SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Wondering What To Get Your Man For Valentine's Day? We Got Your Back!

Shopping for men can be a hassle — whereas most women are content with anything from flowers to jewelry, men are way more particular about their likes and dislikes. The first thing you have to do is make a mental list of all the things that excite him (Tarantino movies? Check. Hot sneakers? Check. Gold equipment? Not so much) and come up with a decent set of references to work with. If he's a hip-hop head, for example, he'll probably appreciate the sophisticated but distinctly urban flavor of the FLUD watch pictured below, and the cool-as-ice Nike Air Force 1 hi-top sneakers. If he's more of a suited-up sort, then a fancy shaving set or a slick pair of cuff links will likely make him smile. See? There IS a science to it!

Check out these great gift options -- you might just find the perfect present for your other half!

The Art of Shaving "The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave" Kit in Sandalwood Oil, $100. Visit TheArtofShaving.com

This four-piece shaving kit includes a 2 fl. oz. bottle of Pre-Shave Oil, a 5.3 oz. jar of Shaving Cream,  4 fl. oz. bottle of After-Shave Balm,  and a Pure Badger Shaving Brush. Formulated using sandalwood essential oils, these products are meant to have aromatherapy benefits and are designed for normal to dry skin.

Burberry Boxer Set, $85. Visit NeimanMarcus.com

Sick of his slightly discolored Joe Boxer briefs? Want him to wear something a bit sexier? Then give him some incentive with these classic Burberry boxer set.

Ghurka Classic Wallet, $165. Visit Ghurka.com

This chestnut leather wallet includes eight credit card slots and a bill fold, and it will fit perfectly inside any pants pocket.

David Donahue Sterling Silver Cuff Links, $150. Visit Nordstrom.com

The burgundy paisley print on these square-shaped, silver sterling cufflinks adds a stylish and unexpected touch to any suit jacket.

Nike Air Force 1 Hi Supreme in Matte Silver, $175. Visit UbiqLife.com

It's all in the details — and this matte silver gray hi-top sneaker goes from simple to simply irresistable with the addition of just a few touches such as the multi-colored outsole and the perforations in the sides and heel of the sneaker.

Skrapper "Love" Tee, $95. Visit Skrapper.net

Launched by designers William Quigley and Katherine Theofilos, Skrapper is a clothing line that focuses on the notion of fashion as wearable art. The tee pictured above, for example, not only features interesting illustrations but a seemingly hand-written message that provides the type of food for thought that made James De La Vega such a popular street artist.

FLUD "The Exchange" Watch in Black & Teal, $90. Visit Karmaloop.com

This hefty watch is truly a conversation piece with the concentric circles within the oversize dial, and the funky contrast between the turquoise and black hues.

Beats Solo HD (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition Headphones from Monster, $229.95. Available at HSN.com

On Feb. 5th, HSN launched the new Betas by Dr. Dre Solo HD (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition Headphones from Monster. The headphones will be available exclusively on HSN until March 1st, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Radii Footwear 420 Tops, $95. Visit DrJays.com

These hi-top sneakers feature three velcro straps along the top arch of the foot and one thick strap covering the ankle area — plus, the streamlined silhouette gives this sneaker a classier, dressier feel.

Bambú T-Shirts, $45 each. Available at Nordstrom stores nationwide, as well as Bambu.com

The company known for its rolling papers has launched a new line of tees featuring vintage-flavored artwork dating back to Bambú's launch in 1764.

Estelle x Rachel Roy Set To Shine With New RACHEL Rachel Roy Jewelry Collection

Last September, when designer Rachey Roy opened a pop-up store in Soho, allowing customers to shop her brand new, more affordable RACHEL Rachel Roy collection before it hit Macy's stores, I went loco bananas in there. I dipped in for a quick look-see and, before I knew it, I was salivating over her leather-like leggings, draped mosaic-print tops, graffiti-themed bags, and spiked earrings. I ended up leaving the pop-up store with two shopping bags filled to the brim. So much for restraint!

I have a feeling the experience will be repeated come February 9th, when Rachel Roy unveils her new RACHEL Rachel Roy jewelry collection, a collaboration with Grammy-winning singer Estelle. Rachel Roy is giving her Facebook fans first dibs on the pieces, setting up a digital pop-up store on the Facebook page where customers can shop the collection for a three-day period (Feb 9th-11th), weeks before it hits retailers.

The collection incorporates statement necklaces, earrings, and bold rings that reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of both Estelle and Rachel Roy. Among the pieces, you'll find the orchid-inspired petal ring pictured above. I'm already imagining how the petal ring would look on my finger and what outfits I'd pair it with, so I'm pretty ecstatic to check out the rest of the pieces, all of which retail for $34-$50.

The date has officially been set in my iCal, Blackberry and e-mail, so you may want to do the same!

From February 9th through February, visit Facebook.com/RachelRoy to shop the new Rachel Estelle collection.

Bring On The Funk With Miss Wit's Zaire 74 Vintage Tees

If you're a digging-in-the-crates, respect-your-elders, do-your-research music lover, then you've probably heard of the Zaire '74 Festival, during which some of the era's most accomplished and renowned soul, salsa, blues, funk, and Afro-pop musicians performed alongside the hottest acts in Africa, staging a dynamic three-day concert in Kinshasa, Zaire. James Brown, Celia Cruz, Bill Withers, and B.B. King were among those headlining the event. To many, the concert was profoundly symbolic — it demonstrated how music can bring about unity within the entire African diaspora, and it stood as black music's answer to Woodstock. The mythology surrounding the 'Zaire 74 festival has lived on for over 35 years and, next month, documentary filmmaker Jeffrey Levy-Hint will be sharing the magic with audiences through the DVD release of his documentary, Soul Power, which incorporates archival footage from the historic event.

Just weeks before the DVD release of Soul Power (which ships on February 6th), Miss Wit has unveiled her unique line of film-centered apparel, which features the original, official "Zaire '74" artwork created exclusively for the festival. In fact, when you check out the Soul Power documentary, you're bound to see performers and band member sporting T-shirts emblazoned with the 'Zaire 74 design. I love the vintage t-shirt pictured above, which features the classic Zaire '74 artwork along the front and the Soul Power logo along the back. The tee fabric was treated to give it a weathered, vintage look, with distressed details along the seams. An organic cotton version, manufactured using wind-powered energy sources, is also available, along with an embroidered cap, and value packages including a shirt and the Soul Power DVD itself.

Let your soul glow, chicas!

Miss Wit's Zaire '74 Soul Power The Vintage Tee, $38. Visit MissWit.net

Holiday Gift Guide Part 10 -- For the Fly Girl With A Bit of Edge

Two days 'til Christmas! Feeling the pressure? Well, chill back, clear your head and remember that there's always something you can buy for that tricky person on your list — it's just a matter of careful research. Throughout the holiday season, Sicka's been featuring gift round-ups themed after iconic female characters — from Joan Holloway to Penny Lane, Aeon Flux, Lily Van Der Woodsen, Elle Woods, Cher Horowitz, Satine, Liz Lemon, and Elvira Hancock.

For today's gift guide installment, I wanted to find the ultimate stylish urban girl: a sneakerhead with hip-hop swagger; a cool chick who is always up on the latest gear (like New New in ATL) and who combines streetwear with couture; a gal with an Aaliyah-esque edginess (may she rest in piece) and a Rihanna-like flair. Unfortunately, Hollywood has portrayed urban America really narrowly, and so I couldn't find a character that had all the right style attributes (not Nina from Love Jones, Sydney from Brown Sugar, Justice from Poetic Justice, Nikki from I Think I Love My Wife, Charlene from Get Rich Or Die Tryin', Lyric from Jason's Lyric, Sara Melas from Hitch, or any other character I could reference).

So, for today, we're bidding adieu to the film themes and just focusing on some cool gift ideas for that urban girl who loves both Jay-Z and Pink, knows every scene in Beat Street and Pulp Fiction, rocks sneakers and stilettos, and shops at Karmaloop and Barney's — in other words, the fliest chick in the game.

New Balance for Nine West Corbitt Sneakers, $89. Visit NineWest.com

New Balance really stepped outside of the box with this punk-y design for its fashion-forward collection for Nine West. The gunmetal-colored studs that make up the "N" logo and which are scattered throughout the sneaker pop out like night stars atop the cerulean blue nylon uppers. I also love the fact that they're hi-tops, which NB rarely tackles.

TOOFLY x GoodWood Trinity Collection Two-Finger Rings, $25 each. Visit TooFlyNYC.com

In the testosterone-laden street art scene, women have to work twice as hard to get the respect of their peers. New York graffiti artist TOOFLY has more than proved her legitimacy as an artist — she's rocked walls, exhibited her work at fine galleries, and collaborated with countless corporations and fashion labels. These carnival bright, joyful two-finger rings are part of a collaboration with GoodWood, an NYC-based label specializing in custom wooden jewelry.

 

Melody Ehsani The See Me Swarovski Earrings, $250. Visit Karmaloop.com

These parrot-shaped earrings say lots of things, but  you won't find "Polly wants a cracker" among them. Like most of Ehsani's pieces, these earrings are made of laser-cut plastic, but they feature strands of Swarovski crystals carefully placed to add the vibrant colors you'd find in this birds' plumage.

FLUD Gold Tableturns Watch, $80. Visit FLUDwatches.com

Forget walking to the beat of her own drum — this lady struts to the scratches of her own turntable. Give the sassy music lover a watch that will tickle her inner DJ.

Maharishi Organic Cotton Hooded Top, $67.50. Visit TheOutnet.com

What would a city girl do without some hooded tees and sweaters? This Maharishi number features a multi-color trim along the edges and is made of organic cotton, so it's perfect for the eco-loving urbanite.

Carol's Daughter Tui Hair Set, $37. Visit Sephora.com

This set includes some of my all-time favorite Carol's Daughter products: the Tui Hair Smoothie, a delicious hair mask that smells like banana, passion fruit and guava and nourishes your tresses with shea and cocoa butter; the Tui Herbal Shampoo, a moisturizing and clarifying wash; and the Hair Milk, a lightweight leave-in conditioner that helps to liven and define naturally wavy/curly hair.

Be & D Studded Convertible Shoulder Tote, $1490. Visit Nordstrom.com

This studded Be & D shoulder bag takes me back to the days when the world was singing along to Michael Jackson's "Beat It" and "Bad." It's got that aggressively playful vibe that epitomizes some of the most memorable pop and hip-hop cuts.

NYX Cosmetics Special Effects Lashes in Midnight Walts, $10. Visit NYXcosmetics.com

In the concrete jungle, we've all got to play up our wild side in order to survive. Make your eyes roar with these dramatic faux lashes from NYX Cosmetics.

Fallon Jewelry Berlin Necklace, $198. Visit Shopbop.com

This is one tangled web any girl would want to weave — or, at the very least, wear. The chunky Berlin  necklace features silver-plated and brass chains, along with multiple strands of Swarovski crystals ,wrapped around a heavy silver link chain and intertwined with oxidized metal, disc-shaped charms.

The Piecebook Reloaded by David Villorente and Sacha Jenkins. Visit Amazon.com

Much respect to graffiti legend Chino, whose passion for the artform has never wavered and who continues to make the masses appreciate its legitimacy and its visual power. Piecebook Reloaded, a collaboration with Ego Trip founder Sacha Jenkins, includes sketches from various writers' blackbooks (including Revolt, Reas, Ces, Cope 2 and many others) and spans the years 1982-2005. It's the graff equivalent of digging in the crates.

Easy Hey Kid Onion 5-inch Toy, $39.95. Visit KidRobot.com

Instead of investing in sculptures or canvas paintings, many of us city kids would rather collect interesting vinyl figures like the Kid Onion toy pictured above. Check out his red Chuck Taylors!

New Balance For Nine West Chizzle Sneakers, $89. Visit NineWest.com

Not ready to commit to a leopard print dress or a giraffe print jacket? With these cheetah print New Balance for Nine West kicks, you can tiptoe into the wild kingdom — one step at a time.

Cubannie Links Guerra Chain, $52. Visit Karmaloop.com

Love is a battlefield, so give your beloved friend all the right weaponry with this new Cubannie Links chain, which features a bullet case pendant.

StrangeCo IWG Titus Plush Toy, $29.99. Visit Amazon.com

At first glance, this may seem like a run-of-the-mill teddy bear. But look closer — notice how this little guy's eyes are of two different sizes and how one little fang protrudes from edges of his silly grin. This little guy is a warrior, but dang, is he cuddly!

Sam Edelman Zoe Boot, $350. Visit UrbanOutfitters.com

Every time I look at these boots, I think of the outfits Madonna wore in her Blonde Ambition tour — the coned bustiers, the garter belts, and knee-high stocking. And yet another image also pops into my head: one of an equestrian performing a trick while atop his/her horse's saddle. The square too, hefty platform, quilted harness-like detail, and the two buckle straps all help to create this equestrian-meets-burlesque effect.

CC Skye Wicked Ring, $150. Visit Shopbop.com

I remember the first time I heard someone say "wicked" in approval. It was a complete clash of cultures moment, as I tried to decipher whether it was a denouncement or a celebration. I quickly realized her "wicked" was the equivalent of my "dope," "fresh," and "fly." Within that paradigm, then, this CC Skye ring's name is quite fitting.

TY KU Premium Liqueur 2009 Holiday Set, $32.99. Visit TryTyKu.com for availability.

I love when a present's packaging is a gift in and of itself. This holiday kit includes a 750 ml bottle of TY KU, a Soju vodka loaded with antioxidants for a health-boosting take on liqueur, and a chrome and custom glass shaker — both packaged in a box adorned with artwork from Tokyo's bubbling pop art scene. The box is so cool you'll want to keep it on display.

Dillanthology, Vol. 3, $14.98. Visit Amazon.com

For the third consecutive year since we lost the ultra talented producer J Dilla (may he rest in peace), Rapster is releasing its third album in the Dillanthology tribute series. This particular album focuses mainly on J Dilla's solo work, compiling together cuts like "Nothing Like This, "Won't Do," and "It's Like That."

Reebok Top Down x Hellz Bellz Sneakers, $100. Visit Karmaloop.com

You don't need a convertible to rock with the top down. These hi-top Reebok kicks, a collaboration with the super fly streetwear brand Hellz Bellz, feature fold-down tops (the inside is lined with this cool graphic print that looks like a pixelated image), black leather uppers with tiny perforations, and a strip featuring two rows of square, pyramid studs.

LAMB Signature Collapsible Tote, $295. Visit Nordstrom.com

The paint splatter design of this tote conjures up images of subway art and elaborate wall murals, while the grid along the back makes you think of wire fences for yet another urban visual reference.

Kowboys Black Foil Wedge Shirt, $98. Visit Kowboys.net

The silver foil-like print on this distressed, black short-sleeved top is the perfect piece to wear with skinny black jeans or a pencil skirt for a sleek but edgy look.

Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II, $48. Visit UrbanDecay.com

It may be called the Book of Shadows, but this Urban Decay set will make you want to scream, "Let there be light!" The set includes UD's Eyeshadow Primer Potion, two 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils (in Zero and Bourbon), and 16 eye shadow shades.

DJ Hello Kitty Hey T-Shirt, $24. Visit 80sTees.com

It seems like Hello Kitty got into the spirit of Zhane's "Hey DJ." Remember how it kicks off? It goes: "Everybody, move your body — now do it/Here is something, that's gonna make you move and groove/Hey DJ, keep playing my song all night/On and on an on." Yup, HK is apparently ready to keep you movin' and groovin'.

PUMA Mihara Sneakers, $179. Visit Zappos.com

Instead of an all-over zebra print, PUMA went for a slightly subtler look here, utilizing the print only along the heel and the velcro strap along the ankle. The perforated whiter leather uppers, meanwhile, add yet another texture element for an even more intriguing effect.

Tokidoki for Hello Kitty Rolling Suitcase, $250. Visit Shop.Sanrio.com

Hello Kitty's face replaces that of some of your favorite Tokidoki characters (from Mozzarella to Sandy, Bastardino, Sabochan, and more) in this quirky Sanrio suitcase, which brings a whole new meaning to the expression "rollin' with the homies."

Lipstick Queen Five Minutes of Fame Mini Set, $28. Visit LipstickQueen.com

If there's one thing Lil' Mama did right (and frankly, it may be the ONLY thing she did right), it was let the world know how much girls in the hip-hop generation love their lipgloss. The Five Minutes of Fame set features five shades: 3, a coral pink; 5, an orange-y nude; 11, a magenta-tinged purple; 12, a pink with lilac undertones; and 13, a light poppy red.

DKNY Be Delicious Limited Edition Interchangeable Rollerball Set, $30. Available exclusively at ULTA stores.

This set is pure genius. If you love the fruity apple scent o DKNY's Be Delicious and Red Delicious scents, you're going to adore this gift set, which includes four miniature rollerballs: the Be Delicious EDP Rollerball, the Be Delicious Juicy Apple Accord Rollerball, the Be Delicious Sweet Floral Accord Rollerball, and the Be Delicious Sex-A-Peel Accord Rollerball — all of which can be mixed and matched so you can add a nice twist to your Be Delicious fragrance.

Love Rocks NY Crack Black Diamond Hoops, $4000. Visit LoveRocksNY.com

What Jenny from the Block type doesn't have a trusty pair of hoop earrings? But finding some hoops that stand out from the crowd? That's a different story. With its zig-zagging, jagged edges and rows of black diamonds, these earrings will highlight her star status.

Harajuku Lovers Snow Bunnies Bag Collection: Brush Case, $20; Clutch, $28; and Travel Bag, $48. Visit Sephora.com

For the winter season, the Harajuku Girls (Love, Angel, Baby and Music) stored away their jumpers, baby doll dresses and mini skirts and reached for their yummy coats, sweater vests, scarves and mittens. These makeup cases come in five different sizes (four of which are pictured above), each with a different Harajuku Girl against a white backdrop adorned with giant snowflakes.

 
Nooka x Hellz Bellz "Hellz Zoo" Watch, $285. Visit Nooka.com

Nooka's digital watches are already stellar, but this one has an out-of-this-world feel with the dark blue, violet, magenta, fuchsia, white,  and light blue nebulae print on the face.

DC Shoes Life Collection Women's Admiral Sneakers, $100. Visit Store.DCShoes.com

Hi-top kicks seem to be getting narrower and more polished this season — but DC Shoes was way ahead of its competition on that one, having designed the Admiral silhouette ages ago. The new black and purple colorway, meanwhile, works beautifully for the chilly months ahead.

Cubannie Links The Freedom Tri-Rings In Gold And Green, $70. Visit Karmaloop.com

These CL earrings feature braided strips of leather twisted into triangular shapes. The army green, light green and gold leather strips are perfect for the gal who loves camo print and military motifs.

The Wire Tees, $28 each. Available at the HBO Store and at Karmaloop.com

Are you still mourning the end of HBO's The Wire? Well, you can still celebrate the series and its key characters with these new tees, which are available at the HBO store.

SOBRAL Flash Gordon Harvey Bangle Bracelets, $85 each. Visit SOBRALUSA.com

Ever since I discovered this jewelry line, I've been obsessed! The pieces are affordable, stylish, and oh so unique. The Flash Gordon lucite bracelets feature a wooden brown color and a gold linear pattern that's just the slightest bit flashy and all the way fly.

It's Just Begun: The Epic Journey of DJ Disco Wiz, Hip Hop's First Latino DJ by Ivan Sanchez and Luis "DJ Disco Wiz" Cedeno, $15.61. Visit Amazon.com

Latinos have played a pivotal part in hip-hop's history — we were there from the very beginning. I mean, think about it: a movement that was birthed in the South Bronx that doesn't include Puerto Ricans? The very thought is absurd! Here, DJ Disco Wiz, one of the very first Latino DJs to receive massive recognition, tells his story.

NotNeutral Triton Lacquer Tray Set, $220. Visit NotNeutral.com

Notice how you can make out an image of a face in these three trays, which feature orange lacquer against a brown backdrop? Well, that's the face of Triton, the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, the god and goddesses of the sea. You can use these trays to store anything from jewelry to keys, glasses, and any other valuables.

JK Jemma Kidd I-Conic Eyes Mini Liners, $32. Visit Target.com

How can you any fly girl pull of a Sasha Fierce look without some eyeliner? With this four-piece miniature eyeliner set, a dramatic eye look is always within reach.

DC Shoes Women's Henry Jacket, $82. Visit Store.DCShoes.com

You don't have to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars to stay warm this season. This bubble jacket is extra soft and comfortable, and it'll keep you nice and toasty.

Holiday Gift Guide Part 5: For The "Clueless"-Obsessed, Cher-Like Gal

Way before Blair Waldorf and her Mean Girl minions championed haute preppy looks, Cher Horowitz was making plaid ensembles, airhead-isms, and phrases like "As if!," "She's such a Monet," and "Wasn't my mom a Betty?" essential parts of youth culture vernacular. All of us girls wanted to be Alicia Silverstone's iconic Clueless character: playing matchmaker to our disgruntled teachers, shopping our troubles away, giving makeovers to those in need of a style godmother, tinkering with our motorized closets (synchronized with our computer to ensure perfectly matching ensembles), and obsessing over our latest crushes.

These holiday gifts will make any gal feel like a Beverly Hills princess.

Inge Christopher KIRBY Elongated Flap Clutch, $148. Visit IngeChristopher.com

From the moment I laid eyes on this envelope clutch, I thought of Clueless and the eerily similar yellow plaid pattern of the blazer and mini skirt outfit Cher wore during the film's opening sequence. If it wasn't for her having to fit textbooks into her bag, I'm sure she would've worn this to finish off her memorable outfit (which also included white knee-high socks, a black headband, and low Mary-Jane pumps).

AE Scoop Cardigan, $29.95. Visit AE.com

Another crucial element of Cher's iconic yellow plaid blazer and mini skirt ensemble was a fitted canary yellow cardigan. And hey, what would a preppy gal do without some cozy cardigans?

Bare Minerals Jewel Collection, $54. Available exclusively at Ulta.com

Pampered princesses spend countless hours primping — and when they're not grooming and beautifying themselves, they're either shopping or giving their friends makeovers. The Bare Minerals Jewels Collection features blush and eyeshadow shades infused with natural gemstones so as to feel like real jewel box treasures. Packaged in a lovely vanity box, the set includes: Smoky Amber (a dusty brown shade) and Yellow Sapphire (a pearly yellow beige color) Eyecolors, for a natural but resplendent look; a Deep Amethyst Liner Shadow; a Citrine Radiance All-Over Face Color for a golden honey complexion; a Pink Tourmaline Blush to yield flushed cheeks; a Cranberry Sorbet Lipgloss (to make lips kissable for the Joshes of our lives), and three handy brushes (a Flawless Radiance Brush, Wet/Dry Eyeshadow Brush, and the Soft Focus Tapered Liner Brush). 

Bambako "Shout, Shout" Headband, $48. Visit Bambako.com

Despite the hoopla surrounding Blair Waldorf's headbands, Cher Horowitz was the original headband queen, wearing everything from red velvet-covered pieces to simple cotton elastic numbers. With its black-and-white stripes and textured bow explosion, this ribbon-covered headband epitomizes preppy chic.

Flirt! Limited Edition Nail Wishes, $15. Available at Kohls.com

Cher types know that it takes time and effort to look like a Betty — and freshly polished nails are a key detail. Whenever it' for those moments when they're bored in class or when they're lounging at home on the couch, they always keep some nail enamel handy for necessary touch-ups. The Flirt! Nail Wishes set includes six miniature polishes in shades ranging from classic red to shimmering gold and pastel pink.

Geddes "G Is For Girls" Feather Pens, $3 per tub. Visit RamondGeddes.com

Even Cher's writing implements had to be distinctive — no run-of-the-mill ballpoint pens for her. Tickle her fancy with some feathered pencils that will make all her love note writing that much more fun.

K Karl Lagerfeld Blouse, $65. Visit TheOutnet.com

No closet would be complete without a long-sleeved white blouse — especially when the closet in question belongs to a girl with a penchant for sweater vests worn over crisp shirts.

DSquared2 Blazer, $670. Visit Yoox.com

You don't have to be a high school student to appreciate the genius of this excellently tailored tartan blazer from DSquared2. Details like a black trim along the collar, two front buttons, and three pockets add a whimsical feel to this timeless piece.

Kimberly Baker Blair Necklace, $145. Visit KimberlyBaker.com

Who couldn't use some extra luck? This brilliant necklace by designer Kimberly Baker fuses together a bow motif with a wishbone symbol, so that the wearer feels like she's been given an ounce of good luck wrapped with a pretty bow.

Lolly Cashmere by Obvious Clothing Lion Crest Scoopneck Pullover Sweater, $170. Visit LollyCashmere.com for more info.

Houndstooth prints, tartan patterns and crest symbols are all integral to the preppy queen's wardrobe. This Lolly Cashmere heather gray scoopneck pullover features an orange crest pattern — perfect for those who want to celebrate their lineage (whether real or imagined) or for those who simply appreciate classic iconography.

 

Goody Midnight Glamour Collection Late Night Headband in Silver, $6.99. Available at Target stores.

There's no need to spend a fortune on headbands. Goody's new Midnight Glamour collection includes an adorable range of pieces that cost less than $10 but look like a million bucks. One of my absolute favorites is this Late Night Headband, which features a wide band covered in a satin-like, silver-colored fabric and featuring an oversize, flattened bow along the side.

French Connection Jamie Cardigan in Petal Pink, $59.99. Visit FrenchConnection.com

Remember the pink cardigan Cher wore atop a plain white cotton, scoopneck tee as she watched Travis performing his skateboard tricks? Let the Beverly Hills Barbie in your life work up a similar look with this dainty sweater.

CL by Chinese Laundry Alysha Argyle Ballet Flat in Black and Earth, $49.95. Visit Endless.com

Argyle prints add a classic vibe to any outfit. Pair these ballet flats with a pleated mini and a cardigan sweater, and you've got yourself a Cher-approved ensemble.

 

American Beauty Badgley Mischka Goldtone Crystal-Accented Charm Watch, $129. Visit HSN.com

Since Cher was still in high school (and Clueless came out in 1995, not 2009), she never wore audacious jewelry. Instead, she added some glitz to her looks via dainty pendants, stud earrings, and charm bracelets such as the Badgley Mischka-designed number pictured above.

Nina Shoes Erlia Dress Sandal, $99. Visit Macys.com

Remember the shoes Cher wore to the party in the Valley (the one that ended up with Elton offering to drive her home and then leaving her in a dark parking lot in the Valley, where she was subsequently robbed at gunpoint and saved by Josh)? Well, before Travis spilled a drink all over them, the red strappy evening sandals looked remarkably similar to these flirty Nina shoes.

Calvin Klein Stretch Satin Sheath Dress, $108. Visit Overstock.com

Speaking of that infamous Valley party, Cher sashayed into the party to "roll with the homies" wearing a square-neck sheath dress in a lush red color, and there was no question that she was the belle of the ball.

Fresh Enchanted Garden Strawberry Flowers Set, $30. Visit Sephora.com

Smelling delicious is key for this buttercup — and with this Fresh set, she'll have everybody singing "Strawberry Fields Forever." She can have an indulgent bubble bath with the Strawberry Flowers Bath & Shower Gel, then infuse her skin with some moisture using the Strawberry Flowers  Body Lotion, and finish the experience off with the Strawberry Flowers EDP. And I must say: having a perfume to match the bath and body products is absolute genius given that, oftentimes, when you use scented lotions and shower gels, layering on a fragrance can be a complicated ordeal. With this Enchanted Garden set, any girl can feel berry delicious.

 

 
Jeffrey Banks Plaid Tidins Set of 4 Dessert Plates, $29.95. Visit HSN.com

When she's entertaining guests and serving them plates of take-out food or catered cuisine (hey, let's face it — Cher types can barely toast bred), this Cher-like lady knows how to set a memorable table. These Jeffrey Banks dessert plates will add a surge of color to the dinner table and will make guests want to clear their plates just to get another glimpse at the pretty dish pattern.

Chooka Herringbone Boots, $70. Visit Piperlime.com

Sure, it never rained in the movie Clueless — but, had the film been set in New York (or anywhere with a gloomier climate), Cher would've had to incorporate some chic rain boots into her wardrobe. With their herringbone pattern and double buckle detail, these Chooka boots would have her swooning.

 

Marc Jacobs Daisy Silver Edition, $88. Visit Nordstrom.com

Cher types are young at heart and innocent as can be (they're still proud V Card holders, remember?), so they 're drawn to the playful nature of Marc Jacobs' Daisy fragrance, with its strawberry, violet, ruby red grapefruit, gardenia, jasmine,vanilla, and white woods notes. And, of course, since they love any sort of exclusive release, they'd be particularly smitten with the Silver Edition of the fragrance, with its sleek, polished silver bottle and gold daisy-covered cap.

Priorities Green Scottish Plaid The Tana Blazer, $99. Visit Bluefly.com

This blue and green Priorities blazer is not as flashy as some of the pieces Cher favored, but it does seem like the type of garment an older Cher type would favor since, after all, her tastes would refine and mature with age.

Lolly Cashmere by Obvious Clothing Houndstooth Belted Cardigan Hoodie, $265. Visit LollyCashmere.com for more info.

From the hood to the square front pockets and belt tie, this houndstooth print cardigan sweater fuses together fashion and function in a subtle and chic way.

Alex Woo Little Seasons Bee, $628 for 14kt Gold; $148 for Sterling Silver; $838 for 14kt White Gold with Diamonds; and $828 for 14kt Yellow Gold with Diamonds. Visit AlexWoo.com

Give this sweet-as-honey girl a fitting trinket with one of Alex Woo's Little Seasons Bee necklaces, available in 14kt gold, sterling silver, 14kt white gold with diamonds, or 14kt yellow gold with diamonds.

Burberry Check Band Watch, $295. Visit Nordstrom.com

What brand is more synonymous with plaid than Burberry? Help the Cher in your life keep track of time with this Burberry watch, which features a red leather strip along the center of the band.

DSquared2 DQ0034-66F Sunglasses, $295.00. Available at select Saks Fifth Avenue locations.

When driving around (hopefully with better skills than the dreadful ones Cher Horowitz possessed), this Beverly Hills princess will need to shield her eyes — and do so in style. So give her a pair of sunglasses like these DSquared2 ones to match her red tartan blazer.

Diamond Ideals Chain of Hearts Pendant in 14K Two-Tone Gold, $299. Visit DiamondIdeals.com

Cher types are suckers for love — they enjoy playing matchmaker, watching romantic moments shared by couples, and searching for their own mates. Celebrate their romantic sides with this Chain of Hearts pendant from Diamond Ideals.

Holiday Gift Guide Part 3: For the Free-Spirited, Penny Lane Type

This week's gift guide pays homage to Penny Lane, Kate Hudson's lovable character in the film Almost Famous. A true free spirit, Penny Lane exuded warmth and joy. She epitomized a rock-influenced Bohemian vibe — surrounding herself with beautiful things (from fields of flowers to healing music), made spontaneous decisions (such as when she declared she would travel to Morocco for a year), loving fully and unconditionally (especially when it came to her favorite band, StillWater, for which she was a "Band Aide"), and hoping to live life to the fullest. She could charm anyone with her curly mane and dazzling smile, and she was always a show stopper with her fur-trimmed coats, cozy boots and knits, natural makeup, and beautiful jewelry.

Here, a few gifts that would make the Penny Lane-esque, Boho chic girl in your life want to sing "Tiny Dancer" at the top of her lungs.

Fresh Sugar Wish set, $28. Visit Sephora.com

Penny Lane loves communing with nature. She can appreciate the simplest of delights, such as a spoonful of brown sugar. The Fresh Sugar Wish set includes the brand's best-selling Sugar Lip Treatment, which exfoliates, softens, and moisturizes lips, as well as the Brown Sugar Body Cream, which is so delicious, it will have you dedicating D'Angelo's "Brown Sugar" to it.

Torn by Ronny Kobo Natalie Cropped Fur Vest, $550. Visit Singer22.com

Throughout Almost Famous, we found Penny Lane draped in warm furs — whether it was wool coats with Mongolian fur trim or fitted fur vests, such as this rabbit fur piece from Torn by Ronny Kobo. I love how the contrasting textures along the sleeves and collar add a bit more shapeliness to the vest.

 

Sandy Leong Signature Ring with Diamonds, $2800. Visit SandyLeong.com

Though Penny Lane types prefer understated earrings and necklaces, they do tend to be smitten with large, statement-making rings. This beautiful Sandy Leong ring, which seems to resemble the curved shape of a water lily pad, is made of 100% recycled gold — another great perk for Boho chic types who embrace nature and are concerned with environmental matters.

NYX Cosmetics "The Naturals" Luscious Lip Palette, $7. Visit NYXcosmetics.com

When it comes to makeup, Penny Lane types fall in the minimalist category. Sure, they'll apply makeup, but they'll stick to earth tones and neutrals for a more understated, natural look. This lip palette from NYX Cosmetics features five barely-there hues: from a shimmering nude pink to a coppery brown.

Hayden-Harnett Yoko Knit Sweater Dress in Plum Colorblock, $211. Available at HaydenHarnett.com

The name of this sweater dress ("Yoko") says it all — with its slightly bell-shaped sleeves, colorblock print, and loose fit, this Hayden-Harnett dress epitomizes that early '70s vibe.

Sephora Brand Brown Smoky Eyes Kit, $38. Available at Sephora.com

If Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" shows us anything, it's that you don't need blue or green eyes to make a man want to sing "sha-la-la-la-la" — and, of course, Penny Lane sorts know this all too well (what with their encyclopedic knowledge of rock songs). This eye kit helps them create the perfect smoky eye with four eyeshadow shades, a black eyeliner, black mascara and a set of step-by-step instructions.

 

Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Twilight Woods Shower Gel, $10.50; Twilight Woods Body Lotion, $10.50; and Twilight Woods Eau de Toilette, $29.50. Visit BathAndBodyWorks.com

Inspired by the notion of walking through the forest at dusk, this romantic scent features top notes of berry, sparkling mandarin and coconut, a heart of creamy frangipani, soft mimosa, honeysuckle, wild freesia, and apricot nectar, and base notes of musk, orris, vanilla milk, and warm woods. The resulting fragrance is romantic and inviting with a hint of mystery  — just like Penny herself.

Adrienne Landau Raccoon Hat, $395. Visit AdrienneLandau.com

If you've watched Almost Famous enough times, you might remember the hat Penny Lane wore, a white fur number much like the gorgeous Adrienne Landau piece above.

 

Julia Failey Little Vine Ring in Gold, $75. Visit JuliaFailey.com

Nature lovers will appreciate Julia Failey's designs, which display a reverence toward nature in their very design and which utilize repurposed materials. Adorable yet slightly edgy, the Little Vine Ring pictured above was made using repurposed, deoxidized sterling silver with a 24k gold vermeil coat.

Tarte FRxtion Natural Sugar Exfoliator & Lip Balm Duo, $11. Visit TarteCosmetics.com

Penny Lane types have so much love to give – and how can they smooch their loved ones or even blow a  seductive air kiss with dry, chapped lips? With Tarte's FRxtion they can keep their pouts looking sumptuous. This lipstick-shaped offering features a sugar exfoliator on one half of the tube (featuring botanical extracts like jojoba seed oil, castor seed oil, sunflower seed oil, wheat germ oil, and safflower seed oil) and a lip balm (fortified with vitamins A and E, jojoba seed oil, chamomile extract, vanilla, and aloe leaf) on the other half.

Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Fragrance Mini Roller-Ball Set, $28. Visit Sephora.com

Communing with nature means understanding all the fragrant wonders in various herbs, flowers, spices, and botanicals. Hippie honeys, then, know about the intrinsic sexiness of vanilla and can appreciate the simple wonders of Lavanila's fragrances, which are made using 100% natural ingredients. This travel-friendly roller-ball set features all four Lavanila fragrances: Vanilla Coconut, Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Grapefruit, and Vanilla Lavender.

 

Todd Reed necklace 18ky gold, raw diamonds (32.47ctw), brilliant cut diamonds(.975ctw), $26,400. Visit ToddReed.com

Eco-chic designer Todd Reed's pieces, which are made of raw diamonds and recycled gold, not only showcase a symbolic concern for eco-friendly practices (through the manner in which they're made), but their unrefined yet elegant aesthetic also makes people feel closer to Mother Earth and its natural treasures.

Pur Minerals 5-Piece Lucite Brush Collection, $35. Visit PurMinerals.com

Penny Lane types tend to be full of contradictions (then again, aren't we all?). On the one hand, they love fur coats and accessories and they drink and smoke to the point of recklessness, and yet they're also gentle souls, animal lovers, and peace advocates. Appeal to the animal lover side of your Penny Lane with this set of cruelty-free, all-natural brushes. The set includes a powder brush, utility brush, covered lip brush, blush brush and eye shadow brush.

NP Set 10-Color Eye Shadow Palette, $9.99. Available at Target.com

This 10-piece eyeshadow palette focuses on earthy shades — from a rose gold hue to a dark forest green, an eggplant purple, and a sharp copper — but they all have a metallic finish that will appeal to the inner star inside any Penny Lane type (just imagine her dancing on the stage, as she did in that one movie scene).

 

Michal Yakar 14K Gold Filled Hoops With Swarovski Crystals, Peridot and Citrine, $130. Visit MichalYakar.com

The way the peridot, citrine and Swarovski crystals float inside these gold hoops makes you think of enchanted gardens and magical journeys, and the green and yellow colors intensify the effect by conjuring up images of blooming flowers and plants.

 
Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Spray Perfume Set, $20. Visit Sephora.com

There's a sensual side to Penny Lane types — and it comes out the most when they're surrounded by things that remind them of nature and their own instinctive carnal desires. This spray perfume and candle gift set, with its sultry guava scent, brings a tropical sexiness to any bedroom.

 

Sabidos & Basteris Filo D'Argento Fertile Vine Bracelet. Visit SabidoBasteris.com

When she wants to play up her femininity, this flower child will again turn to nature to accentuate her features, With its ribbon strap and dangling, flower-shaped charms, this bracelet will bring out the daintier, more fragile side of this Boho princess.

 

Treesje Halen Cross-Body, $368. Visit Endless.com

Cross-body bags are so convenient for those who are constantly traveling — whether it be on tour buses, cars packed for cross-country trips, or airplanes headed to exotic destination. This Treesje number is functional yet fashionable, with studded details arranged in such a manner as to resemble a mosaic of pebbles.

Pretty Little Thing Leopard Statement Necklace, $175. Visit PLTnyc.com

There's a fierce lioness (or a leopard, if you will) inside every Bohemian princess. She may seem to float in the clouds, but she had the courage and conviction to follow her instincts and to pursue her dreams — even when others frown at them or view them with skepticism. This Leopard Statement Necklace will celebrate this brave woman's spots.

Presa Kensington Leather Hobo Bag, $99. Visit Overstock.com

Not only is this Presa handbag roomy enough to carry on-the-road essentials, but its camel color will make it a staple in any woman's wardrobe.

Kimberly Baker Ella Earrings in 18kt gold vermeil over sterling silver, $98. Visit KimberlyBaker.com

Every time I look at these earrings, I'm reminded of the scene in Almost Famous when Penny Lane announced that she's made the decision to go to Morocco for one year. There's just a certain Moroccan vibe to these earrings that's beyond fascinating — and oh so beautiful.

 

Ugg Australia Women's Corinth Boot, $275. Visit UggAustralia.com

With all the walking she'll do during her many travels and all the winters she'll experience, this Bohemian belle needs a fashionable but cozy pair of boots to keep her warm. Ugg's Corinth boot is versatile enough to work with almost any outfit and features a warm sheepskin lining to keep those toes nice and toasty.

Pangea Organics "The New Radiance" Gift Set, $100. Visit PangeaOrganics.com

Leading organic skincare line Pangea Organics offers this five-piece set, filled with some of its best-selling items: the Japanese Matcha Tea With Acai & Goji Berry Facial Mask, which includes antioxidants with anti-aging benefits like acai and goji berry; the Egyptian Calendula and Blood Orange Facial Cleanser, which has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties; the exfoliating Egyptian Geranium With Adzuki Bean & Cranberry Facial Scrub; the soothing and hydrating Italian Red Mandarin With Rose Lip Balm; and the Turkish Rose & White Tea Eye Cream. The set is packaged in a box made of 100% post-consumer newsprint embedded with the seeds of a spruce tree, so you can actually plant it in soil and watch the trees grow.

Henri Lou Sugar Maple Leaf Pendant in 24K gold, $110, and Rose Gold Leaf Pendant, $110. Visit HenriLouJewelry.com

These leaf pendants zoom in on the details of one of the most basic things in nature — which is why any Penny Lane devotee would wear them with pride.

Jurlique LOVE (Lovable Skin Gift Set), $45. Visit Jurlique.com

Penny Lanes love to express themselves via gestures — using their hands to punctuate their sentences. Their hands, then, should always look impeccable — and Jurlique's Rose Hand Cream will more than do the trick. And, since this girl's motto is "peace and love," why not gift her with the LOVE set, which also includes the new super rich Love Balm, perfect for moisturizing everything from lips to elbows.

Bumble and Bumble A Joyfully Rich Gift, $52. Visit BumbleAndBumble.com

One of the ways in which Penny Lane expressed her free spirit was through her hair: a voluminous, playful curly mane. With Bumble and Bumble's A Joyfully Rich Gift, she can keep her tresses nourished and feeling silky soft. The kit includes Bumbble and Bumble's Gentle Shampoo and Super Rich Conditioner, as well as the Styling Creme (which is perfect for adding definition to waves and curls). It also includes a black-with-violet-trim Buttonband, an elastic hairband that can be worn alone or with customizable buttons (for those with a crafty spirit).

 

 

Matina Amanita Gold Plated 92.5 Sterling Silver with Cubic Zirconium Zodiac Rings, $213 each. Visit MatinaAmanita.com

Most Penny Lane types have a superstitious side to them and an affinity for the mystical (remember he dear friend who read people's auras?). It follows, then, that she would have an interest in astrology. Celebrate her belief in the stars with these Matina Amanita zodiac rings, each of which features the symbol associated with one of the signs in the zodiac (such as the Cancer and Pisces rings pictured above, at left and right respectively).

Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens, $10. Visit Sephora.com

With all the traveling Penny Lane sorts do, their skin needs some TLC — and, to keep any sweat or oiliness at bay, there's nothing like some quality blotting papers. Boscia's green tea blotting linens are 100% natural and suit even those with the most sensitive skin.

Michael Aram Sona Single Heart Bowl, $98. Visit MichaelAram.com

Penny Lane types have a lot of heart, so why not celebrate that with one of these beautiful bowls from Michael Aram? Each heart-shaped bowl was inspired by the idea of a golden treasure and was made using solid bronze with a gold oxidized finish.

Origins "Your Perfect World" Set, $45. Visit Origins.com

To keep her complexion luminous and dewy, this nature lover resorts to antioxidant-rich skincare products such as those in Origins' A Perfect World line. This brightening set includes all three key products: the antioxidant cleanser with white tea, the white tea skin guardian, and the antioxidant moisturizer with white tea.

Prismera Design Gala Collection Amethyst Slice Pendant, $98 to $265 depending on sice of amethyst slice and preferred chain. Visit PrismeraDesign.com

These one-of-a-kid, handmade amethyst slice pendants will appeal to the mystical side of this earthy gal, who will likely wonder about the rock's healing powers.

Poof NY Chuckle Fine Art Photo, $22. Visit Poofny.Etsy.com

A flower child with a rocker edge, Penny Lane is definitely the type of girl to marvel at the beauty of a simple daisy. This stunning fine art photo by Anne Kristoff, then, would make her heart swell with joy.

Bare Minerals Pretty Delicious Set, $36. Visit BareEscentuals.com

This delightful set includes two mineral eyeshadow shades (the light brown Iced Coffee shade and the pink-beige Cupcake shade), a plum-colored liner shadow (Sugar Plum), and three lipglosses (Mini Iced Coffe, Mini Cupcake and Mini Sugar Plum). The subtle, shimmering eyeshadow shades will illuminate any gal's features, while the glossy lip colors will make her lips look like the ultimate tasty treat.

Melie Blanco Feather Hobo, $79. Available at ShopIntuition.com

Everyone knows that feather motifs and hippie fashions go together like salt and pepper, but this Melie Blanco purse, with its cascading, feather-shaped leather strips, is just so unique that it practically dances before your eyes.

Sandy Leong Luminous Large Rectangle Cocktail Rings in 18K Champagne Gold With Lemon Citrine and 18K Recycled Gold With Citrine, $3000 each. Visit SandyLeong.com

Most gypsy-esque women love oversize rings — and these Sandy Leong cocktail rings, with their curvilinear edges and faceted rectangular stones, will make the wearer's fingers look like captivating rays of light.

Korres Naturally Defined Eyes set, $25. Visit KorresUSA.com

Since she prefers a more natural look, this Bohemian babe will adore this Korres set, which features five eyeliner pencils (in Black, Metallic Brown, Green, Gray and Blue) enriched with vitamin E and jojoba oil so they glide on smoothly and also soothe and moisturize the tender eyelid region. The kit also includes Korres' Abyssinia Oil Mascara, which pumps up lashes' volume — an absolute must since batting those lashes is a key part of any gal's persuasive powers.

Guy and Eva Butterfly Ring, $95. Visit GuyAndEva.com/Shop for purchasing information.

The elongated shape of this ring, along with the two-toned metal details, make it a true conversation piece — like Penny Lane herself.

Marco Bicego Earring Kit Exclusively for Saks, $2990. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

Marco Bicego's earring kit, designed exclusively for Saks Fifth Avenue, features five pairs of earrings, ranging from small rounded studs to dangling pieces with tiny colored stones. The slightly imperfect, asymmetrical shape of the circles and stones in these pieces gives them a more personal, artsy quality.

 

Play It By Ear With Neff Knitted Headphones

 

When the temperature starts to drop, it's bring on the pain (and bring on the frost bite) time for those fragile little ears. If you wear headphones as regularly as Noodle from the Gorillaz, then you know first-hand how cold the leather ear pads can get. And sure, you can wear your big, noise-canceling headphones over a knit hat, but then the sound will be muffled through all that fabric.

Fortunately, Neff is offering beat junkies a solution with its new Knitted Headphones, which are available in three styles: a black-and-white geometric print; a tribal-flavored pink, blue, white, brown and yellow; and a mod print with all-over turquoise rectangles placed above horizontal orange, cream and black stripes. With these, you can jam to your iPod playlist while keeping your ears nice and toasty.

Neff Knitted Headphones, $42 each. Visit UrbanOutfitters.com

Get Your Read On! Three Books To Cop Now

Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History 1955-Present (edited by Gail Buckland), $26.40. Visit Amazon.com

An impressively comprehensive, veritable "who's who" of music photographers and their most iconic pictures, Who Shot Rock & Roll will leave you breathless. The electrifying photos in this tome not only cover a broad range of time periods and rock/pop genres (from punk to rap), but they showcase various photographers' styles while maintaining its fluidity. In it, you'll find classic photos by Anton Corbijn (such as the cover art for U2's Joshua Tree), glamorous, high fashion shots of the inimitable Grace Jones snapped by David Corio, kinetic shots of Elton John performing acrobatic-like stunts while playing  the piano at a 1973 concert in London, and pictures of Kurt Cobain during and after a live performance from Ian Tilton and Charles Peterson (who released the classic Nirvana photo book, Touch Me, I'm Sick), among many, many other highlights.

What makes these photos so phenomenal is how they capture the energy of a singular moment (a concert, a rehearsal, a tour bus, etc.) and the fashions and aesthetic norms of various eras (from The Clash's punk look to Bob Dylan's moody, Beatnik style), how they provide a solid sense of time and place that immortalizes each of the moments captured and gives them a historical context. But most of all, there's a sense of intimacy in these photos — they don't feel staged (even when the artists are clearly posing) but, rather, there seems to be a symbiotic relationship between performer and photographer, between the lens and the object before it. Take, for example, Ian Tilton's photo of Kurt Cobain weeping backstage after a dynamic, physically exhausting set — sitting down, clutching his hair with his hand, his face distorted and his body slouched over, we the viewer get a sense of the turmoil inside Cobain's soul.

Photo historian Gail Buckland edited the ambitious project, providing insightful commentary about each photographer and his/her style, accomplishments, and contributions to the music photography realm, along with quotes from each about the experience of shooting these stars. Among the hundreds of names in the book, you'll find Annie Leibovitz, Albert Watson, Jim Marshall, Bob Gruen, Pennie Smith and David LaChapelle. It's the type of book you'll want to keep forever, as dear as your very own family photo album.

Never Make The Same Mistake Twice: Lessons On Love And Life Learned The Hard Way by Nene Leakes With Denene Millner, $16.49. Visit Amazon.com

Nene may not be able to run the lives of her Real Housewives of Atlanta cast mates, but if there's one thing that woman knows how to run it's her darned mouth. And apparently, she needed another 228 pages to do so. Nene's fans will be relish her memoir's conversational tone which makes it sound like Nene is right there with you, flailing her arms, rolling her eyes, and adding all sorts of dramatics. From the "honey" and "child" colloquialisms to the usage of the third person ("Nene being genuine and real" or "plain ol' fabulous Nene"), the book is written in such a way that it feels like Nene just spoke into a tape recorder for hours and then had her co-writer, Denene Millner, edit the transcript and shape it into a cohesive (or semi cohesive) piece of work. If you're expecting an insightful piece of work, you'll be gravely disappointed but if you just want more of Nene putting on her I'm-a-star persona, then you'll appreciate this book.

But, while it's billed as a memoir and mentions of the book on RHOA suggested that it would contain some very personal information about Nene, the book reveals very little. In fact, 99% of what's in the book has been discussed in the show: Nene searching for her biological dad, her strained relationship with Kim (she actually devotes a whole chapter to Kim which is uncanny given that it's supposed to be Nene's memoir), etc. The biggest revelation is that she was, in fact, a stripper prior to marrying Gregg — and even when exposing this secret, Nene is guarded and shares only a minimal amount of detail. In the end, you don't have any more solid a take on who Nene is, what drives her (beyond the desire for fame), what her talents are (if any), or what makes her tick. But, then again, we don't usually watch RHOA for philosophical discussions, right?

I Am The New Black by Tracy Morgan, $13.50. Visit Amazon.com

Celebrity memoirs tend to be fluff — they might entertain us with their wit or show off some adorable family photos but rarely do they ever dig deep and share the most trying times of their lives, the formative experiences that both haunt them and strengthen them. And to so so at the height of their popularity is particularly taboo. But Tracy Morgan could care less about public image or any rules regarding celebrity priority. The brother had a story to tell, his story to tell, and he did so masterfully. Two years in the making, I Am The New Black takes us from Morgan's childhood in Brooklyn to his adolescent years in the Bronx, his brief stint as a hustler, his many odd jobs, his romance with his ex-wife and the mother of his children, his entry into the comedy world and his gradual ascent therein, his divorce, his problems with alcohol and diabetes, and much more.

Morgan's story is inspirational — a true rags to riches tale set in the most unlikely of places — but what makes the memoir so poignant is his willingness to show vulnerability, to manifest the pain he felt over his father's death (a Vietnam vet, Morgan's dad battled a heroin problem for many years and, after he'd fully recovered, came to find out he'd contracted AIDS), over his estranged relationship with his mother, and over his divorce. And Morgan never portrays himself as a victim, nor does he indulge in any pity parties. Instead, he's strikingly honest about so many pivotal moments in his life — accepting full responsibility for his part in any uncomfortable situations or failed relationships, and bravely expressing his point of view. Morgan's anger, frustration, joy, and passion, then are all palpable in the book.

It's unfair to assume that Tracy Morgan acts, thinks, or in any way resembles his 30 Rock character or to infer that, since he's a comedian, his life must have always been carefree and easy. What Morgan conveys, instead, is that comedians (himself included) often resort to humor as a coping mechanism, a way to rise above the most dire of situations. And, with all his accomplishments and accolades, the strategy has certainly paid off. If you're a Tracy Morgan fan, this is a must-read.

Hostess With The Mostest: Entertaining Essentials

Happy Labor Day weekend, everyone!

Some of you might be traveling and others staycationing but, hopefully, all of you are planning on doing some celebrating this weekend. Since many consider Labor Day to be the final hooray before the dawning of autumn, this weekend promises to be packed with cookouts, beach trips, dinner parties, frozen drinks and all the summertime fun you can pack into a 3-day time span.

 If you're throwing a party of your very own, consider how to make the setting cozier and livelier through your choice of tableware, your decorative touches and your drink menu. Here, a few suggestions for a memorable fest.

Monica Hirsh "Modern Asian" Carnation Arrangement, $49. Visit MonicaHirsch.com

Carnations have gotten a bad rep in the past but, over the past few years, they've been making a strong comeback, with celebrity florists employing them to make vibrant and fragrant arrangements. Here, renowned florist Monica Hirsh has given carnations a modern, sleek look by packing them tightly to create a dome-like shape inside a glass fishbowl. If you're hosting a sit-down dinner, consider placing a few of these along a long, rectangular table — or, if it's a less formal affair, try placing them at key points in your home such as your foyer.

American Grown Hand Soap, $7.50. Available at BathAndBodyWorks.com

As a kid, I would giggle at my mother's obsession with having nice "display towels" in the bathroom. My brother and I weren't allowed to touch them (much less use them), and my infantile mind couldn't quite comprehend the fuss over something that served a strictly decorative purpose. Fast-forward to my first year out of college, when I was renting my own apartment for the very first time and, during one dinner party gone awry, I found myself fussing about an unruly house guest messing up my display towels. At that point, I not only knew that I had become my mother's child, but I understood the effort she'd put into making our bathroom look presentable — particularly when we were having company.

These liquid soaps by American Grown, available in the scents Napa Grape, Savannah Mint, Montana Sky, Siesta Key Lemon and Washington Apple, add as much color and personality as any fancy, miniature soaps — and guests can actually make use of them without incurring your wrath.

 

CB2 Little Cayman Plates, $0.95 each. Visit CB2.com

Nice dinner parties are all about cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. It helps to have a nice meal of course, but most of the action happens as guests mingle, working the room while sampling the array of appetizers and finger foods. These tiny, high gloss plates will make any hors d'oeuvres look all the more, well, appetizing.

Fashionation iSpin Portable DJ Mixer, $99-$120. Visit FashionationStyle.com

If there's one thing that can make or break a party, it's the selection of tunes. If you're having a cookout and you want to keep the crowd rockin', try investing in Fashionation's iSpin Portable DJ Mixer, a lightweight MP3 player and mixer in one. The iSpi nincludes two universal docking stations that fit any iPod model, so you can stream tunes from your iPod's playlist and then indulge your inner turntablist with the gadget's fade, reverb, spin, and filter features. Consider yourself Funkmistress Flex.

 

Slatkin & Co. Fresh Bamboo Scented Candle, $9.50. Visit BathAndBodyWorks.com

Make sure your home smells fresh without overwhelming guests with any ultra potent, allergy-inducing, artificial floral scents. This 4 oz. filled candle hits all the right notes with its blend of golden bamboo, night-blooming jasmine and wild grasses.

 

Created by Cassie "Lime in the Coconut" Fused Glass Plate, $18. Visit CreatedByCassie.Etsy.com

 Forget all those muted china sets with dainty paisley prints. If you want to create a festive mood, spiece up your table with unique, artsy, colorful plates that will make your guests feel like having a full plate before them is, in and of itself, a source of joy.

 

Bed Bath & Beyond paper lanterns, $4.99 for set of 5. Available at BedBathAndBeyond.com

Any terrace, patio, or backyard will liven up under the muted light of these battery-operated paper lanterns, which are suitable for both indoor and outdoor. The hooks at the top of each lantern make them easy to hang from any ceiling hook or rafter.

 

X Rated Fusion Liqueur, $25. Available at liquor stores nationwide.

If you want to bring out the last days of a summer with a bang, try serving some frozen drinks, such as a "Blood Orange Freeze," a fruity cocktail developed by Dave Grimes of Mattison Park in Asbury Park, New Jersey. To make one of these yummy drinks, pour 3 oz. of X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, 1p z. of light rum and 1/2 oz. of grenadine into a blender with ice, then blend, pour, and garnish with a slice of blood orange.

Campin' Out With the New 55DSL x Dim Mak x Ferrino Survival Kit

I'm about as outdoorsy as Shelley Long's character in Troop Beverly Hills, but if I were to go out in the wilderness and camp out, you best believe I'd be traveling in style. I'd like to think I wouldn't be as ridiculous as Jessica Simpson, when she brought her Louis Vuitton purse to the woods in that camping episode of Newlyweds (remember that?), but frankly, I can see myself doing something equally nonsensical! See, I've never gone camping in my entire life — as a city gal, the opportunities to do so haven't exactly poured in over the years but, truth be told, I could never picture myself in some desolate woodsy location, singing around the campfire and swatting bugs away. Maybe I'd camp out for a great outdoors concert. Maybe. And if I did, I'd do so in a tent just like the one pictured above, part of a new "Survival Kit" designed by fashion label 55DSL, Dim Mak Records and Italian tent company Ferrino.

The kit comes in a box designed by Dim Mak's Turbokrapfen and includes: the above-pictured tent (which pops up, so you don't have to worry about complex assembly instructions), a limited-edition 55DSL graphic tee (pictured second from top), and a compilation album (cleverly dubbed "Unnatural Sounds of the Wild") put together by Dim Mak Records.

The inspiration behind the design was the idea of summer music festivals around the globe. Dim Mak founder Steve Aoki and 55DSL Creative Director Andrea Rosso wanted to keep you rockin' out and rockin' fly gear as you awaited some of the summer's biggest outdoor concerts — whether it's Lollapalooza, the Essence Music Festival, the Liverpool Summer Pops Festival, the Reading Festival, Summerfest, or any other major music festival.

Visit 55DSL.com for a list of stores carrying the 55DSL x Dim Max x Ferrino Survival Kit.