For the Procrastinator: Gifting Destinations that Really Deliver

While I have the majority of my holiday shopping wrapped up, there are a few lingering gifts I've yet to purchase. If you're like me, and take it down to the wire, below is a list of my favorite shopping destinations - offline and online - always guaranteed to deliver goodies perfect for gift giving:

• MoMA Design Store: Not only do they always have exceptional holiday cards, but they also boast an assortment of design-centric gifts for almost everyone on your list. If you're shopping for me or another art lover, do consider splurging on the Damien Hirst Mixed Anamorphic Cup & Saucer Set seen above, $125.
• The Fancy and AHAlife are two online favorites, again for high design and often unique or quirky gifts. Fancy recently introduced same day delivery in select cities, including New York, for an added flat fee of $30, while AHALife is currently offering 15% off orders with code AHA2013 and free shipping on all purchases over $100 (among my picks: this Alexandra von Furstenberg Acryclic Tray, $208-$308).
• Amazon-owned flash sale site MyHabit truly understands your procrastination issues. Order until 2pm on 12/23 and you'll get free express shipping in time for the holiday - BOOM. Tip: Be sure to dig deeply into their Events - you'll find some exceptional designers, at at least 65% off. I've even seen favorites like Rick Owens and Loeffler Randall at 70% off or more - but I'm not shopping for me, right? Right.
• I shop TJ Maxx and Marshall's irregularly, but when I do, I REALLY get into the thrill of discovery. The trick to shopping off-price (and also outlet, for that matter) is to let yourself be surprised - don't go in with a list or you may be disappointed. My kryptonite in particular at both TJ Maxx and Marshall's are the gourmet food departments. In fact, just this past weekend, I picked up perfect gift add-ons including gourmet hot chocolate and festive coffees. Store locators here and here.
• Last but not least, for New Yorkers, a visit to Story is a must and yes, worth the trek to West Chelsea. Wholly unique, Story's thematic and product assorment changes completely each season, but it's always flawless. The current 'story' is 'Home for the Holidays', and honestly, what could be more perfect? Visit the store at 144 10th Ave, at 19th Street.

Tread Carefully: Four "Danger" Gifts to Avoid this Holiday

For every amazing holiday gift I've received over the years, I can name at least two that were decidedly well intentioned, yet decidedly off base. After all, it can be hard to buy gifts for anyone, but when that certain someone has very clearly defined tastes, things get even harder.

There are exceptions to every rule, of course, but one universal truth - ensure that you know the recipient's taste inside and out before gifting any of the following gifts this season:

Perfume - Fruity, floral, aquatic or musk? A loyalist or a dabbler? Mass or niche? If you feel confident in the answers to these questions, by all means, buy away. But just know that fragrance is highly personal and incredibly subjective. A safer bet? A Sephora sampler, (here, here or here) which allow your lucky giftee to sample away to their heart's content and then redeem the enclosed scent certificate for a full sized bottle of their choosing. ($24-$65)



Art - Let me contradict myself for a moment and concede that two of my very favorite gifts of all time fall under the classification of "art" - one a Marilyn Minter print and the other, a painting done just for me. That said, art is again, and obviously, highly subjective and even (as any who've attended a show at the Whitney can attest) dangerously divisive. Consider instead: a gift certificate, perhaps packaged with a frame, to a site like Society6.

Jewelry - Well-intentioned, yet sterile is the best description I can muster for the many uninspired jewelry gifts I've received from (ex) boyfriends throughout the years. Think tiny (read: conservative) diamond hoops or a highly traditional gold heart necklace when my tastes run more to near-weaponry from designers like Eddie Borgo and Dominic Jones. In short, while I appreciated the thought (I did! I swear!), I would have appreciated a piece of jewelry that suited my (very openly expressed) personal style a heck of a lot more. A better idea? If you're not sure on what she (or he!) will love, ask one of her closest friends, or better yet, scour her Pinterest boards (if you're gifting me, behold a little inspiration here!)

The Useful Gift - I hate to continue to throw men under the bus here, but this is again, something men are often guilty of. Unless SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED, no woman wants what could be even remotely construed of as useful- I honestly cannot believe the horror stories I've heard from friends who unwrapped "gifts" ranging from wireless routers to blenders, or worst ever, an AB ROLLER. Please do not make this mistake. If you need a refresher on some universal rules of gift giving, here's a link to my thoughts on the matter.

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: First, a Level-Setting

Source: Lia Griffith

It's here! Holiday shopping season has officially kicked off, and I've got the inbox to prove it. At this point in the season, I'm easily receiving at least 150 emails a day from brands and PR agencies alike, all with suggestions - some great, some decidedly less so (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) - on what to gift those special someones in my life AND what to recommend you gift yours. And while shopping for gifts can be stressful, it's something that I, personally, take quite a bit of pride in, so I thought BEFORE sharing one holiday gift guide suggestion, I'd first share some recommended criteria for gift giving. As far as I'm concerned, every gift you give anyone should check at least one of the following boxes - if not more:

1. Highly luxurious. As in something so indulgent, the recipient would never THINK to purchase it for themselves. Rest assured, they'll be thrilled that you think they're worth it. (Suggestion? These Corgi for J.Crew Cashmere Bordeaux Heart Socks, $98)
2. Intensely personal. People often suggest gifting things that you yourself would love to receive. And while I'd like to think that my taste is universally excellent, this approach is inherently narcissistic. The best gifts take the taste of the recipient into consideration, not your own.  That said, this is also where paying attention can REALLY pay off. Take note throughout the year, not just as gift-giving occasions approach, on the wishes and faves of those who've made your "Nice" list. (For example, though I am not really into insect accessories, my friend Sarah of Style It Online loved the wild Erica Weiner Cicada earrings ($30) I gifted her for her birthday last June.)
3. Practical and REQUESTED. This is not an "either/or," it is an "and" very deliberately. Before gifting someone - anyone - something that is above all USEFUL, ensure that they really want it.  Gifts that fall into this category include any household applicance (boyfriends and husbands, I'm looking at you), workout equipment or gym/studio memberships and (I can't believe I even have to type it) anti-aging skincare.  Gifts shouldn't be backhanded insults, after all. 

Do you agree or disagree with my gift-giving criteria? Dissenting opinions welcome in the comments below!

Guest #Capricorn Correspondent: Eileen Dautruche of Miss Whoever You Are

Legacy Perforated Leather Duffle, $398.00 at Coach

I have a long and storied history with the sign of the "good ol' mountain goat," as my friend Eileen Dautruche of Miss Whoever You Are references her sign of Capricorn. For those of you not as blessed with Caps as I am, let me just say that they're a hard working (I can't stress this enough) and resourceful bunch, deep thinkers, who sometimes hold their emotions close. That said, a Cap will often surprise you, whether it's with a clever quip or, say, a bold accessory, a la Miss Eileen's holiday wish list item. Without further adieu:

A hard working bag with deep pockets a.k.a the Coach Legacy Duffle ($348+, and available in a color to suite ANYONE). Made with soft leather, this simple bag can hold everything I carry (a lot as a commuter) without making me look sloppy or like a bag lady.

Perfectly chic but also practical, and hard-working as hell - I'd expect no less from a Capricorn!

Guest #Virgo Correspondent: Corey Kindberg of KENTON Magazine

The end of the year is often time to take stock - successes, failings, learnings and the like. One of my key successes of the year was definitely the addition of Mr. Corey Kindberg, Senior Fashion Editor at KENTON Magazine, to my friend roster - Varsity status, as Amber might say. Corey is, in many ways, my very young and equally as gay spirit animal - we may even marry one day - so it's no surprise that he chose something I might ALSO love as his holiday gift suggestion for the Virgo in your life:

Being the Virgo perfectionist that I am, there is nothing I love more than perfect skin. This body scrub from Sabon ($30) will have your skin feeling perfectly smooth and smelling delicious. Not to mention, a Virgo loves a compliment and this will keep them coming! 

Hear, hear, Corey!

Guest #Libra Correspondent: Andrea Lavinthal of People Style Watch

The narcissist in me finds few people funnier than me, myself and I. My friend, style expert and author Andrea Lavinthal (oh, just the Style Director of PeopleStyleWatch.com) is a rare exception. Lavs, as I like to call her, is easily one of the most clever peeps I know, and along with that sense of humor, comes the MOST impeccable taste. So, I knew that when she sent through her holiday wish list item, it would be something that I'd wind up wanting just as much.  In her words:

The list of things Libras like -- beauty, gifts and attention -- make us sound as deep as a frisbee. So I'm embracing the materialistic nature of my sign (what else can I do? I was born this way) and asking for this $1,995 18-karat-gold Ippolita bangle with hematite stones.

Cheers to THAT, Miss!

Holiday Gift Guide: Tastemaker Robert Verdi Edition

Robert Verdi, for those of you who don't know, is a fully major man about town in New York - he's a celebrity stylist, entrepreneur (see his stylish line of sunglasses - his signature acessory - available exclusively at HSN), interior designer and overall tastemaker. PLUS, he somehow makes time for Flywheel (and much more regularly than I do, if we're being honest).

Robert and I recently spent some quality, holiday-themed time together at his Luxe Lab studio here in New York, and there, he shared his ULTIMATE gift guide for holiday, with a suggestions guaranteed to please even the MOST discerning or difficult-to buy-for recipient on your list. In addition to his amazing suggestions (seen above), he also offered a few simple, but genius tips on gifting. My fave? Give practical gifts, but present them in extraordinary ways. I personally LOVE this - perhaps because I'm a huge fan of both giving and getting gifts that serve a purpose. In application, package up:

•  Thomas Paul Printed Hand Towels ($52), Droplet Soap Pump from Umbra ($15) and Dawn Dish Soap: ($4.99 USD) for the Hip Holiday Hostess - a super chic, yet useful gift.
• The Glam Gal Pal on your list will die for the glittering Eve clutch from Lauren Merkin ($180) - and it's even more thoughtful to include a few essentials for your next GNO. I particularly love the idea of tucking a Tide Pen -this little miracle worker recently rescued my new DVF silk dress from a pesky stain - ($2.99-8.99), Oral B Glide 3D White Floss Picks ($3.49) and CoverGirl Blast flipstick Lip Duo ($8.49 - and well worth it. This is one of my favorite drugstore lippies) inside!
• It's tricky to gift UP in some offices, but if you have a boss as supportive as mine, you'll want to show your appreciation. Robert's suggestion? Pack up some stylish organizational essentials - this is a gift that says chic, but remains professional (a fine line!): Parker Pearl Urban Premium Pen with Parker 5th Technology ($350.00), Moleskin Daily Diary/Planner ($21.95), and a Large Lacquered Rectangular Box from The Container Store ($17.99).

For more style intelligence, and gift giving suggestions from Robert Verdi, follow him on Twitter @RobertVerdi.

Guest #Pisces Correspondent: Jamie Stone of Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis

As your typical Pisces woman, I pretty much always have my head in the clouds; but when I saw that Dina needed some gift guide inspiration from the 12^th astrological sign in the Zodiac, I knew I had to step in. Here are a few gift options to fulfill the dreams (or weaknesses) of any Pisces woman, because we are:

• Imaginative: I’ve had my eye on this fish hotel for probably like two years but, just like a true Piscean woman, I can’t seem to commit. Typical. Either way, this fish tank is super chic and perfect for any friend with a small apartment and an affinity for keeping things alive.
• Compassionate: Speaking of keeping things alive, all Pisceans are extremely compassionate people and genuinely want to help others. I recently found out that a longtime friend has been diagnosed with Leukemia so, right now, donating to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is on the top of my gift list.
• Overly Sensitive: It’s true, we’re a sensitive bunch and, to note, we don’t handle rejection very well at all! I bought this for myself and a former colleague (also a Pisces) last year and I actually need another one because the one I have is FULL.
• Escapists: I don’t know if I really consider this trait a “bad” thing, though probably yes, in certain circumstances. I would gladly escape to the beach/ocean any day of the week but since I can’t do that, I like to stare at these Sergio Rossi suede and Swarovski crystal mermaid ankle boots, that retail for the modest price of $1,670. For those of you on a slightly tighter budget, I think I could potentially also escape with this Sparkle & Pop gift from Jouer Cosmetics. It comes with a party horn (!), cocktail ring, beauty fortune, mini champagne bubbles and one of three deluxe Jouer samples.

More from my girl Jamie over at Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis, including her own killer gift guide suggestions. I'm bookmarking these Pantone ornaments for next year's tree!

Guest #Aries Correspondent: Bren Lee Gomez of OMG, Bren

So, my Holiday Gift Guide, you guys. I had the best intentions (really) and the best THEME (hello...astrology!) but what I didn't have (or at least, haven't yet found) is the most TIME. SO, in the next week or so, I'll do my best to cram in further entries but while I get my 'ish together, here's word from Bren Lee Gomez, one of my fave Twitter friends, PR savant and the voice behind beauty and style blog OMG, Bren. This is what she's wishing for this holiday:

Like any true Aries, I get bored really easily, and I hate it when I see anything I have on someone else. I want to be first, and I want to be the best, and I want to have it before you do. The Urban Decay Vice Palette is the perf gift for someone like me because it's limited edition, so not everyone will have it, and it has TWENTY brand new eyeshadows from the brand. That's at least 20 days before I get bored of it. 

Amen, sister!

More from Bren, including jewelry from KE$HA here.

Holiday Gift Guide (+ a #Giveaway!): Epiphany Chocolate

I'm a big believer in traditional gifts - there are a few things you can buy for (almost) anyone and never (rarely) go wrong. On the short list? CHOCOLATE, preferably of the gorgeous and handmade variety. Most recently, I've been nomming on a 10-piece 'Get Cozy' box of Epiphany Chocolate, soft center gourmet chocolates in holiday-ready flavors like Sgt. Peppermint and Buttered Rum Fudge, a personal favorite of mine.

It's not enough to talk about chocolate, of course  - it's much more important to eat it (as I'm doing right this minute) and, my friends, it's also important to GIVE IT. So, I've partnered with Epiphany Chocolates to give one lucky reader a treat of their own - an 18-piece Get Cozy gift box (valued at $39.00) to enjoy or to give as a gift, if you're so inclined.

To enter, simply leave a comment below OR follow me and @EpiphanyChocs on Twitter and tweet this:

Hey @eye4style & @EpiphanyChocs, I can't wait to try your yummy handmade chocolate this holiday - RT to win an 18 piece box! #giveaway

I'll choose one winner at random on Monday, December 10 at Noon EST - and if you're shopping Epiphany Chocolate this holiday season, enter promo code SPARKLE25 for 25% off from now through December 31. Enjoy!

Gifts for the Gemini Woman: An Astrological Gift Guide

A Gemini woman is a very special breed indeed, and if you have one in your life, you likely consider yourself very lucky. I myself, happen to be particularly prone to Geminis - several of my very favorite friends fall under the sign of the Twins, so when it came time to compile my Astrological Gift Guide, I felt it necessary to crowdsource a suggestion or two. 

For the Gemini woman on your list this holiday, may I present you with the following options:

• "As a Gemini, I reserve the right to change my mind about what I'm wearing, sometimes multiple times a day. This Mackage Azur Convertible Jacket ($632)offers ladylike allure (a lady on the streets) for day, then rocker headline-making hotness by night (a freak in the sheets.)" - Guest Gemini Correspondent Kristin Booker of Fashion Style Beauty
• As hinted at above by Ms. Kristin, choice is key to a Gemini -let them never feel too boxed in. Pixi's Early Bird Kit ($34) is the perfect solution - tucked inside this girly and sweet palette is no fewer than 3 cheek colours, 2 bronzers, 1 face glow, 4 eye base shades, and 16 eye shadow colors. 
• Playful Gemini is naturally charming, living for fun and few beauty brands epitomize FUN in the way that LUSH does. The Godmother Soap ($6.40) is whimsical and sweet, scented with the girlish fragrance of Snow Fairy. But to balance the duality of Gemini, pair it up with Dirty, a fresh herbal and spearmint-y scent that rings in at $7.95.
• "As you KNOW, I'm a GEMini, and it's important for me to be able to communicate often and easily. So high on my list is this Ted Baker tablet case for my iPad, complete with gold glitter bow ($70). If there's one thing I like more than communicating, it's gold glitter. SPESH!" - Guest Gemini Correspondent Amber Katz of Beauty Blogging Junkie
• Indecisive, much? Gemini women tend to suffer from ADD at times - that's Attention Deficit Disorder. Thankfully, she'll never be bored with e.l.f.'s chic little Nail Polish Cube. At just $10, it includes 10 bottles of high color, high shimmer, high shine nail lacquers - the perfect solution to your Secret Santa needs.

For more in this year's Astrological Gift Guide series, visit Gifts for the Leo Woman here!

Guest #Leo Correspondent: Tamar Anitai of Fashion Binge

My astrologically-themed Holiday Gift Guide will roll on, but not without one last suggestion for and FROM a fellow Leo lady, my dear friend Tamar of Fashion Binge. I'll let her speak for herself:



I'm also a Leo-ness like my star sign sister Dina. We enjoy, deserve and DEMAND not only the finer things in life but the fine-EST things in life. Like $39,000 backpacks (Ed. note: OH THE ROW). Too dear? Too bad, because Leos NEVER hear the word "no," (that's why Madonna and Jennifer Lopez are still in business). But we do like options. Thankfully Leo ladies are resourceful, and while we'll never settle, we do have generous hearts with room enough for all God's handbags, like this $199 leather backpack from a-thread. And, since we're quick to benevolently remind you that we like to give as much as receive, we're pleased to inform you that a-thread does both -- the new online boutique gives 5% of every sale to charity. Because we were put on this planet to share our creativity, beauty, and brilliance we Leos tend to suck at math (if you ever go out to dinner with a bunch of Leos, plan on being tasked with figuring out the check and tip), but according to our Leo calculator, that's a savings of $33,801, which you can use to buy us... more handbags.

More from Tamar, including Unicorn Glitter Platform Stilettos, here.

Gifts for the Leo Woman: An Astrological Holiday Gift Guide

Despite my best efforts to avoid it, the holiday season has arrived. And this year, in part due to my dedication to astrologist Susan Miller's uncanny monthly predictions over at Astrology Zone, I've decided to focus my holiday gift guide into a minimum of 12 carefully edited editions, each focused on an astrological sign. Because I'm a narcissist, I'll kick things off with my own zodiac sign, which (for those of you who don't know me in real life) is LEO - the (for the most part) undisputed queen of the zodiac.

Now, for those of you who know a Leo woman, you know that narcissism comes quite naturally to us - we're rarely far from a mirror, and fancy ourselves QUITE the sex kitten. And while Leo woman is, in most cases, friendly, outgoing and loving, she's also bombastic and demanding - only the best for this girl, my friends. In related news, Leo women love luxury and are known to give in to every single one of their whims, often to their own detriment. In short, if you've got a Leo woman on your holiday shopping list, know that it's a tall order -  gifts are a big deal to her, and practicality is eschewed. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Estee Lauder Leo Zodiac Powder Compact, $70 - Leo does, after all, LOVE to look at herself and this gold (also a signature color of the sign) compact is impossibly chic.
• Alex Woo Little Lion Pendant Necklace, $168 - while perhaps not unique to her sign, the Leo woman loves jewelry.
• Agent Provocateur Bathing Bubble Wash, $48 - she lives for pampering, and these sexy bubbles make bathtime decadent and rich.
• Fleur du Mal High Waisted Tie Back Panty, $125 -  Leos are widely regarded as the porn stars of the zodiac - indulge the fantasy in this cheeky peekaboo panty.
• Strange Invisible Perfumes Leo Eau de Parfum, $275 - Neroli, bergamot, and mandarin tame Leo’s boundless need for power, while lemon inspires focus. Jasmine Sambac balances Leo’s ringleader tendencies, encouraging trust and dissolving fear of the unknown. Ambrette seed anchors this fiery sign, granting tranquility and gratification.
• Drybar Gift Certificates - Like the lion, Leos are often defined by their mane. Treat her to a single blowout or a membership to this blowout-only salon (in multiple cities.)

Stay tuned for more in this year's Astrological Holiday Gift Guide - up next, Virgo!

Holiday Wish List 2011: I've Been Nice!

Gift guide, schmift guide, y'all.

Truth be told, I remain relatively uninterested in what I'm buying OTHER peeps, and selfishly, MUCH more interested in crafting my own holiday wish list for the year. I'll get to the fam and friends in the coming weeks, or so I convince myself. But back to me. In case I've made it to any of your must gift lists (BLESS YOUR HEART and BREAK OUT YOUR WALLET), here are my wishes for the impending, looming, etc. season:

Brulee's chic and sexy piped silk robe ($280) makes me loooooong for loungetime.

I never grow tired of the whimsical signature Lips clutches from Brit designer Lulu Guiness. But bedazzle that noise in some shocking pink Swarovski crystals, and I'm completely SOLD. $1,025 later, you can cook yourself some ramen for dins after buying me this.

The NARS Kudoki Kabuki Lip Set ($125) elevates lipstick to high art. Imagine this on my vanity - no, stop, PUT THIS ON MY VANITY.

No woman epitomizes glamour like Carine Roitfeld, the former editor of Paris Vogue. Her new book Irreverent ($60.51) is a must on my list - it'll be the perf supplement to my already exploding collection of fashion and style books.

Say what you will about fur, but I love animals every which was possible - as pets, meals and yes, even accessories, i.e. 3.1 Philip Lim's deliciously decadent dyed fur iPad case ($502, but a bargain at any price) - truth be told, I can think of no nobler end for a bunny.

Samantha Jones once said "Women with candles have replaced women with cats as the new 'sad thing.'' Well, guess what, Samantha? I have cats and I have candles. Actually, it might be more aprop to say that I can NEVER have ENOUGH candles, and my favorite brand is  D.L. and Co. This snazzy gift set - it's both decadent and edgy - is just $36 over at HSN (related: HSN. Who knew!?)

Everyone in the world in the world wants cashmere socks, but few will cough up the pennies to indulge themselves. These Corgi Cashmere Socks ($88) from J.Crew are hot on my hit list for quality time at home with my DVR, and to peek out of my fave Loeffler Randall booties.

If, mayhaps, you might prefer to simply stuff my stocking this season, I'm ALWAYS open to that. And ahem, Deborah Lippman's Get the Party Started set ($42) -with three glittering shades of nail lacquer - would give me just enough sparkle for any holiday bash.

What's on your holiday wish list this year, kids? Also, much more importantly, do you think Santa will deem you NAUGHTY or NICE?

Last Minute Holiday: Crumbs Cupcakes

When pressed to think of something more delightful than a cupcake, I'm at a loss. In fact, I've made it my mission in life to find the very best cupcakes in New York.  Near the very top of the list is Crumbs Bake Shop.

While Babycakes specializes in vegan cupcakes and Billy's Bakery does a buttercream frosting as a buttercream frosting should be done, the folks at Crumbs are experts in excess, in the very best way possible. These enormous (you'll need two hands to hold 'em) cupcakes are frosted (of course) and in many cases stuffed with a delicious cream filling and adorned with candy and sprinkles.

My pick for the season - perfect as a last-minute present or a hostess fit- is the Holiday Collection ($27). Included in the mix are Candy Cane, Egg Nog, Gingerbread, Peppermint Hot Cocoa, S'Mores and White Hot Chocolate cupcakes.  They also do one hell of a Red Velvet, if you're more of a classicist.

Visit www.crumbs.com or call one of the Crumbs locations to order!

FTC Disclosure: Cupcakes sent for review.

Watch This: Simon Doonan is the Cranky Elf

We've chatted about my love of Barneys New York Creative Director Simon Doonan in the past and this holiday's Cranky Elf video series only serves to reinforce that love.

Check out the latest installment below, which includes Simon's picks for some of the MOST giftable items in store this season,.

Holiday Gift-Terrific: Closet Confidential (Style Secrets Learned the Hard Way)

Fashion bloggers like Winona Dimeo-Ediger make me feel seriously inadequate. You see, now only does Winona pen the hilariously funny Daddy Likey, but she's also now a published author and (dare I say it) style expert.

Dimeo-Ediger's new book, Closet Confidential (Style Secrets Learned the Hard Way), is quirky, wise and hilarious - in short, the perfect pressie for a fashion lover OR style novice on your list.  Here are just a few gems of  Winona-wisdom:

• "Premium jeans are quite wonderful, but they're not more wonderful than food, shelter and a good credit rating." Indeed, Winona, indeed.
• "Put on a wrap shirt, especially a sheer cashmere wrap shirt, and you'll feel like a ballerina. This is the shirt of lost childhood dreams."
• "To paraphrase a line from Fight Club, the first rule of having boobs is: get a bra fitting."

Of course, Winona goes into much greater detail in the book, with chapters to devoted to each category of wardrobe essential - bags, shoes, jeans and beyond.  I collect style books and must admit, this is a new favorite. To snag a copy, visit www.barnesandnoble.com.

FTC Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.

 

Holiday Gift-Terrific: Cashmere Socks

$84.99$84.99 by Johnstons at Asos

If there's something more delicious than cashmere socks, I'd like to be introduced to it immediately.

Though I never wear socks during the day (yes, I'm that crazy person who goes sock-less with flats and pumps, low temps be damned), I do love a luscious pair for lounging around on weekends.

These adorbs striped softies from Johnstons fit the bill. Admittedly, they're a bit pricey, but as far as I'm concerned, the perfect gift is often the indulgence that the giftee would never splurge on for themselves. Not to mention, you can snag 100% cashmere socks at all pricepoints - visit your local department store for the best selection. And here's a tip - try pairing the socks with a gentle fabric wash (I dig Tocca's) for an extra-thoughtful gift.

Holiday Gift-Terrific: LUSH Want to Believe Bath Melt

Not everyone can make Santa's "Nice" list, so for those that lean a little more naughty, consider gifting them LUSH's Want to Believe Bath Melt ($6.95).

Made with powdered charcoal to deep cleanse, fair trade sugar to exfoliate, fennel oil to detoxify and skin softening cocoa butter, this bath treat looks just like a lump of coal!

Pop a wee red bow on it as a tiny treat or tuck it in the bottom of that special someone's stocking, with a wink.

Shop LUSH at boutiques and online at www.lushusa.com.

Holiday Gift-Terrific: Williams-Sonoma Chocolate Filled Peppermint Snaps

It's a season of festivities and one of my personal rules is that you never arrive empty-handed for a party. If champagne's not your thing, Williams-Sonoma (the solution to many of life's dilemmas, let's be honest) comes to the rescue with this perfectly gifty jar of vintage-y Chocolate-Filled Peppermint Snaps ($24).

Made with refreshing peppermint oil and premium bittersweet chocolate, these luscious hard candies are handcrafted, right down to the signature hand-striped detailing. Love that.

And if you yourself deserve something delicious (I certainly do), pop this jar on your desk and your office will be a holiday destination, guaranteed.