December is only half way through and like most monthly magazine editors, I’m already getting close to wrapping up our February issue. Those of you planning a trip to Tahoe will want to check out my fashion piece on cool snow gear. But for those skiing and boarding enthusiasts, who are already heading north for the holidays, stop by The North Face (180 Post St., 415-433-3223) this weekend for its limited edition NSE collection. The venerable outdoorsy clothing company is unveiling 400 pieces from Japan that feature graphic black-and-white prints inspired by the birch tree forests of Japan’s Kitakami Mountains, as in the men’s Maintenance snow pant ($349) and Winter BC messenger bag ($89) pictured here:

               
courtesy of The North Face


Jewelry that Rocks

While you’re downtown, stop by Bloomingdale’s accessories department at the Westfield Centre (845 Market St., 415-856-5300) for the Rock for MS trunk show. A hundred percent of sales from these cute silver-toned guitar pick necklaces ($20 each) go to the MSFriends nonprofit organization, which runs a 24/7 helpline for people living with multiple sclerosis. The pick has Rock for MS etched on the front, its website on the back and hangs on a 24-inch ball chain.


courtesy of MSFriends