Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2016

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It's hard to believe that Valentine's Day is already upon us. Given that I was born the day before, it holds a special place in my heart! I thought that I would create a Valentine's Day Gift Guide of some of the things that I have, and covet, or would love to have and covet!

Diptyque Roses Scented Candle is described as, "am armful of tender, changing roses that lightly evoke the world's most universally loved flowers." The scent is utterly divine, and is rose perfection incarnate.

($30.00-$60.00 from Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Space NK, Net-A-Porter and Harrods).

Bony Levy Stackable Crossover Diamond Ring (Nordstrom Exclusive): Pavé round-cut diamonds trace a delicate crisscross ring handcrafted with a singular aesthetic.

Details: 1/4" total width. Total diamond weight: 0.17ct. Color: G. Clarity: VS. 18k yellow, white or rose gold/diamond.

($1,095.00 from Nordstrom).

Tom Ford Café Rose Eau de Parfum (Review Forthcoming) is an irresistible spicy rose that was absolute love at first smell for me. I immediately bought the large bottle, and I seldom do that!

Convention is abandoned and unexpected ingredients converge with bewitching and intoxicating results. Iconic seasonal flowers open, dropping innocent façades to reveal the subversive beauty and fierce elegance normally kept hidden.

Enticing, exotic, seductive. Café Rose descends into a hidden labyrinth where the finely bred rose gives way to darker pleasures.

($220.00-$300.00 from Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Sephora, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue).

TATCHA SUNRISE: A Plum Blossom 23-Karat Gold Illuminated Lipstick is a 2016 Limited Edition Lipstick that is truly gorgeous, and at the very top of my must-have list.

This lipstick brings a youthful, cool plum pink blush to lips with a fine hint of 23-karat gold for a creamy, lustrous finish to flatter any complexion, day or night.

Inspired by the iconic pink Japanese Plum Blossom peeking through a snowy Kyoto morning wrapped in golden light. Plum fruit and silk extracts richly hydrate lips.

All skin tones. Non-irritating. Non-sensitizing. Dermatologist tested.
($55.00 from TATCHA).

S'well Water Bottle in Bikini Pink (Reviewed Here): I have used my S'well Water Bottle every single day since purchasing it! It keeps my water cols all day long, and doesn't sweat in my handbag! This is by far the best water borrow I have ever had!

• Bikini Pink 17-oz. Reusable Bottle
• Bottle may be used as a water bottle or to hold other beverages.
• Made of 18/8 double-walled stainless steel.
• Nontoxic, non-leaching, and BPA free.
• Hand-painted, semi-matte finish.
• Mouth wide enough for ice cubes and drip-free sipping.
• Vacuum sealed; keeps drinks cold for 24 hours, hot for 12.
• Fits standard-size cup holder.

(9 oz., 17 oz. and 24 oz. $25.00-$45.00 from Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus).

Gucci Soho Leather Zip-Around Wallet in Bright Pink is definitely on my lust-list! This is such a gorgeous wallet, and it's the perfect Valentine's Day luxury treat!

• Light fine golden hardware.
• Embossed interlocking G.
• Zip-around closure.
• Zip coin pocket.
• 12 card slots and three bill compartments.
• 4"H x 8"W x 1"D.
• Made in Italy.

($580.00 from Neiman Marcus).

African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil (Reviewed Here): There is something magical about Neroli Infused Marula Oil from the feather light texture to the sweet and understated smell of the Neroli. It is a thin potent oil that immediately sinks in and gets right to work. When I told Julia Noik that I was shocked by the efficacy of her Neroli Infused Marula oil, and that it was one of the most amazing oils that I had tried- she said,  "Marula Oil is lightweight and quick-absorbing, but at the time is very nourishing, thanks to the Omega 9 content of the oil (70% - 80%). It is the fastest way to deliver essential nutrients and vitamins to the skin."

As with all luxury oils, I apply African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil to warm and damp freshly cleansed skin. The added slip from the water facilitates quick absorption followed my an immediate radiance and glow. Every single time that I apply this lovely oil (which is quite often) I note that my skin reveals a newfound clarity and evenness of tone. There is an unmistakable luminosity that is so obvious and pronounced that I have been receiving so many comments about how beautiful, clear and glowing my skin is- followed by "what are you using, and did you get a peel or something- your skin is gorgeous!"

Minimize pores and improve skin's appearance, leaving it clear and radiant with Neroli infused Marula Oil. This multifunctional, anti-aging and delicately-textured light facial oil gives skin a sensual glow without clogging pores or leaving a residue. Infuses and replenishes skin cells with powerful antioxidants, vitamins C and E, while helping cells renew and resist free radical damage. Exceptionally high in essential fatty acids, it deeply hydrates skin and reduces redness while protecting against the elements. Perfect as a daily anti-aging moisturizer or as an antioxidant boost serum for all skin types, especially unbalanced, problematic, oily and blemished skin.

Ingredients: Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil**, Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Essential Oil, Fragrance* (Natural). *Consists of a 100% natural blend of essential oil constituents/isolates.
**Certified Organic, cold-pressed and wild harvested.

($85.00 from African Botanics, Space NK, Net-A-Porter, Bloomingdale's, Beauty Bar and Skin Care RX).

Bony Levy Diamond Pavé Heart Pendant Necklace (Limited Edition) (Nordstrom Exclusive): GORGEOUS! I really really need this necklace in my life!

Glittering diamonds cover a meaningful heart pendant swinging at the center of this American-crafted white-gold chain necklace.

• Lobster clasp closure.
• Total diamond weight: 0.20ct.
• Color: G.
• Clarity: VS.
• 18k white gold with rhodium plating/diamond.
• By Bony Levy; made in the USA of imported materials.

($995.00 from Nordstrom).

 

Artis 5 Brush Set is such an amazing value for such phenomenal brushes. I have three of their brushes and have reviewed them here, here and here.

Artís, the first evolution of the makeup brush, has a unique and forward-looking perspective on makeup and self-application. This collection combines ergonomics with design, function and performance for a cosmetic tool that is easier and more efficient to use.

The 5 Set includes the Oval 6, which is a favourite among makeup artists for applying foundations, blush, and contour. The Oval 4 and Oval 3 will help you apply eye makeup with ease and perfection. The Linear 1 will apply a thin line of product along the lashes or help perfect the brow shape. And the Circle 1 is wonderful for lip colour application or for applying concealer to small areas of the skin.

This set includes: Oval 6 (reviewed here), Oval 4, Oval 3, Linear 1 (reviewed here) and Circle 1.

($165.00 from Space NK, Net-A-Porter and Dillards).

African Botanics Shimmering Gold Oil (Reviewed Here) Marula Shimmering Gold Oil is a magical antioxidant rich and unbelievably nourishing and hydrating oil that can be used from head to toe. It the hair it offers conditioning and tames frizzies while adorning your tresses with a gorgeous golden luminosity. This delectable nourishing oil hydrates and smooths the skin while giving it the most gorgeous and refined shimmer. Skin is left luminous, soft, supple and utterly quenched. Of all of the shimmering oils that I have seen flood the market none compares to this one. It's perfect all year round, but it is the one to try this holiday season.  The subtle scent is an intoxicatingly delicious blend of Gardenia, Magnolia, Neroli and Vanilla Bean that is so delectable that I would wear it as a perfume given the chance.

An ultra-nourishing gold shimmering, rare fusion that illuminates every complexion and can be used on face, body and hair. An exquisite antioxidant-rich complex of restorative African Marula, Moringa, Baobab and Kalahari Melon seed oils are especially chosen for their resilience to harsh climatic conditions and ability to deeply nourish, soothe, soften and maintain skin youthfulness and firmness. Infused with particles of translucent mother of pearl minerals to illuminate skin and enhance its natural radiance. Leaves skin smooth and delicately scented.

Ingredients: Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Ether, Isostearyl Isostearate, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil**, Silica, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil**, Citrullus Lanatus (Kalahari Melon) Seed Oil**, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Tocopherol, Mica, Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Essential Oil, Gardenia Jasminoides (Gardenia) Oil, Magnolia Fargesii (Magnolia) Oil, Vanilla Bean (Vanilla planifolia) Essential Oil, Citral*, Citronellol*, Farnesol*, Geraniol*, Hexyl Cinnamal*, Hydroxycitronellal*, Limonene*, Linalool*, Iron Oxides. May Contain ± [Ci 77019, Ci 77891, Ci99491]. *Consists of a 100% natural blend of essential oil constituents/isolates. **Certified Organic.

($85.00 from African Botanics, Net-A-Porter, C.O. Bigelow and Beauty Bar).

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Luxury Lust List & Gift Guide

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Every holiday season I love to single out a few luxury items that I would love to own, and here are a few that really caught my eye this season. While I have a couple of them, the more extravagant items remain on my lust list.

1) SAINT LAURENT Small Sac De Jour Carryall ($2,750.00 from Barneys New York): I have a Saint Laurent Zip Around Wallet and a purse, this particular style has been on my lust-list for quite some time. This style in fuchsia is even more gorgeous in person, and it remains one of my most coveted wants!

Saint Laurent fuchsia box calfskin small Sac De Jour carryall. Leather tabs thread through side gussets and snap at bag front and back, gold-stamped logo at top line; protective metal feet at base, polished gold tone hardware.

• Two-compartment interior lined with fuchsia suede; 
• Compartment-dividing pocket with two-way-zip, additional zip pocket and slip pocket at interior
• Rolled leather top handles; detachable flat leather shoulder strap
• Open top
• 10.0" height x 12.5" width x 6.0" depth, approximately
• 4" handle drop, 19" strap drop, approximately
• Includes detachable lock and set of keys
• Made in Italy

2) Saint Laurent  Fuchsia Monogram Wallet ($725.00 from Barneys New York): I don't usually find myself interested in designer logos, but this is such a gorgeous wallet that I can't help but love it.

• Lipstick (fuchsia) caviar-grained leather Monogram wallet.
• Metal YSL logo at front.
• Polished goldtone hardware.
• Lined with fuchsia and black leather. Zip pocket, 2 bill pockets, 12 card slots at two-compartment gusseted interior.
• Zip-around closure.
• 3.75" height x 7.50" width x 1.00" depth (approximately).
• Made in Italy.

3) kate spade new york 'le pavilion' iPhone 6 Plus & 6s Plus case ($45.00 from Nordstrom): This is such a cute iPhone case, and the gold dots create a really lovely tone-on-tone against the gold iPhones.

Metallic dots flash and shimmer on a transparent hard-shell case that shields your iPhone from scuffs and scratches while channeling impeccable cosmopolitan flair.

• Fits iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus.
• Resin.

4) Prada 'Baroque' 54mm Sunglasses (Was: $300.00 Now: $255.00 from Nordstrom): I have been admiring the ornate cornices on these pretty sunglasses for a very long time now. I have a pair of Prada reading glasses that I have worn for years, and have been exceedingly impressed by their quality.

Ornate cornices compose the branded arms of artful sunglasses furnished with chic square frames.

• 54mm lens width; 19mm bridge width; 135mm temple length.
• 100% UV protection.
• Plastic.
• Made in Italy.

5) Tom Ford Beauty Tobacco Vanille (Available in 1.7 oz. spray, 3.4 oz. spray and 8.4 oz. decanter. $220.00-$535.00 from Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Sephora and Bloomingdale's): This is my favorite Tom Ford fragrance, and I will review mine before too long. It has the most sublime scent, and it lasts all day on me.

“Private Blend is my own scent laboratory; it's where I have the ability to create very special, original fragrances that are unconstrained by the conventions of mainstream scent-making. Private Blend is designed with the true fragrance connoisseur in mind.” — Tom Ford

Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum is a modern take on an old-world men’s club. A smooth oriental, Tobacco Vanille opens immediately with opulent essences of tobacco leaf and aromatic spice notes. The heart unfolds with creamy tonka bean, tobacco flower, vanilla and cocoa and finishes with dry fruit accord enriched with sweet wood sap.

Notes: ginger, tobacco leaves, anise, coriander, tobacco flower, clove, spices, fruit wood sap, benzoin, vanilla, tonka bean.

6) Tom Ford 'Lips & Boys' 10-Piece Lip Color Collection ($350.00 from Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdale's): I love Tom Ford Beauty Lip Colors, and the Lips & Boys Collection is filled with so many gorgeous boys. I have several of them, and definitely want to collect a few more boys! Here are all 50 Lips & Boys shades swatched.

Tom Ford presents this 10-piece lip color collection featuring beloved shades named after men he admires—from intimates to collaborators to men he finds inspiring. Each lip color contains rich, specially treated pigments that deliver pure color with just the right balance of luminosity. Presented in a mahogany-colored box, this collection makes the perfect gift for yourself or someone dear.

Shades include: Ian, Beau, Julian, Addison, Leonardo, Demsey, David, Egon, Daniel and Theo.

7) Bony Levy Small Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace (Limited Edition) ($595.00 Nordstrom Exclusive): This bezel set single diamond pendant is an elegant and classic piece that can be dressed up or down, and one that you will love for years to come. I have a similar one that was given to me years, and I still cherish it and wear it all of the time.

A classic diamond solitaire sparkles brightly within the bezel setting of this handcrafted white-gold necklace. The delicate build keeps the design timeless yet allows for easy, modern layering.

• Lobster clasp closure.
• Diamond weight: 0.10ct.
• Color: H.
• Clarity: SI.
• 18k white gold with rhodium plating/diamond.
• By Bony Levy; made in the USA of imported materials.

8) Bony Levy Crossover Open Ring ($450.00 Nordstrom Exclusive): This is definitely a modern classic, and it's definitely on my list!

A high polish enriches this delicate crisscrossed ring handcrafted with a singular aesthetic.

• 1/8" band width.
• 14k yellow, rose or white gold.
• By Bony Levy; made in the USA.

9) Tom Ford Small Leather Cosmetics Case ($590.00 from Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus): These new Tom Ford Cosmetic cases are absolutely gorgeous. I have seen them in person, and haven't been able to stop thinking about them.

Shaped from pebbled leather and detailed with gold galvanized brass hardware, this small cosmetics case is as much a place to store your essentials as it is a stunning statement piece.
Top zip closure.

Exterior zip pocket.
Approx. 3.9"H x 6.6"W x 3.1"D
Washable lining.
By Tom Ford; made in the USA.

10) Tom Ford Medium Leather Cosmetics Case ($690.00 from Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus):

Shaped from pebbled leather and detailed with gold galvanized brass hardware, this medium cosmetics case is as much a place to store your essentials as it is a stunning statement piece.

Top zip closure.
Approx. 4.3"H x 7.8"W x 2.7"D
Washable lining.
By Tom Ford; made in the USA.

11) Tom Ford Large Leather Cosmetics Case ($790.00 from Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus):

Shaped from pebbled leather and detailed with gold galvanized brass hardware, this large cosmetics case is as much a place to store your essentials as it is a stunning statement piece.

Top zip closure.
Approx. 5.1"H x 8.6"W x 3.5"D
Exterior zip pocket.
Washable lining.
By Tom Ford; made in the USA.

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