Fab Fred Flare finds

[fredflare.com]

It's hard to believe that Christmas is ONE week away. While shopping online, I rediscovered Fred Flare. They recently opened their first-ever brick-and-mortar store in Brooklyn - NYCers have all the luck! I found some great gifts under $30 at their fun site, fredflare.com. They also have a helpful application with hints with people (like your mom, co-worker, etc.) and price limits.

This Holly Golightly mask ($14), inspired by Audrey Hepburn's character in Breakfast at Tiffany's, is just precious. It's perfect for a chic traveler who likes to get some shut-eye on flights.

The Cheeseburger Phone (on sale for $19.99) as seen in Juno is pretty cute for someone who still has an actual land line - even for a vegetarian like myself.

Owls are super-trendy right now, and this Dual-Time Owl Watch necklace ($28) is adorable. My sister would love this thing.
A domestic diva would adore this Mini Eiffel Tower Grater ($20). Shoot, I rarely cook, and I'd love to have this thing.
Jane Austen's most beloved novel Pride and Prejudice ($16) comes with illustrations by Ruban Toledo, a renowned fashion illustrator. I'm really wondering why I don't already own this book. The Mini Robo Vacuum ($20) is perfect for someone's cubicle for those pesky lunch crumbs that always end up all over the desk. It's also available in gray and black.
For the eco-friendly person in your life, this Xmas Tree in a Can ($12) is perfect. They can watch it grow all year then decorate it next Christmas.
In addition to all of these affordable gifts, they also have a nice clothing selection. They sell the ubiquitous Bella's Twilight jacket by BB Dakota in blue and olive, graphic tees, snazzy dresses and other chic finds. Right now, they're offering free shipping on orders over $75.

Leopard print mania

[thehollywoodgossip.com]
[whowhatwear.com]

I love me some leopard print. I'm even wearing the print on my Diane von Furstenberg dress as we speak in a color that occurs nowhere in nature (as seen on Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton, oy!).

One of my favorite sites, WHOWHATWEAR.com recently dedicated their trend report to leopard coats. Another favorite site, refinery29.com declared leopard print a runner-up top trend of 2009.

[zimbio.com]
[InStyle.com]

Kate Hudson has been representing the leopard print lately. She wore this silky leopard print romper for a taping at MTV on Monday. Hmmm, love the print, hate the jumpsuit. It would've worked as a dress!

She did get it right last night in Chanel Haute Couture for the New York City premiere of Nine. Though it's not technically leopard print, it does look sort of like it is, right?

Arden B. bargain sequin blazer & skirt

[ardenb.com]

So I haven't visited Arden B. in a while after growing weary of the same ole going out tops. Many years ago, I shopped there like it was my job. Nonetheless, I discovered their 'Sequin Shimmer Blazer' (on sale for $66 from $88). What a steal! The blazer features slightly padded shoulders and three-quarter ruched sleeves. I'd definitely wear this with a tank underneath (unlike their model, ha) and skinny J Brands. When you're wearing sequins, you don't a lot of other competing glitz.While I'm at it, the 'Sequin Mini Skirt' with mesh overlay and a side zipper is another great wardrobe staple. This is a fab skirt for a holiday party! Plus, it's only $28.50.

Scent obsession: YSL's Parisienne

In the spirit of my other Frenchie post today, my latest scent obsession happens to be titled Parisienne by Yves St. Laurent. Kate Moss is the spokesmodel for the fragrance.

Parisienne is very feminine scent with with notes of blackberry, damask rose and sandalwood. Sephora sells 1 oz. ($39), 1.6 oz. ($65) and 3 oz. ($85) bottles.

Also, right now when you buy the 1.6 or 3-oz. bottle, Sephora will throw in the 2009/2010 Zagat travel guide, The Parisienne Experience with the code PARISIENNE. Buy perfume and plan your next trip to Paris? Don't mind if I do!

Neon lights

[Imaxtree/InStyle.com]

Normally in the winter, colors get a little drabber. However, lately we've seen a lot of neon colors. Designers like Matthew Williamson, Zac Posen and BCBG Max Azria incorporated beaucoup bright colors in their spring 2010 collections. I used to have a neon yellow sweater - I wish I could find that thing because I would break it out stat.

Neon is not always the easiest to wear though as photos from the eighties will atest. I bought a neon reflective vest for a 6-mile Christmas lights running tour in downtown Richmond that I'm doing tomorrow, and I'm positive that even that will look awful. Perhaps the best way to approach this trend is through shoes - preferably in hot pink.
[cusp.com]

I'm obsessed with Elizabeth and James's 'Open-Throat Slingback.' These hot pink leather heels with floral cut-outs from Cusp would be perfect with a black dress.
The neon pink 'Cradle Wedge' by daniblack also from Cusp ($150) are also pretty fabulous. I envision them with black tights now and without for spring.
[nordstrom.com]

DV by Dolce Vita's 'Ontario' sandals ($49.95) in pink patent leather from Nordstrom are the perfect flats for a vacation.
I'm also loving these Betsey Johnson 'Keilor' sandals ($149.95) from Nordstrom. I'd wear them now with tights to a holiday party.

Eiffel Tower Longchamp tote

[nordstrom.com]

Longchamp's 'Pliage Tour - Eiffel Tote' offers a new spin on their tote bags. I bought several of their totes in Paris and have carried them on-and-off since they're so classic. I haven't thought about buying a new one though - until now. I saw this in Nordstrom and fell in love. Yes, it's essentially the same tote, but by picturing Paris's most recognizable landmark on the bag, it gives it a completely new look.

I would bet money that Parisians find this bag extremely tacky, but we Americans eat this stuff up. The price is sorta kinda reasonable at $155, and these nylon-and-leather bags are water-resistant and very durable.

Lust: Alice + Olivia v-neck dress with leopard belt

[chickdowntown.com]

I'm obsessed with this Alice + Olivia v-neck dress. I tried it on in Saks, but didn't buy it because I wasn't happy enough with the sale price. Around Christmas, you need to justify spending hundreds on yourself ($50 less, and it would've been well justified).

The fit is of this dress is super-flattering. It comes with a leopard belt that looks great, but for more versatility, I'd pair it with a different belt. The bottom is sort of a shimmery sweater knit and the top is black jersey. I would definitely wear this to work too with a boyfriend blazer or cardi.

[payless.com]

Speaking of Alice + Olivia, I just bought their 'Essex Lace Wedge' from Payless for $19.99. Now that's a bargain! They're pretty fabulous and look great with denim or dresses and tights. I also think that wedges are a little bit more comfy than heels, so it's nice to find a pair to wear in the cold months.

Yipes! Stripes!

[Imaxtree/InStyle.com]

Stripes were all over the runways for spring 2010 from Alexander Wang to Givenchy to Sonia Rykiel. I've always loved stripes, so I'm very excited that they're so chic now. Wear striped tops now layered under cardigans and coats then wear them alone in the spring. Here are a few of my faves...
[piperlime.com]

Splendid makes great tees. I love their 'Striped V-Neck' on Piperlime (one of my favorite sites). This adorable wardrobe staple is available in navy ($56) and lipstick (on sale for $39.99).

[intermixonline.com]

Intermix also has a the 'Short Sleeve Striped Tee' by Splendid ($60). The scooped hemline in the back and dolman sleeves make this top fresh.
[topshop.com]

The bow on this 'Bow Print Striped Tee' from U.K. fashion mecca TopShop makes it go above and beyond your average striped top ($40). [forever21.com]

This 'Asymmetrical Striped Tunic' from Forever 21 will look great with leggings. The asymmetrical stripes are slimming, and the price is ridiculously affordable at $13.80.
[shopbop.com]

You could also try a striped dress like the 'Twist Belt Dress' by Mason by Michelle Mason on ShopBop.com (30% off for $130.90). This grey-and-white jersey dress with the dropped waist and twisted belt detail is fabulous. You could definitely wear it now with tights and in the warmer months too.

Lady Gaga & Cyndi Lauper for M.A.C.

[Chic Report]

Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper are the faces for M.A.C.'s spring 2010 Viva Glam campaign to benefit AIDS. Viva Glam Gaga and Viva Glam Cyndi lipstick will be sold for $14 each. All proceeds will go to AIDS.

I like this photo of these two. Gaga doesn't have on any scary makeup like red shadow, which she wore to meet the Queen of England. Maybe this means that Gaga's color will be pink, and Lauper's will be more red? I hope! The Viva Glam colors are usually very neutral. The lipstick goes on sale on March 18.

Tropical vacay gear

[jupiterimages]

Going anywhere sunny and warm for the holidays? Yeah, me neither. I am, however, going to St. John soon. So, I've been seeing resort collections everywhere, and it has me thinking about what to wear the beach.
[shopbop.com]

Shopbop has the Alexander Wang 'Lattice Bobble Sweater,' $550. It would be great thrown over a swimsuit. Obviously for that price, I'd wear it to more than just on the beach. It would be great to wear over a tank too.
[dvf.com]

I love this jersey Diane von Furstenberg Beach 'Fresia Cover Up in Warhol Daisy,' $245. It's so light and airy. When I come off the beach, I don't want something clingy and tight. Having sand stuck to you is already uncomfortable enough.
[newyorkandcompany.com]

I'm just going to go ahead and say that I really like New York & Company. They have great sales, and you can find some really cute tunics to wear with leggings online. I was very happy to discover this NY Swim 'Mesh Leopard Caftan,' $36.95. It's fun, sheer and comfy - not to mention dirt cheap! Always look for coupons for NY&Co. because they usually have great ones.

[tobi.com]

Black Halo's 'Sleeveless Printed Wrap Dress' ($372) from Tobi.com is the perfect dress to wear out at night on a vacation. The colors immediately made me think of water, and they'd look great with a tan. Plus, you can always wear it with tights and ankle boots back home in the cold.
[ulta.com]

I would definitely pair my outfits with this Essie polish in 'Mesmerize,' $8 from Ulta. Actually, I might start wearing this color now. Ahhh, is it time for my trip yet?

Cutest butter dish I ever did see

[anthropologie.com]

I spotted the precious 'Milkmaid Butter Dish' in the new Anthropologie catalog yesterday. People say you should eat butter instead of margarine (like the French!), so this is my opportunity. What a great gift idea too for Christmas or for a wedding gift! Plus, it's only $28.

Unfortunately other people agree with me because the red one is already on backorder until March. The yellow dish is available now though.

"Sex and the City 2" movie poster

A teaser poster for Sex and the City 2 has been released, and I'm not crazy about it. The "Carrie On" thing is cute, but I prefer the accessories that Sarah Jessica Parker was wearing with her white Halston dress when she was seen out-and-about in New York City filming. They made everything just a bit too gold for the poster. Her gold Christian Louboutin Pigalle pumps should have been left as they were for sure.

Oh well, I still can't wait for the movie even though we have zero idea of what the plot entails! It's set to be released in May 2010.