If, like me, you love the idea of nail art but can’t quite seem to get your inner Crafty Cathy to come out and play, then you’ll likely become as vocal a fan as I am of Ciaté‘s manicure sets, which allow you to create inventive nail looks with interesting textures and embellishments by providing all the necessary materials and easy-to-follow instructions that make for a goof-proof experience. On the heels of Ciaté’s best-selling Caviar Manicure Set and Sequined Manicure Kit comes the new Ciaté Very Colourfoil Manicure Set ($19 at Sephora stores and Sephora.com), a boxed kit that enables you to give nails a  shiny foil finish.

Now, you’ve likely seen a gazillion takes on the metallic manicure — from silver and gold lacquers with a mirror-like sheen to top coats with real gold flakes, Minx manicures that make nails appear as if they were dipped in gold, and matte metallic lacquers that emphasize a gravel-y texture  — but Ciaté is taking the look to unprecedented heights. With this kit, you can make nails look like shiny bits of Christmas morning, coating them with a finish reminiscent of the sparkle metallic foil wrapping paper we’ve all used to adorn our Yuletide presents. The best part: since different foil colors are included in the kit, you can make the look deliberately chaotic by adding splashes of clashing hues, making nails look like an abstract Jackson Pollock painting but with a futuristic edge thanks to their shiny and holographic finish.

The Ciaté Very Colourfoil Manicure Kit is available in three color options: Carnival, Kaleidoscopic Klash, and Wonderland. I tried the Ciaté Very Colourfoil Manicure Kit in Kaleidoscopic Klash and loved not only the final result but also the application process since it made me feel like a kid in the middle of an intense finger-painting session. The Kaleidoscopic Klash kit includes a Paint Pot in Pepperminty, a creamy aqua-meets-mint shade; a small bottle of Foil Fix Glue; and 30 Colourfoil Sheets. Each Colourfoil Sheet measures approximately two square inches and features one ultra-shiny holographic side and a duller, non-shiny silver side. This particular kit includes sheets in the following shades: Blaze, a holographic metallic ruby red; Babe, a holographic fuchsia pink; Beaut, a holographic sapphire blue; Bounce, a holographic yellow gold; Bloom, a holographic silver with a patten incorporating overlapping dots; and Brill, a holographic silver that incorporates smaller triangular, spherical, and angular shades.

To create the look, the first step is to apply two coats of the Pepperminty nail lacquer shade. Once the polish is completely dry, you then want to start the foil application process. The Foil Fix Glue comes in a tiny bottle with a wide brush that allows you to sweep it right atop nails so that you can brush the glue onto the entire nail or choose only a part of the nail (be it the tip, the lower half of the nail, one vertical half, or anything else). Once you sweep the glue onto the area of the nail on which you want to adhere the foil, you should wait about 45-60 seconds and then reach for the sheet of foil in the desired color, placing the non-shiny side atop the nail so that the shinier hue is facing up. You’ll then want to press the sheet firmly onto the nail, smoothing it and pressing. Then, in one single sweep, you’ll want to rip the sheet off the nail. The motion should be similar to what you’d do when removing a wax strip — quick and decisive. When you look at your nail, you’ll notice a splash of the raw metallic foil shade atop it. You can then repeat the process for each nail.

Of course, the more foil shades you use, the more striking and runway-worthy the final look will be. Once you’ve applied one foil shade, you can again brush some glue onto that nail and apply a different foil sheet in a contrasting shade, layering a different splash of color for a more abstract and painterly feel.

In my case, I started by applying the Beaut foil finish, a holographic sapphire blue, and then applied the silver Bloom foil, finishing up with the Babe foil. Once I was satisfied with the look created, I finished with a clear top coat that would seal and preserve the manicure.

Because you don’t need to have a steady pulse or be particularly crafty to pull off this foil manicure, it makes the application process all the more fun — after all, the desired outcome is chaotic, with blotchy bits of holographic foil creating a futuristic, Tron-worthy splatter effect.

Check out photos of the mani below:

Allow me to confess: I loathe going to the gym — not because I’ve mastered the art of slothing around (though an argument could be made for that), but because I detest the cold, impersonal, machine-filled ambiance and the passive aggressive way in which females compete with one another (no need to prance around in those midriff-bearing tops, ladies). In any case, my tendency to be an independent worker seems to also extend to the realm of fitness and so I avoid any group activities, class environments, or mass activities of any kind. Instead, I’ll do Pilates and yoga at home, often with the help of a DVD that I can scream at in frustration whenever the instructor’s perky mantras begin to grate on my nerves (without eyebrows being raised). But, as with any workout routine, once you learn the routine of a fitness DVD, it won’t take long before the boredom sets in. And, on a practical level, once a routine stops requiring you to push yourself, then it loses its effectiveness in terms of allowing you to further tone, trim, and define your body. Seeing as I’ve been keeping the same five fitness DVDs on a loop for almost seven years, I was excited to spice up my routine with an entirely new series of ballet-inspired workout DVDs: Ballet Body: Upper Body Workout; Ballet Body: Core Workout; and Ballet Body: Lower Body Workout. Each DVD in the Ballet Body trilogy targets a different muscle group and  runs between 45 minutes and 54 minutes, making each installment a full workout. That being said, each DVD is sold separately for $16.99 at AcaciaLifestyle.com and Amazon.com/Acacia.

Developed by Leah Sarago, the Ballet Body series differs immensely from other workout DVDs in a number of ways. First, there are no shots of a perky instructor uttering “go get ‘em, girl!” motivational phrases while standing in front of a faux class of fitness buffs, all perfectly in sync and wearing skimpy outfits that reveal sculpted abs and chiseled biceps. Instead, you’ll find footage of Sarago herself performing a series of movements within an otherwise empty dance studio as a voice-over instructs you on how to follow along. The voice-over element can require a shift in perspective since it lends itself to  Masterpiece Theater comparisons, but it actually ends up being a refreshing escape from the babbling utterances of all the overly peppy instructors on other fitness DVDs.

Now, admittedly, I always thought of ballet as a wimpy activity — maybe because, back when I was six or seven, my mother forced me to take ballet classes and I just couldn’t stand the daintiness of it all. So, based on nothing but my short-lived ballet stint in grade school, I approached these ballet-inspired workouts with a cockiness worthy of Jersey Shore’s The Situation. And, of course, I was quickly humbled when, about 20 minutes into the Ballet Body: Upper Body Workout DVD, I was literally yelling at the TV screen for mercy. Tutus be damned! Having worked out to all three DVD series, I can honestly say I’ve discovered a new-found respect for ballerinas and now think they’re about as badass as The Terminator‘s Sarah Connor.

The Ballet Body: Upper Body Workout DVD combines Pilates, yoga, and ballet movements, so that many of the exercises focus on isolating specific muscle groups: biceps, triceps, deltoids, and so forth. Now, a lot of the exercises involve mat work and require you to place most of your body weight on your wrists — whether it’s to do push-ups, to perform lengthening side twists, or to do forward and back movements while in a downward-facing dog position. Even if the exercises themselves don’t seem too challenging, newbies will likely find their wrists becoming tired after a solid 20 minutes. If you stick with these DVDs, however, you’ll find that your wrist actually become stronger, allowing you to better execute these more challenging exercises.

The floor exercises constitute the majority of the workout, but are then accompanied with some weight lifting movements (you will need a pair of 3lb. or 5 lb. dumbbells for the latter portion of the workout) — all inspired by ballet and requiring balance, concentration, and steady slow movements. Because the weightlifting exercises emphasize posture, control, and balance, they make for a more thoughtful workout so that there’s less grunting and more slow and deliberate movements. Overall, this workout will prove challenging without being so intimidating as to keep you from coming back — and, in the long run, it does wonders in terms of toning your upper body without it resulting in excess bulk.

The Ballet Body: Core Workout DVD is perhaps the most accessible to beginners and those without any ballet background whatsoever. In fact, if you’re a Pilates fanatic, this workout will prove to be a nice change of pace without being too difficult to follow. The standing balance exercises are all relatively easy to mimic and, once you move on to the floorwork and start doing side planks and sit-ups, you’ll feel like you’re in familiar territory.

By far the most challenging DVD in the series, at least for me, is the Ballet Body: Lower Body one. Ironically, I expected to breeze right through this workout since I danced for a ton of years (not ballet, but hip-hop and modern dance) and have freakishly strong legs. That being said, my inner thighs do jiggle more than I’d like them to, so it’s definitely an area I want to tone. Now, for this particular DVD, you’ll be doing a lot of movements inspired by barre exercises, so you’ll want to have a steady chair handy that you can grip for support. The chair’s back should ideally reach up to your chest but, in a pinch, you can use one with a lower back and adapt the movements accordingly. Needless to say, many exercises require you grip the chair with one hand, while extending your lower body and reaching one leg back while the other is firmly planted on the floor or, similarly, swinging one leg from one side to the next using steady movements. Most of the workout, however, is comprised of lunges and squats in a variety of stances. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, here’s the catch: almost every exercise on this DVD is performed as you stand on the balls of your feet in a relevé position. To say it makes those lunges and squats more challenging would be the understatement of the century — by the end of the DVD, you’ll feel like writing fan letters to every member of your city’s ballet company.

Overall, each of the installments in the Ballet Body DVD series provides a thorough and satisfying workout, but they definitely are best for those with some understanding and familiarity with either ballet or yoga and Pilates. If you’ve never experimented with any of these, the routines will likely seem a bit daunting but those with some background in these disciplines can adapt fairly quickly. And trust: you will feel the burn!

]]> http://www.sickathanaverage.com/2013/05/eleve-your-way-to-a-leaner-body-with-the-leah-sarago-ballet-body-dvd-series.html/feed 0 http://www.sickathanaverage.com/2012/12/next-stop-on-our-holiday-shopping-all-over-the-world-gift-guide-london.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=next-stop-on-our-holiday-shopping-all-over-the-world-gift-guide-london http://www.sickathanaverage.com/2012/12/next-stop-on-our-holiday-shopping-all-over-the-world-gift-guide-london.html#comments Mon, 03 Dec 2012 06:04:23 +0000 Celia San Miguel http://www.sickathanaverage.com/?p=30260 For this year’s Holiday Gift Guide, we’re on a globe-trotting expedition, finding inspiration in different cities around the world. We kicked off our worldwide shopping trek with an Athens-themed installment and, now, we’ve landed in London. Below, then, you’ll find a number of gift ideas ranging from clothing, footwear, and handbags to tea pots, place mats, jewelry, DVD sets, makeup kits,  and art prints — all inspired by a different facet of life in London, be it the British monarchy, the iconography we’ve come to recognize as symbolic of the UK, or  the city’s role as the birthplace of the Pop Art movement, the Mod style revolution, and the Punk era. Check them out — you’ll be chuffed to bits!

Reiss Leo Fit and Flare Coat, $555. Available at Reiss.com

Channel the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, in a classic coat with a form-fitting bodice and a flared, pleated skirt that accentuates the feminine form. This dark green, single-breasted tweed coat from UK-based fashion brand Reiss features a notch lapel collar, two zipped pockets along either side of the torso, a row of concealed buttons along the center, slim sleeves with two-button cuffs, and geometric tonal stitching leading to the pleated skirt.

Burberry The Orchard Tote in Suede Stripes, $1795. Available at US.Burberry.com

Though its shape resembles that of a bowling bag, this aubergine and navy Burberry tote makes the silhouette feel ultra sophisticated thanks to the equestrian inspiration of the individually placed and stitched stripes, as well as the hand-finished rolled handles.

Butter LONDON 3 Free Nail Lacquer in Come To Bed Red , $14, and Butter LONDON Lippy Gloss  in Come To Bed Red, $17. Available at ButterLondon.com

Since being launched by British entrepreneur Sasha Muir in 2005, Butter LONDON has evolved into a beauty industry darling and a Fashion Week mainstay, often collaborating with “it” brands like Vena Cava, for whom the brand has created custom nail lacquers. Specializing in nail lacquers free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP, Butter LONDON has turned heads due to its quirkily named, incredibly imaginative colors — among them Trustafarian, Marrow, Gobsmacked, Dosh,  and Fairy Lights. And now, it has expanded its reach to include a series of Lippy glosses, richly pigmented lip glosses with a vinyl-like finish. For the festive holiday season, embrace a classic, creamy red shade — Come To Bed Red — for both your lips and your tips.

Dr. Martens x Liberty of London Boots, $130 each. available at DMusastore.com

Dr. Martens are synonymous with punk music’s trail blazers — just try to imagine The Clash storming the stage without their beloved combat boots! But, over the years, Dr. Martens has reinvented its classic combat boots through a variety of prints and materials that speak to urban women who like to saunter down the line between hard and soft. The boots pictured here not only accomplish this feat, but they represent an alliance between two companies with deep British roots: Dr. Martens, of course, and Liberty of London. Each of these limited-edition 1460 8-eye boots features a classic Liberty of London floral print so dainty that it seems to rival the naturally rebellious edge of the boot on which it appears, creating a push-and-pull that’s as irresistible as any multi-faceted urban gal.

Vivienne Westwood Money Print Wizard Frill shirt, $1040. Available at VivienneWestwood.co.uk

Since the Olympic Games were hosted in London this year, British designer Vivienne Westwood — who is credited as one of the pioneers of punk fashion — designed an entire Gold Label “London” collection that drew upon the country’s rich history but focused most intently on King Charles II’s reign, particularly his focus on rebuilding the city of London after the Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of 1666. This high-neck silk blouse, then, celebrates a period of both cultural and economic rebirth through the usage of an original print depicting both past and present sterling pound banknotes, some bearing the visages of Queen Elizabeth II and others showing the sides with faces of prominent Brits like architect Christopher Wren, poet William Shakespeare, and economist Adam Smith. Billowing sleeves and frilled pieces of fabric along the neck complete the theatrical, Old World effect.

Red Eye by Marc Quinn Print, $680. Available at ExhibitionA.com

At first glace, this original print from British artist Marc Quinn resembles a paper lantern with a lava-like pattern. In reality, however, the digital “Red Eye” print, measuring 10″ x 10″ and printed on archival Somerset satin paper, offers a psychedelic interpretation of the human eye with a beam of light surging out of the normally blackened pupil and the iris area here depicted as black with the complex network of blood vessels therein creating an almost otherworldly effect. Only 100 prints were produced, so this is a truly great gift for art connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Raoul Panelled Eclectic Dress, $480. Available at Raoul.com

The Mod movement originated in post-World War II London, with designer Mary Quant playing an instrumental role in its aesthetic and supermodel Twiggy quickly emerging as the poster child for said era. This Raoul dress dabbles in Mod motifs, with a shift-like silhouette and a funky color-blocked motif. But rather than rely on psychedelic colors, this number applies the geometric color scheme to muted shades of peach, black, and concrete gray, while also integrating a black leather panel to create a textural juxtaposition against the predominantly silk-based body of the dress.  The result is a contemporary take on the classic 1960s Mod style that’s steeped in history but feels relevant and of-the-moment.

Alexander McQueen Studded T-Strap Pump, $1798. Available at NeimanMarcus.com

Inspired by the two-toned spectator shoe of yore, this elegant T-strap pump straddles the line between feminine and masculine with its buckled accents, the lace-like overlay along the almond-shaped toe, the teardrop-shaped cut-outs along either side of the center strap, and the sky-high heel and front platform. All-over, disc-shaped, silver-toned studs cover the entire surface area of the pump for that trademark McQueen edge.

Ruffian Coronation Necklace, $150. Available at Ruffian.com

This gold-plated, red resin and pavé diamante necklace was seen in Ruffian’s Fall/Winter 2012 runway show, which featured designs inspired by the Henry Moore brass sculptures seen along the English countryside. The trapezoid-shaped red resin pieces mimic the form of each of the sides of the crosses seen on both St. Edward’s Crown and the Imperial State Crown but, of course, their poppy red color and the pavé-set crystals encrusted into golden bars along their upper and lower edges add a slightly irreverent  (and of-so-fun) Art Deco vibe to the piece.

Charlotte Olympia Priscilla Glitter Platform Pump, $633. Available at NeimanMarcus.com

Half-Brazilian, half-British footwear designer Charlotte Olympia has won over legions of fans — among them Kate Moss, Daphne Guinness, and Beyoncé — with her ultra glamorous designs, which hearken back to the golden age of Hollywood glamour without feeling overly serious, incorporating a sense of whimsy and exuberance that appeals to the little girl lurking inside all of us. The Priscilla Glitter Pump embodies these traits with its classic shape — from the low-dipped vamp to the almond-shaped toe and covered heel — but it adds a wink-wink attitude thanks to the addition of Olympia’s trademark beveled island platform, which measures 1 1/3″ in height, bringing the shoe’s overall height to 5 3/4″, its glitter-covered uppers, and its turquoise grosgrain ribbon trim. Forget being the queen of the desert — this Priscilla is the queen of the world!

Misfits Season One DVD Set, $19.99. Available at Amazon.com

The premise of this British dramedy might seem reminiscent of Heroes — i.e. a group of kids develop super powers — but Misfits relies on relatable if sincerely flawed characters (all juvenile offenders forced to complete community service together), snappy dialogue, irreverent jokes, and typical anti-social teen behavior rather than on expensive special effects, cliché character archetypes, and nauseatingly corny writing. For one, the casting is spot-on, so that the main characters look and act like typical teenagers — no picture-perfect teenagers; handsome, clean-cut politicians; slim and athletic blond stunners with kick-ass powers and a bevy of tight-fitting leather pants and jackets; and so forth. In fact, they’re not even on some idealistic mission to save the world with their newfound powers. All they want is to wrap up their community service and figure out how to live in a normal life with their newfound abilities. And the insults, jabs, and utter ridiculousness uttered by Nathan alone will keep you in stitches through every hour-long episode.

Topshop Aggravated Studded Hi Tops, $120. Available at US.Topshop.com

Punk meets glam rock with these Topshop hi-top sneakers, featuring black leather uppers covered with silver-toned spikes, pyramid-shaped studs, and faceted round crystals.

AllSaints Opium Leggings, $95 . Available at US.AllSaints.com

These slim-fitting leggings feature a digitally applied print consisting of oversize poppy flowers and scattered petals distorted to create a kaleidoscopic effect. The contrast of cobalt blue, black, ash gray, and shadowy white adds a sense of mystery to the artsy print.

Anya Hindmarch Caspar Shopper Key rings, £195.00 each. Available at AnyaHindmarch.com

Most reusable totes can be rolled, wrapped, and tucked into unattractive pouches that conserve space in your handbag but still look positively hideous. But the ultra-clever Anya Hindmarch has conceived of a way to change this truism. Made of shimmering crinkled leather, these new ornament-inspired key rings feature a gold-toned zipper along the center of their orb shapes that reveals a lightweight shopping tote in which you can carry groceries, books, drugstore purchases, and more. Once finished with your reusable tote, you can tuck it back inside its “ornament.” Best of all, since these will be attached to your keys, there’s no chance of you forgetting that reusable shopper at home.

Reiss Deanna Checked Jacquard Jumper, $230. Available at Reiss.com

The black-and-white colorway of this crew-neck sweater (or jumper, to use the British term) nods to Mod fashions, while the checkerboard effect speaks to the popular board game of English draughts. Made of a wool-blend, it will keep ladies cozy through the nippy winter season.

Knomo Melissia Cross-Body Bag in Teaberry, $150. Available at KnomoBags.com

With its perky raspberry lemonade shade, the Knomo Melissia cross-body bag adds a ray of sunshine to any ensemble, but it also serves many a functional purpose. As a testament to Knomo’s understanding of the necessities of a plugged-in generation, this handy bag accommodates more than a lipstick and credit card, offering enough room for your touch-screen phone, iPod, makeup bag, wallet, and any other essentials. An external zippered pocket allows you to keep the basics within reach — whether it’s your phone or your lip balm — while internal pouches and zipped pockets help you remain better organized. And, of course, the top zipper closure means all of your goodies will remain safe from spillage and from pickpockets.

Via Spiga Hazelle Pumps, $198. Available at Nordstrom.com

Though Twiggy normally wore flat mary-jane sandals or loafers at the height of her modeling career, she would’ve probably made an exception had she seen the Via Spiga Hazelle pumps, which boast a Mod attitude thanks to the color-blocked, black-and-white design. Featuring a 3″ heel and pointed toe, these leather pumps are simply timeless.

Ted Baker London Miamee Printed Tunic, $255. Available at TedBaker-London.com

This Ted Baker tunic features a majestic print seemingly adapted from a photograph, with a stylish, fedora-wearing female lounging on an upholstered sofa with a vintage-looking metal frame, a green paneled wall behind her creating a tartan print-like effect. Capped sleeves and a high, rounded neckline keep the silhouette simple so that the emphasis is placed on the print, which draws us into an imaginary realm/

Mawi Pyramid and Gemstone Ring, $440. Available at LuisaViaRoma.com

Known for its futuristic, eye-catching, architecturally inspired, sculptural pieces, British-based jewelry brand Mawi draws inspiration from London’s youth culture, from the city’s diverse music and fashion scenes, from the juxtaposition of palace buildings and gothic churches against graffiti-covered brick walls and metal gates. This rode gold-plated brass striking captures the brand’s forward-thinking aesthetic with its prong-set, rectangular, cerulean blue Swarovski crystal center stone, and the two rows of pink and red faceted Swarovski crystals along its perimeter, not to mention the three pyramid-shaped prongs along either side, each boasting a ball-shaped tip.

Ted Bakert London Nelli Spot Jacquard Dress, $275. Available at TedBaker-London.com

Forget X marking the spot — it’s all about the Os (or, rather, the dots) this season. Play with the polka dot trend in this adorable frock from Ted Baker, featuring a flared skirt, rounded neckline and to-the-elbow sleeves.

Nonoo Marissa Chain Fringe Jacket, $695. Available at NonooNY.com

If only the jackets worn by the Beatles on the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heats Club Band album cover would’ve looked this sharp! Designed by Misha Nonoo, who moved from Bahrain to her mom’s native London at the age of 10, this  cropped black number features an asymmetrical front flap accentuated by a diagonal row of silver-toned, domed round studs and chain fringe  for a marching-band-goes-punk effect.

Illamasqua Neutral Palette, $45. Available at Sephora.com

Illamasqua Creative Director Alex Box approaches makeup in a way that’s positively thrilling, encouraging customers to express themselves and unleash their alter egos through the usage of makeup, allowing their creativity to flow untethered. Even this eye shadow quad, which seems relatively tame for the often flamboyant brand, contains some unexpected surprises so that three matte shades —  Obsidian, an unapologetically abysmal carbon black; Stealth, a surprisingly full coverage buttermilk hue; and Wolf, a matte cocoa brown — are paired with Vintage, an antiqued , slightly blackened gold with a shimmery finish. It’s the perfect foundation for any look involving a high-voltage lip or well-defined liner.

For swatches of the shades in the platte, click here.

Indira Albert British Phone Booth Print, $20. Available at Etsy.com

It may be next to impossible to find a pay phone in New York City but, in London, red K2 telephone boxes are practically as emblematic of the city as Big Ben. Based on an illustration created from an original photograph, this 10″ x 8″ print by Indira Albert pays homage to London’s picturesque telephone kiosks. Each poster is printed onto heavyweight matte art paper using archival pigments.

Topshop Multi-Tiered Fur Coat, $190. Available at US.Topshop.com

Tap into your inner Kate Moss with this funky faux fur coat (it’s made of 63% modacrylic and 37& polyester), which falls right at the thigh and features a gradient color pattern that moves from a blackened indigo hue to a spotty white, culminating in a rich chocolate brown at the hemline.

BUILT NY Two Bottle Wine Tote, $17.99. Available at BuiltNY.com

One of the most prominent prints during the Mod movement was the above-pictured polka dot motif so, while Built NY is clearly a US-based company, this pattern definitely nods to our neighbors across the pond. Made from neoprene, this lightweight tote features soft but sturdy top handles for a comfortable grip and it’s designed so as to snugly accommodate two 750ml wine bottles, keeping them cool for up to four hours. It’s the perfect way to present a gift to a friend or colleague — after all, they can pop open the bottles of wine upon delivery and still have an adorable, reusable tote they can employ during future outings.

Qi Cashmere Cambridge Hats, $88 each. Available at QiNewYork.com

You’ll feel like an Oxford student in one of these 100% cashmere hats, which feature slight ribbing along the edges and a slim strap with a button closure for a bit of preppy flare. Choose from a basic Charcoal shade, a rich Garnet hue, or a fun-loving Deep Sky Blue.

Lulu Guinness Union Jack Snakeskin Lip Clutch, $750 . Available at LuluGuinness.com

Handbag designer Lulu Guinness has an entire range of lip-shaped clutch bags that are considered hot ticket items by fashionistas around the globe. Measuring 9.44″ in width, 5.51″ in height, and 1.57″ in depth, the Union Jack Snakeskin Lips Clutch, features the same smoochable design print in the famous pattern adorning Guinness’  flag.

Crabtree & Evelyn Lovely Hands Set, $30. Available at Crabtree-Evelyn.com

At the heart of the Crabtree & Evelyn philosophy is the collective understanding of 17th century life in the English countryside, when fruits, flowers, and herbs were grown in one’s gardens and later collected both to make culinary confections and to distill them to yield soothing, aromatic waters that could be used to cleanse and soothe the skin. This lovely hand cream trio feels like a nod to this bygone era. Packaged inside a festive red box with golden snowflakes, holly bunches, ornaments, and floral motifs, the Lovely Hands Set includes three of the brand’s most beloved hand moisturizers: Citron, Honey & Coriander Hand Therapy, which smells like a sweet cup of piping lemon tea; Gardeners Hand Therapy, which boasts an herbal scent thanks to the sage, rosemary, and thyme notes; and Rosewater Hand Therapy, which features a soft rose aroma peppered with green notes that lend it an earthy, rustic quality. All three  1.8 oz. creams are formulated with fatty acid-rich shea butter and macadamia nut oil, along with conditioning myrrh extract, and the moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid.

Doctor Who Tardis Tea Pot, $34.99. Available at ThinkGeek.com

Sure, most members of the British police force probably no longer rely on the blue telephone kiosks erected in the 1920s, but they fortunately remain as picturesque vestiges of eras past in many areas of London. And, of course, fans of BBC’s Doctor Who series will remember that the TARDIS time machine was disguised as a blue police phone box, making it an indelible pop culture reference. Made of glazed ceramic, and measuring 7″ by 7″, this tea spot pays homage to the TARDIS device and the kiosks that inspired its look, plus it holds more than 25 ounces of tea.

Beautiful Bottoms Sapphire Drop Back Playsuit, £82. Available at BeautifulBottoms.co.uk

Bring sexy back to the boudoir with this 100% silk romper from British lingerie and loungewear brand Beautiful Bottoms. In addition to a midnight blue floral print against a dusky black backdrop, the coquettish playsuit features adjustable silk straps, an open front with two strings that can be tied together into a dainty ribbon, an elasticized waistline, and a seductive, low drop back.

Jenny Packham Nude Embellished Shoulder Lace Dress, $2394. Available at Stylebop.com

Perfect for weddings, cocktail parties, auction benefits, and a bevy of formal affairs, this long-sleeved cocktail dress features a blush nude shell with an ultra feminine lace overlay and plum-colored jeweled embellishments along the shoulders to add strength and a bit of rock-n-roll attitude to the otherwise prim and demure frock.

Lisa Perry Word Placemats, $30 each. Available at LisaPerryStyle.com

Though based in New York, designer Lisa Perry constantly draws inspiration from Pop Art, a movement that emerged in Britain in the mid-1950s. Among her latest psychedelic, groovy offerings are these double-sided vinyl placemats, each measuring 14″ in diameter, which bear words like “Eat,” “Enjoy,” “Happy,” “Fun,” and “Love.”

Harrods Classic Afternoon Teapot, £39.95. Available at Harrods.com

What would a London-inspired gift guide be without some tea time-inspired treats? We’re loving this see-through glass teapot from Harrods, which features a convenient built-in strainer and removable lid.

Jenny Packham Clementine Red Sequin Gown, $3249. Available at Stylebop.com

British fashion designer Jenny Packham’s confections marry theatricality and elegance — just look at this exquisite, floor-length gown, made of 100% silk and featuring a high square neck, high-low hemline, and all-over sequin embellishments.

Kate Moss: The Making of An Icon, $15.35. Available at Amazon.com

More than a simple biography or a splashy coffee table book, Christian Salmon’s Kate Moss: The Making of An Icon explores the British supermodel’s rise to fame in the early ’90s through a sociological lens, questioning the cultural phenomena that made her particular look and attitude so desirable and how she has managed to remain relevant, reinventing herself as aesthetic notions have shifted, as the digital age overshadowed the print era, and as branding became  essential to long-term financial viability. Meant for the analytical reader, Salmon’s book references French philosopher Michel Foucault, British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, Whitechapel Gallery director Iwona Blazwick, and Gus Van Sant’s The Last Days — among many other political figures, philosophers, authors, photographers, artists, professors, politicians, designers, models, films, myths, novels, and essays — in his effort to examine Moss’s evolution from grunge princess to heroin chic poster child to shining example of the high fashion “cool Britannia” aesthetic.

AllSaints Plaid Monument Coat, $495. Available at US.AllSaints.com

The plaid print feels classically British, but this Italian wool blend melton coat features an asymmetrical cut — accomplished by draping cloth on the stand — and dramatic funnel neck for a look that’s edgy, modern, and streetwise. Raw finishings add a deconstructed vibe that makes the coat feel that much cooler.

Liz Earle Botanical Body Treats Set, $31. Available at US.LizEarle.com

Julep Peaceful Trio, $26. Available at Julep.com

These three nail lacquers come in matte metallic shades that feel slightly gritty but luxurious — like the London cityscape. The three quick-drying lacquers in this set are: Hailee, a mossy sage green collar with silvery shimmer that boasts a fully matte finish; Minka, a coppery, terracotta red suede-like collar with a matte metallic finish; and Brit, a near-gunmetal, silver-toned metallic hue with a matte finish.

]]> http://www.sickathanaverage.com/2012/12/next-stop-on-our-holiday-shopping-all-over-the-world-gift-guide-london.html/feed 0 http://www.sickathanaverage.com/2012/06/out-of-print-clothing-celebrates-classic-childrens-book-titles.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=out-of-print-clothing-celebrates-classic-childrens-book-titles http://www.sickathanaverage.com/2012/06/out-of-print-clothing-celebrates-classic-childrens-book-titles.html#comments Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:09:36 +0000 Celia San Miguel http://www.sickathanaverage.com/?p=9917

In the past,  Out of Print Clothing has celebrated the contemporary literature canon by featuring the original artwork that adorned the covers of such iconic  tomes as The Great Gatsby,  Lolita, Catch-22, The Color Purple, and Pride and Prejudice. Now, the bibliophiles behind the brand are paying tribute to some of the children’s books that have been read to generations of tucked-in children right before bedtime.  Whether you’ve read these to your own children or you fondly remember enjoying them as a little tyke, these children’s book cover tees are bound to tickle your nostalgic bone.

I have a soft spot for the The Very Hungry Caterpillar Book Cover T-Shirt ($28 at OutofPrintClothing.com) since Eric Carle‘s The Very Hungry Caterpillar (along with The Grouchy Ladybug)  was my son’s favorite book when he was in Pre-K and Kindergarten. I still remember how my son’s eyes would widen as I read about the caterpillar’s desire to fly and how he giggled whenever I read about the creature “crunching and munching” everything he encountered. This snug-fitting, 100% cotton, scoop-neck tee features the artwork that appeared on the original 1969 edition —  the whimsical caterpillar created using Carle’s signature collage style, which involves layering pieces of hand-painted paper.

The Charlotte’s Web Book Cover T-Shirt ($28 at OutofPrintClothing.com) will probably also make you recall your own reading adventures as a kid, how you fell in love with Wilbur and swore off bacon (at least for a few months!),  and maybe even begged your mom for a pet pig (a request she probably denied in the most polite, ginger, considerate way she could).  This heather gray tee features the illustration that appeared on the cover of the first edition of Garth Williams‘ Charlotte’s Web, first published in 1952.

Another book that continues to  live on decades after it was first released, is 1956′s Harry the Dirty Dog, a husband-and-wife collaboration between New York-born writer Gene Zion and Canadian illustrator Margaret Bloy Graham, whom Zion wed in 1948. In this endearing tale, a pet dog runs away from home in hopes of avoiding his bath, wandering through the backyard and the nearby town and winding up so heavily soiled that he’s practically unrecognizable, returning home and begging to be scrubbed clean. The illustration that appeared in the original tome covers the Harry the Dirty Dog Book Cover T-Shirt ($28 at OutofPrintClothing.com), albeit in updated colors added by the original artist for the book’s 2002  reprint ( the original artwork was black-and-white). 

Storytelling and style converge thanks to Out of Print Clothing, reminding us of why we need to keep these literary gems alive for future generations. By wearing one of these tees, you’re not just indulging your inner child, but you’re celebrating the joys of reading.

Take a look at our picks below!

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Ready 8.0 The Playlist, $40. Available at Sephora.com

Two months ago, when Bare Escentuals revealed its collection of bareMinerals READY pressed mineral eye shadows, we practically did cartwheels. For the holiday season, they upped the ante with eight-shadow palettes packaged in sleek mirrored gold tone palettes with black interiors. The eye shadows are formulated with bareMinerals’ SeaNutritive Mineral Complex, so that they boast anti-aging benefits, smoothing any fine lines and puckering areas of the lids. We’re particularly smitten with The Playlist palette, which features eight highly pigmented, long-wearing shadows with music-related names that would make DJ Premier smile.

First, check out swatches of the four shadows in the top row of the palette: Louder, a glistening rusty orange color with hints of copper; Max Volume, a blackened forest green with fine emerald shimmer particles; Chart Topper, a pewter-y, champagne-tinged nude shade with an all-over sheen; and Pumped, a rich mocha brown with a velvety texture and a hint of golden shimmer. Next, via these eye shadow swatches, get acquainted with the shades in the bottom row: Speaker Box, an antique brass brown with fine gold pearls; Remix, a Cleopatra-worthy yellow gold; Most Requested, a foxy burgundy-meets-copper hue with fine Merlot red particles; and One Hit Wonder, a dusky, buttery cream shade.

Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Florale, $66 for 1.6 oz. EDT spray and $89 for 3.4 oz. EDT Spray. Available at Sephora.com

Who wants a floral bouquet that will wither in no time, when they can smell blossoms every single day with a spritz of the right fragrance? The Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Florale captures the natural beauty of a floral garden with dewy notes of lily, rose, and orange flowers mingling with zesty mandarin and developing a seductive mysteriousness via musk and white wood notes.

Korres Vanilla Guava Body Butter Duo, $39. Available at Korres stores and KorresUSA.com

This deliciously velvety body butter features shea butter and quince extract to moisturize, soften, and replenish skin; sunflower, avocado, grape seed, and almond oils to nourish and stimulate collagen and elastin production; and guava, which is rich vitamin C that brightens and protects skin from free radical damage. The scent, meanwhile, fuses the warmth and creaminess of vanilla with the succulent, juiciness of guava.

MAC Ice Parade 6 Snow Globe Eyeshadows in Cool, $38. Available at MAC Cosmetics stores and MACcosmetics.com

Not only does it include some gorgeous gray and lilac shades, but this palette also features a snow globe-inspired detail along its mirrored-looking, clear top lid: a see-through dome shape filled with silver glitter. You can spend hours twirling the closed palette around, watching as the silver glitter bits float inside the snow-globe-like shape or you can amuse yourself in a more productive fashion by playing with the six shades inside: a pearlescent, frosty white; a silvery light violet; an icy light silver; a deep violet purple; an almost creamy, slightly sheer, oil slick-like blackened gray; and a true carbon black.

Check out swatches of all six shades here.

Philosophy The Gingerbread Man Bubble Bath & Shower Gel, $11. Available at Sephora.com

Every holiday season, Philosophy releases this gingerbread-scented shower gel and, every season, we rush to stock up on this limited-edition product since it’s one of the most intoxicating Philosophy fragrances ever released. With the spicy but sweet sense of ginger snaps, it’s the type of scent that feels like Christmas in a bottle.

In March, we lauded Camilla Morton’s literary collaboration with designer Christian LaCroix, a modern reinterpretation of The Sleeping Beauty fairy tale featuring LaCroix’s original illustrations and couture-related references in lieu of the standard characters and scenarios. Now, Morton has updated another classic, The Tale of the Elves and the Shoemaker, via a collaboration with shoe designer Manolo Blahnik. Chock full of fanciful footwear illustrations by Blahnik himself, Manolo Blahnik and the Tale of the Elves and the Shoemaker: A Fashion Fairy Tale Memoir (currently $14.35 at Amazon.com) is part memoir, part art book, part fashion tome, and part fairy tale, filled with autobiographical references and style world details that update the age-old classic without altering its DNA.

In our firs round-up we covered letters A through C, highlighting Art Deco-flavored bits, Blossom print pieces, and color-blocked trinkets. Next, we traipsed through letters D, E, and F, hand-picking some dainty morsels, rounding up some Egyptian-themed pieces, and selecting some fur-trimmed apparel and accessories. We then zoomed through letters G, H, and I, bringing you an assortment of eco-friendly treats, hippie-inspired essentials, and ikat print goodies. In our J, K, and L round-up, then, we focused on jewel toned gift options, kabuki-inspired presents, and lace-themed confections. And, in our last installment, we zoomed through letters M, N, O, P, and Q, with M referencing metallics, N alluding to neons, O corresponding to Op Art, P correlating to polka sots, and Q integrating quirky knickknacks.

Today, we’re moving on to letters R, S and T, with R incorporating gifts in a red hue, S referencing stocking stuffers, and T alluding to tuxedo-themed items. Let the games continue!

R IS FOR RED

Lia Sophia Diamond Cuff Bracelet with Red Jasper Resin, $275. Visit LiaSophia.com to find an adviser near you.

Three concentric diamond frame shapes with domed, red jasper stones at their hollow centers are welded together to create a statement-making hinged bracelet reminiscent of a royal crown.

VEDA Thriller Leather Jacket, $770. Available at ThisIsVEDA.com

Channel Michael Jackson’s iconic style in the “Thriller” video with this cropped, medium-weight, red lambskin motorcycle jacket, which features metal snap accents along the tips of the collar lapels, a small pocket with a snap-top flap above the waist, a front zipper closure, slanted zippers along the chest area, zippered sleeves with snap-on straps layered atop them, and a buckled belt at the waistline. And don’t worry: no zombies should surface when you rock it.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge D’Armani Scarlatto Red 406 Lipstick, $30, and Giorgio Armani Beauty Gloss D’Armani 400, $28. Available at Barneys.com

The holidays are the perfect time to rock an old Hollywood-style red pout, and these Giorgio Armani Beauty offerings feel particularly lush and vibrant. The Rouge D’Armani 406 Lipstick is a highly pigmented, watermelon red shade with a nice creamy texture and a subtle, all-over sheen, while the Gloss D’Armani 400 remains in the cool, blue-toned end of the spectrum, boasting a similarly robust red hue but featuring more of a sheer finish and a vinyl-like gloss. Check out swatches of the two shades here!

Trussardi Red Clutch, $514. Available at Trussardi.com

You don’t need diamond-encrusted gold and baroque embellishments to convey a sense of elegance. This Italian-crafted satin clutch does the trick with just a touch of ruching and an antique gold frame with a pillbox closure.

Philosophy Candy Cane Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath, $16. Available at Philosophy.com

Feel like you’re visiting Santa’s Workshop with Philosophy’s seasonal Candy Cane Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath, available for a limited time only. This foaming body wash cleanses, moisturizes, and softens skin, while titillating the senses with a crisp minty scent that’s sweet without being overly saccharine. As with most Philosophy shower gels, the fragrant experience is limited to your bath or shower time, so that the peppermint scent won’t linger on the skin for hours afterwards, causing a potential aromatic clash with your favorite body lotion or perfume.

Nissa Jewelry Talasi Jeweled Earrings, $155. Available at NissaJewelry.com

Made of recycled materials, these drop earrings feature glossy, domed red stones at the posts surrounded by tiny, prong-set, blood orange red stones that emanate from the gold metal perimeter like a sun’s rays. Slightly larger, Domed, antique-looking, golden metal beads with star burst-like etchings and a central red floral adornment dangle underneath, themselves surrounded by miniature prong-set stones.

Christopher Drummond Creamy Lip Stain in Shiraz, $22.50. Available at ChristopherDrummond.com

This organic, all-natural, paraben-free, creamy color adheres to lips ever so delicately, leaving behind a veil-like coat of sheer aubergine red. The Creamy Lip Stain’s glaze-like texture make the color look all the more natural, as if you’d just been sipping on a glass of red wine or you came in from the bitter cold with a flushed pout. Take a look at this swatch and get to know the intoxicating Shiraz shade.

Matthew Williamson Red Wool Dress With Bead Detail, $1015. Available at Stylebop.com

Pippa Middleton would covet this below-the-knee Matthew Williamson cocktail dress, made of 100% red wool with snug short sleeves, ruching at the sides of the bodice creating a slimming effect, and a silver beaded neckline and floral beaded embellishments along the chest infusing a palatial dose of poshness.

Jimmy Choo Quiet Patent Leather Pumps, $665. Available at Net-a-Porter.com

Your feet will shine brighter than Rudolph’s red schnoz in these glossy, red patent leather Jimmy Choo heels, which feature a 5″ stiletto heel, a 1″ platform, and a peep toe.

Redken Color Extend Gift Set, $23. Visit Redken.com for salon locations

 If you’ve got a nurture-over-nature approach to desirable hair color (meaning you bought that lustrous color rather than it being a genetic phenomenon), you’ll love Redken’s Color Extend line, which is specifically designed for women with dyed or highlighted tresses. The formulas for the shampoo and conditioner integrate Redken’s new Interlock Protein Network (IPN) technology, a delivery system that penetrates the hair cortex, fortifying it with rebuilding amino acids and proteins. These products help to strengthen chemically-treated hair, prevent over-drying or breakage, and protect color from fading. Packaged ina  jovial red box, this holiday kit features full-sized bottles of the Redken Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner along with a travel-sized bottle of the Outshine 01 Anti-Frizz Polishing Milk, which keeps hair smooth and tames unruly fly-aways for a sleeker final look.

Molton Brown Sensual Hanaleni Moisture Bath & Shower, $28. Available at MoltonBrown.com

Every woman can create a “slice of paradise” experience inside her own home with this Molton Brown shower gel and bubble bath, which has a spicy floral scent thanks to essential oils of orchid, Madagascar ylang-ylang, Egyptian neroli and Chinese cinnamon.

Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Limited Edition Advanced Replenishing & Reshaping Color in 132, $29. Available at Lancome-USA.com

Lancôme’s L’Absolu Rouge relies on Pro-Xylane, an ingredient derived from xylose, a sugar found in beech threes that research has shown can stimulate the synthesis of glycoaminoglycans, the molecules that prevent the skin from losing moisture, thereby helping lips look supple, soft, smooth, and plump. Fortified with vitamin E, this lipstick protects lips from free radicals, as does the SPF 12 factor. The Holiday 2011 collection was designed alongside Kate Winslet and aims to publicize her work with the Golden Hat Foundation, which seeks to help people grappling with autism. Each piece in the holiday makeup collection features the organization’s golden hat symbol and Kate Winslet’s signature directly beneath it. New colors include 132, a red bell pepper color with a glaze-like finish, as you can see with this swatch.

Balenciaga BAL 0125S Sunglasses, $350. Available at SolsticeSunglasses.com

A whimsical, modern take on the timeless Jackie O. sunglasses silhouette, these oversize Balenciaga shades feature rounded, chili pepper red acetate frames, wide arms, and amber yellow-tinted lenses.

Wayuu Taya Foundation Susu Bag, $175. Available at Shopbop.com

Made by local artisans in Colombia, this hand-woven red pouch measures 11″ in height, 12.5″ in length and 9.5″ in depth, and it features a tasseled red, black, and white tasseled drawstring closure and a 19″-long strap with a creamy white center strip featuring black edges. Slanted rows of oversize triangle shapes, each outlined in black and in white, adorn the front of the bag, with a wide strip of mosaic-style triangle shapes wedged in between the rows of triangles. The color scheme alone, one commonly associated with cheerleading outfits, along with the pom-pom esque fringe at the tassel will add a dose of pep to any ensemble.

Betty Crocker Big Red Cookbook, $29.99. Available at Amazon.com

The latest edition of the Betty Crocker Cookbook deserves a spot next to The Joy of Cooking as a vital reference tool for all blossoming cooks — whether they’re new to the kitchen or they’ve worked their way up to the intermediate level. The latest update of the classic tome incorporates 1500 recipes and 1000 brand new photos, along with new chapters dedicated to breakfast and brunch (which incorporates a salmon and cream cheese omelet recipe and a sour cream coffee cake recipe), entertaining, and DIY pickling and preserving. Since the book is, in essence, one huge five-ring binder, you can remove any pages as needed, refer to the recipe featured, and then reinsert them once finished. Handy tabs, meanwhile, allow you to move from one chapter to the next without all the frustrating back-and-forth leafing that comes with your ordinary tome. Aside from recipes, the book also educates you on such elementary subjects as coffee-to-water ratios for better brewing, how to properly bone a chicken breast, what a perfect biscuit should look like, how to identify different cuts of meat at the supermarket, and more.

Lia Sophia Armor Long Chain Necklace With Red Jasper Resin in Matte Gold, $600. Visit LiaSophia.com to find an adviser near you.

This long necklace features multiple curb-link chains clustered together and attached to rectangular matte gold stations with red jasper stones stones at their center.

Halston Heritage The Jerry Dress, $792. Available at Farfetch.com

Recreate the golden Studio 54 area with this Jerry Hall-inspired, 100% silk maxi dress, featuring an asymmetrical neckline, a draped bodice, and a layered, lightly pleated skirt that seems to float as you glide into a room.

Zero + Maria Cornejo Knit Gloves in Chili, $250. Available at ZeroMariaCornejo.com

Keep your arms cozy with these silk, cotton, and cashmere elbow-length gloves, which leave the tops of fingers exposed for an upscale Bohemian look. The inside of the forearms is accentuated via ribbing so subtle that it resembles the ridges along the perimeter of a quarter.

GlamRockChic Heart & Soul Siren Red Heels, $170. Available at GlamRockChic.com

In January, we covered the debut collection from Malaysian-based footwear brand GlamRockChic, the brainchild of Kuala Lampur-based designer Sarah Chin. The brand’s sophomore collection incorporates a new colorway of the adorable, sheepskin-lined Heart & Soul shoe-and-bootie hybrid, initially introduced in a creamy microsuede with gold lamé trim. The new color scheme is flirtier and more romantic, with velvety soft, red kidskin suede uppers, a red suede-covered 0.5″ platform, a metallic golden leather trim along the rounded peep toe and at the sides of the elastic slingback strap, a slim 4.7″ heel, and a heart cut-out at the center of the vamp accentuated with gold stitching.

S IS FOR STOCKING STUFFER

Mark Glitz & Gloss Mini Purse & Go, $14. Available at MeetMark.com

This retro-shaped coin purse features a disco-esque silver-and-black exterior, a hinged frame, a kiss-lock closure, and a key chain with three perforated beads. And you can carry more than spare change in the mini purse — in fact, it fits four tiny lip glosses (which, of course, come with the set). You can tuck the tubes inside the coin purse or attach them to the key chain ring by looping the perforation at the top of the glosses’ caps through the ring. The four gloss shades are: Lotus Luxe, a seashell-worthy, light peach pink with clear glitter bits; Girly Girl, a sheer bubblegum pink with a vinyl-like finish and a hint of sparkle; Sweet Talk, a near-clear color with opal-like glitter; and Sun Luxe, a light bronze with a touch of gold and clear glimmer. Here are swatches of the four mini gloss shades so you can get a glimpse of the glitz factor!

Tweezerman Wonderland Nail Rescue Kit, $20. Available at Tweezerman.com

Winter weather can wreak havoc on fragile nails, with cuticles becoming rough and dry and nails peeling like onions or breaking with greater ease. This travel-sized kit should help you grapple with any problem as soon as it arises. The Wonderland Nail Rescue Kit features: a candy cane-themed, matchbox-sized box housing 12 printed miniature nail files; a Mini Squeeze & Snip Nipper for cutting cuticles and hang nails; a Mini Cuticle Pusher & Nail Cleaner; and three Candy Cane Itty Bitty Nail Files, each two-sided so that you can both file an smooth nails.

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Party To Go Palette, $25. Available at BobbiBrownCosmetics.com

Can’t carry a bulging makeup bag inside your teeny clutch? No worries! This travel-sized palette houses all the cosmetics you’ll need to create or touch up a glam look. The two-tiered palette houses three eyeshadow hues: Rockstar, a slightly dirty-looking platinum silver shade; Eggplant, a velvety smooth, deep purple; and Charcoal, a sooty, matte black. These are then paired with two lip gloss hues: Plum, a sheer black honey hue; and Pretty Pink, a near-nude pink with mauve undertones. If you’re going for a bolder pout, choose the Midnight Violet gloss (which comes in a removable mini tube), which has a more robust, darker, Merlot-meets-plum color.Take a look at the eyeshadow hues and gloss shades in the palette here.

Paco Rabanne Lady Million Solid Perfume, $48. Available at Sephora.com

Not only does Paco Rabanne’s Lady Million smell like a million bucks, it’s worth its weight in gold. Now, Lady Million is available as a solid perfume, packaged inside a large, faceted, diamond-like case that opens at the center, its lid flipping backward to reveal the tightly packed, creamy scent at the base. The citrus-y floral scent opens with bitter orange, raspberry, and orange flower, then makes way for a floral bouquet of jasmine and gardenia. Patchouli and amber at the base add a warm, woody feel, while a hint of honey sweetens the deal.

Laura Mercier Mini Lip Glacé Set, $48. Available at Nordstrom.com

Who wants candy canes and Santa-shaped chocolates in their stuffing when, instead, they can disover a quintent of Laura Mercier lip glosses? This limited edition Mini Lip Glacé Set features five pocket-sized glosses in the following shades: Rose, a reddish pink reminiscent of Bulgarian roses; Blush, a tawny, coral-y brown shade; After Hours, a pale, flesh-colored, peach-pink with the faintest bit of shimmer; Sparkling, a gold champagne nude with tonal shimmer; and Quartz, a rich, burnt sienna color with coppery red undertones. Check out swatches of all five shades here and here.

Laqa & Co. Nail Polish Pen in Bells and Whistles, $14.95. Available at LaqaAndCo.com

Ever rushed out the door and gazed down in horror to find your nails looking bare? Well, with Laqa & Co.’s nail polish pens, you can give yourself a manicure on the fly. All you need to do is remove the top cap to reveal the brush tip, click on the button at the bottom of the pen until the lacquer inside the tube seeps into the applicator tip’s bristles and then brush the color atop your nails using steady strokes. For the holiday season, we’re loving the Bells and Whistles shade, an amethyst purple with just a tinge of plum. This photo shows how the lacquer looks like on nails — it’s worth some whistling!

T IS FOR TUXEDO

Yves Saint Laurent Two-Tone Wool Crepe Tuxedo Jacket, $1187.50. Available at Net-a-Porter.com

From Anne Hathaway’s Lanvin tuxedo at the 2011 Academy Award to Carrie Bradshaw’s tuxedo ensemble for Stanford’s wedding in Sex and the City 2, celebrities have been embracing their inner Victor Victorias, giving the classic penguin suit a feminine edge. This graphic take on the tuxedo jacket makes quite the impression, with a rectangular white shape along the center of the wool-blend crepe piece, white cuffs with rounded top edges, and white pocket flaps.

Bobbi Brown Ultimate Party Collection, $65. Available at BobbiBrownCosmetics.com

This two-tiered kit features six metallic eye shadows for a demure smoky eye, along with four playful glosses packaged inside the bottom, slide-out tray, which also includes a mini lip brush and a mini eyeshadow brush. The eye shadow shades in the palette are: Navajo Metallic Eye Shadow, a beige-tinged, champagne-gold-meets-platinum color with an all-over sheen; Chrome Patina Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, a medium bronze hue with tarnished chrome undertones and fine pale gold glimmer; Pewter Chrome Eye Shadow, a sparkle-saturated, tarnished brass shade with greenish undertones and an infusion of vintage nickel-colored glimmer; Plum Steel Metallic Eye Shadow, a dark purple shade with black cherry undertones and sprinkles of ruby red and silver glimmer; Plum Navy Eye Shadow, a velvety soft, sooty purple-meets-charcoal shade; Crushed Granite Sparkle Eye Shadow, a lilac-tinged taupe shade with clear pearl particles; Antique Gold Metallic Eye Shadow, a richly pigmented Etruscan gold hue; and Black Topaz Metallic Eye Shadow, an ember-y black with scattered gold and brass sparkle. The four lip gloss colors, meanwhile, are: Rave Glitter, a sheer plum; Soirée Pink, a glaze-like nectarine pink; Iced Lilac; a medium nude shade with cool lilac undertones; and Tinsel Glitter Lip Gloss, a sheer fuchsia pink.

Take a look at this photo for swatches of the Navajo, Chrome Patina, Pewter Chrome and Plum Steel colors — all moody, frosty, intriguing metallic shades (we’re particularly smitten with the Chrome Patina and Pewter Chrome colors). Next, check out swatches of the Plum Navy, Crushed Granite, Antique Gold, and Black Topaz shades, which incorporate illuminating flecks of gilded gold and frosty lilac, as well as a deeper black hue. Since the shadow colors are so intense, the gloss shades are rather simple and understated, as you’ll gather from the swatches pictured here.

With this kit, you’ll add an air of mystery to your already unexpected tuxedo-inspired look.

Narciso Rodriguez For Her Gift Set, $95. Available at Sephora.com

They may call this fragrance “For Her,” but it’s also “for him” — after all, no man can resist the allure of this glamorous, ever-so-seductive scent. Rather than an overpowering, blatantly feminine floral bouquet, this fragrance lures you in with delicate yet slightly feral, velvety soft, carnal notes that feel as intimate as a lover’s embrace, as warm as the sun’s rays on sea-sprinkled skin, as fiery as freshly lit kindle. Honey flower, amber, vanilla, musk and wood notes are the key to creating this sensation. This limited-edition holiday set features a 3.3 oz. bottle of the For Her Eau de Toilette and a 3.3 oz. of the For Her Body Lotion.

Created By Fortune Skull Candy Bow Tie Necklace, $100. Available at CreatedByFortune.com

You can dress up a button-down shirt of just a cool graphic tee with this bow tie accessory, which features black rhinestones all over the bow’s surface and a skull shape created with clear-colored stones along the left side.  Made in Brooklyn, the bow tie necklace measures 4 1/2″ in width and 2 1/2″ in height.

Three Custom Color Daytime Drama Collection, $74. Available at ThreeCustom.com

Created by Emmy-winning makeup artist Jim DeMarco for Three Custom Color Specialists, this all-in-one palette features creamy color for contouring eyes, highlighting brows and cheeks, giving cheeks a rosy flush and lips a just-bitten feel. On the left-hand side, you’ll found a round pan with one half dedicated to the Close Up Creme Eye Definer, a muddy brown cream color that can be used on lids or swept onto brows to fill any gaps and create a stronger line, and the other half dedicated to the Siren eye cream, a light bronze shade that can be used as an eye shadow or as a highlighter for lids or cheeks. In the middle, you’ll find a round pan of the Red Carpet Cheek & Lip Stain, a perky pink shade with a glaze-like finish and a slightly sticky texture that can be used on cheeks or on the pout. At the far right, you’ll find a round pan with one half allotted to the Camera Ready Lip Gloss, a peach cobbler shade with bronze undertones, and the other half dedicated to the Back Lit cream color, a glimmering, golden nude shade that works as a highlighter, illuminating any desired area of the face.

Check out swatches of all the products in the palette and imagine the infinite possibilities!

Lanvin Pearlized Oxford Bootie, $703. Available at NeimanMarcus.com

So you’ve picket out a tuxedo-inspired suit. Now what shoes do you pair with it? Give the ensemble even more of a gender-bending twist with these high-heeled oxford booties, which feature sepia-ish red patent leather uppers, black grosgrain piping, black grosgrain ribbon laces, and a covered 5″ heel.

Elemis Superstars Set, $85. Available at TimeToSpa.com

Packaged in a crisp white bag, this set includes six of Elemis’ best-selling products. Three complexion savers were selected for inclusion: the Papaya Enzyme Peel, a rinse-off exfoliating treatment containing papaya enzymes and pineapple extracts that stimulate cellular renewal and slough off dead skin cells, along with moisturizing milk proteins and vitamin E; the Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules, a jar of 14 moringa oil capsules that are meant to be warmed in between palms and then massaged onto cleansed skin, with the pink tabs being applied in the morning and the green tabs allotted for the evening time; and the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, which minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

On the body care front, the kit includes: the Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream, a skin-softening body wash that will give your senses the ultimate tropical vacation thanks to its exotic floral scent; the Skin Nourishing Milk Bath, which takes a cue from Cleopatra by relying on milk proteins to hydrate, soften, an replenish skin; and the Frangipani Monoi Body Oil, which features emollient coconut oil, along with the romantic frangipani scent featured in the shower cream.

Rachel Zoe Vivien Tux Vest, $276.50. Available at KirnaZabete.com

Beloved fashion stylist Rachel Zoe knows all about immaculate tailoring and she’s using her style accumen when designing for her eponymous clothing line, envisioning such streamlined pieces as this wool tuxedo vest, which features front flap pockets with satin piping atop the ridges; satin-lined, single-notch lapels; and a single button closure.

Royal Elastics Sister Kelly Black Patent Sneakers, $75. Available at RoyalElastics.com

Blurring the line between sneaker and dress shoe, these patent leather kicks feature an internal EVA midsole and a molded footbed for greater comfort, while the glossy uppers and the tapestry-worthy, textile-lined, fold-over cuffs add a dash of elegance.

Reiss Hazel Long Tailored Blazer in Ruby, $370, and Reiss Moscow Cropped Trouser in Ruby, $240. Available at ReissOnline.com

Give a ruby red twist to a black-tie affair with this ensemble from Reiss. Start with the satin-like Hazel blazer, with its single-notch lapels, front pockets, extra long tails, and single button closure. And to streamline the silhouette, pair the blazer with the Moscow trouser, a slim-fitting, high-sheen pair of pants with tapered ankles, side pockets, and a single button closure.

Anastasia Beverly Hills All Eye Want Palette, $32. Available at Sephora.com

If you’ve ever tried any of Anastasia Beverly Hills’ eye shadows, you know that their genius extends far beyond rich pigmentation, innovative color interpretations, and long wearing formulas. Sure, they have all these attributes, but the eye shadows also feature skin-softening, antioxidant-rich ingredients like green tea, marshmallow leaf extract, lemon balm, and bilberry extract — all of which keep skin moisturized so that the color better adheres to lids and the skin remains smooth and line-free. Most importantly, the eye shadows feature Anastasia’s signature Youthful Synergy Complex, which incorporates brown algae to firm and hydrate lids; diamond core powder to diffuse light, illuminating lids; sea whip extract to soothe this tender skin; a macadamia derivative to moisturize and soften lids; and vitamins A, B, C, E, and F to protect skin from free radicals. Thanks to this masterful formulation, the nine shadows in this palette feel uncannily soft on skin, gliding right onto the skin with minimal effort. They’re also easy to layer atop one another, to blend, and to diffuse. Best of all, they make your lids tighter and smoother so that the colors look their very best.

To help you familiarize yourself with the palette’s contents, check out swatches of the shadows in the top row, of the colors in the second row, and of the hues in the third row. Though all the eye shadows fall within the neutral area of the color spectrum, the combination of matte, metallic, and glitter-infused finishes is so exciting that the palette feels anything but basic. Take, for example, the deep bronzed brown with ruby red undertones or the dusky fawn brown, which can work wonders as a base color. This palette, which also includes miniature-seized Lash Lifting Mascara an Clear Brow Gel tubes, truly is all eyes want for Christmas.

Pevonia Botanica Luminous Celebration Lumafirm Lift and Glow Set, $78. Available at SkinBotanica.com

Before stars hit the red carpet or socialites head to their black-tie affairs, they often visit a spa for some assistance with their complexion. With this Pevonia Botanica kit, you can feel just as ready for the cameras as any Hollywood icon. The Pevonia Botanica Luminous Celebration Lift & Glow Gift Set is the first to include items from Pevonia’s Lumafirm line, which is dedicated to tightening and brightening your complexion, making it look more luminous and supple thanks to a combination of Sorghum and Diacetyl Boldine.

The kit includes the Lumafirm Freeze-Dried Intensifier, packaged inside a small, clear plastic disc tucked into a black sleeve with a built-in box for a 5ml tube of the Lumafirm Repair Cream Lift & Glow. To use, you’ll want to pop out the disc, peel off the film backing, and remove the quarter-sized tab, which features a cotton-like backing that allows you to better grip the intensifier disc. Your face should be completely clean and should be nice and damp. Then, you’ll want to press the Lumafirm Freeze-Dried Intensifier against your damp skin, massaging it in using gentle circular motions. It might take some time for the substance to be completely absorbed, but do be patient — this should be an indulgent treat. You can add more water to your face as needed to emulsify the cream and make it easier to absorb. Once the substance is fully absorbed, your skin will feel tighter and any wrinkly areas will appear a bit smoother and more supple.

Next, you’ll want to apply the Lumafirm Repair Cream Lift & Glow (either from the 5ml tube or the larger-sized 50ml bottle), a velvety cream that features: Kombucha, made by fermenting tea with a culture and lauded for its skin-firming and brightening benefits; Diacetyl Boldine, a lightening agent extracted from the bark of the Chilean Boldo tree; Oligopeptide 68, meant to battle hyperpigmentation; and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptides-3, which increases collagen synthesis for more supple, younger-looking skin.

Packaged in a sleek black gift bag, this kit is a veritable treasure trove of skin-rejuvenating essentials.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve covered great gifts in the A to L spectrum of the alphabet, and now we’re rapidly moving towards the finish line, with this gift guide installment focusing on the categories corresponding to the letters M, N, O, P, and Q.

Below, you’ll find a see of sparkling and shimmering goodies in the M is for Metallics category, a parade’s worth of bright bits in the N if for Neons portion, and an illusion-casting group of gifts in the O is for Op Art section, then you’ll mingle with the dotted denizens in the P is for Polka Dots category and geek out with the eccentric sorts in the Q is for Quirky section. Get ready for more alphabet-themed amusement!

M IS FOR METALLICS

Love ADAM Long-Sleeve Sequin Wrap V-Neck Dress, $129.99. Available at HSN.com

The lights in your Christmas tree won’t be the only thing twinkling this year! This satin-lined, long-sleeved, below-the-knee, V-neck dress — part of designer Adam Lippes’ apparel line for HSN, Love Adam — features satin accents at the cuffs and a wrap-around sash to cinch the waist.

Lia Sophia Arrow Necklace with Black Diamond Crystals in Matte Gold, $450. Visit LiaSophia.com to find an adviser in your area. 

Nylon editor Dani Stahl designed this statement-making necklace for her Lia Sophia Boudika collection. The choker-style piece features sculptural, arrow-shaped pieces linked together, with half of each arrow encrusted with black diamonds and the other half left stone-free, with matte gold alone on that surface.

Armani Eyes To Kill Intense Silk Eyeshadow in 5 and 16, $32 each. Available at Nordstrom.com

Beloved by makeup lovers with moxie everywhere, Armani’s Eyes To Kill Intense Silk Eyeshadows come in small round pots and feature a mousse-like, fluffy, lighter-than-cream consistency, and they glide onto the skin with ease. On lids, the shadows have the shimmer we associate with powder and the pigment concentration we associate with cream colors. Plus, thanks to Armani’s Color-Fil technology, a bi-polymer that cushions the skin on the lids, the eyeshadow colors look smooth and clump-free. Each shade features a base color and a secondary pigment that yields a multi-dimensional, shimmering, nuanced effect. If you’re seeking a gilded look, snatch up the 5 and 16 shades — the former is an Etruscan gold-meets-bronze color with gold shimmer, while the latter is a platinum shade with silver glitter. Check out swatches of these two shades here.

Toywatch Metallic Indigo Watch, $195; Toywatch Metallic Violet Chrono Watch, $225; and Toywatch Metallic Green Watch, $195 . Available at ToywatchUSA.com

Having mastered the art of making plastic resemble ceramic, Toywatch has now ventured into new territory with the release of its first-ever watch made entirely out of metal. This aluminum watch is available in 15 colors (like the Indigo, Violet and Green pictured here) an comes with a chronograph dial or a time only dial (as with those pictured above). If you want to keep it simple, opt for a time only dial with dot markers or pick up one with crystal markers for an added bling factor.

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Whipped Perfume, $72. Available at NeimanMarcus.com and Bloomingdales.com

If you’re a fan of Cashmere Mist, then you already know that part of the fragrance’s charm is its sensuality, how it envelops the skin like a cozy sweater, how the amber and woody notes evoke a sense of warmth and comfort while the light jasmine and lily of the valley notes add a touch of powdery femininity. The new Cashmere Mist Whipped Perfume builds upon this sensation, working up the cozy tactile sensibility of this acclaimed fragrance by allowing you to gently massage the scented, frothy, foamy lotion onto the skin, focusing on pulse points.

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Cool Party Eye Palette, $45. Available at BobbiBrownCosmetics.com

There’s an Ice Queen-worthy sophistication to the frosty blue, gray, and silver shades in Bobbi Brown’s Cool Party Eye Palette. The holiday palette features six shades: White Eye Shadow, the type of velvety white you associate with cloud formations; Iced Blue Metallic Eye Shadow, a pale, silver-tinged, glacial blue; Rockstar Metallic Eye Shadow, a shimmering, lavender-ish steel shade; Sterling Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, an aluminum-ish metallic gray; Gunmetal Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, a near-black metallic shade with a soft, wispy quality; and Onyx Eye Shadow, an asphalt black with a hint of gold and silver shimmer. These swatches will help you become better acquainted with these must-have colors.

Cubannie Links Candela Earrings in Gold, $62. Available at CubannieLinks.com

If you tuned into Season 805 (well, fine, it was actually Season 9) of Project Runway, then you might remember the oversize, braided leather hoop earrings that finalist Kimberly Goldson chose when accessorizing the ensembles in her debut collection (and which she herself rocked while taking her final bow during New York Fashion Week). Measuring 3″ in length and 3″ in width (including ear hooks), these Candela earrings are, as their name implies, pure fire. To make them, Brooklyn-based Cuban designer Annie Basulto  twisted together two thick strands of 100% braided genuine leather. You can pick between a solid gold or silver or opt for a two-toned design like the one pictured above.

Sonia Kashuk Holiday 6-Piece Brush Set, $22.99. Available at Target.com

Would you ever thing this brush set cost less than $25? We’re stunned! Leave it to makeup guru Sonia Kashuk to release yet another must-have brush kit as part of her ongoing collaboration with Target. Housed in a glittering, rectangular, box-shaped silver clutch with shimmering, glitter-packed fibers and a pillbox closure, this set includes six of Kashuk’s top-notch makeup brushes: a Powder/Blush Brush, Pointed Foundation Brush, Small Duo Fibre Brush, Eyeshadow Brush, Angled Contour Crease Brush, and Pointed Eye Liner Brush — all featuring sparkly handles and silver-toned metal accents.

Balenciaga L’Essence Candle, $65. Available at NeimanMarcus.com

From Tom Ford Beauty’s Violet Blonde to Balenciaga’s L’Essence, violet stands at the forefront of some of this winter’s most intriguing scents. Though many florists and gardeners view wild violets as unwanted weeds, Balenciaga actually relishes their tarnished reputation, their almost illicit quality, taking the opportunity to reintroduce these blooms as coveted fragrance notes, worthy of inclusion in the most precious of aromatic elixirs. L’Essence, then, revolves around violet as an intense bloom found in the wilderness, dewy, mossy, and reminiscent of mysterious woodlands. Leather and wood notes complete the effect. Housed in a silver-toned jar with a matching lid, the Balenciaga L’Essence Candle incorporates stronger moss notes than the eau de parfum, allowing your home to be transformed into a virtual forest thanks to the lush aroma diffused into the air.

Nissa Jewelry Calumet Stoned Earrings, $104. Available at NissaJewelry.com

Part Blade Runner, part The Scorpion King, and part Cleopatra, these 3″-long earrings feature triangle shapes dangling beneath round discs with iridescent, color-changing stones as their centers. Made by hand in New York using recycled metal and iris-colored crystals, these earrings not only juxtapose geometric shapes but also textures, with half of each disc and triangle having a smooth metallic surface and the other half being fully granulated.

Essie Luxeffects Collection Nail Lacquers, $8 each. Available at salons and beauty destinations nationwide.

Finally, a reprieve from all the creamy nude colors and chocolate-y browns we’ve been seeing this season! Essie’s Luxeffects Collection is about as shy and understated as a samba dancer in Rio de Janeiro’s carnival — and we love it! Each lacquer can be applied to clean and dry nails or, for a truly baroque effect, layered atop another color. Shades include: As Gold As It Gets, a near-clear nectar gold hue with gilded lamé sparkles; Shine of the Times, a near-translucent white with tiny pearl particles that reflect sunset orange, coral pink, light green, and blue tones, yielding a sparkly mother-of-pearl effect (check out the effect in this photo); Pure Perfection, an icing-like, translucent, iridescent white with silver shimmer; A Cut Above, a pink-tinged clear color saturated with metallic pink pearls and sequined bits of varying sizes (here’s how it looks on nails); and Set in Stones, the silver counterpart to A Cut Above, with chunky mirrored silver flakes (which create an Icecapades-worthy effect, as shown here).

Anya Hindmarch Mini Huxley Woven Leather Tote, $1595. Available at Net-a-Porter.com

Silver woven leather strips and a near-blinding shine allow this tote to skate into high glamour territory. Featuring two top handles, a detachable taupe-and-silver grosgrain shoulder strap, and a tasseled top zipper, this Anya Hindmarch tote proves silver doesn’t have to mean coming in second.

Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Gold Absolute Limited Edition Eau de Parfum, $85. Available at NeimanMarcus.com

Since incense, amber, and wood scents are all associated with Christmas, there was no better time for Issey Miyake to release its L’Eau d’Issey Gold Absolute, a robust, woody scent that leaves behind a warm amber scent as it settles on the skin. The limited-edition fragrance features watery osmanthus and lotus top notes, lily and jasmine middle notes, and white cedar and amber base notes. Despite the floral notes, however, amber reigns supreme in this fragrance composition, making this an ideal gift for women who love oriental floral perfumes.

Sachin + Babi Rorschach Emblem Cuff, $235. Available at BergdorfGoodman.com

It’s hard to believe that looking at a stack of inkblots can yield a proper personality assessment or psychological evaluation, but at least the Rorschach technique can inspire amazing works of art, such as this intriguing cuff from Sachin + Babi. Measuring 6 1/4″ in length, this hammered cuff is made of pewter with an electro-plated 14K yellow gold coating. The amorphous cut-outs, meanwhile, recall the vague blobs seen in standard Rorschach tests, begging the question: what do you see when you look at this piece?

MAC Cosmetics Dazzlesphere! Mini Nail Lacquer Ornament x4, $25.50, and MAC Cosmetics Dazzlesphere! Neutral Ornament x4, $32.50. Available at MACcosmetics.com

Inspired by glitter and ice, MAC’s Holiday 2011 collection features enough glitter, silver metal, and icy motifs to make Johnny Weir beam with pride. Among the most clever offerings are bubble-shaped, ornament-inspired spheres containing mini nail lacquers, loose pigments, or lip glosses. The contents of each ornament are visible through the clear plastic top half of the sphere, which rests upon a silver-toned base and which can be removed to safely open and close your space-aged makeup set.

The Dazzlesphere Petite Nail Lacquer Ornament, pictured at top, will woo manicure addicts with the versatile shades Style Tip, a pink-ish nude; Much Adored, a sheer, whitened pink with pearly shimmer; and Mistletoe, a light gold color with an even sheen. The MAC Dazzlesphere Neutral Ornament, meanwhile, is just as versatile, with various nude and wine-tinged lip gloss colors, some sheer and creamy and others with a fun infusion of sparkle. The Dazzlesphere Neutral Ornament features two Cremesheen Glass shades (Boy Bait, a light peachy nude, and Over Indulgence, a mid-tone, coral-tinged flesh shade) and two Dazzleglass shades (Bare Necessity, a brandy shade with plenty of sparkle, and Get Rich Quick, a date-like brownish red with tons of shimmer). Click here for swatches of all four shades!

Baby Phat Women’s Crop Sequin Jacket, $69, and Sequin Mini Skirt, $54. Available at BabyPhat.com

Sparkle brighter than a Supreme with these chic pieces from Baby Phat. The amethyst purple skirt measures 14″ in length, so you can show off those toned stems and the hemline is adorned with a lace detail for added sophistication. The cropped sequin jacket, meanwhile, features a modern, collarless, open front silhouette, with 3/4 length sleeves adding a youthful and urban vibe.

Ariel Gordon Jewelry Silk Woven Friendship Bracelet, $115. Available at ArielGordonJewelry.com

Inspired by the friendship bracelets many of us braided with colored threads as children, jewelry designer Ariel Gordon created her own take on the timeless tokens of appreciation. Each gold-fill twisted curb chain bracelet features two strands of 100% silk woven together (as with the gray and blue shown above) and looped through each link for a very adult, fashion-forward aesthetic that still retains the playfulness of the schoolyard original.

Lauren Merkin for John Frieda Beige/Gold Python Metal Clutch With John Frieda Volume Anytime Volume Refresher, $295. Available at LaurenMerkin.com

Two titans joined forces this holiday season: John Frieda, tamer of frizz, root lifting expert, and color-retention guru; and Lauren Merkin, handbag designer and lover of luxurious leather, python, and croc skins. The result was two limited-edition sets consisting of a Lauren Merkin clutch and an essential John Frieda styling product that can fit nicely into the handbag of choice. We’re particularly fond of this metallic clutch, which has a pouch-like shape, understated rouching, a nude leather backdrop embossed with a gold snakeskin print, and features a hidden closure along the built-in tonal frame. Measuring 8.5″ in width and 5″ in height, the clutch is perfect for hosing the John Frieda Luxurious Volume Anytime Volume Refresher (included in your purchase), so that you can spritz your hair whenever your ‘do starts going a bit flat.

Cutipol Rondo Gold Cutlery 5-Piece Set, $85. Available at ShopHorne.com

Just because you weren’t born with a silver spoon in your mouth that doesn’t mean you have to settle for rinky dink cutlery. Instead, you can give your dinner table the Midas touch with this gold-plated stainless steel cutlery set, made in Portugal. The dishwasher-safe set includes a dinner fork, dinner knife, tablespoon, dessert fork and dessert spoon.

Gio Diev Odessa Heels, $875. Available at GioDiev.com

A convergence of aesthetic influences leads to stylish harmony in this heaven-sent metallic pump. There’s an irresistible fluidity to the mirrored, soft gold leather uppers of this pump, while the conical, silver blade heel adds a modern, architectural vibe, and the black satin bow accent along the ankle strap and heel collar infuses some romanticism into the design.

Kara Ross Prunella in Confetti Glitter, $650. Available at KaraRossNY.com

Like an explosion of multi-colored glitter, this envelope-shaped clutch allows you to get the party started anywhere you go. A square pyramid hematite stud inside a gold hardware frame is positioned at the center of the clutch for added polish.

Deborah Lippmann Three Times A Lady 3-Piece Nail Lacquer Set, $34.50. Available at HSN.com

Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann is always spearheading some of the zaniest, most exciting, glamorous lacquer color trends and nail designs (just read through some of our backstage interview at the Costello Tagliapietra SS12 show for an idea). Though she feeds us nail candy all year long, her holiday lacquers are always among our faves (as with last year’s All That Jazz trio). This year, Lippmann amassed a trio of extra cheerful, disco-flavored colors with large metallic flecks, small glitter particles, and demure metallic finishes. The Three Times A Lady Set, then, incorporates the: Shake Your Groove Thing lacquer, which has a clear base and large gold sequined glitter particles; Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?, a deep red impregnated with glitter; and I Love The Nightlife, which has a clear base and chunky flecks of graphite-colored glitter for a gunmetal-like effect. Who said disco died?

Mark Disco Domes Ring, $24. Available at MeetMark.com

You don’t have to shell out $100 or $200 to buy one of those coveted, open-ended floating rings seen on the hands of divas like Rihanna. These adjustable hematite rings cost less than $25 and they yield just as cool and effect with their glass pavé rhinestone-studded dome tips. Pick between the hematite with golden rhinestones or the hematite with clear rhinestones and get ready to rock around the Christmas tree.

Giorgio Armani Madreperla Palette, $59.50. Available at Nordstrom.com

Your skin will look like it’s basking in a candlelit glow with this limited-edition holiday compact from Giorgio Armani Beauty. The Harmony 1 palette includes a pearly sandy beige, a pale and antique-looking gold with yellow gold sparkle, and a light, greenish gold hue that resembles the look of tarnished gold metal (check out swatches of the three luminous shades here). The multi-purpose shades can be used on the face, swept along cheekbones or brushed onto lids, so that you can give any part of your face the gold standard.

Pureology Super Smooth Petite Luxuries Set, $23. Visit Pureology.com to find a Pureology salon near you. 

As if its contents weren’t enough of a selling point, this Pureology Holiday Set comes in a pearly white clutch with a zip-top closure, wristlet strap, and tonal, faceted, diamond-shaped studs all along its front and back surfaces. This particular set includes a 2 oz. bottle of the SuperSmooth Shampoo and a 2 oz. bottle of the SuperSmooth HairCondition, both essential when creating frizz-free, old Hollywood-inspired wavy ‘dos, as well as a 2.1 oz. bottle of the ColourStylist Strengthening Control Zero Dulling Hairspray to give any look hold while maintaining its caressability factor.

Madstone Triple Drop Earrings, $8,500. Available at the Diana Heimann Jewelry Salon in the Ritz Carlton Hotel in White Plains, NY. Call 914.467.5880 for more information or visit MadStoneDesign.com

The bubble effect on this triple drop earrings will instantly conjure up champagne and caviar visions and maybe even inspire you to pop open a bottle of Dom. These handmade Madstone sparklers feature three octagonal shapes lined in yellow gold and filled with faceted, textured, lemon quartz, with hinged bars encrusted with diamonds connecting the shapes together and adorning the triangular gold plates at the top of the earrings.

Nate Berkus Set of 2 Quilted Candle Cuffs in Silver, $29.95, and Nate Berkus Set of 2 Metal Candle Cuffs, $29.95. Available at HSN.com

Give standard pillar candles a glam twist with these candle cuff sets, which come in black velvet pouches with drawstring closures packed inside black gift boxes. Part of the Nate Berkus for HSN collection, these candle sets allow you to dress up your mantelpiece or tabletop — all you have to do is slip a candle through their center and you’re good to go! If you want to keep it simple, opt for the quilted candle cuff, which measures 2″ in height and 3 1/4″ in diameter and features straight edges and all-over pyramid-shaped studs. For a stronger style statement, pick up the metal candle cuffs pictured second from top, which measure 3″ in height and 3 1/4″ in diameter and feature branch-like strips that extend vertically, forming a jagged top edge.

Rachel Zoe Luxe Ombre Sequin Bag, $79.56. Available at QVC.com

Break the dawn with one of these sequined clutches from stylist, reality TV star, and designer Rachel Zoe. Each bag measures 13″ in width and 7″ in height and features a sequin-covered exterior with a star burst-like motif and gradated colors for an ombré effect. A 20″-long chain strap, meanwhile, allows you to wear the purse as a shoulder bag or cross-body.

Avon So Luminous Dazzle Moisture Gel, $10; Avon So Luminous Dazzle Bath Nectar, $10; Avon So Luminous Dazzle Body Mist, $12; Avon So Luminous Dazzle Hair Mist, $12. Available at Avon.com

Each of the products in the Avon So Luminous Dazzle collection allow you to coat your hair or skin with golden sparkle. We’re particularly fond of the Dazzle Hair Mist, which gives the appearance of Rapunzel-like tresses.

Blissliving Home Sasha Pillow, $33. Available at MyHabit.com

Measuring 12″ x 16″, this black sequined pillow has a sleek modern look and features a down feather filling for maximum comfort.

Annick Goutal Eau d’Hadrien Holiday Set, $120. Available at SaksFifthAvenue.com

This Tuscany-inspired citrus scent celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2011, and it’s as exciting now as it was in ’81, with its mixture of Sicilian lemon, citron, grapefruit, green mandarin, cypress, and ylang-ylang notes. Packed in a golden box with a bow design, the Annick Goutal Eau d’Hadrien Holiday Set includes both the classic fragrance and a scented body lotion.

MAC Cosmetics Make It Perfect Brush Kit Essentials, $49.50. Available at MACcosmetics.com

Who isn’t in the market for some quality makeup brushes? This holiday kit, packaged in a clear, zip-top, snow globe-inspired bag with a round silver patch sewn atop the center of the front panel and a clear cylindrical tab with silvery glitter dangling from the zipper, features some of MAC’s most popular brush offerings: the 129 SE, 190 SE, 275 SE, 266 SE and 226 SE. In keeping with the glitter and ice theme, the five brushes feature clear handles with silver glitter inside the tubular shapes.

Carolee Lux Modern Meets Vintage Stretch Bracelet, $95. Available at Carolee.com

Rival the luster of the golden ball ornaments on your Christmas tree with this multi-row stretch bracelet, which features hand-polished, gold simulated pearls and an antique-looking hematite brooch detail with three floral accents bearing clear and black crystal stones.

Jouer Liquid Shimmer Eyeliner, $22. Available at JouerCosmetics.com

Enriched with vitamins A and E, as well as hydrating and soothing green and white tea extracts, Jouer’s new Liquid Shimmer Eyeliners were formulated with a water base so that they take a bit longer to dry than traditional liquid liners, granting you more time to perfect the desired look. Once dry, the liners prove to have all-day longevity, remaining lustrous and richly pigmented. Three shimmering shades are available: Fox, a navy charcoal; Sable a chocolate-y aubergine (check out a swatch); and Mink, a rich taupe.

eos Holiday Lip Balm Collection, $8.99. Available at Walgreens, Ulta stores, and Drugstore.com

Sure, the eos Lip Balms themselves aren’t metallic but, for this special holiday gift set, the pod-shaped, organic lip conditioners are packaged in a silver-toned box with gray circles dancing haphazardly atop the shiny silver backdrop. The eos Holiday Lip Balm Collection includes the classic Sweet Mint lip balm flavor as well as the Strawberry Sorbet and Passion Fruit flavors introduced earlier this summer (which we raved about in this post, back in July). All three balms are formulated with vitamin E, shea butter, and jojoba oil, so as to soften, hydrate, and protect your pucker right in time for mistletoe season.

Elva Fields Sequin Earrings, $30. Available at ElvaFields.com

These 1.25″-long vintage earrings make lobes sparkle thanks to the gold glitter embedded inside the clear lucite oval shapes dangling from sterling silver wires.

MAC Cosmetics Iced Delights Nail & Lip Bag in Pure Drama, $36. Available at MACcosmetics.com

Yet another offering from MAC’s Holiday 2011 collection, this gift set includes a lipstick, mini nail lacquer, and lipglass packaged in a round, see-through, clear vinyl clutch with a silver-colored patch sewn atop its center, creating a space-aged effect. Available in several color schemes (Wintercool for peachy pinks, Sultry for pink nudes, Rocking for holiday reds, and Pure Drama for vampy, plum-y red shades), we’re particularly smitten with the Pure Drama set, which includes the Vintage Vamp nail lacquer; the Hang Up Lipstick, creamy raspberry red; and the Frozen Lamé Lipglass, which has a white base and tons of glitter sparkle, making it ideal for layering atop seasonal plum and red lip colors. Here are swatches of the Hang Up Lipstick and Frozen Lamé Lipglass for your reference!

Kim Kardashian Gold Eau de Parfum, $65. Available at Store.KKFragrance.com

Luxury was the ultimate feeling Kim Kardashian sought to convey with her second fragrance release: Kim Kardashian Gold. Packaged in a black bottle with gold metal details, the scent features bergamot, grapefruit and pink pepper top notes for an invigorating burst of citrus made unique through the spicy hint of pepper, all leading to a floral heart consisting of jasmine, rose and violet. These citrus and floral notes are then tempered by a mixture of patchouli, sandalwood, amber and creamy benzoin base notes for a sultry, warm, musky end feeling.

Alexis Bittar Liquid Gold Cuff, $260. Available at IntermixOnline.com

Though she’s best known for her lucite earrings and bangles, Alexis Bittar is no one-trick pony — she can manipulate any material to make it look more exciting than ever imagined. Case in point: this hammered gold metal bracelet, which features soft ripples that give the piece a sense of movement and fluidity.

Michael Eau de Parfum by Michael Kors, $75 for 1.7 oz. and $95 for 3.4 oz. Available at MichaelKors.com and Sephora.com

Like a little black dress, this classic scent never goes out of style. Michael Kors hit gold when he developed this now iconic scent, aptly packaged in a camel-colored suede inner box with a shiny, silver-toned sleeve bearing the fragrance name and the Michael Kors logo. The aromatic elixir itself makes you feel like the ultimate jet-setter, with notes that allude to Morocco, St. Tropez, New York, and all other epicenters of luxury. Michael by Michael Kors, then, features dewy freesia and Moroccan incense top notes; tuberose, blue orris, white wings peony, and lily middle notes; and cashmere woods, musk, and vetiver base notes.

N IS FOR NEON

ASOS Collection Limited Edition Neon Triangle Drop Earrings, $27.27. Available at US.ASOS.com

Revisit the days of Bananarama records and Saved By The Bell episodes with these triangle-shaped, hot pink and lime green earrings.

Diane Von Furstenberg Lytton Neon Clutch, $295. Available at Bloomingdales.com

Dainty in size but major in gumption, this honeysuckle pink leather Diane Von Furstenberg clutch measures 6″ in width and 3/12″ in height, and it features a detachable  21″-long chain strap and a top snap closure with a twig embellishment.

Swarovski Crystallized Tealight Holder in Fuchsia and Simply Lemon, $32 each. Available at Swarovski-Crystallized.com

Infuse some technicolor fun to any room with these square neon tealight candle holders, which feature Swarovski Elements stone accents for added dazzle.

Cosabella for Rebecca Taylor Cutie Thong 3-Pair Gift Box, $60. Available at RebeccaTaylor.com

Make disrobing all the more fun with these low-rise, stretch lace thongs, created by Cosabella for Rebecca Taylor. Each holiday gift set features an orange, fuchsia, and lime-y yellow thong.

Remington Pretty Fierce Cheetah Print Hair Dryer, $21.95. Available at RemingtonProducts.com

Orange may be associated with warnings of oncoming danger, but there’s nothing to be afraid of when it comes to Remington’s Pretty Fierce Cheetah Print Hair Dryer, which boasts 1875 watts of power, 3 heat settings, and 2 speed settings, allowing you to control your styling experience without overwhelming you with complicated buttons, dials, and flashing lights.And let’s face it: the neon orange cheetah print is a major selling point!

Tina Frey Cream & Sugar Set in Green, $82. Available at ShopHorne.com

These sturdy resin jars, measuring 3.5″ in height, have simple, straight-forward silhouettes and yet their ability to capture and reflect the light makes them feel modern and hip.

Nissa Jewelry Neon Triangle Ring, $35. Available at NissaJewelry.com

Handmade using recycled metals, these rings feature rectangular neon stones surrounded by clear round stones and positioned atop triangle-shaped, vintage-looking metal slithers with center grooves.

Reiss Lydia Top, $185. Available at ReissOnline.com

Perk up any wardrobe with this loose-fitting, layered silk blouse, which features flowy sleves with soft, undulating edges.

Tarina Tarantino Acid Cameo Multi-Colored Waterfall Necklace, $195. Available at Endless.com

Magenta-haired jewelry designer Tarina Tarantino gives Victorian tokens a zany twist by giving carved cameo pendants neon pink, blue, and orange backdrops, bedazzling them with shimmering crystals, and threading together Candy Land-worthy, translucent neon beads, carved rosette style beads, and leaf and bow charms.

Mighty Fine Jem Holograms Close-Up Tee in Fuchsia, $25, and Mighty Fine The Misfits Tee in Grape Soda, $25. Available at WeLoveFine.com

Before Nicki Minaj, there was one pink-haired diva for whom the world was a stage: Jem. Celebrate the ’80s cartoon icon with these funky tees from Mighty Fine, available in fun colors like grape purple and fuchsia.

Ettika Neon Sweet Sixteen Stack, $150. Available at Ettika.com

Add some color to your wrist with six braided Ettika bracelets, each featuring silver-toned charms like smiley faces or starfish, and some embellished with round cubic zirconia stones or threaded rhinestone chains.

Keel’s Simple Diary Volume Two, $15 each. Available at Taschen.com

Keeping a diary requires discipline, focus, and inspiration. Luckily, Keel’s Simple Diary Volume Two makes the self-reflection process easier and less time-consuming. Rather than daunting blank pages, this diary allots one page to each day of the year and said page is filled with multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank sentences, humorous quotes, quirky illustrations, topical questions, word association exercises, and other easy prompts that allow you to respond quickly in whatever manner best corresponds with your mood or disposition on that very day. Plus, each lightweight journal comes in fun colors like sunshine yellow and bright fuchsia and features a hidden pocket along the inside of the back flap for mementos, receipts, notes, photos, and other treasures.

TKEES Zincs Sandals in Neon Orange and Neon Green, $48 each. Available at TKEES.com

These streamlined thong sandals are just as comfortable as traditional flip-flops but way classier thanks to their unobtrusive design, plus they come in a plethora of colors including an entire array of vivacious neon shades.

O IS FOR OP ART

Versace Black and White Pencil Skirt, $740. Available at Stylebop.com

In this slim-fitting pencil skirt, palm tree leaves seem to burst forward out of a psychedelic universe filled with slanted black-and-white lines.

Sang A “Hold Me” Flash Clutch. Visit SangA.com for information.

Shaped like a parallelogram, this cream-colored, flap-top, semi-gloss leather clutch features chaotic geometric shapes with striped interiors as envisioned by artist Daren Newman.

Trina Turk Burmese Vine Art Pillow, $142.40. Available at TrinaTurk.com

Palm Beach style expert Trina Turk lends her signature nostalgic aesthetic to this decorative, down-filled, embroidered pillow, which measures 20″ in width and 20″ in height.

Cynthia Rowley Prism Skirt, $259. Available at CynthiaRowley.com

This tiered taffeta skirt features concentric diamond shapes that repeat in a kaleidoscope-like manner, creating a dizzying optical illusion.

Melissa Psychedelic Print Flat Ballerina Pump with Peep Toe, $69.08. Available at ASOS.com

Using black and white stripes to shake up viewer’s spatial orientation has always been an important technique in the Op Art movement. These slip-on shoes build on said traition with a graphic monochrome print that yields a maze-like effect.

Verner Panton Fun 11 Pendant Lamp, $1950. Available at DWR.com

Unlike your typical chandelier lamp, this Mod-flavored piece features strands of pearly discs through which light shines, creating a light glowing effect.

P IS FOR POLKA DOTS

Adidas Originals Short Padded Jacket, $110. Available at ShopAdidas.com

This sporty, polka dot print, quilted jacket is perfectly on trend and yet it’s sure to move effortlessly from season to season thanks to the simplicity of the pattern and the timelessness of the black-and-white color scheme. Aside from the zippered front, the jacket features ribbing along the cuffs and hemline, a high collar for greater protection from wintry gusts, and a detachable hood.

Beverly Feldman Davina Polka Dot Pumps, $149. Available at LastCall.com

These cocktail party-ready pumps feature see-through polka dot lace uppers,a 4 1/2″ heel, a V-shaped peep toe, and an elaborate looped bow made of a black grosgrain ribbon with gilded edges positioned directly atop the peep toe opening.

Comme Des Garçons Polka Dot Print Leather Pouch, $185. Available at Net-a-Porter.com

Stash away credit cards, loose change, and other small tokens in this polka dot print leather pouch, which measured 9″ in width and 6″ in height.

Marc Jacobs Black/Blue Polka Dot Bangle, $65. Available at Stylebop.com

For Fall/Winter 2011, Marc Jacobs envisioned a Polka Dot Paradise, and this simple resin bangle captures the playful vibe of his entire collection, not to mention the legions of designers who followed in his footsteps to make this a season full of whimsical dotted prints.

Brahmin Bryn Luna Polka Dots Clutch Bag, $255. Available at Brahmin.com

Measuring 11″ in width and 6″ in height, this black croc clutch features a polka dot pattern on its hair calf top flap, a removable black shoulder strap, and an embossed strip at the center of the top flap that conceals a magnetic closure.

HUE Polka Dot Knee Socks, $7. Visit Hue.com to find a retailer near you.

These knee-high socks will make any girl add a little bounce to her step. Made of 64% cotton, 33% nylon and 3% spandex, the knee-high socks are black with tiny gray dots along the foot area and larger, quarter-sized polka dots in a dark eggplant an a perky fuchsia shade along the upper area, right below the knee.

Converse x Marimekko All-Star Marimekko and PJ Marimekko Sneakers, $90 each. Available at Converse.com

The alliance between textile mammoth Marimekko and footwear company Converse continues going strong thanks to the bold prints adorning the classic All-Star and PJ sneaker silhouettes. Polka dot patterns like those pictured above will surely prove to be crowd pleasers this season given the current obsession with all things spotted and dotted.

Kate Spade New York Neprene iPad Sleeve, $50. Available at Nordstrom.com

Keep your iPad safe an snug in this cushioned neoprene sleeve, featuring amorphous white dots against a black backdrop and livened up by a stitched kiwi green leather logo patch and a matching green leather zipper pull tab.

Belle Étoile Bow Grande Bracelet, $695. Visit BelleEtoileJewelry.com for store locations.

Rather than wrapping your gifts with ribbons and bows, why not make bows the actual presents? These flirtatious pieces from Belle Etoile’s Bow Grande Collection channel Minnie Mouse’s penchant for polka dot bows while elevating the theme to a more sophisticated echelon. Made of Italian resin embedded with cubic zirconias set in a 925 sterling silver band with rhodium plating, both the adjustable cuff and ring make us want to bow down in awe.

Boden eBook Case for Kindle, $28. Available at BodenUSA.com

eReaders may be staples of modern existence, but that doesn’t mean we should stop looking to the past for inspiration. Give your Kindle gadget a retro feel with this spotted portfolio-style cover.

Q IS FOR QUIRKY

X-Large LEGO Storage Brick, $39.99. Available at ContainerStore.com

Cleaning up your kid’s room (or your very own messes) will seem a bit more fun with these storage boxes, shaped to resemble oversize Lego pieces.

Knock Knock Social Media Citation Notepad, $4.95. Available at KnockKnockBiz.com

Ever wish you could put someone in social media detention? Maybe they flood your Twitter timeline with TV show spoilers while you were busy at work, DVR’ing the program for future viewing. Maybe you had to suffer through the indignity of being tagged in Facebook photos where you looked drunken, foolish, chubby, or just homely. Perhaps you’ve rolled your eyes at someone’s attempts to seem profound via philosophical quotes masking as status updates. If any of these experiences are applicable, then you’ll chuckle over this notepad by Knock Knock, which allows you to issue “citations” to repeat offenders and check the box that best describes their infractions — whether it’s “oversharing,” “poking,” “liking your own status,” “sending unwanted virtual gifts,” or any of the other grievances listed.

LUSH Christmas Tweets Gift Set, $29.95. Available at LUSHusa.com

Forget partridges in pear trees. This holiday season, it’s all about the chirping (or, rather, tweeting) birdies depicted in the wrapping paper used to cover the LUSH Christmas Tweets Gift Set. Not only is this four-piece set down with social media mavens, it features some indulgent treats, starting with the Tiny Hands Hand Lotion, a palm-shaped bar cream that melts onto your own palms when rubbed together, softening and hydrating them with argan oil, while luring you with a creamy vanilla and marigold fragrance. A vanilla-scented Three Gold Rings Bubble Bar will entice you with its confection-like appearance — and, when you drop it in your tub, it will dissolve and leave behind frothy bubbles, releasing the myrrh and sweet orange oils and the soy milk powders in its core so that these natural ingredients will gently soften skin. A sphere-shaped Butterball Bath Bomb, meanwhile, features cocoa butter to hydrate, condition, and heal the skin, while an almond-scented, star-shaped Snowcake Soap will restore your skin to its optimum moisture levels thanks to the rose absolute in its formula, its mousse-like texture gently massaging into your skin. And, as a post-bath or post-shower treat, there’s a jar of Creme Anglaise Body Lotion, a shea butter-enriched moisturizer that smells like a delicious patisserie thanks to the cinder toffee and vanilla notes.

Kenny Scharf for Jack Rogers Totes, $98 each. Available at JackRogersUSA.com

Pop art icon Kenny Scharf lent some of his psychedelic imagery to beachy footwear and accessories brand Jack Rogers, resulting in a cheeky co-branded collection of footwear and totes. These standard canvas totes make everyday foods like sprinkled, chocolate-frosted donuts and mustard-covered hot dogs the focus of attention, showcasing the humor and beauty in everyday objects in the tradition of Andy Warhol while adding a trippy, reality-busting component via off-the-wall backdrops.

Tipsy Elves Bucktooth Rudolph Sweater, $59.95. Available at TipsyElves.com

Sure, hipsters are trying to find the most hideous Christmas sweaters or Bill Huxtable-esque knits they can find as part of the new “ugly sweater” trend, but their “ironic” looks simply make us remember how terrible these apparel pieces were when they first hit the market. For a cheekier look, pick up an acrylic sweater from the brand Tipsy Elves, which creates pieces that deliberately poke fun at the ugly Christmas sweater designs of yore. What you get is everything from Rudolph with enormous buckteeth to a decapitated snowman. Hilarious!

Kontextür Duck Harry Multifunctional Silicone Duck, $28. Available at Kontextur.com

Ernie’s Duckie is old news! Modern design company Kontextür gave the traditional bath time ducky greater purpose with these molded sculptures which can be used as doorstops, decorative sink accents or, when laid flat, can be used as toothpaste and brush holders (the round eye cut-out will perfectly ensconce the stem of your toothbrush, while the oval shaped cut-out along the body can fit any ordinary toothpaste tube)

Rara Avis by Iris Apfel “It’s Dicey” Blue and Yellow Stretch Bracelet, $39.95. Available at HSN.com

Lovably eccentric jewelry designer Iris Apfel placed a winning wager on this game of fashion craps, designing a kitschy bracelet featuring dice-shaped blue and yellow beads strung together on a black stretch cord.

Picnic Time Piano Cutting Board, $44.95. Available at Overstock.com

Who said cutting boards have to be flat and boring? This bamboo cutting board is not only shaped like a piano (note the piano key details), but it props open to reveal an interior compartment housing one brushed stainless steel corkscrew and two stainless steel cheese cutters. Music to our ears!

Ms. & Mrs. Minimergency Good Luck Kit, $15. Available at MsandMrs.com

With this miniature emergency kit, you’ll be ready for any wardrobe malfunction, beauty mishap, hair disaster, or minor injury. Each miniature patent leather pouch, measuring 3.5″ x 2″ x 2″, features 16 problem solvers: a tiny hairspray tube, a nail polish remover pad inside a disposable wrapper, an emory board for quick nail touch-ups, clear nail polish, a sample of Blistex lip balm, two earring backs (always handy!), clear elastics, double-sided tapes (so there’s no excuse for nip slips), a basic sewing kit, a packet of Advil, a stain removing towelette inside a silver wrapper, a breath refreshing spritzer, dental floss, a bandage, a deodorant towelette, and a tampon (for surprise visits form Aunt Flow). Not only is each Minimergency Kit a troubleshooter’s salvation, but it comes in an adorable case with a good luck charm dangling from its zipper— be it a four-leaf clover, a horseshoe, a wishbone, or an evil eye medallion.

Below, find our final round of Fashion's Night Out 2011 event picks for your perusal.

So now that you've got our top selects for the evening, tell us: where will you be heading? And don't forget to upload photos of all your FNO fun onto our Facebook page: Facebook.com/SickaThanAvg!

Meet Drop Dead Diva's Brooke Elliott at Avenue

Who better to make an appearance at plus-sized retailer Avenue (711 Third Avenue) on FNO than Broke Elliott, the star of Lifetime's Drop Dead Diva? Stop in between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to meet Elliott, get style advice from expert Jacqui Stafford, and emerge feeling like a drop dead gorgeous diva. The first 100 guests will also receive an Avenue gift bag, and they'll be entered to win a $500 shopping spree.

Learn all about the new Velvet Eyes eyeliner patches and get a complimentary makeover at Dior

Step inside the Dior boutique (19 East 57th Street, between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue) between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. and get a makeover courtesy of celebrity makeup artist Ricky Wilson and scoop up the new Velvet Eyes reusable eyeliner patches available in four different shades exclusively on September 8th at the artistry station inside the boutique. 

Enjoy a performance by Estelle at DVF

Let British singing sensation Estelle serenade you at the Diane Von Furstenberg Studio (440 West 14th Street) where, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., guests will be able to enjoy a DVF Home Installation, sample the new fragrance Diane, enjoy cocktails and finger foods, and receive a free gift with any purchase.

Check out the new Kenny Scharf for Jack Rogers collection

Brooklyn-based, California-born painter Kenny Scharf has created a new capsule collection for Palm Beach-flavored footwear and accessories brand Jack Rogers which will be unveiled on Thursday between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. at the Jack Rogers store (1198 Madison Avenue).

Stop by the Joe's pop-up store

To toast Fashion's Night Out, Joe's will be opening a pop-up store at 77 Mercer Street in Soho. Founder Joe Dahan will be hosting the evening's festivities alongside Something Navy’s Arielle Nachmani and her sister, celebrity stylist Danielle Nachmani (who has worked with the Olsen twins, among others). Guests can get the scoop on fall denim trends from the Nachmani sisters and vie to create the most stylish ensemble in order to win a $1,00 gift card. DJ Alex Daniel will supply the tunes, Ward III mixologists will serve up drinks, and Rickshaw Dumpling, the Gorilla Cheese Guy, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream trucks will be parked outside the pop-up store to sate customers' appetites.

Take in a Nicholas K trunk show, pre-shop the latest Bijules collection, and jam alongside School of Seven Bells

In addition to grub from Taim Falafel and food trucks Kimchi Taco and Wafels & Dinges, guests who drop by Treasure and Bond (350 West Broadway) can check out a Nicholas K trunk show and purchase new jewelry pieces from Bijules from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., then chill out and enjoy a performance by electronica-laced indie rock band School of Seven Bells from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Shop for Paige Novick jewelry and benefit the NYC AIDS Fund

Jewelry designer Paige Novick has joined Bergdorf Goodman's "Wheel of Fashion" event, going down between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., during which guests can buy a ticket to spin a giant Price Is Right-style wheel and, if they get lucky, score a special prize. Robert Verdi will host the event and designers like Michelle Smith from Milly, Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia, jewelry designer Eddie Borgo, Libertine's Johnson Hartig, and Tibi's Amy Smilovic. All of the proceeds form ticket sales will benefit the New York City AIDS Fund of the New York Community Trust.

Snatch up pieces from Seville Michelle Anastos, M.Y.O.B., and David Dalrymple for House of Field at the Patricia Field Boutique

Professional model Byrdie Bell will be co-hosting the FNO festivities at the Patricia Field Boutique (302 Bowery, between Houston and Bleecker), where you can shop for jewelry from designers Seville Michelle Anastos and M.Y.O.B., and scoop up some gear from David Dalrymple for House of Field.

 Have you hair dry-styled at the Redken Gallerie and Exchange

From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., swing by the Redken Gallerie and Exchange (on Fifth Avenue between 46th and 47th Street) and give your hair a pick-me-up. When you spend $20 or more, you'll be gifted with another star products from the Redken line and, if you spend upwards of $40, you can have your mane dry-styled into one of the looks seen on the New York, Milan, and Paris runways. The hair stylings are available on a first come, first serve basis, so make sure to prioritize this spot, chicas!

Pamper yourself with full face makeovers and complimentary manicures at Ricky's NYC

Unlike the Victoria referenced in the Victoria's Secret name, the Ricky mentioned in Ricky's NYC is a real person — and, on Fashion's Night Out, you'll have the opportunity to meet this famed entrepreneur in the flesh at his Upper West Side store (2387 Broadway, between 87th and 88th Street). Shop for beauty supplies, get a blow-out for just $25, and score a free makeover and complimentary manicure by Patricia Yankee, Katy Perry's nail artist, when you spend $40 or more. 

Get a mini manicure and eyebrow shaping from a Sally Hansen expert at Talbots

From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. get style and beauty advice from Mary Alice Stephenson and let Sally Hansen experts pamper you with mini-manicures and brow shapings at Talbots (525 Madison Avenue, between 53rd and 54th Street). If you're an early bird and you happen to be among the first 100 folks to drop by the store, you'll score a gift bag stuffed with Sally Hansen items.

Get a skincare consultation from Tata Harper at Space NK

Explore one of the leading organic skin care lines, Vermont-based Tata Harper, at Space NK (99 Greene Street) between 7 and 9 p.m. The line's founder will be on site to offer skin care consultations, plus guests will be able to sample the calendula, borage, and arnica oils harvested from Tata's farm. 

Raise funds for HIV/AIDS patients alongside Zero + Maria Cornejo

Rather than simply focus on turning a profit, designer Maria Cornejo is looking to give back to her New York community, donating 5% of the evening's sales to Housing Works, an organization that works to deliver proper medical services and living conditions to HIV positive patients. In addition to shopping, guests who stop by 33 Bleecker Street (between Lafayette and the Bowery) or 807 Greenwich Street (at Jane Street) can enter a raffle to win a set of rare Polaroid photographs and art books by Mark Borthwick. Customers who spend over $500 will receive a large Zero + Maria Cornejo silk scarf in the new book print introduced for Fall 2011.

Those who claim that AMC’s Breaking Bad glorifies drugs clearly haven’t seen a single episode of the critically-acclaimed series. On a surface level, the series does center on the drug trade: Emmy winner Bryan Cranston (whose prior credits include the quirky family show Malcolm in the Middle) plays Walter White, a middle-aged chemistry teacher in an Albuquerque high school who, upon discovering he suffers from terminal lung cancer, chooses to keep his diagnosis secret from his worry-prone pregnant wife and disabled teenage son and stumbles into the lucrative meth cooking game as a means to earn some quick money to leave behind for his family. Walt’s shepherd in the drug trade: his former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), a careless, impulsive, slick-talking petty drug dealer who loses his meth-cooking partner during a DEA bust conducted by Walt’s brother-in-law, Hank, whose cowboy-like antics in the police force trigger some comical delusions of grandeur.

But there’s nothing glamorous about Walt’s day-to-day life — no fast cars, no cocaine-sniffing sirens in nightclubs, no mansions with built-in elevators. For most of the first season, Walt is cooking in a run-down RV in the middle of the desert while holding down his teaching gig, maintaining his straight-arrow persona, and tending to his Type A wife Skylar, who grows increasingly suspicious of Walt’s recurring and oft unexplained absences.

What’s most fascinating [SPOILER AHEAD!!!] — beyond the flasks and blue-colored rocks, the squabbling between Walt and Jesse, and the run-ins with both minor and major drug dealers — is the way the characters develop and change during the course of the past three seasons. In Season 1, viewers can practically sense the ticking clock in Walt’s brain, his frantic rush to cook as much meth and amass as much money as possible before his final days. Though he rarely abandons his methodical demeanor and no-nonsense rhetoric, it’s clear that his actions are predicated by a stifling desperation. Still, his conscience plagues him when he faces situations that challenge his most basic understanding of right and wrong. Case in point: how he postpones killing his and Jesse’s hostage, Krazy-8, bringing him sandwiches with crusts cut off (the way he likes them), conversing with him about his family life, and practically begging him for assurances that, should he be let free, he won’t seek retribution.

By Season 2, however, Walt has become more comfortable with the grittier side of his profession, adopting a pseudonym to ensure greater safety from being nabbed by the DEA, which has now made him a prime target. As he finds his life threatened by power-hungry cartel bigwigs, he steps up with remarkable valor, his nice guy façade cracking to reveal a man who, when his back is against the wall, will go to any means to survive. Rising higher in the drug trade also means becoming further estranged from his wife who, by the end of Season 2, is ready to call it quits on her marriage.

In many ways, Season 3 is one of consequences for Walt. With his marriage on the rocks, he questions why he ever entered the business. He’s kicked cancer after some intense rounds of chemotherapy but, with the loss of his wife and kids, he can’t quite muster a sense of gratitude for his extended life span. This time around, when Walt re-enters the drug business after a brief lapse, his decision is dictated by a different sort of desperation: his life now lacks purpose and, without it, the risk involved in cooking meth seems worth taking. The Walt we see in this season is perhaps colder, more calculating, more volatile, less plagued by matters of morality. And yet there are moments when his conscience eats at him — especially in matters pertaining to his brother-in-law, whose life he unwittingly endangered.

But, while Walt’s character arc is fascinating and there are some remarkable behavioral differences in Season 3, I’d argue that this season really belongs to Jesse. If Walt is losing sight of his moral center, Jesse’s trajectory involves an awakening of his ethical beliefs. The wise-cracking thug wannabe we saw in Season 1 is, for the most part, a relic of the past. Virtually disowned by his parents, having lost a close friend in a drive-by shooting, and reeling from the loss of his landlady-turned-lover, who overdosed in her sleep while laying inches from him, Jesse feels adrift. He’s forced to kick the heroin habit he acquired while dating Jane and to ponder what other routes he could follow with his life. With no education or skill set, however, Jesse finds few viable options, plus his sense of identity has become firmly entrenched in the drug dealer façade he has kept up for so many years. Still, Jesse is discovering that he’s not willing to conduct business at any cost, that he does have some standards of conduct, a deep-rooted sense of right and wrong which Walt now seems to struggle to discern. While Walt becomes more comfortable with pulling the trigger in a do-or-die situation, Jesse can’t justify killing — or, at least, he can’t justify being the killer, the one actually taking the life in question. As Season 3 progresses though, Jesse must grapple with a plethora of conflicting emotions: from his own mixed feelings towards Walt to his desire for revenge after being beaten within an inch of his life to his disgust over the employ of children by local drug dealing gangs.

Between the season’s narrative ambition, the stellar performances by both Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston, and the usage of metaphorical imagery (note the crawling scene in the first episode and then observe how it relates to other scenarios involving crawling later on in the season), Season 3 exemplifies why Breaking Bad is simply the best series on television.

Go get your copy of Breaking Bad: The Complete Third Season for $19.99 at Amazon.com and tune into AMC at 10 p.m. for the premiere of Season 4!

As far as fairy tales go, there was always a particularly enchanting charm to Sleeping Beauty — maybe it was the century-old snooze, unsealed by that fateful kiss, or the way fairies’ magic, the twirl of their glistening wands, seemed to rule the activities of the kingdom. Author Camilla Morton explores the glamorous, lyrical, fanciful qualities of the age-old tale in Christian Lacroix and the Tale of Sleeping Beauty: A Fashion Fairy Tale Memoir, a remixed version of the story featuring illustrations by Christian Lacroix himself.

Structurally, Morton’s version is fairly loyal to the original tale’s premise. A vindictive fairy still casts an evil spell on a beautiful, newborn princess during her Christening celebration, condemning her to die at the age of sixteen upon being pricked by a needle. And again here, a benevolent fairy manages to dilute the spell so that the princess would no longer die should a pinprick loom in her future but, rather, be thrust into a century-long sleep that would conclude with a spell-breaking kiss. The differences, then, lie in the clever and cheeky way in which Morton incorporates fashion world references.

In Morton’s version, for example, the evil fairy isn’t dubbed Maleficent but Fairy of Seasons Past (crotchety because of her outdated wares, perhaps?), and the reason why she hands the newborn princess a death sentence is her fury over being relegated to sub-par seats at the Christening celebration rather than ushered to a place in the front row. This clever twist, then, serves as a way for Morton to scoff at the childish and overly sensitive egos of the fashion editors and writers attending fashion shows, the way in which they obsess over what their seats say about their standing in the industry. It’s the perfect twist to a fashion fairy tale, one that adds humor at the most unexpected of moments.

The bright-eyed fairy who steps in to weaken the Fairy of Season’s Past curse, meanwhile, is dubbed Little Fairy Sequins — needless to say, her wings, the bodice of her dress, and her full skirt are all embroidered with a midnight sky’s worth of twinkling stars, adding sparkle to an otherwise dismal fashion fête.

But there’s a unique twist to Morton’s fashion fairy tale: cast as the leading man of this tale, a young Lacroix blossoms from a little explorer boy perpetually clutching colored pencils with which he draws paper dolls and outlandish outfits into a runway titan, redefining Parisian haute couture with his theatrical, Renaissance-influenced designs. His creative output and his professional trajectory (all plucked from Lacroix’s real-life accomplishments) unravel inside the clear snow globe Little Fairy Sequins gifted to princess Beauty at her Christening ceremony. Beauty, then, can literally peer into her snow globe and observe Lacroix at work, so that the magical token creates an invisible thread between the two strangers. Lacroix, meanwhile, finds himself sketching the same woman over and over, a lovely creature who, unbeknown to him, closely resembles the young princess.

Prose aside, this delightful book is a collector’s item simply because of the brilliance of Lacroix’s illustrations (some of which are shown here), many of which feature a collage-like style, as if the works of Renaissance, Cubist, and Surrealist painters had all been fused together, then sprinkled with cut-out fabric patterns, snipped magazine pictures, and black-and-white reproductions of famous landmarks. Perhaps the most memorable visuals surface toward the end of the tale, as Lacroix works his way through a dense maze of thorny roses, coming upon a camouflaged wall with hand-painted rose blossoms in shades of white, blush pink, light peach, and warm mauve, eventually awakening Beauty, who arises in a breathtaking gown designed by Lacroix himself, a floor-length, chartreuse and forest green frock with a high color, tiered skirt, and an extravagant train worthy of a royal.

Check out more of Lacroix’s original illustrations after the jump!

Christian Lacroix and the Tale of Sleeping Beauty: A Fashion Fairy Tale Memoir, $14.95 at Amazon.com