Holiday Gift Ideas - Ribbon Plates

If we lived in the burbs, we would definitely have a set of plates we only used at the holidays—and these Isaac Mizrahi bow dessert plates would be our pick. And since we're living large in our fantasy dream home with cabinets and storage areas galore, we would also add his plaid dessert plates into the mix.

Who is coming over for fruit cake?

Holiday Gift Ideas - Last Minute Gifts

Considering that only 60 percent of you had started Christmas shopping before last Thursday and the snowy weekend didn't help matters for all you East Coasters, we can all benefit from style guru Robert Verdi's tutorial on last minute gift ideas.

We basically haven't taken off the Portolano cashmere set of hat, scarf and mittens since we received it.  It's Robert's pick for the "Chic Commuter," and we certainly qualify! We love the periwinkle color. It's not the safe choice of cream or black, but is surprisingly flattering to many skin tones and hair colors. That's JSG's Annie, above, with Carolyn, modeling the popcorn stitch set.


True confession: We've never owned a pair of Uggs. But apparently they're still the hot holiday gift—and with good reason. As the legions of Uggs fans can attest, these boots are ultra warm and comfy. We're putting a pair of the slippers on our wish list.

Not sure what to get the hostess with the mostess? Robert recommends cookies from
Tasty Morsels Bakery. He's sending all his celeb friends cookies in the shape of his head (pictured top). Because, really, what else is there to give those obnoxious friends who already have everything they could ever possibly want, much less need?

For more of Robert Verdi's last minute gift ideas, check out RVTIPS on twitter.

This review was based on a free sample.

Holiday Gift Ideas- Calvin Klein Lingerie

Lingerie is always a great holiday gift idea and so are designer goods, that’s not a secret. A combination of both is even better! Give the gift of Calvin Klein underwear to your favorite Jet Set Girl this holiday season. Made with a Lycra and cushioned in all the right places (like behind the closure) the Perfectly Fit bra collection is perfect for travel. My favorite is the Perfectly Fit Push up lace bra. It will comfortably stay in place while you are running around the airport, lifting heavy luggage or twisting and turning in your seat to get comfortable on a long trip. I am not top heavy, and I found this seamless bra very flattering, which was invisible even under my t-shirt, with the right amount of lift and none of the stiffness. Get it for $44 in store or on their website.


I’ve worn Calvin Klein panties since my senior year of high school, back then more so because it was the cool thing to do, but now more because of their comfort and durability. The most important thing in panties is the elastic not digging into you, and I’ve never had that problem with CK underwear.

JSG has a special gift for our readers. Enter promo code CKUBLOG9 to get $10 off every $50 spent on www.cku.com. Use it before it expires on 12/31/09.

Written by Ritu Ashrafi

This review was based on a free sample.

Holiday Gift Ideas - Jimmy Choo Conti Bag

Forget the 80s, we want to take it back to the 70s and go disco style! One of our lifelong laments is that we weren't around to experience Studio 54 back in its heyday. If we could time travel, we would take the Jimmy Choo Conti bag, head to W. 54th Street on a Saturday night and wave it in Steve Rubell's face. No doubt the velvet ropes would instantly part and we would finally get our chance to party with Andy, Liza and Bianca.

*SIGH* Time travel or no, the print pony and snakeskin clutch is still pretty fab and definitely on our holiday wish list!

Holiday Gift Ideas - Sephora Favorites Lip Service

Need a gift for a glam girl? Or maybe your friend who never seems to wear the right hue of lipstick? The Sephora Favorite Lip Service comes with 8 bestselling lipsticks and glosses, including:

• Duwop Private Red
  
• Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Sheer
• Sephora Nano Lip Liner in Beau Bordeaux 11 or Radiant Rosy 14
• NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Roman Holiday
  
• Korres Guava Lipstick in Wine Red
  
• CARGO Plantlove Botanical Lipstick in Muir Woods
• Tarte Vitamin Infused Lipstick in Hatha
  
• Laura Mercier Lip Coulour-Crème in Pink Champagne
  

She (or you) are bound to find a new fave. We love that some of the lipsticks are miniatures, so they'll fit in our carry ons and cocktail bags, no prob!

Holiday Gift Ideas - Our Top 5 Holiday Gift Ideas

We're less than 2 weeks away from the big day. Check out JSG's 5 top Christmas gifts--you're guaranteed to find something for all the gals on your list.

The YSL lipstick luggage tags combine two of our favorite things--lip gloss and travel--in one glam package.


We don't care how old we are, we still get a kick out of days of the week underwear, especially when they're silky, lacy thongs.
Every jet set girl needs a statement necklace this season. It makes even the simplest LBD into something special.


The budget minded will appreciate our new favorite makeup bags from the Hollywood Intuition line at Target for only $12.99.


Your fashionista friend will fawn over this Top Shop bag so much, you may even be a little embarrassed for her.


Happy Holidays!

Holiday Gift Ideas - Laura Mercier Eye Book

Can't decide if the coworker whose name you drew in the office Secret Santa is more of a silver girl or a gold? Give her both with the limited edition Laura Mercier Eye Book available at Sephora. It comes with "Silver Shine" and "Gold Glisten" eyeshadow quads, matching black and brown liners and double ended brush with a wider brush for shadow and a flat brush for liner.

One note of caution: The quads are small, so a little challenging to use. This isn't the right gift for anyone who is always in a rush.

This review was based on a free sample.

Holiday Gift Ideas - Studded Leather Clutch

This chic, studded bag from Top Shop could easily be mistaken for Jimmy Choo. We love that it's roomy enough to carry our phone, our Flip and our favorite lip gloss. It even has a strap for when we want to use it in the daytime. And at $70, it's not breaking anyone's bank.

Holiday Gift Ideas - Yves Saint Laurent Holiday Collection

The Yves Saint Laurent Holiday Collection is one of those little goodies from Sephora that we like so much, we want to buy it and keep it for ourselves. The tuxedo-inspired clutch alone is worth the cover price ($60)! Then it's filled with goodies including:
• Everyone's favorite under eye circle eraser Touche Eclat
• A No. 10 Golden Peony Lip Gloss that's strawberry flavored and has a touch of shimmer— perfect for puckering up under the mistletoe
• A trial size of Luxurious Mascara in No.1 Black and a trial size of Long-Lasting Eye Pencil in No.1 Black to create eyes so flirty you may very well end up on Santa's naughty list.



Who wouldn't be happy to find these in their stocking come Christmas morning? The YSL Luggage Tags come filled with lip color or eyeshadow. We can't think of a chicer way to travel! Available at Bloomingdales for $75 each.

December 14 - December 20, get 20% off YSL Beauty products plus free shipping on YSLBeauty.com with code FF2009.

This review was partly based on a free sample.

Target To-Go Pop Up Stores

We braved the elements today--Hope in D.C. and Annie in NYC--to visit the Target-To-Go Pop up stores in our respective cities. (There's also one in San Fran.) Watch style expert Jorge Ramone, in NYC explain the concept behind the stores.

Each shopper is given a clipboard with 50 Target bestsellers to choose from.


You walk by windows to preview the items, but can't touch them or try them on. Three of the dresses from the upcoming Rodarte collection are available—and a major draw. Nearly all the fashionistas who were at the press preview with us bought at least one—ourselves included (pictures to come).


After you check off your items and pay for them, they're presented to you gift wrapped. That's one of our dresses (below) in the candy cane sack.



The Target-To-Go stores are all open from 10 am to 8 pm from Friday, December 11 through Sunday, December 13. Follow them on Twitter for hints on finding those gift cards George is talking about.

New York Target-To-Go (pictured below): Washington and Gansevoort Streets, @TargetToGoNY
Washington, D.C. Target-To-Go: M Street and Wisconsin, @TargetToGoDC
Mint Plaza, between Market and Mission Streets, @TargetToGoSF



Check out Annie's review of the Rodarte Target slip dress she bought at Target-To-Go in NYC.

Holiday Gift Ideas - From Tiffany's

The other day, we felt so very Audrey Hepburn as we headed to a breakfast at Tiffany's. We were invited to the 5th Avenue store to check out select pieces from the holiday line.

Not surprisingly, the Tiffany keys are a very popular gift. We learned that the new way to wear them is to sport two or three, mixing up the metals and the size.



We fell in love with this pink tourmaline ring. Maybe if we're really, really, really good, Santa will put it under our tree!



We didn't get to try them on, but we're also intrigued by the Tiffany Charms sunglasses. Each pair comes with three pairs of interchangeable metal charms: a heart, the letter “T” and the T&Co. logo. Note the Tiffany blue inside the shades--Audrey would certainly approve! The sunglasses are also available in black, rich brown and red, or pink and violet.

Holiday Gift Ideas - Origins Peace of Mind

Just when you are getting restless on a long flight from being cooped up in your seat for so long, rub a dab of The Peace of Mind On-the-spot-relief on your temples, or back of your neck. It is instantly absorbed by your skin and you start to feel the refreshing and cooling effects immediately. I was surprised by how calming the minty fragrance and sensation was and how much it helped me relax almost as good as a martini. I’ve tried similar lavender based products before, but the effects of Origins Peace of Mind was stronger than the effects of lavender on me. Pop a mint in your mouth for a little extra freshness—also good when there’s a hot guy next to you in 14D. Then settle in and relax so that you land at your faraway destination looking as calm cool and collected as ever!

With the holidays coming up, this would also make for a great stocking stuffer for someone who is planning a trip or is notorious stressor.

Available at Origins stores, $12.50.

Written by Ritu Ashrafi

This review was based on a free sample.

Holiday Gift Ideas - Sex and the City Flats

We’ve been bringing you lots of tidbits about the upcoming Sex and the City movie. Now, we stumbled upon these great new Sex and the City-inspired flats. They are dressy enough to wear out and comfy enough to make your feet happy. Wear them out all day, or even tuck them in your purse for later on in the night when your heels just won’t do anymore. These ballet flats are fun, stylish and perfect for traveling!

There are six different colors to pick from at $64.99 each. Four of the styles are modeled after each of Sex and the City’s leading ladies – Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda. Two additional choices are available in black satin or hot pink. Carrie's, (above), is reminiscent of her infamous tutu and love of giant flowers, while Samantha's (below) is a sexy metallic snakeskin. These make great holiday gifts for your girlfriends.



You can order these “After Party Shoes” at the HBO Shop in New York City, or online at hbo.com/store. We say that these shoes don’t have to wait until the party is over. The hard part is picking which pair we like best!

Holiday Gift Ideas - L'Occitane Moments in Africa Soap

These delightful L'Occitane Moments in Africa Soaps will make you feel as good buying them as they do the lucky recipient who gets to use them. The shea butter-laden soaps are made in Burkina Faso, a smaller country in Western Africa, by co-operatives of entrepreneurial women. If that's not enough, 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to ORBIS, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting preventable blindness around the world. The $8 gift set contains three scents of soaps, including lemongrass, eucalyptus and orange, each colored with pigment of natural origin.

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals - Holiday Gift Ideas

Here's a small selection of our favorite Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals:

RueLaLa has sales on HankyPanky and Junior Drake today starting at 7.

Wendy Culpepper jewelery is offering 25% off from today through Monday with code: Friday09.

Get 40% of the hair accessories at Bambako today through Friday at 11:59 pm with code: THANKS.


Our favorite EmilyElizabeth jewelry is offering shoppers 25% off with code SAVE25 through November 30. We would definitely use it towards her butterfly necklace.


Get 30% off at Steve Madden.com on Thanksgiving day only with code THANKSGIVING30.

Shop on BobbiBrown.com November 30-December 2 and get 20% off all orders. Bobbi's donating a portion of the profits to Dress for Success.



Hitting the mall? Get to H&M early! Shoppers will get 25% off a single item between 6 am and 10 am on Black Friday.

Old Navy's Gobblepalooza deals include buy one get one free t-shirts, $15 sweaters and 50% off all outerwear.

Read on for more online Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals.

Lists for Life - Holiday Gift Ideas

Though it's gotten mixed reviews on Amazon, we're anxious to check out Rory Tahari's Lists for Life: The Essential Guide to Getting Organized and Tackling Tough To-Dos. The creative director of Tahari is a self-proclaimed compulsive list maker and her book of lists covers everything from weddings, home buying and cleaning, parenting and, our favorite, traveling. She tells Travel & Leisure that her three top pointers for packing are: 1. Check the Weather. 2. Plan your outfit ahead of time and 3. Download her Lists for Life iPone app. Pretty good, but she missed our top tip for packing.

We recommend Lists for Life for all the disorganized friends on your holiday list--all your type-A anal friends will know this stuff already.

Kiehl's Friends and Family Holiday Shopping Offer

Get your holiday shopping off on the right foot with this special friends and family offer from Kiehl's. Starting Black Friday through December 1st, receive 20% off at Kiehl's stand alone stores and Kiehls.com. Customers to Kiehls.com also receive free shipping on orders over $30 (use the code FAMILY at checkout). Happy shopping!

Daily Makeover's Holiday Gift Guide

Our good friends at Daily Makeover put together a comprehensive list of 100 gifts in all price ranges for your holiday shopping. Check out their picks and take some pressure off yourself. Happy shopping!

Please note this blog is an affiliate of DailyMakeover.com.

Holiday Gift Guide: Really Last Minute Gift Ideas

If you're on the run like we are the next couple of days picking up groceries and last minute nick nacks; don't overlook the plethora of gift cards at every check out counter. Our Safeway must have hundreds of options: From restaurants to department stores to Home Depot to iTunes cards. We have bought a bit of everything there.

And if you want something that feels more substantial (but might not cost as much); pick up a DVD (or lottery ticket) at 7-11 or the grocery store or even the truck stop on the way. We asked for a copy of Sex and the City and are sure any of our lady friends would love it too; for him we're going to get The Dark Knight, Heath Ledger's swan song.

Holiday Gift Guide - Free Last Minute Shipping

Calling all procrastinators: It’s not too late to shop online and get your gifts delivered by Christmas Eve! Here are a few deals you can still take advantage of without having to leave your home.

Saks is offering free shipping until 1 pm EST with code: SFAGift. Use it on this Juicy wristlet for $57.



Neiman Marcus is offering free shipping today until 1 pm EST with code: QUICKNM. Use it on this sweet cashmere short sleeve sweater for only $48.



Prescriptives is offering free shipping today only til 1 pm EST with code: FNIGHT8. Our pick is this set of 10 mini lipglosses for $29.


And for the truly late, order by NOON on Christmas Eve (the 24th) and Bobbi Brown will email a gift certificate to a special friend or relative. Our girlfriend, Julia, would love this trunk to store her jewelry (hint, hint BF). Makeup sold separately.

Know of any free shipping promotions we missed? Please share!