Fall & Winter Must Haves (and Dos) for 2022

by Dennis Richardson | Oct 14, 2022

Contributions by Anthony C. Stafford
UPDATED Oct. 25, 6:30 pm. (More Brands and Events added.)

Cozy Weather, Crunchy Leaves, Crispy Air – Fall is Here

Summer 2022 has come and gone, hopefully leaving lasting memories and callbacks to a more “normal” time in our lives. It won’t be long before the Summer-esque heat waves take a break and, with that break, we all begin to seek the utmost comfort and activities to get us into the seasonal mood.

Whether you’re making sure you’re all set for the cooler weather, or you’re beginning to knock out your holiday shopping early, below you’ll find a variety of innovative, useful, chic, fun, and noteworthy favorites, brands, products, and activities & events to secure this Fall & Winter season.

Blue Kazoo

Just picture it: you and your family sitting by the fireplace this holiday season, sipping eggnog, nibbling gingerbread people, and putting together a beautiful puzzles that doubles as a work of art for your home. It can’t get any better than that right?

No matter the occasion, Blue Kazoo is a premium jigsaw puzzle company that creates artfully designed and consciously crafted puzzles for everyone to enjoy! Blue Kazoo creates artfully imagined jigsaw puzzles and focuses on a few 1,000-piece puzzles at a time to ensure they are beautifully and conscientiously crafted.

Whether you’re looking for a very difficult puzzle for a challenge, or a puzzle that can double as a work of art for your home once you’ve completed it, Blue Kazoo has something for everyone.

Chamberlain Coffee

A coffee fix never waits — even in Fall and Winter! For a brief period of time (Oct. 28 – 30), Emma Chamberlain’s coffee brand, Chamberlain Coffee, is taking over Los Angeles hotspot Carrera Cafe, where attendees will be in for a truly spooky treat.

Throughout the spooky Halloween weekend, Carrera Cafe will serve a variety of Chamberlain Coffee’s delicious blends, such as their Social Dog Blend and Sneaky Bat Pumpkin Spice blends, along with Carrera Cafe’s delicious signature Matcha. They will also be selling some of Chamberlain’s Tote Bags, Double Walled Mugs, Mason Jars and Transparent Tumblers on-site for customers to purchase.

Carrera Cafe is located at: 8251 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046

Cha Cha Matcha

Sometimes, you just need that special drink to match the season and complete you. If PSLs (pumpkin spice lattes) aren’t your thing, how about matcha!?

Back in August, cult-loved matcha cafe, Cha Cha Matcha, officially opened the doors to their third Los Angeles location at Westfield Century City to fulfill all the growing matcha cravings! Located on the center’s first floor between Scotch & Soda and Kiehl’s, the gorgeously green storefront is as delicious to drink as it is to look at.

Featuring the brand’s quintessential pink and green color scheme matching the beverages it serves, the store is the perfect mix of style and substance for Angelenos and tourists alike to get their caffeine fix. Even better, their menu items include toasts, sandwiches, their delicious soft serve, and of course, their famous matcha drinks.

Big Little Bar

What do you call a little bar with big nutrition? Big Little Bar!

Big Little Bar is a new revolutionary daily wellness bar that works for your body from the inside out. Until now, the only way for women to get all the essential nutrients they needed was to either eat a meticulously crafted and large nutrient-dense diet, or take supplements that don’t absorb as well as nutrients through food. Big Little Bar tackled this challenge head-on through its unique approach to combining essential nutrients and clean ingredients in an easy-to-eat, easy-to-love bar.

The delicious, and benefit-focused, bars have 100% of your daily essential vitamins and Omega-3s and pack a burst of flavors including chocolate, cranberry and lemon.  Whether you’re rushing out the door for a meeting, or dropping the kids at soccer practice, Big Little Bar makes it easy to give your body the nutrients it needs while on the go. Big Little Bar is available here.

NEW: Phyll

With the start of cold and flu season — including the rise in COVID infections — it’s best to make sure our bodies our suited up for a fight. And with holidays on the horizon when we’ll be in close contact with others, it only makes sense to take the best care of ourselves with something that isn’t just healthy, but also tasty! The simple convenience of Phyll is here to help us do just that!

Complete with 15 grams of plant-based protein, 3 grams of dietary fiber and 0 grams of added sugar, Phyll is packed with everything you’ll need to maintain your health, energy and your relentless drive throughout the day. The clean-pressed smoothie, which is available in Greenfest, Mixed Berry and Chocolate, does not need to be refrigerated, so you don’t have to worry about jeopardizing the taste if you have it in your bag for a few hours while out and about. 

NEW: ONRU

If health and wellness is on your list of priorities this Fall and Winter, ONRU is perfect for cold weather and flu season! LA based wellness brand, ONRŪ formulates supplements to ensure nutritional efficacy in one single dose, to boost all aspects of the immune system for real life moments — including travel, low-quality sleep, stress, vitamin deficiency, diet, and the environment.

NEW: Hammitt Presents Hammittland

Consider this your invitation to an iconic event! If you’re looking to start holiday shopping for yourself or friends and family, join Hammitt as they present a selection of specially priced Retiring Styles – in a whimsically imagined Hammittland. Watch as Manhattan Village’s outdoor plaza transforms into a sweet shopping and entertainment destination that’s fit for handbag lovers and eager gift givers alike. In addition to the unbeatable offers, Hammittland will have special complimentary offerings and activities available for the general public, plus activities.

Whether you pick up a one-of-a-kind sample for 40% off or sip on an icy fresh frosé, there’s a bit of festive fun for the whole crew. Be sure to bring a friend, as this is set to be a record-breaking party.

Location: Hammitt LA is located at 3200 North Sepulveda Boulevard Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

About Hammitt

Hammitt LA is a US-based luxury handbag company known for their unique riveted accents. You can see Hammitt handbags and accessories in-person at their South Coast Plaza and Manhattan Beach Locations. Hammitt handbags are also sold in many retailers across the US, including Von Maur. Plus, they partnered with Purse Strings for an exclusive location in Indianapolis, as well as a store in La Jolla, coming soon! Hammitt designs to surprise and delight with every innovation, staying one step ahead of their customers’ wildest wishlists.

Whether it’s an accessible cell phone pocket, laptop sleeve, six-way reversibility or straps that adjust for every height, there are nuggets of functionality in every Hammitt silhouette. Plus, every zipper and piece of hardware is covered with a lifetime promise, so the Hammitt woman can plan to pass her favorite styles down for generations to come. Hammitt bags are also available at hammitt.com.

American Cancer Society Annual Walk

On Saturday (10/15), American Cancer Society is holding its annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Grand Park in Los Angeles to celebrate the survivors and thrivers in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. The 5k walk will begin at promptly 9am with registration starting at 8:30am and will feature a DJ and special programming. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a movement to support the funding of breakthrough research, provide 24/7 support for breast cancer patients, and access to lifesaving screenings. For individuals unable to attend the celebration, they can still donate at cancer.org.

This year, American Cancer Society estimates that 31,720 California women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 4,690 will die from the disease. Not to mention, racial disparities and access to cancer care can severely impact a patient’s survivor rate. Black women face a higher death rate compared to white woman, even though Black women have lower breast cancer incidence rates according to a new report from ACS.

The death rate from breast cancer dropped by 42% from 1989 to 2019 as a result of earlier detection through increased awareness and mammography screening, as well as advances in treatments. Yet, about 43,250 women will die from the disease in 2022. ACS estimates that 31,720 California women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and 4,690 will die from the disease. A recent ACS study showed in 2020, during the first year of the COVID pandemic, there was a six percent drop in the number of women who reported having breast cancer screening within the past year compared to 2018. This amounts to more than two million fewer women screened across the U.S. in 2020.

• Date & Time: Saturday, October 15, 2022 | 8:30 AM Registration | 9:00 AM Walk Start
• Address: Grand Park, 200 N. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA
• Wear: A sea of pink envelopes the neighborhood as teams of walkers come together to celebrate survivorship and honor loved ones lost to the disease. Many teams attend dressed in costume and themes.

UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital’s Party on the Pier

The events continue, with UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital’s annual Party on the Pier back in-person for the first time since the pandemic. They’ll be returning to Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier on November 6th from 10AM to 2PM with a variety of fun experiences for all guests to enjoy, including:

• Carnival games with Mattel toys as prizes
• Celebrity appearances and photo booths
• Meal vouchers and carnival treats
• Creative crafts and activities in the Power of Play Kids Activity Tent
• VIP tent access for sponsors with lunch by Wolfgang Puck Catering
• UCLA Health People-Animal Connection therapy dogs

Proceeds from the event provide unrestricted funding to launch high-priority programs that benefit children being treated at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital and around the world. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit partonthepier.ucla.edu.

LOCATION: Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier
WHEN: Sunday, November 6 from 10AM to 2PM
WEBSITE: https://partyonthepier.ucla.edu/ 

*Tickets for carnival games and experiences sold separately. Credit card payment only – no cash accepted.*

About UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital:

As a vital part of UCLA Health, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital has the unique ability to care for children of all ages, from newborns to young adults. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to serve the most critically ill with sophisticated, compassionate pediatric care in an environment that is both welcoming and healing to children and their families. General pediatricians work alongside leading specialists and subspecialists, and our physician-scientists discover new treatments and innovations that transform pediatric health care. The vision of this extraordinary team and the generosity of our dedicated philanthropic partners help ensure a brighter tomorrow for all children.

SHAQTOBERFEST

It’s spooky season! Through Halloween, the first SHAQTOBERFEST  is taking place in LA, and it’s already become a hit! The interactive experience is the ultimate Halloween destination for family-friendly trick-or-treating, ghoulish games, delicious treats, specialty libations, frightfully fun nighttime haunted trails and exciting live entertainment that encapsulates O’Neal’s playful personality.

15-time All-Star and basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal and ABG Entertainment began the partnership with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, the producers of world-class live events and location-based entertainment experiences including LA’s own Haunted Hayride.

Each afternoon will provide family fun trick-or-treat offerings and entertainment for children of all ages who are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes. Come nighttime, the energetic lights and music turn on as the witching hour begins, unleashing O’Neal’s ghoulish minions into the haunted trails and midways as the spirits of SHAQTOBERFEST are brought to life. “We are incredibly excited to launch the first-ever Shaqtoberfest,” said Matt Goldstein, SVP, Entertainment and Special Projects at ABG Entertainment. “Fans of all ages are going to have the time of their lives celebrating Halloween with Shaq.”

For more information and to stay up to date on ticket information, activations and location announcements visit Shaqtoberfest.com and follow on Instagram at @Shaqtoberfest.

NEW: Trick or Treating @ Westfield Century City + Topanga

Looking for alternatives to traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating in LA this Halloween? Enter Westfield Century City and Westfield Topanga! Whether your neighborhood isn’t trick-or-treat friendly or you don’t feel like going door-to-door, participating retailers at both centers will be handing out candy to shoppers – costumes encouraged!

Regardless of if you’re in the Valley or in the city, Westfield has an evening of spooky, family-friendly fun awaiting:

Westfield Topanga

Trick-Or-Treating at The Village | October 31 | 5-7 PM – In addition to “window to window” trick or treating, the center will also be offering arts, crafts, games, music, face painting, and more!

 Westfield Century City 

Trick-or-Treating at Century City | October 31 | 5-7 PM – Families are invited to celebrate Halloween at LA’s chicest mall where little ones can enjoy a safe, fun, and festive trick-or-treating experience.

With locations in both LA and the Valley, Westfield Century City and Westfield Topanga are premier destinations for shopping, entertainment, dining, and now spooky szn festivities! This Halloween, make sure to stop by either location and participate in everyone’s favorite Halloween tradition – trick-or-treating.

Haunted Hayride x Hulu

There’s a lot of scary fun to go around this year, and even Hulu is throwing their hat into the mix in collaboration with an old LA Classic: Haunted Hayride! On Wednesday, October 26th from 8-9 pm, Hulu will be hosting an exclusive drag show at Haunted Hayride, featuring some of the world’s most iconic drag queens, including Jackie Beat, Monét X Change, Lady Bunny, and Manilla Luzon.

In addition, the show will take place between Monte Revolta’s sets for a musical and surely comical, frightening time!

Bowlero

Holiday parties are on the horizon, and if you hate them there’s an even better reason to throw your own group party this Fall and Winter! Bowlero Corp., the world’s leader in bowling entertainment, is making it easy (and fun) to gather up a group of your favorite people and celebrate with over 300 locations across the nation.

This end-of-year and holiday season, Bowlero is offering a variety of promotions that take into account the things everyone loves: drinks, desserts, and gifts! The holiday party promotions and information about planning your next party at Bowlero can be found at https://www.bowlero.com/holiday.

In addition, Bowlero offers speciality packages and the ability to customize any event with one-on-one personal planners to assist. Sounds like a strike! Holiday Parties must be held between 11/28/22-1/15/23 to receive the offers above.

Bev

Bev, the cult favorite canned wine changing drinking culture for good, has officially launched their new Tasting Room in the heart of Venice, CA! Located across the street from Winston House and next door to the cult favorite Belles Beach House, this is an immersive destination serving as a discovery hub for female founded brands, local new music acts, and of course – a place to sip on the brand’s cult favorite, 0 sugar a canned wine.

Designed as an extension of their headquarters, the experiential destination is intended to highlight up and coming female businesses and creators. The tasting room has opened after the success of their Rosè Garden, which served as an outdoor destination for consumers during COVID.

When you need a little sippy pick-me-up, Bev’s the guilt-free go-to — now with an in-person experience!

Lo-Fi Aperitifs

If you’re looking to hold on to Summer just bit longer, or even if you’re only hoping to spritz up the Fall and Winter seasons a bit, Lo-Fi Aperitifs wants you to feel reassured that they’ve got you covered — recipes included!

From impressing friends and family, to just indulging for ourselves, there’s a Spritz for everyone, starting with the Amaro, or a Napa Negroni —  with both tapping into the Sweet Vermouth and Gentian Amaro. Lo-Fi has recipes covered for all types of drink preferences.

Lo-Fi Aperitifs is made up of a team of spirits experts who have worked at iconic establishments, such as New York’s award-winning Italian café Dante and San Francisco’s beloved 15 Romolo.

CAMP @ Westfield Century City

CAMP, the immersive experience designed to help you and your family create playful and meaningful memories together! 

CAMP’s Magic Door is your family’s personal gateway to fun, creativity, and adventure! Known for its unique shop/play hybrid experience, CAMP offers rotating themed experiences all year long, ensuring that there is something new and different each time you visit. Each 45-minute immersive experience is family-friendly, however, CAMP also offers experiences tailored to specific age groups including kids ages 3 and up to tweens. There is something for everyone to enjoy at CAMP, so come zoom down the slides, explore cool toys and ways to play, dance in a disco cabin, or make some crafts!

NEW:
If you’re looking to feast on something new at the hot spot, there’s a notable newcomer present!

Ardi’s Organics, the fast food restaurant that prioritizes organic ingredients, is now open at Westfield Century City to curb all your fast food cravings. With no GMO’s hormones, soy, fillers or artificial ingredients, everything on the menu at Ardi’s will leave you feeling replenished, nourished and satisfied.

Founded by Ardi Entezam, a previous fine dining restaurateur, Ardi’s Organics was born out of his passion for food and desire to provide healthy fast food as a yummy alternative to local Angelenos. All burgers are made with organic grass fed beef, and gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options are all available. A few of Ardi’s best sellers include the Nacho Cheese Burger, Turkey Club Salad, Fresh Cut Fry’s, and Turkey Nuggets! Of course, no meal is complete without dessert, and Ardi’s has delicious guilt-free desserts including chocolate chip cookies made with avocado oil, dark chocolate sun butter cups, and charcoal blast Ardi-o’s (Ardi’s take on the Oreo).

Restaurants @ Westfield Topanga & The Village

There’s a reason why Katsu-ya’s 25 restaurants are sold out pretty much every night. Known for their one-of-a-kind rolls, exquisite cocktails, and spectacular sushi, Katsu-ya is a dream destination for your next splurge-worthy date night! Sushi lovers, trust me, you will not be disappointed! 

Date night doesn’t have to mean fancy outfits and a prestigious restaurant, sometimes a casual outfit with delicious food can do the trick! If this sounds up your alley, be sure to check out Westfield Topanga’s Fresh Italian Kitchen. With everything from Ceasar salad to chicken Parmesan, Fresh Italian Kitchen’s simple, delicious meals are sure to leave you and your partner walking out happy.

If you’re looking for a spot to celebrate life’s special moments, Larsen’s Steakhouse is the place for you. Specializing in highly marbled, prime grade meat, and a unique, diligent method of preparation, Larsen’s makes sure guests are treated to the best steak they’ve ever eaten! This, combined with their charming, romantic atmosphere, makes this spot the perfect place for you and your partner to celebrate a romantic night out.

NEW:
Popular East Coast bakery Modern Bread & Bagel, has just opened its first West Coast location at Westfield Topanga & The Village! Modern Bread & Bagel is home of the famous hand rolled, kettle boiled, freshly baked gluten-free bread. From donuts and cupcakes to sandwiches and salads, Modern Bread & Bagel prides itself on being 100% kosher and gluten-free so that everyone can enjoy their favorite foods… without a stomach ache.

Head baker, Orly, developed Modern Bread & Bagel while she was catering to her husband’s celiac disease with a goal to recreate his favorite foods without compromising taste. After dedicating herself to years of school and research, Orly perfected her specialty gluten-free flour blend and mastered the craft of delicious GF baked goods, breads, and pastries. Shortly after, the first Modern Bread & Bagel opened in New York and was a huge hit among all foodies, even those who weren’t gluten-free!

With more than 50 restaurants to choose from, Westfield Topanga & The Village is the place to be for your next date night. And if coffee and snacks are more your thing, see their extensive list of available options here:

• Blue Bottle Coffee Café 

• Landwer

• Cinnabon

• La Colombe Coffee Roasters

• La Crème Café

• Le Macaro

• Leaff Waffles

• The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

• 85°C Bakery Café

Genghis Cohen

Happy hour anyone? The nearly 40-year-old, New York-style Chinese restaurant Genghis Cohen from Marc Rose and Med Abrous of Call Mom is launching an incredible happy hour beginning Tuesday, October 18th. Guests can enjoy $8 cocktails and more at this iconic Fairfax District institution.

Every Tuesday through Thursday from 3pm-7pm, guests can enjoy $8 Szechuan Margaritas, Old School Mai Tais, Bloody Marys (add an egg roll garnish for $1) alongside $8 glasses of sparkling, white and red wine and $5 Tsing Tao beer. Additionally, the team has created a special menu of happy hour snacks like egg rolls, fried & steam dumplings, fried butterfly shrimp and cold sesame noodles (all $5).

It’s the perfect spot to wait out rush hour for a drink and a bite at their newly-opened patio or to meet up with friends before catching a comedy show or musical act at Genghis Cohen’s adjoined venue.

Happening @ Beauty & Essex

Whether it’s a date night or catching up with friends and family, Beauty & Essex is great for all occasions! The month of October brings some delicious menu options to the restaurant, as Dine LA begins, and as they do their part for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Check out the details below:

Dine LA: 
From October 14th- 27th, Beauty & Essex will be offering their $65 (per person) prix-fixe menu for Dine LA. Guests can expect fan-favorites from Chef Chris Santos like the grilled cheese and tomato soup dumplings, half roasted chicken with a charred green onion chimichurri, and a boozy milkshake shot for dessert.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: 
For the month of October, Beauty & Essex LA will have a Pink Wonder Wheel dessert special and will be donating $1 per select desserts and $100 per select beverage packages throughout the month of October to the American Cancer Society.

NEW: Kite Beauty

Holiday season for many means travel season, and at this time of year, convenience wins. Kite Beauty gets that and has come up with the perfect solution with a new TSA-friendly, go anywhere glow-up travel essential: On the Glow Concealer!

Kite Beauty is here with the perfect stocking stuffer to make sure you and your loved ones look their best and travel lighter this holiday season! AAPI female founded by Nina Liu, Kite’s goal is to become the ultimate convenience beauty company by taking the stress and hassle out of beauty for those with busy lifestyles and tiny purses.

Kite is dedicated to making the lives easier of busy people everywhere – to the tired moms, stressed students, weekend warriors, boss ladies, and everyone in between. The super cute, business card-sized box with 6 pods of formula is specifically designed for optimized portability and formulated to build and blend seamlessly into bare skin or existing makeup. Smooth the appearance of worry lines, dark circles, and surprise pimples that arise throughout the travel day with the versatile product that can also be used as contour or highlighter in a pinch!

Whether a pre-holiday purchase, or a gift for yourself and those you know, Kite Beauty has you covered – literally!

Seratopical Revolution

Created by a female development team with all ages and skin types in mind, Seratopical Revolution’s skincare products were created to produce results without the need for surgery or botox. Seratopical Revolution’s serums & topicals will keep your skin illuminating all year long, making them the perfect gift for the women in your life.

Below are some of the best beauty favorites:

• Harmony Face & Neck Toner ($24.99)

• Freedom Day & Night Moisturizer ($39.99)

• Adoring Eye Serum ($39.99)

• Gleaming Brightener ($39.99)

Emberela AURA Light Therapy Mask

Our skin can be fickle, and with the changing seasons and weather, it helps to have a little something around to help keep you in order. Meet Emberela AURA Light Therapy Mask — a mask that addresses different skin types and issues.

With five combinations of lights ( Red, Blue, Yellow and Multi-color), it’s a must-have mask for anyone that is trying to improve their skin tone, texture, acne issues, wrinkles, pigmentation and much more.

 

The Red Light has – 620nm

The Blue Light has – 460nm

The Yellow Light has – 590nm

The Multi-Color light has – 425nm

 

Lightweight, soft and flexible — unlike many hard, heavy, and stiff competitors — the Emberela AURA Light Therapy Mask is changing the skincare and beauty space by including built-in eye protection, and is made of food grade silicone which makes it easy to clean. This makes it easy to multitask, doing things like reading, watching tv, or cooking while enjoying your at-home therapy session. Another benefit the mask includes is it’s the only one that comes with a customized stand for applying the mask to your hands — which is one of the first places that aging shows. The AURA mask is available here for $119

OH.SO

Sweaty season doesn’t end with Summer for everyone! OH.SO is a small California-created self-care essentials brand that harnesses the awesome power of colloidal silver. The brand uses only the highest-quality, Mother Nature-inspired ingredients and contain no chemicals, cruelty, gluten, or GMOs. PITS & PARTS enables you to refresh your sweaty zones throughout the day without chemicals and with colloidal silver. Cedarwood + Vetiver has a unisex scent that works for everyone, and other options include Grapefruit + Orange, Coconut + Mint, Geranium + Lavender, and more. Certified USDA organic for your health. Break a sweat with confidence!

Kindly

Kindly is on a mission to make the world a kinder place by designing products that are kind to your body, kind to your wallet, and kind to the planet. Incredibly convenient, Kindly has partnered with Walmart to bring you the first-ever plant-based bra cup made from sugarcane, and a collection of intimates sourced from recycled materials. The brand can be found exclusively on Walmart.com, in over 3,000 Walmart locations nationwide and through Walmart’s affiliate program. With prices ranging from $10 – $20, you will never have to choose between function, planet, or price – and that’s a pretty kind thing to do!

Idyl

Idyl’s lab-grown diamonds include a modular design, meaning just one diamond stud (from $275) can be inserted into a variety of Idyl’s earrings and necklaces. Worn by Mila Kunis, Jessica Alba, Nina Agdal, Jamie Chung, Vanessa Hudgens, and more, they’ve become a celeb-loved classic. Diamonds and sustainability can exist together.

Eriness

Erin Sachse and her eponymous brand launched  in 2015, after spending years hand making jewelry pieces. Erin would take old camera parts and weave/twist them into chic jewelry, and when she was young, would sell them outside of her dorm room. Her handmade items were so exquisite, that major stores started to buy them off of her body including Fred Segal and Anthropologie at the age of 18!