SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Let's Hear It For The Boys! Father's Day 2010 Gift Ideas

With Father's Day around the corner, it's time to apply some of our scrutinizing taste to the shopping we do for the fellas in our lives. Whether you're shopping for your dad, husband, boyfriend, brother, or uncle, we've got some fab gift options for those guys who never seem to lose their cool (and we don't mean their temper!).

 
Nike Auto Flight High in Bluegrass, $90. Available at NikeStore.com

If you've got a sneakerhead on your hands, he'll love these new Nike Auto Fight kicks, which feature a summery teal shade and orange accents along the tongue and near the sides of the toe.

 
Sobral Flash Gordon Collection Zen Hypnotic Wristwatch, $190. Available at SobralUSA.com

I've often raved about Brazilian jewelry designer Carlos Sobral's offerings for women, but I figured it was time to spread the wealth and let the boys in on the fun. This Zen Hypnotic Watch features a dial made of recycled computer circuit boards and attached to a brown leather strap. Of course, you can't actually keep time with this watch but, in terms of style, your guy will know what time it is.

 
Lacoste for Barneys Tennis Sweater in Navy, $165. Available at Barneys.com

For Summer 2010, Lacoste produced a limited edition collection of polo knits and sweaters for Barneys, including the above-pictured V-neck sweater, which features country club-ready green-and-white stripes along the cuffs and neckline.

 
Lego Architecture Series Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, $44.99. Available at DiscoveryStore.com

You know that saying about the difference between men and boys being the size of their toys? Well, it's not too far from the truth! When they're in elementary school, they'll build miniature Star Wars spaceships or the Krusty Krab in "Spongebob Squarepants" and, when they hit "adulthood" (a relative term when it comes to males), they'll turn to model cars, flossy remote control cars and helicopters, and more intricate Lego projects. This particular model, developed by architect Adam Reed Tucker, celebrates the genius of the late architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the mastermind behind New York City's Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.

 
Cole Haan Air Vance Venetian Shoe in Salt Canvas/Oak, $178. Available at ColeHaan.com

These slip-on shoes, which bridge the gap between casual and elegant footwear, feature beige canvas uppers with camel leather trim.Even better, they were constructed with the intent of maximizing comfort through the cushioning, which incorporates  Nike Air Technology in the heel and forepart.The herringbone rubber tread sole, meanwhile, provides a good amount of traction, so you don't have to worry about your fella slipping and falling.

 

 

Kai D. Utility Wyatt Linen Pinstripe Shirt Jacket, $225, and Kai D. Utility Gansevoort Ticking Stripe Shirt, $225. Visit KaiDUtility.com for stores.

With their emphasis on function and military-influenced, slightly rugged aesthetic, Kai D Utility's woven shirts will make dressing up seem like less of a conformist move for those rule-breaking, fight-the-power, work-against-the-system types. Take, for example, the Wyatt Linen Pinstripe Shirt Jacket pictured above, a 100% cotton, long-sleeved shirt with a flap pocket on the right side, a patch pocket on the left, and a smaller patch pocket below the aforementioned pocket.

 
Calvin Klein CK Free For Him 2 Piece Gift Set,$64. Available at CalvinKlein.com

This gift set features a 3.4 oz. CK Free For Him eau de toilette and a 2.6 oz. deodorant stick. Perfect for an outdoorsy guy, the CK Free scent features: top notes of anise, absinthe, and juniper berry;  a heart of tobacco leaves, coffee absolute, and South African buchu; and base notes of patchouli absolute, oakwood, Texan cedarwood, and Costa Rican ironwood.

 
Lanvin High-Top Plaid Sneakers, $835. Available at NeimanMarcus.com

In form, this hi-top sneaker looks much like a Nike Blazer style, but there's an asymmetrical slant along the ankle region and the moody, gray-and-black plaid print is pure Lanvin. The leather trim along the seams, meanwhile, adds a sophisticated edge to the casual sneaker style. If your Big Poppa dreads dress shoes but you need to upgrade him from his low-top Dunk routine, this may be the perfect way to do so.

   

 

 
Sedgwick & Cedar Jamel Shabazz Signature Series "Only In New York" and "Radio Man" tees, $35.73 each. Available at Shop.SC73.com

The New York City-based clothing line Sedgwick & Cedar seeks to celebrate the excitement surrounding the dawn of hip-hop culture via images and prints of pioneering MCs, DJs, b-boys, graffiti writers, and more. The brand's name itself commemorates the famous parties DJ Kool Herc would throw in the rec room of his building on Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx. Pictured above, you'll find two designs from the Jamel Shabazz signature series, which features iconic images from the famed photographer.

 

 
Redken for Men Grooming Essentials, $21. Visit Redken.com to locate a salon near you.

Pauly D. isn't the only guy who spends an extraordinary amount of time on his hair. If you're shopping for a "don't touch the hair" type of dude, he'll appreciate this Redken for Men gift set, which includes a daily care shampoo, ultra hold air gel (for all those spiky 'dos), and even a balancing cleansing bar for his skin.

 
Nixon The Rotolog Belt in Black & Cork, $50. Available in Karmaloop.com

Sure, Nixon watches are the hotness, but did you know the brand has branched out into other milieu, including street-flavored belts? Just peep the Rotolog belt pictured above features four horizontal stripes -- 3 made out of brown cork and 1 made out of black leather.

 
Oliver Peoples Limited Edition KVA Sunglasses, $495. Available at OliverPeoples.com

These sunglasses are part of a limited edition collaboration between Oliver Peoples and Kris Van Assche, the current Creative Director of Dior Homme. The coin-edge mechanism allows wearers to switch the lenses on the frames.

 
 
 

Vilebrequin Coral White Swim Trunks, $200. Available at Barneys.com

With the summer months looming ahead, every guy needs a good pair of swim trunks — these drawstring Vilebrequin trunks feature a whimsical (and seasonally appropriate) beach-inspired print featuring light blue coral reefs, sea turtles, fish, and sand dollars against a white backdrop.

  

Step Into The Light With Marcus Tremonto's Lightbotz Munny Series

 

 

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.... Okay, I won't go too deep into the George Lucas references, but I couldn't help but make at least one Star Wars quip in regards to this new Munny series! The limited-edition collection of handmade Munnys is a collaboration between leading vinyl toy retailer KidRobot and lighting artist Marcus Tremonto, a master of optical illusions who utilizes electroluminescent materials to recreate the shapes of objects like lamps, chandeliers, tables, and light bulbs.

The Marcus Tremonto-designed Lighbot Munny series consists of various designs that incorporate light in unexpected ways and which allude to a futuristic, sci fi-flavored, almost Blade Runner-esque universe. My favorite design is the Evil Dr. Skit L Spytr, pictured at top, which incorporates a handful of lighting rods in various colors along the figure's mouth, arranged in such a manner as to create a conical shape that widens as we move away from the toy, hence creating a sense of movement (it almost looks like he's spiting out rays of light). Two small lighting rods were also placed along the Munny's slanted brows, so as to create a sense of anger that emphasizes the "evil" nature of the caricature. Another piece that mesmerized me was the Laser Boy figure (pictured second from top), which features green rays of light placed in a horizontal line along the Munny's eye area and angled to create a fan-like shape. As soon as I saw the figure, I thought of Cyclops (the X-Men character, not the mythical creature). And of course, as a hip-hop head, I was immediately drawn to the DJ NomiS figure, in which Tremonto used luminous materials and shaped them into headphones.

Each of these Munny figures measures seven inches in height and is signed, numbered and packaged in a custom made box. They cost a pretty penny (the cheapest one is $425), but the level of innovation and technical expertise, not to mention the optical illusions facilitated, all serve to further my belief that we toy fiends are no different from art collectors -- even if we have to explain our obsession in a bit more detail to naysayers.

Evil Dr. Skit L Spytr Custom Munny by Marcus Tremonto, $625; Laser Boy Custom Munny by Marcus Tremonto, $625; and DJ NomiS Custom Munny, $625. Visit KidRobot.com

Tokidoki "Ciao Ciao" And "Adios" Mimobot USB Flash Drives

   

I was over the moon when Mimoco first collaborated with Tokidoki on a collection of designer USB flash drives fashioned after iconic characters like Meletta, Pastaio and Pirate Nero, revealed right in time for Valentine's Day last year. And apparently, I wasn't the only one craving an encore performance. This year, customers can say hello to two new Tokidoki Mimobots: Adios and Ciao Ciao. Since these two characters are lovebirds, their release around V-Day seems all the more fitting.

Waiting for the characters' back story with bated breath? Thought so! Well, here's the love story involving these two munchkins. According to Tokidoki legend, Adios spent 500 years in a fiery inferno before the devil became aware of his innate benevolence and exiled him from hell. But since he was still too much of a naughty bug to make it through heaven's gates, Adios was forced to spend his immortal life wandering through a purgatory-like space. It's in this grave-loft world where Adios met his girlfriend Ciao Ciao, and the two have vowed to spend their eternal states together. It's a gothic love story with more than a few wink-wink twists.

Like all Mimobots, these are available in 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB storage capacities, and each drive includes Tokidoki-centric desktop wallpapers, icons, avatars, and screensavers. Say hello to love.

Tokidoki Adios and Ciao Ciao Mimobots, $24.95 for 2GB USB Flash Drive. Visit Mimoco.com

The CFDA Barbie Charity Auction Kicks Off Today!

As a kid, I rarely ever played with Barbie dolls. Sure, I went through my stage where I had a couple of Barbies and even a cutesy Dream House, but my older brother (who had nothing better to do than taunt and torture his kid sister) would often decapitate my dolls and throw the heads out the window or something equally mean and ridiculous. Besides, even back then, I was pretty demanding about my dolls' sense of style, and there just weren't enough Barbie outfits to fit my finicky fashion tastes (not to mention that their "ethnic" dolls just looked like tanned versions of the original). Over the years, however, Barbie has become quite the trendsetter, inspiring A-list designers and makeup artists. And thankfully, the dolls available reflect the multicultural nature of our society — just looking at the dolls pictured above, I marvel at the array of skin tones, hair colors, and hair types. If Barbies had looked like this when I was a little girl, it would've been an altogether different story.

To reflect the brand's new modern flavor, Mattel just released the Barbie Basics collection, which features twelve dolls, with each model wearing a different interpretation of the little black dress (LBD). Check out the Iman look-alike (pictured at top, second from left), with her knee-length, one-shoulder dress or peep the retro-loving diva to her right with her funky beehive. If you look closely, you'll notice even the Barbie dolls' makeup is risky and sultry — some dolls have dramatic cat eyes or blood red lips, while others are rockin' a smokey eye or nude lipstick. Heck, I may have to really stare at these Barbies for some hairstyling inspiration! Bottom line: these LBD-loving gals are ready to take on the town!

In celebration of the new Barbie Basics collection's launch, twelve CFDA fashion and accessories designers were asked to create a couture ensemble for a Barbie doll and to ensure that the final look was consistent with his/her aesthetic and point-of-view. Among the designers involved, you'll find Rachel Roy (whose doll is outfitted with a one-shoulder teal blouse and a flirty yellow skirt), Tory Burch, Isaac Mizrahi, Monica Botkier, Kate Spade's Deborah Lloyd. These one-of-a-kind, custom-made Barbies will be auctioned off on Ebay starting today, December 28th, at 10 pm EST. The auction runs through February 7th, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting CFDA education and internship programs and initiatives.

Bids start at $100. Visit Ebay.com to check out the dolls and vie for your own runway-ready doll!

A Cyclops' Life Cycle -- Neon Monster's New "Mitch Plush" Toy

Today, San Francisco-based toy emporium Neon Monster released a new, eco-friendly version of its Mitch character, a comic book-inspired cyclops creature originally dreamed up by Neon Monster founders Jacob and Isaac Pritzker. This time, however, they gave Mitch a softer edge by turning him into a squeezable plush figure.

To make their idea a reality, the Pritzkers enlisted the help of Reuben Rude, an artist who served as a colorist for such celebrated comic book titles as Spawn and who worked as  a product designer for leading toy manufacturer StrangeCo. They then turned to Lauren Venell, founder of plush toy company Sweet Meats, and asked for her guidance in manufacturing the three-dimensional plush figure so as to streamline the complex design.

The 14" Mitch Plush, available in pink or gray, is made of 100% recycled fleece and features beans inside its hands and lower torso so as to weigh the figure down and prevent it from flopping around all over the place (I mean, what kind of cyclops would Mitch be if he didn't stand tall, right?). Each toy is packaged inside a reusable, custom plastic bag. Only 500 pieces of the gray version were produced so, to all you limited edition hoarders, you've been forewarned!

I think if I'm gonna go for a third eye, I might as well make it that of this quirky cyclops toy!

Mitch Plush, $39.95. Visit NeonMonster.com

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AKOO Descended Blazer, $201.99. Visit DrJays.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Holiday Gift Guide Special -- Gifts for the Kids!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GloPad GloDoodle, $15. Visit Amazon.com

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

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

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

WikiReader, $99. Visit TheWikiReader.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

LIV Fashion Dolls, $15. Visit ToysRUs.com

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vasava x 55DSL x Atom Plastic Senor Blanco 22-Inch Figure — Bad To The Bone

To commemorate 55DSL's 15th anniversary, the streetwear brand joined forces with Atom Plastic and Vasava to produce a limited run of 1,555 pieces of this 22-inch vinyl figure, dubbed Senor Blanco. The collectible toy was first unveiled in April during the Coachella Music Festival, but it wasn't released until the fall (apparently, Senor Blanco spent the summer months doing some serious globe-trotting and partying like a rockstar).

I love the figure's sloppy pudginess (note how his graphic tee rides up, revealing his tattooed, beer belly). And, while the Skeletor-like features would normally render the toy a bit frightening, his red, Sally Jesse Raphael-esque shades add a sense of whimsy, as does his pigeon-toed stance. Even the Band-Aid on his forehead looks pretty badass — and this coming from someone who has had a distaste for these adhesive strips since a bunch of Nelly clones started poppin' up, rockin' Band-Aids on their cheeks. 

And did I mention that Senor Blanco's graphic tee is so hip that any adult would want to buy one in his own size?

55DSL x Atom Plastic x Vasava Senor Blanco 22-inch figure, $70. Available at KidRobot.com

Queen of Hearts -- Veer x UNKL Full Bleed Toy

Forget Leona Lewis's "Bleeding Love." A collaborative effort between UNKL, the 5-year-old toy company started by Derek Welch and Jason Bacon, and Veer, the merchandise wing of stock photography giant Corbis, this 2" vinyl toy really is quite the bleeding heart.

While droplets roll down her closed lids and trickle down her perfectly shaped heart, this little red cutie still manages to keep a perky spirit and to cheer up any onlookers.I love how her face is shaped like a giant teardrop, in keeping with the overall theme, and there's an Alice-in-Wonderland-meets-Japanese-animé quality to the design that's really fascinating.

Hey, she may be an emotional gal, but it's just because she has so much love to give.

Veer "Full Bleed" Toy, $15. Visit Veer.com