Holiday Gifts For Your Rihanna-Obsessed B.F.F.
Yes, ladies, the holidays are only a few weeks away and, if you want to avoid those backache-inducing, winding lines, you need to get started on your shopping straight away.
That’s why, every Wednesday through November and December, SickaThanAverage.com, will bring you an array of potential gifts — each with an overriding theme.
This week, it’s all about buying for a woman with rockstar-like tastes. Whether it’s your best friend, sister or cousin, this is a gal who identifies with style adventurers like Rihanna, Kate Moss, Shirley Manson, Chrissy Hynde and Marianne Faithful.
Here are some great options for that spunky girl with the bad-to-the-bone look.
1. Bing Bang by Anna Sheffield Flower Burst Ring, $175. Available at Bloomingdale’s stores.
Even the simplest black-on-black outfit can be transformed into a rockstar ensemble with the addition of one statement-making ring. This Bing Bang ring, a sterling silver band with a sterling silver plate and coral and mint alabaster Swarovski crystals, brings just the right burst of color — and attitude — to any look.
2. Lauren Merkin “Molly” Clutch, $295. Visit LaurenMerkin.com
Inspired by the USA series The Starter Wife (one of my guilty pleasures) and the glamorous ex-Hollywood wife main character Molly Kagan (played by Debra Messing), Merkin designed this chic envelope-shaped clutch in a rich purple hue. The clutch features a unique patent croc and satin construction and measures 11″ wide and 7″ tall. Plus, the clutch will make an appearance on the show’s Dec. 12th season finale, so the gift recipient can feel all the more fabulous and on trend.
3. Frye Ava Tall Boots, $340. Visit Piperlime.com
Street tough girls don’t do granny booties, ok? When it comes to their footwear choices, think Catwoman, not 80-year-old cat-owning woman. Made of 100% snake embossed leather and featuring an almond-shaped toe and a 3 1/2″ covered heel, these Frye boots are so bad, they’re good.
4. Landver Jewelry Spike Hoop Earrings with Onyx Stones, $400. Available at Post 26 (225 26th Street, Santa Monica CA); call 310.451.0950.
What Joan Jett-loving rocker-would-be can survive without some spiked accessories? These attitude-laden pieces by Landver Jewelry, made of sterling silver and 18 kt gold vermeil, feature spike-shaped, pitch-black onyx stone, and they’re the perfect blend of punk and posh. Just check out how Rihanna, who wore the hoop earrings during her recent concert with Justin Timberlake, incorporates them into her look.
5. Prada Infusion D’Iris Eau de Parfum Purse Spray, $70. Visit NeimanMarcus.com
Every woman enjoys smelling delicious, emitting a fragrance that men will find irresistible, but most don’t want to tote around a full-sized perfume bottle. That’s why travel-sized perfume bottles, rollerballs and dainty solid perfumes are so very convenient for gals-on-the-go. But there’s nothing like a metallic keychain ring, which you can wear around a jeans loop or clip to your purse as a bold accessory that also addresses your perfume needs.
6. Dayna Decker Couture Luxe Collection, $345. Visit DayNaDeckerStore.com
Even ultra confident, streetwise, rule-defying stylistas need some relaxation tools, and there’s something so calming about scented candles. These DayNa Decker candles, available in Provence Lavender, Sandalrose, White Tuberose, Wild Rosemary, Mahogany, Jacaranda, Khaya, Iponax, Pink Couture and Zingiber, provide a multi-sensory experience — the sleek black glass casts a hypnotic glow when illuminated, the fragrance released is soothing and sexy, and the EcoWood wick makes a homey crackling sound that’s practically musical.
7. Catherine Angiel “LOVE” necklace,$2.900. Available at Catherine Angiel store (43 Greenwich Avenue, NY NY). Call 212.924.4314 or visit CatherineAngiel.com
Anyone who apreciates tattoo art and graffiti writing can see the genius in this finely crafted Catherine Angiel “Love” necklace, made with 14 kt rose gold and white diamonds. Part of Angiel’s graffiti-inspired “Renegade” collection, the necklace features slanted letters with snagged, unrefined edges and thorn-like details. If a woman receives this necklace, she’ll love it more than Carrie Bradshaw did her “Carrie” nameplate!
8. Tarte “Purse Your Lips” Limited Edition T5 Super Fruit Lipgloss Clutch, $39. Visit Sephora.com
Even Lil’ Mama knew the importance of having some poppin’ lipgloss (too bad she didn’t know that arriving at an award show dressed like a baby with a pacifier hanging around her neck was a huge no-no). Tarte’s limited edition “Purse Your Lips” set is perfect for any woman who wants her lips and her style to stand out.
The vintage-looking gold clutch is large enough to pack all nine lipgloss shades in the set: Shimmering Near Nude, Shimmering Brown Sugar, Sheer Crimson, Shimmering Nude Peach, Shimmering Deep Mauve, Sheer Pink Nectar, Gold-tinged Plum, Shimmering Deep Cranberry and Shimmering Bubblegum Pink. Not only do the lipglosses represent a full spectrum of hues, but each is infused with Tarte’s trademark T5 Super Fruit Complex, a blend of five “superfruits” (goji berries, acai, acerola, pomegranate and maracuja) that are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients.
9. H&M jeweled necklace, $24.90. Visit HM.com for stores.
Style adventurers will drool over this necklace, which features faux crystals in rosy, black, clear and citrine-like hues. The stones vary drastically in size and are cut in different shapes, from teardrop-esque to pyramid-like, for a sexy-yet-messy, bohemian-meets-goth look.
10. ANAMA Clothing “Royal Crest” Thermal in Black, $57. Visit EModa.com. ANAMA “Queen of Hearts” Top, $64.95. Visit AnamaUSA.com for more information.
Ed Hardy is so four years ago. Ladies seeking some fresh, tattoo-inspired, biker chick-style apparel should acquaint themselves with Miami-based ANAMA Clothing. Launched in 2006, the youthful line is already a hit with celebs like Penelope Cruz and Tyrese Gibson thanks to its comfy fabrics (thin, soft cotton and imported Austrian Modal, an all-natural fiber made from beech wood) and daring graphics, which are often inspired by tattoo art.
The “Royal Crest” thermal pictured above is deliciously cozy and features a golden crest surrounded by a crown on top and a lion and horse on either side. The “Queen of Hearts” tee, meanwhile, features a tattoo-like heart design across the chest area which is adorned with hand-applied crystals, and a jungle scene design at the bottom (check out the tigers making their way through the leaves), all set against a backdrop of whimsical mauve swirls. I personally love how the shirts are designed to look a bit faded and vintage — perfect for achieving that accidentally stylish, I-can’t-be-bothered-with-fashion-and-just happen-to-look-fly feel.
11. Miss Oops! Holiday Survival Kit, $18. Visit MissOops.com
Wardrobe malfunctions can be a thing of the past with this fool-proof kit, filled with such essentials as Miss Oops Mishap Tape (double-sided apparel tape to keep your ta-tas from flipping and flopping all over the place), Miss Oops Rescue Sponge (to remove powder stains and deodorant marks), and Miss Oops Lint Roller (to banish any hair strands, random feathery bits, cat hairs, etc.). This is like a Girl Scout kit for grown women!
12. Reiss “Lima” double-strap platform heels in bright blue suede, 159 pounds. Visit Reiss.com
These come-hither shoes are classy but vampy (my fave combination). The hidden platform gives these heels an urban edge, as do the beautifully shaped ankle straps (notice how they start out thick at the sides and then thin out as they curve upwards). Just remember what Elvis said, and don’t step on these blue suede shoes!
13. Laura Mercier Tuxedo Collection Eye Color Quad, $38. Available at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and LauraMercier.com
Smoldering seductresses will appreciate the contrasting shades of Laura Mercier’s aptly named Tuxedo Collection. This glamorous eyeshadow quad includes a deep black and stark white, as well as a shimmering dark charcoal and silvery white shade, all of which help to create dramatic smoky eyes. When these extremes come together, it’s a marriage of sensuousness and intrigue.
14. Sephora “Luxe Noir” Foldover Clutch, $28. Visit Sephora.com
The holidays are all about sparkles, sequins, metallics, and shiny bits of beauty. With its shimmering silver use and crystal embellishments, this foldover clutch is perfect for the season. It’s big enough to carry your IDs, keys, and cell, plus the zipper compartments make stashing your make-up an easy, mess-free process.
15. Creative Recreation Cesario Sneakers in White/Gold/Black, $95. Visit BalanceLifestyles.com
A metallic splash of color is all these hi-top sneakers need to become lust-worthy pieces of foot art. The python-like gold leather along the sides pops when set against the crisp white, and the black laces and patent leather heel detail complete the regally mod design.
16. Kenneth Jay Lane for Avon Jeweltone Statement Necklace, $40. Visit Avon.com
They didn’t just randomly name this a “statement” necklace. Designed by master jeweler Kenneth Jay Lane, this bold bib necklace features gem-like stones in rich amethyst, topaz and aquamarine hues, plus swirling rhinestone circles, brassy, crystal cut stones and even a luminous purple pearl — all joined together by antique gold clasps that create the feel of jewels suspended in mid-air. The chunky link chain adds a vintage charm to this brazenly confident piece. A statement? Puh-leeze! This necklace makes a faithful sermon, a presidential-like speech, and a theatrical monologue all in one.
Overzealous shoppers take note: the necklace will hit Avon.com later this week or early next week, so keep checking the site!
17. Kat Von D Lightning Lipglosses Mini Set, $26. Visit Sephora.com
Cool girls know cool things — which is probably why tattoo artist Kat Von D’s makeup line for Sephora has been such a smash success. Not only is the stenciled packaging the perfect mix of edginess and femininity, but the hues are unabashedly vibrant. The new, limited edition Lightning Lipglosses Mini Set is no exception, with five spectacular hues: Gunshine, Stormy, Bam, Fierce Red and Saint. Each miniature tube features a stenciled rose pattern, and the fivesome comes in a black-and-silver case featuring a silk-screened designed inspired by Kat’s favorite tat.
18. Ariat Legend Black Patent Leather Boots, $169.95.Visit Ariat.com
Who said cowboy boots can’t be a rockstar’s go-to footwear choice? Forget the notion that cowboy boots belong in Western flicks and Tim McGraw concerts — only two years ago, celebs like Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson were spotted wearing cowboy boots and, soon enough, a good ol’ footwear craze was born. Fast-forward to 2008 and cowboy boots are still in style, but the materials used, colorways released and design elements, have remained rather predictable — that is, until now.
These Ariat boots are a forward-thinking take on the classic cowboy style. From the unexpected and refreshing use of black patent leather to the spectator wingtip-like detailing around the ankle area, the square toe, and the turquoise and white stitching along the shaft, these boots represent a bridge between different eras, regions and cultural aesthetic norms. Think Carrie Underwood meets the Sex Pistols meets Cher… How fantastic is that?!
19. Bond No. 9 Perfume Token, $85. Available at Bond No. 9’s four New York City boutiques and at BondNo9.com
Remember the good old days when paying for the subway involved a small, coin-like token (and not a flimsy MetroCard)? Well, Bond No. 9 seems to be just as nostalgic — one of their newest releases for holiday is a golden, token-shaped, solid perfume compact. The refillable compact is available in your choice of the following six fragrances: Andy Warhol Union Square, Chelsea Flowers, Chinatown, Nuits de Noho, The Scent of Peace and Wall Street. It’s old-school New York with a new-school olfactory twist.
20. Timex T Series Chronograph Watch, $120. Visit Timex.com
Don’t get it twisted — not every girl wants a dainty watch in a powdery pink color. Oversized watches fashioned after their male counterparts (large dial, thick leather band, etc.) have been a sizzling trend among timepiece aficionados this year and what better way to end ’08 than with a timely (pun intended), rugged-but-chic Timex watch?
21. Chaser LA “Prince Purple Rain” tee, $39. Visit MetroParkUSA.com
What fashion icon doesn’t love Prince? The man has rocked ruffled lace shirts, velvet blazers, cropped T-shirts, and the infamous yellow pants with the booty cut-outs — and made all of them look fly. Celebrate the flick that catapulted the Purple One to stardom with this super comfy T-shirt by Chaser LA.
22. Redken Amazing Volume Set, $20. Visit Redken.com for salon locations.
Rockers are all about extremes, even when it comes to their hair — they’ll either shave it off (or, in the case of female rockers, opt for a close crop cut) or they’ll let it grow way past the shoulders (’80s hair-metal bands, anyone?). So if you want to help someone obtain controlled volume (meaning, all the full-bodied splendor without the poofiness), then offer up Redken’s Amazing Volume set, which includes bottles of Body Full shampoo, Body Full Conditioner and Weightlifter. They’ll feel more amazing than the Mets on their best-scoring game.
23. Pour La Victoire Bianca Cut-Out Platform Bootie,$292. Visit ShopBop.com
Whoever said that you can’t wear white after Labor Day is a toad. These cut-out shoes, made in Brazil, play a sexy game of peek-a-boo with the beholder. Standing at 4.5″ tall, they boast an inner zipper closure along the ankle, creating an interesting platform-sandal-meets-bootie silhouette.
24. Miriam Haskell Jet Cuff Bracelet, $650. Visit MiriamHaskell.com
This opulent cuff’s baroque design is achieved through the use of Russian gold-plated European filigrees hand-wired with faceted delica seed beads and Swarovski crystals. There’s a dark, somber, almost gothic feel to the piece, but it’s the intricate workmanship that’s truly bewitching.
25. Sally Hansen Miniature Salon Manicure Kit, $9.99. Available at Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid stores.
An ideal stocking stuffer option, these Sally Hansen kits pack five must-have polish hues. The one on the left, which has a ferocious cheetah print package detailing, features red, gold, silver, white and clear polish hues, while the one on the right has a more somber color palette.
26. Pretty Little Thing “Max” Hoop Earrings, $38. Visit PLTNYC.com
There’s something so Mad Max-esque about these lightweight hoop earrings, made of wood and transformed into space-age accessories with some metallic and rope details. Can’t you just picture Tina Turner’s character in the flick wearing these beauties?
27. Akademiks Military Active Jacket, $120. Visit Akademiks.com
From The Clash to Public Enemy, any anti-establishment, rock-the-cradle music group has found fashion inspiration in military wear (I suppose it’s the whole notion of warring with the powers that be) so, most gals who walk to the beat of their own drums appreciate some military stylings. This cropped jacket’s flap-over design, double-rowed buttons, funnel collar and buckle belt make for a rugged but chic design that’s as smart as it is tough.
28. Borghese Glamorous Nights kit, $47.50. Visit BeautyBridge.com
Winter is the season when women can get away with wearing heavy, brooding makeup during elegant evening affairs — and that’s precisely what Borghese’s Glamorous Nights kit helps to do. Packaged in a sleek black clutch, this kit includes: Shadow Milano Eye Shadow Trio in Il Bacio Grey, Superiore Mascara in Black, 1 oz. Splendora Brightening Makeup for Face, Mini Lip Plumper, Mini b Gloss in Cristallino, Longevita Lipstick in Red Glorioso, Linea Liquid Eyeliner in Black. This is first-class, up-in-the-sky, champagne-guzzling glamour in one inexpensive set.
29. Aldo “Arnoldoa” silver sequined heels, $70. Visit AldoShoes.com
All-over sequins can be tragically tacky — or spectacularly glam. Aldo’s silver peep-toe heels manage to look sleek and funky — think Beyonce’s “Upgrade U” video.
30. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Parfum Spray, $72. Visit Nordstrom.com
A more intense version of the Daisy Eau de Toilette spray, this perfume features top notes of violet leaves and wild strawberries, mid notes of
violet petals and jasmine bouquet and base notes of musk and vanilla for a scent that’s daring and playful.
31. Bare Escentuals “Extreme Glimmers” Kit, $32. Visit Sephora.com
Want to give the apple of your eye some sparkle for her eyes? Then get her Bare Escentuals’ Extreme Glimmers eyeshadow kit, which includes shimmering silver, bronze and plum hues that will bring out the fire in any woman’s eyes.
32. Lucid Absinthe Superieure, $59.99 per 750ml bottle. Visit AstorWines.com
After nearly a century of prohibition in the U.S.A., absinthe has entered the market — with a vengeance. The licorice-flavored spirit, once banned due to claims that it caused consumers to experience hallucinations, is now the choice drink for cosmopolitan tastemakers.
33. Chrome Hearts “Tag Team” Sunglasses, $1595. Visit ContactsAndSpecs.com
No stage-worthy outfit is complete without some killer shades. This Chrome Hearts model, with its burgundy and pink laminated acetate frame, braided leather legs, polarized lenses and metal accents, is as good as it gets.
34. Joya Luscious Lace Candle Box, $28. Visit LolaYMaria.com
These scented votive candles come packaged in a precocious box with a lace-like design that manages to seem more naughty than nice.