SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Juicy Couture's Quirky Shades -- Some Kind Of Wonderful

Describing something as "quirky" used to be the kiss of death, akin to describing a piece of art solely as "different" or "interesting." But somewhere along the line, we started peeling off the veneers and shedding our desire for this Ken-and-Barbie type of perfection, instead forming a deep-seated appreciation for a more flawed, odd, and awkward sort of beauty. We started appreciating Lauren Hutton's beaming gap-toothed smile (or perhaps Anna Paquin's own gap teeth, if you want a more modern reference), the crookedness of Barbra Streisand's nose, the flustered neurosis of Woody Allen types, and the adventurous (if oft misguided) fashion choices made by folks like Prince and Bjork. That blonde-and-blue-eyed, "all-American" Christie Brinkley kind of beauty isn't really captivating these days. Think about it: few celebs have more eyes on them than Lady Gaga, and she's all about eccentricity.

With that in mind, then, Juicy Couture named its new style of sunglasses "Quirky," referencing its bold, playful design. The plastic, aviator-style frames feature beveling along the front, with a pop of color inside these ridges that offsets the dominant color of the frames. This beveling, then, makes the sunglasses appear to change color as you turn your head and move around, depending on how the light hits your face. And, since this is Juicy Couture, we're talking about, the color schemes embody girlish fun, with colorways like Black Hot Pink, Brown Hot Pink, Teal Pink and Seafoam Lemon. I don't know that I'd necessarily call these "quirky" (I'd use that term to describe, say, the jeweled sunglasses worn by Elton John at the Grammys), but they're definitely quite cute.

Juicy Couture "Quirky" sunglasses, $98. Available at JuicyCouture.com, select optical retailers, and Solstice Sunglasses Boutiques (visit SolsticeStores.com for retailers).

A Sneak Peek At What You'll See During New York Fashion Week

The tents at Bryant Park are beckoning! Yes, gals, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York kicks off this Thursday, February 11th, and Sicka Than Average is ready for the whirlwind week of non-stop shows. We'll be providing you with photos and editorials on the runway looks being showcased, not to mention details and images of all the preparations backstage. Whether the shows are being held at Bryant Park or in smaller, off-site locations such as Milk Studios, the Soho House, Exit Art, and Collective Hardware, we'll be there — cameras and notepads in hand (not to mention a Blackberry for live tweeting fun, so make sure to follow @sickathanavg on Twitter).

Can't contain your excitement? Well, here's a look at some sketches that capture the look and feel of the collections we'll be seeing from Milly, Tracy Reese, Elie Tahari, G-Star, and Rebecca Taylor. Take a look!

Designer Michelle Smith referenced the "artsy, chic girls of Paris’ Left Bank" as the inspiration behind Milly's Fall 2010 collection. Judging from the photo above, we can expect an interesting juxtaposition of textures, and a polished but effortlessly cool feel.

Vibrant colors will dominate the G-Star Fall/Winter 2010 NY RAW Men’s and Women’s Collections, as will denim pieces in futuristic metallic washes and bold treatments.
 

Designer Tracy Reese's Fall 2010 collection consists of distressed faux fur jackets, stretch suede stirrup pants, soft alpaca sweaters, and separates featuring "Rustic Prince of Wales check" for a country-meets-city aesthetic and an array of highly wearable but sleek pieces.

Elie Tahari looked to international jetsetters when designing her Fall 2010 collection — which, of course, means women with access to wealth who possess an understanding of different cultural and aesthetic norms, and who harbor desire to dress in elegant clothes that are comfortable enough for their many travels. I was instantly infatuated with the look captured in this sketch, especially the capelet, which appears to have an elaborate, feather-like collar. I literally cannot wait to see the rest!

Rebecca Taylor describes her Fall 2010 collection as a mixture of "70s Parisian attitude" and "urban New York City girl" confidence and strength. In keeping with this inspiration, her color palette consists mainly of dusty hues and neutrals juxtaposed against military olive green and vintage gold. We can expect many of the fabrics to have a worn-in look and to be layered with luxurious cashmere wool suits and tailored quilted coats, for a laid-back, utilitarian feel that's still  alluringly feminine.

Hair Art's Duet Hair Straightening Brush -- Does It Make Sweet Music?

I tend to have strong opinions about everything I write about (and, come to think of it, everything I don't write about too! lol). Ambivalence, then, isn't a sentiment with which I'm particularly familiar — which is why my blasé attitude towards Hair Art's Duet Hair Straightening Brush comes as a shock, even to me. Now, don't get me wrong: I'm not giving this product a failing grade. But I'm also not particularly excited about it. First things first though: let's talk about what the tool is meant to accomplish and how exactly it performs.

The concept behind the Duet Hair Straightening Brush is fairly simple: shaped like a flat iron, this styling tool features ceramic plates that absorb the heat emanated by your blowdryer and evenly distribute it through the hair. Along the inside of each plate, you'll find 100% natural boar bristles. The idea, then, is to blowdry your hair with one hand and, with the other, hold the straightening brush, clamping down on each section of hair and pulling downward so as to straighten and smooth the hair.  And, of course, the carefully placed vents along each plate help to diffuse the heat a bit, so you don't burn or damage your hair.

When I first tried the brush, I was ready to stomp on it — mainly because the brush bristles kept getting tangled in my hair and so there was no way to gracefully slide it down the hair in one seamless motion. But, since I'm not a quitter, I tried it a few more times (and made sure to apply a healthy does of detangler beforehand), and I did become more adept at manipulating the tool. Still, it does require a certain amount of dexterity. And the bristles? They're about as soft and gentle as sandpaper.

My main issue with the brush? It just doesn't seem like the best alternative given the bevvy of options available. Sure, you can buy the Duet Hair Straightening Brush if you're looking for a really affordable tool but, considering the amount of effort involved in using it, you might as well invest in a more expensive tool that will save you tons of time (like the Metropolis S-Nano Ionic Wet/Dry Digital Iron, which can simultaneously dry and straighten your hair).

Hair Art Duet Hair Straightening Brush, $15. Visit HairArtProducts.com

** This review was written based on a sample of the product submitted for review by the brand's publicity team.

Kim Kardashian Eau de Parfum — Can You Keep Up With It?

Full disclosure: I'm not fond of Kim Kardashian. I see people fawn over her, and I'm like, "Really? For real?" Don't get it twisted -- there's no Haterade involved. She is, without a doubt, a stunning girl, and she does know how to dress to flatter her curvaceous figure. One look at Kim, and you know why men trip all over themselves when they encounter her. I tend to think of her as yet another girl who became famous for no real reason. She had some name recognition thanks to her dad's involvement in the OJ Simpson case, but she was a relative unknown for many years — that is, until she started popping up in paparazzi shots alongside "pals" like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton and, within months, she found herself at the center of a good ol' sex tape scandal (remember the Ray J tape, anyone?). Nothing like a sex tape to take a gal from pampered princess to an overnight celebrity! I guess I'm still trying to understand what she's famous for, where her talents lie, and whether she's even capable of mustering up an intelligent thought (I've watched Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and it's done nothing to quell my doubts about her mental acuity).  Is she a pretty girl? Yes. Will she leave an indelible mark on pop culture? Not a chance. But then, in the age of reality TV stars (see: Nene Leakes) and MySpace career "breakthroughs" (ahem, Tila Tequila), Kim's appeal shouldn't surprise me.

That being said, I have to give props where props are due. I may not be a Kim Kardashian fan, and I may feel unsettled by the way she earned her celebrity status, but if she does something praiseworthy, I'll be the first to tip my hat to her. And her newly launched, eponymous perfume, certainly fits the bill. Unlike so many "celebrity" scents, the Kim Kardiashian Eau de Parfum smells expensive, like it was made with quality ingredients rather than cheap synthetic alternatives. A heady floral scent, the perfume will most appeal to women who are drawn to traditional romantic, coquettish, and distinctly feminine scents. Developed with Lighthouse Beauty, the Kim Kardashian Eau de Parfum features a jasmine, tuberose and gardenia heart, and base notes of Tonka been, jacaranda wood, and sandalwood. The tuberose note isn't particularly full-bodied, so you'll mainly notice the jasmine and gardenia notes — which are, of course, enchanting scents. I found the floral fragrance pleasant and charming, but it's not particularly distinctive. White florals (like gardenia and jasmine) are extremely common in perfumery, and it's the manner in which they're used and the notes with which they are surrounded that really makes a fragrance stand out from the rest (or just blend in with the crowd). For me, the Kim Kardashian EDP is a pretty face in that crowd, but not one which would capture your attention and make the other people in the room disappear. 

Packaged in a translucent black bottle with a pink pearl overspray emblazoned with a pink aluminum "KK" logo, the Kim Kardashian EDP just hit Sephora stores.

Kim Kardashian Eau de Parfum Spray, $35 for 1 oz.,  $50 for 1.7 oz., and $65 for 3.4 oz. Available at Sephora.com and Sephora stores nationwide.

** This review is based on a fragrance sample submitted by publicity representatives for editorial consideration.

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.

Lucky Break -- Love And Luck's Valentine's Day Greeting Cards

I'm not big on long-winded cards filled to the brim with messages in winding cursive letters, detailing sentiments meant to be profound (though I find them rather prosaic). Whenever I enter a greeting card store and I see these sorts of cards, I shudder at the gushing sentimentality (the Hallmark "isms", if you will) and move right on to another section, where the offerings aren't quite as schmaltzy. Unfortunately, greeting card aisles tend to feature few options —there are always cards with ubiquitous pics of kittens cuddling, cards with vintage-looking photos of toddler boys and girls sharing a tender moment, cards trying way too hard to be funny or clever... It's exasperating! Most gals just want to simplify the whole ordeal and find a card with a contemporary design and a straight-forward sentiment. Enter Love & Luck, the greeting card company launched by husband-and-wife designer duo Javier and Alana Marmanilla.

Love & Luck's handmade greeting cards feature innovative motifs, clean and uncomplicated designs, and clever but to-the-point messages. For Valentine's Day, for example, they unveiled some playful and quirky designs such as: "Heart Candy," which features a drawing of heart-shaped candies and the coquettish message "I'm Sweet On You;" the '70s cool "Love Lava Lamp" card, which features a drawing of the traditional go-to lighting form for hippies and college students everywhere (except the "bubbles" in this lamp are shaped like teeny hearts), along with the message "You're Groovy" on the right-hand corner; and "Balloons," which boasts an illustration of a girl-about-town in a strapless red dress and red heels holding a trio of heart-shaped helium balloons.

With these designs, you won't be afraid to lay your cards on the table!

Love & Luck "Heart Candy," "Love Lava Lamp," and "Balloons" greeting cards, $4.95 each. Visit LoveAndLuckShop.com

Valentine's Day Gift Guide Part 3 -- Love Is All We Need

Don't say "down with love" this Valentine's Day -- flaunt that big heart of yours and make the day special and memorable for your significant other, as well as your closest friends and family. In uncertain times, there's nothing like the comfort and warmth of someone's love — and while there's a million ways to express that affection, sometimes it's nice to communicate the sentiment through a beautiful token.

Here, a few more ideas for you lovelies:

Kilian Collection Discovery Set, $140. Visit LuckyScent.com, as well as Bergdorf Goodman, select Saks Fifth Avenue stores, and Apothia.

Kilian Hennessy (yes, THAT Hennessy) has established a new budding family empire with his eponymous fragrance brand, which he launched in 2007. Kilian's intricately nuanced, elegant scents have earned him a dedicated following over the last three years and, now, those who aren't familiar with his work can be introduced to his fragrance catalog thanks to the new Kilian Collection Discovery Set. The boxed set features an atomizer pump and eight 0.25 oz. fragrances: Love, a marshmallow-inspired scent; Beyond Love, a romantic tuberose fragrance that ignites your passions; A Taste of Heaven, a feisty, absinthe verte fragrance; Liaisons Dangereuses, a floral oriental scent centered on Damascus Plum; Cruel Intentions, a mysterious, woody fragrance centered on the oud; and Back to Black, a gender-bending number with tons of sex appeal.

Tylie Malibu Runaway Stud Neon Pink Clutch. Visit NeimanMarcus.com

There's something almost innately funky and perky about a black and hot pink combination - it evokes a slightly punk-y girl power (which is probably why rock/pop stars like Avril Lavigne, Blondie, and Rihanna have all donned looks in this color scheme). Thanks to the six rows of black pyramid studs along the flap, this Tylie Malibu clutch has a playful, Gem-like quality.

Moet & Chandon Champagne Brut Rose Imperial, $50. Visit CrownWineAndSpirits.com

Toast in style with a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne Brut Rose Imperial, which features sour cherry and strawberry notes for a fruity but not overly sweet flavor.

Phyto Coveted Collection, $65. Visit Nordstrom.com

This gift set it like a shrine for all of us Phyto devotees, where we can sing the praises of the outstanding haircare brand as we indulge our tresses with some yummy products. The Coveted Collection set includes travel-sized samples of the following cult favorites: Phyto 7 Daily Hydrating Botanical Cream, a miracle product for us dry hair gals, since ingredients like rosemary leaf extract, sage leaf extract, pricot kernel oil, willow leaf extract, and calendula extract help to nourish, smooth, and soften your mane; Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm, which includes ferula, horseradish, sage and plant mucilage extracts to tame even the most persistent frizzies and leave your hair straight and sleek; Phytomist Instant Hydrating Conditioner, a moisturizer that packs a hefty punch; Phytovolume Actif Volumizing Spray, which will add lift and bounce to your tresses through its formulation of keratin amino acids; and Phytolisse Shine Serum, a lovely finishing product for when you're blowdrying and styling your hair. 

Servane Gaxotte Necklaces, $365 each. Available at Kisan Concept Store (125 Greene Street in NYC).

At first glance, these may look like fairy tale character-inspired figures you'd display in your home, but they're so much more than that — these dolls are actually way smaller than they appear in the photos above, and they're meant to be worn as necklaces. Crafted by Parisian jeweler Servane Gaxotte, these necklaces exude the exuberance and playfulness of childhood and the romanticism of the City of Lights. Plus, the doll necklaces are exquisitely outfitted, donning ballerina-esque tulle skirts and lace-up boots. The Kisan Concept Store in NYC has a nice selection of these extremely rare Servane Gaxotte pieces, so here's your chance to give someone a doll they won't ever have to part with!

De Vecchi Ere Cuoro Bowl, $248. Visit Yoox.com

This silver bowl centerpiece measures 5.5" in width, 5.1" in height, and 0.8" in depth. The most amazing aspect of the centerpiece is how it's sculpted to reflect light in an interesting and innovative manner.

Michael Kors Very Hollywood Luxury Set, $65. Visit Sephora.com

With its mandarin, gardenia and vetiver notes, Michael Kors' Very Hollywood fragrance channels the bountiful energy and vibrancy of a young Hollywood starlet. The gardenia notes add a hint of screen siren sexiness but, unlike other scents, this one feels way more youthful and coy. Plus, just in time for Valentine's Day, Michael Kors is debuting this Sephora exclusive, which includes a 1.7 oz. EDP and a 0.25 rollerball perfume with a cutesy rhinestone-studded MK charm.

Natobie Jewels RJB160, $295. Visit NatobieJewels.com

Coral is about to make a big splash this spring, and this ornate bracelet, with its interlocking gold circles and inset coral, red orange, and pink stone will keep you one step ahead of the rest.

 

Antoine + Manuel "Love Pink" Wall Stickers, $105. Visit Yoox.com

Put a little love in your house with these wall stickers by Antoine + Manuel, which have an artful quality thanks to the intriguing graphic prints featured in the heart shape. The best part? Applying them requires way less skill than any wallpapering effort!

NYC New York Color Lip Sliders Tinted Lip Balm $2.99 each. Available at mass food and drug retailers. Visit NewYorkColor.com to find a retailer.

These affordable lip balms provide just a hint of glossy color. Available in perky shades like Sugar Baby, a bright red, and Sugar Coated, a cotton candy pink, N.Y.C. New York Color's Lip Sliders are cleverly packaged so that you can just place your thumb on the case's top lid and slide it upwards to open. The balm itself has a slightly sticky consistency, but it's still quite a steal for the price point!

Emily Elizabeth Jewelry Twin Heart Earrings, $90. Visit EmilyElizabethJewelry.com

These earrings just make me want to start singing "Two of Hearts" (yes, I'm corny sometimes!). Each of these earrings features a pair of bulbous goldtone hearts of two different sizes dangling from a thin golden chain strand.

 

PUMA Women's "Vega" Red Dial Red Strap Watch, $45.99. Visit Overstock.com

This sporty number features a red rubber strap and case, and the oversize numbers make it easy to tell time even when you just steal a peek at your wristwatch.

New Balance Valentine's Day 460 Sneakers, $55. Visit FinishLine.com

For Valentine's Day, NB is releasing a limited-edition version of its 460 style in a white/red color scheme. The Valentine's Day 460 sneakers feature red stitching along the "N" logo, a red insole, a bold red stripe along the heel, and a heart symbol and the number "460" stitched on the tongue's label.

 

Steven Shein LOVE Text Ring, $21. Visit Karmaloop.com

Give hands some TLC with this wooden ring, which features the word "Love" in big block letters.

Not Soap Radio "The Stuff That Cupid Dips His Arrow In" Bubbles for Bath or Shower, $15. Visit NotSoapRadio.com

I admit: I have a bit of a dirty mind. And clearly, that's precisely what Not Soap Radio was counting on when it named this ginseng scented bubble bath "The Stuff That Cupid Dips His Arrows In." But let me be clear: this product's brilliance goes beyond the cheeky double entendre associated with the name. As if bubble baths weren't sexy enough, the ginseng scent functions as an aphrodisiac, engaging your carnal desires. When you take a sudsy bath with your special someone, let's just say there will be tons of dipping going on!

LUSH Be Mine, $24.95. Visit LUSHusa.com

Already wrapped nicely with a tattoo-inspired, rose print paper, LUSH's Be Mine gift set features a trio of sensual products to make your skin and lips smooth, soft, and kissable. The set includes the Flying Fox honey scented shower gel, the Honey Trap Lip Balm (which features a mix of white chocolate, honey, vanilla and sweet wild orange), and the Soft Couer Massage Bar, an emollient, heart-shaped bar that melts against the skin and moisturizes it with cocoa butter and honey. Yum!

Keds Champion "I Love Keds" White Canvas Sneakers, $40. Visit Keds.com

The basic Champion sneaker gets a makeover here, with doodles of daisies, marigolds, guitars, hearts, stars, and tiny skulls in red, yellow, and a minty white color. When you see these, you can't help but feel the urge to whip out your marker and add your own personal touch.

Soft Hugwear Bear With Pink Blanket, $24.95. Visit Walmart.com

This cuddle bug of a teddy bear is ready for some serious spooning — he's even got his own pink blanket and sleep mask to ensure he gets some nice shut-eye. Sweet dreams!

Wet 'N Wild MegaLast Lip Color, $2.99 each. Visit WNWbauty.com

These new Wet 'N Wild lip colors are ultra creamy and deliver rich pigment onto your lips — all without drying out your lips. I tried the Wine Room, Mauve Outta Here, and Red Velvet, and here's what the colors look like (as pictured from left to right):

Julia Failey "Little Rose" Rings, $85 for silver; $105 for sterling silver with 18k gold vermeil; and $105 for sterling silver with rose gold. Visit JuliaFailey.com

Each of these rings is made of reclaimed and deoxidized sterling silver and features a 1/4"-wide rose detail along the center. I love how the ring's band features intertwined stems with tiny thorn details, giving each piece a more primal, in-the-wilderness feel.

Calvin Klein Frame Clutch in Bronze, $118. Available at Macys.com

Every woman needs a clutch that's sleek, versatile, and simple enough to work for a number of occasions. This Calvin Klein Frame Clutch can work for anything from a romantic dinner date to a prestigious black-tie affair.

Ariel Gordon Love Knot Rings, $68 each. Visit ArielGordonJewelry.com

Made of a single metallic wire, each of these handcrafted rings is twisted to create a pretzel-like shape that symbolizes two hearts becoming inextricably intertwined.

Restoration Hardware Book of Memories, $48. Visit RestorationHardware.com

A great romantic getaway. A beautiful wedding. A child's first birthday. A graduation. These are the moments we want to capture forever and while we can't rewind time and relive these experiences, at least we can remember them and savor them by doing so. Restoration Hardware's Book of Memories allows you to celebrate these special moments by putting them on display inside a photo album that can be propped up like a book, with each page becoming a frame. The engravable book holds six photos.

Temple St Clair 18K Classic Round Earrings in Pink Tourmaline, $1200. Visit TempleStClair.com

Sometimes the most beautiful pieces of jewelry are also surprisingly simple. Take, for example, these Temple St Clair earrings, which feature pink tourmaline stones along the center of a grooved, golden sphere and a trio of diamond studs adorning the bottom for an unexpected dash of excitement.

Arcona Raspberry Resurfacing Peel, $68. Visit Arcona.com

This strawberry-colored formula features green tea, raspberry, grape seed extracts, and lycopene, all of which help to improve circulation, minimize uneven pigmentation, and improve the texture and clarity of your skin. All you have to do is apply it to clean skin, wait 8-10 mins., and then rinse with warm water. If you use it 1-2 times a week, you'll start seeing results within about a month.

Ghurka Wine Caddy, $195. Visit Ghurka.com

This leather caddy keeps wine bottles chilled for four to six hours — so, whether you're planning a picnic in the park or going to a local dinner party, your vino will stay at the perfect temperature. Plus, the leather caddy looks extra stylish with its cinch-like tie and gingham print lining.

Pacifica French Lilac Spray Perfume, $22. Visit PacificaPerfume.com

According to the "Language of Flowers," the lilac is symbol of early love — that stage when your heart races at the mere thought of your beloved and the sense of promise fills the air. This soft, powdery, feminine fragrance will capture all those charming, magical emotions.

New Balance Pleated Skirt, $39.99. Visit NBWebExpress.com

Shopping for a gym junkie? Then consider giving her this sporty pleated skirt, which is perfect for a game of tennis or a dash to that killer cycling class.

 

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sensual Sandalwood & Fig Body Mist, $15; Massage Oil, $16; Body Wash & Foaming Bath, $13; Body Lotion, $13; Roll-On, $9.50; Sugar Scrub, $16. Visit BathAndBodyWorks.com

This aromatherapy collection is designed to bring out your sensual side, with woody sandalwood and fig notes that are complemented by invigorating citrus notes. The body lotion is my absolute favorite since it really softens the skin and leaves just the slightest alluring scent.

 
Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, $29.99 per 750 ml bottle. Available wherever fine spirits -based beverages are sold. Visit DrinkGodiva.com for more information.

Forget milk chocolate — when it comes to chocolate, I'm a bit of an extremist, preferring premium dark chocolate and creamy white chocolate. This sweet, syrupy liqueur, then, is the ultimate treat with its white chocolate and Madagascar vanilla flavors.

Fruitz Watches, $225 each. Will be available at FruitzWatches.com, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

These sporty watches, with their oversize, sunburst-themed dials and their eye-catching rubber straps, are the newest addition to the Philip Stein watch collection. And, as you might have surmised from the collection's name, the color schemes are inspired by fruits, with styles like Watermelon (which features a green strap and red dial) and Raspberry (which features a deep purple-y pink strap and dial).

SkullCandy Lowrider "Pink Print" Headphones, $39.95. Visit Skullcandy.com

The bright, gleaming colors of these SkullCandy Lowrider headphones were inspired by the candy-painted Chevys Pimp C loved to rap about.

 

Mighty Fine Hello Kitty "Love Bug" T-Shirt, $24. Visit TheGiantPeach.com

As if I needed another reason to adore Hello Kitty! Now, the sassiest of all feline creatures is showing off her amorous side, donning a ladybug-like shell, along with a set of antenna topped off with red hearts. Talk about getting bitten by the love bug!

U by Ungaro Fever For Her Eau de Parfum Spray, $34. Visit Avon.com

This chypre floral fragrance features sweet berry and Chinese osmanthus top notes, a floral heart incorporating lychee,  honeysuckle and white rose notes, and a woody base with a hint of patchouli.

Avon Ultra Color Rich Mega Impact Lipstick SPF 15, $8. Visit Avon.com

The new Ultra Color Rich Mega Impact Lipstick is based on Avon's new chromapixel technology, which helps to magnify every single hue. Available in 10 shades, this lipstick is saturated with iridescent pearls for high-wattage shine. Here's a look at what the Charged Cherry looks like (isn't it brilliant?!):

Wrecords by Monkey Valentine's Day Bracelets. $15 each. Visit WrecordsbyMonkey.com

I've been a fan of Wrecords by Monkey's funky, urban accessories for a while now, but this may be my favorite collection to date. The bracelets and cuffs in this special collection are, like all Wrecords by Monkey designs, made of repurposed vinyl LPs and they feature bandanna-like prints in pink or red color schemes with a heart at the core of the patterns.

 

Clara Kasavina "Amore S" Heart shape Clutch, $430. Visit ClaraKasavina.com

This silver, heart-shaped bag is the perfect way to finish your date outfit, and it's currently 30% off as part of Clara Savina's Valentine's Day sample sale. Score!

Staub Red Heart Crocotte, $138.99. Visit CooksWarehouse.com

Make it a feast of love with this heart-shaped cast iron crocotte, which is ideal for stews, soups, and other hearty concoctions.

TOMS Red Canvas Classics, $44. Visit TOMSshoes.com

Whenever you buy a pair of TOMS shoes, the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in a developing country. So, basically, you'd be doubling your gifting efforts. That's what I call spreading the love!

Love To Love Ya -- Valentine's Day Gift Guide Part II

Like I told you ladies before, when it comes to Valentine's Day, Sicka Than Average has you covered. Here, the second installment of our Valentine's Day Gift Guide. Hopefully, it'll make your hearts flutter a bit too!

Estee Lauder Signature Lipstick, $19.50, and Estee Lauder Kissable Lip Gloss, $18. Visit EsteeLauder.com

What bears more promise than a soft, tender good night kiss at the end of a romantic date? There's countless ways in which we express love, but there's something so magical about two people's lips touching: it's why we place so much emphasis on that first kiss, why couples finish off a marriage ceremony with a kiss to seal the deal... Needless to say, you need those lips to be in prime form for Valentine's Day — and Estee Lauder has you covered with its "Love Your Lips" collection. Just in time for this lovers' celebration, EL released four alluring shades of Kissable Lip Gloss ("Pink Kiss," "Cherry Kiss," "Sweet Kiss," and "Coral Kiss"), all packaged in sleek tubes with the word "Love" printed all over the clear tube. In addition, Estee Lauder unveiled 12 new, limited-edition shades of its Signature Lipstick, including Coral Kiss, Spanish Red, Pink Kiss, Lush Rose, Cherry Kiss, and Chelsea Rose. For added flair, these creamy lipsticks have the word "LOVE" carved into the actual lip color.

Below, you'll find swatches of the EL Signature Lipstick in Coral Kiss (pictured at bottom) and the Kissable Lip Gloss in Pink Kiss (at top):

 

 
Tournaire "Palace" Ring, $16,652; Tournaire "Citadelle" Ring, Price Available Upon Request. Available at Tournaire at ViewPoint (Visit VPNYC.com or call 800.237.9477).

When it comes to those we love, we want nothing but the best. We wish we could set them up in palaces or maybe buy them a small island. And while an actual castle might be of the question, you can still convey the sentiment with one of Tournaire's new Villa rings. The entire collection of rings was inspired by Medieval-era Jewish wedding rings, which were shaped like buildings to symbolize the couple's new home together. By giving someone one of these Tournaire rings, then, you're conveying that notion of building a life and a home together. Pictured above, you'll find the handmade "Palace" ring, a gorgeous 18k rose gold ring featuring a purple sapphire stone, along with tzavorites and diamonds. I love the Byzantine shape of the palace's curved, spade-like windows and how the placement of the purple sapphire creates a domed shape reminiscent of  the prevalent architectural styles during the Byzantine era. Next, you'll find the 18k gold and diamond "Citadelle" ring, which features such incredible details as a set of stairs along the ring's curved band.

Loeffler Randall Payton Cut-Out Pumps, $170. Visit LoefflerRandall.com

These funky Loeffler Randall pumps, which feature a 95mm covered heel, bring to mind the vibrant colors and geometric patterns of Swinging Sixties-era fashions in London.

Bottega Veneta Knot Lucertola Clutch, $1980. Visit Barneys.com

As if the pink color of this Bottega Veneta frame clutch wasn't enough of a selling point, take a look at that push-lock knot closure. Now, THIS is what I call tying the knot!

Wet N Wild Megalast Nail Colors, $2 each. Available at drugstores and mass retailers nationwide. Visit WNWbeauty.com

Wet 'N Wild decided to revamp its image for 2010, testing out new technologies to ensure higher quality products and developing a new vibrant and sophisticated palette — while still keeping its product price points under $5. The new Megalast nail lacquers deliver high impact color that lasts way longer than your typical polish thanks to a resin polymer that helps the color adhere to the nail. Plus, the shades are sexy and whimsical (without seeming too teenybopper-ish). I was floored by the three nail lacquer hues I tried: Candy-licious, a mauve-ish pink carnation color, Heatwave, an electrifying orange red, and Caught Red Handed, a deep sangria color. Any man will want to hold the hand of a girl with nails so fly!

Here's what the Candy-licious and Heatwave look like on nails:

 

 
 

Nike Valentine's Edition Women's Dunk High, $79.99. Available at Sneakerhead.com

When it comes to Valentine's Day-themed footwear, Nike never loses its footing. This year, they dismissed the heart motifs and went for a more versatile yet still V-Day appropriate design: a pair of hi-top dunks made of varsity red canvas fabric and featuring a white polka dot pattern, elongated white Nike check signs that circle around the sneaker heel, and white laces.

Chef's Choice M840 WafflePro "Five of Hearts" Express Waffle Maker, $69.99 Visit Amazon.com

With this handy appliance, you can serve your honey breakfast in bed —and make the presentation all the more appealing, with each waffle shaped like a heart. Hey, it's the small details that make all the difference!

Temple St Clair 18K Rose Gold Angel With Dolphins 21mm With Pave Diamonds Pendant, $3700. Visit TempleStClair.com

Can you see her halo? Then give your angel a cherub of her very own to can keep close to her heart with this divine Temple St Clair pendant. The rose gold pendant features an image of a cherub embracing a dolphin, a moitf that was inspired by Renaissance sculptor Andrea del Verrocchio's bronze Cherub With Dolphins statue, which was originally commissioned by Loreno Medici to adorn the fountain in his family's country estate.

PUMA Campus Grip Bag, $60. Visit PUMA.com

This sporty, oversize bag features a lilac pink backdrop with a bright peony pink vinyl trim. Roomy yet stylish, it's an ideal accessory for a casual day out on the town.

 

Beauty Blender Sweetheart Special, $28.95. Visit BeautyBlender.net

I've been a fan of Beauty Blender's teardrop-shaped sponges since the moment I used them to apply some foundation or concealer onto my face. These sponges are sturdy enough to withstand months of use, but they're so flexible that you can contour them as needed to reach those little nooks (like, along the nostrils or right below the tear duct area). This set includes two sponges, along with ten single-use cleanser packets.

EOS Smooth Sphere in Summer Fruit, $3.29. Available at Walgreens stores nationwide.

Made with 100% organic ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, and shea butter, this antioxidant-rich lip balm keeps your pout hydrated and protects it from environmental hazards — plus, the sphere shape allows you to apply the balm without having to use your fingers (so you can avoid any germs). I love how the top of the sphere twists and locks in place, so that you can toss the lip balm in your purse and not worry about the top falling off and the lip balm getting dirty and gross. Plus the tropical scent of the Summer Fruit flavor will make you feel sexy and ready for some serious kissing action.

Bath & Body Works P.S. I Love You Shower Gel, $10.50; Body Lotion, $10.50; and Eau de Toilette, $29.50. Visit BathandBodyworks.com

Bath & Body Works' latest scent, P.S. I Love You, is the type of fragrance that will add some pep to your step, energizing your spirit and livening up your senses (much like the feeling you get when you're in love). The invigorating fragrance has a nice kick to it thanks to the sparkling citrus notes while rose and amber notes give it a sultry touch. Just a hint of this fragrance on your skin might have you feeling like reenacting the dance scene in 500 Days of Summer.

Nina Critia Heels, $99.95. Visit Zappos.com

Why get a woman flowers when you can get her shoes? And shoes with coquettish rosette details on them? You just can't go wrong! Besides long-stem roses won't accompany you for a night out dancing.

Michael Aram Wisteria Vase, $55. Visit MichaelAram.com

This 3.75" tall, nickelplated vase features a twisted vine design curving along the vessel, which curves outward a slight bit as you move from the base to the top rim. It's a vase worthy of Bree Van de Kamp's living room — and, considering how persnickety that woman is, that's saying a lot!

Orka Mastrad "Hearts" Chocolate Fondue Set, $20. Visit Amazon.com

There's something so erotic about feeding your significant other — whether it's holding a chocolate-covered strawberry with your fingertips and bringing it to his/her mouth, or it's bringing a forkful of cake to his/her lips. But why not up the ante and mix things up a bit? With this chocolate fondue set, you can dip anything from pieces of bread to strawberries, cherries, and banana bites into an indulgent melted chocolate mix and then use the elongated forks to feed your beloved. It's a sexy present that will help to create a romantic mood and will heat up both of your passions. The set includes the heart-printed ceramic pot, along with four forks, a tealight holder, and a steel warming stand.

Ms. Manicure Handy Dandy Mani Kit, $9.99. Visit Target.com

There are a few things as annoying as breaking part of a nail and not having a nail file handy. That's why every gal should invest in a few manicure tools she can tuck inside her handbag for any necessary touch-ups. This manicure set includes all the essentials for perfectly groomed and manicured hands: a pair of nail scissors, a set of nail clippers, cuticle clippers, four wooden cuticle sticks, a nail brush, a washable salon board, slant tip tweezers and a four-way nail buffer (so you can file, smooth, buff, and polish the nails). No wonder they call it the "handy dandy" mani kit!

Neff Strawberry Cupcake Beanie, $27.98. Visit ShoppeHub.com

If your muffin lives for cutesy, cheerful things, she won't be able to contain her smile when she looks at this quirky, adorable cupcake-themed beanie hat by Neff. It even has a cherry pom on top!

STA x Perricone MD Giveaway! -- Win A Jar Of Perricone MD's "Cold Plasma "

If you're an avid Sicka Than Average reader, you might remember my glowing review of Perricone MD's Cold Plasma, a revolutionary new product that ushers vital nutrients past the cell membrane through an ionic carrier suspension system, hence helping to hydrate the skin, promote cellular turnover, and smooth the complexion. Like all of Dr. Perricone's products, the Cold Plasma is at the helm of some of the most important scientific breakthroughs in skincare technology. And, since Sicka Than Average and Perricone Skin Care always want you to put your best face forward, we're giving one lucky reader a chance to win this all-star product!

To enter our Perricone MD Cold Plasma giveaway, contestants must:

1. Reside in the U.S. and be 18 years or older.

2. Leave a comment below answering the following two questions:

    Why do you want to win the Cold Plasma?

    What's your foremost skin concern and what has been your experience with other skincare  products targeting  this issue?

Simple enough, right? The giveaway ends on Feb. 14th at 11:59 EST. Good luck, gals!

For more info on the product, visit PerriconeMD.com

Get On Top Of Your Valentine's Day Shopping With These Gilt.com Deals

 

Does every gal in your life have champagne tastes and Mickey D funds? Thanks to sample sale sites like Gilt.com and GiltFuse.com, you can give these luxury-loving ladies some true Valentine's Day treats — all without breaking the bank. Today at noon, Gilt.com is unveiling two new sales featuring pieces befitting the amorous themes and colors associated with the Feb. 14th holiday.

Tomorrow's Judith Leiber sale, for example, includes pieces like the heart-shaped minaudiere pictured above. The jeweled bag normally retails for $2,295, but will be priced at $1,048 at Gilt. Similarly, the Alex & Ani jewelry sale will feature a plethora of eclectic pieces in soft, feminine colors, such as the set of 14 purple and gold bangles pictured above (priced at $180 from $358).

To check out these sales and pick up some items for your loved ones, check out these sales, starting today at Gilt.com

Smashbox Spring 2010 "Heartbreaker" Collection Eye Shadow Palettes

Every time I see the eye shadow palettes and lip glosses in Smashbox's new Spring/Summer 2010 collection, I think of Mariah Carey dancing atop a movie concession stand wearing lo-rise jeans and a midriff-baring pink crochet halter top in her "Heartbreaker" video. The mental association goes beyond the obvious shared name. There's a bubbly flirtatiousness and a perky cheekiness to MC's video (remember her battling her "evil" alter ego in the movie theater bathroom?), not to mention that she channels a smitten teenybopper with her blush pink shirt and the cutesy hair clip adorning her wavy hair. Similarly, Smashbox's Heartbreaker collection makes you think of all those ultra girly, junior high moments: gossiping about boys during sleepovers at your best friends' house, giggling when you spot cute boys on an excursion to the mall, and beaming when the boy you've been crushing on slips you a note in class. It's that fresh-faced optimism, the exuberance of young love, that both of these "Heartbreakers" capture so well.

The Smashbox collection features two lip shines in high-impact pink and fuchsia shades (Melon Berry and Berry Hot, respectively), a Rollerball Lipgloss in Pink Sugar (a shimmering light pink hue), a Baked Fusion Soft Lights cheek palette, which features a kaleidoscope of pink shades to give you a subtle glow, a new Heartbreaker eau de parfum, and two eye shadow palettes (Kiss 'N Tell and Hot Date). I found the eye shadow palettes particularly enchanting — especially the Kiss 'N Tell number, which features six fun, youthful shades: a dusty, smoky black, a frosty white, a shimmering peachy pink, a barely-there frosted light pink, and a shimmering purple hue.

Pictured below, you'll find swatches of the shades in the palette, as well as a photo of a look I created using these shadows. What can I say? Heartbreaker got the best of me!

Kiss 'N Tell eye shadow hues:

Here's what it looks like on my eyes. To create this look, I started out by applying the peachy pink shade to the entire lid and brow bone area. I then layered on the brighter pink, focusing exclusively on the lids. To add some depth and dimension, I applied the purple hue along the crease, adding a touch of the color to each eye's outer V area. I then diffused and blended this color using the lighter pink shade in the palette. I finished off the look by adding a touch of the white shadow to the brow bone so as to illuminate the are and draw attention to my eyes.  Check it out:

Smashbox Heartbreaker Eye Shadow Palette, $34. Visit Smashbox.com