SICKA THAN AVERAGE

No Glove, No Love

Babies, it's cold outside. North Carolina was hit with a few inches of snow on Tuesday, as did parts of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Sure, today is a sunny and relatively warm Halloween day ,and trick-or-treaters are happily sauntering from one candy heaven to the next (Although a lot of businesses are using the recession as an excuse not to give kids candy, which is just heartless and wack. I mean, really, just go to a 99-cent store, buy $10 worth of candy, and you'll be straight — it ain't that deep!). Anyway, while we may get a blip of warmth here and there, for the most part, experts have been warning us that this is gonna be a brutal winter. That means a coat alone ain't gonna cut it — it's time to stock up on wool socks, hats, gloves, long johns, and all the extra reinforcements.

By now, most women have discovered the difference a pair of sheepskin-lined Ugg boots makes in surviving a harsh winter. So, now that you've got the answer to keeping your toes toasty, don't leave your fingers and knuckles out in the cold. It's not just about getting a pair of gloves — it's about the right pair of gloves. Unlined leather gloves won't do the trick because they won't insulate enough. Cashmere or woven gloves will keep your fingers warm, but they're not waterproof, so you can forget about wearing them on snowy days. And ski gloves just shouldn't be worn away from the slopes. So how do you find a pair of gloves that's stylish, sturdy, classic enough to match almost any winter get-up, and designed to handle inclement weather?

Well, check out Ugg Australia's Tall Cardy Gloves, which are made of 100% deargrain leather, lined with cashmere for extra warmth, and accented with a thick crocheted cuff that fully covers your wrists (a genius idea since, with shorter gloves, the cold air can sometimes sneak in underneath our coat sleeves). The three-button detail adds a playful little twist to the otherwise serious black-on-black design. The mix of textures and materials is innovative and exciting and, most importantly, they'll shelter your hands from the arctic chill.

If the glove fits, wear it.

Tall Cardy Glove, $165. Visit UggAustralia.com

It's Hip To Be DSquared2

I can't believe I just made a pun based on Huey Lewis and the News' "Hip to Be Square", but hey, back in the day, that was a jam (as corny and ridiculous as it may seem now). But back to today's order of business: DSquared2's first fragrance, She Wood (which was launched last month and follows its male counterpart, He Wood). The woody floral scent, developed by Daphne Bugey, features three accords: light (lemon, jasmine petals, neroli brigade), sap (violet blossom and leaves, heliotrope, musk), and wood (cedar wood, vetiver, vegetable amber).

When developing the fragrance, DSquared2 founders Dean and Dan Caten envisioned a blossom-bearing tree. Each scent grouping, then, speaks to a different aspect of the wood theme. The base wood notes function as the root and core of it all, the defining element. The sap notes, then, are meant to represent the fluid matter that envelops the wood, the lifeblood circulating through the tree trunk and the branches which, in turn,  gives way to the head notes, which represent the enchanting blossoms growing among the tree's leaves. The metaphorical description of the olfactory experience is fitting (though I have to say that the most prominent notes in the fragrance are the jasmine petals and the violet blossoms, so that the floral aspect overrides the woodier notes).

Personally, I think the inspiration for the fragrance speaks to what womanhood is all about: having a strong sense of self and a resolute will (like a tree, we won't be moved), nurturing our own creative juices and those of the people we love (like the sap, which is the lifeblood of it all), and beguiling others with our feminine charms (like the blossoms).

DSquared2 She Wood fragrance, $70 for 1.7 oz. Visit Sephora.com

Hounding You

Human beings love to adorn things — throughout history, we've continuously found new ways to beautify our bodies (think about the many ways in which different African and indigenous tribes experimented with body art, piercings, etc.) and our surroundings (cave writings, anyone?). Many centuries have passed, major technological advancements have been made, and we're still steadily trying to adorn everything in our visual space. And it's about more than aesthetics — it's about expressing one's individuality, one's singular vision and taste.

In many ways, technology has eradicated the concept of individuality by facilitating the mass production of different gadgets and trappings. Everybody wants to have the new "it" phone (and it's all about the iPhone 3G right now) that everyone rave about but, once they own it, they want to give it a personal twist, some stylistic reinvention that will reflect their sensibilities. Interesting, right? We want the product everyone else has, but we don't want it to look just like theirs — we want ours to be better, to represent us as individuals. But with phones, there are only a few ways to go: embellishments like Swarovski crystals (which are pretty played out... Even Ugly Betty had her phone bedazzled back in Season 2); charms (which don't work for the new generation of phones that don't have antennas); cases or "skins" (the jackpot!).

So how do you make your iPhone stand out in a crowd? Easy: just check out one of these new fitted cases by Speck Products. Designed to fit the new generation iPhone 3G, the two-piece, snap-on "Fitted" cases are available in classic, fall-friendly colors and patterns like black-and-white plaid, black herringbone with pinstripes and tan houndstooth check.

The tan houndstooth has a classic feel to it that reminds me of college professors and old poetry cafes. Plus, the case is soft, so you can pet your iPhone as much as you please without anyone questioning your sanity.

Speck "Fitted" case for iPhone 3G in tan houndstooth check, $29.95. Visit SpeckProducts.com

Hufferton Post

Quick: name three things for which New Zealand is famous. Maybe you said Lord of the Rings, since it's the place where director Peter Jackson recreated Middle Earth in the Oscar-winning movie (and its two sequels). Or maybe you mentioned stunt woman Zoe Bell, who doubled for Uma Thurman in Kill Bill and starred as herself (doing some pretty crazy stunt work atop the hood of a speeding car) in Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof. Perhaps you even mentioned Witi Ihimaera, a New Zealand native and author of the acclaimed novel The Whale Rider. Maybe you even mentioned the gorgeous landscape or the amazing flora and fauna species. But fashion? Did you, even for a second associate fashion and New Zealand? Chances are the answer to that one is a resounding no.

But the folks at Huffer are vying to carry the New Zealand flag proudly into fashion glory. Going on 11 strong years, the streetwear company combines skate wear and preppy garb for an irreverent and eccentric collection that's forward-minded and wickedly fun. And, after conquering their native land, Australia, Japan and the U.K. (among others), Huffer is now making a spash in the U.S.

Their fall line once again combines quirky patterns and textures for a punk-fan-meets-art-student look which emphasizes out-of-the-box thinking and creative freedom.

Just check out the plaid button-down "Forget" shirt (the second pic from top), which features a rather unique construction. Notice how they not only combine the purple and green plaid for an added quirky factor, but they deliberately chose not to align the stripes, so that the different colored fabrics look like they were haphazadly put together — even though anyone can see that the shirt is otherwise exquisitely tailored. Another wonderful detail is the fact that the shirt's sleeves only go down to one's elbows and have a buttoned cuff — the effect is casual but sassy. The shirt, then, is about creating illusions, playing with preconceived notions, and defying norms — all while executing the design according to a master plan.

Then there's my absolute favorite piece, the "Snapper" jacket, which is made of 100% cotton and a fleece lining in a cool green plaid. It's a mid-length jacket so, unless you're Goliath, it should go past your waist and cover up your apple bottom. I also like that it has a removable belt strap and an extra large hood (I mean, you can reeeaaallly go incognito with this on!). The jacket is not quite a trench or a parka -- it's somewhere in between, and tha'ts what makes it so fun (and practical).

Another standout piece is the "Obstruction Crew" (at the top), a 50% wool and 50% acrylic sweater in a Mondrian-esque, color-blocked grid. It's one of the biggest themes for fall (Mondrian-inspired graphics, that is), but I've rarely seen it executed this well. The primary colors used not only have a gorgeously bright quality to them but they, by definition, capture the essence of Mondrian's work.

Huffer People clothing pictured: Obstruction Crew; Forget Shirt; Snapper Jacket. Visit Huffer.co.nz for pricing and retailerinformation.

These Shoes Were Made for Voting

I'd try to be non-partisan up in here, but who would I be kidding? If you've read enough of my posts, you've ascertained that my political beliefs lean left, as in way-way-way left (Beyoncé ain't got nothin' on me with her "to the left, to the left" bit, a'ight?). Sure, I'm hardly the poster child for electoral mobilization and I got bored 20 minutes into every debate but, hey, if I'm gonna pull a lever inside some raggedy booth next week, you best believe Obama and Biden will be my choices.

If you're rooting for the Obamization of America (or you're just a good ol' Democrat), why not celebrate that with these comfy and cute slip-ons by TOMS Shoes? Oh, and before you wisegals start trying to be all smart, let me just say outright that this shoe company is in no way affiliated with the Tom dude of MySpace fame!

But seriously, this two-year-old shoe company has a noble mission: for every pair of shoes purchased, a pair is donated to a child in need. To date, TOMS shoes has donated over 50,000 pairs of shoes throughout South Africa and 10,000 pairs in Argentina. So you can buy these comfy canvas slip-ons, support your party, and help a child in need!

Now, you may even feel like rocking these shoes when you go out to vote — just remember to check what your state's rules are regarding partisan T-Shirts, buttons, and other apparel. Some states (such as Vermont, Maine, Montana, Kansas and Virginia and New York) deem these items to be forms of "passive electioneering" and have therefore outlawed them at polling sites. Yes, folks, it's not an urban myth that these items are sometimes banned from polling sites, though most states don't have a clear position on whether simply wearing a T-shirt bearing a candidate's face or name automatically constitutes electioneering. I suggest doing your research before wearing these to the polls and maybe, if you wanna play it safe, just bring some flip-flops or sneakers in a bag and change into them right before you reach the polling site then, after you've exited, put your slip-ons back on.

You'll be stepping into the future (that is, if the American public has any sense and puts Obama in office!)

TOMS Shoes "Democrat Vote" shoes, $45. Visit TOMSShoes.com

Et Tu, Ecru?

Most beauty companies are well aware of every woman's longing for silkier, smoother hair, and so they launch product lines with key words like "soft," "silky," and "lustrous" to lure consumers in (even if their products leave your hair feeling rougher than a rusty Brillo pad). But, then, most companies aren't Ecru New York. Ecru's latest offerings, the Silk Nourishing Cream and Silk Nectar Serum, deliver commercial-ready hair through the usage of fine ingredients like — get this — silk protein, which is derived from 100% natural Japanese silk and is packed with amino acids that restore elasticity and volume to hair follicles. A product that contains silk protein and, hence, leads to softer hair? How's that for keeping it real? You can't ever accuse them of false advertising!

The Silk Nectar Serum contains cayenne pepper extract to exfoliate and stimulate the scalp (who knew cayenne pepper had these powers? I thought cayenne pepper was only good for the Master Cleanse!), vitamin E to ward off UV damage and nourish the hair, and safflower seed oil to moisturize. Not only does it keep your hair in one place (I managed to walk through the mother of all wind tunnels and, even though my hair was flying about, once I got outta there and fingercombed my hair, I looked as put-together as I did when I left the house, meaning no fly-aways), but it adds the right amount of shine (without the grease). As a matter of fact, your hands won't even feel greasy after your run this through your hair.

But it's the Silk Nourishing Cream that really won me over. This leave-in conditioner moisturizes your hair better than many an "intense treatment" or hair mask (and the convenience of not having to wait 1-15 minutes to then rinse it off can't be stressed enough!), and it's lightweight enough to not weigh your hair down but, rather, increase its volume. Aside from silk protein, the light cream features ingredients like: coco monoi, a conditioning extract derived from Tahitian Tiaré flowers (gardenias), nutritious jojoba oil (which has been popping up in many organic products as of late); conditioning, antimicrobial agent colza oil; and panthenol, a vitamin B5 type that increases the hair follicles' moisture retention capacity.

You can apply it onto damp hair or, if your hair needs a little pick-me-up during the afternoon hours, you can dab some onto your dry tresses. The best part about the Silk Nourishing Cream: it not only moisturizes your hair, but it detangles. Oftentimes, even if you apply a great leave-in conditioner, you'll still need detangling cream/spray to comb through your locks and, in the end, the combination of products can lead to excessively oily hair. But with this product, you can take care of both tasks at the same time. And hey, if it multitasks, I'm all for it!

Ecru Silk Nourishing Cream, $24; Silk Nectar Serum, $32.50. Visit EcruNewYork.com

Patch Things Up

Okay, this one is a little loony, but I think it's pretty hilarious. I didn't even realize people still bought Cabbage Patch Kids dolls (I thought they went out of style once those Bratz dolls popped up), but I do remember playing with a couple as a little girl (there was one doll I mutilated in an attempt to do her hair back when I thought being a hairstylist at the neighborhood salon was a dreamy job). Well, I suppose these big-cheeked kiddos are making a comeback because, in conjunction with the release of their a 25th Anniversary edition (which features re-releases of the original doll characters issued back in 1983), Cabbage Patch is launching this "Presidential Collection," featuring the two presidential candidates and their corresponding VP candidates.

Each doll is one-of-a-kind and will be auctioned off on Ebay this Thursday, Oct. 30th. The auction kicks off on Thursday at 6 a.m. PST and ends on Election Day, November 4th at 5 p.m. PST (I'm assuming the candidate tallying up the most votes as the day progresses will see his toy getting more and more bids...). All the proceeds (as in 100%) from the auction will benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and Operation Smile.

The Barack Obama doll looks absolutely nothing like him (Obama has an oval face, a square chin, lighter skin, smaller eyes, thicker eyebrows, etc.), which is too bad, but I the John McCain doll sort of resembles him — well, except for the fact that this one is way younger (no liver spots, receding hair line or wrinkled hands) and actually bears a smile!.

As for the VPs, the Joe Biden doll is a pretty accurate depiction, but not so much the Sarah Palin doll (those doll's cheeks look like a chipmunk's). And really, while that red skirt suit looks like it could've come from Sarah Palin's closet (or maybe some Republican National Committee closet space, since they're apparently willing to spend over $150,000 on dolling this girl up — pun intended), they should have styled Palin's hair in that ridiculous updo of hers. But I'm being picky because, at the end of the day, most people will get the point and this is a great chance to own a great piece of memorabilia — if nothing else, it will remind you in the years to come of the significance of this election.

Auction kicks off Thursday, Oct. 30th at 6 a.m. PST on Ebay.com/cabbagepatchkids

NOV. 1st UPDATE: I just went on Ebay.com and the Obama doll is at 52 bids with a going rate of $1,325. Crazy, right?!

Urging for Urchin

Inspired by a sea urchin (hence the spikes), this handmade bowl is made of high fired porcelain, and is unglazed on the outside, then painted a pale blue color on the inside for a more sophisticated, arctic, ice queen feel. Measuring 5 inches wide and standing three inches tall, this work of art is the brainchild of potter Heather Knight, who hails from Asheville, North Carolina.

Her Etsy store, Element Clay Studio, is stocked with gorgeous ceramic creations: from serving platters to sculptures, bowls and wall tiles. She cites nature as her foremost inspiration, which explains why you'll find hydrangea-shaped sculptures, leaf-shaped serving trays, and items bearing scallop, flowerbud, and pear motifs.

I love that her pieces have such unique shapes — I mean, how often do you see a sea urchin bowl? Exactly!

Sea Urchin Bowl, $45. Visit ElementClayStudio.Etsy.com

Fringe Benefit

All these High School Musical kids — Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale and Corbin Bleu — missed out on the joy of being regular ol' teens (and by that, I mean the glory (note the sarcasm) of working crappy retail jobs, driving busted hoopties, and saving up every last dollar for that one dream purchase). Instead, Hudgens gets a check bigger than what most people wish to get from Publishers' Clearinghouse (and I don't mean literally, folks — we know Ed McMahon has everyone beat with that giant check!) and she can trot through town with this sexy, Bohemian-meets-rockstar Botkier satchel hanging from her arm. Oh, well, some gals get all the luck. And other gals just have to pull out their piggy banks (whether it's an actual hog-shaped number or an empty can of Bustelo coffee) and save away until they can splurge on this hot ticket item.

The perfect downtown-meets-uptown bag, the small Botkier Morgan satchel is made of exquisite lambskin and boasts some biker chick-style gold hardware (two slightly slanted zippers along the front pockets and one big closure zipper), a chic pleated detail along the front and center area, and two pockets on either side. The fringe surrounding the zippers on the front sashays with you as you walk, adding a free-spirited vibe to any outfit.

Too much fringe can make you look like some confused cowgirl/gypsy who got dressed in the dark, a cross between Lenny Kravitz at the 2004 MTV VMAs (not a compliment) and Shania Twain in this pic. A little bit goes along way — and sure, you can get a pair of Minnetonka moccasin boots (very popular this season), but you'll be limiting your look's versatility (cute as they may be, it's hard to make these evening-ready!). With this bag, you can dress according to your occasion and either do the Mary-Kate Olsen boho thing, or follow in Vanessa Hudgens' footsteps (she wore the Botkier Morgan satchel to the premiere of High School Musical 3) and rock it where you can be seen — and envied!

Botkier Morgan Small Satchel, $650. Visit Botkier.com

All That Jazz

 
  If the star characters of Chicago, Roxie and Velma, had their own eyeshadow palettes, they'd probably be these two dynamic, high-kick-in-the-air exciting quartets by Clarins (Roxie would, of course, favor the first quartet with the rosier colors, while Velma would opt for the darker, more sinister grays and purples). Inspired by the Roaring Twenties, the era when jazz music flourished, Art Deco surfaced as he latest architectural trend, and women began to rebel against societal norms by drinking, cursing, dancing and bed-hopping as much as they darned well pleased (three cheers for that!), Clarins' Jazzy Colours collection boasts a flapper-inspired sense of mischief and an uninhibited zest for life. These eye shadow palettes can restore that twinkle in their eyes and add a little bop to their step and a little hip-popping to their stance because, after all, girls (in no matter what era) wanna have their fun, too.

The first eyeshadow quad pictured, So Sublime, packs two shades of pink (a light, carnation hue and a deeper cerise pink), a silver color, and a metallic indigo blue. All the colors have a blue-violet base that makes them perfect for the cooler climate. The second eyeshadow quad pictured, So Chic, is ideal for ladies looking for a more smoldering look, as it's ideal for creating smokey eyes. The quad consists of a charcoal black with a hint of shimmer, a deep silver/pewter color (reminiscent of the metals used in so many Art Deco-fashioned structures), a pearly white and a rich plum purple.

Another fantastic part of the collection is the Wonder Length Mascara in Wonder Plum, which boasts just the right hint of color.

Give your eyes a color makeover and tap into your inner flapper — whether you twirl about in a tiered fringe dress or simply adopt that carefree, you-only-live-once attitude that bewitched F. Scott Fitzgerald and inspired him as he wrote The Great Gatsby. However far you want to take it, this is your chance to get jazzed up.

Clarins Jazzy Colours Collection: So Sublime and So Chic Color Quartets, $39 each; Wonder Length Mascara in Wonder Plum, $23.50. Visit Us.Clarins.com