SICKA THAN AVERAGE

10 Boots Channeling the Goth-Meets-Punk Vibe of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Though her petite, boyish frame hardly make her a physically imposing persona, Lisbeth Salander, the psychologically and physically scarred computer genius who enacts her own brutal brand of poetic justice (one involving some much-deserved revenge) in Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo instantly makes an impression on those who encounter her thanks to her gothic punk style. Sporting a raven cropped 'do with side-swept bangs covering one side of her face enigmatically, her eyes rimmed with black liner, her nose and earlobes pierced in multiple places, the motorcycle-riding renegade is mostly seen wearing all-black ensembles: black tees and hoodies paired with black skinny pants and studded black leather biker jackets, then accessorized with spiked metal necklaces that look like they double as instruments of torture, black skull caps, black fingerless gloves and, of course, gothic leather boots with chunky platforms and buckles galore.

Whether you're faithful to the 2009 Swedish film adaptation of the best-selling novel or you're raving about the recently-released US movie version starring Rooney Mara, chances are you've caught The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo fever. 

Here, we pay tribute to Lisbeth Salander and to the punk looks of the season with 10 boot styles that perfectly capture this subversive spirit.

 

 

Demonia by Pleaser Transformer-800 Boots, $150. Available at Endless.com

You've got to be as hardcore a goth as Lisbeth Salander to pull off these gargantuan, Edward Scissorhands-meets-Frankenstein-style patent leather boots, which feature a chunky 5 1/4" platform with metal rivet accents and 13"-tall shaft accentuated with wide straps and silver-tone buckles.   

Dr. Martens Massai Lace-Up Boots, $150. Available at Dillards.com

If, rather than jumping into the punk rock fashion pool, you want to tentatively dip a few toes in the water, do so in these lace-up combat boots, which feature stone black massai leather uppers with a waxed, wet cement-like finish, stark black accent stitching, black satin ribbon laces, and a Victorian-style floral print lining.

When you only lace the boots half way and then fold the top of the shaft over, you can reveal the vintage-looking blossoms and invite onlookers to acknowledge your feminine side. If you'd rather play with a more hard-edged look, simply lace the boots all the way to the top and let that ladylike lining be your private little secret.  

 

Opening Ceremony Leather Lace-Up Ankle Platform Boots, $272. Available at Saks.com

They may look like ordinary ankle boots, but these lace-up Opening Ceremony shoes play with proportions and angles to create an ultra-modern effect. The sides of the shaft are cut at an angle to yield an asymmetrical line, sloping downwards from the front and center to the back of the ankle. The tapered top edges of the shaft are then juxtaposed against a 5" stacked heel with a block-like shape and an exaggerated, bulbous 2" platform along the front of the boot, positioned directly beneath a slightly rounded toe. The cartoonish, over-the-top elements of this footwear style stand in stark contrast to the rows of eyelets through which the lace-up cords are threaded — which, unlike most booties, aren't boxed in by rows of intricate stitching. 

 

Jeffrey Campbell Lita Spike Ankle Boot, $195. Available at JildorShoes.com

Biker jackets with zipper accents and stud details, slim silver hoops tracing the outer curves of the ears, jet black hair, and leather collar necklaces with lethal-looking spikes abound in Salander's closet, so the Jeffrey Campbell Lita Spike Ankle Boots would fit perfectly into this fashion paradigm. One of the most popular Jeffrey Campbell styles to date, the Lita first charmed shoe hounds with its '70s-inspired silhouette — from its hefty heel and pronounced platform to its square toe and lace-up vamp construction. Its latest incarnation, however, fast-forwards a decade to the golden era of punk rock thanks to the Sex Pistols-worthy spikes and studs covering the back of the 5" heel, along with the heel counter.

 

 

Kelsi Dagger Hettie Lace-Up Wedge Boots, $198. Available at RevolveClothing.com

The Hettie boots marry the adventurous, danger-loving spirit of popular biker styles with the urban functionality and versatility of comfortable wedge heel boot offerings.In addition to a 5" wedge heel and 1" platform, the fearless Hettie features a single slim leather strip that zig zags its way along the front of the shaft, weaving through rows of corset-style, brass-toned D-rings. A single belt buckle at the base of the shaft and an identical one at the top secure the two ends of the strip.

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

R IS FOR RED

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

M IS FOR METALLICS

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

Best Coast(ers) -- Out of Print Introduces New Coaster Sets

 

 

Like any modern gal, I have a love-hate relationship with technology. I can't imagine riding the subway without my iPod tucked inside my pocket, delivering sweet tunes to my ears but, at the same time, I still haven't been able to chuck my extensive collection of CDs and mixtapes — even though I've imported many of them into my digital music library. Part of my desire to cling to these CDs stems from my fascination with their sleeves, with the composition of the photographs, the typography, and the illustrations adorning these glossy pamphlets, not to mention the careful annotations and acknowledgements typed on their pages. 

Whereas my feelings regarding technology and musical mediums waiver, when it comes to books, I'm still a traditionalist. I savor the smell of old books, the tranquility of libraries, the majestic stature of wooden bookshelves lined with rare titles, the rustling sound of turning pages, the creases left behind by dog-earing, the water and coffee stains on paper pages lovingly pored over by avid readers, and the yellowish tint of weathered paper. And, of course, there's the matter of book covers -- how they can capture the spirit of a novel, the aesthetic sensibilities of an era or genre, or even the author's spirit. 

With classic titles that have been reprinted over and over, sometimes the original book art fades into obscurity, replaced by more ordinary fare. Luckily, the founders of Out of Print, a clothing and accessories line, share my romanticism regarding classic literature. Since 2010, then, they've been designing tees and sweatshirts bearing the hard-to-find artwork that appeared on the first editions of such groundbreaking novels as Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Joseph Heller's Catch-22, Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon, F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita, and many more.

Now, Out of Print is not only expanding its array of book cover art, but it's also finding new canvases on which to emblazon these historical works. Aside from clothing, then, Out of Print is now offering bibliophiles tote bags, phone cases, eReader jackets (for those of you who love the convenience of digital readers but still appreciate the magic of the printed word) and, as of this week, coasters.

The new Out of Print Coaster Set, available for $20 at OutofPrintClothing.com starting this week, contains eight waterproof coasters, each featuring the graphics of a classic book. Packed in a square, hardcover-style, cornflower blue case, the eight coasters in the set feature artwork from the following titles: Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Heller's Catch-22, Alduous Huxley's Brave New World, Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita, Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man, George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles, and Jack Kerouak's On the Road.

Whether you love the explosion of peacock feathers on the Pride and Prejudice coaster or the cryptic quality of the Invisible Man graphics, you can now gaze upon the artwork corresponding to some of your favorite reads while sipping a glass of wine or entertaining friends at home. 

 

 

Fashion's Night Out Countdown — The Fun Begins Tonight!

We've already told you about the events at Ash Footwear, Caudalie, Jo Malone, Kiehl's, MAC Soho, the NARS flagship store, and Rebecca Taylor going down this Thursday, as well as the festivities at Saks, Macy's, Mackage, Sephora, Searle, Dylan's Candy Bar, and Scosha —and now, we've got even more to dish about!

Below, find our final round of Fashion's Night Out 2011 event picks for your perusal.

So now that you've got our top selects for the evening, tell us: where will you be heading? And don't forget to upload photos of all your FNO fun onto our Facebook page: Facebook.com/SickaThanAvg!

 

Meet Drop Dead Diva's Brooke Elliott at Avenue

Who better to make an appearance at plus-sized retailer Avenue (711 Third Avenue) on FNO than Broke Elliott, the star of Lifetime's Drop Dead Diva? Stop in between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to meet Elliott, get style advice from expert Jacqui Stafford, and emerge feeling like a drop dead gorgeous diva. The first 100 guests will also receive an Avenue gift bag, and they'll be entered to win a $500 shopping spree.

 

Learn all about the new Velvet Eyes eyeliner patches and get a complimentary makeover at Dior

Step inside the Dior boutique (19 East 57th Street, between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue) between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. and get a makeover courtesy of celebrity makeup artist Ricky Wilson and scoop up the new Velvet Eyes reusable eyeliner patches available in four different shades exclusively on September 8th at the artistry station inside the boutique. 

 

 

Enjoy a performance by Estelle at DVF

Let British singing sensation Estelle serenade you at the Diane Von Furstenberg Studio (440 West 14th Street) where, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., guests will be able to enjoy a DVF Home Installation, sample the new fragrance Diane, enjoy cocktails and finger foods, and receive a free gift with any purchase.

 

Check out the new Kenny Scharf for Jack Rogers collection

Brooklyn-based, California-born painter Kenny Scharf has created a new capsule collection for Palm Beach-flavored footwear and accessories brand Jack Rogers which will be unveiled on Thursday between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. at the Jack Rogers store (1198 Madison Avenue).

 

Stop by the Joe's pop-up store

To toast Fashion's Night Out, Joe's will be opening a pop-up store at 77 Mercer Street in Soho. Founder Joe Dahan will be hosting the evening's festivities alongside Something Navy’s Arielle Nachmani and her sister, celebrity stylist Danielle Nachmani (who has worked with the Olsen twins, among others). Guests can get the scoop on fall denim trends from the Nachmani sisters and vie to create the most stylish ensemble in order to win a $1,00 gift card. DJ Alex Daniel will supply the tunes, Ward III mixologists will serve up drinks, and Rickshaw Dumpling, the Gorilla Cheese Guy, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream trucks will be parked outside the pop-up store to sate customers' appetites.

 

Take in a Nicholas K trunk show, pre-shop the latest Bijules collection, and jam alongside School of Seven Bells

In addition to grub from Taim Falafel and food trucks Kimchi Taco and Wafels & Dinges, guests who drop by Treasure and Bond (350 West Broadway) can check out a Nicholas K trunk show and purchase new jewelry pieces from Bijules from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., then chill out and enjoy a performance by electronica-laced indie rock band School of Seven Bells from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

 

Shop for Paige Novick jewelry and benefit the NYC AIDS Fund

Jewelry designer Paige Novick has joined Bergdorf Goodman's "Wheel of Fashion" event, going down between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., during which guests can buy a ticket to spin a giant Price Is Right-style wheel and, if they get lucky, score a special prize. Robert Verdi will host the event and designers like Michelle Smith from Milly, Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia, jewelry designer Eddie Borgo, Libertine's Johnson Hartig, and Tibi's Amy Smilovic. All of the proceeds form ticket sales will benefit the New York City AIDS Fund of the New York Community Trust.

 

Snatch up pieces from Seville Michelle Anastos, M.Y.O.B., and David Dalrymple for House of Field at the Patricia Field Boutique

Professional model Byrdie Bell will be co-hosting the FNO festivities at the Patricia Field Boutique (302 Bowery, between Houston and Bleecker), where you can shop for jewelry from designers Seville Michelle Anastos and M.Y.O.B., and scoop up some gear from David Dalrymple for House of Field.

 

 Have you hair dry-styled at the Redken Gallerie and Exchange

From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., swing by the Redken Gallerie and Exchange (on Fifth Avenue between 46th and 47th Street) and give your hair a pick-me-up. When you spend $20 or more, you'll be gifted with another star products from the Redken line and, if you spend upwards of $40, you can have your mane dry-styled into one of the looks seen on the New York, Milan, and Paris runways. The hair stylings are available on a first come, first serve basis, so make sure to prioritize this spot, chicas!

 

Pamper yourself with full face makeovers and complimentary manicures at Ricky's NYC

Unlike the Victoria referenced in the Victoria's Secret name, the Ricky mentioned in Ricky's NYC is a real person — and, on Fashion's Night Out, you'll have the opportunity to meet this famed entrepreneur in the flesh at his Upper West Side store (2387 Broadway, between 87th and 88th Street). Shop for beauty supplies, get a blow-out for just $25, and score a free makeover and complimentary manicure by Patricia Yankee, Katy Perry's nail artist, when you spend $40 or more. 

Get a mini manicure and eyebrow shaping from a Sally Hansen expert at Talbots

From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. get style and beauty advice from Mary Alice Stephenson and let Sally Hansen experts pamper you with mini-manicures and brow shapings at Talbots (525 Madison Avenue, between 53rd and 54th Street). If you're an early bird and you happen to be among the first 100 folks to drop by the store, you'll score a gift bag stuffed with Sally Hansen items.

 

Get a skincare consultation from Tata Harper at Space NK

Explore one of the leading organic skin care lines, Vermont-based Tata Harper, at Space NK (99 Greene Street) between 7 and 9 p.m. The line's founder will be on site to offer skin care consultations, plus guests will be able to sample the calendula, borage, and arnica oils harvested from Tata's farm. 

 

Raise funds for HIV/AIDS patients alongside Zero + Maria Cornejo

Rather than simply focus on turning a profit, designer Maria Cornejo is looking to give back to her New York community, donating 5% of the evening's sales to Housing Works, an organization that works to deliver proper medical services and living conditions to HIV positive patients. In addition to shopping, guests who stop by 33 Bleecker Street (between Lafayette and the Bowery) or 807 Greenwich Street (at Jane Street) can enter a raffle to win a set of rare Polaroid photographs and art books by Mark Borthwick. Customers who spend over $500 will receive a large Zero + Maria Cornejo silk scarf in the new book print introduced for Fall 2011.

 

Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy Collection -- So Yummy, So Yummy!

Lately, makeup companies seem to be harboring bipolar tendencies when it comes to their lipstick offerings, unveiling either ultra-bright shades of robust orange and electric pink or releasing sheer colors that yield a light, veil-like, glazed effect. MAC Cosmetics, for example, recently released its Sheen Supreme collection, a range of high gloss lipsticks with a sheer finish, while Clinique and Tarte have both scored major coups with their moisturizing lip crayons, which deposit just a smidgen of color. Now, Yves Saint Laurent is diving into the sheer spectrum with an array of moisturizing lipsticks that smell like juicy, fruity, sweet and tangy candy bits.

The Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy Collection ($30 each at Sephora.com) incorporates six saccharine shades, each bearing a scent to match its pigmentation: No. 1 Lush Coconut, for example, is a golden tawny shade; No. 2 Dewy Papaya delivers an orange-tinged pink with a tropical feel; No. 3 Juicy Grapefruit is a soft peachy pink with a hint of sparkle; No. 4 Succulent Pomegranate ventures into brighter territory, yielding a light coat of electric magenta pink; No. 5 Mouthwatering Berry infuses your pout with a pale, plum-like, Merlot wine color; and No. 6 Luscious Cherry is a sticky, lollipop-like red. 

Unlike other sheer lipsticks, however, these are designed to moisturize your pout, so that they feel more like tinted lip balms than anything else. In fact, 35% of the ingredients in the YSL Volupte Sheer Candy formulas focus on lip care: antioxidant-rich pomegranate and rosemary extracts offer free radical protection, while hyaluronic acid spheres penetrate the top layers of the epidermis and absorb water to keep lips moisturized all day, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and counteracting any visible aging signs. Unlike most lipsticks, which can have a drying effect on lips, then, the Volupte Sheer Candy lipsticks glide effortlessly onto lips and instantly provide a soothing effect. The moisturizing properties are similar to those of the famed Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment but the sheer tints they deliver are more sophisticated than those of the Sugar Rosé, Sugar Plum, or Sugar Honey Lip Treatments.

It's best to regard the YSL Volupte Sheer Candy lipsticks as upscale tinted lip balms since the color payoff here is beyond limited. That being said, on the sticky, humid, steamy summer days when you want to keep your makeup light and natural, these hit all the right notes. 

And, of course, the fact that they smell like a Dylan's Candy Bar empire stocked with Jolly Ranchers, lollipops, chewy Starbursts, and tins of jelly beans, literally sweetens the deal.

Below, you'll find images of the six shades in the YSL Volupte Sheer Candy collection:

 

 

YSL Volupte Sheer Candy No. 1 — Lush Coconut

 

YSL Volupte Sheer Candy No. 2 — Dewy Papaya

YSL Volupte Sheer Candy No. 3 — Juicy Grapefruit

 

YSL Volupte Sheer Candy No. 4 — Succulent Pomegranate

 

YSL Volupte Sheer Candy No. 5 —Mouthwatering Berry

YSL Volupte Sheer Candy No. 6 — Luscious Cherry

I had the chance to try out the No. 3 shade, Juicy Grapefruit, so keep reading for swatches of this color and more details!

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

Central Booking -- Christian Lacroix And The Tale of Sleeping Beauty

 

 

As far as fairy tales go, there was always a particularly enchanting charm to Sleeping Beauty — maybe it was the century-old snooze, unsealed by that fateful kiss, or the way fairies' magic, the twirl of their glistening wands, seemed to rule the activities of the kingdom. Author Camilla Morton explores the glamorous, lyrical, fanciful qualities of the age-old tale in Christian Lacroix and the Tale of Sleeping Beauty: A Fashion Fairy Tale Memoir, a remixed version of the story featuring illustrations by Christian Lacroix himself.

Structurally, Morton's version is fairly loyal to the original tale's premise. A vindictive fairy still casts an evil spell on a beautiful, newborn princess during her Christening celebration, condemning her to die at the age of sixteen upon being pricked by a needle. And again here, a benevolent fairy manages to dilute the spell so that the princess would no longer die should a pinprick loom in her future but, rather, be thrust into a century-long sleep that would conclude with a spell-breaking kiss. The differences, then, lie in the clever and cheeky way in which Morton incorporates fashion world references.

In Morton's version, for example, the evil fairy isn't dubbed Maleficent but Fairy of Seasons Past (crotchety because of her outdated wares, perhaps?), and the reason why she hands the newborn princess a death sentence is her fury over being relegated to sub-par seats at the Christening celebration rather than ushered to a place in the front row. This clever twist, then, serves as a way for Morton to scoff at the childish and overly sensitive egos of the fashion editors and writers attending fashion shows, the way in which they obsess over what their seats say about their standing in the industry. It's the perfect twist to a fashion fairy tale, one that adds humor at the most unexpected of moments.

The bright-eyed fairy who steps in to weaken the Fairy of Season's Past curse, meanwhile, is dubbed Little Fairy Sequins — needless to say, her wings, the bodice of her dress, and her full skirt are all embroidered with a midnight sky's worth of twinkling stars, adding sparkle to an otherwise dismal fashion fête.

But there's a unique twist to Morton's fashion fairy tale: cast as the leading man of this tale, a young Lacroix blossoms from a little explorer boy perpetually clutching colored pencils with which he draws paper dolls and outlandish outfits into a runway titan, redefining Parisian haute couture with his theatrical, Renaissance-influenced designs. His creative output and his professional trajectory (all plucked from Lacroix's real-life accomplishments) unravel inside the clear snow globe Little Fairy Sequins gifted to princess Beauty at her Christening ceremony. Beauty, then, can literally peer into her snow globe and observe Lacroix at work, so that the magical token creates an invisible thread between the two strangers. Lacroix, meanwhile, finds himself sketching the same woman over and over, a lovely creature who, unbeknown to him, closely resembles the young princess.

Prose aside, this delightful book is a collector's item simply because of the brilliance of Lacroix's illustrations (some of which are shown here), many of which feature a collage-like style, as if the works of Renaissance, Cubist, and Surrealist painters had all been fused together, then sprinkled with cut-out fabric patterns, snipped magazine pictures, and black-and-white reproductions of famous landmarks. Perhaps the most memorable visuals surface toward the end of the tale, as Lacroix works his way through a dense maze of thorny roses, coming upon a camouflaged wall with hand-painted rose blossoms in shades of white, blush pink, light peach, and warm mauve, eventually awakening Beauty, who arises in a breathtaking gown designed by Lacroix himself, a floor-length, chartreuse and forest green frock with a high color, tiered skirt, and an extravagant train worthy of a royal.

Check out more of Lacroix's original illustrations after the jump!

Christian Lacroix and the Tale of Sleeping Beauty: A Fashion Fairy Tale Memoir, $14.95 at Amazon.com

Love Actually -- Heart-Warming Valentine's Day Gifts

Whether you're treading through the giddy, "Teenage Love Affair"-worthy territory of a new crush or you're basking in the commitment-ready, forever-and-ever, "At Last" stage of your relationship, you know to cherish every heart-swelling moment in the journey known as love. Valentine's Day, then, provides the perfect opportunity to take a cue from Adele and offer our honeys a warm embrace to make them feel our love. And, of course, if we can put a smile on our lovers' faces with some  thoughtful tokens of our affection, all the better!

If you're a single gal, you don't have to pull a Liz Lemon and book a root canal on Valentine's Day to avoid the entire holiday. Cease the boycott and, instead, focus on spreading the love to your friends, family members, and co-workers via perky gifts and keepsakes. Another great idea: appoint yourself your own sweetheart, then indulge yourself and splurge on a shiny new gift. You deserve it!

 

 

 
Stacy Ray LA Gray Bullet Heart Sweater, $40. Available at StacyRayLA.com

Bring in Valentine's Day with a kiss, kiss, bang. Stacy Ray's lightweight Bullet Heart sweater, made of 100% cotton, features a relaxed, slouchy, lounge-ready fit, a generous scoop neckline, and thick cuffed sleeves. The heather gray color gives the sweatshirt a worn-in feel that makes it seem all the cozier and, at the piece's center, you'll find the outline of a heart made of black bullet casings (because, hey, love is a battlefield). Another reason why this Stacy Ray LA piece is number one with a bullet: 20% of the proceeds from its sale are donated to the Los Angeles School District, thereby supporting our nation's beleaguered education system.

 

Deepa Gurnani Clutch, $248. Visit DeepaGurnani.com for more info.

After launching her namesake hair accessories brand in 2006, New York-based, Indian-born designer Deepa Gurnani is channeling her flair for beadwork (she perfected her skills embellishing couture gowns for the likes of Emanuel Ungaro and Alexander McQueen) into new ventures like scarves, belts, and clutches. The above-pictured, envelope-shaped clutch, for example, features a rounded bottom edge that gives the piece greater weight and dimension, as well as slim rows of gold sequins running vertically down the bag's front, juxtaposed against vertical columns of wavy sequin trim creating Moroccan window shapes and revealing the hot pink fabric underneath.

 

beautyADDICTS SweetLIPS Lip Gloss, $17 each. Available at BeautyAddicts.com

All your sweetheart needs, to quote Prince, is "some extra time and your kiss." Make it a yummy smooch by giving your pucker a touch of color with one of these beautyADDICTS SweetLIPS glosses, which feature a bit of delicious vanilla. Packed with vitamin E and jojoba butter, these glosses hydrate, soften, and protect lips, while providing a subtle, sheer wash of color. If you like understated hues, try the Express shade, a sheer peach cobbler hue, and the Motivate color, a sheer lilac pink with bluish white glitter particles. Check out swatches of the Express and Motivate glosses!

 

 

Lisa Hoffman Madagascar Orchid Candle with Agate Coaster, $46. Available at LisaHoffmanSkincare.com

If you've ever been blessed enough to smell Lisa Hoffman's Madagascar Orchid perfume, then you know how it transports you to a lush tropical landscape thanks to the dewy floral notes: from the key white orchid note to the sheer jasmine, ylang ylang, and pink peony that harmonize with it. The Madagascar Orchid candle allows you to disseminate the soft, tender, romantic scent and have it fill the room, so you can bask in all its aromatic glory. For Valentine's Day, when you purchase one of these 9 oz. candles, you'll also receive a semi-precious agate coaster from Brazil featuring concentric rings in magenta, fuchsia, light pink, and crystal clear tones.

 

Leslie Greene "Marry Me" Message Pendant, $3290. Available at LeslieGreeneStore.com

Who wants a message in a bottle when they can get a secret note inside a shiny pendant? Jewelry designer Leslie Greene allows suitors to speak via their choice of tokens, with 14k gold "secret message pendants" carrying notes like "Children," "Love," and "Marry Me." The barrel-shaped, intricately etched pendants feature hinged top lids that can be opened up to reveal the messages hidden inside.

Rebecca Minkoff "The BF" Pouch, $295. Available at RebeccaMinkoff.com

Say hello to your new BFF. You don't need OK Cupid! to tell you that you're 100% compatible with Rebecca Minkoff's "The BF" pouch, a cross-body style featuring a front pocket secured by two belt buckles with pyramid-shaped light gold buckles and arrow-shaped belt tips. The Minkoff cross-body bag measures 9" in width, 7" in height, and 2" in depth, and it features a 22"  gold chain strap with red leather braided throughout its length, along with a tassel accent featuring leather fringe. And that vibrant red color? It's enough to light anyone's fire!

 

Tweezerman "Lips" Zip File, $5.50. Available at Sephora.com

If you've ever tossed an emory board file into your purse and groaned when it re-emerged looking soiled and ragged, you'll appreciate this genius Tweezerman offering: a compact nail board packaged inside a  retractable plastic case that allows you to slip the nail file in or out with just a flick of your thumb. Each file features an 80/120 grit side for shaping and a softer side for smoothing nails. And, for Valentine's Day, there's a special lip print zip file. Spread the love and gift one of these clutch-friendly files to your co-worker, homegirl, or sister.

 

Nissa Jeweled Link Earrings in Coral, $175. Available at NissaJewelry.com

These free-spirited, gold-plated earrings feature sculpted, paisley droplet-likes shapes that seem to caress the lobes and which are decorated with perky coral-colored stones. Curb chain strands measuring 2.5" in length dangle from the earrings' center, along with a single strand of coral stones, for even more of a Bohemian vibe.

Holiday Gift Guide Part 8 -- For Katie White Types Who Demand You Know Their Names

In our latest holiday gift guide round-up, we're celebrating the London-rocker-meets-California-easy style of Katie White, the lead singer and guitarist of the pop/dance duo The Ting Tings. With her choppy, bleached blond 'do, platinum eyelids, striped dresses, newsboy hats, graphic T-shirts, star- and heart-print cardigans, patterned leggings, and ankle boots, Katie White has shimmied her way the hearts of music lovers and style hounds since she first skipped around in the "That's Not My Name" video.

Do you know someone with a similarly on-trend, girlish but edgy look? Then check out these gift ideas, inspired by the "Shut Up And Let Me Go" singer.

 

 

Osborn Ashes To Ashes Booties, $165. Available at Shop.OsbornDesign.com

When pairing oversize, Flashdance-esque sweatshirts and graphic tees with leggings and snug pants, White adds a nice kick with eye-catching boots and kicks. These Ikat-inspired, woven cotton, ankle high boots from Osborn Design would not only complete her ensemble but, with their 1/2-inch, rubber-and-leather heel, they'd make it easy to dance around on stage while belting out dance-flavored pop tunes.

Wildfox I Love You Baggy Beach Jumper, $108. Available at WildfoxCouture.com

This oversize, vintage-looking sweatshirt from Wildfox Couture captures the laid-back, beachy California cool that the British singer and guitarist integrates into her looks. The sweatshirt's varsity blue color is reminiscent of the shade of tights White wore in the "That's Not My Name" video, and the letters' 3D shading makes them snap, crackle, and pop. Word to Rice Krispies.

Genie by Eugenia Kim Wallace Wool Newsboy Cap, $130. Available at LordAndTaylor.com

Like a stylish Mad Hatter, White certainly knows how to put a cap on it — the "it" being her blond head, of course. Her hat style of choice: the timeless newsboy cap. This plaid-like, 100% wool number from Eugenia Kim, then, would have her feeling like a rock-loving, Newsies devotee.

 

Burt's Bees Lip Balm Tin Ornament, $10. Available at BurtsBees.com

Whether you dangle it from a Christmas tree branch or tuck it inside a festive stocking, this Burt's Bees Lip Balm Tin Ornament will make mouths happy come Christmas Day. Each tin case is filled with four all-natural lip balms enriched with coconut oil, safflower seed oil, soybean oil and rosemary extract: two Classic Beeswax Lip Balms, a Honey Lip Balm, and a Pomegranate Lip Balm (our fave).