It’s no surprise that Apple Computer Inc.’s iPod is expected to be a hot item this holiday season, but as consumers headed to the mall last week for that and other standard items, the area’s boutiques were working off a different “must-have” list: one largely buoyed by exclusivity and star power. Several retailers on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles and Sunset Boulevard in Silver Lake shared their list of hot holiday items.

Robertson Boulevard

At celebrity powerhouse Kitson, one of the most popular items for the holidays is something that probably won’t be available until long after the holidays: Native American-style Mukluk boots.

This year’s version of the previously ubiquitous Ugg boot, Mukluks retail at Kitson for $395, with demand fueled by their appearance on the feet of Paris Hilton, Gwyneth Paltrow and Lindsay Lohan. “We have a waiting list of 1,200 people,” said Kitson owner Fraser Ross. “We can’t get them.”

As for items that actually can be purchased in time for gift-giving, singer Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. clothing line is a best-seller at Kitson, Ross said. Other top sellers include anything in sequins for women, whether belts or cardigans; “Oscar Night: 75 Years of Hollywood Parties” a book from the editors of Vanity Fair; and novelty T-shirts for men from Sexbrand with sayings such as “My Mom Says I’m a Catch.”

At Storyopolis, children’s baskets are the thing, said Supervisor Matt Artson. A basket for a newborn with six board books, one hardcover book and a toy starts at $75, while more expensive baskets might also include CDs, DVDs and wooden toys.

Smaller items are popular picks at Agnes B, which sells $68 cashmere scarves, cashmere gloves (also $68) and smaller leather goods such as $300 wallets.

Montana Avenue

Room With a View happened to be carrying the $316 Vietri Water Garden tea set last week when Oprah Winfrey added it to her list of “Oprah’s Favorite Things.”

“People are ordering it like crazy,” said owner Elizabeth Alesio, noting that orders placed now for the six-piece set (two cups, two saucers, a teapot and tray) won’t be delivered until April. (The store is wrapping up pictures of the set for the holidays.)

For those who don’t want to wait that long, Alesio said, cashmere throws continue to be popular. Her store’s cashmere throws go for $1,200, and she also carries less-expensive mohair throws and stadium blankets.

Also on Montana, where a baby is one of the most commonly sported accessories, top-selling items at Babystyle are “Barry the Bear” and “Lulu the Lamb” stuffed chairs, at $58 each. Barry the Bear and Snow Bunny gift sets are also strong sellers, as are Barnyard Buddies plush toys. As for expectant moms, jeans from Blue Cult and Citizens of Humanity ($138 to $176) top the list.

While Montana is dominated with home accessory and women’s stores, Sean, one of the few stores for men, expects to sell quite a few colorful wool scarves with horizontal or vertical stripes for $88. The store, which only carries clothing from designer Emile Lafaurie, is also seeing a lot of interest in its French painter coat, which are similar to a pea coat but lighter in weight and goes for $148 to $168. The $95 imported Tsubo shoe (from the Japanese word for “pressure point”), is also doing well. “It looks like a sneaker but feels like a slipper,” said Manager Norman Duarte. “We sold a lot of them last year.”

At Palmetto, a store crammed with fragrances, skin care products and candles, one of the top sellers is the Anthousa line of high-end home fragrance sticks in glass bottles, said Manager Pamela Murphy. The store is selling a citrus combo gift pack with three scents and sticks for $65, as well as orchid and blossom collections.

Sunset Boulevard, Silver Lake

At Mishka, accessories made from repurposed vintage items are the rage. These include “Handmade by Sinead” crocheted neck warmers with vintage buttons ($39 to $49) and redesigned vintage ties by Erin MacLeod ($22.95 to $47.50), with snaps so they can be worn as belts or scarves. Owner Stacey Boucher said $84 bags by Phred made of vintage ties are also hot.

For the kid set, the store has Bodhi Baby tanks stitched with words such as “Peace” or “Milk” for around $25, and for the home, the store is selling lots of Roost handmade burlwood bowls for $30 and $75, depending on size.

At Dean, a store that specializes in leather watchbands and handbags made on-premise, owner Danny Davis said metallics are big this year. Top picks include metallic women’s watches for $100, metallic handbags at $125 to $140 and metallic wallets for $48.

At Pull My Daisy, owner Sarah Dale said $16 to $32 brooches are hot, as well as scarves made from old striped T-shirts ($16) and wool ($45). “They are about fashion over function,” she said.

Staff reporter Rebecca Flass can be reached at (323) 549-5225, ext. 230, or at

[email protected]

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