Holiday Gift Guide Part 3 — For The Girl Who Wants To “Smile” Like Lily Allen
For the third installment of this year’s gift guide, which is inspired by female music icons (as you know from last week’s ode to Pat Benatar and the previous tribute to Janelle Monae’s equestrian-meets-funk style), we’re focusing on British pop star Lily Allen. Since making her debut in 2006 with the kiss-off break-up song “Smile,” which features Allen’s sugary vocals over a calypso-laced, melodic track but boasts deceivingly mischievous lyrics about sweet revenge, the daughter of musician Keith Allen and film producer Alison Owen has emerged as a vintage-loving style icon. Like her songs, her wardrobe choices mix naughty and nice, at first appearing very traditional but then showing hints of defiance upon closer inspection. Traditionally girlish pieces like floral print frocks and preppy chic headbands are paired with street-savvy, hip-hop flavored accessories like oversize doorknocker earrings, layered gold necklaces, and high-top sneakers for a cheeky and coquettish end result. Below, you’ll find some great holiday gift ideas for the woman in your life who reveres Allen’s signature style.
Rachel Comey Stinger Dress, $201.50. Available at LaGarconne.com
A-line dresses are a vital part of Allen’s fashion repertoire — and, given her petite upper body, bustier styles are particularly flattering. This Rachel Comey cotton-and-silk dress features buttons all along the front placket, a playful circle skirt, an underwire bustier bodice, and adjustable spaghetti straps. And, since Allenistas like feminine things with a bit of a twist, they’ll appreciate the hidden pockets at the side seams of the skirt, which are perfect for stashing lip balm, keys, or any other knick-knacks.
Links of London Mini Blue Metallic Heart Charm, $60. Available at LinksofLondon.com
Aside from doorknocker earrings and oversize hoops, Allen enjoys layering gold necklaces adorned with a variety of pendants. As a woman of contradictions, Allen is likely to pair naughty and nice motifs, complementing gun-shaped pendants with prim, sweet charms such as this metallic, baby blue, bubble-shaped heart number from Links of London.
Philosophy “Christmas Morning” Holiday Set, $20. Available at Philosophy.com
A glazed donut is about as universal a treat as they come. The Philosophy Barely Glazed holiday set features an 8 fl. oz. Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath and an 8 fl. oz. Body Lotion, both featuring a vanilla-tinged, milky, sugary and slightly buttery scent that has just the right amount of sweetness. And, in typical Philosophy fashion, the bottles feature a recipe for making delicious glazed donuts at home. Yum!
Alex and Ani “I Heart Rock N Roll” Hoops, $68. Available at Endless.com.
Though heart-shaped doorknockers, oversize hoops, and triangle-shaped bamboo earrings tend to be Allen’s preference, we think she’d swoon over these Alex and Ani “I Heart Rock N Roll” hoops, which measure 1.5″ in diameter and feature small Russian silver beads threaded through the thin golden hoops, as well as icicle-like rhombus shapes and large Russian gold spikes dangling from the hoops’ center. These spiked charms add a bit of edge to the earrings without giving them so tough a vibe as to take them into Siouxsie Sioux territory.
Tocca Crema Mani Viaggio (Hand Cream Trio), $18. Available at Tocca.com
The three hand lotions in this set all feature coconut oil, shea butter, avocado oil, and jojoba seed oil to moisturize, soften, and smooth hands. The lotion isn’t greasy or balmy, but is absorbed rather quickly, making it ideal for on-the-go use. And, since girls love variety, this set features three scents: Stella, Tocca’s juicy Blood Orange fragrance; Cleopatra, a zesty grapefruit and cucumber scent; and Florence, which has a romantic English Rose aroma.
Ray-Ban RB2140 Original Wayfarer, $159. Available at Ray-Ban.com
Whether she’s performing at an outdoor summer festival or a prestigious fashion show (like she did at the Chanel Spring/Summer 2010 show), sashaying down the streets of London, or making her way through an airport or hotel, chances are you’ll find Lily Allen donning a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers. The multi-colored button print of this Wayfarer frames has a festive, carnival-ready feel that will perk up any ensemble.
Alice by Temperley Jude Printed Cotton-Twill Dress, $425. Available at Net-A-Porter.com
Lily Allen has mastered the art of wearing floral prints — whether she pairs a strapless, retro, floral frock with black pumps and a ribbon headband (as she did in her “Alfie” video) or she make bouquets red carpet ready in strapless floor-length gowns. With its watercolor-inspired tulip print and pleated skirt, this Alice by Temperley number hits all the right notes for a cocktail gathering or even a spring garden party.
Nike Air Max 90 Women’s Shoe, $95. Available at Nike.com
One of the most distinctive aspects of Allen’s style is how she mixes ladylike garments, like vintage frocks, with sporty pieces, like a crispy pair of sneakers. In fact, she once told GIANT magazine (in a piece penned by yours truly), that she has over 100 kicks in her closet. These Air Max 90 kicks would quickly rise to top tier status, especially given how the blush pink trimming would match so many of her skirts and dresses.
LUSH Chillin’ With My Gnomeys Gift Set, $14.95. Available at LUSHusa.com
Remember the “Rollin’ with the Homies” song on Clueless? Well, this Christmas, LUSH is inviting fans to chill with the gnomeys a la Amelie. The LUSH “Chillin’ With My Gnomeys” gift set features a Snow Globe bar soap and a Whoosh Shower Jelly, both of which invigorate the senses with their citrus scents. The Whoosh Shower Jelly features grapefruit juice, which contains antibacterial properties, and lemon juice, which brightens the skin, removes dirt and excess oil, and protects the skin from free radicals. The shower duo comes boxed and wrapped with a gnome print paper that fits with the frosty gnome theme.
Kimberly Baker Pentameter Ring. Available at KimberlyBaker.com
This Kimberly Baker ring captures the duality of Lily Allen’s style, from the 14k gold and sterling silver contrast to the juxtaposition of tough and delicate motifs (gold daisies paired with a ghoulish skull, rope-like etchings along a thin sterling silver band set against a cobblestone-esque band with squared pieces, and so forth). Named “pentameter” because it features five individual rings fused into one larger piece, this design creates a layering effect thanks to the deliberate spacing in between the individual bands.
Katherine Kwei Cleo Cross Body in Berry, $230. Available at KatherineKwei.com
How could any pink-loving gal resist this fuchsia-and-gold, embossed lambskin cross-body bag with its marble-like finish? Measuring 5″ in height, 8″ in width, and 2″ in depth, the Katherine Kwei Cleo in Berry features the designer’s signature Chinese knot motifs along the front flap, as well as a detachable shoulder strap, a magnetic frame closure, and two slip pockets and four card slots along its interior.
Too Faced Glamour To Go 2 Pocket Palette, $19.50. Available at Sephora.com
This pocket-sized makeup kit features eight eye shadow hue in neutral metallic hues (from a peachy nude to a brassy olive green, a camel-tinged yellow gold, a taupe brown with a golden shimmer, and a dark silver gray), a rosy bronze cheek color, and four lip gloss shades (from a frosty mauve to a punchy fuchsia, a strawberry red, and a shimmering plum). For an Allen-esque look, apply the sheer fuchsia gloss to lips and sweep lids with the lighter taupe and nude shades, blending in some of the darker metallic shades along the lash line for a slight pop.
Rebecca Taylor Perfect Party Mini Dress, $350. Available at Net-A-Porter.com
Remember the pink dress Lily Allen wore during the coffeehouse scene in the “Smile” video? This Rebecca Taylor recalls that iconic dress, but punches up the flirtatiousness, abandoning the loose-fitting babydoll silhouette in favor of a sweetheart neckline, a figure-flattering corseted bodice, and a full skirt. The deeper shade of raspberry pink alone makes us want to smile.
Leah & Bliss Mini Uptown Pearl Black Calfskin Handbag, $850. Available at Singer22.com
Remember the Fall/Winter 2009 Coco Cocoon handbag ads for which Allen posed last year? In the black-and-white images for the campaign, she was styled as a modern-day Audrey Hepburn, with a bouffant updo adorned by a diamond tiara, black fingerless gloves paired with a fitted black blazer and a ruffled white collar. Though the singer’s penchant for Chanel purses is well documented, the feel of the ad images mentioned and Lily’s overall look, lead us to think she’d appreciate this Leah & Bliss handbag, which recalls the traditional Hermes Berkin shape, but features hand-sewn, princess-worthy white pearls all along the front panel, as well as a street smart silver chain link adornment at the base of the shoulder straps.
Jessica Heritage Collection 5-Piece Set, $19.95. Available at JessicaCosmetics.com
Rather than the gold, red and copper tones associated with Christmas time, the Jessica Heritage Collection features five lacquers in darker, blue-based tones, all with a jewel-like finish. In addition to the Reward Base Coat and Brilliance High Gloss Top Coat, the set includes: Estate, a deep teal blue with a hint of electric turquoise glitter; Antique, a slightly tarnished, almost gunmetal-like silver with lighter platinum glitter particles; and Tradition, a high-gloss pine green.
Retro Print Ice Packs, $16 each. Available at Unique-Vintage.com
Before quitting booze while pregnant earlier this year, Allen had built up a reputation as a bit of a party girl. And as anyone who has hit the sauce a bit too hard can tell you, a bad hangover is no joking matter. These retro ice packs, then, would’ve come in rather handy on those days when a Tylenol and some water just didn’t cut it. The 6-inch, latex-free, rubberized fabric ice bags can be filled with hot or cold water and are available in Green Martini, Pastel Dots, Rubber Ducky and Casino Dice. The Rubber Ducky print, however, is the one for us. Word to Ernie.
New Balance for Nine West Celestina sneaker, $89. Available at NineWest.com
The highlight of the latest New Balance for Nine West collection is the above pictured Celestine sneakers, which feature a floral lace overlay along the uppers. Pair these with a black empire dress, a trench coat (like the one in the “Smile” video) and some gold bamboo earrings, and you’ve got an easy Lily Allen-worthy ensemble.
Pixi Essentials Makeup Kit With Bag, $28. Available at Target.com
Though Allen types adore playing dress up, they tend to keep their makeup understated, adding to their doll-like charm. The Pixi Flawless Kit, then, is an ideal buy for those who favor a minimal, fresh-faced look. Packaged in a coppery gold, bow-shaped clutch with a wrist strap, the set features: a Mini Flawless & Pore primer, which reduces pore size, diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and evens the complexion tone; a Mini Eye Bright Primer to extend the longevity of any eye shadow color; the Fairly Light Solo Champagne Glow, which adds just a hint of color to the eyes, brightening the face; and the Mini Endless Silky Eye Pen in Black to add that flirty cat eye or accentuate the lash line.
Alice + Olivia Vivienne Strip Dress, $495. Available at Shop.AliceandOlivia.com
This simple dress, featuring opaque and sheer strips of fabric in white and bronzed gold, can be transformed into a flashy, fly-by-night piece with the right accessories (think sequined jacket and gold platform pumps) or taken to new heights of daintiness with a pearl necklace and a white ribbon headband or metallic floral fascinator.
Tiny Little Chair Necklaces, $250 for silver and $200 for bronze. Available at Lisa Perry (976 Madison Avenue) in New York City. Visit LisaPerryStyle.com for more information.
As a vintage fashion hound, Allen would appreciate these antique necklaces, which feature carefully sculpted, chair-shaped pendants in gold, metal or bronze. Any tarnish just gives the necklaces a more precious, lived-in feel — which, of course, is part of the wonder of vintage jewelry.
Lily Allen Samsung SF310. Available at Lucy in Disguise in London. Visit LucyInDisguiseLondon.com for more details and pricing information.
Earlier this year, Allen collaborated with Samsung, designing a limited-edition version of its SF310 laptop (shown above). The notebook features an Intel Core i3 Processor for faster speed and a 13.3″ high resolution, wide-screen, LED backlit display screen. Plus, Allen’s custom design features an MC Escher-meets-Damask, black-and-white print along the top surface.
Voom by Joy Han Mint Silk “Crayon” Puff Sleeve Shirt Dress, $114.74. Available at Bluefly.com
With its retro mint green color, sweet puffed sleeves, and the floral embroidery associated with Mexican peasant blouses, this Voom by Joy Han dress feels like the epitome of ’60s Bohemian chic — perfect for the child of gypsies, like Allen herself.
Alexandra Cassaniti Bike Bags, $300. Available at AdelineAdeline.com
This summery, roll duffel, canvas bike bag, designed by Alexandra Cassaniti, features chic navy blue and white stripes, a zipper closure, a brown leather pocket on its exterior, and two brown leather buckles along its façade that allow you to hang it securely from either the handlebars or snap it in place behind your bike seat.
