My fellow Gossip Girl lovers, today's round-up is all about the queen of Upper East Side chic: Lily Van Der Woodsen.
With all the praise bestowed upon Serena's get-ups, few take the time to celebrate the sophisticated, graceful, classic style of her mother, Lily Van Der Woodsen (or Lily Bass or Lily Humphrey, depending on which husband's name she's using these days!). The serial divorcée (though we're hoping that particular label will no longer be applicable now that she's married Mr. Humphrey) is an avid art collector and a mainstay in high society circles (Mayor Bloomberg was on the guest list for her wedding, remember?), but she also has a youthful spirit and a hint of a rebellious side (she modeled nude for Mapplethorpe, lest we forget!).
Here, a look at some of the gifts that would make Lily go la-la:
Nam Cho 18k Yellow Gold 0.14ct Green Moonstone Earrings With 1.1ct Diamonds, $5110. Visit Fragments.com
Though she doesn't stick to one particular type of jewelry, Lily rarely ever wears large hoop earrings or otherwise bulky pieces. She mainly sticks to simple dangle, studs, and chandelier earrings. These Nam Cho earrings are beyond unique, and they'd perfectly frame the face.
Zac Posen Metallic Crepe Knit Dress, $394. Visit TheOutnet.com
She may be a mom, but Lily still has a bangin' bod. This Zac Posen dress will show off her shapely silhouette, while the vertical seams add a slipping effect and the cowl neck provides a hint of drama.
Valentino Shiny Napa Petal Hobo, $1895. Visit BergdorfGoodman.com
With Lily's status comes first dibs on each season's must-have bags. This creamy beige hobo features a floral pattern along the front for an ultra feminine feel.
La Mer The Connoisseur Collection, $395. Visit NeimanMarcus.com.
Learning to live inside your skin is way easier when that skin is radiant, soft, and smooth. To preserve her youthful looks, any Lily Van Der Woodsen type would insist on the best in skincare — and nobody does it quite like La Mer. The Connoisseur Collection includes a 2-ounce jar of Creme de La Mer, a 0.3-ounce bottle of The Lifting Face Serum, and a 0.5-ounce bottle of The Eye Concentrate.
Karina Grimaldi Republic Ruffle Top, $170. Visit 25Park.com
This one-shoulder blouse, with its ruffled decolletage, resembles the dress Lily wore to her wedding to Rufus Humphrey. The jewel-tone color adds a regal flair to the whimsical top.
Miriam Haskell M01574-N01 Semi-Precious Statement Necklace, $1200. Visit MiriamHaskell.com
Statement necklaces are a key part of this sophisticated lady's ensembles — but, of course, they have to make the right statement and highlight her status as a member of New York's elite. This elaborate Miriam Haskell features two strands of semi-precious golden rutile quartz, three strands of European glass beads, and two strands of gold plated chain — and, for the grand finale, there are two brooch-like details on either side, featuring clusters of European filigrees and handwired delica seed beads and Swarovski crystals.
Giuseppe Zanotti Printed Leather Pumps, $525. Visit Bloomingdales.com
These shoes manage to be speak loudly without being, well, loud. Featuring splatter-like gold details, these Zanotti pumps are perfect for the art-loving style maven.
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Body Lotion, $42; Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Body Cleansing Lotion, $36; Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Eau de Parfum, $90; and Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant, $18. Visit NeimanMarcus.com
Timeless, understated, and sensual (but never tawdry), Donna Karan's Cashmere Mist fragrance is a top choice for those with a classic sense of taste (women who are more Audrey Hepburn than Angelina Jolie). Featuring notes of Moroccan jasmine, lily of the valley, and bergamot, juxtaposed against sandalwood, amber and musk notes, Cashmere Mist is exquisite — and as indulgent as cashmere itself.
Bespoke Chanel Silk Scarf Chandelier by Suzan Fellman, $9200. Visit Vivre.com
This ceiling chandelier lamp, fashioned out of a Chanel scarf print, features looped gold and pearl strands. It's the perfect accessory for the woman who, like Lil, has an oversize Prada sign hanging inside her home.
Stephen Dweck Piggy Back Earrings, $495. Visit BergdorfGoodman.com
Sure, she'll wear her diamond stud or her freshwater pearl stud earrings regularly, but there are times when she feels like making a bolder choice — and these Stephen Dweck earrings, with their floral-carved amber and faceted smoky quartz stones, manage to have an earthy warmth that's irresistibly alluring.
Waterford Crystal Lismore Jewels Flutes, $115 each. Visit BestCrystal.com
Ever the attentive hostess, Lily knows it's about more than just great catering and a flair for small talk. Her upper-crust guest list will be assessing every detail, which means she has to pull out her finest tableware and glassware. These Waterford Crystal Lismore flutes will give her another reason to make that celebratory toast.
Banana Republic Ipanema Bloom Ring, $39.50. Visit BananaRepublic.com
You don't always have to spend like a millionaire in order to look like one. This Banan Republic ring costs less than $50 but looks way more expensive thanks to the innovative design, sculptural shape, and unique motif. Named after a neighborhood in Río de Janeiro, the ring features overlapping leaves like the ones you'd find in Rio's Botanical Gardens.
Alexis Bittar Large Rhodium Versail Crystal Teastained Cushion Hinge Bracelet, $455. Visit AlexisBittar.com
A fan of Alexis Bittar's lucite jewelry, Lily has been known to wear quite a few of the designer's bangles. This wide bracelet, with its crystal adornments, and diamond tile-like carvings is a slightly bolder choice — but one that will most certainly pay off.
Orrefors Delight Votive Candle Holders, $40 each. Visit Nordstrom.com
An art connoisseur, Lily Van Der Woodsen appreciates creativity in any form — whether it's fashion, film, music, prose, interior design, or visual art. These domed votive candle holders feature thick flat edges cut asymmetrically (as if you were slicing an egg diagonally) and are made of a colored lucite that glows beautifully when the votive candle within is lit.
Jonathan Saunders Cashmere and Silk Blend Scarf, $490. Visit Net-A-Porter.com
This long scarf features a carnival's worth of colors, with a print featuring turquoise, yellow, white, purple, orange, green, gray, and blue strips arranged like overlapping Pick-Up Stix.
L'Objet Gilded Bowl, $395, and Salt and Pepper Shakers, $165. Visit Saks.com
Lily Van Der Woodsen sorts don't need special occasions to adorn their tables with fancy bowls and shakers. Whether she uses this gilded bowl as a display piece or as a functional item (which can do anything from holding fruits to sorting miscellaneous objects like keys and wallets), her table will look golden.
Valentino The Last Emperor DVD, $14.99. Visit Amazon.com
A couture fanatic, Lily would be enthralled by this documentary of masterful designer Valentino Garavani, which was filmed in the months prior to the designer's exit from the Valentino company in 2008 (after 45 years at its helm). The movie captures the madness of the fashion world, as Valentino and his long-time business and life partner Giancarlo Giamatti make preparations for a series of landmark shows, and celebrates the charisma, genius, and humor of the iconic designer, as well as his unbreakable bond with Giancarlo (who truly is the yin to his yang).
L'Occitane Shea Vanilla Body Cream, $36. Visit Usa.Loccitane.com
Massaging this yummy body cream onto the skin feels as tender as a thousand butterfly kisses. And the smell? It's like a delicious scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt. Did I mention it's yummy?
Amore Bowl by Kosta Boda, $485. Visit UnicaHome.com
If there's something Lily's multiple weddings have shown us it's that the woman is a hopeless romantic. This gorgeous glass bowl, with its shades of red, pink and purple and it's heart-like rim, celebrates her endless quest for love.
WGACA Vintage Chanel Triple Chain Necklace, $1270. Visit Shopbop.com
This authentic, gold-plated, vintage Chanel necklace will jazz up any outfit — whether it's a flutter-sleeve silk top, an embroidered lace cocktail dress or a simple knit sweater.
Alexis Hudson Adelaide Clutch, $247.50. Visit Endless.com
This camel-colored snakeskin clutch features two straps along the front, each with gold buckle details that add just a hint of shine.
Ted Gibson Travel Essentials Kit, $24.99. Visit Drugstore.com
When have you ever seen Lil's hair look even remotely disheveled? Even when reading the morning paper in her silk robe, her mane looks like it belongs in a commercial. This Ted Gibson kit will ensure this remains the case in the future. The 4-piece kit includes a 2 fl. oz. bottle of Ted Gibson Daily Cleanse, a 2 fl. oz. bottle of Daily Nourish, a 2 fl. oz. bottle of Beautiful Hold Hairspray (perfect for those chignons Lily favors so much), and a pack of Hair Sheets (which are great for smoothing away any frizz while on the run).
Sevan One-of-a-kind Ring Handmade from 24k Gold, Sterling Silver, South Sea Pearls and Black and White Diamonds, $30,736. Available at Sevan at ViewPoint. Visit VPNYC.com or call 800.237.9477 for stores in your area.
This is the type of ring you'd make people kiss (as they knelt down before your extended hand) —that's how much of an old world, baroque quality it has. It's perfect for the queen of your court.
Arcona Four Your Eyes Only Kit, $85. Visit Arcona.com
Ahh, Arcona. Everything they make is sublime. This four-piece kit focuses on tending to the delicate skin around the eyes. First, there's the Eye Dew Repair/Protect, which soothes and protects skin with anti-inflammatories and antioxidants like blueberry and vitamin E, moisturizes with shea butter, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines with hyaluronic acid and essential fatty acids. The Eye Dew should be applied in the morning time and followed wit the Peptide Eye Serum Depuffing, which reduces any bags under your eyes thanks to ingredients like coffee extract and acetyl tetrapeptide-5. The Peptide Eye Wrinkle Repair Regenerate, meanwhile, should also be applied before bedtime. The product hydrates the skin with jojoba and vitamin E, nourishes it with hibiscus extract and essential fatty acids, and reduces the appearance of fine lines thanks to unique peptide complex. Finally, there's the Eyes Have It Regenerate treatment, which is designed for use at night 1-2 times per week. This potent treatment seeks to restore elasticity to the skin thanks to moisturizing agents like vitamin E, beta-glucosamine, and borage oil, as well as collagen-building peptides.
Helmut Lang Wool-Blend Jersey Draped Cardigan, $380. Visit Net-A-Porter.com
Though she never shies away from color, Lily does appreciate the versatility and elegance of the color gray (and the various nuances of that hue). Plus, she understands that some of the most effortlessly chic looks involve layering lush fabrics. This draped cardigan will brilliantly top off almost any ensemble.
Miriam Haskell M01610-R01 Rose Bud Ring, $325. Visit MiriamHaskell.com
With its aquamarine-colored crystal stone, gold filigrees, and clear crystals, this ring conjures up images of magical forests, so that the woman wearing it feels like the ultimate wood nymph.
Georgina Goodman Nancy Platform Sandal, $331.98. Visit Endless.com
These platform sandals feature thick, taupe and black leather straps in wave-like patterns that, when intertwined, create a piece with an artful geometric twist.
Michael Aram Gingko Ice Bucket, $199, and Gingko Ice Tongs, $49. Visit MichaelAram.com
When it's time to bring out the ice for her cocktail guests, don't expect Lily Van Der Woodsen types to whip out some miniature coolers. The champagne will be tucked inside a luxurious chiller, while the perfectly shaped ice cubes will be safely tucked inside a sleek bucket such as the Michael Aram one pictured above — and, of course, guests won't have to worry about getting their hands dirty since they'll have a pair of ice tongs handy.
Sampar Line Up Box, $59. Visit MySpaShop.com
Sampar's Nocturnal Night Mask works miracles for me — I apply it before bedtime and, in the morning, my skin feels as well-preserved as that of Sleeping Beauty after her 100-year nap. The Skin Quenching Mist, meanwhile, refreshes skin after removing makeup (or when you simply need a pick-me-up). And, since I have really dry skin, I'm particularly fond of the Ultra Hydrating Fluid, which helps the skin retain moisture. Together, these three products help to hydrate and nourish the skin (which in and of itself helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles) and to revitalize, firm, and smooth.
Soap and Paper Factory Green Tea Candle, $36. Visit SoapAndPaperFactory.com
The woman who loves the finer things in life won't stand for a room that isn't filled with a delectable aroma. With Soap and Paper Factory's candles, she'll have nothing to worry about.
Bourne Petunia Slingbacks, $254.95. Visit Endless.com
The rosette detail topping off the peep toe of this lilac slingback sandal adds a cheeky touch to the shoe's simple silhouette.
American Glamour Badgley Mischka Large Satchel With Cage Detail, $229.90. Visit HSN.com
She may be a socialite, but Lily is also on the board of Bass Industries and she's always involved with different organizations and charities — which, of course, means that she has to lug around all sorts of important documents. This edgy bag is roomy enough to hold all her business essentials, while still allowing her to look like she belongs on the best-dressed list.
PCA Skin Illuminate Kit, $100. Visit Dermstore.com
Lily loves playing up her eyes, contouring them with well-blended eyeshadows and lengthening her lashes with mascara. If she's going to draw attention to her eyes, then, she needs the skin around those eyes to look its best. PCA Skin's Illuminate Kit includes the ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum and the EyeXcellence — which, together, smooth and brighten the eye area.
One Kings Lane E-Gift Card (available in values from $25-$1000). Visit OneKingsLane.com
Are you hooked on Gilt.com, HauteLook.com and RueLaLa.com? Well, as fantastic as those sample sale sites are, they don't exactly have a broad range of home décor offerings. But don't fret — that's what One Kings Lane is all about. From linens to vases, frames, tableware, candle holders, decorative pillows, mirrors, and rugs, One Kings Lane offers great deals on top designer wares. You can sign up for free and, once you're a member, purchase an E-Gift Card for one of your friends — and you can be as generous as your budget allows, with e-gift cards available in values ranging from $25 all the way to $1000.
** Special offer alert!! One Kings Lane is giving Sicka readers their very own holiday gift! When you join One Kings Lane through this link, OneKingsLane.com/Sicka from now through 12/21, you'll instantly receive a $10 credit. The credit is good through December 31st at midnight PT. Only one offer per person.
Carolee LUX "Victorian Runway" Ornate Pearl Cuff Bracelet, $250. Visit Bloomingdales.com
What Upper East Sider doesn't appreciate a skillfully crafted pearl bracelet? This Carolee cuff will leave her feeling like Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady (after her transformation, of course!).
