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Breathe Fire Into Your Look -- New Swatch Year of the Dragon Watch

Come January 23rd, it's Enter the Dragon time. No, we're not referring to a Bruce Lee marathon but, rather, to the official start of a new Year of the Dragon. Deemed the mightiest of the twelve signs in the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is said to be an independent thinker with a fiery character and an ambitious disposition that often culminates in professional success. Those born in a  Year of the Dragon (1976, 1988, 2000, and 2012, for instance) are said to possess these traits, though their specific attributes can be further distilled by looking at whether they're Earth, Fire, Water, or Air Dragons. 

To celebrate the Chinese New Year and the commencement of the Year of the Dragon, Swatch released the Year of the Dragon watch ($65 at Swatch.com), which features an inky blue illustration of the revered fire-breathing creature along the white silicone band, its whiskered head, pointed horns and clawed hand positioned along the upper half and its scaly tail undulating along the bottom half of the watch. Fire balls and cloud-like formations float around the mythical creature, while whimsical, Pop Art-ish arches made to resemble rounded ocean waves are stacked atop one another at the very bottom of the strap, near the row of notches.

The watch's dial, meanwhile, features a geometric grid of lines that adds a dose of modernity to the piece, balancing the traditional dragon symbolism and the Chinoiserie-worthy blue-on-white color scheme .

Even if you weren't born in the year of dragon, you should still scoop one up — after all, dragons are believed to bring good fortune in China and they've long been affiliated with imperial power. 

 

 

Shimmering New Year's Eve Fashions To Shimmy Stylishly Into 2012

Mirrored balls dropping at the stroke of midnight. Firework displays synchronized to classic symphonies. Fistfuls of glitter and confetti dancing in the air. Bubbles rising in freshly poured champagne flutes. Metallic party horns with tinsel-like fringe touting the promise of a brand new year.

Yes, gals, New Year's Eve is all about shimmer and shine, and your outfit should reflect this thematic thread— which, of course, means plenty of sequins, paillette panels, glitter embellishments, metallic beads, and embroidered colored crystals and stones.

Here, we've amassed some of our top picks for pulling off a festive New Year's Eve look.

Dannijo Esme Earrings, $295. Available at Dannijo.com

Like chrysanthemum firework formations, these clip-on earrings feature prong-set, elliptical shaped Swarovski crystals with pointed tips and diamond-shaped facets along their top surface. Round colored crystals adorn the center, while a brass metal plate surrounds this nucleus.

 

Robert Rodriguez Silk Sequin Panel Dress, $1126. Available at FarFetch.com

This simple beige dress features a toga-like braided rope belt at the waist and a dazzling rectangular panel made of tiny gold sequins along the front of the short-sleeved frock. 

 

French Connection Friday Clutch, $118. Available at Nordstrom.com

There's an Art Deco quality to this envelope-shaped clutch thanks to the gradient black, charcoal, gray, and pale silver sequins used to adorn the inside of the petal-like shapes which, together, form a floral design reminiscent of tropical water lilies. Each rounded petal shape is outlined by two rows of black beads and the black cotton backdrop features scattered black beads. The clutch itself measures 10" in width, 5" in height, an 3" in depth, making it roomy enough to carry all your New Year's Eve must-haves.

 

 

Pelle Moda Favilla Evening Sandal, $195. Available at JildorShoes.com

This pewter-colored leather sandal gives you quite the height boost thanks to the 4 3/4" heel and 1" platform, but it makes an even taller style statement thanks to straps embellished with seed beads, round faceted rhinestones, tube beads, and more. Though its design is fairly standard, the diagonal slant of the center strap and the way it seems to caress the top of the foot, makes this piece feel sexy and timeless.

 

 

 

Fiona Paxton Sequin Collar Necklace, $178.16. Available at US.ASOS.com

Worthy of a Roman goddess, this Fiona Paxton necklace rests right at the base of the neck, creating a collar-like effect. Four rows of golden beads discs are layered atop one another and trimmed with a double strand of round black beads along the inner edge, while a square clasp fastener keeps the piece perfectly positioned.

 

Citizen Eco-Drive Silhouette Crystal Bangle Watch -- A Time To Shine

With the global warming scenarios presented in An Inconvenient Truth becoming less of a theoretical discussion and more of a survival of the species affair, we all need to make a conscious effort to liberate ourselves from an battery-reliant existence. After all, the batteries needed to power everything from wristwatches to alarm clocks, remote controls, digital cameras, stereos, computers, recorders, cell phones, and electric razors all involve an environmentally hazardous manufacturing process — mainly, the manipulation of toxic substances like cadmium, cobalt, and lead. Rechargeable batteries represent a change in the right direction, but they can hardly be considered green — after all, once they end up in landfills, they can crack and leak toxins that pollute the soil in which they're buried, the surrounding air, and even nearby water sources. A truly environmental approach, then, involves the complete eradication of batteries and the search for alternate sources of power — chiefly, solar and wind power.

Luxury watch brand Citizen has been at the forefront of this eco-conscious effort thanks to its Eco-Drive collection, which consists of quartz watches that rely on solar conversion panels and energy cells that harness this converted light energy to properly function. These energy cells don't have a life span so that, technically speaking, you may never have to worry about replacing a battery again (score!). 

The latest addition to the Citizen Eco-Drive collection is the Silhouette Crystal Bangle ($200; visit CitizenWatch.com to locate a retailer), a slip-on watch with black dial, a round case measuring 21mm in diameter, and Swarovski crystals encrusted into the bezel. Not only is the water resistant timepiece a greener alternative to standard watches, but it's notably sleeker thanks to a streamlined design that's dainty without feeling too precious or princess-like. Along the top and bottom of the dial, you'll find a glistening, high polish, lengthy, rectangular link with a cut-out shape at its center. The other watch links are smaller in size, square with off-center bars connecting them together.

I've rarely found a woman's watch I was compelled to wear regularly, finding them either too cumbersome and bulky or too precious, with pink metallic details and pearl dials that made me positively nauseate. The Citizen Eco-Drive Silhouette Crystal Bangle, however, is small enough in size to feel feminine, but it still has enough of an industrial edge to maintain its cool factor. 

Does that make me an environmental law-abiding citizen? I like the sound of that!

Workin' It With New WKSHP Tees

 

 

 

 

 

Rather than focusing on traditional T-shirt silhouettes (V-neck or crewneck, for example) with formulaic prints along the bodice, Los Angeles-based brand WKSHP seeks to reinvent the way the woman's tee is perceived so that, rather than a layering staple you conceal underneath sweatshirts and jackets, it's transformed into the center piece of an ensemble, the very piece you want to show off. Co-founder Christina Carter, then, stresses the importance of nontraditional cuts that feel fluid and convey a sense of movement and ease — cropped hoodies feature swooping backs with tail-like hemlines; boxy tees feature exaggerated necklines that allow you to wear them off the shoulder, at a slight angle; sleeveless tanks feature sporty racerbacks and swing style hemlines; and asymmetrical silhouettes abound on short-sleeved tees and sleeveless tanks. Cozy, lightweight fabrics are also prioritized so that pieces seem to graze the skin, rather than feeling stiff or cumbersome. And, of course, modern graphics that reference everything from tribal artifacts like dreamcatchers and woven textiles to Art Deco-inspired mosaic prints, designs mirroring cosmic phenomena, and marbled, geometric, or color-blocked patterns with a Bohemian twist. Fusing urban, Bohemian, and surfer aesthetics, WKSHP pieces  function as conversation starters, anchoring any outfit.

For Fall/Winter 2011, WKSHP released such edgy, versatile pieces as the Art Deco Lace Top ($52 at ShopExcessBaggage.com), pictured at top, a semi-sheer, periwinkle blue top with neon cyan dots positioned in vertical rows, diamond shapes, and arrow formations that repeat constantly to create the illusion of a woven overlay. The extra soft tee, made of rayon, features a cropped cut to reveal just a hint of flesh along the waistline, a slouchy neckline that extends to the collarbones, and a rounded hemline with longer sides.

Those who prefer a warmer autumn color pattern will appreciate the Antique Delight Top ($52 at BoutiqueToYou.com), pictured second from top, which boasts a boxy shape with tux tailed hems at the side, wide sleeves, and a blueprint-like outline with mustard yellow and brick red box shapes adding some pop to the design. When paired with a maxi skirt and some booties, the Antique Delight Top feels like a modern treasure.

One of our favorite designs is the Queen Elizabeth tee ($54), pictured third from top, a boxy cropped tee that also features an uneven hem line and is adorned with a gradient lavender, purple, and lilac pattern  along the sides of the bodice and all over the wide sleeves. Along the sides of the tee, you'll find mirror images of arched shapes that, at first glance, resemble floral petals or headdress shapes but, upon further inspection, conjure up images of the reticella lace shapes used to craft the ruffs of regal figures such as Queen Elizabeth I. Facing in opposite directions, the shapes are joined at the center by  a square shape formed with interlocking circles. Vines, meanwhile, undulate from the sides of these shapes, culminating in rosebuds.

Though most of the pieces in the collection consist of short-sleeved or sleeveless tops, a few sweatshirts were thrown into the mix — among them the WKSHP Thundercloud Hoodie ($69 at SaltAndSeaweed.com) pictured last above. Made of 96% rayon and 4% spandex, this lightweight sweatshirt features a slouchy hood with drawstring tabs, banded sleeves, and an asymmetrical cut that's longer along the back and the front. A beige-tinge gray color, the hoodie features bright red triangle shapes arranged to create a larger, tribal-flavored pattern that's whimsical and chic.

Look for WKSHP tees at Planet Blue, Free People, Wasteland, Fred Segal, ModCloth.com, Singer22.com,  and BoutiqueToYou.com.

Holiday Shopping From A To Z -- Arriving At X, Y, Z

Over the past few weeks, we've escorted you through an alphabet-themed safari of holiday gift ideas in which each letter corresponded to a theme, pattern, style or art movement, color, aesthetic, or trend.

We began with the ABCs, guiding you through a coded world in which A stood for Art Deco, B for Blossoms, and C for Color Blocking. We picked up momentum with the next installment, in which we focused on letters D through F, with D standing for Dainty, E for Egyptian, and F for Fur-trimmed. Next, we sped along to the G through I round-up, in which G stood for Green, H for Haute Hippie, and I for Ikat. A glamorous excursion followed as we embarked on the J through L piece, in which J stood for Jewel-Toned, K for Kabuki, and L for Leather and Lace. Things took a modern turn in the M through Q installment, in which M alluded to Metallics, N referenced Neons, O corresponded to Op Art, P stood for Polka Dots, and Q alluded to Quirky. A sea of scarlet followed by pops of black-and-white ensued in the R, S, and T round-up, in which R stood for Red, S for Stocking Stuffer, and T for Tuxedo. Most recently, we started winding down the tour with a parade through the streets of U, V, and W, in which U stood for Urban, V for Velvety, and W for Western.

Today, our alphabet adventure comes to an exciting end with the final three letters: X, Y, and Z. What do they stand for? Read on!

 

X IS FOR XOXO

 

Finn Jewelry Carved Ox Blood Heart and Arrow Studs, $795. Available at Finnjewelry.com.

Robb Bass said it takes two to make a thing go right, but no one has ever claimed that the two people or items in question have to be identical. The opposites attract theorem is one of the guiding principles behind this whimsical pair of stud earrings by designers Soraya Silchenstedt and Candice Pool, the duo behind 6-year-old fine jewelry brand Finn Jewelry. 

Buxom More To Love Gift Set, $42. Available at Sephora.com 

There may be a shortage of mistletoe this year, but that doesn't mean there won't be plenty of smooching going on this season. To make your pout look all the more enticing, create smoldering bedroom eyes, and extend those lashes for an added coquettish factor, gals need to look no further than the Buxom More To Love set, which includes: a Big & Healthy Lip Polish in Clair, a reddish mauve saturated with ultra-fine gold glimmer; a Big & Healthy Lip Tarnish pencil in Scandal, a glaze-like plum-meets-mauve color; a jar of Stay-There Eyeshadow in Collie, a sparkling champagne nude; an Insider Eyeliner in Onyx, a stark black; and a Buxom Lash Mascara in Blackest Black for statement-making lashes. 

Lisa Pearl Black and White Striped Pillow with Bright Red Lips, $190. Available at RonRobinson.com

The faded black-and-white stripes atop this pillow conjure up memories of rockabilly style, while the plump red lips graphic atop these adds a decidedly Pop Art feel to the decorative piece.  

Doe Feather Heart Tee, $24.50. Available at Delias.com

We've seen a billion heart designs over the years, but this one is among the smartest, freshest renditions of the classic shape. We love the watercolor-esque quality of the colored feathers creating the heart graphic and how they add a Bohemian charm to the tee.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Kisses On My List Lip Gloss Set, $30. Available at Sephora.com

Formulated with Anastasia's Balkan Botanical Infusion, these lip glosses rely on conditioning sunflower seed oil, vitamin E-rich jojoba oil, firming brown algae, and soothing camellia extract to moisturize, soften, and smooth lips, allowing for any gloss color to go on smoothly, without feathering, smudging, or dehydrating lips to ultimately create a cracked and flaky pout.

This holiday gift set contains six Hydrafull Gloss shades: Barely, a beige-tinged peach cobbler color; Nectar, a pale seashell pink with tonal shimmer; Lychee, a sheer, near-clear pink with golden shimmer; Sugar, a mid-tone honeysuckle pink; Guava, a coral pink nude with opalescent shimmer; and Cameo, a sheer pearl color with silver shimmer that's strikingly similar to the Lychee shade but lacks the subtle pink undertones. Each gloss features a clear, rubbery applicator top that feels surprisingly soft against lips and that won't run the risk of fraying like a brush tip would.

Check out swatches of all the shades here!

 

Knock Knock Sweet Nothing Sticky Pad, $3.75. Available at KnockKnock.biz

Don;t just whisper sweet nothings into your beloved's ear. Put those thoughts on paper with these sticky 3" x 3" sticky notes from Knock Knock, which feature dotted lines for you to write your original thoughts, along with boxes you can check such as "I'm Proud Of You," "Go Get 'Em," and "Just Breathe." Each sticky pad features 100 sheets, so you'll have plenty of reassuring memos to offer your honey.

 

 

Ban.do Heart Clips, $15 each. Available at Shopbando.com

Put a little love in someone else's heart with these sequin-covered, heart-shaped metal clips, which feature a dual hair clip and brooch closure along the back so that they can be pinned onto clothing, scarves, shoes, and handbags or worn as hair accents.

 

 

Rebell Yell Te Amo Rocker Tee, $69. Available at ShoptheTrendBoutique.com

Give someone your corazón with the Rebel Yell "Te Amo" tee, a 100% cotton, short-sleeved, slouchy top with two rows of large black block letters and two red hearts framing the "Te" word to bring the amorous message home.   

 

Rachel Rachel Roy Heart Key Doorknocker Earrings, $38. Available at RachelRoy.com

 These funky heart-shaped earrings measure 2 1/2" at their widest point, with a skeleton key extending from one half of the heart shape to the other, its surface divided into mosaic-like square slots filled with red enamel.

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

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

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

 

U IS FOR URBAN

 

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

R IS FOR RED

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

M IS FOR METALLICS

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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