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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). 

 

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. 

Rebecca Minkoff Launches Her Own Baby-G Watch Design

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

J IS FOR JEWEL TONES

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

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

 

Ice On My Wrist -- Swatch Presents Limited-Edition Lucky Snow Watch

 

 

Even if you live on the Equator, you can still enjoy a White Christmas courtesy of Swatch. The Swiss watch brand has just unveiled a limited-edition timepiece with a snow globe positioned over the dial. Part conversation piece, part wearable art, and part quirky fashion statement, the Swatch Lucky Snow Watch ($100 at Store.Swatch.com) takes the snowy wonderland motif to the Eastern hemisphere — more, specifically, to Shanghai.

The Swatch Lucky Snow watch, then, celebrates China's most heavily populated city, with visual references to both ancient and modern times. The packaging focuses on the city's current status as a booming financial center, fashion hub, and technology hot spot, with a detailed rendition of the Pudong skyline, with skyscrapers lining the banks of the Huangpu River and fireworks exploding in the sky as if celebrating Chinese New Year. The watch itself, however, pays homage to Shanghai's history with a deep burgundy red strap and, inside the snow globe, a tiny pagoda much like the Longhua Pagoda. 

Realists may be scratching their heads wondering how precisely one might read the time  through a snow-filled dome, but rest assured: the decorative snow globe snaps onto the watch case over the dial and can just as easily be removed when time is of the essence.

Available in a limited edition of 7,777 pieces, each individually numbered, the Swatch Lucky Snow Watch is meant to bring good fortune (hence the choice of red for the strap, a color typically associated with good fortune in Chinese culture) and, of course, lots of joy.

 

It's A Wonderful Life With The Elva Fields For C Wonder Jewelry Collection

 

 

Our favorite Kentucky-based jewelry designer, Emily Maynard, whose Elva Fields line incorporates vintage beads, pendants, brooches, crystals, and natural stones, has joined forces with New York City-based boutique C. Wonder, creating a line of limited-edition pieces exclusively for the quirky retailer, which is known for being a veritable treasure trove of rare, sparkly, and colorful buys. 

The Elva Fields for C. Wonder collection, available at the C. Wonder flagship store (72 Spring Street at Crosby Street), features pieces ranging in price from $18 to $298. Though the entire collection isn't available online yet, we did spot the  Resin Hammered Bangles ($48 each at CWonder.com), pictured second from top, at the store's newly launched e-commerce site. Made of glossy resin with hinged, hammered gold circle closures, these stackable bracelets are available in ivory, coral, black, green and navy and were designed exclusively for C. Wonder.

Also adorable and inexpensive: the bug stud earrings shown third from top, which combine a round coral orange bead (used to resemble the insect's head) and a faceted, teardrop-shaped smoky blue stone (used for the body) and feature etched, gold-plated wing details, antennae, and legs. Retailing for $38, these insect earrings are anything but pests.

And, of course, those who fancy Maynard's statement necklaces will swoon over such pieces as the black-and-white beaded necklace pictured above (retailing for $148), which features an antique floral brooch for added flair. We love how the use of chunky Life Savers-shaped beads makes the necklace feel like a posh version of the candy necklaces so many of us wore as precocios children, while the black-and-white pattern creates a harlequin effect and the floral accent adds a dynamic vibe thanks to its starburst-like shape.

For more information on this collection, visit CWonder.com or call 212.219.3500. 

 

 

 

 

Hayden-Harnett Celina Signature Cuffs -- Rugged And Rad

Brooklyn-based handbag, footwear, apparel and accessories brand Hayden-Harnett knows that the right accents can turn up the volume of an entire outfit, remix it to a different beat, or chop and screw the track to yield an entirely different effect. Depending on the styling scenario into which it's integrated, the new Hayden-Harnett Celina Signature Cuff ($78 at HaydenHarnett.com) can add a classic touch (as with a preppy look consisting of slim-fitting trousers and a crisp white blouse), infuse a bit of ruggedness (as when paired with a floral print sundress or a cami and skirt combo), or even create an in-your-face, tough-as-nails effect by stacking various cuffs together on the arm.

The sturdy leather cuff features a slightly slimmer leather strip with each end threaded through a 9k gold-plated "HH" logo plate with rectangular cut-outs along the interior creating the desired effect. The other side of each "HH" plate, meanwhile, is attached to the main cuff via a single rivet etched with the Hayden-Harnett logo. In addition to this leather tab, the Celina cuff features an adjustable buckle.

Though it adjusts to fit wrist sizes ranging from 5 1/2" in diameter to 7 1/2", the cuff initially feels a bit snug, then expands with use for a looser, more comfortable fit.

Striking a hard balance between rugged and sleek, sophisticated and coarse, masculine and feminine, the Celina Signature Cuff comes in colors ranging from Navy (the maritime blue pictured at top) to Maize (the mustard yellow hue shown second from top), Rose (the mauve-ish pink shown third from top), Nude (the warm caramel nude shown last above), Denim (a periwinkle blue), Tan (a taupe-ish light brown), Tango Red (a blue-toned red reminiscent of flamenco dancer ensembles), Cognac (a deep brown with golden undertones), Grey (a slate shade).

We love how these cuffs look when they're worn in multiples and stacked atop one another, especially when you're creative with the color combinations.

Holiday Shopping From A To Z -- Moseying Along to G, H, and I

The ABCs of our A To Z Holiday Gift Guide took us through a miscellany of Art Deco, Blossom-themed, and Color-Blocked goods, while the D, E, and F installment allowed us to immerse ourselves in Dainty knickknacks, Egyptian-themed fare, and Fur-Trimmed fashions.

This week, we're moving right along to the G, H, and I categories in our alphabet-themed gift guide, with G encompassing Green (or Eco-Friendly) goodies, H focusing on Haute Hippie fare, and I exploring a bevy of Ikat print gift options. Let's get it started!

G IS FOR GREEN

 

Liz Earle Pampering Hand Treat, $37.95. Available at US.LizEarle.com 

We all know frosty winter weather takes its toll on our skin, but have you ever noticed that your hands tend to be the first parts of your body to dry and crack? Aside from wearing gloves to protect them from the elements, go the extra mile by treating your mitts to a three-step moisturizing regimen consisting of all-natural products filled with hydrating and softening plant extracts.

The first step in the Liz Earle-prescribed hand treatment involves washing hands with the Orange Flower Hand Wash, an indulgent cleanser that foams deliciously thanks to corn- and coconut-derived agents; invigorates the senses thanks to the sweet orange oil, rose-scented geranium, and lavandin ingredients, which dominate the cleanser's scent profile; protects the skin with antioxidant-rich vitamin E; and softens the skin with a combination of panthenol and betaine, a natural emollient and humectant derived from sugar molasses. After rinsing and drying hands, follow by applying the Hand Repair, a potent but non-greasy cream that softens cuticles, tones the skin, and protects it from free radicals thanks to a combination of echinacea, hops, and beta-carotene. For a power punch, finish off the routine with the Superbalm, a multi-purpose salve that hydrates skin (be it lips, elbows, hands, heels, elbows, cuticles, or knees) with softening shea butter, moisture-locking rosehip oil, restorative neroli oil, and vitamin E. The Superbalm is rather rich so you need only use a dab of the salve, rubbing it in between your palms to warm it up and thin out its consistency, then massaging all over hands and cuticles.

Anybody who relies on the Liz Earle Pampering Hand Treat will not only be a perfect ten — she'll have ten perfect digits!

 

 

 

Gustav Reyes Organic Coil Bracelet, $160. Available at GustavReyes.com

Through his streamlined, sculptural, minimalist wood jewelry, Gustav Reyes is creating a visual thread that anchors humans to their surroundings, reminding them of their responsibility to the environment (not to mention the immense beauty therein). His limited-edition collection of bracelets includes the Organic Coil Bracelet pictured above, which spirals around the wrist like the coils of a Slinky. Made of FSC-certified wood recycled from found objects, each bracelet was crafted using an eco-conscious cold bend process, then finished with a coat of all-natural beeswax.

 

Bobble Water Bottles, $9.99. Available at ContainerStore.com and Target.com

When we first saw these, we mistakenly assumed they were merely overpriced, design-driven water bottles that placed style over substance, appealing mainly to the Brooklyn and lower Manhattan hipster types whose quirky and impractical purchases wind up on the pages of New York magazine. Luckily, we mae sure to research these further and found out that, not only were they useful purchases, they had revolutionary features.

Designed by Karim Rashid for Move Collective, the bobble is a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter that reduces such contaminants as chlorine, copper, lead, mercury and cadmium. To use, you simply fill your bobble with tap water and squeeze the center of the hourglass-shaped bottle, allowing the water to course toward the filter anchored at the bottle's neck and come out of the spout distilled. The bottle itself is free of PVC, phtalates and BPA, and its sleek design is only a bonus, as it perfectly performs its primary function, making regular tap water go down as smooth as expensive bottled water.

At just $9.99, it's the gift that keeps on giving — just think of the money that the recipient will save (bottled water adds up!) and the service you'll do to our environment by eliminating all that excess plastic from circulation. 

Matt & Nat for Apple Ritual Laptop Bag, $180. Available at MattandNat.com

Vegan leather is earning more caché thanks to brands like Matt & Nat which, for nearly 15 years, has been specializing in sleek handbags and accessories fabricated using no animal products. In 2011, the brand collaborated with tech giant Apple on a line of laptop bags, iPod cases, iPad covers, and iPhone pouches.

The Ritual Laptop Bag was designed to accommodate the 13" Apple Macbook and was fabricated using red vegan leather and a 100% recycled gray faux suede lining with built-in padding to protect your precious computer. The stylish bag features a triangle-shaped top flap with a zippered closure, a second zippered exterior pocket, two interior compartments, and unobtrusive pockets specifically designed for the iPod, iPhone and iPod Shuffle.

 

 

Ojon Hair Repair Stars Kit, $84. Available at Ojon.com

Give your best friends the ultimate gift: CPR for their damaged tresses, so they can start the New Year with healthy, frizz-free, voluminous manes. The Ojon Damage Reverse line performs miracles, with a shampoo, conditioner, smoothing glaze, treatment mask, and serum that marry Ojon's trademark Ojon oil with such potent ingredients as buriti nut oil, a Brazilian nut extract that contains Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 fatty acids, as well as Vitamin A; Murumuru butter, which contains oleic and linoleic acid, both of which function as natural emollients, and lauric acid, hailed for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft and prevent the protein loss that can lead to breakage; and moisturizing orange oil, palm kernel oil, bergamot oil, and mango seed butter.

This introductory kit includes: a 100ml jar of the Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment Plus, a nutty hair mask that's applied to dry hair and rinsed off about a half hour for an instant moisture recharge; a 125ml tube of the Restorative Smoothing Glaze, a styling aid that moisturizes hair while keeping frizz at bay and adding control to any 'do; a 50ml bottle of the Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum, a golden elixir containing Rouge Olifeira Oil, which penetrates the hair shaft an prevents future breakage, boosts shine, and prevents fly-aways; a 30ml tube of the Damage Reverse Restorative Shampoo; and a 30ml tube of the Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner. 

 

 

Shwood x Pendleton Canby Sunglasses, $210. Available at ShwoodShop.com

Eco-conscious sunglasses? Believe it! Shwood specializes in top-notch, handcrafted shades made of homegrown wood. Recently, the brand collaborated with textile brand Pendleton on these Wayfarer-esque sunglasses which feature frames made out of Oregon-grown Cherry wood and embellished with laser-cut designs along the arms, lenses that offer full-spectrum protection, and stainless steel spring-loaded hinges. The shades come with a protective wool pouch bearing a Native American-influenced pattern and manufactured in Pendleton's Oregon mill.

 

Votre Vu "Snap Dew It!" SnapDragon Beauty Beverage & Creme Gift Set, $39. Available at VotreVu.com

With this fabulous gift set from Votre Vu, you'll be preserving your skin's health from both the inside and the outside. The set includes a bottle of the SnapDragon Beauty Beverage, an all-natural drink that incorporates antioxidant-rich fruits like mango, pomegranate, and açai berry; along with detoxifying green, white, and red teas; seven daily vitamins; collagen; aloe vera; and gingko biloba. It tastes way better than a V8 and will make you both feel and look healthier, younger, and more beautiful.

To quench your skin's thirst, meanwhile, Votre Vu paired this magical elixir with a jar of its brand new SnapDragon Body Drench, an anti-aging cream with a 95% concentration of all-natural ingredients — among them: açai berry, which is richer in antioxidants than such revered fruits as blueberries and cranberries, protecting the skin from free radical damage and promoting cellular turnover for younger-looking skin; coconut oil, which is rich in fatty acids that hydrate and soften the skin; and grape seed oil, which restores elasticity to the skin, stimulates cellular regeneration, and protects the skin from oxidative stress.

 

 

 

 

Korres Wild Rose Lip Butter Glaze, $14. Available at Sephora.com

Korres' Wild Rose skin care line caters to women who want to both moisturize their skin and brighten their complexions, evening out skin tone and minimizing any dark spots, but their Wild Rose lip products focus more intently on capturing the gorgeous rouge shade of the rose blossom. The Wild Rose Lip Butter Glaze moisturizes lips with organic sugar cane extract and antioxidant-rich pomegranate extract, while organic beeswax and sunflower seed wax give the lip color a creamy, non-sticky consistency. The shade is deep red, but it's deliciously sheer and boasts a nice mirrored finish.