SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Holiday Shopping From A To Z -- Racing Through U, V, and W

We're ready to crack open the coquito, spike the eggnog, saunter underneath the mistletoe with the yummiest man in the room, and get a little nice while being a bit naughty but, before doing so, we have to check off all the items on our list — and, of course, that includes bringing you the final two installments of our A To Z Holiday Gift Guide.

In today's alphabet soup, you'll find the letters U, V, and W. As you know by now, we've designated themes for each letter of the alphabet so, in this case, U stands for Urban, V for Velvety, and W for Western. Find out what gift ideas we unearthed for each of thee categories below!

 

U IS FOR URBAN

 

 

Nissa Triple Star Earrings, $28. Available at NissaJewelry.com

These triple star earrings resemble those embroidered onto the shoulder boards of Navy jackets, making them worthy of a salute.

 

LeSportsac Joyrich Candy Camo Heart Pouch, $68. Available at Shopbop.com

Nothing quite says city chic like a fun camouflage print, as seen in this heart-shaped, cross-body purse from the LeSportsac x Joyrich collection. Sure, the bright colors in this pattern— tangerine orange, deep magenta, vivid turquoise, cobalt blue, black, and white — won't serve the official purpose of camo prints (helping you blend in with the environment) but, then, who wants to be just another face in the crowd? The purse's dainty size (it measures 6.5" in height and 7" in length), heart shape, and chic interwoven sateen-and-gold strap give us more reasons to love it.

 

 

Bicycle Glasses, $75 for Set of 8. Available at UncommonGoods.com

Rather than celebrating gas-guzzling SUVs and pollution-aggravating vehicles, toast the wonders of bicycling with these quaint glasses, which measure 3.25" in height and 3.25" diameter, holding an estimated 10.5 oz. of liquid.

Laruicci Tigerlily Necklace, $110. Available at Laruicci.com

This Tigerlily is anything but a wallflower. Featuring a round, faceted hot pink glass stone set in a gunmetal pendant with oversize prong-style claws and a hefty gunmetal-plated, 8k gold box chain, this necklace is way more fascinating than Iron Man's repulsor blast (and considerably safer!).

Kate Spade New York Keyboard 13" Laptop Sleeve, $60. Available at LordandTaylor.com

This neoprene laptop sleeve, designed to ensconce a 13" laptop, features a whimsical keyboard design, with the space bar an the letters E, T, P, A, S ,D, K whitened out. What do they spell? Why "Kate Spade," of course!

Sauce Kanye West Tweet Tee, $68. Available at FarFetch.com

When Kanye West first joined Twitter in 2010, he quickly became one of the social networking site's funniest users, with his timeline populated by messages like: "Dating models I had to learn to like small dogs and cigarettes" and  "I'm bout to hop on this #BABYMAMAJET the jets Billionaires give to they baby mamas or they 1st, 2nd or 3rd wife." Paying homage to the rapper's spontaneous thoughts, this modal shirt features a bobble-head style image of Yeezy with a thought bubble above his head and the word "Tweet" inside it. How sweet the tweet is!

 

 

 

Linea Pelle Wide Multi Stranded Leather Cuff, $60. Available at LPcollection.com

As one of the trendiest leather goods manufacturers in the biz, Linea Pelle has been at the forefront of the leather cuff bracelet fad. One of its latest offerings takes a more structured approach to the sliced leather bracelet — rather than loose strands wrapping around the wrist, this cuff features perfectly symmetrical cut-outs, a slimmer fit, and a taller height, while chunky metal chains add a hint of rock 'n' roll chaos. 

Jeffrey Campbell Tanya Wedge Sandals, $114.95. Available at Solestruck.com

What urban style maven doesn't rely on Jeffrey Campbell to keep her feet looking ultra fly? These new wedge sandals are as fun to wear as they are to gaze upon, with black-and-white woven raffia uppers and neon-colored 5" wedge heels and a 2" platform. 

Maison Scotch Gloves, $98. Available at RevolveClothing.com

These driving gloves just scream, "I'm a boss!" Show off your trendsetting technique with these black genuine leather driving gloves, which feature a buckled closure and an arched cut-out decorated with black metal studs resembling gothic flowers. 

Pamela Love Spectrum Triangle Spike Earrings, $250. Available at Barneys.com

Part of Gaga's Workshop at Barneys NY, these triangle-shaped bronze earrings feature an iridescent, rainbow-like finish and spiked accents along the two triangle cut-out shapes at the top of the larger triangle frame.

 

Tarte Cosmetics Puttin' On The Glitz Limited-Edition Color Collection & Clutch, $48. Available at TarteCosmetics.com

 Every holiday season, Tarte ups the ante with its affordable, versatile, and ingenious gift sets. Among this year's highlights is the multi-faceted On the Glitz set, which has a silver-toned, snake print, faux leather clutch as its center piece. The metallic closure has a gold tone zipper that extends all the way from one side to the next, with purple nylon lining along the inside, and a gold metal chain shoulder strap. Once open, you'll find three credit card slots, a built-in mirror, a cash sleeve, an elastic loop for lip gloss (or a pen), and two metal snaps onto which you can attach one of the three interchangeable palettes included in the set. See how genius the concept is? For a brunch date, you can snap the Nine-to-Five palette into place, slide your credit cards and Iid into the slots, and tuck some cash into the designated sleeve, then before heading out in the evening, you can remove the Nine-to-Five palette and attach the Girls Night Out palette in its place.

Each of the three palettes features six eyeshadow shades and an Amazonian Clay blush, powder or bronzer. The Nine-To-Five palette features bronze, coppery gold, sandy nude, mauve-ish pink, light taupe, and eggplant purple tones, along with a pink Amazonian Clay blush (click here for swatches of the eye shadow hues). The Walk in the Park palette features all the colors you'd associate with an enchanted forest — from a deep emerald green with an enigmatic shimmer to a matte, muddy brown, a bronze-touched chocolate brown, a dusky fawn color, a light yellow gold, and a chalky ecru — along with an Amazonian Clay bronzer (check out swatches here). Lastly, the Girls' Night Out palette includes an Amazonian Clay Shimmering Powder in a champagne gold hue, along with dramatic eye shadow hues worthy of Anjelica Houston in the 1970s — a deep, sooty black; a metallic lilac, a rich Merlot-tinged purple; a blackened green with tons of light green and silver glitter; a gunmetal shade saturated with opalescent glitter; and an illuminating, pearly pink hue (for swatches of the eye shadow colors, click here). 

 

Mykita x Moncler Sunglasses Collaboration -- Googly-Eyed For Goggle-Inspired Glasses

Did you know that, on July 31st 1954, when Italian mountaineers Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni made their historic ascent to the summit of K2, they wore down jackets by Moncler? Relying on little other than these warm coats and their lightweight goggles, they were able to complete their challenging expedition. Now, more than 50 years later, Moncler has joined forced with designer eyewear brand Mykita to create a limited-edition collection of sunglasses inspired by the perilous, fatiguing, altitude-defying, bone-chilling two month expedition that ended in victory for these amici. 

The Mykita x Monclear eyewear collection, then, incorporates two models (respectfully dubbed Lino and Achille after the K2-climbing duo) sturdy enough for outdoorsy winter activities (skiing, hiking, sledding, etc.) and sufficiently chic for everyday styling — both featuring rounded lenses and silhouettes inspired by 1950s goggles.

Made with Mylon, a polyamide-based material developed and patented by Mykita, the eyewear styles are lightweight and yet durable enough to withstand a few bangs, scraped, falls and other mishaps. Swept-back frame edges, meanwhile, hearken to the traditional '50s goggle style, while flared frames protect wearers fro the sun's rays just as successfully as the leather sections that once adorned goggles' sides and bridges. Mineral glass lenses crafted by Italian manufacturer Barberini guarantee clear vision, especially given the anti-fog finish along the inside of the lenses, and an anti-scratch outer coating places a premium on longevity and sturdiness.

Stylistically, the differences between the Lino and Achille styles are minimal: mainly, the Achille features a straight top line and a broader frame for a more modern overall vibe, while the Lino boasts a curving top line and a slimmer frame, staying truer to the sporting eyewear styles of yesteryear. Both models are available in a classic black, as well as in red or blue, the two colors in which the first Moncler down jackets were produced back in the early 1960s. Each pair of sunglasses comes with mirrored lenses in the same color or, if desired, with solid grey-tinted lenses.

A sleeping bag-esque carry pouch completes the outdoorsy vibe of the collection, currently available at Mykita shops and Moncler boutiques.

 

 

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. 

 

Christmas Cheer At Your Fingertips -- Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips Holiday 2011 Collection

 

 

We swooned over the limited-edition Halloween prints of the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips ($9.99 each at chain drug stores, food stores, and mass retailers nationwide) released earlier this fall, but the spiderweb, ghost, and skull-and-crossbones designs were just an appetizer for the most delicious of entrees: the heart-warming 5-piece Holiday 2011 collection. The new prints in the collection are: Plaid About You, a red-and-black plaid pattern reminiscent of lumberjack hats; Peppermint Twist, which features angled red, white, and pink stripes that mimic those on a candy cane; Snow Bunny, which has a white backdrop and jolly red snowflakes; Prep's Cool, a black-and-silver argyle pattern that even Prince Harry would deem cool; and Winter Funderland, a chaotic melange of black, silver, and midnight blue glitter. 

Each of the Sally Hansen Holiday 2011 Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips packages includes 16 nail polish strips. To apply them, you first clean an buff the nail plate, pushing back the cuticles and filing to the desired shape. Next, you find the strip with the size that best suits the nail in question, peel off the white backing and the clear top film, and place it on the nail plate, making sure to perfectly align the base of the strip an the sides. Next, you press the strip using the cuticle stick and the buffer side of the miniature nail file/buffer included in the box and, using the buffer, file off any excess protruding past the top of the nail. Using the sharp end of the cuticle stick, you can then clean up the edges. The nail polish strips are easy to use, require no drying time, and they last extraordinarily long (I've had them last up to two weeks). When it's time to remove them, you simply use nail polish remover and a cotton ball and wipe away as you would with any ordinary lacquer. 

If wearing a Santa Hat, chunky snowflake-adorned sweater, and jingle bell earrings seems a bit too over-the-top for you, then channel your holiday spirit with one of these Winter Wonderland-appropriate nail designs. I'm currently rocking the Peppermint Twist design (pictured above), and it's cooler than the minitest of treats.

To check out how the pattern looks on the nails, see the photos after the jump!

 

Here Comes Santa Claus -- Win A Holiday-Themed Lolita Martini Glass!

 

Getting ready to rock around the Christmas tree? Then break out the festive décor with one of Lolita's hand-painted glasses, which feature whimsical, season-appropriate motifs. Each of her Holiday 2011 martini glasses holds 7 1/2 ounces of liquor and features a special recipe printed on the bottom of the glass.

This season's designs include the Holiday Diva Martini Glass, pictured at top, in which the stem is used to represent the svelte figure of a woman clad in a glittery red frock, her hips and bosom widening as one's gaze moves upward to the V-shaped top section, a furry white trim giving her strapless frock a Mrs. Claus flair. The words "I'm a Holiday Diva" are hand-painted in green cursive lettering below the rim and white snowflake shapes cover the base of the glass. 

Another standout is the Santa's New Hat Martini Glass, shown second from top, which features a base covered in a fluffy-, feather-like trim mimicking the furry puff tip on Santa's classic red hat. Most of the V-shaped top, along with the stem, is painted a holly red shade, with white "S" letters and glittery star embellishments and a thick strip of white paint, stippled to create a textured feel, references the furry trim on Santa's hat.    

For a more traditional aesthetic check out the Lolita Naughty & Nice Martini Glass, pictured third above, which nods to the patterns we associate with red-white-and-green starlight mints via the swirls of color on the base of the glass and the dot atop the "nice" word painted in stencil-like letters across the glass.  

Now, here comes the fun part: since 'tis the season for giving, we're offering THREE lucky readers the chance to WIN ONE OF THESE LOLITA MARTINI GLASSES!

We will be giving away one of each of the above-mentioned Lolita Martini Glasses, so that three winners will each receive one of the hand-painted glasses – be it Naughty & Nice, Santa's New Hat, or Holiday Diva. 

The giveaway begins now and ends Sunday, December 25th at 9:00 p.m. EST. We will announce the winners on December 26th — as a special post-Christmas treat! To enter, you must be 18 or older and you must live in the United States. 

Here's how to enter our giveaway:

1. Like Sicka Than Average on Facebook (Facebook.com/SickaThanAvg 

2. Like Designs by Lolita on Facebook (Facebook.com/DesignsbyLolita)

3. Follow Sicka Than Average on Twitter (@sickathanavg)

4. Follow Lolita on Twitter (@DesignsbyLolita)

5. Leave a comment below telling us which of the designs is your favorite

6. For additional entries, tweet the following message: "I just entered to win a @DesignsbyLolita Holiday Martini Glass from @sickathanavg"

 

You must complete all these steps to enter!

That's it! Good luck and I hope you'll be toasting your win very soon ;)

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. 

Walk in any Winter Wonderland with the Marc Jacobs for Native Jimmy Boots

Snow boots may be practical, but they also tend to be rather bulky, cumbersome, and, in most cases, unattractive. Fortunately, more companies are tackling this problem, undertaking the gargantuan task of constructing weatherproof footwear that women will actually want to wear. The Marc Jacobs for Native Jimmy Boot ($95 at MarcJacobs.com) marks a step in the right direction.

The limited-edition boot features laminated Japanese denim uppers and matching waxed laces for a slick, fashion-forward twist. The molded EVA outsole, meanwhile, guarantees that your feet stay dry when stomping through the snow and, thanks to their shock absorbent quality, that you don't slip in even the iciest of conditions. Made without any animal byproducts, the Marc Jacobs for Native Boots will appeal to veganistas and fashionistas.

 

Rebecca Minkoff Launches Her Own Baby-G Watch Design

Having successfully collaborated with women's streetwear brands Hellz Bellz and Married to the Mob on limited-edition versions of its popular Baby-G watch model, Casio set its sights on handbag designer Rebecca Minkoff, whose pieces feature premium quality leather and exotic skins in rich hues; boast sharp, clean, modern, structured-but-fun silhouettes; and feature sassy zipper, stud, and rivet details for a dose of urban bravado.

The two brands just unveiled the fruits of their collaboration: a naughty but nice, tough but feminine piece with a matte black, ion-plated stainless steel resin bracelet and a metallic pink champagne dial featuring the Rebecca Minkoff logo. As with all Baby-G watches, this one features an hybrid analog/digital display, background LED light, 48-city world time, five independent daily alarm options, a 1/100th second stopwatch, and a countdown times, plus it's shock resistant and water resistant up to 100 meters.

Not only is the watch a collectible, but so is it's packaging: a cylindrical tin jar in a metallic pink champagne color mirroring the tone of the watch's dial. The side of the case features the Baby-G logo in bold blakc lettering, whereas the lid features the Rebecca Minkoff name and double key logo along its center and round indentations along the lid's perimeter creating a look reminiscent of plastic fountain drink lids.

Available at select department stores and boutiques, the Rebecca Minkoff Baby-G retails for $200. Visit Casio.com for retailer info.

Holiday Shopping From A To Z -- Parading Through J, K, and L

We've been making holiday shopping as easy as 1-2-3 with our gift-getting ABCs, quite literally taking you through an alphabet-themed tour of present ideas. For our latest installment, we're focusing on the letters J, K, and L, with J encompassing jewel-toned goodies, K inspiring an assortment of kabuki-influenced treats, and L immersing us in a feast of leather and lace. 

Read on for more on these great categories and the products contained therein!

J IS FOR JEWEL TONES

 

Kotur For J. Crew Colony Green Briar Sequin Clutch, $425. Available at J.Crew Collection and Bridal Boutique and at JCrew.com

We've raved about the Kotur for J.Crew collection in the past, but this clutch crystallizes the reason behind our fervor with its envelope-shaped metal frame and the clusters of forest green sequins covering the front and back — not to mention the rectangular, pillbox-style closure adorned with a dark green jewel. 

NYX Cosmetics Slide On Pencils, $8 each. Available at NYXcosmetics.com

These new eyeliners from NYX Cosmetics glide right onto the lids, leaving behind lines of deliciously rich, creamy, shining color. Available in 18 shades, our favorite include the jewel-toned shades — among them: SL 17 Green Papaya, a light green tourmaline shade with a golden sheen; SL 12 Azure, a deep turquoise; SL09 Tropical Green, a dark malachite shade; and SL 10 Purple Blaze, a deep amethyst purple. Click here for swatches of our favorite shades!

Moritz Glik "Kaleidoscope" 18K Gold and Floating Colored Sapphire Earrings, $5230. Available at Endless.com

Pink and orange sapphires seem to float inside each double white sapphire cube of these two-tiered dangling earrings from Moritz & Glik, which measure 0.53" in width at their widest point and hang 1.38" long.

 

 

 

Giuseppe Zanotti Shoe Boot, $711. Available at FarFetch.com

Tastier than freshly squeezed OJ, these orange chalcedony-colored suede heels feature a rounded peep toe, a banded strap running across the vamp, sexy cutouts along the sides, a T-shaped ankle trap, and a staggering  5.5" heel.

 

 

Madstone Hoop Earrings, $1500. Available at the Diana Heimann Jewelry Salon at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in White Plains, NY. For more info, call 914.467.5880 or visit MadStoneDesign.com

These oxidized sterling silver hoop earrings feature slanted sides so that, instead of a rounded hoop, they resemble open-ended octagons and, in keeping with the geometric theme, feature an oversize, octagonal amethyst stone along the front, with effervescent bubble-ike details within the faceted stone's surface, Smaller amethyst stones, meanwhile, are encrusted into the metal hoop frame like smaller stars next to a supernova. 

 

 

LORAC Bejeweled Lip Gloss Collection, $25. Available at Sephora.com

Gemstones inspired LORAC's Holiday 2011 collection, which includes this six-color lip gloss set. Each of the LORAC lip glosses is enriched with cooling peppermint oil (which also gives them a minty smell), antioxidant-rich grape seed oil, toning rosemary extract, and wound-healing castor oil, so that they hydrate, soften, and plump up lips. Each tube's gunmetal-colored cap is encrusted with tiny clear rhinestones, so as to heighten the jewelry box-worthy feel of the collection.

The shades themselves, meanwhile, shine like the most precious gems and colors range from Red Ruby, a blue-toned red with light red pearl particles, to Peach Moonstone, a pale, brownish peach shade; Bronze Topaz, a brown citrine shade with hints of bronze and warmer amber-y undertones; Hot Pink Sapphire, a delightful fuchsia shade chock full of iridescent silver and pink pearls; Rich Garnet, a deep raspberry red with purple undertones; and Pink Diamond, which looks like a milky white color in its packaging but, when applied, transformed into an ultra-sheer light pink with a darling opalescent quality. Click here for swatches of all six shades!

 

 

Christian Louboutin Loubi Croissant Satin Clutch, $795. Available at Net-a-Porter.com

He may be known for his sky-high stilettos and trademark red soles, but Christian Louboutin is strutting into the handbag realm with pieces as exquisite as this croissant-shaped clutch, which features ruched teal satin and a gold metal frame with a red twill interior lining and a double heel clasp closure for an added wink-wink.

 

Dannijo Multi-Stone & Snake Chain Cuff, $343. Available at NeimanMarcus.com

Bohemian, tribal, and rocker converge in this 3"-wide, golden oxidized brass cuff from jewelry-making duo Dannijo. Yellow gold snake chains slither around and weave in between a trio of jewel accents running vertically down the front and center of the cuff. Each jewel-toned station features a brass cube with a round, faceted, Swarovski crystal at its center and, on either side, square stones in contrasting shades.

 

 

Laura Mercier Luxe Colour Portfolio, $98. Available at Sephora.com

Not only does it include sparkling wine and violet, along with rich brown and soft cream eye shadows and liners, but Laura Mercier's Luxe Colour Portfolio (part of her limited-edition Holiday 2011 collection) features three of her acclaimed makeup brushes — all packaged in a box clutch with silver-and-black faux snakeskin trimming the edges of the portfolio and adorning the flap closure, which itself features a concealed magnet to ensure the palette stays safely shut.

As soon as you open up the portfolio like you would a book or agenda, you'll find three brushes tucked into their slots on the left-hand side: the Pony Tail eye shadow brush, the bushy Crease brush, and the Flat Liner brush.

On the right-hand side, meanwhile, you'll find six eye shadow shades in rectangular pans: Primrose, a fleshy pink with golden sparkle and a soft, satin-like finish; African Violet, a unique violet shade with rose gold undertones saturated with copper pearl particles for a high-wattage shine; Merlot, a mostly matte, deep burgundy wine shade with just a hint of rose pearl shimmer; Truffle, a velvety soft brown shade with a matte finish reminiscent of ground espresso beans; Topaz, a taupe-ish gray, smokey quartz-like color with an all-over metallic sheen; and Stellar, an ethereally light champagne gold color with silver shimmer. To view these shades for yourself, check out swatches of all six eyeshadows.

Moving on, next you'll find a row of three Tightline Cake Eye Liner packed into round pans. Though they can be applied in their dry form, they look more intense when you wet the brush first and then swirl it atop the liner pans. The three colors included are: Ground Espresso, Black Ebony, and Burgundy Wine. Check out swatches of these shades here.

Last, you'll find two large squares of cheek color: Rose Petal, a light peachy pink, and City Pink, a bold peony pink. To view the colors, click here.

 

Badgley Mischka Rosette Silk-Satin Dress, $222.75. Available at TheOutnet.com

This 100% silk dress will make your eyes light up thanks to the raw-edged rosette details all over the fabric, the wide ruched waistband, and the frock's pink spinel shade. A strapless cut and boned corset along the fully lined interior guarantee you'll have a gorgeous and well-defined silhouette. 

 

Bobbi Brown Black Ruby Sparkle Eye Palette, $45. Available at BobbiBrownCosmetics.com

For Holiday 2011, venerated makeup artist Bobbi Brown masterminded a color palette peppered with jewel tones, infused with shimmer and sparkle, and enriched with metallic overtones. One of our faves: the Black Ruby Sparkle Shadow Palette, which includes four colors that shimmer like tiny icicles: the Pink Rose Sparkle Eye Shadow, a muted mauve-ish pink with tons of white and silver pearls; the Crushed Silver Sparkle Eye Shadow, a Jack Frost-approved silver with tonal glitter; the Black Ruby Sparkle Eye Shadow, an intriguing, blackened merlot shade with pink and silver pearl particles; and the Onyx Sparkle Eye Shadow, a black cherry shade with white gold sparkle. Check out swatches of all four eye shadows here.

Lauren Merkin Ava Clutch in Amethyst/Black Shiny Python, $295. Available at LaurenMerkin.com

Like Ava Gardner, Lauren Merkin's Ava clutch belongs among Hollywood royalty — especially the latest iteration of the style, which features a glossy amethyst and black python print. Measuring 12" in width and 6" in height, this smart clutch features delicate pleats, slanted edges, rounded corners, and a top flap with a silver-toned closure.

 

 

Bounkit Blue Topaz, Citrine, and Blue Cat's Eye Convertible Earrings, $395. Available at CharmandChain.com

These 3"-long dangling earrings by Moroccan-born designer Hassan Bounkit feature rectangular blue topaz stones at the post, oval citrine stones dangling directly beneath them, and bulbous, teardrop-shaped blue cat's eye stones dangling from the bottom. Since these earrings are convertible, you can detach the citrine or blue cat's eye stones and wear the blue topaz studs alone or choose to attach either the citrine or the blue cat's eye sections and transform them into single drop pieces.

 

 

Bare Escentuals Box of Gems 20-Piece Color Collection, $88. Available at QVC.com

The gleaming golden tone of this makeup treasure chest is perfectly appropriate as it houses an assortment of stunning mineral eye shadows, lip-plumping glosses, and richly pigmented, all-natural glosses. When you flip back the top lid, you'll find 10 eye shadows: Sparkling, a snow powder white with scattered multi-dimensional glimmer; Gleam, a pale peach hue with a satin finish; Glow, a warm tan color with golden undertones; Jewel, an aptly named violet-tinged rubellite tourmaline; Solitaire, a smoky, silvery shade; Gem, a dazzling emerald green color with a metallic finish and scattered shimmer; Twinkle, a sepia shade with scattered golden sparkle; Locket, an amethyst shade with violet sparkle; Incandescent, a bronze-y topaz hue with antiqued gold shimmer; and Beam, a bewitching sapphire blue color. By clicking here, you'll find swatches of the Sparkling, Gleam, and Glow colors. Next, feast your eyes on the beauty of the Jewel, Solitaire, Gem, and Twinkle shades by clicking here. And last, click here to wonder over the Locket, Incandescent, and Beam shadows.

One you pull out the bottom drawer using the ribbon tab, you'll find five Buxom Lip Polishes: Kanani, a sheer pink; Betty, a crimson shade; Dani, a berry pink; Gabby, a grape wine shade; and Sandy, a pink nude. For a better idea of what these look like on skin, check out these swatches.

In the bottom drawer of the golden box, tou'll also discover five Natural Lip Glosses: Sprinkles, a sheer color with just a hint of yellow gold and plenty of clear pearl particles; Cranberry Sorbet, a creamy guava shade; Angel Food Cake, a sheer peachy pink saturated with mutli-dimensional shimmer; Energy Drink, a pink lemonade shade with golden undertones and an all-over sheen; and Apple Butter, a brownish fig-like hue with hints of red and tiny gold pearl particles.

Elva Fields Gamine in Green Necklace, $328. Available at Shop.ElvaFields.com 

This handmade wonder features three strands of polished teardrop-shaped turquoise beads painted an emerald green color, each bead separated from its neighbor by a gilt brass bead. A vintage emerald rhinestone brooch positioned at the center of the necklace adds a regal touch.

 

 

 

Santi Audrina Clutch, $140. Available at Endless.com

This envelope-shaped clutch has more cubes than a game of Tetris. Measuring 10" in width, 4.5" in height, and 1.5" in depth, the Santi Audrina Clutch features a fabric body covered by square beads in multiple tones of blue, ranging from midnight blue to aqua, turquoise, and indigo.

 

Criminal Mastermind -- Hello Kitty Steals Hearts With Mighty Fine's New Bandit Tees

Sanrio's finest is doing hard time. Scene-stealing Hello Kitty's crimes of passion have landed her in the Big House, but you can lobby for her release by donning a shirt in support of the sassy feline — after all, her only crime was loving too hard! 

These new Hello Kitty tees from Mighty Fine depict the whiskered lady rockin' a black-and-white striped, "Jailhouse Rock"-worthy jumpsuit and a black eye mask. But, even while serving her sentence, Hello Kitty manages to look her best, accessorizing her prison duds with her trademark sass.

We love the Mighty Fine Hello Kitty Standing Bandit Tee ($25 at WeLoveFine.com), a crew neck tee with a fitted silhouette depicting HK in a black-and-white jumpsuit, her eyes covered by a Zorro-like mask, a red belt with a heart buckle livening up her outfit, and a gray bow with a red heart accent positioned atop her head, right by her ear. 

In the Mighty Fine Hello Kitty Sitting Love Bandit Tee ($30 at WeLoveFine.com), a gray-colored, loose-fitting cropped tee, showcases Ms. Kitty sitting atop a black box with the words "Hello Kitty" in big block letters, a cloud of bulbous red hearts behind her. This time around, her bow clip is replaced by a gray skully hat adorned by a gray-and-red bow accent along the ribbed edges. A heart shape accentuates the "O" in "Hello Kitty" while, for a Flashdance-like flair, the words "Love Bandit" are printed right above the headline in red cursive letters. 

Last, the loose-fitting, 100% cotton, scoop neck Mighty Fine Hello Kitty Love Bandit Head Tee ($30 at WeLoveFine.com) features a close-up of a masked Hello Kitty, once again wearing a gray bow with a red heart center, the words "Love Bandit" scrawled beneath her visage. 

If loving this lady is wrong, we're all ready to serve out sentence!