Color Crush Holiday Gift Guide Part 3 — Shine Bright With These Gold & Silver Gift Ideas!
Now that December is upon us, it’s time to kick our Color Crush Holiday Gift Guide into high gear! So far, we’ve shown you some great gift options in shades of red and green and, today, we’re delving into the world of metallics, amassing beauty gift sets, spirits, barware, jewelry, clothing, handbags, and more — all in shades of gold or silver. Prepare to put the pedal to the metal because, with these pretty shiny things, you’ll speed right through that holiday shopping list!
Gucci Broadway Pearly Bee Shoulder Bag, $2980. Available at BergdorfGoodman.com
Wanna bumble with the bee, huh? Well who wouldn’t? This silver Gucci shoulder bag is sweeter than honey and packs quite the stylish sting. Measuring 6″ in height, 10″ in width, and 1.5″ in depth, the metallic Italian leather purse features all-over pearly studs that add a prim and posh touch when juxtaposed against the oversize, bejeweled, antiqued bee charm adorning the top flap. With inset navy enamel stripes, red crystals, and white pearl studs, the insect charm bears Gucci’s signature colors, letting the world know she’s the Queen Bee.
Alice + Olivia Gold Multi Patty Lantern Gown, $1395. Available at AliceandOlivia.com
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss or his Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I when you don this golden Alice + Olivia dress, which features plenty of embroidered details, woven crystals, and beaded embellishments that create a textural richness and a fascinating multi-layered effect. The structured bodice and plunging neckline, meanwhile, keep the dress flirtatious and fun, so that the fabric’s ornate quality never weighs down the piece but instead radiates light — much like the painting from Klimt’s Golden Phase.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Mini Lipstick Charms, $39. Available at CharlotteTilbury.com
Packaged in a box just slightly bigger than your standard matchbox, with the very same slide-out drawer construction, this tiny gift set will bring about major smiles. See, nestled inside the box are three mini Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick shades: Red Carper Red, a blue-toned red that’s as glamorous as its name implies; Amazing Grace, a medium pink shade with neutral undertones; and Very Victoria, a nude hue with a slight hazelnut tonality. Each tiny lipstick tube has a chocolate-covered ribbon tied to a ring along the top cap, so that it doubles as a charm, one you can tie to your favorite chain necklace or dangle from one of the loops on your handbag. But, of course, each lipstick’s primary purpose isn’t that of ornamentation. They may be small, but these travel-friendly lipsticks are as richly pigmented and feature as glamorous a matte finish as their full-size counterparts. Just check out these swatches:
They just happen to be petite powerhouses!
Dylanlex Nash Necklace, $450. Available at Dylanlex.com
Talk about a statement piece! Worn over a rock ‘n’ roll T-shirt, this oxidized, silver-plated necklace is the epitome of laid-back cool. Measuring 9″ in length, this handmade necklace features a chunky curb link chain embellished with slightly goth, fang-shaped charms and a rounded medallion pendant adorned with clear Swarovski crystals.
Jenni Bick Stay Golden Journal, $20. Available at JenniBick.com
Stay as golden as Blanche Devereaux, Dorothy Zbernak, Rose Nylund, and Sophia Petrillo with this charming notebook, featuring a faux leather cover that opens to reveal 240 ruled pages in which you can write all your ideas, thoughts, and anecdotes. Your musings can be as steamy as Blanche’s dream journal or as comical as Rose’s anecdotes about Ernest T. Minky, the librarian/dentist back in St. Olaf, and the Great Herring War, brought about when two prominent families argued over what to do with the fish (the Johanssons wanted to pickle the herring, and the Lindstroms wanted to train them for the circus). The possibilities are endless!
Lionette by Noa Sadé Allegra Earrings, $395. Available at LionetteNY.com
Made of black resin, plated brass, and clear Swarovski crystals, these Lionette earrings have a Cleopatra-worthy vibe to them thanks to the usage of diamond and pyramid shapes, the looped snake chain along the center (reminiscent of the Uraeus symbols common in amulets and ornamental jewelry in ancient Egypt), and the arched shape along the top (which recalls the corbelled arches that ancient Egyptians employed in their buildings). Measuring 3 1/4″ in length, and 1 3/4″ in width, these Allegra earrings will bring plenty of alegría to anyone who receives them.
Tweezerman Merry & Bright Mini Duo Tweezer Set, $30. Available at Tweezerman.com
Wanna keep that brow game strong? Then you’ll need all the proper tools — including a great brow pencil, a dependable spoolie brush, brow setting gel, an arch-accentuating highlighter pencil, and tweezers to pluck any fly-aways and unwanted stubble. Keep those arches looking heavenly with this holiday set from Tweezerman, which includes a white Slant tweezer with a glittery gold striped pattern and a black Point tweezer with gold stripes — both packaged in a jaunty gold faux leather sleeve.
Vince Camuto Metallic Fit and Flare Dress, $168. Available at Shop.Nordstrom.com
You really can’t go wrong with a fit-and-flare dress: it’s the type of silhouette that flatters girls of every shape. This Vince Camuto frock, then, would make any girl want to twirl her way to the next holiday party — especially given the shimmery metallic jacquard fabric and the darted seams along the bodice, which elongate the torso. Side-seam pockets, meanwhile, are perfect for storing lipstick, keys, and other small items, so there’s no need to worry about where to store one’s purse when the dance floor awaits.
Emporio Armani Metallic Crackle Leather Court Shoe, $695. Available at Armani.com
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli, Rome, is well-known for its coffered and gilded wooden ceilings, which date back to the 16th century. Do as the Romans do by gilding your feet in these Emporio Armani pumps, made of 100% calf leather in a crackled yellow gold hue that resembles gold foil, and featuring a 3.9″-tall heel and bow details along the front.
IT Cosmetics All That Glitters 5-Piece Must-Have Luxe Skin-Loving Brush Set + Exclusive Case, $58. Available at ULTA stores and ULTA.com
All that glitters is not gold — in the case of the It Cosmetics All That Glitters 5-Piece Brush Set, the shining action happens to be inspired by another precious metal: silver. But don’t go thinking the brushes inside this sparkling clutch are worthy of second place! If there were a makeup brush competition as part of a Beauty Olympics, IT Cosmetics would win as many gold medals as Ethiopia has earned in the long-distance running event category at the Summer Olympics (that’s over 25 medals, by the way!). In other words, these makeup brushes have reached top-notch, best-of-the-best, can’t-be-beat status. This set includes some of my favorites — from the Brilliant Powder Brush, which allows you to dust loose or pressed powder all over your complexion effortlessly, to the Radiant Foundation Brush, which features a dense brush head with tons of bristles that can really pack in pigment, allowing you to cover a great deal of surface area and to attain smooth, even, and flawless coverage. Other brushes include: the Stunning Eyeshadow Brush, which allows you to apply cream or powder shadows all along your lids, the Luminous Concealer Brush, which you can use to apply concealer under the eyes, as well as along smaller, harder-to-reach areas like the sides of the nose, the cupid’s bow, and above and below the brows; and the Dazzling Liner/Brow Brush, which features a slanted brush head so that you can create very precise liner looks or fill in brows with short, firm, feathery strokes.
Deepa Gurnani Darcie Headband, $343. Available at DeepaGurnani.com
A formal coronation may not be in your future, but you’ll still feel like royalty when you adorn your tresses with this stunning Deepa Gurnani headband. Made of 100% cotton and featuring a cowhide lining, the headband features floral shapes adorned with glass crystals, all woven using metallic thread, and a brass chain securing both ends of the piece together. The malleability of the cotton allows for the flower petals to fold inward and outward, giving the piece movement and keeping it from looking overly static.
Idea International Gold Playing Card Set, $15. Available at ShopHorne.com
Raise the stakes during your weekly poker game with this elegant deck of golden playing cards. Even if you wind up with a losing hand, you’ll have upped the ante on the aesthetic front!
Topshop Foil Pointelle Crop Knitted Top, $60. Available at Us.Topshop.com
You’ll feel a bit like Ex Machina’s Ava (played by Alicia Vikander) when you wear these pointelle stitch crop top, which features a high-shiner silver foil finish.
Vanessa Mooney Charlize Earrings, $58. Available at Shopbop.com
A nod to Charlize Theron’s mesmerizing glow in the J’Adore Dior commercials, these 4.75″-long seed bead tassel earrings from Vanessa Mooney are like flying Chinese lanterns — except they’ll light up your face instead of the evening sky!
Ban.do Deluxe Hot Stuff Thermal Mug, $18. Available at Bando.com
Every morning, before reading the newspaper, checking your text messages, commuting to work, calling business clients, going on a morning hike, or even engaging in chit-chat and exchanging pleasantries, there’s always one urgent piece of business: drinking a strong cup of joe. Anyone who, like Lorelai Gilmore, is made of 90% water and 10% caffeine, will appreciate this insulated thermal mug, which can hold up to 16 ounces of coffee. Not only is the mug handy, but it’s cheeky and fun, featuring the phrase “But First, Coffee” in gold foil lettering along the front.
Marc Jacobs Style Eye-Con No. 20 About Last Night Eyeshadow Palette, $99. Available at Sephora.com
Imagine that you could give your eyes as much personality as you do your ensembles, that you could dress them up or down as desired, give them a smoky and smoldering quality or a decadent gilded finish. Well, your fantasies are now a reality thanks to the Marc Jacobs Style Eye-Con No. 20 About Last Night palette, which features 20 rich eye shadows with satin, matte, shimmery, and glitter-packed finishes — all in one elegant palette with a golden top lid. The color assortment cleverly mixes soft neutrals with high-voltage metallics, pretty muted pinks and lavenders, and dusky, smokey violet, black, and mauve hues.
Below, check out the horizontal row of shadows in the palette (from the upper left to the upper right corner):
As you can see, the first row consists primarily of soft and almost ethereal shades: from 1, a powdery ecru shade, to 13, a soft, lilac-tinged pink, and 17, a shimmery pink that feels as magical as fairy dust.
Next, check out the hues in the second horizontal row:
This row is all about powerful metallic shades — from the gilded yellow gold No. 2 shade to the coppery No. 6 color.
The third row, shown below, features even more sumptuous metallic hues, along with some earthy tones. The No. 3 hue, for instance, has a brassy quality while the No.7 shade is a matte brown that’s then sprinkled with iridescent pearls for a chameleon-like quality. The No. 11 shade, meanwhile, dazzles with its gunmetal tone and lilac undertones.
Last but not least, the final row of the palette primarily features dark smoky hues that are perfect for better defining the eye and for creating a mysterious and alluring look. It’s also worth noting that the palette does a great job of offering different takes on black eyeshadow, from the sooty No. 8 to the more richly No. 12, which is more of a richly pigmented carbon black that can be built up or softened as desired. I also love the addition of the violet and mauve pink tones: No. 4, a blackened deep eggplant hue, and No. 20, a tawny mauve pink shade that will add more depth to understated looks consisting primarily of soft pinks and nudes.
With so many shade options, there are endless ways to play dress-up with your eyes!
Cole Haan Original Grand Wingtip Oxfords, $120. Available at ColeHaan.com
The borrowed-from-the-boys look isn’t going anywhere — this season, we’re seeing cute A-line dresses paired with hefty creepers and brogues, rich brocade and jacquard suits worn with high heels, silky slip dresses worn over pants, and much more. These Cole Haan shoes will help you add a playful dose of androgyny to your fashion game. Featuring silver-colored leather uppers, ridged soles that ensure a comfortable step, and traditional brogue detailing, these wingtip oxfords nod to traditional men’s footwear while adding a modern touch via the unexpected color choice.
Chan Luu Crystal AB Mix Wrap Bracelet, $245. Available at ChanLuu.com
Strips of pearl-colored leather set the perfect background for the clear, milky white, and yellow gold Swarovski crystals and gold-plated Indian beds strung together to create this stunning wrap bracelet.
Case-Mate Gold Fringed Metal iPhone 7 Case, $120. Available at Case-Mate.com
Let your phone shimmy like it’s mimicking Tina Turner performing “Proud Mary” in the fringe-adorned bodysuits and tiered fringe dresses she wore during 1982’s “Nice & Rough”tour. Designed for the iPhone 7, this case features a genuine gold-toned leather backing and slim chain link strands that dangle from the bottom of the case, swooshing and swaying back and forth. Not only is the case the perfect little party outfit for your precious cell phone, but it will keep your device safe thanks to its full shock-absorbing layer and military-strength impact protection.
Dr. Martens Baroque Pascal 8-Eye Leather Boot, $150. Available at NastyGal.com
Don’t let anyone tell you Doc Martens are making a “comeback”! They may have surged in popularity back in the ‘7os, when British punk groups like The Clash and The Stranglers rocked out on stage in their beloved combat boots, but Dr. Martens boots remained in vogue throughout the ’80s and the ’90s, when the grunge movement made them even more mainstream. Over the decades, then, these lace-up boots have been associated with fight-the-power ideologies, rebellious youth movements, and individualistic fashion ethos. And, since Dr. Martens consumers are hardly a monolithic group, the brand’s boots come in a vast array of colors and prints. This brand new Pascal design features crinkled black leather uppers and a metallic gold baroque design.
Aurelie Bidermann Hesperides Ring, $210. Available at AurelieBidermann.com
Princess Bride fans will find themselves saying, “As you wish” to these buttercups, painstakingly sculpted and plated in 18k gold. Since the buttercup flower is said to symbolize humility, this ring is the perfect gift for any woman who is graceful, unpretentious, and filled with joy and love.
Dita Heartbreaker Sunglasses, $525. Available at Dita.com
A modern take on the classic cat eye style, the Dita Heartbreaker features a purr-fect silhouette and features gold acetate insets that liven up the complexion. The gold-toned sculpted temple tips and end pieces perfectly complement the golden mustard color of the acetate insets and the gradient brown lenses.
Sephora Collection Sparkle & Shine The Universalist Cosmetic Case, $49; and Sparkle & Shine Brush Set, $54. Available at Sephora.com
‘Tis the season for twinkling Christmas tree lights, glitter-covered ornaments, silver bells, giant mirrored New Years’ Eve balls, gleaming tinsel garlands, sequin-adorned party dresses, and all things shiny and bright. Sephora has harnessed the joyful spirit of the sparkliest of seasons with its gift offerings — all the while ensuring that these trinkets can transition to spring, summer, and beyond, adding some festive shine year-round. The Sparkle & Shine collection, then, includes such gift-ready pieces as a zippered cosmetic case with a water-resistant coated cotton canvas exterior and a boxed six-piece makeup brush set — both featuring a dazzling chevron motif combining pink, gold, and silver glitter stripes against a white backdrop.
The Sparkle & Shine The Universalist Cosmetic Case features a sturdy top handle and a small zippered compartment right below the top lid that reveals a slim zippered pocket and a brush holder surface with elastic straps that ensure your favorite tools remain secure. The second zipper, meanwhile, opens the primary compartment, which features a roomy interior with elastic brush holder straps to keep any contents organized, and a mesh net pocket in which to stash smaller items.
The Sparkle & Shine Brush Set, meanwhile, features a powder brush, smudge brush, angled blush brush, lip brush, all-over shadow brush, and double-ended brow brush — all featuring clear handles with specks of gold seemingly suspended inside their centers. And, of course, the full-face brush set comes in a glitter chevron box that you can use to store photos, letters, and other trinkets and mementos.
Beatrice Valenzuela Alcatraz Necklace, $315. Available at BeatriceValenzuela.com
Mexican footwear and jewelry designer Beatrice Valenzuela has been known to pluck flowers and leaves, then cast them in brass or silver to make sculptural jewelry pieces that perfectly replicate each petal’s lines and folds, each stem’s width and length, and each leaf’s veins and edges. The Alcatraz necklace is no exception. Hand crafted in Los Angeles, this open-ended necklace immortalizes the beauty of a single calla lily, highlighting its distinctive trumpet shape and its large pistil, while sculpting the stem to create a rounded, organic shape that perfectly encircles the neck.
Oasis Warner 2-in-1 Midi Dress, $145. Available at Oasis-Stores.com
The damask-inspired pattern on the skirt this jacquard midi dress hearkens back to the Baroque era, while the solid black bodice keeps the frock from looking too ornate, grounding it in modern times.
Calvin Klein Platinum Engineered Backpack, $550. Available at CalvinKlein.us
Schoolgirl style has graduated to new heights, while backpacks — now back in vogue — have become smaller and smaller. Measuring 11″ in height, 7.85″ in width, and 5.1″ in depth, this pebbled leather micro backpack exemplifies the trend. Large enough to fit a 9.7″ iPad, a wallet, keys, cellphone, a pair of shades, and a few makeup musts, this backpack is the sporty equivalent of a clutch, adding a finishing touch to your ensemble and providing a place in which to store essentials. Unlike a clutch, however, this Calvin Klein backpack features both a top handle and adjustable shoulder straps, allowing for hands-free wear.
Formula X “X in the City” Nail Polish Gift Set, $36.50. Available at Sephora.com
Skyscrapers made out of nail polish? Yes, please! This Formula X gift set replicates a city block, with a starry night sky and tall skyscrapers looming behind a row of four gilded buildings, each an illustrated box containing two or three mini nail polish bottles. When you open the plastic box, then, you can reach in and grab one of the break-apart pillars, pulling it out to discover the nail colors inside it.
The set contains four limited-edition shimmering shades: Epiphany, an antique gold hue reminiscent of the Etruscan era; Wanderlust, a platinum shade with lavender undertones; Electri-City, a deep blackened copper color with plenty of reddish copper glitter; and X Appeal (a dainty cool-toned pink pearl shade with pink and silver shimmer). These are then accompanied by six best-selling cream colors: Fahrenheit, a cool-toned crimson; Obsessed, a vamp-y Merlot wine; Intensity, a classic baby pink; Gray Matter, a mauve-tinged heather gray; Perfection, a taupe-and-violet blend; and Majestic, a blackened navy blue.
Stella McCartney Anastasia Top, $891. Available at StellaMcCartney.com
This boudoir-inspired satin top features lace insets along the neckline and hem to mimic a sexy camisole, but the gold lamé finis gives the piece a disco-dipped decadence.
Lili Claspe Lana Choker, $99. Available at LiliClaspe.com
If velvet, grosgrain ribbon, lace, and leather wrap-around chokers feel a bit too expected, then take this Lili Claspe chainmail choker for a spin. Don’t be surprised if the medieval chainmail effect makes you feel like Sansa Stark!
Milly Diamond Box Clutch, $295. Available at Milly.com
Turns out court jesters might have been onto something with those diamond patterns they chose for their outfits. In black and gold, the combination has an Art Deco decadence, which is what makes this acrylic box clutch so glamorous. Measuring 7 3/4″ in length, 1 3/3″ in width, and 3 3/4″ in height, this Milly clutch feels like it belongs in Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby remake.
Sergio Rossi Freda Sandals in Silver, $750. Available at SergioRossi.com
This is not your ordinary glittery sandal! This Sergio Rossi sandal plays with contrasting ideas and aesthetics for a split-personality design that’s intriguing and unique. The front of the sandal is sleek and sexy, with a simple silver glitter strap above the toes and a matching instep, while the 4.1″-tall, gunmetal glitter-covered, block-shaped heel and ankle counter create a very graphic statement that’s bold and slightly retro. The daintiness of the front and the slim ankle strap, juxtaposed against the heftiness and severity of the heel and ankle counter, make for a piece of fascinating footwork.
BCBGMAXAZRIA Lucea Pleated Metallic Dress, $368. Available at BCBG.com
Made of metallic-foiled georgette and featuring a waist-cinching elastic waistband, pleating details, and sheer inserts, this BCBGMAXAZRIA dress is reminiscent of the famed elevator inside New York City’s Chrysler Building, which is itself a prime example of Art Deco architecture. Even the “V” shapes created through sheer insets feel grounded in the heavily geometric aesthetic of the 1920s.
ONEHOPE Gold Glitter Edition Sparkling Brut, $59. Available at OneHope.com
Enveloped in a glittery gold sleeve, this bottle of California sparkling wine features pear, peach, and green apple nuances that feel crisp and fruity without delving into overly sweet territory, making this a great accompaniment for lighter seafood dishes or Brie cheese, cracker, and grape spreads. It’s a gift any hostess would appreciate, but the reasons extend beyond the realm of entertaining or wine tasting: see, there’s a philanthropic element to ONEHOPE so that, for each bottle of wine sold, an estimated 15 meals are provided to children in need thanks to the ONEHOPE Foundation’s partnership with End Hunger. Indulging while helping to make the world a better place? Now that’s something to celebrate!
Zara Metallic Cropped Top, $49.90. Available at Zara.com
The two layers of ruffles positioned above the bust line of this gold lamé crop top add a cheekiness to the design that makes it all the more festive.
Kate Spade Hampton Street Vase, $75. Available at KateSpade.com
Golden swirls will orbit any flowers you place inside this cylindrical Kate Spade vase, measuring 10″ in height, and 3.75″ in width.
River Island Silver Mini Skirt, $56. Available at US.RiverIsland.com
Unleash your inner go-go girl with this silver-toned mini skirt, which practically begs to be paired with knee-high boots featuring chunky block heels.
Catherine Malandrino Lattice Cuff Bracelet, $430. Available at CatherineMalandrino.com
Crafted using 18k yellow gold-plated twisted wire and a rhodium-plated sterling silver border, this Catherine Malandrino cuff bracelet features curled, ribbon-like strips along the center, creating as celebratory a feel as streamers at a birthday party. The addition of the silver-toned border, meanwhile, creates a mixed metal look that makes the cuff even more versatile.
Converse Chuck II Metallic Perforated High-Top Sneakers, $100. Available at Store.Nike.com
The iconic Chuck Taylor got the Midas touch this season. These high-top kicks feature perforated microsuede uppers in a molten gold hue. Not only do the perforated uppers grant greater breathability but, on the aesthetic front, they also offer a texturally rich element, giving the illusion of the shoe being woven out of straw like something out of Rumpelstitskin.
Dress The Population Sequin Bodycon Dress, $104.63. Available at Shop.Nordstrom.com
Get ready to be a silver belle in the city. Designed to look like a second skin, this slim-fitting dress features all-over glitter and sequins that reflect oncoming light, while the low-cut back shows a hint of flesh and multiplies the frock’s sex appeal.
Jonathan Adler Talitha White Heart Pillow, $298. Available at JonathanAdler.com
Home is where the heart is — a message beautifully conveyed through this Jonathan Adler pillow, which features overlapping, gold-toned brass disks in the shape of a heart at its center. Measuring 16 square inches, this 100% white linen pillow also features accent sequins along its perimeter and tiny beads surrounding the graphic heart, both elements adding even more sparkle and warmth to the design.
Zodax La Fete Champagne Flute Set, $116. Available at Wayfair.com
Perfecting for toasting the New Year, this champagne flute set features six glasses with unique gold accents — from scattered polka dots to a full-length spiral pattern and a shooting star motif. Each glass measures 7″ in height, 1.75″ in width, and 1.75″ in depth.
Metallic Pleated Midi Skirt, $34. Available at SansSouciStores.com
This midi-length metallic foil skirt, featuring feminine accordion pleats, can be paired with everything from cropped black sweaters and strappy heels to graphic T-shirts worn under leather jackets.
