Color Crush Holiday Gift Guide Part 4 — In Pursuit of Pink & Purple Presents!
After admiring some red, green, silver and gold gift options in previous gift guide installments, today we’re scouting out presents and thinking pink — then stirring in a little purple to mix things up a bit. From Lady Gaga-esque pink fedoras to raw amethyst necklaces, pink bath salt soaks, metallic purple stilettos, and hot pink watches, check out these charming gift ideas.
Janna Conner Kellan Amethyst Necklace, $55. Available at JannaConner.com
Beauty is all around us — and this Janna Conner necklace, which makes a natural amethyst cluster the focal point of the design, is a stunning reminder of this truth. Measuring 1.25″ in length and 1″ in height, the amethyst pendant features a gunmetal-hued top rim encrusted with clear Swarovski crystals, and it dangles from an oxidized, gunmetal-toned steel chain measuring 24″ in total length.
Fendi Mini Peekaboo Two-Tone Nappa Handbag, $3450. Available at Fendi.com
From the structured silhouette to the small size and cheerful pink hue, this Fendi handbag nods to the 1950s. The bag’s retro qualities, however, are infused with a playful spirit through the addition of a light sage green top handle and a matching green-toned coating for the turn-lock closure’s rectangular metal frame.
J.Crew Stadium-Cloth Cocoon Coat, $350. Available at JCrew.com
Remember when, in January 2013, Malia Obama wore a plum-colored J. Crew coat to her father’s presidential inauguration and the style quickly sold out? Well, while that specific coat style was retired out of respect to the First Family, this lavender coat is a fine alternative. Crafted out of the high-quality wool used in old-school stadium blankets, imported from Italy’s Nello Gori mill, the cozy coat features an oversize “cocoon” silhouette for a boxy fit.
Sophia Webster Lilico Appliquéd Leather Sandals, $550. Available at Net-a-Porter.com
You might just feel like a woman frolicking in a garden inside a Renoir painting when you wear these petal pink Sophia Webster Lilico sandals, which feature handmade floral appliqués along their front straps, 4″-tall heels, and slim ankle straps.
CC Skye Queen Rebel Necklace, $90. Available at CCskye.com
Hot pink resin stones and rectangular Swarovski crystals give this necklace a dose of ’80s pep. When worn over a collared shirt or atop a sweater, it will make the outfit go from “meh” to boss status in a matter of seconds.
Too Faced Holiday 2016 The Chocolate Shop Gift Set, $58. Available at Sephora.com
Would you deny yourself a trip to the flagship store of a world-renowned chocolatier? Probably not. Sometimes, after all, we need to surrender to temptation — especially when it comes to chocolate and makeup. If you have a weakness for either of these treats (or both), then you’ll be seduced by the Too Faced The Chocolate Shop gift set, which feels like a pop-up storybook come to life. When you open this boxed set, you’ll find cut-outs of a dapper man and a saucy pink-haired woman walking along Fifth Avenue arm in arm, passing in front of a storefront showcasing shelves lined with chocolate bars, cakes, mousses, and more. Three mini Too Faced products are propped in front of the golden backdrop: a 0.17 oz. tube of its Better Than Sex Mascara, a 0.16 oz. tube of its Melted Chocolate Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Milkshake, and a 0.17 oz. tube of its Shadow Insurance eye shadow primer. A pink flip-top book is situated in front of this pop-up scenario and, once you lift its lid, you encounter 21 eye shadows, as well as a Chocolate Soleil Bronzer, a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Blush, and an Inner Light Luminizer shade. Because they’re infused with antioxidant-rich cocoa powder, the products smell like fresh fudge, making them all the more addictive, and they soften, protect, and hydrate the skin while you wear them. It’s a chocolate makeup lover’s heaven!
Below, you’ll find swatches of all the eyeshadow shades in the palette. Let’s start with some of the more muted hues:
As you can see above Glaze is a matte ecru shade, almost an eggshell shade that’s perfect for buffing and blending; Sugared Raisin is a shimmering mauve color with silver specks; Raspberry Rose is a matte light pink that will probably remind you of pink icing; and Dessert’s On Me is an icy white with plenty of pearly shimmer (think of a glossy wedding cake).
Next, we have a couple more neutrals and some deeper metallic shades:
As you can see, Mint Chip is a metallic teal blue saturated with sea blue shimmer; Sugar Bells is a richly pigmented metallic silver with a slightly futuristic feel; Banana Date is a soft creamy beige; Butterscotch is a metallic copper with gold shimmer; and Cake Batter is a matte peachy taupe shade.
Next, we have more earthy and metallic hues:
Pictured above are Gingerdoodle, a shimmering champagne shade; Totsie, a sooty chocolate brown with a matte finish; Guilt-Free, a matte gray with lavender undertones; Cookie Dough, a matte beige reminiscent of Banana Date but slightly deeper and featuring a touch of gold sparkle; and Indulge, a shimmering silvered taupe.
Moving on, we have three more intense and decadent shades:
Pictured above are Lava Cake, a dark matte espresso brown with gold sparkle; Toffee Crunch, a reddish brown with a matte finish; and Chocolaholic, a matte caramel sand hue.
Last but not least, we have Buckleberry, a matte black with scattered pink shimmer; Jingle Berry, an electric violet that borders on magenta and features pink shimmer; Pound Cake, a mauve-tinged gold with red-violet undertones; and Honey Dip, a shimmering Etruscan gold hue.
Aside from these stunning shadows, the palette features the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Blush, Chocolate Soleil Bronzer, and Inner Light highlighter. Here are swatches of those three products:
And since you always have to seal the deal with a kiss, here’s a swatch of the Too Melted Chocolate in Milkshake:
The products’ cocoa aroma, the joy of the richly pigmented eye shadows, the slick wet finish of that nude lip color, and the fantasy created by the visuals and pop-ups… Altogether, this is a beauty devotee’s dream come true, a grown-up version of a scene inside a snow globe coming to life.
Jeffrey Campbell Verge Heels, $135. Available at JeffreyCampbellShoes.com
When any woman slips into these metallic Jeffrey Campbell stiletto heels, she’ll feel like she’s the protagonist in Calvin Harris’s “This is What You Came For,” the lyrics, “Lightning strikes every time she moves” running through her mind. How could you not be lovestruck with these?
French Connection Starlight Sparkle High Neck Sequin Dress, $328. Available at USA.FrenchConnection.com
The holidays are all about sparkle, but picking the right sequined dress can be a tricky proposition. Sheer inserts and flippy or feather-trimmed skirts can make an otherwise party-ready frock look like a figure skating costume. Sequined numbers with long sleeves, high necks, and below-the-knee skirt lengths can sometimes add volume to the silhouette, making them tricky options for curvy gals. And then, of course, there are the plunging necklines, high slits, and sheer panels that can thrust any dress into stripperific territory. The possible pitfalls are plentiful, and yet French Connection avoided them all with this magenta dress, which exudes sexiness while keeping it classy and chic. The sleeveless bodycon dress features a high mock neck and a clever placement of sequins that creates an ombré effect, moving from a dark plum along the neck to a bright, jewel-toned magenta at the hem.
Pop & Suki Camera Bag, $195. Available at PopandSuki.com
Real-life besties Poppy Jamie and Suki Waterhouse just unveiled their new accessories line, Pop & Suki, which consists primarily of versatile and customizable bags, as well as friendship necklaces that can be worn as bracelets or body chains and which can be personalized with other charms in the line. The Camera Bag is one of the centerpieces in the collection since it’s just big enough to fit an iPhone 6 Plus (it measures 11.3cm in height, 16.5 cm in length, and 5.2cm in width), and it can be worn a number of ways by simply adjusting the length of the shoulder strap (cinching it tighter to wear as a fanny pack, for instance), removing it altogether (to rock as a clutch), or adding on other straps (the bag has four D-ring so that you can add an extra strap and wear the bag as a backpack when desired).
Elie Saab Le Parfum Holiday 2016 Set, $125. Available at Nordstrom stores nationwide.
In his Fall 2016 Couture collection, designer Elie Saab toyed with notions of darkness and light, of mirrors, reflections, and translucencies. Gold appliqués and sequins embellished many of Saab’s semi-sheer black, nude, navy, and white gowns, making each confection twinkle and giving it a buoyancy and an airiness that felt beautifully surreal at times, like the most glamorous of mirages. This light-filled attitude also permeated the design of the Elie Saab Le Perfum holiday set, which is packaged in a blush nude box with a grid comrprised of multiple triangles, some slightly raised so as to create pyramid shapes that give the kaleidoscopic motif depth and dimension.Gold triangle and square shapes are interspersed into the primarily monochromatic layout so that, as the light hits the box, it’s reflected and dispersed, compounding the kaleidoscopic effect. Inside the box, you’ll find a 3.0 oz. bottle of the Elie Saab Eau de Parfum Spary, a 2.5 oz. Body Lotion, and a 10ml Eau de Parfum Purse Spray. Featuring orange blossom, jasmine, patchouli, rose, and cedarwood notes, the Elie Saab EDP has a blithe energy that’s as graceful, feminine, and mesmerizing as the fashion designer’s gowns.
Yoko London Blossom Earrings. For inquiries, visit YokoLondon.com
When Lizzy Caplan showed up at the Allied premiere in London wearing these Yoko London earrings, we couldn’t help but stare — well, at images of the actress online, that is! These 18k white gold earrings feature diamonds measuring 4.66 carats in total weight, as well as pink freshwater pearls measuring 15-16mm in diameter.
Topshop Animal Mohair Jumper, $90. Available at Us.Topshop.com
A pink-and-white leopard print sweater? No explanation is needed as to why this is a must-have!
Tarina Tarantino Elda Choker, $48. Available at TarinaTarantino.com
Remember the crochet daisy choker Drew Barrymore wore in the ’90s? Consider this a modern take on the concept, released just in time for the current revival or the ’90s choker trend. This handcrafted piece features pastel pink and purple porcelain flowers attached to a silver-toned, 12″-long chain with a 6″ extender.
Eugenia Kim Georgina Hat, $440. Available at EugeniaKim.com
Take a cue from Lady Gaga and find your own signature pink fedora! This rose-colored brushed wool felt number from New York-based milliner Eugenia Kim features a black grosgrain band and rose suede flowers for a hint of romance.
Betsey Johnson Pretzel Stud Earrings, $28. Available at BetseyJohnson.com
Now, this is how you transform salty pretzels into the ultimate sweet treat! These gold tone-plated, pretzel-shaped studs — measuring 0.5″ in length, 0.75″ in width, and 0.75″ in diameter —feature a pastel pink enamel coating along their upper half to resemble a strawberry yogurt dipping, as well as pink crystal accents for a touch of sparkle. Chocolate-covered pretzels may be tempting IRL, but these are irresistible!
Ted Baker London Riina Porcelain Rose Bow Dress, $395. Available at TedBaker.com
The perfect garden party dress, this knee-length ladylike number features double-layered bow accents at the shoulders, a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette, and a full skirt with an oversize, photorealistic, dreamy rose print in shades of gray and pink.
Aldo Absolut Clutch, $65. Available at AldoShoes.com
Opulence is at the heart of his box-shaped clutch, which is embellished with clear, pink, purple, and black rhinestone gems in a kaleidoscopic pattern.
Trina Turk Samba de Roda iPhone 7 Case, $30. Available at TrinaTurk.com
Considering how often we whip out or cell phones to snap photos, tweet a witty observation, reply to an e-mail, and post articles and memes on Facebook, having a case for our mobile devices that reflects our personalities is becoming increasingly vital. Do you prefer playful cases with pizza watermelon, taco, or pineapple prints? Quirky cases with bunny or cat ears? Understated and elegant leather or marble designs? Irreverent styles with cheeky graphics and phrases like “You wish” and “Hot stuff”? Or perhaps fashionable designs with interesting patterns? Anyone who falls within the last category will swoon over this Trina Turk iPhone 7 case, which has a clear backdrop adorned with the designer’s pink and orange Samba de Roda print for a free-spirited and tropical flavor.
Herschel Supply Co. Mauve Alpine Beanie, $19.99. Available at Shop.HerschelSupply.com
Black and gray skull caps may be the obvious choice, but who wants to be known for playing it safe? This 100% acrylic beanie comes in a fun grape purple shade that’s far from expected and way more exhilarating. The medium ribbed pull-over cap measures 8″ in length when cuffed and features a splayed acrylic pom-pom.
Quay Vivienne Aviator Shades, $36. Available at NastyGal.com
Want to see the world through rose-colored lenses? Well, thanks to their peach and pink mirrored lenses, these Quay Vivienne aviator shades will allow you to do precisely that.
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream Transforming Moisturizing Super Cream Ornament, $16. Available at ITcosmetics.com
Back in May, we told you to place your trust in IT Cosmetics’ Confidence in a Cream, which hydrates the skin, boosts collagen and elastin production (hence making skin appear more supple and smoothing out fine lines while preventing the emergence of future aging signs), minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores, and battling dark spots. Featuring a glorious medley of ingredients including hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, licorice root extract, lavender oil, shea butter, coconut oil, and camellia extract, this rich cream delivers on all fronts — and now, you can pass off the source of your confidence to someone else via this 0.5 oz. bottle, which is packaged in an adorable ornament case that’s ready to be hung on a Christmas tree branch.
Fleur du Mal Rose Lace Unlined Demi Bra, $128, and Rose Lace Thong, $65. Available at FleurduMal.com
Most women secretly wish that, when they undressed, their undergarments would look as elegant and seductive as those showcased in virtually every passionate bedroom scene in a movie. The garters and thigh-high stockings? The perfectly scalloped lace bras? The complete absence of printed cotton briefs? It’s bewildering for most of us, who would be content if we could at least make it through the week with matching bra-and-panty combinations! This unlined lace bra will be a welcome addition to any lady’s lingerie drawer. It features a partial blush underlay along the outer edges of the otherwise unlined cops, which feature bright pink scalloped lace detailing along the top edges. The matching thong, meanwhile, features sheer side panels cut from French leavers lace.
Indie Lee Jasmine Ylang Ylang Bath Soak, $28. Available at IndieLee.com
When a day spa getaway isn’t an option — whether due to budgetary reasons, family obligations, or hectic work schedules — most women will adapt by transforming their own bathrooms into temples of relaxation. And what could be more soothing than a pleasant soak in the tub with a great book in one hand and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc within reach? This Indie Lee Bath Soak is designed to detoxify skin thanks to a harmonious blend of sea salts (hailing from the Dead Sea, the Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean), as well as pink Himalayan salt (which is mined in Pakistan and is the result of ancient sea salt deposits). These sea salts also help to boost circulation, relieving aching muscles and helping to reduce any bloating and puffiness while also stimulating skin cell regeneration. The Indie Lee Jasmine Ylang Ylang Bath Soak is infused with the essential oils of its two namesake flowers, yielding an aromatic experience that’s soothing but also sensual, indulgent, and just the slightest bit erotic.
Shourouk Love Beaded Bracelet, $81.12. Available at Farfetch.com
Talk about a token of your affection! This braided fuchsia cotton bracelet features a plaque with the word “Love” spelled out using pink, white, and black beads. The round and teardrop-shaped Swarovski crystals along the plaque’s border, meanwhile, make the word “Love”resemble the title of a film on an old-school movie theater marquee.
Fashion Quotes: Stylish With & Catwalk Wisdom by Patrick Mauries and Jean-Christophe Napias, with illustrations by Christian LaCroix, $19.95. Available at BarnesandNoble.com
If you’re always searching Instagram and Pinterest for witty fashion-related quotes, you’ll adore this new book, which is filled with musings from designers like Betsey Johnson, Bill Blass, Christian Dior, Domenico Dolce, Anna Sui, Giambattista Valli, Thierry Mugler, Yves Saint Laurent, Azzedine Alaïa, and Pierre Cardin, as well as celebrities like Catherine Deneuve, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Kate Moss, Lady Gaga, Pharrell Williams, Zsa Zsa Gabor, and Kanye West; authors like Oscar Wilde, Virgina Woolf, Albert Camus, Anton Chekov, Marcel Proust, and Charles Baudelaire; and industry insiders like photographers Bill Cunningham and Fran Lebowitz, NARS Cosmetics creator François Nars, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, and fashion icons Iris Apfel, Carine Roitfeld, Daphne Guinness, Alexa Chung, and Anna Dello Russo.
Featuring original illustrations by Christian LaCroix, this book features quotes on a variety of subjects: what constitutes beauty, the differentiation between good and bad taste, the important of originality and the virtues and follies of eccentricity, musings about whether fashion can be construed as an art form, and thoughts about whether the constant rise and fall of fashion trends are a tyrannical force rooted in society’s fickleness or a reflection of constantly changing times. You’ve likely read some of the quotes in this book — Yves Saint Laurent’s famous “Fashions fade, style is eternal” mantra, for instance — but some may prove to be a revelation. Some of my favorite tidbits include this Shirley MacLaine quote: “Life is like a new hat. You don’t know if it suits you if you keep trying it on in front of your own mirror.”
Sil’ouette Pink Raffia Crochet Pillow, $75. Available at ABChome.com
This natural raffia pillow will a sunset-like warmth to any couch or chair, instantly livening up any living room or patio. Hand-crocheted by women in Madagascar and tinted using vegetable dyes, this pillow is part of an initiative to ensure fair trade practices and offer steady employment to indigenous populations in different regions of Africa.
L’Oréal La Palette/Lip in Plum 02, $14.99. Available at drugstores and mass market retailers.
This versatile lip palette includes five cream colors, two matte shades, and a shimmery highlighter hue so that you can create a vast range of looks. You can mix shades to create a custom hue, outline lips in a darker shade and choose a lighter color to fill in your pout, go for a striking gradient effect by applying the darker shades at the center of the mouth and then buffing it out, and so forth.
Check out the first four shades below — from No. 1, a deep berry red creme to No. 4, a matte raspberry pink shade:
Next, you’ll find the other four colors in the palette, starting with No. 5, a creamy magenta hue, all the way to No. 8 an iridescent lavender hue that functions as the palette’s highlighter.
The highlighter shade alone is enough to make anyone put this palette on their wish list!
Forzieri Purple Unlined Leather Gloves, $115. Available at Forzieri.com
These Italian leather gloves are the perfect way to add a touch of color to a winter wardrobe, and yet their hue is surprisingly versatile, pairing well with gray, black, pink, camel, and wine tones.
DVF Talassa Turtleneck Sweater, $197. Available at DVF.com
Made of 70% wool and 30% cashmere, the DVF Talassa sweater feels like a welcoming embrace, caressing the skin and swathing the body to keep it warm and cozy. Delicate stitching accents give the sweater a sweet personality, while the ribbed neck, cuffs, and hem ensure a snug fit. Picture it under a gray or camel coat and prepare to swoon.
Baby-G BA120SP Watch, $120. Visit Baby-G.com for a list of retailers near you.
As if its hot pink hue didn’t make enough of a statement, this brand new Baby-G design shows its wild side via the silver claw-like marks on its dial. The shock-resistant watch displays the time in 29 time zones, allows you to program 5 daily alarms, and features a 1/100-second stopwatch.
Shopbop Gift Boutique Lucite Backgammon Set, $330. Available at Shopbop.com
A modern spin on a classic wooden backgammon board, this gorgeous set is made from transparent lucite and features the board’s tall and narrow triangles (called “points”) in a bright honeysuckle pink shade and a snow white hue as opposed to the standard dark brown, mahogany, black, tan, or burnt orange colors. The round chips perfectly correspond with the pink and white shades on the board. Game night looks all the more enticing now!
Marc Jacobs Shrunken Denim Jacket with Pink Embellishments, $895. Available at MarcJacobs.com
AC Slater would be so proud! Marc Jacobs is bringing acid wash back in a big way, giving this bleached denim jacket a magenta tint, then embellishing it with kitschy pins and patches like the oversize “Paradise” decal on the back, the pink flamingo embroidered on one sleeve, and the soda can pull tab pins along the front.
Kathy Ireland Skincare by reVive Light Therapy reNew Wrinkle Reduction Treatment, $59. Available at ReviveLightTherapy.com and Target, Kohl’s and select Rite Aid stores.
Armed with 24 LED lights, this virtually weightless handheld device emits red and infrared lights that penetrate deep into the layers of skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production, thereby minimizing the appearance of crow’s feet, frown lines, and other small wrinkles, while also giving the complexion a more youthful and supple appearance, evening the skin tone, and preventing skin from losing volume or developing a rough texture. The FDA-cleared device comes with safety goggles and a handy USB charger so that you never run out of power while traveling with your new favorite high-tech skincare device. To use, you simply have to place the device head within 1/4″ of the skin you plan on treating and press the power button on the back of the device, then wait 3 minutes before moving on to the next treatment area. It’s like an at-home, DIY face lift — all without going under the knife!
Lenox Organics Purple Crystal Wave Bowl, $69.95. Available at Lenox.com
Wildfox Winking Santa Baggy Beach Jumper, $98. Available at Shop.Nordstrom.com
No, that’s not Amelie’s gnome — it’s Santa, of course! Sure, his red velvet hat is defying gravity and his belly is nowhere near as rounded, but there’s no confusing that long white beard and those rosy red cheeks! This crewneck Wildfox pullover sweater features the cutest take on Kris Kringle — down to his flirtatious wink.
Matthew Williamson for CB2 Dragonfly Storage Box, $24.95. Available at CB2.com
Dragonfly and butterfly motifs have always played a prominent role in the work of British fashion designer Matthew Williamson, who is well-known for his luxurious Bohemian aesthetic. The designer recently collaborated with CB2 on a collection of furniture and home accents, which includes this vibrant storage box. Measuring 8″ in width, 4.75″ in depth, and 2.5″ in height, the box has an ash wood base and an engineered wood lid with a hot pink lacquer top surface and a dragonfly decal. Perfect for storing earrings, bobby pins and barrettes, keys, tea bags, and more, this box will make your heart beat as fast as a dragonfly flaps its wings.
Smythson of Bond Street Mara Passport Cover, $285. Available at Smythson.com
Frequent flyers will score points with their fellow passengers when they pull out their passports and flaunt these magenta-colored printed calf leather covers, which come with two slip pockets in which to store other important documents like boarding passes or luggage tickets.
Zadig & Voltaire Lightning Key Ring, $68. Available at US.Zadig-et-Voltaire.com
Whether you use it to store your keys or to adorn your favorite satchel, this key-holder ring will give either a punk rock jolt. The key holder features two 100% leather lightning bolts and a strand of purple leather knotted and left loose as fringe, the two ends embellished with silver-toned skull beads.
Jean Patou Joy Forever Gift Set, $190. Available at LordandTaylor.com
Packaged in a dusty rose box with an octagonal shape, this special gift set features a 2.5 fl. oz. bottle of Jean Patou’s iconic Joy Forever fragrance, as well as a 6.7 fl. oz. jar of the Joy Forever body cream. The coquettish scent opens with zesty and fruity notes of bergamot and mandarin that are tempered by the green bitterness of a galbanum note (galbanum is, of course, a gum resin derived from Persian ferula trees). These notes lead the way to the floral heart, which combines classic feminine notes like jasmine, rose, and orange flower with the musky scent of marigold and a juicy peach note for a touch of playfulness. The base notes of cedarwood, sandalwood, white musk and amber, meanwhile, give the fragrance a sensual finish and add an exotic and intriguing quality to the aromatic composition. The galbanum and marigold notes give the otherwise floral scent the kick it needs, while the juicy peach note really adds the blissful energy referenced in the Joy Forever name. The scent is soft and gentle, almost like an aromatic whisper, but when you apply it in its body cream form, it lingers for much longer, all the while nourishing your skin with cocoa and shea butters..
Fin Fun Jia’s Asian Magenta Mermaid Tail, $49.95. Available at FinFunMermaid.com
Did you ever watch The Little Mermaid and wonder why Ariel was so sick of swimming, so ready to stand? After all, most of us human girls were wishing we could be part of her world. If someone had asked me at the age of 7 what I wanted to be when I grew up, I’m pretty sure I would’ve responded, “A mermaid.” Of course, I eventually abandoned my mermaid aspirations and instead became a writer (which some might argue to be an equally mythical profession in the age of social media), but I suppose those of us with vast imaginations flourish in realms where dreaming is fundamental. Imagine my delight, then, when I learned that I could inhabit a mermaid’s world — at least temporarily! Thanks to Fin Fun, both kids and grown women can make a splash at the pool with their very own mermaid tails. All you have to do is slip into a waterproof “mermaid skin” made of stretchy printed material with scale motifs that resemble a mermaid’s tail and then add a “monofin,” a V-shaped plastic piece surrounded by neoprene (the same material used in wetsuits). Ideally, then, you’ll want to put on your favorite swimsuit, then jump into your mermaid skin, pulling it up to your waist. Once you’ve positioned the mermaid skin so that it covers your lower half (like a tube skirt, if you will), then you’ll want to place your feet inside the two openings on the neoprene cover of the monofin. Once you’ve done that, you can take the extra material along the bottom of your tail and position it so that it completely covers the monofin. Now, each Fin Fun tail is designed so that you can swim while wearing it, but prepare for the ultimate workout if you choose to do so! If not, you can always just wear it for fun when splashing along the shallow end of the pool — and, of course, for snapping awesome Instagram pics!