“My dream for this collection is that it will appeal to women who have a strong sense of themselves, know what they like, value exquisite workmanship, and wear even the most important jewelry with a kind of offhanded elegance.”

It’s tempting to say that every day is Valentine’s Day at El Paseo Jewelry. “I sell happy things to happy people. I sell a girl’s best friend,” says the proprietor, who boasts the largest collection of diamonds in Palm Desert.

The DeLucas opened their El Paseo location in 1994. Behind Joe’s desk hang celebrity portraits, including one of Frank Sinatra, who ordered a pinkie ring with his initials.

There are diamonds of every color of the rainbow.

Pulled from the frigid waters of the English Channel after swimming 10 hours, Mercedes Gleitze lay paralyzed with exhaustion. In contrast, the Rolex watch she wore around her neck suffered no ill effects from exposure or duration of the trip.

It’s a path to paradise for the shoe obsessed — actually for anyone who sees that fashion starts from the ground up. Walk into the vastly expanded and opulently re-imagined footwear department at Saks Fifth Avenue at the Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert and prepare to have the heart beat faster. Sink down on a banquette and enjoy.

A woman’s handbag, more than any other accessory, reflects her style and personality. All manner of choices include wallets that think they’re purses and oversized iPad covers with room for other essentials.

In the bright light of the desert, sunglasses reign as the most important fashion accessory. So have fun with them: Collect a spectacular wardrobe to fit your persona du jour.

Wearing an exquisitely trimmed hat of her own creation, Louise Green unveiled her spring/summer collection at Saks Fifth Avenue in The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert.