SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Check Out My "Geometric Brights" Look On Tyra Banks' TypeF.com!

While Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City was relocated from the Bryant Park tents to Lincoln Center in Fall 2010, the change in venues hasn't altered the event's DNA. Whether the Fashion Week hub is located at Midtown East or the Upper West Side, those in attendance will attest to the scenario remaining unchanged in at least one way: the fashion shows aren't staged exclusively inside the storied venues. Every stylist, editor, buyer, writer, and blogger scurrying from one show to the next is staging his or her own performance, hoping to turn heads, inspire some awe-struck cooing, and lure one of the shutterbugs lurching outside. The attention-grabbing antics can often border on ridiculous — take, for instance, a black-haired twenty-something guy with ripped black mesh tied over his eyes to create a grunge-y Zorro look, the words "Long Live McQueen" scrawled on his cheek with black liner, or consider the sisters in the paint splatter-covered white jumpsuits and the Flock of Seagulls-inspired, bleached blond 'dos.

But, for every limelight-starved wannabe, there is a true fashion reveler, someone who simply loves having the opportunity to strut in his or her favorite threads and showcase his or her own personal style. This is precisely the type of spirit I embrace — not just during Fashion Week, but every single day. I consider fashion a conduit towards personal expression, and I approach every outfit with that same stance, thinking, "How do I feel today? What is it that I want to express?"

On September 12th, as I made my way to some shows at Lincoln Center, I was stopped by Jennifer Chan of Tyra Banks' new fashion, beauty and lifestyle website TypeF.com and asked about my look for the day: a Bohemian-flavored ensemble consisting of a hip-hugging taupe maxi skirt from My Tribe; a loose-fitting, tan-colored, short-sleeved Greylin blouse with a coral orange geometric print; Rosegold's tan Layla Platform Sandals, which feature a flirtatious peep toe and diamond-shaped cut-outs; and an Isabelle Fiore orange purse with floral embroidery. Since I'm huge on accessories, I infused a funky twist into my look via my choice of jewelry: from a pair of groovy House of Harlow 1960 Leather Tribal Earrings in orange to the 14-piece Amrita Singh Selena Bangle Set, a grooved Lia Sophia ring, and an oversize, brass-toned H&M ring with a domed orange stone.

Check out the video interview above (or at TypeF.com) and, if you're digging the outfit, click here to "like" it!  

Breaking Bad: The Complete Third Season On DVD -- Catch Up Before Season 4 Ignites!

 

Those who claim that AMC's Breaking Bad glorifies drugs clearly haven't seen a single episode of the critically-acclaimed series. On a surface level, the series does center on the drug trade: Emmy winner Bryan Cranston (whose prior credits include the quirky family show Malcolm in the Middle) plays Walter White, a middle-aged chemistry teacher in an Albuquerque high school who, upon discovering he suffers from terminal lung cancer, chooses to keep his diagnosis secret from his worry-prone pregnant wife and disabled teenage son and stumbles into the lucrative meth cooking game as a means to earn some quick money to leave behind for his family. Walt's shepherd in the drug trade: his former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), a careless, impulsive, slick-talking petty drug dealer who loses his meth-cooking partner during a DEA bust conducted by Walt's brother-in-law, Hank, whose cowboy-like antics in the police force trigger some comical delusions of grandeur.

But there's nothing glamorous about Walt's day-to-day life — no fast cars, no cocaine-sniffing sirens in nightclubs, no mansions with built-in elevators. For most of the first season, Walt is cooking in a run-down RV in the middle of the desert while holding down his teaching gig, maintaining his straight-arrow persona, and tending to his Type A wife Skylar, who grows increasingly suspicious of Walt's recurring and oft unexplained absences. 

What's most fascinating [SPOILER AHEAD!!!] — beyond the flasks and blue-colored rocks, the squabbling between Walt and Jesse, and the run-ins with both minor and major drug dealers — is the way the characters develop and change during the course of the past three seasons. In Season 1, viewers can practically sense the ticking clock in Walt's brain, his frantic rush to cook as much meth and amass as much money as possible before his final days. Though he rarely abandons his methodical demeanor and no-nonsense rhetoric, it's clear that his actions are predicated by a stifling desperation. Still, his conscience plagues him when he faces situations that challenge his most basic understanding of right and wrong. Case in point: how he postpones killing his and Jesse's hostage, Krazy-8, bringing him sandwiches with crusts cut off (the way he likes them), conversing with him about his family life, and practically begging him for assurances that, should he be let free, he won't seek retribution. 

By Season 2, however, Walt has become more comfortable with the grittier side of his profession, adopting a pseudonym to ensure greater safety from being nabbed by the DEA, which has now made him a prime target. As he finds his life threatened by power-hungry cartel bigwigs, he steps up with remarkable valor, his nice guy façade cracking to reveal a man who, when his back is against the wall, will go to any means to survive. Rising higher in the drug trade also means becoming further estranged from his wife who, by the end of Season 2, is ready to call it quits on her marriage. 

In many ways, Season 3 is one of consequences for Walt. With his marriage on the rocks, he questions why he ever entered the business. He's kicked cancer after some intense rounds of chemotherapy but, with the loss of his wife and kids, he can't quite muster a sense of gratitude for his extended life span. This time around, when Walt re-enters the drug business after a brief lapse, his decision is dictated by a different sort of desperation: his life now lacks purpose and, without it, the risk involved in cooking meth seems worth taking. The Walt we see in this season is perhaps colder, more calculating, more volatile, less plagued by matters of morality. And yet there are moments when his conscience eats at him — especially in matters pertaining to his brother-in-law, whose life he unwittingly endangered.

But, while Walt's character arc is fascinating and there are some remarkable behavioral differences in Season 3, I'd argue that this season really belongs to Jesse. If Walt is losing sight of his moral center, Jesse's trajectory involves an awakening of his ethical beliefs. The wise-cracking thug wannabe we saw in Season 1 is, for the most part, a relic of the past. Virtually disowned by his parents, having lost a close friend in a drive-by shooting, and reeling from the loss of his landlady-turned-lover, who overdosed in her sleep while laying inches from him, Jesse feels adrift. He's forced to kick the heroin habit he acquired while dating Jane and to ponder what other routes he could follow with his life. With no education or skill set, however, Jesse finds few viable options, plus his sense of identity has become firmly entrenched in the drug dealer façade he has kept up for so many years. Still, Jesse is discovering that he's not willing to conduct business at any cost, that he does have some standards of conduct, a deep-rooted sense of right and wrong which Walt now seems to struggle to discern. While Walt becomes more comfortable with pulling the trigger in a do-or-die situation, Jesse can't justify killing — or, at least, he can't justify being the killer, the one actually taking the life in question. As Season 3 progresses though, Jesse must grapple with a plethora of conflicting emotions: from his own mixed feelings towards Walt to his desire for revenge after being beaten within an inch of his life to his disgust over the employ of children by local drug dealing gangs.

Between the season's narrative ambition, the stellar performances by both Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston, and the usage of metaphorical imagery (note the crawling scene in the first episode and then observe how it relates to other scenarios involving crawling later on in the season), Season 3 exemplifies why Breaking Bad is simply the best series on television.

Go get your copy of Breaking Bad: The Complete Third Season for $19.99 at Amazon.com and tune into AMC at 10 p.m. for the premiere of Season 4!

All About Christmas Eve -- Gift Picks For Those Tardy To The Holiday Shopping Party

If you're part of the procrastination nation, first off, welcome! I myself am a card-carrying member of the Last Minute Fellowship, so I'll be joining the rest of you in the hectic dash to complete my holiday shopping. Panic may be setting in right now, but you'll need a clear head and a detailed checklist to make good time. To help you along the way, then, we've compiled some great last-minute buys for those people you haven't checked off your shopping list just yet.

Enjoy and have a wonderful Christmas Eve!

Arcona Nourish & Repair Kit, $60. Available at Arcona.com

This three-piece Arcona set seeks to hydrate, refine texture, and strengthen your skin's immune system (remember: the skin is the body's largest organ!).The Booster Defense Serum is designed for use during the morning, as the step after cleansing and before moisturizing. The soothing lightweight serum features green tea extract,black tea extract, black currant oil, aloe leaf extract, witch hazel, vitamin E, grapefruit extract, and vitamin C to deliver a potent mix of antioxidants that will protect skin from environmental aggressors. The Night Worker Repair, meanwhile, is meant for use only one to two times per week, during the evening hours. This gel refreshes instantly, as it infuses skin with hydrating peach, pumpkin, and apricot extracts, evening primrose oil, and black currant oil. Vitamins C and E help to firm skin and protect it from free radicals. Lastly, the Papaya Enzyme Gel is also designed for use once to twice a week. This potent gel-like substance relies on papaya enzymes to strengthen the skin's natural barrier, while vitamin A helps to fight discoloration, correct acne, and stimulate cell renewal (which in turn helps to fight acne scars). With this skincare trifecta, your skin will be refreshed, rebooted and reloaded.

Prada L'Eau Ambree Parfum de Sac, $76. Available at SaksFifthAvenue.com

Months after releasing its L'Eau Ambree fragrance (read our review here), Prada is offering a portable purse-ready atomizer for fans of the luxurious, gender-bending scent, which features top notes of cedrat (a Sicilian citrus), a heart of rose de mai, and base notes of patchouli, vanilla and oppoponax that evoke an amber-like scent. In keeping with the sophisticated edge of the scent, the Prada L'Eau Ambree Pafum de Sac is a light yellow gold color with the Prada logo engraved across a gold lamé plaque on one side and emblazoned in jet black along the other side, and it features a chain and snap clip so you can attach it to your purse strap or belt loop.

 

Hourglass Cosmetics Extreme Sheen Set, $45. Available at Sephora.com

Hourglass Cosmetics' Extreme Sheen Lip Glosses glide across lips with more ease than a dollop of vaseline, moisturizing lips with vitamin E and enhancing collagen and elastin production thanks to the Laminactine in the formula. Similarly, the  soft brush bristles are softer than most sponge-tip gloss applicators. But there's more to love than the amenable texture of this non-sticky gloss — each color boasts a high-impact sheen and a multi-dimensional fine. With Hourglass' Extreme Sheen glosses, three is never a crowd. The Extreme Sheen Set, then, makes for an excellent gift. It features three 0.12 oz. lip glosses in Ignite, a rosy beige packed with shimmer; Child, a sheer nude that adds just a veil of color to lips; and Siren, a metallic red reminiscent of a Christmas tree ornament. Here's a swatch of the Siren Extreme Sheen lipgloss that will lure you right in!

Island Michael Kors Palm Beach Eau de Parfum, $62. Available at Macys.com

Michael Kors' Island series of perfumes manages to recreate the feel of different sun-drenched destinations. After enchanting us with Island Michael Kors Capri, Island Michael Kors Hawaii, and Island Michael Kors Bermuda, the fashion  and fragrance guru released this tribute to Palm Beach, an enclave of wealth in Florida commonly referred to as the American Riviera. The Island Michael Kors Palm Beach EDP, then, opens with the types of citrus notes we associate with Florida (among them orange, grapefruit and tangerine), then imbues them with an island living feel thanks to Havana-ready rum and vanilla notes, adding feminine jasmine for a floral allure and a black tea note for an exotic touch.

 

Miss Jessie's Value Pack, $64. Available at MissJessies.com and Folica.com

If you're a curly-haired cutie, you've likely heard of buzzed-about brand Miss Jessie's, which focuses on cleansing, conditioning, and styling products for women with soft waves, tight coils, spring-like spirals, kinky curls, and everything in between. Share the Miss Jessie's wealth with other curly chicas by gifting them with the Miss Jessie's Value Pack, which features an assortment of travel-sized (2 oz.) products, among them: the Curly Pudding, which will help you shape strands and give them hold; the Curly Meringue, which revitalizes lifeless curls; the Rapid Recovery Treatment, a leave-in mask for dry of damaged tresses; the Stretch Silkening Creme, a new formulation that combines conditioning and moisturizing ingredients from several Miss Jessie's puddings and buttercremes, yielding a formula that stretches curls and gives them a bit more shine; the Curly Buttercreme, meant to hydrate and pump up the volume on curly strands; and the Baby Buttercreme, a kid-friendly version of the Curly Buttercreme.

Trina "Jayne" Pencil Case, $24. Available at Nordstrom locations and fine boutiques nationwide. To locate a retailer near you visit TrinaStyle.com

This zip-top, vinyl-coated makeup bag features a jungle-flavored baroque floral print, with olive green foliage and blooms against a midnight blue backdrop and surprising hints of teal and purple along the leaves and stems pictured on the back of the pencil case.

 

 

 

 

 

Pop In These DVDs And Enjoy The Holidays!

Merry Christmas, my lovely STA readers! I know many of you are laying low today, enjoying some time with your loved ones (and maybe even rejoicing over whatever trinkets were in your stocking). If you feel like getting a DVD to watch, consider these great options — and happy holidays!

Public Enemies (Two-Disc Special Edition DVD), $21.49. Buy at Amazon.com

One of the year's greatest films (yes, I place it above Star Trek, Transformers 2, and all the other blockbuster sci-fi/action flicks), Public Enemies is an action-packed, thrilling ride and a semi-biopic (though it's not billed as such, many of the scenes were based on real-life footage). Johnny Depp delivers yet another brilliant performance as John Dillinger, the notorious bank robber who wrought havoc on the Chicago area in the years following the Great Depression. Directed by Michael Mann, the film includes some of Dillinger's most famous jobs (and even the jail breakouts he masterminded), but it goes beyond gun-slinging to capture the feel of that era.

Dillinger targeted the financial and governmental institutions that had brought on the most dire of financial conditions, with people across America losing their homes, their land, their jobs, and all their belongings as a result of the bank system's collapse. At a time when there was so much anger towards these institutions, then, Dillinger was seen as a hero of sorts — sure, he wasn't leading an uprising, but he was raising a giant middle finger to the system that had failed America's middle, working, and lower classes. During his bank-robbing sprees, he was aid to have told the customers inside the banks to put their money away, as he sought only the banks' money. The average person, then, didn't see him as any sort of villain — if anything, they cheered him on. Plus, Dillinger possessed a charisma and a charm that made him positively endearing. 

Michael Mann does a superb job, studying archival footage of John Dillinger (during press conferences after his capture and such), studying news articles from the era, and even shooting on location at the jail where Dillinger was held (even inside the cell where Dillinger had been locked up). Each of the film's players, particularly Christian Bale (who stars as the FBI agent who leads the Dillinger task force) and Marion Cotillard (who plays Dillinger's girlfriend Billie Frechette) seemed equally invested in accurately capturing the personality traits, the mannerisms, and the overall feel of their characters. And the showdown between the FBI agents and Dillinger's crew? Well, that alone is reason to watch.

Extract DVD, $17.99. Available at Amazon.com

Many critics have labeled this workplace comedy a return to the type of wry, clever humor that made director Mike Judge's Office Space a cult classic,  focusing on the banality of the workplace and the redundancy of our home/life routines — themes that prove relatable to almost any viewer. Jason Bateman plays Joel, a relatively affluent man who owns an extract company that fares well and is being courted by General Mills. It's a boring and uninspiring job, but hey, it pays the bills. His marriage is even more unremarkable since his wife seems to never be in the mood for any type of lovemaking Disgruntled and confused, he confides in his druggie, slacker, bartender best friend (played by Ben Affleck with surprising charm), who doles out some positively ludicrous advice.Things get even more complicated when a freak workplace accident threatens the company's financial buoyancy, and a sexy new temp (played by Mila Kunis) shows up at the extract plant and tempts Joel into considering an affair.

While it doesn't contain as many quotable moments as Office Space, Extract does hit some high notes, mainly thanks to Jason Bateman, who deftly captures the malaise of the average working stiff. 

Weeds Season Four DVD, $29.99. Available at Amazon.com

At the end of Season 3, our favorite pot-dealing suburban mom was forced to leave her old nabe, after the goons she hired for "protection" from a biker gang set fire to not only the bikers' pad, but the entire neighborhood. At the start of Season 4, then, Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker) is uprooting her family (older son Silas, younger son Shane, and brother-in-law Andy) and finally decides to head for her father-in-law's home, which is situated right by the border between California and Mexico). Once there, Nancy starts to work on a plan, teaming up with Guillermo (the same man who was responsible for torching her old nabe) and asking for a piece of the action. She soon becomes their designated smuggler (but she's bringing in more than pot, folks!) — and, after she earns Guillermo's trust, he sets her up to operate a maternity store (which is, of course, a complete front).

As Nancy starts to learn more about Guillermo and who his associates are, she realizes she's now part of an elaborate criminal network that literally stretches all the way to the top tiers of government in Mexico. Impetuous and impulsive, she starts asking too many questions, makes some very questionable decisions, and manages to incur the wrath of both her criminal association and the authorities.

Though entertaining, Season 4's plot lines prove rather outlandish and far-fetched, and we end up longing for the good old days when Nancy was setting up grow houses with Connor. Also, Nancy's personality and demeanor change this season, as the writers try to transform her into more of a badass, fearless female — and instead, wind up making her a caricature of her earlier self and one whose intentions and motivations we have a much harder time understanding.

Holiday Gift Guide Part 10 -- For the Fly Girl With A Bit of Edge

Two days 'til Christmas! Feeling the pressure? Well, chill back, clear your head and remember that there's always something you can buy for that tricky person on your list — it's just a matter of careful research. Throughout the holiday season, Sicka's been featuring gift round-ups themed after iconic female characters — from Joan Holloway to Penny Lane, Aeon Flux, Lily Van Der Woodsen, Elle Woods, Cher Horowitz, Satine, Liz Lemon, and Elvira Hancock.

For today's gift guide installment, I wanted to find the ultimate stylish urban girl: a sneakerhead with hip-hop swagger; a cool chick who is always up on the latest gear (like New New in ATL) and who combines streetwear with couture; a gal with an Aaliyah-esque edginess (may she rest in piece) and a Rihanna-like flair. Unfortunately, Hollywood has portrayed urban America really narrowly, and so I couldn't find a character that had all the right style attributes (not Nina from Love Jones, Sydney from Brown Sugar, Justice from Poetic Justice, Nikki from I Think I Love My Wife, Charlene from Get Rich Or Die Tryin', Lyric from Jason's Lyric, Sara Melas from Hitch, or any other character I could reference).

So, for today, we're bidding adieu to the film themes and just focusing on some cool gift ideas for that urban girl who loves both Jay-Z and Pink, knows every scene in Beat Street and Pulp Fiction, rocks sneakers and stilettos, and shops at Karmaloop and Barney's — in other words, the fliest chick in the game.

New Balance for Nine West Corbitt Sneakers, $89. Visit NineWest.com

New Balance really stepped outside of the box with this punk-y design for its fashion-forward collection for Nine West. The gunmetal-colored studs that make up the "N" logo and which are scattered throughout the sneaker pop out like night stars atop the cerulean blue nylon uppers. I also love the fact that they're hi-tops, which NB rarely tackles.

TOOFLY x GoodWood Trinity Collection Two-Finger Rings, $25 each. Visit TooFlyNYC.com

In the testosterone-laden street art scene, women have to work twice as hard to get the respect of their peers. New York graffiti artist TOOFLY has more than proved her legitimacy as an artist — she's rocked walls, exhibited her work at fine galleries, and collaborated with countless corporations and fashion labels. These carnival bright, joyful two-finger rings are part of a collaboration with GoodWood, an NYC-based label specializing in custom wooden jewelry.

 

Melody Ehsani The See Me Swarovski Earrings, $250. Visit Karmaloop.com

These parrot-shaped earrings say lots of things, but  you won't find "Polly wants a cracker" among them. Like most of Ehsani's pieces, these earrings are made of laser-cut plastic, but they feature strands of Swarovski crystals carefully placed to add the vibrant colors you'd find in this birds' plumage.

FLUD Gold Tableturns Watch, $80. Visit FLUDwatches.com

Forget walking to the beat of her own drum — this lady struts to the scratches of her own turntable. Give the sassy music lover a watch that will tickle her inner DJ.

Maharishi Organic Cotton Hooded Top, $67.50. Visit TheOutnet.com

What would a city girl do without some hooded tees and sweaters? This Maharishi number features a multi-color trim along the edges and is made of organic cotton, so it's perfect for the eco-loving urbanite.

Carol's Daughter Tui Hair Set, $37. Visit Sephora.com

This set includes some of my all-time favorite Carol's Daughter products: the Tui Hair Smoothie, a delicious hair mask that smells like banana, passion fruit and guava and nourishes your tresses with shea and cocoa butter; the Tui Herbal Shampoo, a moisturizing and clarifying wash; and the Hair Milk, a lightweight leave-in conditioner that helps to liven and define naturally wavy/curly hair.

Be & D Studded Convertible Shoulder Tote, $1490. Visit Nordstrom.com

This studded Be & D shoulder bag takes me back to the days when the world was singing along to Michael Jackson's "Beat It" and "Bad." It's got that aggressively playful vibe that epitomizes some of the most memorable pop and hip-hop cuts.

NYX Cosmetics Special Effects Lashes in Midnight Walts, $10. Visit NYXcosmetics.com

In the concrete jungle, we've all got to play up our wild side in order to survive. Make your eyes roar with these dramatic faux lashes from NYX Cosmetics.

Fallon Jewelry Berlin Necklace, $198. Visit Shopbop.com

This is one tangled web any girl would want to weave — or, at the very least, wear. The chunky Berlin  necklace features silver-plated and brass chains, along with multiple strands of Swarovski crystals ,wrapped around a heavy silver link chain and intertwined with oxidized metal, disc-shaped charms.

The Piecebook Reloaded by David Villorente and Sacha Jenkins. Visit Amazon.com

Much respect to graffiti legend Chino, whose passion for the artform has never wavered and who continues to make the masses appreciate its legitimacy and its visual power. Piecebook Reloaded, a collaboration with Ego Trip founder Sacha Jenkins, includes sketches from various writers' blackbooks (including Revolt, Reas, Ces, Cope 2 and many others) and spans the years 1982-2005. It's the graff equivalent of digging in the crates.

Easy Hey Kid Onion 5-inch Toy, $39.95. Visit KidRobot.com

Instead of investing in sculptures or canvas paintings, many of us city kids would rather collect interesting vinyl figures like the Kid Onion toy pictured above. Check out his red Chuck Taylors!

New Balance For Nine West Chizzle Sneakers, $89. Visit NineWest.com

Not ready to commit to a leopard print dress or a giraffe print jacket? With these cheetah print New Balance for Nine West kicks, you can tiptoe into the wild kingdom — one step at a time.

Cubannie Links Guerra Chain, $52. Visit Karmaloop.com

Love is a battlefield, so give your beloved friend all the right weaponry with this new Cubannie Links chain, which features a bullet case pendant.

StrangeCo IWG Titus Plush Toy, $29.99. Visit Amazon.com

At first glance, this may seem like a run-of-the-mill teddy bear. But look closer — notice how this little guy's eyes are of two different sizes and how one little fang protrudes from edges of his silly grin. This little guy is a warrior, but dang, is he cuddly!

Sam Edelman Zoe Boot, $350. Visit UrbanOutfitters.com

Every time I look at these boots, I think of the outfits Madonna wore in her Blonde Ambition tour — the coned bustiers, the garter belts, and knee-high stocking. And yet another image also pops into my head: one of an equestrian performing a trick while atop his/her horse's saddle. The square too, hefty platform, quilted harness-like detail, and the two buckle straps all help to create this equestrian-meets-burlesque effect.

CC Skye Wicked Ring, $150. Visit Shopbop.com

I remember the first time I heard someone say "wicked" in approval. It was a complete clash of cultures moment, as I tried to decipher whether it was a denouncement or a celebration. I quickly realized her "wicked" was the equivalent of my "dope," "fresh," and "fly." Within that paradigm, then, this CC Skye ring's name is quite fitting.

TY KU Premium Liqueur 2009 Holiday Set, $32.99. Visit TryTyKu.com for availability.

I love when a present's packaging is a gift in and of itself. This holiday kit includes a 750 ml bottle of TY KU, a Soju vodka loaded with antioxidants for a health-boosting take on liqueur, and a chrome and custom glass shaker — both packaged in a box adorned with artwork from Tokyo's bubbling pop art scene. The box is so cool you'll want to keep it on display.

Dillanthology, Vol. 3, $14.98. Visit Amazon.com

For the third consecutive year since we lost the ultra talented producer J Dilla (may he rest in peace), Rapster is releasing its third album in the Dillanthology tribute series. This particular album focuses mainly on J Dilla's solo work, compiling together cuts like "Nothing Like This, "Won't Do," and "It's Like That."

Reebok Top Down x Hellz Bellz Sneakers, $100. Visit Karmaloop.com

You don't need a convertible to rock with the top down. These hi-top Reebok kicks, a collaboration with the super fly streetwear brand Hellz Bellz, feature fold-down tops (the inside is lined with this cool graphic print that looks like a pixelated image), black leather uppers with tiny perforations, and a strip featuring two rows of square, pyramid studs.

LAMB Signature Collapsible Tote, $295. Visit Nordstrom.com

The paint splatter design of this tote conjures up images of subway art and elaborate wall murals, while the grid along the back makes you think of wire fences for yet another urban visual reference.

Kowboys Black Foil Wedge Shirt, $98. Visit Kowboys.net

The silver foil-like print on this distressed, black short-sleeved top is the perfect piece to wear with skinny black jeans or a pencil skirt for a sleek but edgy look.

Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II, $48. Visit UrbanDecay.com

It may be called the Book of Shadows, but this Urban Decay set will make you want to scream, "Let there be light!" The set includes UD's Eyeshadow Primer Potion, two 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils (in Zero and Bourbon), and 16 eye shadow shades.

DJ Hello Kitty Hey T-Shirt, $24. Visit 80sTees.com

It seems like Hello Kitty got into the spirit of Zhane's "Hey DJ." Remember how it kicks off? It goes: "Everybody, move your body — now do it/Here is something, that's gonna make you move and groove/Hey DJ, keep playing my song all night/On and on an on." Yup, HK is apparently ready to keep you movin' and groovin'.

PUMA Mihara Sneakers, $179. Visit Zappos.com

Instead of an all-over zebra print, PUMA went for a slightly subtler look here, utilizing the print only along the heel and the velcro strap along the ankle. The perforated whiter leather uppers, meanwhile, add yet another texture element for an even more intriguing effect.

Tokidoki for Hello Kitty Rolling Suitcase, $250. Visit Shop.Sanrio.com

Hello Kitty's face replaces that of some of your favorite Tokidoki characters (from Mozzarella to Sandy, Bastardino, Sabochan, and more) in this quirky Sanrio suitcase, which brings a whole new meaning to the expression "rollin' with the homies."

Lipstick Queen Five Minutes of Fame Mini Set, $28. Visit LipstickQueen.com

If there's one thing Lil' Mama did right (and frankly, it may be the ONLY thing she did right), it was let the world know how much girls in the hip-hop generation love their lipgloss. The Five Minutes of Fame set features five shades: 3, a coral pink; 5, an orange-y nude; 11, a magenta-tinged purple; 12, a pink with lilac undertones; and 13, a light poppy red.

DKNY Be Delicious Limited Edition Interchangeable Rollerball Set, $30. Available exclusively at ULTA stores.

This set is pure genius. If you love the fruity apple scent o DKNY's Be Delicious and Red Delicious scents, you're going to adore this gift set, which includes four miniature rollerballs: the Be Delicious EDP Rollerball, the Be Delicious Juicy Apple Accord Rollerball, the Be Delicious Sweet Floral Accord Rollerball, and the Be Delicious Sex-A-Peel Accord Rollerball — all of which can be mixed and matched so you can add a nice twist to your Be Delicious fragrance.

Love Rocks NY Crack Black Diamond Hoops, $4000. Visit LoveRocksNY.com

What Jenny from the Block type doesn't have a trusty pair of hoop earrings? But finding some hoops that stand out from the crowd? That's a different story. With its zig-zagging, jagged edges and rows of black diamonds, these earrings will highlight her star status.

Harajuku Lovers Snow Bunnies Bag Collection: Brush Case, $20; Clutch, $28; and Travel Bag, $48. Visit Sephora.com

For the winter season, the Harajuku Girls (Love, Angel, Baby and Music) stored away their jumpers, baby doll dresses and mini skirts and reached for their yummy coats, sweater vests, scarves and mittens. These makeup cases come in five different sizes (four of which are pictured above), each with a different Harajuku Girl against a white backdrop adorned with giant snowflakes.

 
Nooka x Hellz Bellz "Hellz Zoo" Watch, $285. Visit Nooka.com

Nooka's digital watches are already stellar, but this one has an out-of-this-world feel with the dark blue, violet, magenta, fuchsia, white,  and light blue nebulae print on the face.

DC Shoes Life Collection Women's Admiral Sneakers, $100. Visit Store.DCShoes.com

Hi-top kicks seem to be getting narrower and more polished this season — but DC Shoes was way ahead of its competition on that one, having designed the Admiral silhouette ages ago. The new black and purple colorway, meanwhile, works beautifully for the chilly months ahead.

Cubannie Links The Freedom Tri-Rings In Gold And Green, $70. Visit Karmaloop.com

These CL earrings feature braided strips of leather twisted into triangular shapes. The army green, light green and gold leather strips are perfect for the gal who loves camo print and military motifs.

The Wire Tees, $28 each. Available at the HBO Store and at Karmaloop.com

Are you still mourning the end of HBO's The Wire? Well, you can still celebrate the series and its key characters with these new tees, which are available at the HBO store.

SOBRAL Flash Gordon Harvey Bangle Bracelets, $85 each. Visit SOBRALUSA.com

Ever since I discovered this jewelry line, I've been obsessed! The pieces are affordable, stylish, and oh so unique. The Flash Gordon lucite bracelets feature a wooden brown color and a gold linear pattern that's just the slightest bit flashy and all the way fly.

It's Just Begun: The Epic Journey of DJ Disco Wiz, Hip Hop's First Latino DJ by Ivan Sanchez and Luis "DJ Disco Wiz" Cedeno, $15.61. Visit Amazon.com

Latinos have played a pivotal part in hip-hop's history — we were there from the very beginning. I mean, think about it: a movement that was birthed in the South Bronx that doesn't include Puerto Ricans? The very thought is absurd! Here, DJ Disco Wiz, one of the very first Latino DJs to receive massive recognition, tells his story.

NotNeutral Triton Lacquer Tray Set, $220. Visit NotNeutral.com

Notice how you can make out an image of a face in these three trays, which feature orange lacquer against a brown backdrop? Well, that's the face of Triton, the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, the god and goddesses of the sea. You can use these trays to store anything from jewelry to keys, glasses, and any other valuables.

JK Jemma Kidd I-Conic Eyes Mini Liners, $32. Visit Target.com

How can you any fly girl pull of a Sasha Fierce look without some eyeliner? With this four-piece miniature eyeliner set, a dramatic eye look is always within reach.

DC Shoes Women's Henry Jacket, $82. Visit Store.DCShoes.com

You don't have to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars to stay warm this season. This bubble jacket is extra soft and comfortable, and it'll keep you nice and toasty.

Holiday Gift Guide Part 9 -- For The Seductive, Retro-Loving Joan Holloway Type

Roger Sterling isn't the only one whose heart skips a beat at the sight of Joan Holloway (or Joan Harris, if we refer to the newlywed by her married name), the voluptuous redhead who efficiently ran the Sterling Cooper ad agency (well, until midway through Mad Men's third season, when she got hitched to a handsome doctor). Fortunately, those of you who tuned in for the Season 3 finale know Joan will once again keeping the advertising boys in check at their new upstart company — which should make for a really entertaining fourth season.

After all, Joan is more than eye candy for the boys and style inspiration for the girls:  she's discreet and capable of keeping mum about the most sordid personal affairs pertaining to her superiors; she rules the secretary pool with equal parts charm and venom; she's smart, focused, and determined (whether she's reading TV scripts to help Harry's newly formed broadcasting department or she's playing the role of devoted wife); and she's magnetizing — even when she's having a decidedly bitchy moment. Best of all, maybe now that she's working with Roger again on a day-to-day basis, the two will finally dump their loser spouses and get together (hey, a gal can dream, right?). If nothing else, we'll get to see Christina Hendricks strutting her stuff in her hip-hugging dressed and pencil skirts, snug sweaters, intricate updos, red fingernails, and signature pen necklace.

Here, a gift guide inspired by Joan Holloway — and those who, like me, can't get enough of her style.

Jill Of All Trades Dress in CEO, $49.99. Visit ModCloth.com

Remember the "Babylon" episode, where the Sterling Cooper boys had Joan gather all the secretaries in a room and have them test Belle Jolie lipsticks, as they watched their reactions through a one-way glass? In the episode, Joan wore a red dress much like this one, with a discreet but curve-hugging shape and a pretty scoop neckline.

1960s Inspired Gold Tone Pen Necklace, $20. Visit Amazon.com

The gold tone pen necklace Joan wears around her neck signifies her status as the resident Queen Bee — it's the office manager's equivalent of a royal specter.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Pumps, $182.70. Visit Couture.Zappos.com

While she loves to play up her feminine assets, Joan isn't one for flashy displays at the work place. In fact, she chewed Jane's head off for flaunting her decolletage at the work place. Her shoes, then, are simple and classic, with a pointed toe and a sensible pump.

Vintage Hand Chased Lipstick Holder With Blue Accent Stone In 800 Silver, $75. Visit AffordableVintageJewelry.com

Joan Holloway types take pride in having their makeup look flawless — and routinely reapplying lipstick is key. This retro lipstick holder allows her to keep her lip color safe and comes with a handy mirror for quick touch-ups.

Curations With Stefani Greenfield "Duchess" Simulated Pearl 29" Necklace, $64.90. Visit HSN.com

Like most stylish women in the '60s, Joan appreciates pearls — and the tassel at the tip of this four-strand necklace would be yet another selling point.

Peachbloom Velour Vintage 1960s Taupe Hat, $37.99. Visit MySweetiePiePie.Etsy.com

This pillbox hat looks like it belongs in Jackie Kennedy's personal collection — and, as we all know (even if it's from watching Mad Men), every girl wanted to be either a Jackie, a Marilyn, or both.

Kenneth Jay Lane White Crystal Wreath Clip-On Earrings, $68.85. Visit Bluefly.com

Domed round clip-on earrings abound in Joan's jewelry box. They're classic and simple, and they frame her gorgeous features, drawing attention to them as opposed to drawing the eye away from the face.

Mad Men Season Two DVD Set, $17.99. Visit Amazon.com

What could make a better gift for a die-hard Man Man fan than the Season 2 box set? She can rally on Joan's behalf as the rivalry with Jane begins, cry with her when the news of Marilyn Monroe's death hits the office, celebrate her engagement to a handsome doctor, secretly root for her to end up with Roger Sterling, and much more.

 

Estee Lauder Golden Lattice Powder Compact, $49. Visit EsteeLauder.com

Any woman with a reasonable concern for her appearance will make sure to carry along a compact — and, if she's like Joan Holloway, she'll make sure all the other ladies ogle at her beautiful compact as she powders her nose in the restroom.

Dior Babe Leather Frame Bag, $3730. Visit SaksFifthAvenue.com

The square shape of this leather Dior purse and its frame-like hinge top channels the subtle glamour of the early '60s.

Vintage Chanel 3 CC Necklace, $795. Available at ShopWGACA.com

There's a reason why What Goes Around Comes Around has earned such a vast fan base — the vintage boutique offers authentic designer pieces (jewelry, apparel, handbag, footwear, and more). Just in time for the holidays, WGACA is offering vintage lovers a chance to snag some authentic Chanel necklaces, like the 3 CC piece pictured above.

Chloé Intense Eau de Parfum, $98. Visit SaksFifthAvenue.com

What woman doesn't like getting a dozen roses? The Chloé Intense eau de parfum features the rose notes from the original Chloé fragrance, as well as pink pepper, sandalwood, and Tonka bean notes. The pink pepper notes add a spicy, exotic quality perfect for va-va-va-voom gals like Joan.

Essie Lollipop, $8. Visit EssieShop.com

Though she'll occasionally opt for sheer nude colors or pale pinks, Joan's nails are most often coated with red lacquer. Essie's new winter shade, Lollipop, has a lovely retro charm pus it has a jolly seasonal quality (it's like the bright red nose of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in all the vintage caricatures and cartoon films).

Christian Dior Short Sleeve Sweater, $170. Visit Yoox.com

Though her bra cups are a-brimmin', Joan isn't one to wear low-cut tops or flaunt her cleavage. Instead, she opts for short-sleeved, scoop neck sweater tops that fit her like the proverbial glove.

Alberta Ferretti Wool Bouclé Pencil Skirt, $416.50. Visit Net-A-Porter.com

One of Joan's favorite workplace-ready looks consist of a sleek pencil skirt and a short-sleeved sweater top or long-sleeved tie-neck blouse. To get that secretarial look during the colder winter months, a wool skirt like this Alberta Ferretti piece will more than do the trick.

Judith Jack Amarillo Marcasite 14K Gold Vermeil Brooch, $135. Visit Zappos.com

Intricate brooches are key when trying to pull off a pre-Mod '60s look. By adding an elegant brooch to a sweater dress, a simple blouse, or even a scarf, Joan can add a bit of glam to even the most understated ensemble.

Emilio Pucci Tribeca Silk Twill Scarf, $295. Visit Bloomingdales.com

Though she prefers to leave her red tresses uncovered, Joan does occasionally wrap a scarf around her head (especially when she's spending time at home with her new husband Greg). This Pucci scarf will look great whether it's draped around the shoulders or tied around the head.

 

D&G Grey Vernice Pumps, $420. Visit Stylebop.com

These grey pumps have just a tiny bit of pink trim along the sole and heel for a coquetish, ultra girly feel.

1960s Pearl & Rhinestone Clip-On Earrings, $75. Visit BeautyCrisis.com to order.

These authentic vintage 1960s earrings feature four pearl stones, set in sterling silver and arranged in a crescent moon shape, with a row of rectangular rhinestones adjacent to it.

Zero + Maria Cornejo Ruched Felted Gloves, $129. Visit LaGarconne.com

Sophisticated ladies won't bare their arms when walking outside — instead, they cover them up with elbow-length gloves like these Zero + Maria Cornejo ones.

Burt's Bees Pola-Dot Perfect Mani-Pedi Gift Set, $20. Visit BurtsBees.com

This adorable Burt's Bees mani-pedi set, packaged in a retro red case with white polka dots, includes a nail file, a tube of Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme, a Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme, a tin of Burt's Bees Lemon Oil Cuticle Cream, and a tube of Replenishing Lip Balm.

Vintage '60s Bonwit Teller Red Nylon Coat With Navy Blue Embroidery and Belt, $95. Visit RiceAndBeansVintage.com

This red coat feature a brick-like print created with navy blue embroidery, as well as eight front buttons and a navy belt — the perfect way to cinch that waist and show off those killer curves.

Gal Pal Say It With Love Retro Ice Pack, $16. Visit Unique-Vintage.com

Whether she's at home with her hubby or she's at the office with all the advertising execs, Joan is always having to play caretaker. In fact, Joan was the one who saved McKendrick from bleeding to death when Lois took a John Deere tractor for a spin around the office and ran over his foot. But that Season 3 accident was particularly garish — most times, what Joan has to cure are hangovers, headaches, and bruised egos. And, in two out of three of those cases, these ice packs would come in handy.

Vintage 1960s Ashtray, $40. Visit VintageLooks.com

You may not condone smoking, but back in the '60s, there were practically more cigarettes than light bulbs being lit. Sure, maybe the Joan Holloway-esque gal in your life knows better than to entertain this habit but, if she won't give up the habit, then she might as well have a nice ashtray to keep the rest of her house ash-free.

POP Beauty Pin Up Beauty Kit, $9.99. Visit Ulta.com

Though Pop's Pin Up Beauty Kit is mostly inspired by the '40s pin-up girls, the influence of these women carried over into the '50s and early '60s thanks to Marilyn Monroe's soaring popularity and to the consistent usage of similar visuals in advertising campaigns. From neutral colors to dark blue shades, this palette has a hue for every outfit in your Joan Holloway's closet.

Jean Paul Gaultier Maille Femme Short Sleeve Sweater, $149. Visit Yoox.com

It's all about the details with this Jean Paul Gaultier Femme sweater -- from the sleeves' French cuff, which makes them balloon just the slightest bit, to the way the collar sits right at the neck, providing ample coverage, and the way the fabric hugs the wearer's bosom.

Vintage February Coat, $149.99. Visit ModCloth.com

There's something about redheads wearing dark green colors — it just works. Joan Holloway is well aware of this heavenly match, which is why she often drapes herself in forest green and emerald green garments and jewels. This dark green coat would bring out her coloring and the fur collar would add the necessary posh quality.

Crosley 302 Classic Red Wall Phone, $65. Visit CSNStores.com

This rotary wall phone resembles the one Joan's been answering these days when Greg is away at the ER and Roger calls to hear her Marilyn Monroe-esque, purr-y voice.

Magnolia Bakery Aprons, Starting At $22. Visit MagnoliaBakery.com

Ever since her trip down the aisle, Joan's been trying to manage being a working woman with taking care of her household — and, of course, that involves spending time in the kitchen. If you have someone in your life who's got the cooking bug, she might appreciate one of these retro aprons from Magnolia Bakery in Manhattan.

Marcel Wanders For Target Candle Tapers, $14.99 For Set of 2, and Pillar Candles, $19.99 Each. Visit Target.com

Sure, at the conclusion of Season 3, Mad Men has yet to enter the Mod era (Twiggy's minis and white patent leather boots haven't made a splash just yet), but it's only a matter of time before Joan has to redecorate to get into a groovier mood. She can start with these sculptural candles by Marcel Wanders for Target.

Portolano Leather Gloves, $185. Visit BergdorfGoodman.com

These opera-length leather gloves will keep any ladies' arms cozy in the winter time while also giving her a polished look.

Rolfs Nostalgia Collection Cigarette Case. Visit Ebags.com

Joan is way too tidy to simply toss her cigarettes inside her handbag. No, she'd have them stored in a nice case, such as this embossed brown leather case.

1960s Gold Flower Pearl Clip-On Earrings, $95. Visit BeautyCrisis.com to order

These dome-shaped gold earrings feature a center made of pearls arranged in a daisy-like shape, creating fan even daintier, more ladylike look.

Shabby Apple Madison Avenue Dress, $76. Visit ShabbyApple.com

I fell in love with this dress the moment I laid eyes on it. From its tulip-shaped skirt to its trench coat-like buttons, slightly puffed sleeves, and its cheeky houndstooth print, Shabby Apple's Madison Avenue dress manages to capture a retro feel without looking the least bit dated. Need another reason to buy it? Get this: Shabby Apple donates 5% of its net profits to Unitus, an organization that provides micro-credit loans to women in developing countries.

Soap & Glory Plane Jane Gift Set, $22.94. Visit Target.com

Packaged in a cheeky, newspaper print-covered vinyl toiletry bag, the Soap & Glory Plane Jane set includes: a 5 oz. bottle of the Clean On Me Body Wash; a 1.69 fl. oz. jar of the Flakeaway Body Scrub; a 1.69 fl. oz. bottle of Righteous Butter Body Butter;  a 1.69 fl. oz. Hair Supply tube; a 4.2 fl. oz. tube of Great Shakes Hand Cream;  a 3.4 fl. oz. Girligo Body Spray bottle; and a pink bath pillow.

Lancome Dual Finish Versatile Powder Makeup, $35.50. Visit Sephora.com

When it comes to applying powder, Joan Holloway types would opt for patting their faces with thick powder puff over buffing them with brushes. Lancome's Dual Finish powder provides excellent coverage, proving that pressed powder is not just a thing of the past.

Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy by Mary Tomer, $17.50. Visit Amazon.com

Michelle Obama has already established a reputation as the most stylish First Lady since Jackie Kennedy. And just like Joan adored Jackie, current-day, Joan-like gals would adore Michelle and her modern but demure take on presidential fashion.

Sur La Tete Posey Pillbox Hat, $24.95. Visit VillageHatShop.com

This pillbox hat is a lovely shade of pink — it would go perfectly with the sweater Joan wore when she announced her engagement to all the girls at the office.

Sophie Hatbox Shaped Jewel Box, $93.95. Visit Bellacor.com

In the '50s and '60s, when women covered their manes while outside, it was essential to keep hats in their cases so they could stain clean and retain their shapes. And, of course, eventually the hat boxes themselves became a fashion statement. This jewelry box celebrates the shape of these vintage hat boxes.

Vintage Black Scalloped Lace Beaded Dress, $38. Visit NodtoModVintage.Etsy.com

The beaded lace sleeves on this vintage dress add a quaint touch to the basic silhouette.

 

Jade Green 60s Vinyl Vanity Suitcase, £45.00. Visit StardustOnline.com

Messenger bags and duffle bags had yet to become acceptable luggage styles in the '50s and '60s — and, while modern styles maximize convenience and comfort, they tend to lack the kind of easy style found in most vintage suitcases.

Cafe Bustelo's The Bustelo Supreme Basket, $64.99. Visit JavaCabana.com

Part of Joan's job as an office manager at Sterling Cooper involved making sure the executives always had coffee available to them (and, of course, having a few cups herself to stay alert). A modern-day Joan Holloway, then, would appreciate this Bustelo gift basket, which includes six Bustelo coffee cups and saucers, an imported coffee pot, and a one-pound bag of Bustelo Supreme beans.

Kahlua Coffee Cream, $17.99. Available at most liquor stores. Visit Kahlua.com

A gal like Joan appreciates both coffee and liquor, and Kahlua's new Coffee Cream fuses together both of these worlds. It's like a ready-to-serve White Russian — but sweeter (and minus the vodka). That means not having to worry about fetching the milk and mixing the Kahlua and dairy together.

Toys For Boys -- Holiday Gifts For The Men In Your Life!

Does shopping for your boss, boyfriend, husband, uncle, or dad make you want to scream in frustration? Trust: you're not the only one. Whether the man in question is a dapper executive, an avid sneakerhead, a moody artist type, or a flashy don dada, this holiday gift round-up includes something to suit his tastes. Men may be from Mars, but that doesn't mean we can't find a way to understand the martians in our lives! Ha!

Penfield Summit Color Block Coat in Army/Chocolate/Black, $299. Visit PenfieldUSA.com To Buy Or For Additional Retailer Information.

Colorblocked garments can be tricky to pull off (if you're a dude, that is), but the subtle contrast between the colors of this goose down jacket make the feat a cinch. Besides, it's the type of jacket that makes you feel warm just from looking at it.

John Hardy Black Sapphire Ring, $750. Visit NeimanMarcus.com

Even the most macho dudes want to rock some fine jewelry — and you've got to let them know there are way more options than medallion pendants and ridiculously thick rope chains. This John Hardy ring manages to be an attention grabber while still looking luxurious and tasteful.

Creative Recreation Cesario Lo in Black/Wool/Khaki, $85. Visit RevolveClothing.com

It's amazing what a sneaker upgrade can do to boost a man's swag. Hook him up with a more polished pair of kicks he can wear during days when he wants to look extra official.

 

Kenneth Cole Vintage Black Eau de Toilette Spray, $67.50. Visit KennethCole.com or Zappos.com

Billed as a scent for the confident modern man, Kenneth Cole's Vintage Black features notes of green lime, pink grapefruit, dewy greens, white pepper, icy tequila accord, lavender buds, oak and sandalwood.

Aveda Men Carry-On Companions Gift Set, $26. Visit Aveda.com

Is he the type to fuss over his hair constantly? Is he always looking out for mirrors or glass windows where he can assess his reflection and straighten up his hair? Then this Aveda gift set will definitely come in handy. The Carry-On Companions set features miniature bottles of shampoo and conditioner, as well as a tiny jar of grooming clay and a mini tube of gel.

D&G Buckled High Boot, $595. Visit BergdorfGoodman.com

Sick of those duck boots or those raggedy Timbs? Get him a pair of boots with function and style. These D&G buckled boots look streamlined and sleek, while still maintaining their rugged masculinity.

Comme Des Garçons Shirt Blue/Brown/Orange Hooded Coat, $329. Visit Farfetch.com

Does your man appreciate Pop Art? Cubism? Graffiti? Then give him a bold jacket that speaks to his daring approach to color and form.

Nike Dunk High Supre Black Sail, $135. Available at Wish in Atlanta (447 Moreland Avenue). Call 404.88.0402 or visit WishATL.com

Hardcore sneakerheads are always looking for that extra special pair of kicks that will make people stop and ask, "Where'd you get those?" These Nike Dunks are a true conversation starter.

Skullcandy The Lorider Mic'ed Headphones, $39.95. Visit Karmaloop.com

When it comes to headphones with superior sound quality and innovative design, Skullcandy takes the crown. Their Lorider style celebrates the handiwork of all those talented hydraulic-loving, candy paint-using car aficionados along the West Coast.

G-Shock Men's DW6900SW Watch in Purple, $170. Visit 80spurple.com

G-Shock deserves some serious kudos for managing to consistently reinvent its image and maintain its relevance. This purple watch, with its metallic strap and contrasting violet face and magenta display, illustrates why G-Shock is a great option for G's.

Versace Collection Modern Fit Dress Shirt, $295. Visit Nordstrom.com

Throwback jerseys went out the door as soon as Jay picked up the mic and declared that 30 is the new 20. Now, it's all about the grown and sexy look — and you better believe that includes some crisp dress shirts. To look like a true made man, every guy needs a sexy black shirt, so help him add the perfect one to his rotation.

Ted Baker Woven Silk Tie, $79.50. Visit Nordstrom.com

The reason why there's such a stigma about giving ties at Christmas time is this: usually, men get stuck with some pretty hideous ties (like random red ties with Christmas tree prints). Were they receiving ties like this Ted Baker one, you can rest assured that there would be no complaints filed.

Jack Black Jet Set Traveler Set, $25. Visit Sephora.com

This perennially popular brand offers a nifty skincare trio that's ideal for the traveling man. Packaged in a lightweight tote, the set includes the Supreme Cream, Face Moisturizer, and Facial Cleanser.

Nike SB Dunk Mid Elite (Triumvir), $120. Visit Ubiqlife.com

The optical print of these Nike Dunk Mids alone will provide him with hours of amusement, and the black and white color palette will make these a mainstay in his wardrobe.

Tommy Hilfiger Good Riddance 2009 Leather Embossed Flask, $58. Available at Tommy Hilfiger Fifth Avenue Flagship Store (681 Fifth Avenue) in NYC. Call 212.223.1824.

This year has definitely had some ups, but boy have there been a lot of downs! From the Bernie Madoff fallout to the recession woes to Michael Jackson's passing to the Tiger Woods saga, it's been one thing after the other. Most likely, he'll appreciate the "good riddance" sentiment on this leather flask — and it will come in quite handy when it's time to pour the drinks on New Year's Eve!

Sean John Unforgivable Classic Gift Set With Travel Bag, $57. Visit HSN.com

Diddy's best-selling Unforgivable fragrance always makes for a great gift — especially when it's packaged in a box alongside a scented deodorant and tucked inside a roomy, black Sean John bag.

Tokens & Icons San Francisco Transit Token Cufflinks, $60. Visit Elsewares.com

Does he shout his city out every chance he gets? Then get him a pair of transit token cufflinks from Tokens & Icons. The round, gold-tone cufflinks are designed to resemble the old-school tokens previously used as subway/bus fare and they're available in a series of styles pertaining to various metropolises.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Engravable Gift Set, $249.95. Visit WineBasket.com. Engraving is available nationally at 877-JW-Blue-Label or at JohnnieWalker.com/Engraving

Not only are you blessing him with some Blue Label, but you're going the extra mile with an engravable case. When he looks at this initials on that case, there's no way he'll be able to resist a smile.

Block Headwear Carrington Caps, $42 each. Visit Lids.com or VillageHatShop.com

Let him channel rapper/actor Common with a plaid drivers' hat like Block Headwear's Carrington Cap.

LAB Series Smooth Shave Set, $65. Visit LabSeries.com

Does he have sensitive skin? Does he worry about razor bumps? Make sure he gets a fresh shave and that his skin stays nice and smooth with LAB Series' 4-piece Shave Set.

PF Flyers Quilted Center Hi Sneakers, $100. Visit Zappos.com

For holiday, PF Flyers added an urban twist to its Center Hi kicks, incorporating a quilted pattern that's simple but fun.

AKOO Descended Blazer, $201.99. Visit DrJays.com

Unlike so many "streetwear" brand, TI's new clothing line Akoo isn't all big logos and gawdy embroidered signatures. Instead, he blends the street with the suite, creating a collection that ranges from hoodies and denim to blazers with prep school-worthy patches.

Graf Von Faber-Castell Intuition Fountain Pen, $395; Intuition Ballpoint Pen, $225; and Intuition Rollerball Pen, $295. Visit FahrneysPens.com

Sure, he probably uses his laptop and iPhone more than he does any writing utensil, but he still has to physically sign those checks, so make sure he does so with an authoritative pen worthy of a true boss.

Passman Galleries Slice Grain Cuff Links Handmade From Black Coral And 18K Gold, $485. Available at Passman Galleries at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. Visit Passman.com

The right set of cufflinks can pull together an entire ensemble — in some ways, they're what earrings are to women. Make sure he brings it home with a gorgeous set of links, like the black coral and gold pair pictured above.

Paul Smith Black Glenplaid Carry-On Bag, $748. Visit Bluefly.com

If he's got more frequent flier miles than you can count, you may want to consider giving him a carry-on bag he can feel good about, well, carrying on. With its muted color scheme, sophisticated trimmings, and clean plaid print, this Paul Smith bag will have him showing off at the terminal.

Patrick Dempsey 2 Eau de Toilette Spray, $35. Visit Avon.com

McDreamy has done it again — for his second scent for Avon, the Grey's Anatomy star went for a slightly bolder, even more irresistible scent. Patrick Dempsey 2 features top notes of mandarin and nutmeg,  mid notes of spiced wood, green fig and citrus, and base notes of olibanum, patchouli, and musk.

 

Marine Layer The Original MLT, $35; Classy Polo, $60; and Introductory V, $29. Visit MarineLayer.com

Marine Layer's environmentally-friendly garments are made in California, using Pima Cotton and MicroModal, a bio-based fabric derived from beech wood, and ensuring that 95% of production materials are recycled and reused. But Marine Layer's appeal isn't limited to its environmentally sound practices — these tees are so soft, you'll want to steal them from your boyfriend's/husband's closet.

Grey Goose Gift Set, $29.99. Available at most liquor stores. Buy online at MarketViewLiquor.com

Who doesn't like to let loose with some Goose? Whether you're shopping for a relative, co-worker, or friend of the family, this is the type of gift you know will be put to use!

 

AKOO Maximo Cardigan Sweater, $59.99. Visit DrJays.com

Who knew TI had such a preppy side to him? The Grammy-winning rapper's debut collection includes this country club-worthy, orange-and-white striped cardigan sweater.

Old Spice Holiday Swagger Gift Set, $8.99. Visit Target.com

An oldie but goodie, Old Spice is still a reliable standby for most men (especially those over the age of 30-35). This affordable gift set is perfect for Secret Santa exchanges at the office.

Holiday Gift Guide Part 8 -- For Sophisticated Damsels Like Lily Van Der Woodsen

My fellow Gossip Girl lovers, today's round-up is all about the queen of Upper East Side chic: Lily Van Der Woodsen.

With all the praise bestowed upon Serena's get-ups, few take the time to celebrate the sophisticated, graceful, classic style of her mother, Lily Van Der Woodsen (or Lily Bass or Lily Humphrey, depending on which husband's name she's using these days!). The serial divorcée (though we're hoping that particular label will no longer be applicable now that she's married Mr. Humphrey) is an avid art collector and a mainstay in high society circles (Mayor Bloomberg was on the guest list for her wedding, remember?), but she also has a youthful spirit and a hint of a rebellious side (she modeled nude for Mapplethorpe, lest we forget!).

Here, a look at some of the gifts that would make Lily go la-la:

Nam Cho 18k Yellow Gold 0.14ct Green Moonstone Earrings With 1.1ct Diamonds, $5110. Visit Fragments.com

Though she doesn't stick to one particular type of jewelry, Lily rarely ever wears large hoop earrings or otherwise bulky pieces. She mainly sticks to simple dangle, studs, and chandelier earrings. These Nam Cho earrings are beyond unique, and they'd perfectly frame the face. 

Zac Posen Metallic Crepe Knit Dress, $394. Visit TheOutnet.com

She may be a mom, but Lily still has a bangin' bod. This Zac Posen dress will show off her shapely silhouette, while the vertical seams add a slipping effect and the cowl neck provides a hint of drama.

Valentino Shiny Napa Petal Hobo, $1895. Visit BergdorfGoodman.com

With Lily's status comes first dibs on each season's must-have bags. This creamy beige hobo features a floral pattern along the front for an ultra feminine feel.

 

La Mer The Connoisseur Collection, $395. Visit NeimanMarcus.com.

Learning to live inside your skin is way easier when that skin is radiant, soft, and smooth. To preserve her youthful looks, any Lily Van Der Woodsen type would insist on the best in skincare — and nobody does it quite like La Mer. The Connoisseur Collection includes a 2-ounce jar of Creme de La Mer, a 0.3-ounce bottle of The Lifting Face Serum, and a 0.5-ounce bottle of The Eye Concentrate.

Karina Grimaldi Republic Ruffle Top, $170. Visit 25Park.com

This one-shoulder blouse, with its ruffled decolletage, resembles the dress Lily wore to her wedding to Rufus Humphrey. The jewel-tone color adds a regal flair to the whimsical top.

Miriam Haskell M01574-N01 Semi-Precious Statement Necklace, $1200. Visit MiriamHaskell.com

Statement necklaces are a key part of this sophisticated lady's ensembles — but, of course, they have to make the right statement and highlight her status as a member of New York's elite. This elaborate Miriam Haskell features two strands of semi-precious golden rutile quartz, three strands of European glass beads, and two strands of gold plated chain — and, for the grand finale, there are two brooch-like details on either side, featuring clusters of European filigrees and handwired delica seed beads and Swarovski crystals.

Giuseppe Zanotti Printed Leather Pumps, $525. Visit Bloomingdales.com

These shoes manage to be speak loudly without being, well, loud. Featuring splatter-like gold details, these Zanotti pumps are perfect for the art-loving style maven.

 

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Body Lotion, $42; Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Body Cleansing Lotion, $36; Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Eau de Parfum, $90; and Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant, $18. Visit NeimanMarcus.com

Timeless, understated, and sensual (but never tawdry), Donna Karan's Cashmere Mist fragrance is a top choice for those with a classic sense of taste (women who are more Audrey Hepburn than Angelina Jolie). Featuring notes of Moroccan jasmine, lily of the valley, and bergamot, juxtaposed against sandalwood, amber and musk notes, Cashmere Mist is exquisite — and as indulgent as cashmere itself.

Bespoke Chanel Silk Scarf Chandelier by Suzan Fellman, $9200. Visit Vivre.com

This ceiling chandelier lamp, fashioned out of a Chanel scarf print, features looped gold and pearl strands. It's the perfect accessory for the woman who, like Lil, has an oversize Prada sign hanging inside her home.

Stephen Dweck Piggy Back Earrings, $495. Visit BergdorfGoodman.com

Sure, she'll wear her diamond stud or her freshwater pearl stud earrings regularly, but there are times when she feels like making a bolder choice — and these Stephen Dweck earrings, with their floral-carved amber and faceted smoky quartz stones, manage to have an earthy warmth that's irresistibly alluring.

Waterford Crystal Lismore Jewels Flutes, $115 each. Visit BestCrystal.com

Ever the attentive hostess, Lily knows it's about more than just great catering and a flair for small talk. Her upper-crust guest list will be assessing every detail, which means she has to pull out her finest tableware and glassware. These Waterford Crystal Lismore flutes will give her another reason to make that celebratory toast.

Banana Republic Ipanema Bloom Ring, $39.50. Visit BananaRepublic.com

You don't always have to spend like a millionaire in order to look like one. This Banan Republic ring costs less than $50 but looks way more expensive thanks to the innovative design, sculptural shape, and unique motif. Named after a neighborhood in Río de Janeiro, the ring features overlapping leaves like the ones you'd find in Rio's Botanical Gardens.

Alexis Bittar Large Rhodium Versail Crystal Teastained Cushion Hinge Bracelet, $455. Visit AlexisBittar.com

A fan of Alexis Bittar's lucite jewelry, Lily has been known to wear quite a few of the designer's bangles. This wide bracelet, with its crystal adornments, and diamond tile-like carvings is a slightly bolder choice — but one that will most certainly pay off. 

Orrefors Delight Votive Candle Holders, $40 each. Visit Nordstrom.com

An art connoisseur, Lily Van Der Woodsen appreciates creativity in any form — whether it's fashion, film, music, prose, interior design, or visual art. These domed votive candle holders feature thick flat edges cut asymmetrically (as if you were slicing an egg diagonally) and are made of a colored lucite that  glows beautifully when the votive candle within is lit.

Jonathan Saunders Cashmere and Silk Blend Scarf, $490. Visit Net-A-Porter.com

This long scarf features a carnival's worth of colors, with a print featuring turquoise, yellow, white, purple, orange, green, gray, and blue strips arranged like overlapping Pick-Up Stix.

L'Objet Gilded Bowl, $395, and Salt and Pepper Shakers, $165. Visit Saks.com

Lily Van Der Woodsen sorts don't need special occasions to adorn their tables with fancy bowls and shakers. Whether she uses this gilded bowl as a display piece or as a functional item (which can do anything from holding fruits to sorting miscellaneous objects like keys and wallets), her table will look golden.

 

Valentino The Last Emperor DVD, $14.99. Visit Amazon.com

A couture fanatic, Lily would be enthralled by this documentary of masterful designer Valentino Garavani, which was filmed in the months prior to the designer's exit from the Valentino company in 2008 (after 45 years at its helm). The movie captures the madness of the fashion world, as Valentino and his long-time business and life partner Giancarlo Giamatti make preparations for a series of landmark shows, and celebrates the charisma, genius, and humor of the iconic designer, as well as his unbreakable bond with Giancarlo (who truly is the yin to his yang).

 

L'Occitane Shea Vanilla Body Cream, $36. Visit Usa.Loccitane.com

Massaging this yummy body cream onto the skin feels as tender as a thousand butterfly kisses. And the smell? It's like a delicious scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt. Did I mention it's yummy?

Amore Bowl by Kosta Boda, $485. Visit UnicaHome.com

If there's something Lily's multiple weddings have shown us it's that the woman is a hopeless romantic. This gorgeous glass bowl, with its shades of red, pink and purple and it's heart-like rim, celebrates her endless quest for love.

WGACA Vintage Chanel Triple Chain Necklace, $1270. Visit Shopbop.com

This authentic, gold-plated, vintage Chanel necklace will jazz up any outfit — whether it's a flutter-sleeve silk top, an embroidered lace cocktail dress or a simple knit sweater.

Alexis Hudson Adelaide Clutch, $247.50. Visit Endless.com

This camel-colored snakeskin clutch features two straps along the front, each with gold buckle details that add just a hint of shine.

Ted Gibson Travel Essentials Kit, $24.99. Visit Drugstore.com

When have you ever seen Lil's hair look even remotely disheveled? Even when reading the morning paper in her silk robe, her mane looks like it belongs in a commercial. This Ted Gibson kit will ensure this remains the case in the future. The 4-piece kit includes a 2 fl. oz. bottle of Ted Gibson Daily Cleanse, a 2 fl. oz. bottle of Daily Nourish, a 2 fl. oz. bottle of Beautiful Hold Hairspray (perfect for those chignons Lily favors so much), and a pack of Hair Sheets (which are great for smoothing away any frizz while on the run).

 

Sevan One-of-a-kind Ring Handmade from 24k Gold, Sterling Silver, South Sea Pearls and Black and White Diamonds, $30,736. Available at Sevan at ViewPoint. Visit VPNYC.com or call 800.237.9477 for stores in your area.

This is the type of ring you'd make people kiss (as they knelt down before your extended hand) —that's how much of an old world, baroque quality it has. It's perfect for the queen of your court.

Arcona Four Your Eyes Only Kit, $85. Visit Arcona.com

Ahh, Arcona. Everything they make is sublime. This four-piece kit focuses on tending to the delicate skin around the eyes. First, there's the Eye Dew Repair/Protect, which soothes and protects skin with anti-inflammatories and antioxidants like blueberry and vitamin E, moisturizes with shea butter, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines with hyaluronic acid and essential fatty acids. The Eye Dew should be applied in the morning time and followed wit the Peptide Eye Serum Depuffing, which reduces any bags under your eyes thanks to ingredients like coffee extract and acetyl tetrapeptide-5. The Peptide Eye Wrinkle Repair Regenerate, meanwhile, should also be applied before bedtime. The product hydrates the skin with jojoba and vitamin E, nourishes it with hibiscus extract and essential fatty acids, and reduces the appearance of fine lines thanks to  unique peptide complex.  Finally, there's the Eyes Have It Regenerate treatment, which is designed for use at night 1-2 times per week. This potent treatment seeks to restore elasticity to the skin thanks to moisturizing agents like vitamin E, beta-glucosamine, and borage oil, as well as collagen-building peptides.

Helmut Lang Wool-Blend Jersey Draped Cardigan, $380. Visit Net-A-Porter.com

Though she never shies away from color, Lily does appreciate the versatility and elegance of the color gray (and the various nuances of that hue). Plus, she understands that some of the most effortlessly chic looks involve layering lush fabrics. This draped cardigan will brilliantly top off almost any ensemble.

Miriam Haskell M01610-R01 Rose Bud Ring, $325. Visit MiriamHaskell.com

With its aquamarine-colored crystal stone, gold filigrees, and clear crystals, this ring conjures up images of magical forests, so that the woman wearing it feels like the ultimate wood nymph.

Georgina Goodman Nancy Platform Sandal, $331.98. Visit Endless.com

These platform sandals feature thick, taupe and black leather straps in wave-like patterns that, when intertwined, create a piece with an artful geometric twist.

Michael Aram Gingko Ice Bucket, $199, and Gingko Ice Tongs, $49. Visit MichaelAram.com

When it's time to bring out the ice for her cocktail guests, don't expect Lily Van Der Woodsen types to whip out some miniature coolers. The champagne will be tucked inside a luxurious chiller, while the perfectly shaped ice cubes will be safely tucked inside a sleek bucket such as the Michael Aram one pictured above — and, of course, guests won't have to worry about getting their hands dirty since they'll have a pair of ice tongs handy.

Sampar Line Up Box, $59. Visit MySpaShop.com

Sampar's Nocturnal Night Mask works miracles for me — I apply it before bedtime and, in the morning, my skin feels as well-preserved as that of Sleeping Beauty after her 100-year nap. The Skin Quenching Mist, meanwhile, refreshes skin after removing makeup (or when you simply need a pick-me-up). And, since I have really dry skin, I'm particularly fond of the Ultra Hydrating Fluid, which helps the skin retain moisture. Together, these three products help to hydrate and nourish the skin (which in and of itself helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles) and to revitalize, firm, and smooth.

Soap and Paper Factory Green Tea Candle, $36. Visit SoapAndPaperFactory.com

The woman who loves the finer things in life won't stand for a room that isn't filled with a delectable aroma. With Soap and Paper Factory's candles, she'll have nothing to worry about.

Bourne Petunia Slingbacks, $254.95. Visit Endless.com

The rosette detail topping off the peep toe of this lilac slingback sandal adds a cheeky touch to the shoe's simple silhouette.

American Glamour Badgley Mischka Large Satchel With Cage Detail, $229.90. Visit HSN.com

She may be a socialite, but Lily is also on the board of Bass Industries and she's always involved with different organizations and charities — which, of course, means that she has to lug around all sorts of important documents. This edgy bag is roomy enough to hold all her business essentials, while still allowing her to look like she belongs on the best-dressed list.

PCA Skin Illuminate Kit, $100. Visit Dermstore.com

Lily loves playing up her eyes, contouring them with well-blended eyeshadows and lengthening her lashes with mascara.  If she's going to draw attention to her eyes, then, she needs the skin around those eyes to look its best. PCA Skin's Illuminate Kit includes the ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum and the EyeXcellence — which, together, smooth and brighten the eye area.

One Kings Lane E-Gift Card (available in values from $25-$1000). Visit OneKingsLane.com

Are you hooked on Gilt.com, HauteLook.com and RueLaLa.com? Well, as fantastic as those sample sale sites are, they don't exactly have a broad range of home décor offerings. But don't fret — that's what One Kings Lane is all about. From linens to vases, frames, tableware, candle holders, decorative pillows, mirrors, and rugs, One Kings Lane offers great deals on top designer wares. You can sign up for free and, once you're a member, purchase an E-Gift Card for one of your friends — and you can be as generous as your budget allows, with e-gift cards available in values ranging from $25 all the way to $1000.

** Special offer alert!! One Kings Lane is giving Sicka readers their very own holiday gift! When you join One Kings Lane through this link, OneKingsLane.com/Sicka from now through 12/21, you'll instantly receive a $10 credit. The credit is good through December 31st at midnight PT. Only one offer per person.

 

Carolee LUX "Victorian Runway" Ornate Pearl Cuff Bracelet, $250. Visit Bloomingdales.com

What Upper East Sider doesn't appreciate a skillfully crafted pearl bracelet? This Carolee cuff will leave her feeling like Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady (after her transformation, of course!).

Holiday Gift Guide Special -- Gifts for the Kids!

If you're like me, you've procrastinated about buying your kids' Christmas gifts and are now in full-fledged panic mode. Maybe your kids are old enough to write letters to Santa, asking for specific toys, electronics, and garments, or maybe they're making the whole ordeal a complete guessing game (as mine has so graciously done! lol). And, if you're buying something for your nieces and nephews, baby siblings, godchildren, or your friends' children, then you could probably use a bit of guidance on what to buy. Not to worry — here's a run-down of some fantastic options for both boys and girls, from the newborn to the pre-teen stages of life.

Monnalisa Girls Black Puffer Coat, $208. Visit PeachAndPlum.com

Do I really need to wax poetic about the wonder of this coat? Just look at it — if they had it in adult sizes, I'd be scheming on how to buy it for myself!

 
Carol's Daughter A Magical Beauty Gift Set, $24.50. Visit CarolsDaughter.com

Finally, the line adored by so many women of color (myself included) has launched a collection aimed at our little ones. The Magical Beauty collection features products like bubble bath, shampoo and conditioner — all bearing images of Tiana, the heroine in Disney's The Princess and the Frog.

Gifts That Give Baby Bunch Lollipop Onesie, $10. Visit GiftsThatGive.com

Any new mommy will appreciate the whimsical packaging of this gift, how the red-and-white striped onesie is rolled in such a way as to resemble an enormous lollipop pattern, then covered with a clear plastic, and tied with a curled ribbon.

Yellow Label Kids Handknitted Cupcakes, $32. Visit Amazon.com

As your baby develops, he/she will become increasingly fascinated by colors, textures and shapes. These handknitted cupcakes are easy for babies to clutch in their little hands and will provide hours of amusement and awe — they'll be almost as enraptured with these as you are by the frosting-covered originals.

Tretorn Polar Bear Boots, $45. Available at the Tretorn Shop in NYC and on Tretorn.com

Ever noticed how, as we watch the weather reports and dread the possibility of wintry blizzards, our little ones rejoice whenever they hear about the possibility of snow? For them, snow-covered yards, parks, fields (and sidewalks) are the ultimate playgrounds. So keep your little baby's toes toasty in Tretorn's Polar Bear boots and go build a snowman or two.

 

 

The Children's Place Pig Plushie Toy, $5.50, and Pink Wiggly Pig Board Book, $7.50. Visit ChildrensPlace.com

Imagine having a stuffed animal with which to reenact every scene in the book you read your baby at bedtime? Is there a neater way to peak their interest? For more gift options from The Children's Place (and fun news, promos, and giveaways, visit their official Facebook page.

Hasbro Tonka Chuck & Friends Chuck My Talking Truck, $24.99. Visit ToysRUs.com and Target.com

This is the type of toy you'll secretly want to play with while your kid is taking a nap. The Chuck My Talking Truck toy is as sturdy as any Tonka truck, but it's a way better conversationalist, sharing such sentiments as, "Let's get to work!" and "Time to find some dirt." Plus, it comes with a story book for an educational twist.

Sonia Rykiel Enfant Girls Dress With Sequins, $137.90. Visit PeachAndPlum.com

This long-sleeved, striped dress, which bears a depiction of a woman's face adorned with silver sequins, will make your little bon-bon look like she's ready to sashay down the runway during Paris Fashion Week.

J. Crew Girls' Twinkle Ballet Flats, $128. Visit JCrew.com

These ballet flats are imbued with almost as much magic as Dorothy's ruby red slippers. They're the perfect footwear choice for the golden child in your life.

Ikea Soft Toys, $3.99 to $9.99. Visit Ikea.com

If there's one thing Ikea carries that requires absolutely no assembly it's soft plush toys. From oversize green crocodiles to yellow lions, red hippos, blue giraffes, and miniature red mouses, Ikea offers a veritable zoo of snuggly stuffed animals.

GloPad GloDoodle, $15. Visit Amazon.com

This is no ordinary drawing pad — when you touch the screen or the styles attached to the GloDoodle, a light comes on and the entire screen looks see-through, allowing you to place it atop any picture, photo, or drawing and trace that image. Plus, the light comes in three colors (red, yellow, and green), and the drawings glow in the dark. Pure awesomeness.

Restoration Hardware Cuddle Plush Bowling Set, $44. Visit RHBabyAndChild.com

A bowling alley without the sticky shoes, the deafening noise of collapsing pins, and the cheesy '80s tunes? Score!

WikiReader, $99. Visit TheWikiReader.com

Ever read a book or watched a movie and felt like looking up one of the names or events mentioned on Wikipedia, so that you could get a better understanding of what was discussed therein? The WikiReader is a pocket-sized gadget that brings Wikipedia to your fingertips, so that you can look up any name, place, event, or term whenever you see fit. Now, your kid can whip out the WikiReader whenever curiosity strikes and search the 3 million topics pre-loaded in the gadget.

Ariat Kids' Quickdraw Boots in Brown/Giraffe Print, $79.95. Visit Ariat.com or call 1.800.899.8141

Give your child the boot — no, I don't mean evict her, silly! What I mean is this is your chance to give her THE boot: Ariat's Quickdraw boot in this funky brown/giraffe print with a pink lining and pink piping along the side of the boot shaft.

Old Navy Boys' Plaid Printed/Graphic Pajama Set, $16.50. Visit OldNavy.com

If your tot keeps coming up with excuses to delay his bedtime, you can drive the point home with this pajama set, which features a pair of red, white and blue plaid pants and a shirt with the word "Awake" inside a red circle with a red, diagonal line running across it. It's like a "no parking" sign for bedtime violators.

Play-Doh Star Wars Playset, $14.99. Visit ToysRUs.com

Play-Doh has been a kid-approved toy for many years, but now it's out-of-this-world fun thanks to this R2-D2 Playset. The storage caddy includes a removable head, a rolling cutter, 3 half molds, a plastic knife, scissors, an Anakin book mold, a Lightsaber presser and three 2 oz. Play-Doh cans. You can load some Play-Doh into the top, attach R2-D2's head and press down to see the Play-Doh squeezed out of the various rectangular perforations, press R2-D2's feet down on some Play-Doh to create stamps of C-3PO, Ahsoka, and Obi-Wan Kenobi, and much more.

Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid, $34. Visit Amazon.com

The ultimate mega monster, the Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid consists of 7 Bakugans (Grakas Hound, Dark Hound, Grafias, Brachium, Spitarm, SpyderFencer and Neo Dragonoid) brought together to form one mammoth creature.

 

Cole Haan Avery Baby Bootie, $39.95. Visit ColeHaan.com

Take a cue from Mrs. Claus and slip your baby's feet into these red suede booties, which feature a cozy faux fur lining and cuff detailing.

Beehive Kitchenware ABC/123 Baby Utensil Set, $31. Visit Elsewares.com

This utensil set makes me want to sing The Jackson Five's "ABC" song at the top of my lungs. And who knows? Maybe with this adorable utensil set, you'll find a way to incorporate the classic anthem into feeding time.

Learning Resources Pretend & Play Cash Register, $29.99. Visit CSNstores.com

Want to teach your little one that money doesn't grow on trees? Then foster his money management skills with this cash register, which includes a handy calculator that will sharpen his math aptitude.

 

LIV Fashion Dolls, $15. Visit ToysRUs.com

Barbie may be an icon, but her fashion sense hasn't exactly adapted to the times. Wearing cool sneakers, knee-high boots, skinny jeans, mini skirts paired with leggings, graphic tees ,looped scarves, and hobo bags, LIV dolls present a much more youthful and hip alternative for your precocious pre-teen — and, you can buy them cute outfits to constantly update their looks.

Obermeyer Short Circuit Jackets in Bumblebee and Roboprint, $109.95 each. Visit Obermeyer.com

Obermeyer's Short Circuit Jacket is a MacGyver-esque option, equipped with a bevvy of handy features. The jacket features: a fleece chin protector and fleece-lined cuffs; an adjustable hem drawcord; a working compass; an interior pocket and several exterior cargo pockets; reflective piping; an integrated hood; and Obermeyer's I-Grow system, a patented system that allows parents to snip colored threads along the cuffs of their kids' jackets and hence lengthen the cuffs by 1 1/2 inches.

Leapster Digging For Dinosaurs Learning Game by Scholastic, $24.95. Available at Store.Scholastic.com, Amazon.com and select retailers.

I remember taking my toddler son to the American Museum of Natural History in New York and watching his little face as he marveled at the sight of those enormous dinosaur skeletons. Now, imagine a game where your boy could dig up dinosaur fossils, build skeletons for Velociraptor, Triceratops, and T-Rexes (among other dinosaur types), and play games that expand his knowledge about how and where these dinosaurs lived, what they consumed, how they moved, and much more.

 

Marvel Mini I/R Controlled Cars (Wolverine and Hulk Styles Pictured Above), $16.99 each. Visit ToysRUs.com

Remote control cars are a barrel of fun, but they also tend to be hassle to figure out, with a zillion control buttons and settings. These Mini I/R Controlled cars are perfect for younger kids, who just want to see their beloved cars zooming past. And the fact that they're available in styles designed after their favorite Marvel characters only sweetens the deal.

Madame Alexander Yuletide Shopper, $84.95, and Holiday Parade Ballerina, $74.95. Available at Amazon.com, FAO.com and other specialty shops.

These artful, luxury are the epitome of holiday cheerfulness. The Yuletide Shopper is my absolute favorite, with her jaunty red beret, emerald green coat, tartan print full skirt, white tights, and red Mary-Jane shoes. The Holiday Parade Ballerina, meanwhile, is kicking up her legs like she's mid-step, performing her carefully orchestrated routine as she walks along the parade route.

Disney Mickey's Magical Christmas DVD, $15.99. Visit Amazon.com

This holiday movie is practically an ode to the Disney empire. The movie kicks off when a snowstorm extends the visits of all the guests at Mickey's House of Mouse (a group that includes Snow White, Belle, Ariel, Goofy, Chip and Dale, Cinderella, Simba, Pinocchio, the 101 Dalmatians, and more), and they try to find ways to keep themselves entertained (and to cure Donald Duck from his "Bah, humbug!" mood). Throughout their stay, they reminisce about all the good times they've had — and they'll be something in those memories that involves your kids' favorite Disney character. It's like a retrospective and a Christmas film in one.

Sassafras Kids' Dexter The Dog Plush Pull-Along, $25. Visit CSNstores.com

Is your baby going through the I-want-a-puppy phase? Well, this adorable, plush pull-along bag will win you a few months of dog-free conversation.

Restoration Hardware Animal Hooded Towels, $22-$29. Visit RHBabyAndChild.com

Bath time will seem like a blast with these animal hooded towels from Restoration Hardware, available in a pink, mint green, or blue color, and in bear or dog styles. For an extra treat, buy some matching slippers so your tot won't get chilly when he/she steps out of the tub.

J.Crew Girls' Long-Sleeve Ballet Slipper Tee, $28. Visit JCrew.com

The ballet slipper graphic on this cozy long-sleeve tee will have your little girl strutting like a primadonna (and her friends hoping she makes a fashion encore).

In Chill Mode? Just Unwind And Watch These DVDs!

Overjoyed that you finally get some time to lay back, gin-and-juice style? Then take a day or two to free your mind of any work-related worries, put the house work aside, and concentrate on QT with your family (or maybe some much needed "me" time). And what better way to unwind than to curl up on the couch and pop in some good DVDs? Here, a look at some new releases you might enjoy.

The Taking of Pelham 123, $15.99 at Amazon.com

In theory, this movie should be an absolute home run. Denzel Washington and John Travolta together? A hijacked train? A villain with a sense of humor? Check, check and check. Like most good action movies, this one starts out with a bang, quickly bringing in the suspense as an armed team of hijackers infiltrate a New York City subway train, isolate a single car (watching them pull off this feat is actually quite interesting) and begin bargaining with subway station officials, the police, and even the mayor's office, demanding that they receive a $10 million sum in exchange for not harming the subway passengers.

Travolta plays Ryder, the lead hijacker, who possesses an uncanny understanding of currency, trading, and the banking system (you learn why as they movie unfolds). Though magnetic, Travolta does overact a bit in this role — he seems to pick up where he left off in Face/Off and Swordfish and crank up the volume on the manic and over-the-top aspects of these characters. Denzel, meanwhile, plays Walter Garber, a subway dispatcher who happens to be on duty when the hijacking occurs. In the process of communicating with Ryder, the two develop a rapport, so that Ryder refuses to negotiate or communicate with anyone else — it's certainly note the first time we've seen this type of dynamic (The Negotiator comes to mind), but it seems a bit forced here, given that Garber doesn't have the power to control Ryder's fate in any way. Instead, the screenwriters and director want us to believe that Garber feels a kinship with Ryder due to a series of events that unfolded in the dispatcher's own professional life (he was demoted during an investigation into whether or not he took a bribe from a foreign train manufacturer).

And though the movie does take a turn towards ludicrousness about three quarters of the way through, it does manage to entertain. If you live in NYC or are intimately familiar with the subway system, just try to suspend belief  – if you analyze every detail about the hijacking, the passengers' conduct, the dispatchers' actions, etc., you'll find plenty of unbelievable bits. But if you just let yourself enjoy the ride, well, you just might.

The Ugly Truth, $14.99. Available at Amazon.com

The chick flick genre is alive and kicking, my friends. The Ugly Truth pairs Katherine Heigl and sexy Gerard Butler (of 300 fame) in an "opposites attract" tale where two people who originally despise each other wind up head over heels. Sure, it's one of the most predictable plot lines in the history of romantic comedies (When Harry Met Sally, 10 Things I Hate About You, Someone Like You, Something's Gotta Give, etc., etc.) but, then, we don't exactly seek cliffhangers and unexpected endings in chick flicks — we want the characters to fall in love and live happily ever after. The important thing, then, is whether the actors display on-screen chemistry, whether the dialogue is pithy and quirky enough, and whether there is enough pushing-and-pulling to keep the plot spicy and sexy.

And The Ugly Truth hits all these marks. Heigl is adorable as a neurotic, control freak TV producer who dreams of a chivalrous, respectful, successful man, but who has absolutely no idea how to catch the attention of any such man. Butler, meanwhile, is her Achilles' Thorn — a TV personality who offers women "the ugly truth" about how men think and feel (which often involves really crass and crude hypotheses). When he's brought on to her network and the two are forced to work together, sparks fly — but only due to the massive friction. But things take a turn when he makes a deal with her: he will show her how to snag the man she's been eying by solely using his methods and, if the project proves successful, she will agree to work harmoniously with him; if the project fails, however, he will resign and forever leave her life. Watching Heigl's naiveté start to fade away as she becomes cognizant of the truth of Butler's words is funny (at time riotously so), and Buter quickly wins you over as you start to see the more sensitive, hidden side of his personality. And don't all women crave a man who is a brute on the outside but a total softie on the inside?

 

Ugly Betty Season 3, $41.49 at Amazon.com

In Season 3, Betty is ready to make some major changes in her life. She's dumped Henry and Gio, and she's now moving into an apartment in Manhattan (how she can afford such a spacious crib on an assistant's salary is a complete mystery, but that's another issue altogether). This season is a complete roller coaster -- filled with some near-perfect episodes and others that fall way, way, way short. If anything, the season gives us an indication of how confused the writers and producers are in terms of the direction in which they should take the show.

The plots about Faye's mysterious death, Bradford's affair, and Claire's murderous actions have all been exhausted so, now, it's time to find new sources of drama. Sure, Wilhelmina does continue to scheme to take over Meade (blackmailing Christina into being the surrogate mother of her turkey baste kid, which she cooked up by extracting some sperm from Bradford's corpse — no, seriously), but when her ploys begin to falter, the writers seem lost as to what exactly to do with her character. The love affair she entertains this season, for one, is supposed to expose us to a different side of Wilhelmina — but, in the end, we crave the calculating, ice queen, the diva who takes no prisoners. Daniel, meanwhile, finds love in the most unexpected of places and begins to show a more adult, responsible side (though still dull as can be). Perhaps the most disappointing part of this season for me was Hilda's character and how little the writers did with her character.

Plucky Betty keeps trying to work her way to the top while maintaining a positive attitude and abiding by her moral compass — which is starting to get mighty tired by this point. We appreciate Betty's sense of right and wrong but it would be nice if, every so often, she'd actually trip up and make an error in judgment.

On the positive side, the two-episode ark guest starring Lindsay Lohan as Betty's high school rival, who winds up working at Mode and trying to sabotage Betty, was sheer genius. The weakest episodes, meanwhile, involve Betty's editorial internship program and the ridiculous season finale when Betty lands a promotion that's the publishing equivalent of going from candy-striper to surgeon.

The Proposal, $22.99 at Amazon.com

Who would've expected Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock to have such a great chemistry? And yet they do. Bullock gives a brilliant but understated performance as Margaret, a powerful book editor who is in danger of being deported back to her native Canada and who, hence, bullies her ambitious assistant Andrew (Reynolds) to marry her so that she can become a citizen. Though playing along could possibly land him in jail, Andrew worries that, if his intolerable boss leaves, he too will be fired, and so he begrudgingly agrees to move forward with the sham marriage.

With immigration officials on their trail, the "couple" has to act quickly — and the first step is introducing Margaret to Andrew's family in Alaska and hoping that they believe their romance to be true (otherwise they would be accomplices). Since Andrew and Margaret know barely anything about one another, their weekend excursion winds up being a crash course on what makes them tick.

Though Bullock typically plays girl-next-door, free-spirited characters with boisterous personalities, she excels in this role, as a powerful but repressed and socially awkward woman. Reynolds, meanwhile,  flexes his comedic muscle here — which is particularly impressive given that his character is so subservient to Bullock's character that he can't fully express his contempt for her and, instead, must rely on irony, sarcasm, and subtle facial expressions to release his frustration. What makes the movie most fun is how, even as they conspire to pull off this faux marriage, they still subtly take jabs at one another, pouncing on any opportunity to potentially embarrass the other — until, that is, the lie they'd been perpetrating becomes real.