Holiday Gift Guide Part 2 — Glitzy and Posh Finds for Glamour-Loving Gals

Hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving! Now that we’ve all indulged in stuffing, turkey, collard greens, and all the culinary accoutrements that accompany Thanksgiving, we’re likely focusing on the next big holiday: Christmas. Some of us spent the weekend untangling strings of colored lights, steadying pine trees (real or artificial), dusting off old ornaments, hanging up wreaths and stockings, and bickering over who would get to place the star atop the tree.

As your gift shopping kicks into high gear, consider the tastes, proclivities, and personality traits of those for whom you shop. Is she a quirky, adorkable girl? Then check out the suggestions in Part 1 of our Holiday Gift Guide. If, however, she daydreams about being the Princess of Monaco, wishes she lived in an era when women still donned opera-length gloves and clutched cigarette holders while speaking ever so seductively, and can wax poetic about the carat weight, clarity, and cut of every diamond ring she’s ever encountered, then you’ve got a posh princess on your hands (and remember: some girls have champagne tastes, even if they’ve got corned beef budgets!). For the girl who loves all things glamorous, we’ve amassed a treasure trove of gift ideas — and don’t worry: there are as many steals as there are splurges in here!

 

 

Peter Pilotto Cara Fur Collar Coat, $6840. Available at KirnaZabete.com

Digital prints have been growing in popularity during the past few seasons, with masters of surrealist and otherworldly prints like Mary Katrantzou and Peter Pilotto leading the charge. This ultra glamorous coat illustrated why Peter Pilotto has such a singular aesthetic: his choice of silhouette conveys a romantic, ladylike, classic elegance which is then subverted ever so cleverly via his use of a geometric print. Featuring a wide faux fur collar and a front zip fastening, this winter wonderland of a coat will have women swooning thanks to its cinched waist, its flared peplum hem, the almost ocean-like wavy effect created via ingeniously placed ruffles, and its slightly bubble-like hemline.

Lulu Frost Stardust Earrings, $228. Available at LuluFrost.com

There’s a Jerry Hall vibe to these glitzy Lulu Frost earrings, part of the designers ’70s glam rock-themed Stardust collection. The 2″-long, silver tone-plated earrings feature antique-looking, diamond-shaped metal plates along the ear posts, their surfaces covered in montana blue glass stones for a Ziggy Stardust-esque effect. A slim, elongated, pentagon-shaped plate links these earposts to the round rings dangling beneath them and functioning as the focal points of these sparklers. These circular outlines, meanwhile, feature inlaid clear stones and boast a vintage-looking finish that make the earrings feel like they once adorned the lobes of a Studio 54 regular. Dangling from the top of each circle’s otherwise hollow center, you’ll find a smaller pentagon-shaped plate covered with clear crystals and, beneath it, a wide V-shaped plate adorned with blue stones.

 

Khirma Eliazov Batasha Python Clutch, $1295. Available at KhirmaEliazov.com

Maybe it’s the sanguine quality of the burgundy python, the exotic feel of the gray shagreen trim, the nefarious tone of the gunmetal python along the center, or the overall coldness we associate with all things reptilian but, every time we look at this clutch, we think of Queen Ravena, Charlize Theron’s evil but undeniably glamorous character in Snow White and the Huntsmen. Like the movie character, this opulent minaudiere is ravishing; it feels forbidden and dangerous, but we’re powerless to resist its allure. Measuring 6″ in length, 4″ in height, and 2″ in depth, this clutch features a custom made top closure shaped after the dorje, a symbol of hardness and indestructible power.

Laura Mercier Petite Baked Eye Colour Bonbons in Amethyst Trio and Bronze Trio, $25 each. available at LauraMercier.com and Macys.com

The three baked eye shadows in each of these miniature palettes feature a domed shape resembling that of chocolate bon-bons, but their pigmentation and finish makes them a truly sweet and guiltless treat for all beauty lovers. The Holiday 2013 Laura Mercier collection features three new Petite Baked Eye Colour Bonbon palettes: Amethyst Trio, Bronze Trio, and Emerald Trio.

The Amethyst Trio features three harmonious shades: Soft Amethyst, a demure, tender, ethereal, opalescent lilac hue with an all-over sheen; Lilac, a mid-tone lilac shade reminiscent of the petals of the blossom after which its named but infused with micro pearls that give it an all-over luster; and Violet Sky, a slightly sooty, blackened violet color with hints of metallic lilac shimmer to give it depth and dimension. Check out the three shades here:

Those who prefer neutral eye shadows, meanwhile, will likely gravitate to the Bronze Trio, which features three warm and earthy hues: Cameo, a matte and velvety camel hue; Bronze Opal, a fiery bronze hue with orange citrine tones and an incandescent quality reminiscent of a fire opal; and sienna, a hot cocoa shade with reddish undertones and bronze shimmer. Check out swatches below:

Valentino Rouge Absolute Crystal Suede Scallop Pump, $2545. Available at NeimanMarcus.com

These are hardly Dorothy’s ruby red slippers! Heck, if she’d had these on her feet, the Kansas native would have rather set up shop in Oz with the Tin Man and Cowardly Lion than click her heels together and risk scuffing her glorious shoes. Made in Italy, these ultra sexy pumps are crafted out of degrade suede covered in sparkling red crystals. A pointy toe, low vamp, covered 4″ heel, and undulating, scalloped sides all work in harmony to increase the pumps’ mystique.

Dannijo Darby Necklace, $425. Available at Dannijo.com

Made with square and teardrop-shaped clear, green, and yellowish Swarovski crystals, this Dannijo necklace seems to nod to the Art Deco architecture seen in the Upper Darby area of Philadelphia — in fact, the geometric shapes and color choices neatly resemble those found in the decorative murals atop a building located at 7050 Terminal Square. Measuring 16″ in length, the necklace’s foundation is oxidized brass plated metal that lends the piece a vintage feel while also giving it a heft and boldness that speaks to Dannijo’s urban roots.

Alice + Olivia Gown Caddie Open Back Gown, $898. Available at AliceandOlivia.com

If only Cinderella’s little mice would’ve helped her concoct this dress for the royal ball! But no, it took Stacey Bendet’s brilliant mind to dream up this golden pink gown, featuring a fitted bodice and a ruched, floor-length, A-lined skirt that brilliantly shows off the color gradations of the metallic satin fabric, how it moves from an incandescent pearl pink to a deeper champagne pink hue to an even darker, almost rose gold shade. The back of the gown meanwhile features a keyhole opening that gives the princess-worthy design a dose of grown-up sex appeal.

Valentino Valentina Gift Set, $115. Available at NeimanMarcus.com

To fully appreciate and understand the Valentina fragrance, you must first know the vignette that served as the inspiration behind its creation. Think of a modern day Roman Holiday tale, one in which a poised, refined, well-to-do young heiress and budding socialite is blossoming into womanhood, tasting adulthood while still teetering on that not-a-girl-not-yet-woman ledge, becoming better acquainted with her ladylike wiles while also being lured by the excitement of the nightlife, the adventure of life outside the confines of her estate. She wants to experience life freely and passionately, without worrying about etiquette norms or class boundaries, but she’s hardly a lady without a conscience or without a moral center. She’s elegant, educated, and almost regal, but she’s also young and vital, exuberant and adventurous, dynamic and coquettish.

To capture all of these qualities, then the Valentina eau de parfum combines the juicy, zesty aroma of Calabrian bergamot with the femininity and seductiveness of Amalfi orange blossom and jasmine, mixing these notes with the juicy and watery quality of wild strawberries and — most unexpectedly — the earthy aroma of white Alba truffles. The perfume bottle, meanwhile features a trio of rosettes that are emblematic of the Valentino house.

This holiday season, young dreamers and romantics alike can enjoy Valentina in the eau de parfum and body lotion iterations with this ladylike set, which comes in a rose-embossed, elegant pale pink train case with a convenient top handle and zippered top lid. The holiday set includes 1 2.7 fl. oz. bottle of the Valentina EDP and a 3.4 fl oz. jar of the body lotion.

 

Oscar de la Renta Starburst Multicolored Earrings, $375. Available at OscardelaRenta.com

For a Renaissance-inspired dose of elegance, check out these statement earrings, designed and crafted using Russian gold, brass, pewter, and genuine Swarovski crystals. The clip-on sparklers measure 2.375″ in length, making these as bold and audacious as supernovas.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, $58. Available at HourglassCosmetics.com and Barneys.com

This limited edition palette is nothing short of a revelation. If you read my review of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder collection, then you know these revolutionary palettes work like your own personal lighting operators, making your visage look youthful, radiant, and flawless without anyone  having to rewire rooms, request that people only regard you from certain angles, change light bulb types, hold up reflectors, or rely on any other cinematic or photographic tricks. Each Ambient Lighting Powder relies on photo-luminescent technology, which consists of micron-size color-correcting particles along with light-reflecting micro pearls that together help manipulate oncoming light, softening, reflecting, capturing, and diffusing both natural and artificial light  in order to conceal imperfections, yield the appearance of a more radiant and even skin tone, and generally make your complexion appear its very best. Until now, these powders have been sold individually but, for the first time ever, you can get three lovely shades in one stunning palette. This limited edition release features two existing shades — Dim Light, a neutral peach shade that helps to minimize the appearance of redness, blemishes, scars, and any other imperfections; and Radiant Light, a bronze-tinged golden beige powder that gives your complexion a lit-from-within, sun-kissed glow — as well as one brand new shade, Incandescent Light, an opalescent pearl  hue that makes the skin look almost celestial.  I actually applied the Incandescent Light powder to my face on my wedding day and it made my skin look glorious! Check out swatches of all three shades here:

The palette also comes with a 5ml tube of Hourglass’ cult favorite Veil Mineral Primer, which helps prepare skin for any makeup application.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Quinn Feather Clutch, $158. Available at BCBG.com

Feathers were pivotal components of Old Hollywood glamour, popping up on fascinators, long boas, high heel mules, satin robes, and flapper-esque headbands. Covered in pink feathers, this BCBGMAXAZRIA clutch nods to this bygone era while also retaining a modern sensibility via a rhinestone-adorned, gold-toned knuckle ring handle. Measuring 4.5″ in width, 7.25″ in length, and 1.25″ in depth, this boxy clutch will tickle any glamour gal’s fancy.

Gucci Margot Caged Toe Evening Sandals, $725. Available at Bloomingdales.com

At once playful yet vampy, these Gucci heels feature a 4.3″-tall heel covered in a purple metallic leather that matches that used to create the caged effect along the toe. The leather heel counter and slim ankle strap, meanwhile, are a standard black hue that contrasts the flashier nature of the metallic leather for a perfect balance between classic and modern, swank and showy.

Phillips House Yellow Gold, Tsavorite, and Amazonite Medium Earrings, $3600. Available at Shop.PhillipsFrankel.com

Neon lights and firework displays couldn’t steal the attention away from these masterful Phillips House earrings, featuring two asymmetrical and slightly amorphous oval-shaped, turquoise-meets-aqua amazonite stones surrounded by smaller green tsavorite stones encrusted in deliberately jagged strips of yellow gold. Featuring a total carat weight of 2.86 carats, these earrings exude luxury while still having a rawness to them that make them feel like natural phenomena.

Milly NY Cut Off Driving Gloves, $250. Available at MillyNY.com

The fat lady can sing all she wants, but the opera-inspired fashion will continue long after the final curtain drops and the audience stands to its feet to offer celebratory applause. These Milly NY sleeves nod to the long gloves women traditionally donned when attending the opera, but they’re given a modern and streetwise twist via their fingerless design and purple leather material. Lined in 100% silk, these edgy gloves can be paired with anything from sleeveless evening gowns, to 3/4-sleeved coats, body-hugging peplum or shift tops paired with slim-fitting pants, and much more.

 

Kotur Collins Minaudiere, $950. Available at Koturltd.com

This Great Gatsby-ian beauty gives a wink-wink to the glory days of Art Deco architecture and design with is triangular and rectangular gold mirrored, while the mosaic shell details add an artisanal but posh quality to the design and lend the piece a magnetizing and almost magical iridescence. Measuring 16cm in width, 10cm in height, and 4 cm in depth, the Collins minaudiere also features a brocade lining and faceted rock clasp closure that feel decadent and opulent.

Eugenia Kim Michi Headband, $240. Available at EugeniaKim.com

Even Blair Waldorf never had a headband this extravagant! This season, we’ve seen fur trimming nearly everything — from pumps and clutches to bow ties and keychains — and hair accessories have clearly also made the list, as you’ll find with this metallic Eugenia Kim headband, which is covered with black mink fur and pearl accents.

 

Tiffany & Co. Return to Tiffany Bead Bracelet, $150. Available at Tiffany.com

This dainty bracelet was inspired by a design dating back to 1969, thereby paying homage to Tiffany & Co.’s long history as a beloved jewelry emporium. The 7″-long bracelet features silver-toned beads measuring 4mm in diameter and, most importantly, it bears a double-sided heart-shaped tag filled with enamel in the signature Tiffany Blue hue on one side and the Return to Tiffany design on the other.

Nordstrom Manicure Kit, $13. Available at Nordstrom.com

If the princess on your list has been known to let out a screech, yelp, or helpless sigh after noticing her manicure was chipped or spotting a hang nail, then this will be an answer to her beauty S.O.S. This Nordstrom nail kit includes a pair of clippers, a double-sided cuticle pusher, a metal nail file, slim scissors, and a pair of tweezers — all secured by elastics and packed inside a hard-sided, glitter-covered, sequin-adorned pink case with a push-button closure.

Volcanica Candles Femme Large Ball Candle, $62. Available at VolcanicaCandles.com

Crafted by Balinese artisans, this spheric candle is as much an object of beauty as it is a reflection of the harmonious relationship that should exist between man and nature. All sculptural Volcanica candles feature lead-free cotton wicks and are made of sustainable materials like beeswax and palm wax, thereby beautifying any space they inhabit, while encouraging meditation and relaxation — but in a manner that is respectful to our environment and that doesn’t contribute to any pollution. This particular candle features all-over rosettes for a truly romantic visual effect. Whether used as a key part of a room’s décor or placed on a table as a centerpiece, it will surely wow all audiences.

Deborah Lippmann Rock ‘n’ Roll Mini Treatment Duet, $19. Available at Nordstrom.com

Sure to make eyes widen and twinkle on Christmas morning, this manicure set features miniature bottles of two essential Deborah Lippmann products: her Fast Girls base coat which protects fingernails from being stained by any nail lacquer shade and which helps to keep nails healthy and strong while evening ridges and creating a smoother surface on which to apply color; and her Addicted to Speed clear top coat, which dries insanely quickly and locks in your manicure, giving it a nice all-over sheen. These essentials are packaged inside a zippered pouch covered in multi-colored glitter which, in turn, is inspired by Deborah Lippmann’s beloved Happy Birthday nail lacquer.

Alice + Olivia Katrina Sleeveless Keyhole Open Back Long Gown, $1796. Available at AliceandOlivia.com

Lace doesn’t always have to feel dainty, nor does it need to convey images of blushing brides. This magnificent gown by designer Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia explores a more baroque and perhaps even more sinister side of lace. The form-fitting, floor-sweeping sleeveless number is made of silk and organza and features a golden scalloped lace with a floral motif. The back, meanwhile, features a dramatic keyhole opening for an unexpected bit of flesh-baring action.

Tarte Off the Cuff Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Palette, $42. Available at Sephora stores

A cursory glance at our list of Top 5 blushes of all time would quickly reveal Tarte’s Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush position therein. These highly pigmented, sulfate- and paraben-free, all-natural powdered cheek colors are formulated with clay harvested from the Amazon River’s banks and baked in the sun and infused with antioxidant-rich, brightening vitamin C, as well as vitamins A and E, both of which condition skin and help to fend off free radical damage, thwarting the emergence of visible aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. When you sweep these blushes onto your skin, then, you will be thrilled to discover rich hues that can easily be blended and diffused to liven the complexion but, even more remarkably, these blushes’ formulas will tend to skin, mattifying oily skins, hydrating drier visages, protecting skin from free radical damages, and making one’s countenance feel and look more radiant.

The new Tarte Off the Cuff palette features four perky blush tones — Dollface, a bright hot pink with a cheeky ’80s vibe; Dazzled, a mauve-ish, tawny, fig-tinged rose hue; Darling, an earthy but orange-ish melon hue; and Crave, a lively peachy pink bordering on a honeysuckle pink — along with the versatile bronzer shade Park Ave Princess, which is also formulated with Amazonian clay to soothe the skin and restore it to its ideal moisture balance. These shades can be applied individually or mixed and matched to create exciting new hues, plus they come in a glamorous golden palette with a shimmery exterior and a handy rectangular mirror placed underneath the top lid. A faux leather band with a metal-toned gold bow wraps around the palette, making it look all the more darling , but here’s the twist — this band features snap closures that allow you to remove it from the palette and slap it atop your wrist, so that it can do double duty as a hip eco-chic bracelet.

Check out the swatches of the blush hues and the bronzer shade below:

Plukka Blue Topaz Waterfall Earrings, $260. Available at Plukka.com

Images of blue lagoons, placid lakes, tropical rainfalls, and azure ocean waters will likely dance in your head when you gaze upon these Plukka earrings, featuring sky blue topaz, Swiss blue topaz, London blue topaz, and white topaz stones arranged from darkest to lightest so as to create an ombré effect that, in turn, conveys a sense of movement reminiscent of a waterfall cascading down the side of a mountain. Boasting a total topaz weight of 13.8 carats, these waterfall-inspired, sterling silver-set earrings will have you falling in love.

 

Capitol Couture by Trish Summerville FauxFur-Trimmed Wool Coat, $695. Available at Net-a-Porter.com

If you’ve read the news over the weekend, you know that The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has, in fact, blazed its way to the top of the box office. And while Suzanne Collins’ literary work and Jennifer Lawrence’s acting skills can be credited for most of the film’s success, we can’t forget the work of the makeup artists and costume designers who make every moment feel so epic. When Katniss wore her raven-colored mockingjay dress, with its outstretched wings, or her extravagant wedding dress, with its ruffled skirt and sculptural details, those moments were meant to feel monumental, to implant themselves in the public consciousness and remain a part of cinematic couture history — and, chances are, they will accomplish this feat thanks to the work of costume designer Trish Summerville. The in-demand fashion guru has now released a limited-edition apparel collection dubbed Capitol Couture which, as its name implies, is inspired by The Hunger Games. Available exclusively at Net-a-Porter.com, the collection includes such pieces as this gray wool coat, featuring a detachable faux fur collar.

Narciso Rodriguez ‘for her’ Eau de Toilette Holiday Gift Set, $104. Available at fine department stores nationwide.

I’m known to experiment with fragrances, selecting a different scent depending on my mood, my ensemble, my destination, or even the effect I wish to create. When I want to bewitch the opposite sex, to create an aura of sensuality and romanticism that’s passionate and carnal without being too libertine or heady, I spritz on the Narciso Rodriguez for Her EDT, a fragrance that’s as elegant and poised as it is seductive. A musk heart can be credited with the animalistic, carnal, warm quality of the scent, but it’s manifested in the most sophisticated manner, wrapped in honey flower, amber, and woody touches. A blend of peach, rose, and orange blossom, meanwhile, creates a sweet and feminine feel, while vanilla adds a creamy and delectable quality to the scent. Since this ranks among my favorite all-time fragrances, then, I’d recommend it to absolutely any and everyone — but especially those who can appreciate something so exquisite. This year’s Narciso Rodriguez for her gift set includes a 3.3 oz. Eau de Toilette Spray, a handy 10ml Purse Spray for on-the-go touch-ups, and a 1 oz Body Cream that allows you to make your skin silky soft while wrapping it in a veil of fragrance.

Miiori Flash Set Cuff, price available upon request. Visit MiioriNY.com

This dynamic cuff features diamonds and paraima tourmalines in 18k white gold, all set using a patented technology that creates a holographic effect, giving the lavish piece a futuristic flair.

Algenist The Firming Collection, $98. Available at Sephora stores and Sephora.com

To maintain her youthful radiance and wrinkle-free complexion, any luxury-loving woman needs to develop a skincare regimen on which she can rely. Enter Algenist, a skin care company launched by San Francisco-based bio tech company Solazyme after scientists for the latter discovered the anti-aging benefits of alguronic acid, a substance found in marine algae. Oddly enough, the discovery was made while scientists were researching algae in hopes of finding renewable and sustainable energy alternatives. Their tests discovered that alguronic acid had the ability to stimulate cellular regeneration, thereby making it an incredibly effective anti-aging agent.

The Algenist Firming Collection, then, features three of the brand’s most popular products, all of which are formulated with alguronic acid. These products are: the Algenist Gentle Rejuvenating Cleanser, a creamy formula that combines alguronic acid with oat amino acids that function as humectants and help to create proteins that fortify the skin, as well as witch hazel, a natural toner and antiseptic; the Algenist Retinol Firming & Lifting Serum, which combines retinol and alguronic acid to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture; and the Algenist Firming & Lifting Cream, formulated with a patented combination of patented Alguronic Acid + ProPeptide3 to tighten the skin and give it a more taut, sculpted appearance while softening the complexion and delivering deep hydration via ingredients like sweet almond oil,  avocado oil, and olive oil.

 

Kotur JB Renna Bonnet, $750. Available at Koturltd.com

Herald a new golden age of glamour with this shiny box clutch, covered with sequins arranged to resemble dainty flowers. A Swarovski crystal-covered clasp and brocade lining add to the noble air of this gilded accessory.

Rene Caovilla Jeweled Platform Halter Sandal, $1365. Available at NeimanMarcus.com

Less is more? Says who? Ostentatiousness is intrinsic to the design of this majestic Rene Caovilla sandal. Handcrafted in the Venetian tradition, this number features a 5″ covered heel and a 1/2″ covered platform, a thin band above an open toe, an elastic halter slingback strap, and a cluster of Swarovski crystals, sequins, and beads atop the metallic napa leather uppers.

Pevonia Dazzling Glances Power Repair Eye Repair Gift Set. Visit Pevonia.com for more information

Who needs a genie or a fairy godmother when you have Pevonia? Since all glamour-loving girls know how to bat their eyelashes to get exactly what they want, it’s vital that they keep their peepers looking their very best. Enter Pevonia’s The Dazzling Glances Power Eye Repair Gift Set. This luxurious set includes a full-sized bootle of Pevonia’s Power Repair Eye Contour, a non-greasy cream formulated with marine collagen and elastin, which are meant to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating the skin’s own collagen and elastin production, along with green tea, which reduces puffiness and soothes redness and irritation. As a companion to the eye cream, this wrinkle includes a battery-powered Eye Repair Wand that pulsates against the delicate skin under the eye area, cooling fatigued skin with its rounded metal tip and stimulating microcirculation with each vibration, thereby allowing skin to better absorb the nutrients in the Power Repair Eye Contour cream. Both items come packaged inside a dainty aubergine clutch with a satin-like finish, a zippered top closure, and puckered and pleated details that lend it a fashion-forward vibe.