Gifts

Manuel Canovas Bois de Lune candles are described as "a rich velvety, woody note with red cedar, rosewood, Chinese tea, and wild berries". The wood notes are certainly prominent in this candle, that's for sure. If the smell of a wood fire burning is something you like, you'll enjoy burning this candle. The smell also has a touch of sweetness to it thanks to the wild berries, my friend actually thought she detected some plum notes in the candle.

While this isn't a scent I'd pick for myself, I definitely enjoy how homey it makes my apartment feel. It was like having a fireplace but without the firewood. Not only that, but the candle has burned beautifully. Jokingly, I call myself a "candle technician" because I'm always messing with wicks and hugging candles to have them burn smoothly. This candle gave me no fuss at all and burned evenly all the way down. This candle also filled up my entire apartment with its scent. With a scent this strong, I'm looking forward to experimenting with other Manuel Canovas candles.

Wanna make a first impression all over again this Valentine’s day? If so, then give the gift of subtly! Right now Figleaves.com has several skimpy tops and bottoms that will definitely leave much to the imagination, as well as show off a little skin. I love Eberjey’s vintage lace camisole that can be worn under a jacket, blazer or deep v-neck sweater, which also equals the perfect teaser! Hint,hint…!

Philosophy has released some new gift sets that are perfect to give for any occasion. In my family, we've given gift sets to each other and others for a few years now so I always love hearing about new gift sets they release.

A little Bubbly is a great way to say "Congratulations" to someone. For $20 you get a huge 24 oz. bottle of this bubble bath and shower gel scent. It hasn't been around too long. The scent smells great. It's like sipping on a Mimosa at brunch. There's champagne and a little citrus scent in this shower gel as well. For me, this makes it a great morning scent... something I can wake up to.

Ever give a gift for no reason at all? If so, you may want to take a look at the new Just Because gift set. For $30.00 you get 6 oz. bottles of bubble bath and shower gel in Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate and Dark Chocolate. While the White Chocolate smells a bit more like hazelnut, the Milk and Dark Chocolate ones do not disappoint. They are creamy and give you a nice lather. For those gals who stick to the Philosophy staples like Amazing and Pure Grace, this would be a good set to try out. I was one of those gals until recently.

Then of course there is the gift set containing Philosophy's best selling and staple bubble bath and shower gels, Amazing Grace and Pure Grace. The Thank You gift set includes 8 oz. bottles in each set for $25. If you're not familiar with these scents, Amazing Grace is a very soft floral and Pure Grace is a very soft, clean, soapy scent. Also, Pure Grace is a shower cream so it's going to moisturize your skin a bit more and you wouldn't want to use this on your hair. This gift set is a great way to convert your friends and family into Philosophy girls as well. For Christmas, I gave my boss an Amazing Grace soap duo, I think this year I'll go for these shower gels.

Tis the season… for bountiful buffets and endless eggnog.  Feeling too bloaty to squeeze into your lulu lemon gear and head to spin class?  Ring in the New Year with Hollywood’s secret for detoxing from holiday indulgence and shimmying right into February’s slinky awards dresses, Blue Print Cleanses renowned Juice Cleanses.   What’s your type?  Beginners rev your colons with their Renovation blend.  Already limit your “bad starches” (except for flourless choco cake, its flourless right?)  go for a Foundation cleanse.  If you are a raw foodie, but think your insides could be even more pure try the Excavation.  I'm giving one to my bf -- her skinny jeans will thank me and we can glow together.

I’m all for selfish gifting and my man is always misplacing his wallet.  Rather than spend another minute sifting through the laundry for an invisible black billfold, this holiday I’m replacing his with an eco-friendly option in a sophisticated print by db clay that is sure to stand out. I haven’t bought my carbon credits yet, but one green gift at a time I’ll do my part. 

Since I got engaged, everyone's eyes seem to focus with laser-beam intensity on my left hand, and frankly, my face is starting to get a little jealous. This is precisely why I love Make Up For Ever's new Diamonds For Ever kit, which packs five diamond-inspired products in a slick vanity pouch to make you shimmer like a 7-carat rock. Included is Diamond Powder in champagne, Diamond Shadow in diamond white, Waterproof Lengthening Mascara in black, Aqua Eyes in star black, and Fascinating Lip Gloss in pearly transparent. Just the right stuff to get your glow on! 

Just in time for holiday shopping, celebrity-adored clothing label Puella is having a sample sale in Los Angeles. This Saturday, from 10 am - 5 pm you can score the same dresses spotted on Kate Hudson at a huge markdown (7122 Beverly Blvd, 2nd floor). The sample sale will also feature styles from Raison D’etre, a luxurious all linen line, and Jee Vice optics, a great sunglasses line worn by Lindsay and Madonna. I can't think of a better way to give your friends fab gifts and still stay within budget!

If you want to score the Puella tank worn on Weeds, check it out here.  

Still worried about your X-mas list? Well worry no more, as Sephora has the “quick gift” solution that was invented for those who are p-i-c-k-y: the Scent Sampler Gift Certificate For Her! It allows you to sample up to 10 different perfumes, before finally deciding on one. Then you can redeem a gift certificate for a full size bottle of your choice. which is of course full size! Your boss and your BFF won’t end up wearing the same fragrance because each one is tailored to fit different personalities.

Shop for more great gifts in our Trends section.  

Having trouble finding the perfect gift for your man this year? Me too. Luckily for you, I scoured StarStyle Music for manly gifts that fall under any budget. First up is Phil Vassar's AE leather cuff, which at a mere $9.95 looks like a gift, but costs as little as a stocking stuffer. Stepping up the funds, we've got this $39 L.L. Bean commando sweater, as seen on Akon, or opt for Chamillionaire's Ray-Bans for $96.95. If you've got dolla dolla bills, I adore Phil Vassar's Juicy Couture Military Jacket, but that puppy will set you back about $298. But what's a little splurging when you make the man in your life look and feel like a rock star?

So you’ve seen all the starlets rockin’ a certain expensive iconic long necklace… Imitation may the sincerest form of flattery, but why copy when you can score an even more gorgeous version? Our pick comes in a rainbow of exquisite hues that will complement every outfit. For a change of pace, try double looping or even knotting this extra-long 3 foot rope of dazzling gems. With its reasonable price tag, instead of blowing all your holiday green on one piece of sparkle, you can splurge at the post-holiday sales.