Happy Holidays!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a safe and Happy New Year!

Posting will resume again in January so be on the look out for Spring 2010 trends and fashion news as well as features of hot Stella styles you'll want to rock in the new year!

Men's Fashion Friday: Watches

There are several accessories that are essential to a man's wardrobe: shoes, belts, hats and ties. But, virtually the most important accessory is the watch. Men don't accessorize to the extent that women do, however, a good watch can be the icing to any outfit. It is important that the accessories men do decide to decorate with, match. Brown belts must match brown shoes and those two must match a watch that has either a brown leather band or is composed of a neutral metal like silver or a tasteful gold.  A watch is an item that is great to invest in and, yes, most watches will cost you a good penny.  Depending on what you consider "expensive" here are some hot styles selling this winter.

Fossil brand watches seem to remain among the most affordable in the market. They always have an extensive variety to choose from and remain on the forefront of trends.  This Chronographic Black Dial style makes a bold statement. It's casual but could still be dressed up if paired with the right outfit. Priced at $135, you get dual-face functionality with a sleek leather band and a modified squared shape which makes it extra masculine.

Look expensive without spending a fortune with this Armani Exchange watch. The main frame of this watch tells the time in large and the backdrop has two subdials which add an extra design feature for fancy time telling. The left subdial tells the minute of the hour and the right subdial displays the hour.  It's a dressier style to be worn with black and at $180 you could easily go by day with Fossil and by night with Armani.

  

If you are willing to spend a little extra but want a watch that can go the additional mile by being versatile enough you can wear it with anything, try the Burberry Bracelet Watch for $395. Now, $395 is a small investment when compared to the prices watches could cost you. Not to mention the option to wear this with black or brown saves you from purchasing one for each side of the wardrobe. It's scratch resistant, water resistant and it's a Swiss made watch which means it's crafted with quality.  If you want to remain below $200 but need something that can go with anything, simply look for a style made of a metal versus leather and with a face color that is neutral.

If you are into the sporty look but want something with aesthetics that are pleasing to the eye, Oakley has you covered. This is the Oakley Judge II Bracelet Edition style that is sporty yet can be passed off as casual or dressy when needed. Oakley products will always cost you a bit more and this watch is no exception at $895. However, we all know that Oakley means performance and purpose and this style pays tribute to their motto. This is their example of "precision technology" features anti-reflective coating, subdials that log minutes and hours, surgical grade steel, water resistant by way of a "dual-sealed crown" and, of course, is Swiss made. A description I cannot rewrite by Oakleys standards, "A true Swiss Made chronograph, JUDGE® II measures accumulated time, intermediate time and a second time interval with the accuracy of 10-jewel quartz movement."

Simply put: too much science for me to interpret so go check it out in stores!

Dylan's Candy Bar

I have an undeniable sweet tooth that I never seem to be able to satisfy, however, as I grew older, I grew out of the "all-you-can-eat" candy shoppes. That is, until a trip to New York City quickly changed my outlook on bottomless sweet treats.

Located just off of Central Park in New York is the original Dylan's Candy Bar, owned by Ralph Lauren's daugher, Dylan. As soon as you walk in you are greeted by a selection of different packaging choices in which to house your candy selections. Once you decide on your container of choice, you may continue onto the closest experience to a real-life Willy Wonka adventure you may ever encounter!

The candy bar is two floors filled with your favorite cavity-prone goodies. Shop your chocolates, gummies, toffees and caramels, homemade truffles and fudge, gum, tarts, malt balls, sours and even candied popcorn! You can also indulge in a homemade milkshake made right in house in the candy bar bakery.

If you're on a "candy diet" you can still dive into some Dylan delectables with her Re-Treat Bath & Body product line. Submerge yourself in delicious shower gels, body butters, lip savers, sugar scrubs and more with her adorably packaged Re-Treat gift sets.  If you're not planning a trip to NYC, Houston, Texas or Orlando, Florida in the near future, you can still purchase the Re-Treat line at Dylan's Candy Bar website and at Sephora retail stores.

On the flip side, if you are in the perimeter of a Candy Bar store check out their parties and events service! Host a party right inside Dylan's Candy Bar in a private room with your kids, have Dylan provide your wedding or party favors or even wrap up a corporate customized gift!

Last Minute Picks

Last minute Christmas shopping can be a stressful venture. Make sure you're last minute gifts don't look like a ditch effort to throw more boxes under the tree.  Here are some tasteful sentiments that anyone will appreciate.

The Jenna Pearl & Ribbon Necklace featured in Rachael Ray's 2009 Holiday Gift Guide is still a great gift item from Stella & Dot! Carefully crafted quality materials create this trendy and adjustable necklace anyone will love! At only $44 it's a great stocking stuffer! Email me with an order for this item by Thursday, December 17th and receive $10 off! Simply click "Contact Me" to the right of this blog to place. At $34 who wouldn't want to snatch this up!?

 Message in a Bottle from Antrhopologie is a great way to sneak a note to a loved one during the holidays and it's on sale now for just $6.95! The concept makes it feel more thoughtful than getting a card, not to mention, more fun to open.  It might even be a great way to say, "Will You Marry Me?" this season!

If you know someone who loves Juicy Couture, their Velour Stockings make a great "happy". Decorated with a satin ribbon and a Juicy Charm, you can stuff the large one with her favorite candies, socks or tanks or get the smaller one which comes with two fun lollipops.

Get a pair of textured tights and expand her wardrobe with infinite possibilities. She can wear tights with a long tunic, under shorts, a skirt or with a dress. They act as a trendy way to keep warm and without defaulting to that plain sheer hosiery. J.Crew has several selections of high quality tights. Featured here are the Pointelle Stitched Tights for $22.50. What a great stocking stuffer!

Get LUSHious this holiday season with the Lush massage bars. The one pictured here is Heavanilli ! This bar is packed 100% organic ingredients including cocoa butter and is infused with rich vanilla beans for a warm scent. Ditch the old massage oils and lotions and try this bar out. Rub it into your skin and as it melts away you'll experience a Lush-ious massage as the silky oils extract and penetrate your skin. Stuff this in your ladies stocking and put a coupon with it good for one, or infinite massages! Check out their website and shop their wide variety of massage bars as well as other fabulous organic products from bath and shower to skin and haircare.

Customize and Personalize

It's always nice to be handed something that's been crafted with care just for you.  Customized and personalized gifts can make a lasting impression. These days, you can add your personal prints to just about anything. 

The Snuggie was the center of most comedic comments when they first launched. That is, until people realized how fabulously brilliant they were.  So brilliant, in fact, that merely every linen company has produced a version of their own "Snuggie". You can find Slankets, Nap Sacks, Snug Wraps, Wrap-Ups, you name it.  Snuggie is now taking it to another level where you can customize your Snuggie with a slogan. Purchase your customized comfort at www.customsnuggie.com for only $19.95! Plus, if you buy two you can get one free!

PersonalizationMall.com has an extensive selection of gifts you can add your special touch to. Everything from Christmas cards, ornaments and calendars to popcorn bowls, frames and robes are all available to personalize. Customize your hot cocoa cup or or have a quote etched into glass.  You will find yourself spending an endless amount of time browsing their products as everything under the sun is listed on this site.

Personal Creations website also has a wide variety of items to customize. Create personalized wall decor and canvasses as well as jewelry and even furniture! This site has a unique variety of items you can add your touch to and at fabulous prices!

If you are just looking to keep it simple and want to plaster your pictures on your personal presents, check out Zazzle's website. You can personalize your postage, calendars, apparel and shoes! They even give you the option to create your own design which is a great way to get your kids involved to create a gift for a grandparent or close relative.

Make-Up Mix Up

I am one for fashion, but not 'facial fashion'. Through my years I have learned that I will certainly drop a buck in an instant on designer denim and an irresistible pair of stiletto's. Which means, I don't leave much budget for make-up and when I do shop for make-up I think of the pair of shoes I could be buying instead of the $100, no-good-cover up collection at a make-up counter. 

A recent hiccup in my low-maintenance cosmetic life threw me back into the stores to find a fix.  My absolute favorite mascara is Max Factor's 2000 Calorie and the UK brand was recently discontinued in the States. Although it is available to order online, its' a hassle to remember to order each time my tube gets low. So, I am here to share my cosmetic favorites and some fun things to try when you also need to find your fix. 

When the mascara you have used for years is discontinued and you are on a hunt for the perfect replacement, go to Sephora and get their LashStash Mascara Deluxe Sampler for $39 which features 10 samples of different designer mascaras! What perfect timing to have found such a fabulous set! I would much rather spend $3 and some change on 10 different tubes before I trash my cash on brands I know I'll end up hating...

If you're not one for foundation or all-over concealer but still want a little tinted coverage, you must try Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer from her Flawless Face cosmetic collection. It is incredibly lightweight and comes in regular and oil-free versions for $42.  Now, $42 might be considered "spending a buck", but this tube will last you at least 6 months, which averages out to only $7 a month. This is the product where a little goes a very long way and it's available in seven different shades so you can find the tone perfect for your skin. If you want to try but are hesitant in spending the money, simply ask for a sample!

 

Extra coverage under my eyes is incredibly essential. Concealers come in a variety of forms, brands and prices.  My favorite lands, again, with Laura Mercier's Secret Concealer.  This product is made specifically for your eyes to conceal dark circles and discoloration. It's formulated thinner than a concealer you would use on your entire face and was developed to be lightweight but full of coverage. Go to your local Laura Mercier retailer without concealer under your eyes and have a Laura Mercier expert color match this product for you.  You will instantly see the difference! Not only does it cover, it stays with you throughout the day and for only $22, this is another product that lasts. 

Quick Tip: Get the entire Flawless Face Kit from Laura Mercier and learn how to lightly layer your look with all the essentials. Available only at Sephora, this starter kit is valued at $159 and is offered at $65! Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Oprah and Kate Beckinsale paint their face with LM every day and we all know how flawlessly fabulous they all look, so indulge in the same products for the same flawless face! 

Laura Mercier retails in Sephora and Nordstrom and is making its way into more available retailers like Macy's and Amazon.com. My cosmetic tip: register at Sephora and they send you lots of fun coupons via email. I just got one for $15 off a purchase of $35 or more which means the $42 tinted moisturizer is only $27 with the coupon! Not to mention, department stores hardly run discount deals on cosmetics! 

Add that subtle runway shimmer to your look with Benefit Cosmetics Moon Beam. This "iridescent complexion enhancer" can be added to your cheeks or brow bone for a highlighting glow. Simply dab it on the areas you want enhanced right over your bronzer or powder and rub in for that subtle sheen. Another great product that will last you all year long!

Men's Fashion Friday: Cosmetics

The cosmetic industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that has been more-or-less funded by the female gender.  However, as men become more in tune with fashion, they are just as quickly becoming in tune with their facial fashion.  Cosmetic companies are revving up their product lines for men and stocking their shelves full of products that guys wouldn't have dared touch in years past. Men, stop creeping in your woman's make-up drawer for that anti-aging cream she spends a good buck on. Try out some products that were created especially for the male gender.

Lab Series is a higher end, high tech cosmetic line strictly for men.  They have a variety of products from shave gels and creams to acne treatments, facial therapy products and body wash. Lab Series' financial plan includes a prediction for the company to reach $100 million in sales and they anticipate the launch of their  new Age-less face cream called MAX::LS in February will aid in obtaining this goal. This $65 bottle of moisturizer claims to work magic in "erasing signs of aging." It's a daily moisturizer formulated to make you look younger with every application. Can you put a price on the cost of youth?

Don't think the Clinique counter is just for your mom or girlfriend. Clinique offers a Deluxe Great Shave Kit crafted just for men.  Included in this $45 shave set is Shave Aloe, Face Scrub, and Post-Shave Healer.  Each item comes in a regular size and a travel size along with a black toiletry bag for easy traveling.


Men might not wrinkle up as quickly as women, but they still get those unwanted lines.  Biotherm Homme has a new Age Refirm Eye Force Anti-Wrinkle treatment for men. It's serum works in a special way to help improve sagging skin around the eyes and plump up those unwanted wrinkles.

Men typically don't lube up with lotion when they get finished with a shower. But, it's just as important for men to lock in the moisture as it is for women. Neutrogena's MoistureWrap Body Lotion was created specifically for the likes of men. It's intensive lineup of ingredients helps lock in moisture, heal dry skin and relieve irritation. It attacks the issue from the root of the problem deep below the skins surface and heels you from the inside out. It's fragrant free which tends to grasp the liking of most men!

Gifts for Guys

Men can be just as picky and just as tricky to shop for as women. Whether you're shopping for your dad, husband, brother or something for your "bromance" (aka a guys best guy friend), you'll be sure to find some great and unique gifts this holiday season. It appears as though shoppers are going "atypical" and giving gifts outside of the old standbys. Here are some original and some, not-so-original ideas!

Make a toast to your hosts favorite tunes! Wines That Rock just dropped their new releases. If you're stuck on a gift and know that the guy you're shopping for loves Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones or Woodstock, buy into a customized wine with a tribute to their favorite legend or festival! They will have a great time making a toast while they karaoke to their tunes!

Help your parents or in-laws capture the memories this holiday season with the new Samsung DualView TL200 Digital Camera.  This is the absolute must-have digital camera this year and on the top of many wish lists.  The DualView is equipped with a front and back LCD screen for "DualView." That way, when you find yourself needing to hold the camera out to snap a photo, just take a peak into the front LCD screen to make sure you're on target the first time! Other fancy features include touch-screen, HD Movies, 12.2 megapixels and a wide-angled lens.

The Creators of Rock Band still have their thinking caps on with the release of DJ Hero. This is a great gift for a son or brother and is more compact than the rest of the games in the Rock Star collection. For $99-$119, depending on your retailer, you can purchase the game pack which includes all the essentials to play the game (turntable, game disc, etc). Sold separately for around $30 is a stand in which to set your turntable on, however, it's not necessary. Simply place the turntable on a table you already have and start spinning mixes with your inner DJ!

A fun gift for any guy in your life is The Man Can. The Plum Island Soap Co. took a typical paint can and revamped it to create a container for their spa and skin care products. Get your guy smelling spicy and sexy with the all natural produts from the Plum Island Soap Co. like Spicy Shave and Bay Rum and Fisherman's Butter.

Lulu Vintage Glass Necklace in InStyle - 20% Off!

We've hit the press again!  Stella & Dot's Lulu Vintage Glass Necklace is featured in the December issue of InStyle magazine (pg 317).

This vintage inspired treasure is covered in glass stones in berry hues.  The piece is delicately and stylishly finished with a velvet ribbon so you can adjust the length of the necklace to hit just where you want on your neckline.

Receive 20% off this item through December 30th! To get in time for Christmas, make sure to order by December 17th to avoid additional shipping costs.  Click here to place your order and upon check-out enter Promo Code: INSTYLE09

KNIT-ty Gritty

Knits are a great way to keep warm during the winter. Fashion a knit sweater dress with leggings or a knit vest with a layered tee and a pair of jeans. There are lots of ways to mix-and-match your knits with wovens and other textures to add dimension and most of all, warmth.

J. Crew's Merino Cable Vest is a tribute to classic comfort with its cable knit design. This is a great staple to have for your winter wardrobe as its basic but stylish and can be carried over into seasons to come. Not to mention, you can dress it up with trousers, down with jeans or wear it all layered up.

Sweater dresses make an appearance in some form or fashion virtually every fall and winter season. Featured here is Forever 21's Suzanne Crochet Tunic dress with a cowel neck, front pockets and oversized flutter-like sleeves. Wear this over textured leggings, throw on a chunky empire belt and finish it with a pair of booties for a hot fashion statement. This also makes for a great basic to carry over each season.

Hold the heat in with knit berets. The two pictured above retail at New York and Company, however, these cozy caps are featured in nearly every designer's winter collection. Knit berets are bohemian chic and can be worn losely pinned or tucked tighter for complete coverage.

Travel Sense

If you are traveling a lot, or even a little this holiday season, make sure to pack sensibly.  Compartmentalizing can keep your luggage organized and some essential accessories can help keep things compact.  There are lots of clever storage devices that help save space, not take up space.

Protect your bras when you travel with the Bra(g)! Adorable cases are shaped like your lingerie to pack your undergarments in so they remain protected and separate from your other clothes while traveling. A variety of colors and prints are available to suit your taste.

Simply stack your bras inside the hard case like shown to keep the shape of your expensive and delicate lingerie like new. 

Matching Panty Packs are also available.  The inside is compartmentalized for your "Clean" and "Not So Clean" underwear so you can be sure to keep them not only separate from each other, but away from all your other clean clothes as well.  The Panty Packs are soft and easy to pack and make for great gifts!

QVC has a fabulous Pink Silver Safekeeper Jewelry Case that is great to pack your jewelry in when you travel.  These amazing jewelry rolls come in a set of 3 for only $22!! Each roll has zippered compartments to seal in your jewelry. Large or small, there is storage for all your bling! Simply roll them up and pack them away.  Not only is it great for traveling and protecting your items, but with its anti-tarnishing material it will keep your jewelry from tarnishing for 25-40 years! 

Why carry around that bulky brief case when you can go slim and sleek with laptop skins? Leave the bulk behind when traveling and slide your gadget into a super skinny case. So compact it can even fit inside your purse or a carry-on bag. Nearly all major retailers carry some version of the skins, however, I recently discovered Hongkiat's Website.  Hongkiat carries a variety of selected skins, most designs which I have never seen like, the above photo where the skin not only serves as a case, but it also folds out into a clever mini desk area. Browse their selection for some one-of-a-kind styles and find the one that fits your liking!

Present Picks

'Tis the season of giving! The shelves are packed with fun finds and Tinseltown trinkets which is making this season of shopping lots of fun! Dip into some of my favorite treasures I have discovered while shopping and get that happy for your special someone to let them know you're thinking of them. One of my personal favorites has also landed on a Celebrity-Wish List!

The Jenna Pearl & Ribbon Necklace from Stella & Dot isn't just a favorite gift of mine! Rachael Ray also features it in her 2009 holiday gift guide! That's right, ladies... it's reached the celebrity wish list and you can get it for yourself or a special someone for only $44! Fabulous pearls are laced with trendy gros-grained ribbon to wear at any length you desire! Click on the link above and place your order by December 17th to get in time for Christmas.

From $44 to $500 is a splurge! However, I had to feature this and pay tribute to my intense dedication to shoe shopping.  Christian Louboutin has designed the ultimate toast for your "toes" with this limited edition shoe-shaped champagne glass featuring his infamous red-bottom soles! The concept celebrates an old French ritual when a man used to drink from a woman's shoe to profess his love.  Quite frankly, the only love I'd be professing is that for my obsession with stilettos! Drink from the heel but don't worry about spilling, Louboutin not only designs a shoe that fits, but he designed a shoe that sips!

Need a gift for someone who hates to cook but loves the smell of fresh baked goodies? Try Philosophies bubble bath cook book where she can dip into a bath rich in red velvet cake and scents of spicy gingerbread. Six different bubble baths and shower gels sit in this cookbook collection for only $35.  What a great gift for your mother or sister-in-law. Anyone difficult to shop for will love this tasteful, yet not-so-tasty set!

I was out shopping when I 'accidentally' stumbled into Victoria's Secret.  I am so fascinated by their new gift sets that the prices actually seem more justified for the product versus just the fancy packaging. My favorite money-worthy gift set this season is the Must-Have Fragrance Mist Gift Set. It includes four of their most popular fragrances: Dream Angels Heavenly, Very Sexy, Sexy Little Things and Sexy Little Things Noir for only $34.00! However, if you catch it on a sale day, you can get it for as little as $24.99!!

Want to get something for a hostess or a boss but know they are up to their eyes in holiday deserts and chocolates?  Essentially, you can still give the tasty truffles everyone loves from Godiva but without the calories. Godiva has a new line of fabulous candles with scents like Black Almond Truffle and Raspberry Ganache that smell just as delicious as the chocolates they are named after. For a retail price of $22.50 and 50 hours of burn time, you can get these "chocolate" treats at any local retailer that sells Godiva.

Slipper booties are making a comfy and cozy impression this season. Lounge around inside your home in style with Gap's Slipper Booties for $29.50. Keep your toes and your legs warm with heavy plush fabrics in a variety of colors and styles. The suede lining on the bottom prevents you from slipping and makes them extra comfortable. What a great gift for a sibling!