Web Exclusive – Furthermore

Amelia

This Fall, Universe is publishing AMELIA, the official companion book to Fox Searchlight’s major motion picture featuring Hilary Swank as Amelia Earhart. The book features scenes from the film, including side-by-side comparisons of the real people and events with their on-screen counterparts, as well as an abbreviated script, and historical ephemera of Amelia’s life. Original press clippings, photographs, maps, and stories from cast and crew provide readers with a fascinating view of the woman who became a legend.

AMELIA pays homage to the determination and adventurous spirit which earned Earhart her rightful place in history. The book is available where fine books are sold and at Amazon.com.

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WINTER CHECKLIST

Great winter retreats. New stores. Upgraded settings. Great designer deals. Here’s where to stay and shop for a few of your favorite things, in style.

Celebrating its 250th anniversary, Paris-based CREED royal perfume house will be opening a 400-square-foot boutique on Madison Avenue (its only stand-alone store in the U.S.), just in time for the 2009 holiday season. Be sure to sample Windsor, the fragrance CREED made for the Duke of Windsor in 1936, which is now being released in very limited quantities in leather-wrapped bottles (320 total) and laser-numbered decanters (just 70 made). $405 and $605, (877) 273-3344, creedboutique.com -- Nicole Alper

Talk about name dropping. This winter, NorthPark Center, one of Texas’ premier shopping destinations, is about to welcome a few new luxury additions: Herve Leger by Max Azria (its only store in Texas), Louis Vuitton (next to Montblanc), and the first Bvlgari in Dallas. northparkcenter.com -- N.A.

To some, Europe is synonymous with the Tate museum and strolling along the Seine -- but for those who desire Dior and Gucci more than art and river walks, Chic Outlet Shopping is a one-stop shop for designer goods at discounted (up to 60 percent off) prices. Nine open-air boutique-style shopping villages span Europe, from outside London (including Thomas Pink and Elizabeth Hurley’s first and only Beach Boutique) to Madrid (where you’ll find Loewe and Versace). Direct shuttles from major cities make the outing a breeze. chicoutletshopping.com -- N.A.

The first luxury hotel to open on the Big Island in nearly a decade, Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho’omaluhia is a 50-acre green boutique property. Overnight in one of eight luxurious rooms in the boutique hotel, or in one of five rustic yurts set in a needled ironwood grove, where you’re a seashell’s toss from the spa’s private massage hales and infinity pool. “I wanted to show that gracious living and sustainability are not mutually exclusive,” says Jeanne Sunderland, innkeeper and lead therapist. From $275 per night, hawaiiislandretreat.com -- N.A.

Aspen for Families One of the world’s top ski destinations is also a family friendly destination. In addition to nine new ski lifts and two new gondolas, Aspen/Snowmass has opened the 25,000-square-foot Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center at the new Snowmass village base. It’s a first in the snow-sports industry, boasting a climbing wall, themed rooms, and plenty of fun activities for kids. Book a “Winter Stays That Pay” package in a condo or private home at The Gant, which is just reemerging from a $7.2 million renovation, and request the Family Night Package, complete with pizza and games, to up the family-fun ante. aspensnowmass.com, gantaspen.com -- Lori Stacy

Orange County’s South Coast Plaza will soon welcome two elegant newcomers: Henri Bendel, a New York City icon since 1895 (look for mostly accessories, beauty, and fragrance products, plus a few upscale sweets) and Miu Miu, known for its edgy apparel. And keep your fashion eyes peeled for Prada opening in May 2010. southcoastplaza.com -- N.A.

GIFTS TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT

All of the proceeds from the sale of the JUDITH RIPKA AUTISM SPEAKS NECKLACE (above,) go to Austism Speaks. Paying tribute to the organization’s signature color blue, a silver pendant in the shape of the Autism Speaks puzzle-piece symbol is embellished with a blue sapphire stone and hangs from a delicate blue cord. $229, autismspeaks.org

A personalized letter from the hotel management written to those staying at the LA RESIDENCE D’ANGKOR BY ORIENT EXPRESS in Siem Reap, Cambodia, reminds guests that sometimes the best gifts are the easiest to give. Guests are encouraged to leave objects behind which they might not need, from used clothing to books and pencils. Everything left is donated to local charities and hospitals. residencedangkor.com

Based on organic argan oil from Morocco’s southwest, KAHINA is the first line under the Giving Beauty label, which sources rare essential ingredients from around the world and donates 25 percent of profits to the women of the country of origin (one example: helping the Berber women of Morocco through literacy and women’s rights programs). kahina-givingbeauty.com

What is a GRATITUDE CIRCLE? Register a group of friends at any local WILLOW STREAM AND FAIRMONT SPA across the globe, then select a registered charity on behalf of your “circle,” and each quarter Willow Stream issues a charitable donation of 10 percent of the total spa bill to your charity of choice. fairmont.com

Remote Controlled

Luxury and high performance come together this winter with Ralph Lauren’s (ralphlauren.com) technically advanced Remote jacket, part of the designer’s sporty RLX Ralph Lauren label. The surprisingly weightless-yet-warm topper, $1,895, is built from watertight, nylon-oxford fabric and features a built-in Recco avalanche detection device capable of transmitting a signal to rescue workers in case of unforeseen emergencies on and off the slopes. -- W.K.

For more CL Recommends, click here.