Aspen is one of the country’s top ski resort towns, thus a magnet for both ski fanatics and the general jet-set. The season has just begun, so reserve your ticket and pack your bag!

What to Pack: Fur coats, vests and accessories are a must (or faux-fur if you like) for days of shopping and dinners, as are chic yet weather-proof leather or suede boots. For apres-ski (at The Sky Hotel’s 39 Degrees lounge, of course (pictured above)), just switch your ski boots for cute sneakers and your coat and layers for a fun t-shirt or cashmere sweater.

Where to Shop: Aside from the big luxury names (Louis Vuitton, Fendi and cold weather kings Montcler and Dennis Basso), Aspen is home to quite a few small boutiques. My favorite is The Little Bird, a vintage and consignment store that stocked everything from a J. Mendel astrakhan coat to a selection of exotic skin clutches on my visit. Another favorite is the new J. Crew concept store: J. Crew-at-the-mountain. This unique location is stocked with tons of exclusive pieces and classics - you won’t leave empty handed.

- Lucia Marcelle Tait

We are proud to announce the Coup de Coeur Gifting Service this holiday season! Everyone wants to give (and receive!) something fabulous for Christmas or Hanukkah or New Year’s, but not everyone has the time or resources to do it. Make it easy for yourself by using our Gifting Service…after all, it’s the thought that counts! 

Coup de Coeur has extensive insider knowledge of shopping in New York, and we know just where to find what you are looking for. Our service is perfect for sourcing gifts for family members, friends, colleagues or host/hostesses of all those holiday soirees and gatherings you will be attending. 

Why use Coup de Coeur’s Gift Service? 

• Save time during the stressful and busy holiday season by letting the experts handle it 
• Save money by receiving Coup de Coeur discounts (10-30%) at many retailers 
• Save energy by having Coup de Coeur or one of our retail partners wrap and ship your gift 
• Save face by giving a gift the recipient will love! 

How it works:   

• Contact Coup de Coeur at info@coupdecoeurny.com or 917-464-3699 to receive a Gift Profile 
• Complete (with as much detail as possible) a Gift Profile for each Gift Recipient as well as the Billing Form and submit both to Coup de Coeur 
• You will receive a list of 2-5 gift suggestions from Coup de Coeur within 2 days. Choose your favorite suggestion and submit to Coup de Coeur 
• Coup de Coeur will order, wrap and ship your gift according to your requests 
• Have a stress-free and happy holiday, spending more time with those you love and less time shopping!   

Today we visited the yet to open to the public Miu Miu flagship, and we were pleasently unsurprised: the store was gorgeous, the staff was gorgeous (and helpful and knowledgable to boot) and the pieces were not only gorgeous but most were exclusive to the flagship.

I swooned over black and deep red satin pumps with a ruched heel and oversize bow detail. Desserts and champagne were served but I was more intersted in previewing the private 3rd floor salon - the perfect venue for Coup de Coeur personal appointments. Above is shot of the store’s facade and below is sneak peak at the Resort 2009 look book. 

We know where we’ll be shopping this holiday season, and starting tomorrow you can shop there too! 

Miu Miu, 11 East 57th St. (between 5th and Madison Ave).

- Lucia Marcelle Tait

Sugar Cookies, a fun and flirty lingerie shop in Chelsea, is extending a 10% discount to CDC readers. The seductive ambiance and vintage atmosphere has been created by owners Corrie and Susanne, who are passionate about living with elegance and allure. The store is filled with sexy pieces from brands like Chantelle, Commando, Cosabella,  Eberjey, Fleur’t, Hanky Panky, Hollywood Honeydew, Huit, Le Mystere, Manuel Canovas, Princess Tam Tam and Wacoal. 

Sugar Cookies offers personalized services such as bra fittings, private appointments before or after store hours, hosting bridal showers/bachlorette parties…simply mention Coup de Coeur when you make an appointment or visit the store.

203 West 19th Street (Between 7th and 8th Avenue), 212-242-6963, www.sugarcookiesnyc.com.