Maybe she's a ride-or-die chick, an ambitious go-getta, a 'round-the-way-girl who prefers to hang with the boys, a die-hard rap fan who memorizes liner notes the way most people do crib notes, a ghetto fabulous diva, or just a sassy girl with a bold sense of fashion. Whatever the case, the hip-hop hottie in your life deserves a gift that speaks to her look-at-me-now ways.
Here, a few stellar options for this illmatic lady.
Luz by Houman "Luz Star" Pendant in 18k White Gold, $13120. Visit LuzStyle.com
The Luz line is centered on pieces that express "the mystery of love." This 18k white gold pendant, encrusted with 1.12 ct of black and white diamonds, captures this aura of intrigue (and note the heart symbol in the middle).
Adidas Originals Women's Ciero Mid, $80, and Instinct Hi,$85. Available in January at Adidas Originals Stores.
The Ciero Mid, pictured here in a Cyan/Fluorescent Green/Black colorway, takes its cue from the traditional skate shoe silhouette, for a roomier shoe that's still streamlines and boasts the clean lines tat make Adidas kicks so recognizable. The Instinct, meanwhile, features a throwback silhouette and color palette (how '80s is the Violet/Gravel Grey/Bloom scheme?). Part of Adidas' 60th Anniversary collection (yes, the Three Stripes is officially a senior citizen, albeit the hippest one in town, in 2009), these sneakers allow you to entertain your nostalgia without making your ensembles look dated.
Claw Money "Brace Yo Self" Tee, $45. Visit ClawMoney.com
When it comes to streetwear, Claw Money always delivers some hotness. This "Brace Yo Self" T-shirt is irreverent, quirky and fun — just like a Redman song.
Nanette Lepore "Bewitching" Ankle Boot, $273. Visit Bluefly.com
There's no room for subtlety and wallflower-esque behavior in hip-hop! You have to be bold, strong and audacious. And that's exactly the attitude conveyed by these Nanette Lepore boots — you can sass up a room and stomp anybody out in these "Ring the Alarm"-esque boots.
Alexis Bittar "Annie" Lucite Hoop Earrings, $175. Visit AlexisBittar.com
Door knockers and bamboo earrings aren't the only hoops that can hang from those earlobes. With their translucent, olive green hue and crystal accents, these lucite hoop earrings are more than worthy of some face time!
Penfield Women's Summit Color Block Down Jacket, $300. Visit PenfieldUSA.com
Color-blocked gear has been all the rage for Fall/Winter 2008, and this bubble jacket takes the trend to new heights with its interesting scheme of seemingly clashing colors that, surprisingly, create a nice blend.
Rock & Republic Bound Gel Eyeliner in "Torture," $24, and Mousse Blush in "Rumor," $28. Visit NeimanMarcus.com
Rock & Republic gear is all about attitude (Remember Season 2 of America's Next Top Model, when runner-up Mercedes worked their runway? Her walk, her facial expression and the fire in her eyes all conveyed the same sentiment: she was the H.B.I.C.!). Their cosmetics line, then, is an extension of this same philosophy. The Bound Gel Eyeliner allows you to create fierce feline eyes, and this purple "Torture" hue is regal, streetwise, and feminine all at once. The Mousse Blush, meanwhile, allows you to whip up some nice, natural-looking color along your cheeks — the "Rumor" color is perfect for a slightly bronzed effect.
Too Faced "Naughty or Nice" Palette, $29.50. Visit TooFaced.com
This dual-sided palette appeals to both your good girl and your good-girl-gone-bad sides (whether it's a Betty/Veronica, Beyoncé/Sasha Fierce, T.I./T.I.P. or Mary J. Blige/Brook paradigm). The "Nice" side includes a number of earthy eyeshadow and lipgloss hues to create a natural, polished look, whereas the "Naughty" side is packed with va-va-va-voom reds and wine colored lip hues, gray and gunmetal eyeshadows for smoky, sultry eyes, and everything you need to create the temptress-with-a-smile look.
Trish McEvoy Portable Beauty Brush Set, $58. Available at Nordstrom stores.
Trish McEvoy's brushes are legendary — year after year, beauty critics and makeup artists alike crown these brushes the heavyweight champions. These miniature brushes are perfect for the woman who is always on the move, chasing her paper like T.I. and Rihanna. Plus, the gold quilted pouch has just the right amount of dazzle.
The Wire: The Complete Series, $134.49. Visit Amazon.com
The greatest dramatic series ever (in my humble opinion) is now available in one, all-encompassing DVD set. If you homie still talks about Bodie, Stringer, D'Angelo and Marlo like they're her fallen soldiers, then she'll more than appreciate having them resurrected in this set.
Robert Ramos Volumizer, $31. Visit RobertRamos.com
Big hair and hip-hop go together like rice and beans. Think about it: from Ludacris's big 'fro (which I'm so sad he chopped off.. I thought he looked fly back then!) to Salt's (from Salt 'N Peppa) asymmetrical cut during the "Push It" era and Erykah Badu's towering Afro (which turned out to be a wig, but hey…), some of the biggest acts in hip-hop have sported some voluminous 'dos.
Want to get your hair to look like Mariah Carey's during the "Vision of Love" era? Or maybe like Bahamadia's 'fro? Then, divide your hair into sections, spray some of Robert Ramos's Volumizer onto the roots and work through the hair, then scrunch the different hair sections or style in the desired manner.
Cubannie Links "Freedom Tri-Rings" Earrings, $70, and "Coco Knocker" Earrings, $40. Visit CubannieLinks.com
Annie Basulto (a.k.a. Cuban Annie, the mind and talent behind Cubannie Links) crafts pieces that boast a distinctly urban sensibility without ever being gaudy or obnoxiously showy (think Baby Phat jewelry, which is the embodiment of tackiness). The braided, triangle-shaped earrings are perfect for Roc girls, Latin queens and pyramid-loving neo-soulstresses, and the Coco Knockers bring some fun '80s attitude to any ensemble.
Adidas by Stella McCartney Salju Boots, $240. Visit ShopAdidas.com
That Stella McCartney is so incredibly versatile. Just when you thought she'd conquered the last possible arena in fashion, she hits you with another surprise. These weatherproof boots can withstand the harshest of winter conditions and still manage to look sleek and elegant. Only McCartney!
DC Shoes Venice Mid LX in Red, $75. Visit DCShoes.com
These streamlined mid-tops are simple but forward-thinking. The perforations along the sides add a nice stylistic touch, while also providing greater breathability, and the red patent leather packs more shine than Dorothy's lame ruby slippers. But my favorite design element involves the asymmetrical shape of the eyelets, which go up in a bit of a slant, so that the laces look like they're going up sideways. Funky freshness at its best.
Digging For Dirt: The Life and Death of ODB, $16.99. Visit Amazon.com
Driven by the desire to capture late Wu-Tang Clan member O.D.B. (A.K.A. Ol' Dirty Bastard, Big Baby Jesus, Dirt McGirt, etc., etc.) as more than an eccentric caricature whose problems with the law and substance abuse were drawn out (and mocked) in the media, Jaime Lowe sets out to find out more about one of her musical icons.
Beyond the information she finds, though, what makes this an interesting read is Lowe's candor — she writes about how Wu-Tang appealed to sheltered white hipsters, plus how and why she herself was drawn to them and, in doing so, she establishes a rapport with her reader that establishes her as a clear-eyed fan, one who appreciates the music but who is also very aware of the differences between her upbringing and background and that of the members of the group she so adores.
Passionate, clever and well-researched, this is a book ODB fans everywhere should check out.
DANNIJO "Madge On the Rocks" Necklace, $298, and DANNIJO "Blondie" Necklace, $320. Visit DanniJo.com
What rapper doesn't have a fascination with chains? Just think about all the songs referencing chains: Jibbs's "Chain Hang Low," Fabolous's "Diamonds," Royal Flush's "Iced Down Medallions," etc., etc., etc. These Dannijo chains, however, offer a more refined and fashion-forward alternative to the rope chains, oversized nameplates, and blinged-out medallions. The "Madge on the Rocks" necklace? I'm straight-up in love!!!
BlackBerry Storm (for Verizon Wireless), $199.99. Visit VerizonWirless.com
I'm a but bummed that the BlackBerry Storm is only available for Verizon customers, but that's only because I wouldn't mind owning a touch-screen BBerry.
Overspray: Riding High With The Kings of California Airbrush Art by Norman Hathaway (Picturebox), $35. Visit Amazon.com
This fantastic tome captures the rise of airbrush art in Los Angeles during the 1970s, featuring works for such diverse clients as Playboy, Levi's and the Rolling Stone, completed by the fabulous foursome dominating the artform in that era: Charles E. White III, Peter Palombi, Dave Willardson and Peter Lloyd.
Bare Escentuals "Beautifully Luminous Lashes" Mascara in Diamond, $15. Visit Sephora.com
Who doesn't want to sparkle like a diamond in a room? This shimmering silver-toned mascara from Bare Escentuals gives any girl's peepers the right amount of pizzazz.
Obvious Clothing Slash-Front Hoodie, $82, and Big Wing T-shirt, $68. Visit Obvious-Clothing.com
Though this line is dubbed Obvious Clothing, there's nothing obvious about these designs, which conjure up images of mythical birds printed using lustrous gold foil.
PF Flyers Number 5 sneakers, $95. Visit Zappos.com
Forget "lucky number seven" and opt for PF Flyers' lucky Number 5s. In this brown leather hue, the Number 5s offer the comfort of a sneaker (and not just any sneaker — after all PF Flyer is known for emphasizing arch support in its designs) and the sophistication of a formal shoe.
Maura Daniel "Sarah" Chandelier, $378. Visit NotooShabby.com
Any bedroom will go from drab to diva-worthy with this black chandelier from Maura Daniel, which includes teardrop black crystals, garlands lined with black beads, and matte black fixtures.
L.A.M.B. Bangalore Shoulder Bag, $345. Visit Vivre.com
Most of the Mondrian-esque designs we've been seeing throughout the season fall short when pitted next to this jaunty shoulder bag by the fabulous Gwen Stefani.
OBEY Public Enemy Jacket, $87.50. Visit Karmaloop.com
For fall 2008, Obey Clothing (Shephard Fairey's streetwear line) teamed up with Public Enemy to create a series of designs that celebrate the pioneering rap group's legacy — both in terms of music and fashion. With its belted wait, double breasted front, P.E. logo along the shoulder, and military-inspired design details, this trench coat captures the Public Enemy vibe circa the Fear of A Black Planet era.
Allison Daniel Fleur de Lis Necklace, $76. Visit Tobi.com
Fit for any queen, this necklace takes an ancient symbol (the fleur de lys) and gives it a modern makeover (the bold sized and eye-popping etchings).
Kooba Rio Tote, $645. Visit Shopbop.com
Between the luscious sangría color the intriguing geometric shapes, this Kooba tote is worthy of a space in the MOMA.
Arrojo High Shine Holiday Gift Set, $30. Visit Store.ArrojoProduct.com
Nick Arrojo's eponymous line of hair products never disappoints. Not only are Arrojo's products highly effective, but they're reasonably priced, making them accessible to average customers and not just the frou-frou, ladies-who-lunch crowd. This holiday gift set is among my favorites (though there are some other great options available). The High Shine set includes Arrojo's Holding Spray, Thermal Protector and Shine Spray — everything you need for dazzling holiday hair.
Zip Zip USB Memory Brick, $29 for 1B. Visit ZipZip.Net.Au
A USB drive made to look like a Lego? That's just genius. Just make sure to keep it away from the kids or it might just end up in one of their Lego constructions.
Grand Theft Auto IV for XBox 360, $53.99. Visit Amazon.com
Sure, it's violent, offensive and entirely inappropriate for children, but if you've played GTA IV, you also know it's a lot of fun (and an excellent way to let out any pent-up agression). Just make sure to limit the reckless driving and gunplay to your XBOX time, okay?
01 The One "Ibiza Ride" Cuff Bracelet, $249. Visit 01TheOne.com to locate a retailer near you.
Reebok Freestyle Hi NYC Sneakers, $84.95. Visit Shoebuy.com
Native New Yorkers may moan and groan over the yellow cabs swarming around Times Square but, in truth, we're just as likely to complain if we're in a rush or it's absolutely frigid outside and we can't seem to find a cab. Hey, one of the beautifully convenient things about New York is that you can pretty much throw your arm up anywhere and a cab will surface!
This Reebok Freestyle sneaker style pays homage to NYC's rep as the City that Never Sleeps, with its all-over typography (referencing neighborhoods like Tribeca and Chelsea, streets like Park Avenue and Lafayette Street and more), bright yellow hue and checkered laces.
Hoodman "I Shoot Hipsters" T-shirt, $16. Visit Hoodman.Tv/Shope
I'd never advocate violence, but I can't say I didn't giggle (or really, roll around laughing) at the sentiment captured in this Hoodman T-shirt. Note to all the wannabes: rocking some Timbs and memorizing some hip-hop lingo will not make you hard or street. We can see right through the fake thuggery, so leave it alone.
ION LP 2 FLASH, $200. Visit IonAudio.com
Streets Ahead "Sex and the City Studded Belt," $208. Visit OwlsLab.com
After Sarah Jessica Parker wore this studded Streets Ahead belt in the Sex and the City movie, women everywhere pined for this piece about as hard as they dreamed of their own fairy-tale ending. Now, here's your chance to give the Carrie in your life a little something to remember you by!
Soft & Beautiful Hydra Sculpt Firming Lotion, Skin Body Oil Gel, Body Butter Cream, $6.49; Hand Cream and 24-Hour Moisture Soft Body Lotion, $6.49 each. Visit Drugstore.com
To go from ashy to classy like B.I.G., reach for some Soft & Beautiful SKIN products. At less than $10 a pop, these are a great, recession-proof answer to dry and dull skin. The products will leave your skin feeling softer and way more supple, so it's no wonder why Alicia Keys is already a fan!
CC Skye Braided Knot Mesh Cuff, $110. Visit CCSkye.com
This braided mesh cuff is even more powerful than Wonder Woman's bracelet. Yep, I said it.
Harajuku Lovers Medium Gift Box (Contains a "Pop" Make-up Case), $38. Available at Macy's stores.
As if the makeup case wasn't cute enough, it's packaged in a box made to resemble a boombox. Open the top lid, and you'll hear a snippet from Gwen Stefani's "What You Waiting For?" blasting from the built-in speaker.
Faryl Robin "Sable" Heels, $203.15. Visit ShopFarylRobin.com
Not quite a stiletto, not quite a bootie, this ultra-sexy shoe plays peek-a-boo with the beholder, letting them se just a hint of skin then covering up the rest. What a fabulous tease, right?!
Born Uniqorn Trench, $168. Visit RevolveClothing.com
Created by actress/singer Taryn Manning and Tara Jane, Born Uniqorn is taking young Hollywood by storm, boasting fans like Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and Rachel Bilson. With its comfortable, laidback designs, which fuse together rock and hip-hop elements, Born Uniqorn offers form-fitting pieces that you can throw on for an instantly chic but not overdone look.
This lightweight navy blue trench jacket is a perfect example of the line's vibe — the gold buttons add a military feel, as do the epaulets and the stand-up collar, but the bell sleeves and the gathered bottom add a playful, flirtatious vibe.
CC Skye Pair of Lucite Spike Bangles, $125. Visit CCSkye.com
Arm candy goes a long way to up an outfit's ante. These clear lucite bangles work well with any ensemble, and the gold spikes add that in-your-face quality that every hip-hop lover can appreciate.
'80s Cube Clock, $22. Visit FredFlare.com
Rubik's cubes never go out of style. Shoo, from Rainman to The Pursuit of Happyness, it's still used as an I.Q. test of sorts in movies revolving around someone's genius. Now, if the brainiac in your life has an issue with punctuality, then why not make the subject of timeliness a bit more fun with this Cube Clock? I'm sure those waiting on her will appreciate your gesture!
Betseyville Computer Bag, $29.99. Available at Marshalls stores.
Betsey Johnson loves color (hence her hair color!) and she never shies away from it in her designs. This checkered laptop bag, with its tattoo-like graphic, is tough and feminine at the same time — just like any cosmopolitan lady.
Zina Beverly Hills "Africa" Necklace, $195. Visit ZinaBeverlyHills.com
The large spheres linked together in this sterling silver necklace bear complex etchings reminiscent of ancient hieroglyphics. There's also a fascianting tribal feel to this piece, which gives it a certain power and regalness.
L.A.M.B. Hunter Shoes, $266. Available at RevolveClothing.com
These bold shoes fuse together elements from gladiator sandals, ankle booties and stilettos for a unique silhouette that's feminine but strong in a color that looks slightly aged and weathered.
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