Holiday Gift Guide 2011

By Amina Akhtar and Susannah Cahn 12/01/11 at 04:40 PM

They had us at the packaging. The Ruby Collection (five lipsticks, an eyeshadow quad and blush) comes adorned with red "jewels" on the gold casings and compacts. The Ruby Collection by Dolce & Gabbana, $37-$75; available for a limited time at Saks Fifth Avenue.
The beauty of this iPad case is that it doesn't look like one. Wear it out after work. The chic quilting and gold chain make this the perfect home for your iPad and other essentials. Quilting SLG iPad Case in Grey by Marc Jacobs, $495; available at Marc Jacobs boutiques nationwide and MarcJacobs.com.
We all need a little daily affirmation. Get your Stuart Smalley on with this empowering mirror. You are beautiful! (And people do like you!) You Are Beautiful Mirror, $99; available at Urbanoutiftters.com.
Outshine everyone else in the room with this compact clutch. The futuristic hardware isn't just for show: the front flap is an exterior pocket (with magnets!). Metallic Adriel Clutch by Alexander Wang, $475; available at Barneys.com.
What do you get the fragrance lover who has everything? Perfume fit for a queen, of course. This regal set will look divine on any vanity. Clive Christian Perfume Set for Women, $310; available at Saks.com.
Bigger isn't always better, especially when it comes to bags. Gucci's mini 1973 is just the right size for your New Year's Eve look. Gucci 1973 Small Shoulder Bag, $850; available at Gucci.com.
Rose gold: check. Bold bracelet: check. Alexis Bittar: double check. The liquid look of this cuff adds a dash of subtlety to statement jewelry. Rose Gold Cuff by Alexis Bittar, $260; available at Bergdorfgoodman.com.
A blazer-cape-hybrid (blape?) puts a new spin on the menswear look and shows just how wearable this runway trend can be. Navy and black wool twill tailored cape by DKNY, $495; available at DKNY stores nationwide.
Give Hugh Hefner a run for his money, literally, in these velvet slipper shoes (they have Nike technology). And the holiday colors show a festive side without having to wear that dreaded Christmas sweater. Air Morgan Slipper Ballet by Cole Haan, $168; available at Colehaan.com.
Calling all beauty junkies! This is the Rolls-Royce of makeup kits. Restock someone's entire product supply in one fell swoop, complete with silver compartmentalized carrying case. Bobbi Brown Fall 2011 Beauty Trunk, $1000; available at Neimanmarcus.com.
Aspiring fashion editors and designers will benefit from a bit of studying this holiday season. Luckily these are far from your average textbooks. From left to right: Irreverent by Carine Roitfeld, $60.51 (regular price $100); available at Amazon.com. Christian Louboutin by Christian Louboutin, $150; available at Amazon.com. The Impossible Collection of Fashion by Valerie Steele, $650; available at Assouline stores worldwide and Assouline.com.
Even makeup brushes need a little design. This sleek set by Dior even tells you which brush to use. Helpful! And did we mention the adorable carrying case? Holiday Mini Brush Set by Dior, $62; available at Saks.com.
A little sparkle, a little height, and a lot of sex appeal‚Äîthis might just be the perfect New Year's Eve heel. Liese Metallic Peep-Toe Ankle Boots by B Brian Atwood, $350; available at Saks.com.
Winter air wreaks havoc on everyone's skin. Indulge your favorite face (okay, and your own) with Skin Caviar. This cream provides the ultimate hydration. Irresistible Caviar set by La Prairie, $195; available at Bloomingdales.com.
Ring in the New Year (we had to) with stackable pyramid pieces. Mix and match metals for an edgier look, or wear just one for a more polished result. Pyramid Nova Rings by TomTom Jewelry, $95 each; available at Tomtomjewelry.com.
Photo courtesy of Vogue, April 1918, George Wolfe Plank, ©Condé Nast Store
There's no better gift for a fashionista than access to the Vogue archives. Thanks to the new Condé Nast Store, iconic photos, illustrations, and covers can be ordered and framed to size. $125-$649; available at CondeNastStore.com.
We love chocolate; we love bags. Combine the two for one sweet clutch. Cha Cha Chocolate Clutch by Kate Spade, $295; available at Katespade.com.
Save the drama for your digits this season with Kabuki-inspired nail polish. Bonus: The miniature bottles are perfect for touch-ups on the go! Kuroko Mini Nail Polish Set by Nars, $35; available at Narscosmetics.com.
We're (wait for it) hog wild for this pink piggy bank. All the coin hoarders in your life can stash in style with a container the size of a baby Babe. Limited Pig Bank by Areaware; $220; available at Calypsostbarth.com.
The classic trench gets a twist in silk crepe de chine. You might even hope it rains on New Year's. Silk Crepe de Chine Trench Coat by Burberry, $1,695; available at Net-a-Porter.com.
Can't figure out what to buy your Topshop-obsessed friend? Let the retailer do it for you. The store's new personal shopping service ($500 minimum) will assemble a hamper of hand-picked items with your giftee in mind. Topshop Personal Shopping Service, starting at $500. For more information, visit Topshop.com or stop into a retail location.
What better way to kick off 2012 than in a sweatshirt? A cashmere one, at that. After all, comfort can still look chic. Cashmere Isabel Sweatshirt by J.Crew, $248; available at JCrew.com.

The calendar has officially changed over to December, which means you need to start buying gifts ... for other people!

We rounded up our favorite finds of the season—from fashion to beauty to accessories to housewares—and if you're anything like us, you just might have to snag one (or more) for yourself. We won't tell.

So, shop our slide show of stylish presents that are sure the please even the pickiest fashionista in your life. (Then just click to buy.)

FashionEtc.com April 16th, 2024

Holiday Gift Guide 2011

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