Precisely this time last year we were sitting by the Seine spoiling ourselves on macarons and cups of café crème. Saving us from sulking about no plane ticket to Paris this year is Paul Croteau Confections.

The dessert doctor behind the likes of Lumiere, Boneta and currently Campagnolo and Refuel, patissier Croteau now makes creations to take home, like six macaron flavours to savour ($1.50 each, $4.50 for 3), plus other sweets like soft salted caramel, biscotti and nougatine.

If not Paris, we’ll always have macarons.

Paul Croteau Confections, Oakridge Centre, 1020 Main St., Vancouver, www.pcconfections.com

There’s a bevy of beauty palettes out for party season, but our pick of the litter, the Holiday Nights kit by Cargo, does triple duty before, during and after.

Before: A pretty pink blush, silver eye pencil and four sparkly shadows in charcoal, steel, snow and midnight blue will give you good face for all your festive fêtes. And don’t forget to swipe a bit of the body glitter on your décolletage.

During: Remove the make-up tray from its satin, Pucci-like printed case and you have the perfect clutch to hold your party cargo.

After: Once you’ve finished with the seasonal soirees, use the case to stow all the cocktail rings and chandelier earrings on hiatus.

$25 at Murale, Oakridge Centre, 650 W. 41st Ave., Vancouver, 604-264-8035, www.murale.ca

New York is just a New York minute away—DKNY that is.

The new Oakridge Centre store stocks the sharp, shape-friendly basics Donna Karan has come to typify. With lots of tweed accents and shots of this season’s hot shade, crimson, you’ll find plenty of posh pieces at a prettier price point than you'd expect.

The must-have item we snagged? A DKNY cozy ($198). The versatile sweater ties 12 ways and comes in merino wool or cashmere and a slew of colours.

Now that's multitasking.

DKNY at Oakridge Centre, 121-650 W. 41st Ave., Vancouver, 604-263-8889, www.dkny.com