SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Hit The Slopes With Gucci Eyeweb Ski Goggles

I'll admit, I'll sooner be a Playboy bunny than a ski bunny (I have zero tolerance for the cold, ski gear isn't exactly figure flattering, and I'm a Clumsy Cathy, so any type of even quasi-extreme sport is a tragedy waiting to happen). But that being said, these Gucci Eyeweb Ski Goggles almost make me want to take a trip to Aspen (where I would stay inside the loft taking hot bubble baths and lounging at the restaurant, but you get the point).

These unisex goggles are available in white or black with an elastic headband featuring Gucci's three stripes (green, red and green). The anti-fog, mirrored lenses have a "Seal Ring" technology that includes a thermal barrier, so your eye area won't get the least bit cold and the lenses won't get cloudy. The goggles are packaged in a black box with the Gucci stripe pattern.

Gucci Eyeweb Ski Goggles, $195. Available at Gucci stores worldwide, select optical retailers and Gucci.com

Check Out The Winning Designs of the Lucky Brand x Parsons Handbag Competition

Tim Gunn isn't the only one championing the School of Fashion at Parsons The New School For Design<. Recently, Lucky Brand Jeans partnered up with the institution and held a handbag contest during which students were encouraged to submit original designs for Lucky Brand handbags. The winners would be chosen based on their concept, craftsmanship, and their understanding of the brand's defining aesthetic, and they would have their designs produced and sold at Lucky Brand stores. Pictured above, are the two winning designs — the bag pictured on the left was conceived by Ethiopian student Benyam Assefa, while the bag on the right was designed by Jordan Weymouth Richards.

With its four zippered compartment pockets and tall frame, as well as its adjustable shoulder strap, Assefa's design was inspired by the idea of the brand's four-leaf cover icon and the desire to interpret that in a utilitarian manner (as with the four pockets). Richards' design, meanwhile, was inspired by the colors found in the Congo and the fluid motion of the Congo river.

Both handbags will be available at select Lucky Brand retailers and department stores.

Holiday Gift Guide Part 4: For The Elvira Hancock-ish Diva

The only thingScarface's Tony Montana wanted as much as the coca empire throne was the adoration of chic ice queen Elvira Hancock (played by Michelle Pfeiffer). Her white skirt suit, sequin-covered party dresses, teardrop-shaped diamond earrings, short blond bob, and glittery makeup epitomized early '80s glamour. Her evening frocks captured the sexiness of Miami nightlife (from plunging necklines to halter silhouettes) and the era's over-the-top showiness (gold sequin details, dramatic eye makeup), and her daytime looks (like the aforementioned white skirt suit) underscored her status and wealth. 

Here, a look at some of the pieces that would appeal to those smitten with Elvira Hancock's sense of style.

Paul & Joe Viviana Sequined Mini Dress, $610. Visit NetAPorter.com

It was the early '80s, and the disco era had come to a close, but the flash and sizzle of that time was carrying over into the new, rock-led age, as evident in the sequin-covered dresses women donned on their evenings out. With its asymmetrical neckline and short hemline, Paul & Joe's Viviana dress would've allowed Elvira to show off her tanned stems.

Badgley Mischka Elani Metallic Sandal, $191. Visit Endless.com

A huge fan of the leisurely life, Elvira sorts don't spend too much time on their feet, preferring to tavel in luxury automobiles. Their toes, then, are always freshly polished and peeking out of the finest sandals, such as these Eleni strappy sandals from Badgley Mischka, which feature a metallic bow that practically scream, "I'm a gift ready to be opened."

Fekkai Golden Shimmer Gelée Mist, $20. Visit Fekkai.com

With her slightly asymmetrical blond bob and slightly parted bangs, Elvira's hairstyle set a golden standard. The Fekkai Golden Shimmer Gelée Mist would have allowed her to keep her hair in place during nights out dancing, while also adding some golden sparkle to her tresses.

 
NYX Cosmetics The Make-Up Box, $15. Visit NYXcosmetics.com

From contoured, winged eyeshadow to glossy lips and sculpted cheekbones, Elvira knew how to play up her features and create an indelible expression of personal style using makeup. Bonafide beauty junkies like Elvira, then, would appreciate NYX's The Make-Up Box, which features 16 eyeshadow hues, 3 blush shades, 4 lip color hues, and 2 applicator brushes.

Dimri Back Sequin Scarf, $29. Visit HotItemsOnline.com

Those who aren't ready to take the leap to in-your-face sequined ensembles can still experiment with the look by adorning their necks with this Dimri scarf.

Zoya Ultra Glitter Winter 09 Collection, $7 each. Visit Zoya.com

Any dancing queen (and even those with two left feet) would light up at the sight of Zoya's collection of Ultra Glitter polishes: from Luna, a resplendent silver hue, to Nova, a pink with purple fuchsia speckles, and Astra, a ruby red with pink glitter particles.

Jack Vartanian Amethyst Teardrop Earrings, $7900. Visit Barneys.com

These regal teardrop earrings are a modern, upscale twist on the pair Elvira wore with the silk teal gown she donned during her first meeting with Tony.

Urban Decay 24/7 Super Stash, $36. Visit UrbanDecay.com or Sephora.com

Few eyeliners can yield the type of high-impact color that Urban Decay's 24/7 Gide-On Eye Pencils can deliver. This limited-edition set features nine miniature creamy eye pencils in colors ranging from a silvery, asphalt black (Oil Slick) to an emerald green (Graffiti) and sapphire blue (Binge).

Fendi Pleat Trim Cotton-Blend Jacket, $888, and 3.1 Phillip Lim Wide Leg Pants, $172.50. Visit TheOutnet.com

When Tony first shows up to pick up Elvira in his tricked-out Caddy, she's wearing a crisp white skirt suit: a knee-length pencil skirt, belted jacket, floppy sunhat and peep-toe pumps. Give the Elvira in your world a slightly updated version of this outfit with this Fendi jacket and these 3.1 Phillip Lim pants.

 

Lola by Marc Jacobs Solid Perfume Ring, $42. Visit Sephora.com

Sexy and fun-loving, the Lola by Marc Jacobs fragrance features notes of fuchsia peony, rose and geranium, vanilla, ruby red grapefruit, tonka bean, and musk, along with spicier notes like pink pepper. It's feminine but flamboyant, quirky but tempting — and, when packaged in a retro floral solid perfume ring, it's a Carmen Miranda-esque miracle.

Top Shop Multi Sequin Beret, $32. Visit Topshop.com

Sure, Elvira only wore floppy sun hats, but had she lived in a colder climate, well, she probably would've incorporated a piece like this multi sequin beret into her style arsenal.

Bare Minerals Extreme Glimmers, $32. Visit Sephora.com

Last year's Extreme Glimmers set focused on purple and silver shades, but this year's edition incorporates three warm metallic earth tones: Extreme Pyrite, a dirty yellow gold; Extreme Malachite, a shimmering black shade with green undertones; and Extreme Perlite, a bronze-y brown hue. With this amount of sheen, your eyes will be worthy of their own Olympic medals.

Whiting & Davis Retro Multi Compartment Clutch in Gold Multi and Black Muti, $250. Visit Endless.com

As if their fine mesh material wasn't enough to lure anyone with a disco-influenced sense of style, these Whiting & Davis clutches hypnotize thanks to their tri-color folds and the angular shapes worked into their design.

DV by Dolce Vita Fire Pump, $90. Visit Nordstrom.com

Sequins always take center stage during the holiday season but, for Elvira Hancock types, they never go out of style. The DV by Dolce Vita Fire Pumps are aptly named since they'll turn up the temperature in any room.

Alberta Ferretti Sequin Detail Crossover Dress, $4710. Visit TheOutnet.com

This body-hugging Alberta Ferretti dress will make any woman look like she has Salma Hayek-esque curves. The crossover design, along with the way in which the glitter-accentuated semicircle lines along the bodice are arranged, create the illusion of voluptuousness.

Bond No. 9 Westside Swarovski 100ml Perfume, $320. Visit BondNo9.com

For Elvira sorts, less is never more. As she herself put it, "Nothing exceeds like excess." This limited edition bottle of Bond No. 9's Westside perfume features a treble clef symbol outlined in Swarovski crystals. The juice itself is unchanged, with notes of ylang ylang, peony, sandalwood, amber, vanilla and musk, but the packaging is a status symbol — and we all know how much Elvira types love those.

Colette Malouf Large Mesh Flower Beak Clip, $102. Call (302) 421-9036 to order.

With its art deco-ish look and faceted stone interior, this flower hair clip is a bit like Elvira herself: beautiful with a dark side, dangerous and yet irresistible.

What Goes Around Comes Around Cobalt "Sultana" Racerback Gown, $225. Visit Bluefly.com

It may not be the teal color od the dress Elvira wore when she first met Tony Montana (right after that classic moment, when he spots her coming down the elevator in Frank's pad), but this jewel-toned silk blue dress from What Goes Around Comes Around channels the same vibe — it fits like a second skin, features a plunging, cleavage-enhancing neckline, and dazzles thanks to the crystal details along the trim.

The Moet Celebration Case, $425. Visit Sherry-Lehman.com

Elvira always liked the finer things in life. From the moment we first saw her mingling at The Babylon nightclub, she was sipping on the finest champagne. Anyone with similar tastes would appreciate this Moet Celebration Case, which features a bottle of Moet Imperial, eight champagne flutes and a black tote, along with eight gilded Moet bubbles (one for each flute), which are meant to hold a flute charm engraved with the word "Celebrate." Only 500 sets were produced globally.

Tous Bubble Bear Pendant, $629 each. Visit Tous-Shop.com

Typically, Elvira sorts wouldn't be seduced by anything that could be described a adorable or cute but, when said item is covered in sapphires, well, all bets are off. These Tous Bubble Bear pendants add some glitz to any necklace. Each Bubble Bear is made out of 18k white or yellow gold and features diamonds and gemstones (blue sapphires, yellow sapphires, green tsavorites and pink sapphores).

 

Ann Taylor Jersey Knit Stripe Scarf, $29.95. Visit AnnTaylorLOFT.com

Nowadays, when scarves are such a must-have accessory (even in the summer months), this white jersey knit scarf, with its golden metallic stripes, would've been the perfect addition to Elvira's white suit ensemble.

Christian Siriano for Payless Carolina Pumps, $34.99. Available at select Payless Shoesource Stores.

You need to pick the right shoes to go with all those metallic cocktail dresses — and these Christian Siriano for Payless Carolina Pumps do the trick, while featuring a surprisingly affordable price tag.

CC Skye Cobra Bangles, $150. Visit Shopbop.com

These interwoven bangle bracelets can complement both casual and dressy ensembles with their classic mix of black and gold hues.

Carmen Marc Valvo Poppy Silk Beaded Gown, $375. Visit Bluefly.com

If it had a twisted front and a plunging neckline, this Carmen Marc Valvo gown would be eerily similar to the one Elvira wore to the club on the night when Frank tried to set Tony up. At that moment, watching the Lady in Red from afar, Tony knew he had met his future wife.

Borghese Allegra Mini Nail Polish Kit, $9.99. Available at mass food and drug retailers.

Elvira sorts love to primp. They can spend hours sitting on their vanity sets, brushing their hair or painting their fingernails. These Borghese set features four miniature polishes in sparkling, festive hues.

 
MAXX New York Dresden Round Bag in Red, $88. Visit MAXXnewyork.com

Featuring all-over sequins in a ruby red hue, this round purse with its long gold chain shoulder strap is as tempting as a forbidden apple — except it won't get you kicked out of paradise. Yes!

POP Nail Glam in XMas and Twinkle, $14 each. Visit PopBeauty.co.uk

When you think of Christmas, images of candy canes, holiday lights, tinsel icicles, and Santa costumes all flood your brain. These two polishes from POP Beauty celebrate the season. There's XMas, a dark red shade with plenty of sparkle, and Twinkle, a silver glitter hue.

Tarte Cosmetics Crown Jewels Lip Gloss Mini Set, $39. Visit TarteCosmetics.com or Sephora.com

As the resident queen of Miami, Elvira expected all the special treatment that came with this type of status. Give the Elvira in your life a gift befitting royalty with Tarte's Crown Jewels set, which includes 15 lipgloss shades — from creamy matte capuccino and peach shades to dazzling scarlet and magenta hues.

Barex Frizzy Hair Gift Set, $57. Visit Folica.com

Fighting humidity, particularly in tropical and warm weather climates, is always an ordeal — and Barex's Frizzy Hair Gift Set helps you tame your hair.  The kit includes a Frizzy Hair Shampoo and the Re-Define Creme, a leave-in conditioner that detangles, adds shine and helps you straighten curly or uncooperative hair.

Metallic gloEye Pencil Trio, $22. Visit GloSkinCare.com

Elvira types wear makeup 24/7 -- even when they're lounging poolside in their own homes. When they want just a hint of color, they can reach for one of these metallic eye pencils, available in dark bronze, platinum and copper.

Smashbox WISH For The Perfect Pout Set, $29. Visit Sephora.com

With these six lipgloss shades, the perfect pout won't just be a wish — it will be a reality. Elvira Hancock types will be particularly enamored with the Tease and Radiant hues — the former is a raspberry-meets-red-wine color, while the latter is a sparkling golden rose plum.

 

Calypso St. Barth Classic Short Slip, $99. Visit Calypso-Celle.com

A woman who sleeps on satin sheets can't be expected to wear cotton pajamas. Let this pampered princess feel sexy while she gets her beauty rest in a feminine slip, like this one from Calypso St. Barth.

 

Paige Novick Sofi Earrings, $2990. Visit PaigeNovick.com

A modernized, rock-n-roll version of the earrings Elvira wore to the drama-filled dinner when she told Tony she'd be leaving him, these Paige Novick 14kt gold fringe earrings feature mixed metal chain strands and black diamond details.

The Wiz Biz -- China Glaze Wizard of Ooh Ahz Returns

Just in time for the holidays, when we all yearn for sparkly things (from glitter-covered tree ornaments to sequined party dresses and fresh snow crystals creeping along the corners of window panes), China Glaze is re-releasing its Wizard Of Ooh-Ahz collection, which consists of six shimmering nail enamel shades. Though the polishes aren't exact replicas of those in the original 2001 collection, they are extremely similar — and all can be linked to a character, backdrop, wardrobe piece, or moment in the classic 1939 Wizard of Oz film.

No Wizard of Oz-inspired collection would be complete without a polish celebrating the ruby shade of Dorothy's famous pumps— so, of course, the cornerstone of this range is the glossy, glitter-packed Ruby Pumps. Dorothy's right-wing men, the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man, are both immortalized with the hues Cowardly Lion', a shy yellow gold, and The Ten Man, a light silver shade. The Cowardly Lyin' is actually pretty sheer; it took me four coats to get a golden hue going (and, even then, it was more of a white gold tone) but it's still a pretty and versatile shade. The Ten Man is also more of a white-ish silver shade and has a joyful luminosity to it, as opposed to some of the more severe, somber shades of gray, silver and gunmetal we've been seeing throughout the autumn months. Glinda, the Good With of the North, meanwhile, gets acknowledged with the dainty pink hue, Good Witch?

Aside from Ruby Pumps, the standouts in this collection are C-C-Courage, an amethyst purple with tons of silver speckles, and Dorothy Who, a funky blue that reminds me of a Ziggy Stardust costume (and which I'd describe as a pumped-up version of the blue shade in Dorothy's checkered jumper).

If you want to see the wizard (by which I mean take a closer look at what the polishes look like on nails), check out the pics below.

China Glaze polishes, $5.99 each. Available at SallyBeauty.com

Ruby Pumps

 

C-C-Courage

Good Witch?

 

The Ten Man:

 

Dorothy Who?

Cowardly Lyin'

Anya Hindmarch Sample Sale Starts Today!

 

Starting today, Dec. 5th, through the end of January, customers can get up to 50% off on Anya Hindmarch's Autumn/Winter collection at any AH boutique. The Belvedere Red Tote (pictured at top), which Leighton Meester wore on Monday's Gossip Girl episode, will be priced at $1295 (the regular retail price is $906), while the Marano Sea Snake Clutch (pictured second from top) will be priced at $416 (instead of the regular $595) — and those are just two of the items you'll find on sale.

For more details, visit one of these Anya Hindmarch boutiques:

Las Vegas

The Shoppers at the Palazzo, Suite 2742.

Call 702.566.8900

Los Angeles

118 South Robertson Boulevard

Call 310.271.9707

New Jersey

The Mall at Short Hills

1200 Morris Turnpike

Call 973.379.7183

New York
115 Greene Street

Call 212.343.8147

29 East 60th Street

Call 212.750.3974

Save 50% Off On Rodial Products At BillionDollarBabes.com

You might remember how I raved about Rodial's Body Sculpture earlier this week — well, now you can log onto sample sale site BillionDollarBabes.com and get 50% off on this product, as well as other must-haves like their Creme de la Creme, A-List Cleanser, Power Body Buff, Glamtox Peel, Boob Job and Glam Balm Wipes. The sale ends tomorrow, so hurry on up!

To check out all the great deals, visit BillionDollarBabes.com

New Yorkers, Don't Miss This Weekend's Holiday Handmade Cavalcade!

Do you spend hours scouring through Etsy, searching for the hottest artisans and shopping for lovingly made wares ranging from beaded necklaces to nifty journals, cozy blanket, flapper-esque headbands, embroidered scarves, expertly sculpted vases, hand-painted plates, and handmade soaps and lotions? Then you won't want to miss the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade, taking place Dec. 5th from 11 am to 8 pm at NYC's Openhouse Gallery (201 Mulberry Street).

The shopping event will unite 50 artisans, designers and jewelers from the New York metro area, many of whom have established dedicated fan bases on Etsy.com and on their own online stores. Among the vendors you'll find: Journalistic Tendencies, the company behind the black-and-white floral journal pictured second from top; Better Than Jam, who made the cotton/lycra sateen navy turtleneck dress pictured below; and Alexandra Ferguson, who designs witty pillows made of 100% post consumer recycled felt (such as the "Let's Make Out" pillow pictured at top). To discover these treasures and many more, traipse down to Mulberry Street on Saturday.

For more information, visit HandmadeCavalcade.com

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.

 

STA Readers Get 45% Off Their Next Purchase At BrushLove.com!

 

It's the season for giving and the folks at BrushLove.com are feeling so generous that they've offered to give Sicka Than Average readers 45% off their next purchase at BrushLove.com until Friday, Dec. 4th. Please note that the Mason Pearson and Magic Ionic brands aren't included in this promotion, but all other items are fair game! All you have to do is enter the promo code blog45 at checkout. Plus, you'll get a free compact mirror  (not pictured here) with your purchase!

So what to buy? Well, you can always stock up on some quality hairstyling tools, such as these brushes, or you can try out my newest obsessions: the versatile Satina Spectra hand mirrors, which include foldaway handles that allow you to transform them into desktop mirrors. The mirrors are available in several shapes and colors: there's a moderately-sized turquoise blue, round mirror (pictured at top), a hot pink square mirror (pictured second from top), and a rectangular lime green option. Each of these is double-sided, with one side boasting a 3X magnification mirror.

I actually have these sitting atop various tables all over my office for quick makeup checks (you'd think I had a "mirror, mirror on the wall" situation!) and I unfold them and use them as handhelds when I'm doing my hair or need to really move them around. But I do love using them as desktop mirrors since they're so colorful and rather unobtrusive (as opposed to so many double-sided magnifying mirrors, with their long stands and space-taking add-ons!). The Satina Spectra Cool Blue Round Hand Mirror and Satina Spectra Hot Pink Hand Mirror retail for $9.98 each  at BrushLove.com

So whether you're in need of a new mirror, some brushes, or a cool gift for someone on your holiday gift, make sure to use that code and get your 45% off discount!

UGG Australia's 7th Annual Art & Sole Auction -- Haute Boots For A Good Cause

 

Zang Toi Classic Tall Ugg Boots — Women's Size 7

LaRok Classic Tall Ugg Boots — Women's Size 6

 

Rafe New York Classic Tall Ugg Boots— Women's Size 8

Jenni Kaye Classic Tall Ugg Boots — Women's Size 6

For its 7th Annual Art & Sole auction, during which one-of-a-kind Ugg boots customized by various celebrities are auctioned off for charity, Ugg Australia enlisted some venerable luxury designers and brands to use Ugg boots as their canvases. In the past, Ugg has worked with such celebrities as Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson and Eva Longoria but, this year, they eschewed the pop culture names in favor of high-end designers — which means the final results are truly museum-worthy pieces.

Footwear gurus Manolo Blahnik and Stuart Weitzman, handbag brand Rafe New York, sweetheart hat designer Eugenia Kim, and fashion designers like Jenni Kayne, LaRok, Pamella Rolland, Christian Siriano, Leanne Marshall, Zang Toi and Betsey Johnson all joined in on the fun, adding their own unique twists to the classic Ugg boot.

The designs they revealed are as varied as their individual aesthetics. Christian Siriano, for example, utilized ecru-colored buttons and created a cascade of buttons running along the shaft and toe of a sand-colored Ugg boot. Rafe New York, meanwhile, opted for more of a rock-n-roll feel by adding studded, buckled straps to a classic black boot. Zang Toi meanwhile, added black sequins and pink bow details for an ultra feminine look.

The Art & Sole online auction went online yesterday and will run through Dec. 14th. All proceeds from the auction benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which works to find cures for pediatric cancer patients. Pictured here, you'll find a sampling of some of the one-of-a-kind boots being auctioned off.

To check out all the designs and maybe even place a bid, visit UggAustralia.com

Christian Siriano Classic Tall Ugg Boots— Women's Size 7

 

Stuart Weitzman Classic Tall Ugg Boots — Women's Size 7

 

PPQ Classic Tall Ugg Boots — Women's Size 7

Pamella Roland Classic Tall Ugg Boots — Women's Size 6

This Week's Beauty Obsessions -- From Leave-In Conditioners to Vegan Lip Balm

I'm always testing beauty products, and it seems like, every so often, I go through a honeymoon period with a handful of products I've recently discovered. Here are my current fixations:

 

Nick Chavez Plump 'N Thick Leave-In Thickening Conditioner, $22 for 8 fl. oz. Visit NickChavezBeverlyHills.com

This thickening leave-in conditioner adds volume to your hair, while also softening it and making it more manageable. It's extra convenient in that it can be applied to wet, damp or dry hair (though I find it works best on damp tresses). Aloe extract, honey, carrot root extract, and hydrolized wheat protein, among other ingredients, work to hydrate and expand the hair cuticle, making your hair look camera-ready. It's my newest rescue aid.

LUSH Let Them Eat Cake Vegan Lip Balm, $6.95 each. Visit LUSHUSA.com

Maybe it's because the holidays are here, but I seem to be gravitating toward products that smell like yummy treats (and, of course, I have to remind myself that I can't actually eat them!). This vegan lip balm smells like yellow cake batter and features hydrating agents like organic olive oil, shea butter, lemon oil, vanilla absolute, plum kernel oil, and fresh and orange lemon peel. The balm has a really lightweight, buttery texture that makes it feel all the more delicious as it goes on the lips.

Rodial Body Sculpture, £92.98 at Rodial.co.UK or $125 at Beauty.com

Look, there's no such thing as a miracle cellulite cure (unfortunate but true). Still, there are a handful of products that can diminish its appearance, and Rodial Body Sculpture definitely does make those problem areas look a little trimmer and smoother thanks to a combination of bio-marine actives, wheat protein and caffeine. Apparently, clinical tests have shown a reduction of up to one centimeter in thigh circumference within a month of using this product. I can't say I had those type of stellar results, but the texture of the skin around my thighs and hips definitely improved — especially after 2 months of routine use.

 

ProActiv Pore Refining Peel, $20 for pack of 15. Available at Proactiv.com or by calling 1.800.950.4695.

Each of these boxes includes packets holding damp towels, meant to be smoothed onto the face. When you do so, you're actually depositing the Pore Refining Peel on your skin, a clarifying and refreshing treatment that also minimizes pore size for smoother, younger skin. The peel should be applied for 10 minutes and then rinsed off. It's slightly harsher than other pore minimizing treatments (perhaps because of the inclusion of alpha hydroxy acid and glycolic acid), but it does help to clear any possible outbreaks and leaves skin looking renewed.

 
Borghese Cura-C Anhydrous Vitamin C Body Scrub, $49. Available exclusively at Lord & Taylor. Visit LordAndTaylor.com

Normally, I shy away from body scrubs because they tend to irritate my sensitive skin, but Borghese's Cura-C Anhydrous Vitamin C Body Scrub is really gentle (and smells like orange sorbet). The scrub is formulated with powerful antioxidants like Vitamin C, A and E plus CoQ10 and Beta-Carotene, as well as softening agents like Shea Butter, Squalane, Sunflower Oil and Carrot Oil to soften and smooth the skin. Vitamin C brightens the skin, boosts the immune system, protects the skin from free radicals, and helps to stimulate collagen synthesis.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Lavish Lift Root Booster, $6.50. Available at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide.

Spritzing your limp, lifeless hair with the Lavish Lift Root Booster is equivalent to pumping air into a flat tire. If you spray along the scalp, concentrating on the hair's root, you'll notice that your hair will have more body and bounce. It's my key to lioness chic tresses.

Sothys Paris Pore Refiner System Peel-Off Mask, $60. Available at EssentialDaySpa.com

There's something I just adore about peel-off masks — maybe it's a psychological thing, me feeling as if I'm shedding an old skin to reveal a new, brighter, virginal layer of skin, but taking off a peel-off mask does feel cathartic. The Sothys Paris Pore Refiner System Refining Peel-Off Mask is a lightweight, clear mask that eliminates any dirt and bacteria sitting atop the skin, while also infusing it with pore minimizing polyphenols from the fruit of Rose Multiflor Thunberg.