This year, my holiday gift guide was inspired by several recent shopping visits to Europe. Many of my favorite finds have made their way on to this list. Other items were discovered through personal contacts in New York or while shopping for my family. My focus: gifts that are unique, personalized and fun. Here are my 10 chic picks for women and men in 2009:

Moncler Gamme Rouge Tamara coat

Moncler, the classic outerwear label, is having a renaissance. Their recent collections – including collaborations with the likes of Giambattista Valli – are so chic. The brand has transformed their puffy version of the ski jacket into something glamorous. The Gamme Rouge line is beyond. I bought a classic grey wool day jacket from this line during my recent shopping visit to London, but I am dying for one in satin with a jewel clasp – kind of sporty but dressy at the same time. The Tamara coat above is divine.

Ermenegildo Zegna Couture Derby shoes

I spotted these Derby shoes by Ermenegildo Zegna Couture while in Milan. They’re Limited Edition alligator. I just love the two-tone burgundy-brown combo. Perfect for that elegant man.

Repossi Ere black gold rings

Repossi Joailliers has been around since 1920, but now young Gaia Repossi serves as Maison Repossi’s artistic director. She and her childhood friend Eugénie Niarchos have designed a line called Ere. I first heard about them during the prêt-à-porter in Paris this fall – then I saw the line at Colette and fell in love. I recently spotted them at the Dover Street Market in London, too. I like the black gold look, above. The Twin Ere Ring (on the left) is black gold with a white diamond setting and the other is black gold with black diamonds. I think their designs are young, fun and elegant. I am not into classic jewels anymore – they’re so boring.

Black diamond monogram cufflinks by Sandi Miller Burrows Designs

Sandi Miller Burrows and I met at our nail salon of all places. Sandi always looks so chic, bedecked in her own jewelry designs. I have admired her diamond monogram pendant – her signature piece. She custom designs for private clients. Sandi is a true artisan and takes great pride in work. One day at the nail salon, she showed me cufflinks she created – I was blown away – so chic. To buy a special gift for a man is not always easy. Her monogram cufflinks are unique and totally personal – which I love. The black diamond monogram cufflinks above (initials MDB) are18-karat white gold set with 2.50 carats of black diamonds and 1.60 carats of yellow sapphires. The cufflinks, including design time, take approximately 6 weeks to make. Sandi is by private appointment only. You can contact her by phone at +1 212 996 6217 or by email at sandi@smbpprdesigns.com.

VBH handbags

Bruce Hoeksema is the designer behind VBH – I met him through Valentino. His bags are so beautiful. I own two evening clutches – simple in structure – no logos. They come in all shapes and textures and are impeccably made. Very chic – and so is Bruce.

Brunello Cucinelli cashmere scarf

I love Brunello Cucinelli scarves for men. The Italian cashmere is so soft – not all cashmere is the same. I was recently looking for a birthday gift for my dad, and this was perfect – molto chic for a guy of any age.

Mary Beyer gloves

Gloves may seem like an ordinary gift, but at Mary Beyer, they’re works of art. Mary custom designs gloves for women and men, but she also has a selection available for sale at her boutique in the Palais Royal. When I visited last month, there were so many exquisite pairs. Above is an example of her sumptuous women’s gloves, alongside a more classic men’s driving glove.

Avedon Fashion: 1944-2000

If you love fashion photography, Avedon Fashion 1944-2000 is a great gift. It was featured in The New York Times book review last Sunday, too. Avedon really inspires me. In fact, my new website was influenced by many of his photos. There was a great exhibit this summer at the International Center of Photography to coincide with the book launch. The book offers all those images and more compiled in one hardback.

J.Crew jewelry

I never though in a million years that I would shop at J.Crew. But I was visiting my daughter at Brown this past fall and we went shopping at the mall – really the only decent store was J.Crew. We were mostly browsing for her, but when I checked out the jewelry I was floored. So cool – looked a little like Lanvin – but not expensive. Accessories like this are fab when buying on a budget. I especially liked the Jeweled garland earrings and Salon necklace, above.

The Ritz Paris

For something extra special this holiday season, how about a room for two at the Ritz Paris? It’s got to be room 104. It’s a small duplex – not really so big, but it has a dressing room with a divan, a large closet, mirrored ceilings, a cozy living room and a nice-sized bedroom. PERFECT for a romantic weekend. And the service at the Ritz is far superior to any hotel I have ever stayed in. I’ve actually heard it’s the room André Leon Talley requests, and I adore it.

Have a chic holiday – and happy shopping!

Very best,
Susan