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Holiday Shopping From A To Z -- Revving Through R, S, and T

Still busy performing your Santa Clausian duties? Don't let the outstanding items on your to-do list force you into a panic. Instead, stick with us as we guide you through the final installments of our A To Z Holiday Gift Guide.

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

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

 

 

R IS FOR RED

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

Holiday Shopping From A To Z -- Easing On Down To M, N, O, P, and Q

With Christmas exactly 10 days away, our style elves are busy scouting out the most amazing, imaginative, exciting gift ideas out there. And, since they like to stay organized, this year they convinced us to have an A to Z theme for our Holiday Gift Guide.

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

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

 

M IS FOR METALLICS

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

Holiday Shopping From A To Z -- Moseying Along to G, H, and I

The ABCs of our A To Z Holiday Gift Guide took us through a miscellany of Art Deco, Blossom-themed, and Color-Blocked goods, while the D, E, and F installment allowed us to immerse ourselves in Dainty knickknacks, Egyptian-themed fare, and Fur-Trimmed fashions.

This week, we're moving right along to the G, H, and I categories in our alphabet-themed gift guide, with G encompassing Green (or Eco-Friendly) goodies, H focusing on Haute Hippie fare, and I exploring a bevy of Ikat print gift options. Let's get it started!

G IS FOR GREEN

 

Liz Earle Pampering Hand Treat, $37.95. Available at US.LizEarle.com 

We all know frosty winter weather takes its toll on our skin, but have you ever noticed that your hands tend to be the first parts of your body to dry and crack? Aside from wearing gloves to protect them from the elements, go the extra mile by treating your mitts to a three-step moisturizing regimen consisting of all-natural products filled with hydrating and softening plant extracts.

The first step in the Liz Earle-prescribed hand treatment involves washing hands with the Orange Flower Hand Wash, an indulgent cleanser that foams deliciously thanks to corn- and coconut-derived agents; invigorates the senses thanks to the sweet orange oil, rose-scented geranium, and lavandin ingredients, which dominate the cleanser's scent profile; protects the skin with antioxidant-rich vitamin E; and softens the skin with a combination of panthenol and betaine, a natural emollient and humectant derived from sugar molasses. After rinsing and drying hands, follow by applying the Hand Repair, a potent but non-greasy cream that softens cuticles, tones the skin, and protects it from free radicals thanks to a combination of echinacea, hops, and beta-carotene. For a power punch, finish off the routine with the Superbalm, a multi-purpose salve that hydrates skin (be it lips, elbows, hands, heels, elbows, cuticles, or knees) with softening shea butter, moisture-locking rosehip oil, restorative neroli oil, and vitamin E. The Superbalm is rather rich so you need only use a dab of the salve, rubbing it in between your palms to warm it up and thin out its consistency, then massaging all over hands and cuticles.

Anybody who relies on the Liz Earle Pampering Hand Treat will not only be a perfect ten — she'll have ten perfect digits!

 

 

 

Gustav Reyes Organic Coil Bracelet, $160. Available at GustavReyes.com

Through his streamlined, sculptural, minimalist wood jewelry, Gustav Reyes is creating a visual thread that anchors humans to their surroundings, reminding them of their responsibility to the environment (not to mention the immense beauty therein). His limited-edition collection of bracelets includes the Organic Coil Bracelet pictured above, which spirals around the wrist like the coils of a Slinky. Made of FSC-certified wood recycled from found objects, each bracelet was crafted using an eco-conscious cold bend process, then finished with a coat of all-natural beeswax.

 

Bobble Water Bottles, $9.99. Available at ContainerStore.com and Target.com

When we first saw these, we mistakenly assumed they were merely overpriced, design-driven water bottles that placed style over substance, appealing mainly to the Brooklyn and lower Manhattan hipster types whose quirky and impractical purchases wind up on the pages of New York magazine. Luckily, we mae sure to research these further and found out that, not only were they useful purchases, they had revolutionary features.

Designed by Karim Rashid for Move Collective, the bobble is a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter that reduces such contaminants as chlorine, copper, lead, mercury and cadmium. To use, you simply fill your bobble with tap water and squeeze the center of the hourglass-shaped bottle, allowing the water to course toward the filter anchored at the bottle's neck and come out of the spout distilled. The bottle itself is free of PVC, phtalates and BPA, and its sleek design is only a bonus, as it perfectly performs its primary function, making regular tap water go down as smooth as expensive bottled water.

At just $9.99, it's the gift that keeps on giving — just think of the money that the recipient will save (bottled water adds up!) and the service you'll do to our environment by eliminating all that excess plastic from circulation. 

Matt & Nat for Apple Ritual Laptop Bag, $180. Available at MattandNat.com

Vegan leather is earning more caché thanks to brands like Matt & Nat which, for nearly 15 years, has been specializing in sleek handbags and accessories fabricated using no animal products. In 2011, the brand collaborated with tech giant Apple on a line of laptop bags, iPod cases, iPad covers, and iPhone pouches.

The Ritual Laptop Bag was designed to accommodate the 13" Apple Macbook and was fabricated using red vegan leather and a 100% recycled gray faux suede lining with built-in padding to protect your precious computer. The stylish bag features a triangle-shaped top flap with a zippered closure, a second zippered exterior pocket, two interior compartments, and unobtrusive pockets specifically designed for the iPod, iPhone and iPod Shuffle.

 

 

Ojon Hair Repair Stars Kit, $84. Available at Ojon.com

Give your best friends the ultimate gift: CPR for their damaged tresses, so they can start the New Year with healthy, frizz-free, voluminous manes. The Ojon Damage Reverse line performs miracles, with a shampoo, conditioner, smoothing glaze, treatment mask, and serum that marry Ojon's trademark Ojon oil with such potent ingredients as buriti nut oil, a Brazilian nut extract that contains Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 fatty acids, as well as Vitamin A; Murumuru butter, which contains oleic and linoleic acid, both of which function as natural emollients, and lauric acid, hailed for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft and prevent the protein loss that can lead to breakage; and moisturizing orange oil, palm kernel oil, bergamot oil, and mango seed butter.

This introductory kit includes: a 100ml jar of the Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment Plus, a nutty hair mask that's applied to dry hair and rinsed off about a half hour for an instant moisture recharge; a 125ml tube of the Restorative Smoothing Glaze, a styling aid that moisturizes hair while keeping frizz at bay and adding control to any 'do; a 50ml bottle of the Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum, a golden elixir containing Rouge Olifeira Oil, which penetrates the hair shaft an prevents future breakage, boosts shine, and prevents fly-aways; a 30ml tube of the Damage Reverse Restorative Shampoo; and a 30ml tube of the Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner. 

 

 

Shwood x Pendleton Canby Sunglasses, $210. Available at ShwoodShop.com

Eco-conscious sunglasses? Believe it! Shwood specializes in top-notch, handcrafted shades made of homegrown wood. Recently, the brand collaborated with textile brand Pendleton on these Wayfarer-esque sunglasses which feature frames made out of Oregon-grown Cherry wood and embellished with laser-cut designs along the arms, lenses that offer full-spectrum protection, and stainless steel spring-loaded hinges. The shades come with a protective wool pouch bearing a Native American-influenced pattern and manufactured in Pendleton's Oregon mill.

 

Votre Vu "Snap Dew It!" SnapDragon Beauty Beverage & Creme Gift Set, $39. Available at VotreVu.com

With this fabulous gift set from Votre Vu, you'll be preserving your skin's health from both the inside and the outside. The set includes a bottle of the SnapDragon Beauty Beverage, an all-natural drink that incorporates antioxidant-rich fruits like mango, pomegranate, and açai berry; along with detoxifying green, white, and red teas; seven daily vitamins; collagen; aloe vera; and gingko biloba. It tastes way better than a V8 and will make you both feel and look healthier, younger, and more beautiful.

To quench your skin's thirst, meanwhile, Votre Vu paired this magical elixir with a jar of its brand new SnapDragon Body Drench, an anti-aging cream with a 95% concentration of all-natural ingredients — among them: açai berry, which is richer in antioxidants than such revered fruits as blueberries and cranberries, protecting the skin from free radical damage and promoting cellular turnover for younger-looking skin; coconut oil, which is rich in fatty acids that hydrate and soften the skin; and grape seed oil, which restores elasticity to the skin, stimulates cellular regeneration, and protects the skin from oxidative stress.

 

 

 

 

Korres Wild Rose Lip Butter Glaze, $14. Available at Sephora.com

Korres' Wild Rose skin care line caters to women who want to both moisturize their skin and brighten their complexions, evening out skin tone and minimizing any dark spots, but their Wild Rose lip products focus more intently on capturing the gorgeous rouge shade of the rose blossom. The Wild Rose Lip Butter Glaze moisturizes lips with organic sugar cane extract and antioxidant-rich pomegranate extract, while organic beeswax and sunflower seed wax give the lip color a creamy, non-sticky consistency. The shade is deep red, but it's deliciously sheer and boasts a nice mirrored finish.

Holiday Gift Guide from A to Z -- Moving on to D, E, F

Last week, we kicked off our A to Z Holiday Gift Guide coverage by taking a Sesame Street-worthy approach to the task, tackling items corresponding to the first three letters of the alphabet, with A standing for Art Deco, B for Blossoms, and C for Color Blocking. This week, we're moving on down the road to the next three letters: D, E, and F.

What does each letter stand for? Well, in our holiday wonder world, D is for Dainty, E is for Egyptian, and F is for Fur-Trimmed. Whether you want to be delightfully prim, channel Cleopatra, or fall for fur, these gift ideas will sate your appetite.

D IS FOR DAINTY

Bing Bang NYC Victorian Snowflake Earrings, $38. Available at BingBangNYC.com

Forget snowflakes that stay on your nose and eye lashes. This wintry season, our favorite things include these silver-plated, sterling-silver dipped snowflake earring studs, designed by Anna Sheffield. Each earring juxtaposes a cross shape made of bulbous, laurel-like sides, and an "X" formation with rounded, hollow, petal-like sides with dot-like studs along the periphery of each side and a trio of ball-shaped studs at the rounded outer tips.

Lush Snow Fairy Gift, $22.95. Available at LUSHusa.com

Not only does this pre-wrapped box set capture the fanciful imagination of every fairy-loving princess with it hot pink gift wrapping, its silver bow, and the jingle bell tied at the very top, but it houses equally lovable treasures — mainly, the LUSH Snow Fairy Shower Gel, a cotton candy-scented wash featuring lactic acid, a natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid that gently exfoliates, optimizes moisture levels, and helps achieve smoother, softer, more radiant skin. The 3.3 fl. oz. shower gel is accompanied by a star-shaped Angel's Delight Soap, which smells like tangerines and blackcurrants and features sweet orange oil, which has astringent an antibacterial properties, antioxidant-rich rapeseed oil, and softening coconut extract; and by  heart-shaped, white Shimmy Shimmy Glitter Bar that practically melts on the skin, living behind a creamy vanilla fragrance and coating the skin with sparkle, as if you'd bathed in magical fairy dust. 

 

Harajuku Lovers Jingle G Eau de Toilette Spray Ornament, $24.99. Available at HSN.com

The leader of the Harajuku Lovers team, G, pulls off as many costume changes as Gwen Stefani, the pop star whose countenance it mirrors. For the holiday season, the blond starlet dons a red Santa Claus-like suit with cuffed sleeves, a row of buttons, and a high collar in snowy white; a thick black belt with a square gold buckle; black boots; white gloves; and an oversize red hair bow. Her heart-shaped pout painted in Stefani's signature red hue, her black eyeliner winging out flirtatiously, and her cheeks flushed ever so slightly, Jingle G is playful and feminine to the core, with fragrance notes that include white star fruit, gardenia, tangerine, honeysuckle, orange blossom, jasmine, vanilla, and cedarwood. The display-ready bottle features a velvet loop along the top of the figural doll, so that you can hang Jingle G right on the Christmas tree or, if you prefer, keep her inside the clear, cylindrical packaging, which also includes a velvet ribbon loop attached to the red cap for use as an ornament.

 

 

Liplicious All I Want Lip Gloss, $8 each. Available at BathAndBodyWorks.com

These limited-edition lip glosses feature moisturizing vitamin E and jojoba oil, and they feature season-appropriate tube designs and scents. The Liplicious Gingerbread Giggle Lip Gloss, for example, is a sheer, bronze-tinged, coral pink with magenta glitter that enhances your pout's natural color. The sweet, gingerbread-scented gloss is packaged in a squeezable tube illustrated with a teal bow and a gingerbread cookie. The Peppermint Hug Lip Gloss, meanwhile, features a candy cane-colored, red-and-white bow with a sky blue tag dangling beneath it, bearing the gloss's name. The sweet but minty-smelling clear gloss features opalescent glitter particles that reflect aqua, pink, gold, green, and yellow tones. The Liplicious Candied Smile Lip Gloss, meanwhile, is a mauve pink color loaded with clear and pink glitter bits and featuring a licorice-tinged, gumdrop fragrance.

Ariel Gordon Jewelry Sugar Loaf Studs, $395, and Tetra Spike Necklace in 14K Rose Gold, $490. Available at ArielGordonJewelry.com

For jewelry designer Ariel Gordon, it's the small things that make all the difference. Take, for example, these 1/4-inch, triangle-shaped, iolite studs, which feature faceted, sloping, pyramid-like sides and a 14k gold setting with thick arrow-like tips along each corner. Another great choice: the Tetra Spike Necklace, which features an arrow-shaped pendant measuring 1/3" by 1/4" hanging from a slender box chain.

 

Gianna Rose Nutcracker Soaps, $22. Available at GiannaRose.com

Make Tchaikovsky proud by choreographing your own applause-worthy performance with this boxed set of five Nutcracker Prince-shaped soaps. The French-milled soaps feature clove, Balsam fir, and burnt orange notes for a slightly spicy yet woody scent. 

bareMinerals Pretty Amazing Lip Collection, $28. Available at BareEscentuals.com

You'll want to sing "Amazing Grace" to these liquid lipstick shades, which are as richly pigmented as lipstick but boast the vinyl-like sheen of most quality glosses. The bareMinerals Pretty Amazing Lip Collection features four 2 ml lip color tubes, each with a sponge tip applicator wand. The colors in this set are: Savvy, a toffee caramel hue; Confidence, a mauve-tinged red; Sass, a near sheer, golden peach color with clear and gold glitter bits; and Oomph, a sheer peachy pink with an icy sheen. Check out swatches here!

Holiday Shopping From A To Z -- Let's Start With The ABCs

You're probably getting ready to rock around the Christmas tree which, of course, means finding just the right gifts to place underneath those fragrant branches. For this year's Holiday Gift Guide, we're giving you the scoop on the best gift options out there, moving from A to Z — literally.

Using the alphabet as our road map, we're picking an aesthetic, theme, or trend for each single letter and amassing items that work within those parameters. To kick off the fun, we've started with A, B, and C. What does each of these letters stand for? Well, in our gift guide, A is for Art Deco, B is for Blooms, and C is for Color Blocking.

Excited yet? Then wait until you see our selections!

A-B-C really is as easy as 1-2-3!

A IS FOR ART DECO

Howard Elliott Collection Wilmette Mirror, $839.99. Available at BronsonDesign.com

You'll be saying, "Mirror, Mirror" way before Charlize Theron in Snow White and the Huntsmen with this  glass mirror, which resembles Superman's Fortress of Solitude with the three layers of faceted, pointed, stalagmite-like glass slices surrounding the rectangular-shaped mirror at the center. Measuring 37" by 52", this sunburst-flavored piece will practically beckon you to stare at your reflection.

 

 

Sylvie Collection Something Hue Earrings, $1,365. Available at SylvieCollection.com

Nothing quite says Art Deco like the combination of glossy black and gleaming silver or gold.  These earrings capture that aesthetic perfectly with elongated, teardrop-shaped onyx stones, capped with 14k white gold. The drop earrings dangle from earlobes by 14K gold fish hook closures adorned with diamonds along their rounded curves and featuring dainty, diamond-embellished chain strands between the closures and the onyx drops .

 

Gio Diev Phoenix, $875. Visit GioDiev.com for store information. 

As if the contrast of black and mirrored gold Nappa leather weren't enough to make Art Deco fanatics salivate, public-relations-expert-turned-footwear-designer Gio Metodiev added a sculptural, futuristic quality to his Phoenix shoe via mountain-shaped cut-outs along the sides and, most importantly, a trio of leather straps fanning out at the top of the shoe in an accordion-like manner. The pointed toe and straight heel, meanwhile, balance out the more rounded design elements. You can pick between a glossy black leather number with mirrored gold leather details or a soft gold shoe with black leather details — either way, you'll be attaining style immortality.

 

Jill Milan Art Deco Clutch in Silver, $2500. Available at JillMilan.com

This boxy, Italian stainless steel clutch measures 4.25" in height, 7" in width, and 1.5" in depth, and it has a silver, mirrored sheen that makes it look glamorous without being ostentatious. The square closure at the top of the clutch is engraved with the JM logo, adding a nice detail to the otherwise minimalist design.

 

Lulu Frost for J. Crew Wide Deco Bangle, $98. Available at JCrew.com 

True to her vintage-influenced aesthetic, Lulu Frost designer Lisa Salzer created this rounded bangle for her limited-edition, affordable jewelry line for J.Crew. The glossy black resin bangle measures 2 1/2" in diameter and features a gold-plated, brass buckle-like accent at the center, with a rectangular, faceted, smokey quartz-like center stone housed in the metal detail's interior. The stone's gold-plated frame is further embellished by handle-like strips along along the length, at the top and bottom of the stone, and arc-like details along its sides  — all encrusted with pavé-set Czech crystals.

 

 

 

Salvatore Ferragamo Varina Mosaic Shoes, $270. Available at Couture.Zappos.com 

Dorothy would've chucked her ruby red slippers had she seen these bow-accented, mosaic-style, mirrored gold flats from Salvatore Ferragamo, which feature a sensible 3/8" heel and rounded toe.

 

Kilian "Night Jewels" Collection, $425 for one bottle filled with any scent from the L'Oeuvre Noire or Arabian Nights collection. Available at RonRobinson.com

Fragrance expert Kilian Hennessy titled his Holiday 2011 collection “Joyaux de Nuit” (“Night Jewels”) after the four jeweled bottle designs he envisioned, all of which are meant to capture the black of night and the sparkle of the lights and stars during the evening hours.

Three of the four bottles were inspired by the L'Oeuvre Noir fragrance family: a heart split in two by a silver strip lined with rectangular smoky crystal stones and round clear crystals captures the heartache associated with "Love and its Prohibitions;" a shifting, distorted version of the square shape of the Place Vendôme in Paris channels the regal quality of "The Temptations" scent; and a futuristic design consisting of two staggered semi-circles facing one another, then adorned with vertical strips of faceted jewels resembling tower formations, captures the naughty, salacious spirit of "The Artificial Paradises" scent. The final bottle deviates aesthetically from the others by incorporating gold accents and Swarovski crystals, all of which are meant to capture the opulent spirit of the Arabian Nights fragrance collection.

All of the handcrafted bottles are refillable, making them timeless treasures worthy of the most extravagant boudoir. 

FriendsWithYou x Sanrio Launch the "Wish Come True for Hello Kitty" Collection

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smiling is practically a reflex, an involuntary facial spasm, when exposed to the joy that constitutes the DNA of every collectible toy, art print, tee, sticker, USB drive, desk trinket, and home accent created by Miami-based art collective FriendsWithYou. Colorful characters shaped like bowling pins, Russian Matryoshka nesting dolls, awkward oversize penguins, and juicy burgers perpetually beam their charming smiles and show off the polka dots, Life Saver-esque rings, and vertical stripes covering their bodies. Bearing names like Malfi, Mr. TTT Burger, Buddy Chub, Mr. Phantom, and Super Malfi, these quirky scoundrels navigate through a magical universe filled with happy clouds, trippy rainbows, Super Mario-esque mushrooms, giant red-and-white lollipops, and picturesque homes with drawn-on faces. If you extracted aesthetic elements from Pee-Wee's Playhouse, Super Mario's Mushroom Kingdom, Candyland, Scooby Doo's Mystery Machine Van, and Twister, then blended them all together, the final recipe would be but the appetizer before the delicious entree that is the FriendsWithYou world. Oddly enough, even for us cynical New Yorkers, this psychedelic, über bright, exuberant dimension never feels annoyingly happy — it's almost as if these oddball characters are in on a mischievous secret that we become privy to when we immerse ourselves in the FriendsWithYou experience. 

Given that the FriendsWithYou mission is to provide a message of Magic, Luck and Friendship through art, the company's compatibility with Sanrio is undeniable. After all, Sanrio has earned worldwide acclaim by introducing a lovable gang of characters with unique personalities, relatable back stories, and ebullient lifestyles — among them Hello Kitty, Keroppi, Chococat, and TuxedoSam.

The stellar FriendsWithYou x Sanrio "Wish Come True for Hello Kitty" collection launching today serves as proof of the type of magic that can be unleashed when two like-minded creative powerhouses join forces. The  whimsical collection incorporates fashion accessories (from a tote bag with bow-adorned shoulder straps to a zip-top coin purse with a key chain ring), luggage (check out the sky blue carry-on after the jump), desk accessories (journals, pencils, and snow globes), plush toys, tech accessories (like a laptop sleeve and an iPhone 4 case), and kid-friendly knickknacks like metal key chains, laminated pencil cases, metal lunchbox and refillable aluminum water bottles.  

We're loving the 12-inch Hello Kitty plush toys (particularly the "Rainbow King" design, in which Hello Kitty is shown wearing a Super Malfi-like helmet), the 13" printed neoprene laptop case pictured above (valued at $45), and the adorable coin purse shown last above (priced at $20). But, as the name suggests, this co-branded collection is a wish come true for anyone with a child-like imagination and an appetite for joy.

Make sure to visit Sanrio.com and FriendsWithYou.com to shop the collection and check out more images after the jump. 

 

Get Ready For The Missoni For Target Collection

 

 

You've likely heard the hullabaloo and frenzied hubbub over the Missoni for Target collection, which will land in Target stores and on Target.com on Sept. 13rd, bidding customers adieu on October 22nd. The expansive collection includes women's, men's, and kid's apparel, as well as accessories, footwear, beauty supplies, home accents, linens, pillows, furnishings, tableware, stationery, luggage, and even a bicycle. Many of the pieces in the collection, as might be expected, incorporate the chevron patterns that have become synonymous with the 58-year old Italian couture brand, as well as kaleidoscopic floral prints and mosaic-like geometric shapes.

So does the collection live up to the hype? Yes and no. Though many a fashion blogger has raved about the clothing options in the collection, I was disappointed by the drab coloring and the overly preppy shapes (tons of dainty cardigans, bulky sweater dresses, and frumpy maxi skirts. Sure, there are a couple of highlights: a sharp, slightly retro, black sweater dress with grayish teal vertical stripes and beige, mustard, and brown strips of color zig-zagging across the waist and hemline; a matching sweater coat that's for a polished look and a versatile color palette; and a V-neck, chevron-print chiffon sweater with matching knit shorts. Still, you won't find anything as funky as the low-cut cardigan Kate Moss donned for the brand's SS11 ad campaign or the bell-sleeved chiffon dress with the pleated skirt she flaunted for their Fall 2004 ad campaign. And you can forget about anything akin to the tribal-inspired pieces showcased in the Missoni Resort 2011 show. Basically, the Boho chic look that I associate with Missoni and that I so relish is rather absent from this buttoned-up, soccer mom-like clothing cluster. Even the footwear options are limited, as customers can basically pick between a blah pair of ballet flats like those pictured above ($24.99) or shapeless, albeit cute, rain boots ($34.99).

The collection's saving grace, then, is its colorful array of home offerings, which include such standouts as the 5-Piece Espresso Set pictured at top ($39.99); the Chevron Toss Pillow ($29.99) and Loops Toss Pillow ($29.99) pictured fifth from top; the whimsical Laptop Sleeve shown sixth from top ($29.99); the Floral Boxed Candles pictured last above ($12.99 each); the painterly bath towels and Mod shower curtain (as shown after the jump); and the various appetizer trays, stoneware plates, cereal bowls, tumbler glasses, and serving trays (some of which are shown after the jump). A simple throw blanket over a brown leather couch is likely to liven up an otherwise minimalist living room, and a set of square-shaped, chevron-patterned plates and striped glasses with pops of burgundy, aqua, brown, coral, khaki, yellow, and gray will make family dinner feel like a true fête.

Also of note are the glass photo frames, cosmetics cases, hostess-ready wine boxes, and plush towels _  all of which exude the joie de vivre that we associate with Missoni.

Check out more pieces from the collection after the jump!

Happy Mother's Day! Shower Your Mom With Gifts And Praise

It's almost 11 a.m. — have you hugged your mom yet? If not, you better run, skip and hop to it!

Those of you who won't see Mom for a few days, live in another state and plan on mailing her a belated Mother's Day gift, or have aunts, grandmas, stepmoms, and in-laws left on your shopping list, check out more gift options for the Superwomen in your life below.

As for my fellow mothers, some of you are probably in a similar predicament as me, where your child is just a bit too young to grasp the concept of Mother's Day. With no handmade cards, flowers, or even macaroni necklaces in sight, your day might look like it will be a bit anemic on the gift front. But hey, there's nothing wrong with celebrating yourself — you've been doing a fantastic job an you deserve some kudos, so why not pat yourself on the back today and indulge in a little retail therapy? Add some sunshine to your day with one of these great buys!

Most of all, enjoy your Mother's Day!

 

 

 

Nissa Slip Knot Bracelets, $238 each. Available at NissaJewelry.com

These snake chain slip knot earrings from Nissa give new meaning to the phrase "tie the knot." The snake chains used give each piece a '70s disco feel, while the slip knot detail adds a nautical twist — literally.

Moleskin Doodles Large Journals in Red or Black, $17.95 each; and Moleskin Doodles Pocket Journals in Red or Black, $12 each. Available at Target stores and Target.com

Whether she's jotting down grocery lists, keeping a diary, or writing poetry, Mom needs a journal that will make her handwritten notes feel all the more precious. These printed notebooks, available at Target, will do the trick.

 

 

 

Carolina Bucci (PRODUCT) RED Bracelets, $650 for each Lucky Bracelet and $9500 for Couture Bracelet. Available at NetAPorter.com

Rumpelstitskin would have gone mad for the new Carolina Bucci (PRODUCT) RED Lucky bracelets, made of silk thread woven with fine 18-karat gold or sterling silver chains. Talk about spinning something into gold! The playful fringe ends are adorned with charms bearing smiley faces an flower motifs, tokens that are meant to bring good fortune to those who wrap these bracelets around their wrists. The Lucky bracelets come in red silk and red silver, red silver and white silk, or black silver and red silk. If you'd rather opt for a true splurge item, check out the Couture bracelet, a 24-strand piece of 18k red and black gold interwoven with silk. Half of the proceeds from the sale of each bracelet will benefit the Global Fund.

 

 

 

Alex Woo 14K Gold Horn Sweni Earrings, $2578. Available at Endless.com

When designing her Sweni collection, jewelry guru Alex Woo turned to the natural wonders of Africa. These open hoop earrings, measuring 2" in height and 30mm in width, curve like teardrops while the twisted gold metal evokes the beauty of African wildlife, channeling the look of Roan antelope and Grant's gazelle horns. The kicker: Woo is donating a portion of the proceeds to the African Wildlife Foundation.

 

 

 

 

Judith Ripka Romance Rings, $3400 each. Available at JudithRipka.com

Give Mom your heart with one of these stunning Judith Ripka earrings, featuring faceted gemstones weighing 27.24 ct. shaped like hearts and featuring pave-set diamonds along the 18k gold periphery.

 

 

 

Roberta Freymann Tapestry Tote, $225. Available at RobertaFreymann.com

The 1970s are back in a big way, and this Roberta Freymann bag manages to capture the vibrancy, cheer, and exuberance of the folklore-inspired, Boho fashions of the time.It also draws from Mexican iconography, with floral motifs and exotic birds worthy of an embroidered peasant blouse. Each bag, measuring 14.5" in height and 20" in width, is handmade using vintage fabrics, so that the resulting design is one-of-a-kind.

 

Alexander McQueen AMQ4178/S Sunglasses, $325. Available at Bergdorf Goodman.

Let mom show her dazzling style sense with these new butterfly-shaped shades from Alexander McQueen, which feature textured, two-toned sides in purple and a luminous green, with etchings that resemble peacock feathers and slightly rounded top edges.

 

Trina Turk Branch Ring, $120. Available at TrinaTurk.com

With summer around the corner, any mom will appreciate a piece that conjured up a beachy feel. This Trina Turk ring features an oval resin stone in a turquoise hue with an eight-prong setting and a thick gold-plated band mae to resemble a dense path of branches.

 

 

Theodora & Callum x Stuart Weitzman clutch, $355. Available at Stuart Weitzman stores.

Aside from the gorgeous espadrilles an wedges in the Theodora & Callum for Stuart Weitzman collection, you'll find a handful of purse options, including this Ikat print clutch in a Pueblo-worthy turquoise and red colorway.

 

Mamma Mia! It's Our Mother's Day Gift Guide!

When a woman bears children, she doesn't automatically join some global network of disheveled, perpetually mismatched, scrapbook-obsessed, Slanket-adoring, "Jag"-watching, Reader's Digest-subscribing frumpsters. Those of us who added "mother" to our job titles while in our 20s and 30s are entirely too familiar with the terrible Mother's Day gift suggestions often made by print and online publications (terry cloth slippers? really?), and we long for the day when we won't have to feign delight when we unwrap our presents on the big day. So, with that in mind, we've created a gift guide for chic moms of all ages, packed with pieces that say "I love you, mom" in the most syrupy smooth tone.

So push those corny "No. 1 Mom" ceramic mugs aside, cancel the flannel pajama order, and let's get down to business!

 

Courtney Lee Collection Elise Cuff, $360. Available at Alene Too in Boca Raton, FL. Visit CourtneyLeeCollection.com for more info.

Wonder Woman's bulletproof bracelets would look downright wimpy next to this stunning 2"-wide, red lambskin cuff, which you can squeeze and adjust to fit your particular wrist size. At its core, the Elise cuff features an almond-shaped, silver-plated, Swarovski-adorned design with a slightly tribal feel (which is magnified by the red backdrop). An oversize, faceted, marquis-sty,le clear Swarovski crystal holds court at the center of the piece like a supernova, radiating the heat that takes this bracelet from pretty to jaw-dropping. This stone is then surrounded by two rows of tiny round clear crystals that perfectly mimic its shape, orbiting around the diva stone. Lastly, a single strip of rectangular-shaped crystals outline these two crystal rows, arranged in a slight angle so as to create a starburst-like motif that's perfect for a superstar like Elise.

 

Ritzenhoff Pearls Glasses, $44 each. Visit RitzenhoffUSA.com for a list of retailers near you.

Inspired by the French notion of "savoir vivre," a philosophy of life that involves knowing how to enjoy life's pleasures an not be overly consumed by work responsibilities, Ritzenhoff launched its Pearls collection, designed for Prosecco, a sparkling Italian white wine that conveys a sense of joy and playfulness. Artists like Jarle Hetland Bjorlin, Monica Ernst, Nicholas DeWael, and Sandra Kretzmann have lent their distinctive aesthetics to these fine glasses. These youthful, sunny, unique designs make each moment you toast even more memorable, 

 

 

 
Nancy Gonzalez Woven Crocodile Leather Straw Clutch, $810. Available at SaksFifthAvenue.com

Handbag gurus associate Nancy Gonzalez with finely crafted pieces in exquisite, exotic animal skins, but the Colombian designer is constantly expanding her repertoire. Take, for example, this macramé-inspired clutch, which features a straw fabric in a summery, linen-y, muted tan tone, with beige crocodile leather woven over it, creating an intriguing knot-like pattern. Perfect for a poolside fête, a garden party, or an afternoon lunch, this clutch measured 12" in with, 14" in height, and 1" in depth.

 

 

 

Mars and Valentine Mother & Baby Ring, $225, and Mars and Valentine Mother & Baby Toggle Bracelet, $525. Available at Nordstrom.com

Forget some rink-a-dink necklace with the word "Mom" engraved in gawdy cursive letters —this is how you commemorate Ma Dukes. Jewelry brand Mars and Valentine integrates antique-looking, Western-flavored, etched, embossed, and engraved tokens in brass an sterling silver. If you want an audacious piece that will commemorate a mother's relationship to her child, opt for the Mother & Baby Ring, an open ring with a vintage-looking oval shape bearing the word "Baby" on one side and a slim brass almond shape with the word "Mother" on the other side. Measuring 3/4" in width and 1 1/4" in length, the ring also incorporates white topaz stone accents. Prefer a charm bracelet? Then check out their Mother & Baby Toggle Bracelet, which incorporates two-toned tokens and medallions.

 

Kilian Invitation, $1195, and Kilian Prohibition (Black Edition), $2895. Available at Bergdorf Goodman.

The story behind Kilian Hennessy's handbag collection says it all: when his significant other attended a black tie affair wearing one of his sleek, Art Deco-inspired, glossy black perfume bottles as a clutch, the outpouring of compliments was formidable. She knew at that point that her man could expand his fragrance empire by venturing into the luxury handbag milieu.

The result is an exciting collection of black lacquered and hand polished Plexiglass clutches with Swarovski-encrusted mirrored clasp closures. Our top picks: the Invitation style, which features a square, yellow gold shape along the front with a mirrored sheen and two thin vertical rows on either side (one shorter than the next) adorned with tiny square and rectangular black Swarovski crystals; and the Prohibition style, inspired by 1920s-era Shanghai, which features black galuchat skin in a circular shape along the center.

 

 

ZAIKEN Jewelry Calligraphy Collection "Terms of Endearment" Bracelets, prices range from $600 to $2100. Available at ZaikenJewelry.com

A heartfelt letter sent via e-mail is a lovely gesture, but there's something way more intimate about a hand-written note or card, a piece of paper with refined cursive lettering that shows the author spent time and energy in expressing his or her thoughts. Zaiken taps into this idea with its Calligraphy Collection, which celebrates the ancient art of handwriting. To that end, then, the Terms of Endearment collection consists of bracelets with white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or blackened silver charms engraved with affectionate words like “Angel”, “Beloved”, “Cherished,” and “Adored” in scripts that seem refined but not standoffish, sophisticated but still authentic. The bracelets themselves, meanwhile, were mae using woven, macramé-style leather and silk so that they feel like upscale versions of the friendship bracelets we once toiled over as schoolgirls. What mom wouldn't want to know she's adored?

 

 

 

 

ECOYA Special Edition Mother's Day Candle, $36.00. Available at CandleDelirium.com

Let your mom enjoy some bubbly, all without ever getting inebriated. Your queen will find the scent of the Ecoya Pink Champagne Special Edition Mother's Day Candle positively intoxicating: from the zesty pink grapefruit note that opens the fragrance to the juicy, succulent strawberry note, and the powdery floral notes that add a delicate vibe to the experience. The natural soy candle's aroma strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, naughty and nice, without ever seeming too overpowering or overbearing.

 

 

 

 

 
Molton Brown Joy – Mother’s Day Gift Set, $58. Available at all Molton Brown emporia and at Moltonbrown.com

Whether she's sleep-deprived while nursing her newborn, exhausted from doing all the laundry and cooking, or fretting about her child's college fund, chances are the mothers you know are in some serious need of an extended R&R session. The Molton Brown Relaxing Yuan Zhi Bath & Shower Gel in this gift set and accompanying Relaxing Yuan Zhi Body Lotion will help her unwind thanks to the aromatherapy benefits of the Chinese herb yuan zhi (senega root), which has long been used by holistic experts to calm the spirit and temper anxiety. The shower gel is also enriched with mango oil, so that it softens skin as you cleanse your body, and a combination of ylang-ylang, vanilla and rose oils add a sensual, indulgent fragrance. When mom needs a pick-me-up, meanwhile, she can reach for the Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Bath & Shower Gel and the Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Body Lotion, which have a warm an spicy aroma.
 

 
Kendra Scott Nadine Earrings, $80. Available at KendraScott.com

A nod to modernism with an emphasis on strong lines and shapes, the 3"-long Kendra Scott Nadine earrings are made of 14k gold-plated brass and feature faceted gems like blue agate, peach quartz, turquoise magnesite, salmon magnesite, and yellow onyx along their lengths and at the post.

 

Celebrate Earth Day All Weekend Long With These Eco-Friendly Goodies!

Taking care of our habitat shouldn't be something we consider once a year, when April 22nd rolls around and posters bearing illustrations of lush trees and perky flowers cover every store window. So, at Sicka Than Average, we've pledged to cover eco-friendly fashion and beauty all year long. And, rather than limit Earth Day to a single 24-hour celebration, we've transformed it into a weekend-long extravaganza. Yesterday, we kicked off the festivities with our first Earth Day story and, today, we're offering you more coveted finds sure to induce a sense of eco euphoria.

 

 

 

Seltzer Seven-Year Pens, $7.50 each. Available at UncommonGoods.com

Think about all the pens you discard on a yearly basis, all those plastic cylinders en route to waste-ridden landfills. Sure, some pen brands have taken strides to green their manufacturing by turning to recycled plastic but few have really pondered how they can reduce waste by making each pen last more than a few months. Enter Seltzer's Seven-Year Pens. By increasing the barrel size inside the pen by up to six times the traditional amount, each pen is able to hold way more ink — enough to write up to 2 meters a day for 7 years straight.

 

NP Set Wake Me Up Day Cream and Say Goodnight Night Cream, $29 each. Available at Target.com

Though they're not 100% organic, the new NP Set day and night moisturizers rely on botanical ingredients to leave skin replenished, hydrated, and glowing. The NP Set Wake Me Up Day Cream features ingredients like: rice extract, which aids in short- and long-term hydration; rose extract, which helps to brighten skin tone by reducing the appearance of sun spots and other hyperpigmented areas; hydrating sodium hyaluronate; argan oil, which is loaded with essential fatty acids (80% of its makeup) that boast anti-aging properties and help to soften skin, reduce the appearance of scars, marks, and blemishes;   moringa seeds, which have an oleic acid content of 72%, helping to make skin look younger; and vitamin A, which helps to fight and treat acne. The NP Set Say Goodnight Night Cream, meanwhile, focuses on moisturizing and renewing the skin while you sleep, relying on ingredients like shea butter, ProVitamin B5, squalane, vitamin E, and moringa seeds.

 

 

                   

                    

                   

Vapour Organic Beauty Mesmerize Shimmer Eye Treatment in Dream, Lyric, and Sugar, $18 each. Available at VapourBeauty.com

The three new shades added to the range of creamy Mesmerize Shimmer Eye Treatments from Vapour Organic Beauty for Spring 2011 will make you rethink the way you view pastels. These 100% natural, retractable cream color sticks contain 70% organic ingredients, among them chrysanthemum, which boasts anti-inflammatory properties, brightening and soothing eyebright, and circulation-boosting horsetail extract. The angled tips of the Mesmerize Eye Shimmer sticks allow you to simply glide them across lids, thereby depositing a layer of sheer but buildable color with microscopic mineral particles that add an ethereal, stardust-style finish. The three new hues are: Dream, a minty sage green with golden highlights; Lyric, a soft lilac with iridescent blue specks; and Sugar, a baby pink with rose gold glimmer. Check out swatches of the three new Mesmerize Shimmer Eye Color Treatment shades here, and see how dreamy and romantic they look!

 

Frais Towelettes, $10 for Box of 7 Individual Towelettes. Available at Frais.com.au

What beauty hound doesn't keep a stash of makeup removing towelettes in her bathroom cabinet? Still,  many of the facial wipes in the marketplace contain cosmeceutical ingredients that dehydrate, irritate, and aggitate skin so that, while they're handy for removing makeup, they present major drawbacks. Australian brand Frais, then, offers a solution to this conundrum with their All-Natural Towelettes, which are formulated with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, moisturizing shea butter, soothing chamomile and brightening gingko balboa and alpha bisabolol. Each towelette is so saturated with moisture that it feels as gentle as a hypoallergenic baby wipe (minus the alcohol content). Thanks to a mix of eight essential oils (ginger, tangerine, lemon myrtle, niaouli, orange, basil, grapefruit and cardamom), each wipe boasts aromatherapy benefits, energizing you and lifting your spirits. Frais also gets extra points for individually packaging each towelette rather than stacking all the wipes atop one another and tucking them inside a plastic pouch with a peel-off sticker opening that will inevitably lose its adhesiveness and lead to the towelettes drying out way before they're ever used.

Ellington Handbags Bella Wallets, $69 each. Available at EllingtonHandbags.com

You don't need to limit yourself to hemp and organic cotton handbags in the name of eco-friendly accessorizing. Plenty of companies now offer goods in sophisticated-looking faux leather — or, at the very least, they produce leather goods using environmentally friendly manufacturing processes that minimize waste and carbon emissions. These leather Bella Wallets from Ellington Handbags, for example, are trimmed in the brand's signature ECO leather, which is made in an environmentally responsible tannery that insists on reduced water and energy consumption and minimizes CO2 emissions. Each zip-around wallet measures 4.5" in height, 3.5" in width, and 0.75" in depth. The inside of each wallet includes three card slots, to small slip pockets, a slip pocket for cash, and a coin pouch with a snap-on flap closure. You can pick between Seafoam Green, Tan, Lavender, and Blue.

 

 

 

Korres Milk Proteins Foaming Cream Cleanser, $21. Available at Sephora.com

When I first tried the Korres Milk Proteins Foaming Cream Cleanser, I felt like I was stepping out on my beloved Korres White Tea Facial Fluid Gel Cleanser, to which I'd pledged my undying love (and loyalty). My guilt notwithstanding, my experimentation paid off. The Korres Milk Proteins Foaming Cream Cleanser smells like a cup of steamed milk sweetened with a touch of vanilla, and it lathers nicely on the skin without being overly sudsy. The paraben- and soap-free cleanser thoroughly removes impurities while hydrating the skin, without leaving it feeling greasy or balmy. The formula relies on lactose-rich milk proteins and amino acids that strengthen the skin's lipid barrier, improving moisture retention, as well as botanicals like: honeysuckle extract, which can increase circulation and has historically been used to treat topical outbreaks ranging from rashes to abscesses; hydrolyzed rice protein, a conditioning agent; hydrogenated castor oil, which can treat acne and other pesky skin conditions, as well as restore the skin's moisture balance; willow bark extract, which boasts astringent properties and aids in cellular renewal; glycerin, a popular humectant; and the anti-inflammatory whey protein.