigating and researching what should be on every Magpie's Christmas list this year (provided she's on the nice, not naughty, side of Santa), I've come to realize there are many list-making-machines available for perusal and usage--no matter what your list contains.

So, before my Christmas wish list makes its debut, I will create a wishlist of wishlists. (How you like that?)

1. Neiman Marcus. The fact that their annual wishlist catalog is mailed all over the world should be an indicator of the caliber of not only the taste but the wish-level of those who receive. However, for those of us who are not part of the INCIRCLE, we can still enjoy the Neiman's wishlist creator. It's easy to register, easy to create, and easy for others to find.

2. Amazon.com. Although shiny and sparkly are the penultimate for this gal, I do enjoy a book or two (especially when about my favorite topic!). One of the perks of the Amazon.com wishlist is that as you begin to add your favorites books or movies, a list of suggestions appears. If anything looks interesting, you can add them to your wishlist, too. (Don't forget, Amazon isn't just books, movies, and music anymore--it's a little bit of everything!)

3. My Christmas Wishlist. If the things you'd like to find under the tree are found in multiple locations on the internet, My Christmas Wishlist is the site for you. Rather than shopping around on one website and adding things to your bin, MCW asks that you provide the name, description, and URL of your desired. You share your wishlists by getting your friends/family to join the site and creating a group. The intricacy of this site will only be appreciated by the shopper with lots of time to shop around. However, this list would be a great site for Secret Santas, offices, or carpool moms to gather everyone together.

4. Your List Online. The Your List Online creator is very user friendly and allows access to thousands of websites, without having to drag information back with you (although you can insert your own URLs, too). It also allows your list to be tweaked and content changed for life events like birthdays and weddings. YLO allows for people to search for your list without having to register for the site--which people (like my parents) would consider a perk.

5. Froogle @ Google. Obviously, with the power of this search engine at your mere fingertips Froogle.Google's shoppinglist is a great go-to for everything and anything purchaseable. Sharing capacities are as uncomplicated as clicking "add to" while surfing (and searching) the net.

Want one more?
6. Shoe Hunting. Yes, this is TOTALLY a targeted website. But Magpie likey. So the wishlist creator at Shoe Hunting gets a shoutout! This website tracks shoes all over the internet, brings them to you, allows you multiple views, and even lets you comparison shop (by price, too!). Especially the links to recent blogs that have similar labels to those you are searching for.

Happy wishlisting! May you receive everything (or anything) that is on your list!

Harry Winston

Because this all played out in a very fairy-tale way...

There once was a girl who wore long skirts and cropped cashmere shrugs and traipsed around Highland Park Village as if she had no care in the world. Her name is Lainey. Lainey has lots of responsibilities with her managerial position, which occasionally require her to run errands within the Village. On one such day, Lainey strolled along the sidewalks, enjoying the fresh, crisp autumnal air, and certainly enjoying the views offered her by the windows of stores like Hermès, Tory Burch, William Noble Rare Jewels Boutique, and Harry Winston. Lainey passed these stores, taking a moment to sate her eye's (and heart's) desire for beautiful and sparkly things. On the way back from the errand, the most unusual thing occured. As Lainey passed Harry Winston, the doors flew open and two men in suits came out. Now, these men were the men who guarded the doors and coveted space beyond them. Never before had Lainey seen the doors to HW open. Out of shock, Lainey stopped and looked into the vast, black velvet and dark wood space that makes up the HW boutique. These men said to Lainey, "Excuse me, what's your name? Do you work around here?" Lainey, still gape-mouthed because the magpie in her was atwitter to see just what was in the HW showroom behind the suited men, said, "Hi! I'm Lainey. I'm a manager over there." The two men smiled and one said, "I'm Adolph. This is Tim. We just wanted to let you know that we think you are beautiful." "Thank you," Lainey said, and she floated back to her store.

Lainey was back at work, but her mind was elsewhere. She spent her time reliving and analyzing what had occured, as well as creating witty responses that would have been appropriate (such as "It's nice to meet you. Do you have samples?"). Less than an hour later, Lainey had to run another errand. She, again, walked past these stores that gave her so much to enjoy. As she slowly approached HW, the aforementioned gentlemen again opened the glass doors and asked if she would like to come in. Frightened, but bold of heart, Lainey accepted. She had a very pleasant chat with the men, as well as with Ru and Natalie, as she slowly absorbed each brooch, earring, ring, cufflink, necklace, and bracelet she saw. The boys encouraged Lainey to return, saying if she happened to be in the Village--with or without her boyfriend--they would invite her in. Lainey thanked HW and the HW people and said she would return with a fresh manicure and more time. And Lainey lived happily ever after (for now....).

The End.

*You should check out the Harry Winston website. It's got great information on Harry Winston himself, as well as important jewelry of the past, jewel education, and an online boutique! Here's my favorite thing on the site...