SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Australian Fashion Designer Showcase -- Get To Know Cylk, Natalie Chapman, Pizzuto, Luela and Pink Sparrow

There's something so exciting and rewarding about discovering new designers (even when they're just new to you). It's like unearthing an archaeological treasure or finding a gleaming pearl inside an otherwise unremarkable oyster — you're stuck by the immense beauty and untapped potential, and you're overcome by the feeling that, somehow, this is your very own little secret (which makes it feel all the more special). On January 20th and 21st, several up-and-coming Australian designers showcased their Spring/Summer 2010 and Fall/Winter 2010 lines as part of a special showcase at the Australian Consulate in New York City. The labels showcased were: Cylk, Natalie Chapman, Pink Sparrow, Pizzuto, Stand, Vanguard, Luela, Amar, Dana Mathers, and Katelyn Aslett. Some of these designers boast vast customer bases in Australia, while others are just beginning to make a splash back home, and all of them are relatively unknown in the US and hoping to expand their reach.

Here's a look at some of the lines and pieces that really caught my attention:

NATALIE CHAPMAN

I was immediately drawn to the bold color palettes of Natalie Chapman's Spring/Summer 2010 and Winter 2010 collections. The SS10 collection is centered on very vibrant, ocean-inspired hues like: Malaysian Blue, a dazzling, pool party-esque turquoise; Gold, a mustard yellow hue with a lustrous finish; Long Island Blue, a sky blue color; and Black (which actually translates like more of a dark navy blue). True to the Sydney-based designer's aesthetic, all the pieces are made of a spandex-like fabric which stretches to hug the body like a second skin.

Normally, the idea of donning dresses and blouses made of spandex-like materials would petrify me — I mean, let's face it, this is not exactly the most forgiving of fabrics. But what makes Chapman's pieces so genius is the way she constructs these pieces so that they drape and blouse around those body areas that make us feel most self-conscious. A  batwing dress, for example, will blouse all along the midsection and then hug the hip area to add definition and contour to the silhouette. A strapless maxi dress, meanwhile, will hug the bosom and then flare the slightest bit so as not to overemphasize the  stomach area.

I was even more smitten with the pieces I saw from the Winter 2010 collection  — the silhouettes were strikingly similar but the gold and navy palette was beyond impressive. Here's a look at some of the garments I saw, along with suggested retail prices. Visit NatalieChapman.com.au for more information.

Natalie Chapman 3 Panel Tube Dress in Malaysian Blue, Gold and Long Island Blue, $190.

Natalie Chapman Winter 2010 Batwing, $230.

Natalie Chapman Spring/Summer 2010 Mai Tai 3 Panel Maxi, $260.

Natalie Chapman Spring/Summer 2010 Maxi Mai Tai in Malaysian Blue, $260.

LUELA

Launched in 2008 by Julie Shaw and Brenda Ayoub, this Sydney-based fashion line features vintage-inspired pieces made of 100% silk Duppion, silk satin, silk seersucker, and silk chiffon, as well as cotton voile, jersey, wool, tulle, embroidered lace, and more. What makes these pieces so breathtaking is the attention to detail, the daintiness of the embroideries and embellishments that give each Luela garment such a coquettish feel.

The collection consists mostly of muted cream, pink, and gray colors (quartz, sterling, pebble, slate, ivory, shell, heather gray, winter white, almond, champagne, pewter, and ash) with the occasional dash of brightness (such as a turquoise or jade green dress). The understated color palette gives the pieces even more of an antique feel and helps to heighten the collection's Victorian-esque, porcelain doll-like vibe. I loved almost every single piece I laid eyes on: from the Coco dress in Sapphire, a strapless turquoise dress made of 100% silk Dupion and featuring a banded waist and small ruffles along the bust, to the Billie Playsuit, a strapless jumpsuit in a heather gray hue featuring a beige ribbon waist tie and embroidered lace detailing along the bodice.

Here's a look at some of the standouts in the Fall/Winter 2010 collection. Visit Luela.com.au for more information.

Luela "Evie" Dress in Quartz, $322.

Luela "Coco" Dress in Sapphire, $345.

Luela "Sienna" Dress, $345.

 

Luela "Billie Playsuit" in Slate, $241.50.

Luela Lucie Dress in Ivory, $322.

PIZZUTO

Designer Suzie Rose Vella (nee Suzie Pizzuto) launched this edgy label from her East Sydney home back in 2004, eventually launching a flagship boutique in 2007. A recent show held at NYC hot spot Nolche on Sept. 15th 2009 received a rave response, and Pizzuto is now poised to make its long overdue foray into the US market. The rock 'n' roll edge of these pieces really spoke to me, since it's perhaps most consistent with my personal style.

The Emerald City Cocktail Dress took me breath away: it's an emerald green shift dress with a black lace overlay along the neckline decorated with gold pyramid studs and an exposed gold zipper trim. Other all-stars included: the Lion Kaftan top, with its leopard and cheetah print, its plunging V-shaped neckline; the Enchanted Cocktail Dress, an emerald green, strapless silk dress with a gold braided cord detail along one shoulder; and the studded black leather trim along the neckline, and the Gray Fur Coat, a floor-length jacket so soft and cozy you'll actually want to brush your cheek against it and doze of into a land of sleep dreams.

Here's a look at some of the pieces:

Pizzuto Lion Kaftan, $69 (wholesale).

Pizzuto Fur Jacket, $89 (wholesale).

PINK SPARROW

Building on the momentum of her Pizzuto line, designer Suzie Rose launched a sister line, Pink Sparrow, in December of 2009. Catering to a younger clientele, Pink Sparrow features highly affordable, fun, trend-driven pieces like floral print sleeveless dresses in jersey fabrics, flirty party dresses with tiered ruffle skirts, and shrug jackets with dramatic ruffled collars.

Most of the pieces would be best suited for a tweeny customer, but here's an example of two garments that have  much wider appeal.

Pink Sparrow "Manhattan Wrap" Jacket, $34.50 (wholesale).

Pink Sparrow "Central Park" Dress, $29.50 (wholesale).

CYLK

Eco-friendly fashion knitwear brand Cylk features simple, body-conscious, versatile, seamless pieces made of bamboo, jersey and silk blends. Cylk's pieces aren't particularly showy — instead, they're the type of garments you can mix and match, or layer with other pieces, to create a wealth of looks (like a high-end, version of, say, American Apparel). The line's signature seamless technology makes every piece look like  second skin, and the softness of the bamboo blend fabrics make these ideal for any cosmopolitan girl.

For its Fall/Winter 2010 "Femme Fatale" collection, Cylk took a cue from the film noir era, with shadowy aubergine, burgundy, ruby, fawn, mauve, and cream hues imbued with the allure of a smoke-filled room. Geometrical patterns, meanwhile, help to accentuate a woman's assets, while helping to conceal potential problem areas. Among my favorite pieces are the Vertex Dress, a sleeveless number with a thick geometric strip running vertically along the torso and thinner lines branching out from there in horizontal and diagonal angles. I also adored the Allure Skirt, a draped jacquard, high-waisted pencil skirt that will make any woman look like she has a Coca Cola bottle-esque figure. Check out some of the pieces below.

Cylk Vertex Dress and Vertex Top

Cylk Vertex Top

Cylk Allure Skirt

Cylk Zenith Dress

 

Cylk Momento Top

Danielle Stevens' "Help For Haiti" Necklace

In the aftermath of the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti, many fashion and jewelry designers have offered to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their creations to relief efforts in Haiti. But whereas most have limited that percentage to 10% or 15%, jewelry designer Danielle Stevens is offering 80% of the proceeds from the above-pictured necklace to the Red Cross Haiti Relief Operation.

The 10k gold necklace features a disc with a 1" diameter engraved with the words "Hope," "Faith," "Support," and "Strength." It's a simple, classic piece with uplifting messages and, best of all, you can make a difference with your purchase.

Danielle Stevens "Help For Haiti" Necklace, $40. Visit DanielleStevens.com

Tarte "Smooth Operator" Tinted Moisturizer -- A Look At The New Shades

Tinted moisturizers don't tend to be my cup of tea. For one, many companies offer only three shades (light, medium, and dark) and call it a day — and, inevitably, those shades won't address the needs of millions of women. Really, it's nonsensical to offer only three shades of tinted moisturizer when there's such a plethora of complexion shades and corresponding undertones — it's almost as bad as treating women like a monolithic mass. Take me, for example: I am, by all accounts, rather fair-skinned, but seeing as I'm Puerto Rican and hence of mixed racial heritage, my skin's undertones aren't the same as those of, say, an equally light-skinned Irish women (not to say that all light-skinned Irish women have the same undertones, but you get the point). There are a gazillion shades of liquid and cream foundation, of pressed powder and mineral powder, so why wouldn't we approach tinted moisturizers with the same attention to detail? To quote President Obama, "Let's try some common sense — a novel idea." Side note: I marvel at how I can use that phrase in almost any scenario!

Tarte Cosmetics understands these slight nuances and distinctions in skin tones, which is why it expanded its range of Smooth Operator tinted moisturizers, adding five new hues: Agent 00, which is designed for porcelain/fair complexions with pink undertones; Agent 04, designed for light complexions with beige undertones; Agent 08, aimed at women with light complexions with pink undertones; Agent 12, aimed at ladies with medium complexions with beige undertones; and Agent 16, which targets women with medium/dark complexions with golden undertones.

I tried both the Agent 04 and Agent 08 shades and found that the Agent 04 hue was the exact match for my skin. Score! But the greatest part of Tarte's "Smooth Operator" Natural Oil-free Tinted Moisturizer With SPF 20 is how lightweight and soothing it feels. Most tinted moisturizers tend to be a bit too thick, and they make my pores feel like they've been coated with some nasty caulk-like substance. As soon as I start sweating, I worry that the tinted moisturizer is clogging my pores and sealing in all those impurities being shed with my sweat (and, oftentimes, that's exactly what's going on). Applying Tarte's Smooth Operator on my face was a novel experience — the all-natural, paraben-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula features a water-in-silicone formula that makes the moisturizer lightweight and easy to blend into the skin.

In addition to the Smooth Operator's pleasant texture, the moisturizer features antioxidant-rich botanical ingredients like: rosemary extract; sugar cane extract; ginseng root; gingko balboa; camellia extract; apple, lemon, and orange extract; and vitamins A, C, and E. Together, these ingredients protect skin from UV exposure and free radical damage, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hydrate and soothe the skin, help to brighten the complexion, a and give the skin a smooth and even finish. If your skin is in good shape (meaning it's nice and clear) ad you want to go for a natural look, you can pretty much apply the moisturizer onto your face and be ready to face the world. And that, my friends, is what I call the work of a "smooth operator" (cue the Sade song).

Here's a look at the new Tarte Smooth Operator shades. Also, scroll all the way own for some pics showing how the Tarte Smooth Operator Agent 06 looks on my skin.

Tarte Smooth Operator in Agent 00:

Tarte Smooth Operator in Agent 04:

Tarte Smooth Operator in Agent 08:

Tarte Smooth Operator in Agent 12:

Tarte Smooth Operator in Agent 16:

Here's what the Smooth Operator Agent 04 looks like on my face (I have nothing else on my face, FYI, so it should be a pretty accurate assessment!):

Tarte "Smooth Operator" Natural Oil-free Tinted Moisturizer With SPF 20, $36. Visit TarteCosmetics.com

Rina Limor "Sweetest Valentine's Day Memory" Twitter Giveaway

Okay, I know the word "giveaway" alone got your attention but wait until you hear the details of this contest, my freebie-loving friends! Apparently, jewelry designer Rina Limor has a lot of love to give, offering her fans a chance to win the heart-shaped sapphire and spinel necklace pictured above (which is valued at $950) through a fun, Valentine's Day-themed giveaway.

Fans can enter the contest by following @RinaLimor on Twitter and sending the profile an @Reply detailing your warmest V-Day memory (note: make sure to use the phrase "Sweetest V-Day Memory" in your tweet!). Conversely, they can e-mail [email protected] and relate their precious V-Day memory.

The giveaway licked off today and ends on Feb. 5th. For full contest rules, visit RinaLimor.Weebly.com

China Glaze Up & Away Collection -- Does It Fly Above The Rest?

When you look at the print ads for China Glaze's Up & Away collection, you literally feel a smile creeping up on your face. There's of course the conspicuous references to Disney-Pixar's Up, with a cluster of balloons in colors so perky and bright they'd make the contents of a Skittles bag look muted in comparison. Since it's a spring collection, most of the colors are festive pastels (from the orchid lilac shade Something Sweet to the margarine yellow Lemon Fizz and the mint chocolate chip ice cream-colored Re-fresh Mint), but these hues are accompanied by the occasional pops of cheerful incandescent color (such as the Four Leaf Clover, a fun green shade that would make Boston Celtics fans swoon, or the Heli-Yum, a creamy bright pink that will remind you of a candy rock stick).

The collection includes twelve shades — in addition to the aforementioned shades, there's: Grape Pop (a Welch's soda-ish purple); Happy Go Lucky, a sunny yellow; Flyin' High, a teal color; High Horses, a salmon pink-meets-coral shade; Peachy Keen, a creamy shade like the one you'd see in a peach rose bouquet; Light As Air, a pale lavender purple; and Sugar Candy, a Pink Panther-esque hue.

I tried three of the shades in the collection: Peachy Keen, Heli-Yum, and Happy Go Lucky. Now, I'll keep it funky: I wanted to love these shades, like on some "sitting on a tree k-i-s-s-i-n-g" tip. Unfortunately, these Up & Away shades didn't quite reach the necessary heights for me. Both the Peachy Keen and the Happy Go Lucky are fairly light shades, so you'll need to apply and layer several coats for the color to really cover each nail appropriately. The problem: the polishes are so creamy and the texture so thick that they border on goopy. It took me several tries to actually get the colors to look right. The key is to be extremely careful and precise with the polish brush, using the bare minimum of polish for each coat, and to let each and every coat dry thoroughly (and I do mean thoroughly) — otherwise, you're going to have a huge mess on your hands (quite literally).

As far as the colors themselves, I'd say the Happy Go Lucky is the type of yellow you'd associate with Marshmallow Peeps (which I loved since the sunny color brightens up any mood) while the Peachy Keen makes me think of flirty bridesmaid dresses (not quite my style, but pretty nonetheless). The Heli-Yum polish was probably the easiest to maneuver since it wasn't as prone to clumping, and the consistency wasn't quite as thick. The color itself is a plucky hot pink, similar to Zoya's Ali shade — it's not the most distinctive of the three colors, but it's definitely versatile, bright, and fun.

Check out the photos below so you can see what the colors look like on actual nails!

Peachy Keen on nails:

 

Heli-Yum on nails:

Happy Go Lucky on nails:

China Glaze Peachy Keen, Happy Go Lucky, and Heli-Yum, $5.99 each. Available at nail salons, spas, and on Amazon.com.

Christian Siriano for Payless Spring/Summer 2010 Collection -- It's A Shoe Thing!

 

 

It's so strange to write about these Christian Siriano for Payless pumps, which expose the whole front of the foot, when it's below zero degrees outside (and yes, that's the gem many of us East Coast folks woke up to discover) — bit, on the flip side, just looking at these shoes makes me dream of the coming of spring. Siriano just never ceases to amaze me — when I saw his debut collection for Payless, I was like Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, talking about "I want it now!"(okay, maybe not as bratty, but you get the point!), and his sophomore effort is just as enticing. The collection includes flats, platform sandals, boots, and pumps, but the Coast Satin Printed Pump pictured here is my absolute favorite offering.

What amazes me most about Siriano's work for Payless is how he so deftly translates the vibe, spirit, and fabrics of his corresponding Ready-To-Wear collection into affordable and accessible shoes. As soon as I saw the Coast Satin Printed Pumps in orange, I remembered the sight of Sessilee Lopez strutting down the runway during Siriano's Spring/Summer 2010 show at New York Fashion Week, donning a show-stopping, floor-length, strapless gown with a draped bodice and a cascading ruffle falling diagonally down the length of the skirt. The lava-hot print is virtually identical to that seen on the runway, as is the blue, ocean-inspired version of the print, which mimics that used to construct numerous skirts, jackets, and cocktail dresses in Siriano's RTW show.

The shoes feature a satin fabric, 4" heel, and a exposed platform. They're pretty impressive, right?

Christian Siriano for Payless Coast Printed Satin Pumps in Orange and Blue, $34.99 each. Visit Payless.com

 

The CFDA Barbie Charity Auction Kicks Off Today!

As a kid, I rarely ever played with Barbie dolls. Sure, I went through my stage where I had a couple of Barbies and even a cutesy Dream House, but my older brother (who had nothing better to do than taunt and torture his kid sister) would often decapitate my dolls and throw the heads out the window or something equally mean and ridiculous. Besides, even back then, I was pretty demanding about my dolls' sense of style, and there just weren't enough Barbie outfits to fit my finicky fashion tastes (not to mention that their "ethnic" dolls just looked like tanned versions of the original). Over the years, however, Barbie has become quite the trendsetter, inspiring A-list designers and makeup artists. And thankfully, the dolls available reflect the multicultural nature of our society — just looking at the dolls pictured above, I marvel at the array of skin tones, hair colors, and hair types. If Barbies had looked like this when I was a little girl, it would've been an altogether different story.

To reflect the brand's new modern flavor, Mattel just released the Barbie Basics collection, which features twelve dolls, with each model wearing a different interpretation of the little black dress (LBD). Check out the Iman look-alike (pictured at top, second from left), with her knee-length, one-shoulder dress or peep the retro-loving diva to her right with her funky beehive. If you look closely, you'll notice even the Barbie dolls' makeup is risky and sultry — some dolls have dramatic cat eyes or blood red lips, while others are rockin' a smokey eye or nude lipstick. Heck, I may have to really stare at these Barbies for some hairstyling inspiration! Bottom line: these LBD-loving gals are ready to take on the town!

In celebration of the new Barbie Basics collection's launch, twelve CFDA fashion and accessories designers were asked to create a couture ensemble for a Barbie doll and to ensure that the final look was consistent with his/her aesthetic and point-of-view. Among the designers involved, you'll find Rachel Roy (whose doll is outfitted with a one-shoulder teal blouse and a flirty yellow skirt), Tory Burch, Isaac Mizrahi, Monica Botkier, Kate Spade's Deborah Lloyd. These one-of-a-kind, custom-made Barbies will be auctioned off on Ebay starting today, December 28th, at 10 pm EST. The auction runs through February 7th, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting CFDA education and internship programs and initiatives.

Bids start at $100. Visit Ebay.com to check out the dolls and vie for your own runway-ready doll!

Nesting Instict -- Michelle Jaffe's Fjord Collection

 

 

Sculpture and sound installation artist Michelle Jaffe just unveiled this new collection of felt nesting bowls, available in rich jewel tones like midnight blue, lavender, and magenta, and in Fall-inspired hues like anthracite, granite and orange. Each of these thick felt bowls features origami-like folds and clean, sculptural lines, with just a few strategic stitches at the ends. I'm fascinated by the shell-like shape of the bowls and the way the felt was manipulated to yield such a clean and modern aesthetic. Who knew felt could be this classy?

Michelle Jaffe "Fjord Collection" Felt Bowls, $250 for set of three. To order, call Artware Editions at 212.463.7490 or e-mail them at [email protected]. For more info, visit ArtwareEditions.com

Valentine's Day Gift Guide Part I -- Love Is In The Air!

Okay, ladies, Valentine's Day is less than three weeks away, so you know what that means: time to start dropping hints! Sure, you don't want to pulverize your man's wallet, but there's nothing wrong with making a few off-hand references to V-Day wish list items. You may not want to go over-the-top and sketch out maps for the poor fella, but it's only right to help the clueless male species so none of these chaps make the critical mistake of waiting until the eleventh hour and then dashing home with some scrawny chocolates and wilted flowers. As for my fellow single gals, let's not do the grouchy, Scrooge-y, "bah humbug" thing this year, okay? Let the lovebirds have their day. Besides, February 14th is also a day to celebrate family and friendship, so you can always redirect your energy towards snagging some tokens of affection for all those people who hold you down throughout the year. 

Here, some V-Day gift options so great, you're bound to pronounce yourself your own Valentine just so you have the excuse to indulge!

 

Matina Amanita 'Heartbeats' Rings, $95 to $138 each. Available by Special Order at Poole Shop in Charlotte, NC. Call 704.553.8868.

The whole concept behind Matina Amanita's Heartbeats collection is endearing. The collection was named "Heartbeats" because, as we all know, when we're infatuated, our heart tends to race as we gaze upon the object of our affection. Each of the six gold plated rings in the collection, then, features gilded metal, cubic zirconia and enamel details and motifs, and each is named after an HR (heart rating). Since the heart details on each ring are of different heights, the pieces look best stacked atop one another. Doesn't the sight of these make your own heart flutter a bit?

Lacoste x Married To The Mob Sneakers, $120 each. Available at Lacoste boutiques in Houston, Las Vegas and New York, and on Lacoste.com the week of Valentine's Day. 

Leah McSweeney is a girl after my own heart. Her Married to the Mob brand has been at the frontlines of women's streetwear for years now, offering bold and funky apparel that conveys both strength and femininity. For a while, it seemed like the fellas had all the choices when it came to urban-flavored apparel that was still sophisticated and edgy, but Married to the Mob is among the brands that has helped to steer the course of things and give us ladies something to talk about (and wear proudly!). Just in time for Valentine's Day, Married to the Mob collaborated with Lacoste to create these hi-top sneakers, which feature a black floral lace motif. I haven't been this excited about a pair of kicks in a while, so I may just have to make them my own V-Day gift!

Juicy Couture 'The Lolita' Sunglasses, $98 each. Available at JuicyCouture.com

These playful, heart-shaped frames remind us of the silly glasses we wore as children, and yet it's that innocent coquettish quality that seduces onlookers. "Lolita, light of my life"? Maybe so!

Villains & Vagabonds 'Love Hurts' Tee, $34. Visit VillainsAndVagabonds.com

Sure, you wouldn't necessarily buy this Villains & Vagabonds tee for your beloved (that would send off some really strange signals!), but it's the perfect shirt to get your sister, cousin, or friend — especially if she's on prowl mode or celebrating her newfound independence after a torturous relationship and break-up.

 

LUZ 'Flirt' Charm Bracelet, $3,110 for Sterling Silver, $6,560 for 18K Gold, and $18,040 for Platinum; LUZ  'Lust' Charm Bracelet, $3,550 for Sterling Silver, $7,320 for 18K Gold, and $19,360 for Platinum. Available at Neiman Marcus stores nationwide.

LUZ, a provocatively artful high-end jewelry line, recently launched a collection of rings, bracelets, charms, and pendants that focus on different experiences, feelings, actions associated with love: among them Flirt, Lust,  Anger, Love, Cheat, Enigma, and Obsession. The charm bracelets pictured above are available in sterling silver, 18k gold and platinum. The slightly gothic, mysterious letter shapes add a fascinating, almost sculptural quality to each piece. Let there be luz!

Jo Malone The Red Roses Fragrance Chronicle, $95. Available at JoMalone.com and specialty stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

I love a dozen long-stemmed red roses as much as the next girl but here's the reality: even the most enduring blooms won't make it past the week. So, if you want to capture the romance and passion associated with red roses, there's no better way to do so than through a refined fragrance such as Jo Malone's Red Roses Cologne. The exquisite scent was actually introduced on Valentine's Day in 1996 and became a huge hit thanks to its blend of seven types of roses. In celebration of the fragrance's 14th anniversary, Jo Malone is introducing the Red Roses Fragrance Chronicle, which allows perfume lovers to customize their fragrance by combining the Red Roses cologne with any of the following three different accords: Moroccan Mint Leaf, Ice Rose, and Honeycomb. I personally love mixing the Ice Rose with the original fragrance -- it makes your perfume take on this refreshing, tantalizing quality that's at once elegant and sensual.

Martin Katz 13.09ct Natural Red Spinel 18k White Gold Ring Set with 309 diamonds, 54 Spinel, and 149 Black Diamonds, $98,000. Visit MartinKatz.com for more information.

Clearly, I wouldn't suggest any guy spend close to 100K on a second date present, but if the guy in question has deep pockets and is blessed with a woman who has stood by him through thick and thin, then he may want to consider giving the love of his life something that will make her eyes sparkle with excitement. With its red spinel center stone, enclosed by a perimeter of diamond stones, and a band encrusted with white diamonds and red spinel stones and lined with black diamonds, this Martin Katz ring looks even grander than what Julia Roberts' Pretty Woman character found inside her jewelry box before her night at the opera.

 
Lalique 2 Anemones Flacon, $1290. Visit Bloomingdales.com

This flacon, which can be used as a perfume bottle or vase, was originally designed by Rene Lalique in 1935 using clear glass. The modern-day reinvention, however, features a clear crystal vessel and a top made of black crystal with hand-applied white enamel. The inspiration, however, remains the same: the anemone, a flower that is said to symbolize anticipation.

Nancy Gonzalez CR103589-01 Oversized Clutch With Detachable Strap, $3350 at Saks Fifth Avenue stores; and Nancy Gonzalez CR103629-01 Oversized Clutch With Detachable Strap, $2295 at NancyGonzalez.com

Nancy Gonzalez never leads me astray. Like all Nancy Gonzalez handbags, the clutches pictured above were constructed using the finest animal skins, and their versatile shapes and rich, bold colors emit a youthful vibrancy that makes them all the more enchanting.

Robindira Unsworth "Juicy" Bangles, $450. Visit RobindiraUnsworth.com

This trio of hammered 22k gold bangles features carnelian, citrine and garnet stones that make any woman feel like she's found that beautiful place over the rainbow.

Whiting & Davis Heart Minaudiere, $135. Available at WhitingandDavisBags.com

Stylish women can go beyond wearing their heart on their sleeves and start carrying it in the palm of their hands with this mesh-covered, heart-shaped Whiting & Davis purse, which features a metal frame with a ball clasp closure and a 24" drop-in snake chain.

Erica Anenberg LOVE Block Twosome Ring, $98; Erica Anenberg 14K Plated White Enamel Love Twosome Ring, $86; and 14k Plated Cherry Enamel Heart Medallion On Red Patent Leather Cuff, $88. Visit EricaAnenberg.com

All those two-finger rings you've been seeing? Erica Anenberg is one of the OGs of this trend, having spent years creating multi-digit rings with edgy motifs ranging from rows of crystals to messages in block letters. If you're looking for a striking, flashy option, the "LOVE" block twosome ring will make any fly girl feel extra fabulous, while the 14k plated ring with the word "Love" carved out is a slightly daintier choice. Or, for a bracelet that will appeal to urban fashionistas and classic stylish mavens alike, there;s the red patent leather cuff, which features a golden heart on a cherry red enamel button.

Electric Visual 'Detroit' in Red Wild Things, $69.95, and Electric Visual 'Bullitt' in Vinyl Red, $169.95. Available at Zappos.com

Forget Sienna Miller's red Ray-Ban Wayfarers --Electric Visual's Detroit frames in Red Wild Things have the type of fearless, punk-ish attitude that would make any gal feel like Blondie at the height of her career. And, for those who prefer aviator styles, there's the Bullitt shades, which feature a cherry red metal frame.

291 'Love Is All You Need' Tee, $84. Visit 291Venice.com for more information.

Every time I look at this tee, I just want to start singing Mary J. Blige's "Love Is All We Need" at the top of my lungs. From the newspaper-like feel of the black lettering to the ink-like splatter details, this tee has a downtown, I-live-in-an-artist loft edge to it.

Candela Beads Flats Red Sandal, $225. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Adding a bit of red to your wardrobe is key on Valentine's Day — and you can never go wrong with a sassy pair of shoes. These red leather sandals, with their satin ribbon and covered bead details, make me want to go for a stroll in Miami Beach, then dip into a salsa club for some sultry dancing. They really are red hot!

Samantha Thavasa by Tinsley Mortimer ‘Baby Love’ Handbag, $296. Available at Samantha Thavasa (965 Madison Ave, NY; 212 535 3920) and at SamanthaThavasaUSA.com

What's not to love about this Samantha Thavasa handbag? I was sold as soon as I saw the three zippers along the exterior — I mean, the zippers actually look cool, and those compartments are beyond handy for gals like me who carry way too much stuff in theri handbags. But what really closed the deal was that flirty bow detail, which is saved from over-the-top daintiness thanks to the all-over, rock-n-roll style gold studs. Forget baby love — I'm in puppy love with this one!

Kimberly Baker Grace Necklace in 14kt Gold Vermeil over Sterling Silver, $210. Visit KimberlyBaker.com

I love when designers put some serious thought behind their work — and Kimberly Baker knows just how to make designs that are rooted in history, mythology, pop culture, and personal history, while still being accessible to those not acquainted with the pieces' back stories. Her Grace necklace, pictured above, features an anchor motif inside two intertwined hearts — a symbol utilized in Victorian times to represent long-lasting, enduring love that could withstand the strains of time and distance. Now that's a romantic notion.

 

 

Yak Pak Liberty Bowler in White Tulip Print, $22, and Yak Pak Basic Student Backpack in Pink Heart Argyle Print, $25. Visit YakPak.com for retailer information.

Sure, you may love wearing a haughty, ladies-who-lunch satchel but there are bound to be times when you need a sturdy, casual bag that still has some fashion appeal. If you're in college, the pink heart argyle backpack will bring you back to the teenage love affair days of notes passed in class and pictures pinned inside lockers. And if you're looking for a slightly more adult option, the roomy  Liberty Bowler bag pictured  features a fun tulip print that makes you want to reach for some markers and start filling in the blank spots!

Smashbox Heartbreaker Collection: Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara, $19; Smashbox Heartbreaker Liquid Liner Pen, $24; Smashbox Heartbreaker Lip Shine in Berry Hot and Melon-Drama, $19 each; Smashbox O-Glow Intuitive Cheek Color, $26; Smashbox Heartbreaker Eau de Parfum, $22; Smashbox Heartbreaker Eyeshadow Palette in Kiss 'N Tell and Hot Date, $34 each; Smashbox Heartbreaker Rollerball Lip Gloss in Pink Sugar, $21; and Smashbox Heartbreaker Baked Fusion Soft Lights in Starlight, $32. Visit Smashbox.com

The new Spring 2010 collection from Smashbox is so perky and youthful that it makes Mariah Carey's "Heartbreaker" video seem sobering. Among other goodies, the collection includes a coral and fuchsia lip gloss, two eyeshadow palettes in pretty, spunky hues, and kaleidoscopic compact featuring various shades of pink, bronze and terracotta cheek color to give you a rosy look. Stay tuned for some eye shadow swatches!

 

Christofle Malmaison Wine Carafe, $1012, and Malmaison Wine Server, $660. Visit Christofle.com

Any woman would be excited to break out the Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio when she has these phenomenal pieces to adorn her tabletop as she plays the role of perfect hostess.

Cole Haan ‘Ali Travel Zip Wallet,’ $198. Available at Cole Haan stores. Call 800.201.8001 or visit ColeHaan.com

A wallet is a perfect gift option for friends, co-workers, and relatives — after all, we tend to go through wallets so fast that, chances are, there's always room for a new one. Besides, the angelic pale pink of this Cole Haan wallet conveys the innocence of a schoolyard crush.

Robindira Unsworth Champagne, Black, and Charcoal Druzy Necklaces, $330 each. Visit NewTwist.com

You'll feel like the style of an Arabian Nights fairy tale with Robindira Unsworth's Druzy necklace (available in champagne, black, charcoal and white), which was inspired by the domed shapes in Istanbul's architectural gems.

Isabella Fiore Watermark Sara Clutch, $495. Visit IsabellaFiore.com

Generally speaking, I'm not big on patchwork designs, but Isabella Fiore's Sara clutch might just make me a believer again.The clutch features python skins in various sunny shades like saffron yellow, cornflower blue, and wine red.

Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED Paired Necklace, $70. Visit Crystallized.com for more information.

This simple, ladylike Swarovski Crystallized necklace features a sterling silver heart charm and two heart-shaped Swarovski crystals that add some sparkle to your decolletage.

INCA Leather String Bikini, $225. Available at SwimwearBoutique.com

This metallic four-way stretch bikini, made of 80% nylon and 20% spandex, is designed to recreate the look of leather, so that a gal can feel like a powerful Catwoman type while she's frolicking in the beach.

Nippies 'Moulin Rouge' and 'Hot Lips' Nipple Covers, $15 each. Available at Bristols6.com

Are you planning a romantic dinner with your boyfriend, husband or boy toy? Then you may want to consider how to end the evening with a bang. What if you give him a little striptease and, instead of complicated undergarments he'll want to rip with his teeth, you opt for some funky heart-shaped nipple covers in lipstick-covered prints or red sequins? Let's just say you'd have quite the bedroom romp.

Radley 'Flower Power' Umbrella, $50. Visit Radley.co.uk

Sing Jill Scott's "Love Rain" and be prepared for a romantic downpour with this classic yet feminine Radley umbrella, which practically ushers in spring.

Gaggia 12700 Red Espresso Machine, $282.55. Visit Overstock.com

Think about all the intimate stories you can exchange over a cup of coffee, and now imagine making that experience all the richer thanks to the assistance of this handy appliance. The Gaggia 12700 Espresso Machine features: a high-pressure, 15-bar pump; a stainless steel boiler; a heat-absorbent, chrome-plated brass portafilter; a Pannarello frothing wand to froth milk; and a cup warmer to keep those coffees piping hut until you're ready to take a sip.

Caswell-Massey Fresh Cut Flowers Collection: Fresh Cut Flowers Diffuser, $50; Fresh Cut Flowers Natural Soy Candle, $35; Fresh Cut Flowers Soap Dish and Luxury Bath Soap, $30; Fresh Cut Flowers Luxury Bath Soap (Set of 3), $35; and Fresh Cut Flowers Luxury Guest Soap, $7. Visit CaswellMassey.com

This collection smells so fresh, any gal who gets one of these items won't be singing, "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," any time soon. The Caswell-Massey Fresh Cut Flowers collection features soap sets, a reed diffuser, and a soy candle. I'm particularly fond of the candle, which smells like a dewy bouquet of green flowers mixed with a hint of tuberose and vanilla.

Amanda Pearl Roll Clutch in Dianne, $995. Available at AmandaPearl.com

This long, barrel-shaped clutch features a silk duchesse satin exterior and a pearl-like rock crystal cabachon closure. Measuring 8 3/4" x 2 3/4" x 2 3/4" and featuring a touch-up mirror along the inside, the Amanda Roll clutch is the perfect way to finish off that date ensemble.

Avanessi 14K White/Yellow Gold Love Bracelet, $649. Available at Avanessi.com

Avanessi's "Love" bracelets have always been a thing of beauty, but its new Valentine's Day collection will be particularly appealing to amorous sorts everywhere. The dainty bracelet pictured above features  three 14k yellow gold "love" pieces, with each one featuring a diamond "o" accent, all woven together with 14k white gold chain links.

 

KC Los Angeles 'Amor' Tee, $25, and 'Love Me Amor' Gift Set, $30. Visit KCLosAngeles.com

Spread some love en español with these cool pieces by fellow Boricua Karen Crawford, founder of KC Designs. Keep it simple with an "Amor" tee or add a naughty wink-wink with the "Love Me Amor" gift set, which includes a tee with word LOVE and a matching thong with a heart symbol bearing the word "amor."

 

TOUS 18K Yellow Gold Heart Pendant, $539. Available at Tous.com

It's all about the details with this 18k yellow gold heart pendant. At first glance, it may look like beautiful but not necessarily remarkable pendant but, upon closer inspection, the wonders start to reveal themselves -- from the gold's sleek finish to the words "I Love You" etched along the curve of the heart, and the bear-shaped cut-out through which two diamond-studded hoops were woven. Together, they create the ultimate "vouler Tous" situation.

 
Harajuku Lovers Cherub Girls Candy Satchel, $84. Visit Zappos.com

The Harajuku Girls are already cute enough to deserve a spot on any Valentine's Day-themed merch, but dressed up as flying Cupids as they are in this handbag's print, you just can't help but fall in love.

 

Timex 'Camper' Watch, $35. Visit Timex.com

This sporty watch features a durable nylon strap with three vertical pink stripes, a petal pink dial and even mauve-ish pink numerals along the dial.

Bitossi Cyclic Big Vase, $550. Available at Yoox.com

This sculptural vase is a design masterpiece, with its pretzel-like shape and sleek surface. The fact that you can actually tuck flowers inside it? Well, that's just the cherry on top.

b.tempt’d by Wacoal Coquette Bra, $38, and Thong, $22. Available at BareNecessities.com

Lingerie is always a good get for Valentine's Day, and these pieces are sexy but versatile, so that a gal can wear them on an ordinary day and still feel comfortable.

K-Swiss Surf & Sand Hi, $55. Available at KSwiss.com

This new limited-edition hi-top sneaker, dropping in early February, is available in several pastel colors (yellow, pink, green and purple), as well as a jet black hue.

Estelle x Rachel Roy Set To Shine With New RACHEL Rachel Roy Jewelry Collection

Last September, when designer Rachey Roy opened a pop-up store in Soho, allowing customers to shop her brand new, more affordable RACHEL Rachel Roy collection before it hit Macy's stores, I went loco bananas in there. I dipped in for a quick look-see and, before I knew it, I was salivating over her leather-like leggings, draped mosaic-print tops, graffiti-themed bags, and spiked earrings. I ended up leaving the pop-up store with two shopping bags filled to the brim. So much for restraint!

I have a feeling the experience will be repeated come February 9th, when Rachel Roy unveils her new RACHEL Rachel Roy jewelry collection, a collaboration with Grammy-winning singer Estelle. Rachel Roy is giving her Facebook fans first dibs on the pieces, setting up a digital pop-up store on the Facebook page where customers can shop the collection for a three-day period (Feb 9th-11th), weeks before it hits retailers.

The collection incorporates statement necklaces, earrings, and bold rings that reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of both Estelle and Rachel Roy. Among the pieces, you'll find the orchid-inspired petal ring pictured above. I'm already imagining how the petal ring would look on my finger and what outfits I'd pair it with, so I'm pretty ecstatic to check out the rest of the pieces, all of which retail for $34-$50.

The date has officially been set in my iCal, Blackberry and e-mail, so you may want to do the same!

From February 9th through February, visit Facebook.com/RachelRoy to shop the new Rachel Estelle collection.