SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Karl Lagerfeld Designs Label for Limited-Edition Grand Cru Classé Bottle from Chanel Winery Château Rauzan-Ségla

 

  

 

Forget "The Bachelor" Ben Flajnik's wimpy winery in Sonoma! The best vinos hail from France — whether it's the Burgundy, Rhône, Alsace, Bordeaux, Champagne or Languedoc regions. The land that cradled couture icon Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel has also produced some of the most robust, flavorful, juicy grapes — which, in turn, have revolutionized the cuisine arena and pleased gourmands the world over. As someone with an appreciation for the finest things in life, then, Coco Chanel would have been pleased to know that, as part of her legacy, the Chanel corporation purchases its own vineyard in the late 20th century: the Château Rauzan-Ségla. 

The 130-acre vineyard, located in the Margaux section of Bordeaux, was part of an expansive estate owned by Pierre de Mesures de Rauzan since 1662. In 1994, Chanel acquired the celebrated vineyard, best known for its Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots, and helped to elevate every single element of these wines' constitutions — from its inviting bouquet to its full-bodied structure, velvety texture, comforting warmth, and delightful finish.

To celebrate its 350th anniversary, Château Rauzan-Ségla is poised to unveil a new 2009 vintage edition of its Grand Cru Classé. Hitting fine wine retailers in March, the Grand Cru Classé comes in a collectible bottle bearing a label illustrated by Karl Lagerfeld, longtime creative director of the Chanel fashion house. To celebrate these landmarks, Lagerfeld offered his own rendition of the château itself which, with the help of New York-based architect Peter Marino was restored to its former glory, also paying special attention to the well-manicured grounds and the palatial courtyard, detailing everything from the tiled rooftop to the arched walkway, and the landscaping arrangement, with its potted shrubs, lavender flower beds, and the white frangipani blossoms positioned in between the façade's windows.

 The Château Rauzan-Ségla Grand Cru Classé will retail for $129 and is available for pre-order right now!   

 

 

Halloween-Themed Goodies Worth Howling About

Whether you're turning your home into a haunted space like Modern Family's Claire and Phil Dunphy; impersonating Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, or Snooki with your costume choice; creating an Elvira-worthy hairdo and a theatrical, hedonistic eye makeup look before hitting the club scene; or just dressing in your everyday clothes but infusing a hint of spooky fun via playfully eerie accessories, these spooktacular Halloween buys that will scare you straight!

 

Amrita Singh Skull Hoop Earrings, $100. Available at AmritaSingh.com

Tell-tale signs that it's Halloween: Tales from the Crypt-ish skulls covering the exterior of large hoop earrings. These metal-plated brass hoop earrings, measuring 2.25" in diameter, fuse together goth and glam aesthetics thanks to the dark theme and the clear and black crystals encrusted within the skull shapes. 

 

 

Lulu Guinness Bloomsbury Spiderweb Umbrella, $65. Available at LuluGuinness.com

If your local forecast calls for rain, don't let your high spirits be watered down. Simply break out this Lulu Guinness umbrella, which spans 1020mm when open, and show the world that the Itsy Bitsy Spider is so resilient that this creepy crawler can never be washed out. 

 

 

Target Skull Dinner Plates, $11.99 for Set of 6; Spider Web Cereal Bowls, $11.99 for Set of 6; Wine Goblets, $17.99 for Set of 6; and Spider Web 2-Tier Tray, $19.99. Available at Target.com

Hosting a dinner party? Sprucing up your home for those eager trick-or-treaters? Then set your table with these gothic plates, cups, and bowls. The melamine Skull Dinner Plates measure 11" in diameter and feature a textured, static-y finish, while the plastic wine goblets feature baroque domed details that recall the décor at a murder mystery dinner theater. If you're baking cupcakes, muffins, or any other pastries, display them on the two-tiered, black metal, spiderweb-shaped stand.

 

Case-Mate Frank, Monsta, and Tut iPhone 4 Cases, $24.99 each. Available at Case-Mate.com

All three of these iPhone 4 cases are constructed out of flexible silicone and feature cut-outs for easy access to the phone's control buttons and the camera lens. Choose between the Frankenstein-inspired Frank case, the sanguine Monsta case (which features raised accents for an easier grip), and the fang-tastic Tut case, with its angular slices and blotchy, inky splashes of color.

Bing Bang NYC Bat Studs, $38, and Wolf Mini Studs, $30. Available at BingBangNYC.com

Don't want Halloween to turn into too expensive and time-consuming a production? Then just add a hint of flavor to your ensemble with these Bing Bang earrings which correspond to the theme but can be worn all year long. The silver-plated, brass bat studs are only 1" wide, but they feature a bevy of details — fro etchings along the webbed bat wings to grooves along his body that resemble mussy hair. The sterling silver Wolf Mini Studs, plated in yellow gold, are even smaller, measuring 1/4" in size, but they pack quite the hair-raising howl. 

 

HBO Tru Blood Beverage, $16 for 6-Pack. Available at Store.HBO.com

Unlike Bill Compton's synthetic blood cocktail of choice, these carbonated beverages don't need to be categorized as B-positive, A-negative, or O-positive. Universally appealing, the Tru Blood beverage available at the HBO Store will appeal to those with a vampire fascination but no bloodthirsty tendencies of their very own. Each drink tastes a bit like orange soda but the carbonation is way more subtle here. Plus, when mixed with rum, it tastes like a spiked punch — perfect for a Halloween bash! 

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

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

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

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

 

Meet Drop Dead Diva's Brooke Elliott at Avenue

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

 

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

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

 

 

Enjoy a performance by Estelle at DVF

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

 

Check out the new Kenny Scharf for Jack Rogers collection

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

 

Stop by the Joe's pop-up store

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

 

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

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

 

Shop for Paige Novick jewelry and benefit the NYC AIDS Fund

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

Get a skincare consultation from Tata Harper at Space NK

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

 

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

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

 

Amazing Americana Sweetheart -- Get Into The Fourth of July Spirit!

To paraphrase Katy Parry, make like a firework and let your colors burst this Fourth of July weekend with festive apparel, footwear, jewelry, home accents and entertaining details that show more patriotic pride than Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA album cover. With these picks, you'll shine brighter than the stars on the flag!

 

Jeffrey Campbell Lita in Stars and Stripes, $154.95. Available at Solestruck.com

Tip your hat (or rather, tap your feet) in honor of Betsy Ross with the new Stars and Stripes pattern of Jeffrey Campbell's groovy Lita shoe. An ankle-high bootie, the Lita features a chunky 5" wooden heel; a 2" built-in platform; an exaggerated, '70s-esque squared toe; and corset-like lacing across the top of the tongue. 

 

SOBRAL Naturals Diamentes Necklace, $100. Available at SOBRALusa.com

Be the most dashing Lady in Red with this chunky necklace from SOBRAL, which features faceted, pebble-like resin stones in a tomato sauce red. 

 

Wildfox Couture America Crew Tee, $77. Available at WildfoxCouture.com

What says Fourth of July better than a white tee featuring an image of our nation's flag? And, thanks to the laid-back attitude, slightly faded fabric, and loose, drape-y cut of this Wildfox tee, you'll look and feel like you belong in Lenny Kravitz's "American Woman" video when you rock it. 

 

 

Rebecca Minkoff Endless Love Tote, $250. Available at Endless.com

Though best known for her widely coveted Morning After Bag and The BF silhouettes, both available in a plethora of leather colors, handbag designer Rebecca Minkoff knows just when to scale back the glam rock-ish studs, zippers, and buckles and, instead, get into a relaxed, hammock-time spirit, creating island-flavored straw pieces perfect for the surf babies but structured enough for city gals. The Endless Love tote, pictured above, accomplishes this feat with its wide natural straw and red straw stripes, its brown leather zip pocket, and its brown piping and shoulder handles.

Stripe & Crab 12-pc. Melamine Dinnerware Set in Red/Blue, $15.99. Available at Target.com

Hitting the beach house this weekend? Planning to host a cookout? Or is there a picnic on the agenda? Whatever your plans, consider investing in some kitschy melamine dishes to serve all the grilled burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, barbecued ribs, potato salad, and macaroni and cheese you whipped up. This twelve-piece set includes four dinner plates (measuring 10.5" in diameter), four cereal bowls (measuring 6" in diameter), and four salad plates (measuring 8.5" in diameter). The salad plates and cereal bowls feature red, white, and blue stripes, while the dinner plates feature a blue crab juxtaposed against the red and white striped backdrop.

 

Beyond Rings "Stars" 2-Finger Ring, $42. Available at Endless.com

In the spirit of the Pledge of Allegiance's "one nation undivided" segment, bring two of your fingers together in harmony with this two-finger piece from Beyond Rings, which features three raised silver star accents that create a 3D effect against the golden backdrop. 

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

Holiday Gift Guide Part 10 -- For The Girl Staging Gwen Stefani's "Sweet Escape"

From her pink-haired, mid-riff baring days as the lead singer of No Doubt to the early days of her solo career, when she dyed her hair platinum blond and donned low-rise houndstooth print pants, Rasta-colored wristbands and knit caps, and printed hooded sweatshirts, to her current more glamorous look, which involved oversize shades, tons of plaid and chevron prints, bold platform heels and boots, and camo print details, Gwen Stefani has more than earned her spot among the most influential style icons of our day.

In the tenth installment of our holiday gift guide, then, we're giving beaucoup props to the red-lipped rocker by suggesting some gift ideas that would make Stefani herself "wind it up."

 

MAC A Tartan Tale "The 5 Sassy Pink Ladies" Kit, $29.50; and MAC A Tartan Tale "A Lady & Her Tricks" Brush Kit, $49.50. Available at  MACcosmetics.com

Tartan prints have always been a staple in Stefani's wardrobe — whether she was rocking a prep school-worthy cropped jacket on stage during in her Hollaback Girl tour or wearing a red Jean Paul Gaultier coat while out in London with her son Kingston. The packaging of the products in the MAC Cosmetics Holiday 2010 collection, dubbed A Tartan Tale, would have her ready to adopt a Scottish accent. We love the 5 Sassy Pink Lassies Lipglass set, which includes five pink shades of gloss — Fab Fun, a sheer, ultra light pink saturated with microscopic glitter particles; Sassy Lassy, a perky fuchsia; Frozen Dream, a pale pink reminiscent of ballerina pointe shoes; Electro Lush, a sienna-meets-mauve pink with a glaze finish; and The Wee Coquette, a medium pink rose (click here for swatches of all five Lipglass shades)— all packed in a tartan print tin can with a MAC "coat of arms" along the center of the case. Another great choice: the A Lady & Her Trucks Buff & Line Brush collection, which includes the 168SE, 187SE, 209SE, 219SE and 252SE brushes which are designed to blend shadows, line eyes, and buff face and cheeks — all packed in compact bags with mashed-up tartan prints, a detachable shoulder strap, and black leather accents with silver-toned studs. Even if you're not carrying all your brushes, you'll want to take these bags out on the road.

 

UES "Barrow" Studded Slip-On Sneakers in Camo or Washed Black, $145 each. Available at NeimanMarcus.com

Stefani is a sucker for UES kicks -- in fact, she's been spotted in the brand's Chuck Buckle shoes several times during more casual days in London. Between the rows of conical studs along the leather eyelet strips to the punk-flavored uppers (particularly the camo print), these new UES Barrow slip-on kicks would make any Stefani style lover's knees buckle.

Kimberly Baker Eve Necklace, $350. Available at KimberlyBaker.com

Stefani's style is in a constant state of metamorphosis, yet the changes always seem natural, never trite or reactionary. The Ouroboros symbol of a serpent biting its tail, forming a perfect circle, would speak to Stefani's penchant for transformation since it has been interpreted as being indicative of cyclicality and never-ending recreation. In this necklace, however, designer Kimberly Baker takes the motif a step further by manipulating the shape of the serpent biting its tail, opting against the typical simple circle and instead opting for a 2 1/2" strip of slithering curves and coils. The hefty curb chain necklace, meanwhile, adds just the right amount of hip-hop bravado.

 

Craftsmanship Capelet, $118. Available at Anthropologie.com

This plaid coat would look great over a simple ribbed black or gray turtleneck, adding a coquettish effect with cropped, bell-shaped sleeves and flattering the figure with a sash belt.

 

Jee Vice "Dyslexic" shades in Brown Corduroy Bronze, $285. Available at Shop-Online.JeeVice.com

One of our favorite Jee Vice frames of all time, these Dyslexic shades speak to Gwen Stefani's edgy, in-your-face style, with their slightly curved, rectangular shape and thick fin-shaped arms. The brown and golden bronze colors of the stripes along the frames create the illusion of texture and depth, making them all the more worthy of some Stefani lovin'.

 

nOir Jewelry Bugle Bead Collard, $285. Available at NoirJewelry.com

To accessorize the safari-dipped, military-influenced, street-savvy designs in L.A.M.B.'s Spring/Summer 2011 runway show in NYC, Stefani turned to nOir Jewelry, choosing pieces like this Egyptian-inspired statement necklace, which features three rows of glass bugle beads in contrasting black and gold hues.

They Were All Yellow -- DKNY For Veuve Clicquot Rubber Boots

Did you always appreciate Paddington Bear's classic wintry style? After all, the red bucket felt hat with the upturned brim, the navy blue toggle coat with the brown leather details, and the bright yellow rain boots all scream rainy London chic. Which is why it seems like Donna Karan took a cue from the marmalade-loving , suitcase-toting bear when she designed the new DKNY for Veuve Clicquot Rubber Boots.

The rubber boots were made to commemorate Veuve Clicquot's 4th annual "Clicquot in the Snow" celebration, a winter-long initiative whereby the champagne brand offers tastings and specials at ski destinations and sponsors events like the Veuve Clicquot Tube-a-Thon, taking place in February 2011 in Vail, Colorado.

The boots are the same shade of traffic sign yellow as the new Veuve Clicquot Le Fridge holiday set, which features a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label inside a retro-flavored, portable refrigerator in which customers can chill their bottles of bubbly for up to two hours.

 

DKNY for Veuve Clicquot Rubber Boots, $98. Available at DKNY.DonnaKaran.com

KAWS x Dos Equis Beer Bottles -- A Stylin' Dose Of Cerveza

You know how, whenever you play tic-tac-toe, it seems like the X's always win? Well, it's almost like New York-bred graffiti artist and graphic designer KAWS had that very truism in mind when he developed his signature double X design, which he has repeatedly used instead of eyes when drawing characters or designing collectible figures like his KAWS Bearbrick toys (I've got his 2002 Series 1 Kubrick Bus Stop Set on display in the office, and I keep it looking like it just came out of the box). But back to then "X" point. Over the years KAWS has left his "X" mark on quite a few stops: working with sneaker store UNDEFEATED on a billboard project in 2004; collaborating with BAPE on a collection of sneakers, hoodies and tees in 2006; designing a pair of 2008 Nike 1World Air Force 1 Low kicks in black with a fluorescent green sole, yellow-trimmed black aces, and yellow X signs embroidered on the tongue; teaming up with Marc Jacobs in 2008 to produce a limited run of patent leather flats; and more.

His latest endeavor, however, has the most mind-altering effect — literally. In September, Mexican beer brand Dos Equis will launch a limited edition collection of Lager and Amber beer bottles designed by KAWS. Both the frosted brown and emerald green bottles feature tone-on-tone designs, with KAWS' cartoon-ish X marks outlined in a thin black shade covering the bottles' entire surface area. Two large red X "eyes" along the front and center of the bottles complete the simple, urban-flavored motif, with the brand name emblazoned in a matching red along the lower end of their façade.

Not only is the Kaws x Dos Equis collaboration visually stimulating, but it's a clever, cheeky play on the beer brand's name: Dos Equis literally means "two Xs" in Spanish. Orale!

 

Valentine's Day Gift Guide Part 3 -- Love Is All We Need

Don't say "down with love" this Valentine's Day -- flaunt that big heart of yours and make the day special and memorable for your significant other, as well as your closest friends and family. In uncertain times, there's nothing like the comfort and warmth of someone's love — and while there's a million ways to express that affection, sometimes it's nice to communicate the sentiment through a beautiful token.

Here, a few more ideas for you lovelies:

Kilian Collection Discovery Set, $140. Visit LuckyScent.com, as well as Bergdorf Goodman, select Saks Fifth Avenue stores, and Apothia.

Kilian Hennessy (yes, THAT Hennessy) has established a new budding family empire with his eponymous fragrance brand, which he launched in 2007. Kilian's intricately nuanced, elegant scents have earned him a dedicated following over the last three years and, now, those who aren't familiar with his work can be introduced to his fragrance catalog thanks to the new Kilian Collection Discovery Set. The boxed set features an atomizer pump and eight 0.25 oz. fragrances: Love, a marshmallow-inspired scent; Beyond Love, a romantic tuberose fragrance that ignites your passions; A Taste of Heaven, a feisty, absinthe verte fragrance; Liaisons Dangereuses, a floral oriental scent centered on Damascus Plum; Cruel Intentions, a mysterious, woody fragrance centered on the oud; and Back to Black, a gender-bending number with tons of sex appeal.

Tylie Malibu Runaway Stud Neon Pink Clutch. Visit NeimanMarcus.com

There's something almost innately funky and perky about a black and hot pink combination - it evokes a slightly punk-y girl power (which is probably why rock/pop stars like Avril Lavigne, Blondie, and Rihanna have all donned looks in this color scheme). Thanks to the six rows of black pyramid studs along the flap, this Tylie Malibu clutch has a playful, Gem-like quality.

Moet & Chandon Champagne Brut Rose Imperial, $50. Visit CrownWineAndSpirits.com

Toast in style with a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne Brut Rose Imperial, which features sour cherry and strawberry notes for a fruity but not overly sweet flavor.

Phyto Coveted Collection, $65. Visit Nordstrom.com

This gift set it like a shrine for all of us Phyto devotees, where we can sing the praises of the outstanding haircare brand as we indulge our tresses with some yummy products. The Coveted Collection set includes travel-sized samples of the following cult favorites: Phyto 7 Daily Hydrating Botanical Cream, a miracle product for us dry hair gals, since ingredients like rosemary leaf extract, sage leaf extract, pricot kernel oil, willow leaf extract, and calendula extract help to nourish, smooth, and soften your mane; Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm, which includes ferula, horseradish, sage and plant mucilage extracts to tame even the most persistent frizzies and leave your hair straight and sleek; Phytomist Instant Hydrating Conditioner, a moisturizer that packs a hefty punch; Phytovolume Actif Volumizing Spray, which will add lift and bounce to your tresses through its formulation of keratin amino acids; and Phytolisse Shine Serum, a lovely finishing product for when you're blowdrying and styling your hair. 

Servane Gaxotte Necklaces, $365 each. Available at Kisan Concept Store (125 Greene Street in NYC).

At first glance, these may look like fairy tale character-inspired figures you'd display in your home, but they're so much more than that — these dolls are actually way smaller than they appear in the photos above, and they're meant to be worn as necklaces. Crafted by Parisian jeweler Servane Gaxotte, these necklaces exude the exuberance and playfulness of childhood and the romanticism of the City of Lights. Plus, the doll necklaces are exquisitely outfitted, donning ballerina-esque tulle skirts and lace-up boots. The Kisan Concept Store in NYC has a nice selection of these extremely rare Servane Gaxotte pieces, so here's your chance to give someone a doll they won't ever have to part with!

De Vecchi Ere Cuoro Bowl, $248. Visit Yoox.com

This silver bowl centerpiece measures 5.5" in width, 5.1" in height, and 0.8" in depth. The most amazing aspect of the centerpiece is how it's sculpted to reflect light in an interesting and innovative manner.

Michael Kors Very Hollywood Luxury Set, $65. Visit Sephora.com

With its mandarin, gardenia and vetiver notes, Michael Kors' Very Hollywood fragrance channels the bountiful energy and vibrancy of a young Hollywood starlet. The gardenia notes add a hint of screen siren sexiness but, unlike other scents, this one feels way more youthful and coy. Plus, just in time for Valentine's Day, Michael Kors is debuting this Sephora exclusive, which includes a 1.7 oz. EDP and a 0.25 rollerball perfume with a cutesy rhinestone-studded MK charm.

Natobie Jewels RJB160, $295. Visit NatobieJewels.com

Coral is about to make a big splash this spring, and this ornate bracelet, with its interlocking gold circles and inset coral, red orange, and pink stone will keep you one step ahead of the rest.

 

Antoine + Manuel "Love Pink" Wall Stickers, $105. Visit Yoox.com

Put a little love in your house with these wall stickers by Antoine + Manuel, which have an artful quality thanks to the intriguing graphic prints featured in the heart shape. The best part? Applying them requires way less skill than any wallpapering effort!

NYC New York Color Lip Sliders Tinted Lip Balm $2.99 each. Available at mass food and drug retailers. Visit NewYorkColor.com to find a retailer.

These affordable lip balms provide just a hint of glossy color. Available in perky shades like Sugar Baby, a bright red, and Sugar Coated, a cotton candy pink, N.Y.C. New York Color's Lip Sliders are cleverly packaged so that you can just place your thumb on the case's top lid and slide it upwards to open. The balm itself has a slightly sticky consistency, but it's still quite a steal for the price point!

Emily Elizabeth Jewelry Twin Heart Earrings, $90. Visit EmilyElizabethJewelry.com

These earrings just make me want to start singing "Two of Hearts" (yes, I'm corny sometimes!). Each of these earrings features a pair of bulbous goldtone hearts of two different sizes dangling from a thin golden chain strand.

 

PUMA Women's "Vega" Red Dial Red Strap Watch, $45.99. Visit Overstock.com

This sporty number features a red rubber strap and case, and the oversize numbers make it easy to tell time even when you just steal a peek at your wristwatch.

New Balance Valentine's Day 460 Sneakers, $55. Visit FinishLine.com

For Valentine's Day, NB is releasing a limited-edition version of its 460 style in a white/red color scheme. The Valentine's Day 460 sneakers feature red stitching along the "N" logo, a red insole, a bold red stripe along the heel, and a heart symbol and the number "460" stitched on the tongue's label.

 

Steven Shein LOVE Text Ring, $21. Visit Karmaloop.com

Give hands some TLC with this wooden ring, which features the word "Love" in big block letters.

Not Soap Radio "The Stuff That Cupid Dips His Arrow In" Bubbles for Bath or Shower, $15. Visit NotSoapRadio.com

I admit: I have a bit of a dirty mind. And clearly, that's precisely what Not Soap Radio was counting on when it named this ginseng scented bubble bath "The Stuff That Cupid Dips His Arrows In." But let me be clear: this product's brilliance goes beyond the cheeky double entendre associated with the name. As if bubble baths weren't sexy enough, the ginseng scent functions as an aphrodisiac, engaging your carnal desires. When you take a sudsy bath with your special someone, let's just say there will be tons of dipping going on!

LUSH Be Mine, $24.95. Visit LUSHusa.com

Already wrapped nicely with a tattoo-inspired, rose print paper, LUSH's Be Mine gift set features a trio of sensual products to make your skin and lips smooth, soft, and kissable. The set includes the Flying Fox honey scented shower gel, the Honey Trap Lip Balm (which features a mix of white chocolate, honey, vanilla and sweet wild orange), and the Soft Couer Massage Bar, an emollient, heart-shaped bar that melts against the skin and moisturizes it with cocoa butter and honey. Yum!

Keds Champion "I Love Keds" White Canvas Sneakers, $40. Visit Keds.com

The basic Champion sneaker gets a makeover here, with doodles of daisies, marigolds, guitars, hearts, stars, and tiny skulls in red, yellow, and a minty white color. When you see these, you can't help but feel the urge to whip out your marker and add your own personal touch.

Soft Hugwear Bear With Pink Blanket, $24.95. Visit Walmart.com

This cuddle bug of a teddy bear is ready for some serious spooning — he's even got his own pink blanket and sleep mask to ensure he gets some nice shut-eye. Sweet dreams!

Wet 'N Wild MegaLast Lip Color, $2.99 each. Visit WNWbauty.com

These new Wet 'N Wild lip colors are ultra creamy and deliver rich pigment onto your lips — all without drying out your lips. I tried the Wine Room, Mauve Outta Here, and Red Velvet, and here's what the colors look like (as pictured from left to right):

Julia Failey "Little Rose" Rings, $85 for silver; $105 for sterling silver with 18k gold vermeil; and $105 for sterling silver with rose gold. Visit JuliaFailey.com

Each of these rings is made of reclaimed and deoxidized sterling silver and features a 1/4"-wide rose detail along the center. I love how the ring's band features intertwined stems with tiny thorn details, giving each piece a more primal, in-the-wilderness feel.

Calvin Klein Frame Clutch in Bronze, $118. Available at Macys.com

Every woman needs a clutch that's sleek, versatile, and simple enough to work for a number of occasions. This Calvin Klein Frame Clutch can work for anything from a romantic dinner date to a prestigious black-tie affair.

Ariel Gordon Love Knot Rings, $68 each. Visit ArielGordonJewelry.com

Made of a single metallic wire, each of these handcrafted rings is twisted to create a pretzel-like shape that symbolizes two hearts becoming inextricably intertwined.

Restoration Hardware Book of Memories, $48. Visit RestorationHardware.com

A great romantic getaway. A beautiful wedding. A child's first birthday. A graduation. These are the moments we want to capture forever and while we can't rewind time and relive these experiences, at least we can remember them and savor them by doing so. Restoration Hardware's Book of Memories allows you to celebrate these special moments by putting them on display inside a photo album that can be propped up like a book, with each page becoming a frame. The engravable book holds six photos.

 
Temple St Clair 18K Classic Round Earrings in Pink Tourmaline, $1200. Visit TempleStClair.com

Sometimes the most beautiful pieces of jewelry are also surprisingly simple. Take, for example, these Temple St Clair earrings, which feature pink tourmaline stones along the center of a grooved, golden sphere and a trio of diamond studs adorning the bottom for an unexpected dash of excitement.

Arcona Raspberry Resurfacing Peel, $68. Visit Arcona.com

This strawberry-colored formula features green tea, raspberry, grape seed extracts, and lycopene, all of which help to improve circulation, minimize uneven pigmentation, and improve the texture and clarity of your skin. All you have to do is apply it to clean skin, wait 8-10 mins., and then rinse with warm water. If you use it 1-2 times a week, you'll start seeing results within about a month.

Ghurka Wine Caddy, $195. Visit Ghurka.com

This leather caddy keeps wine bottles chilled for four to six hours — so, whether you're planning a picnic in the park or going to a local dinner party, your vino will stay at the perfect temperature. Plus, the leather caddy looks extra stylish with its cinch-like tie and gingham print lining.

Pacifica French Lilac Spray Perfume, $22. Visit PacificaPerfume.com

According to the "Language of Flowers," the lilac is symbol of early love — that stage when your heart races at the mere thought of your beloved and the sense of promise fills the air. This soft, powdery, feminine fragrance will capture all those charming, magical emotions.

New Balance Pleated Skirt, $39.99. Visit NBWebExpress.com

Shopping for a gym junkie? Then consider giving her this sporty pleated skirt, which is perfect for a game of tennis or a dash to that killer cycling class.

 

Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sensual Sandalwood & Fig Body Mist, $15; Massage Oil, $16; Body Wash & Foaming Bath, $13; Body Lotion, $13; Roll-On, $9.50; Sugar Scrub, $16. Visit BathAndBodyWorks.com

This aromatherapy collection is designed to bring out your sensual side, with woody sandalwood and fig notes that are complemented by invigorating citrus notes. The body lotion is my absolute favorite since it really softens the skin and leaves just the slightest alluring scent.

 
Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, $29.99 per 750 ml bottle. Available wherever fine spirits -based beverages are sold. Visit DrinkGodiva.com for more information.

Forget milk chocolate — when it comes to chocolate, I'm a bit of an extremist, preferring premium dark chocolate and creamy white chocolate. This sweet, syrupy liqueur, then, is the ultimate treat with its white chocolate and Madagascar vanilla flavors.

Fruitz Watches, $225 each. Will be available at FruitzWatches.com, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

These sporty watches, with their oversize, sunburst-themed dials and their eye-catching rubber straps, are the newest addition to the Philip Stein watch collection. And, as you might have surmised from the collection's name, the color schemes are inspired by fruits, with styles like Watermelon (which features a green strap and red dial) and Raspberry (which features a deep purple-y pink strap and dial).

SkullCandy Lowrider "Pink Print" Headphones, $39.95. Visit Skullcandy.com

The bright, gleaming colors of these SkullCandy Lowrider headphones were inspired by the candy-painted Chevys Pimp C loved to rap about.

 

Mighty Fine Hello Kitty "Love Bug" T-Shirt, $24. Visit TheGiantPeach.com

As if I needed another reason to adore Hello Kitty! Now, the sassiest of all feline creatures is showing off her amorous side, donning a ladybug-like shell, along with a set of antenna topped off with red hearts. Talk about getting bitten by the love bug!

U by Ungaro Fever For Her Eau de Parfum Spray, $34. Visit Avon.com

This chypre floral fragrance features sweet berry and Chinese osmanthus top notes, a floral heart incorporating lychee,  honeysuckle and white rose notes, and a woody base with a hint of patchouli.

Avon Ultra Color Rich Mega Impact Lipstick SPF 15, $8. Visit Avon.com

The new Ultra Color Rich Mega Impact Lipstick is based on Avon's new chromapixel technology, which helps to magnify every single hue. Available in 10 shades, this lipstick is saturated with iridescent pearls for high-wattage shine. Here's a look at what the Charged Cherry looks like (isn't it brilliant?!):

Wrecords by Monkey Valentine's Day Bracelets. $15 each. Visit WrecordsbyMonkey.com

I've been a fan of Wrecords by Monkey's funky, urban accessories for a while now, but this may be my favorite collection to date. The bracelets and cuffs in this special collection are, like all Wrecords by Monkey designs, made of repurposed vinyl LPs and they feature bandanna-like prints in pink or red color schemes with a heart at the core of the patterns.

 

Clara Kasavina "Amore S" Heart shape Clutch, $430. Visit ClaraKasavina.com

This silver, heart-shaped bag is the perfect way to finish your date outfit, and it's currently 30% off as part of Clara Savina's Valentine's Day sample sale. Score!

Staub Red Heart Crocotte, $138.99. Visit CooksWarehouse.com

Make it a feast of love with this heart-shaped cast iron crocotte, which is ideal for stews, soups, and other hearty concoctions.

TOMS Red Canvas Classics, $44. Visit TOMSshoes.com

Whenever you buy a pair of TOMS shoes, the company donates a pair of shoes to a child in a developing country. So, basically, you'd be doubling your gifting efforts. That's what I call spreading the love!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PUMA Mihara Sneakers, $179. Visit Zappos.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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