Year of the Dragon: Nailing the crackled lacquer look

If you're trying to nail the spirit of the upcoming Lunar New Year celebration (which starts on Jan. 23),  Bari Cosmetics' Pure Ice crackle polish duo can help you approximate the red-and-gold lacquered look.

The two-tone crackle effect is achieved in a three-step process that involves applying the base nail color (in this case the gold), followed by a coating of the crackle polish (that'd be the red), and finishing with a top coating of clear polish. (Making sure to let each coat dry before moving on to the next.) 

The gold with red crackle Pure Ice Winter Crackle and Ice Duo won't cost you much gold either, it can be purchased online through the Bari Cosmetics website for $5.98. (Walmart carries the brand in its stores, so if you're near one, it might be worth checking their stock.)

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Photos: Pure Ice's Winter Crackle and Ice Duo - Gold with Red Crackle (at left, $5.98) can help your nails get the appropriate lacquered look for the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations. Credit: Bari Cosmetics.

Holiday Shopping: Stud earrings, small but chic

If you’re looking for a last-minute gift for your sister or best friend, think about small stud earrings. They make an elegant and practical stocking stuffer and can be found at various price points, for those on a budget to those with no limits.

Here are a few favorites that can still be bought in time for the holiday or saved to give as a Valentine’s Day gift.

Bing Bang jewelry designer Anna Sheffield has created a Mini collection of cute and tiny baubles. Her stud earrings come as whimsical pairs like a diamond for one ear, a dollar sign for the other. This Royal Duet features a Cardinal cross and a crown, perfect for the princess in your life. $38 at www.bingbangnyc.com

These Belle Noel star stud earrings are small but pack a lot of punch done in this festive star burst design. $30 at www.shopbop.com



For the person who likes something more dainty and conservative, but certainly casual enough to wear every day, these dotted gold circle “Crème Brulee” studs from Anthropologie are pretty sweet. $28 at Anthropologie stores and www.anthropologie.com

If budget is no factor, then give her the moon. These diamond pave moon studs from FINN Jewelry are truly out of this world. $1,995 at www.finnjewelry.com

--Melissa Magsaysay

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Photos: from top: Bing Bang Royal Duet earrings. Credit: Bing Bang. Belle Noel Starburst earrings. Credit: Shopbop.com. Anthropologie Creme Brulee earrings. Credit: Anthropologie, FINN Jewelry diamond pave moon earrings. Credit: FINN Jewelry

Holiday Shopping: Take note of stylish stationery

Most people find it much easier to type and click their sentiments to friends and loved ones, rather than take a pen to paper. Understandable, but I will never stop sending handwritten notes — especially as thank-yous or just-thinking-of-yous (that is, of course, as long as there’s some way to get the letter sent, seeing as the U.S. Postal Service seems to have fallen on hard times).

Stationery also makes a stylish holiday gift and seems to be one of those things someone may not necessarily buy for themselves, but would definitely use if they had something chic and inspiring.

Here are a few favorite fashionable sets:

Oscar de la Renta – Mrs. John L. Strong stationery. This recent collaboration (the collection just came out last week) has elegance written all over it. The creamy white card stock adorned with a delicate and feminine gold bow is perfect for the fashion lover on your list. Notecards in gift box with envelopes (set of 12). $125 at Oscar de la Renta stores and www.oscardelarenta.com


Connor “Love Guns” stationery. The cheeky design (of little gold guns shooting out XOXO) conveys affection without being overly saccharine and the cards can be sent for any occasion. Set of 12, $85. At Barneys NY, Beverly Hills and www.barneys.com

Smythson Skull and Crossbone correspondence cards. Smythson is the go-to brand for fashion editors and insiders to jot down their show notes and predictions for the season. These skull and crossbone cards from the British company are edgy and work for a guy or girl. (set of 10) - $50 at www.smythson.com

-- Melissa Magsaysay

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Photos, from top: Oscar de la Renta & Mrs. John L Strong/Oscar de la Renta. Connor "Love Guns"/Barneys. Smythson Skull & Crossbone correspondence cards/Smythson.

Cosmetics-filled ornaments for the beauty lover on your list

Wondering what to buy the beauty junkie on your shopping list? MAC Cosmetics Dazzlesphere sets bring some holiday spirit to sparkly eye shadows, nail polish and lip gloss by encasing them in an ornament holder.

These make great stocking stuffers or, of course, can be hung from the tree doing double duty as decoration first for the house, then for the face.

Prices for the MAC Cosmetics Dazzlesphere sets range from $26.50 to $32.50 and are available at Maccosmetics.com

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Photo: MAC Cosmetics Dazzlesphere sets. Credit: MAC Cosmetics

Holiday Shopping: The Mulberry travel tote

This nylon leopard print tote bag from Mulberry is a practical present for anyone doing a lot of traveling this holiday season.

The bag measures 15 inches high and 24 inches wide, so the size works well as a carry-on or weekender. But don't count it out for longer trips. It folds up into a small square with its own little pouch, so it's ideal for taking on a longer vacation -- folded up at first, then expanded and full of souvenirs and shopping finds on the way back.

Your fashionable friends will appreciate the extra room as well as the quirky navy-and-apple-green leopard print that makes it pretty easy to spot on a crowded luggage carousel.

Mulberry fold-up large Clipper tote in leopard, $420 at www.mulberry.com

-- Melissa Magsaysay

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Photo: The Mulberry fold-up large Clipper tote in leopard. Credit: Mulberry

Holiday Shopping: Cozy knits for guys and dolls

A sweater seems like a ho-hum holiday gift but really, it’s so practical and with this recent cold and rainy weather who wouldn’t want to receive a cozy knit item to stay warm?

This knit vest from Soyer, above, is a cute, warm layer, plus it’s versatile enough to be styled and worn several ways. Throw it over a dress and under a skinny belt for a color-blocking effect or pair it with wide-leg jeans and a soft, patterned blouse for a fancy boho vibe.

For the guys in your life, how about this Fair Isle crew-neck option from Vince. The pattern is festive without being over the top and the neutral colors make it easy to wear after the holiday season.

If he’s not a pattern-and-print kind of guy, Vince has some super soft and solid cashmere versions.

People may complain, but I think everyone is secretly hoping for a new sweater as long as it's soft to the touch and of course, very stylish.

Soyer knit vest, $358, comes in teal or taupe, at Des Kohan, 671 Cloverdale Ave., Los Angeles. 

Vince Fair Isle sweater, $295; Vince Classic cashmere sweater, $295, at Vince, 112 S. Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles.

-- Melissa Magsaysay

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Photos, from top: Soyer knit vest/Des Kohan. Vince men's Fair Isle sweaters/Vince, Vince men's classic cashmere sweaters/Vince.

Holiday Shopping: The Beeracuda from Burton

We’re not exactly sure that the Beeracuda from Burton sends a message of safety, but it’s a fun gift idea for the avid snowboarder in your life.

The contraption slings across the body and is able to hold a stack of five beer cans securely across the back. There’s also a little koozy placed on the front of the Beeracuda to stow a can for easy access, so it can presumably be cracked open and consumed as soon as you’re at the bottom of the mountain.

Of course an energy drink or water would also fit in the tube, and those beverages seem more practical for stamina and hydration while doing physical activity in the cold. But beer may seem more appealing to snowboarders on holiday.

The Burton Beeracuda is $19.95 and available at Burton Snowboards and Channel Islands, 8175 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles.

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Photo: The Burton Beeracuda. Credit: Burton

 

Jenni Kayne launches lifestyle blog

L.A.-based designer Jenni Kayne is expanding beyond her collection of easy separates and classic sportswear with an aspirational new blog launched earlier this week called Ripplustan.com. The site, named for her two children, Ripley, 8 months, and Tanner 3 1/2, doesn’t focus so much on fashion, but Kayne’s life including cooking, pantry clean outs and picturesque European vacations.

So far she’s documented a Thanksgiving dinner spent with friends and family and a trip to Italy. She’s got tips for entertaining and where to eat while summering in Capri, peppered with a few accessible items and ideas found at more affordable places such as Pottery Barn and Etsy.com.

It’s a lifestyle blog a la Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop.com, but thus far reads a bit more posh than the actresses’ online tome, which Kayne cites as a definite inspiration for her own. “I am the friend that everyone calls when they need a baby gift or a home item,” says the designer. “Friends have been telling me for years to start a blog and share my finds.”

Much like her West Hollywood store’s interior or the general aesthetic of her collection, the site is understated but upscale. And this peek into her personal life certainly showcases Kayne’s high-end taste.

“I’ve always loved beautiful things,” she says. “I’ll scour the Internet looking for the most beautiful flashlight. I just love all of the little details.”

Kayne will post several times a week, sharing organic and seasonal recipes learned at the monthly cooking class she holds for friends at her Beverly Hills home, ideas for kids and profiles and advice from some of her celeb and tastemaker friends.

Along with her online foray, Kayne is adding another brick-and-mortar destination to the retail component of her business. Her new boutique is opening at the Brentwood Country Mart soon and will carry some coveted accessories from various designers including Proenza Schouler.

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Image: Jenni Kayne's new blog Ripplustan.com.

 

Frugal Fashion: Tilda Swinton at the Gotham Independent Film Awards

Actress Tilda Swinton seems to be on everyone's fashion radar. Designer Victoria Beckham recently told Vogue UK that she's "obsessed" with Swinton and would love to dress her, Pomellato jewelry chose Swinton as the face of its ad campaign and Haider Ackermann -- one of Swinton's favorite designers -- was quoted by WWD saying, "What I like about [Swinton] is that when she's doing something, she stands behind it without worrying whether people like it or not."

Swinton has also ventured into the fragrance world. Last year she launched her scent Like This, a collaboration with French fragrance house Etat Libre d’Orange.

Swinton, who can next be seen in the thriller "We Need to Talk About Kevin" (January 2012),  showed off her sense of style recently when she attended the 21st annual Gotham Independent Film Awards in New York. She chose a dark color palette, which made a stark but beautiful contrast to her luminous skin, piercing blue eyes and golden hair. Her sheer black blouse, slacks and long metallic checkered coat were all by Haider Ackermann, a designer to whom Swinton frequently turns when dressing for events.

The most striking element in Swinton's ensemble was her coat. Combining a checkered pattern and metallic shine makes for a festive holiday look. For a similar checkered coat that sparkles, try the BKE Metallic plaid coat for $71.96 from Buckle.com. To get Swinton's look wear the coat open and either ditch the buttons or swap out for new, smaller ones. Or, for even more shine, get the sequined coat from Zara for $169.

Swinton's sheer blouse and classic trousers are great basics for any occasion. For a similar blouse get the DKNYC solid washed chiffon ruffle blouse for $34.99 at 6pm.com, or, for something with a little more character, try the Asos shirt with sheer and solid paneling from Asos.com for $43.63. Zara makes a great pair of basic tailored trousers for $49, or get the black horn button tailored trousers for $90 from Topshop.com.

Strap on a pair of solid colored heels or flats and you're ready for your holiday close-up.

Happy shopping.

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-- Jenn Harris

twitter.com/jenn_harris_

Photo: Actress Tilda Swinton attends the Gotham Independent Film Awards on Nov. 28 in New York. Credit: Evan Agostini / Associated Press

Middle photo, from left: BKE Metallic plaid coat, $71.96/ Buckle.com; Sequined coat, $169/ Zara.

Bottom photo, from left: DKNYC solid washed chiffon ruffle blouse, $34.99/ 6pm.com; Asos shirt with sheer and solid paneling, $43.63/ Asos.com; Tailored trousers, $49/ Zara; Black horn button tailored trousers, $90/ Topshop.com.

Alternative Apparel collecting gently used T-shirts for charity

You know that bag full of old T-shirts collected from family reunions, gift bags, high school clubs and childhood concerts? Now is a good time to get them off your hands (and out of your garage) because Alternative Apparel is taking donations of gently used T-shirts at its Venice flagship store to benefit Upward Bound House, a Santa Monica-based organization that aims to end homelessness.

Pop into the store with your unwanted tees and receive a 15% discount on Alternative Apparel products for each shirt donated (up to two items per visit).

If you have other unwanted clothing items, bring in any amount and type,and the company will give those along with the T-shirts to Upward Bound House at the completion of the T-shirt program on Jan. 31.

The T-shirt drive and 15% discount is happening now through the end of January at the Alternative Apparel store at 1337 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice.

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Photo: Exterior of the Alternative Apparel store in Venice. Credit: Alternative Apparel