The Holiday Gift Guide – Unique Gifts for the Person Who Thinks Outside the Box.
With a variety of gifts consisting of jewelry, computer totes, daddy diaper bags, loungewear, pens, vintage t-shirts, luxury items, booze, footware, candles, chocolates, hair and beauty products, lingerie, jeans, dresses, etc., you should have no problem finding the perfect gift for your special someone!
Angelfish Designs – Fantastic Jewelry Collection
Jewelry designer Lauren Fish of Angelfish Designs prides herself on creating beautiful and long lasting treasures. If you are looking to shower your special someone this holiday season, let Angelfish Designs custom make you a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that will never be forgotten. Angelfish Designs has been featured in Riviera Magazine , Las Vegas edition of Where Magazine ‘s “The Celeb Must Have” Jewelry! Celebrities Brittney Spears, Sophia Bush, and Eva La Rue have worn the stylish jewelry. Contactwww.angelfishjewelry.com for additional details and pricing information.
Borgioni Jewelry
Borgioni is Hollywood’s hottest new jewelry line created by mother-daughter team Tiffany and Rhonda Borgioni. This one-of-a-kind line is currently carried in high-end boutiques such as; Theodore, H. Lorenzo, Kaviar & Kind, and Barneys. Borgioni offers a variety of styles from old Hollywood Glamour to Hippy Chick. The line has been recently featured on ET and E! Daily Top Ten, and has been worn by celebrities like Mischa Barton. Contact www.borgionis.com for additional details and pricing information.
Love and Pride – Designer Udi Behr’s Pioneering Glamorous, Same-sex Jewelry Collection
Love and Pride, the hot new designer jewelry collection for the gay community, has already caused a sensation in its first year on the market. Available exclusively at www.loveandpride.com and at select Saks Fifth Avenue locations, Love and Pride offers rings, necklaces, bracelets, watches and accessories for women and men in eye-catching designs for every budget, from $30 to $7,000. A few best-selling items have been featured in the popular “The L Word” and “Queer as Folk” collections are inspired by the Showtime television series. Designer Udi Behr donates 10% of Love and Pride Collection sales to Lambda Legal, a leader in the fight for marriage equality. Udi Behr’s innovative jewelry has adorned such stars as Gwen Stefani and Sharon Stone.
Konstantina Mahlia’s Sterling Collection
Established in Tucson, Arizona, Konstantina Mahlia designs jewelry that celebrates individuality and the strength of self. After years of designing in precious gems, 18k gold and fine diamonds, Mahlia has introduced her first Sterling Silver Collection. Produced in Latvia, the collection, which is completely unisex, is based around ancient Greek symbolism, which includes: Heart, Hand, Sword, Eye and many more—all of which represent important factors in life.
The ring featured above by Mahlia is designed in Sterling Silver, 18k gold and has a black glass Mahlia Crest. The Crest; a one-headed, two-bodied lion resting on the anvil, is the symbol of Mahlia. Originally, the Crest was the symbol of Mycenae in ancient Greece; representing life, strength, unity, valor, pride, wisdom, and protection. The lion is the most ubiquitous symbol of power and leadership as the lion is the mightiest of beasts. The anvil is an object that is indestructible to the passage of time and circumstance. This item retails at $1,090.00.
For more information, go to www.mahliacollection.com.
Shankari the Mystic and Conscious Jewelry Designer
Shankari, who was previously interviewed by Agenda Magazine, offers beautiful jewelry is a gift of empowerment to lift the spirit and bring joy. Starting at $25.00 for Shankari’s candles; $70.00 for hand-painted silk scarves, or Chakra Banners. Pendants, rings, and earrings are reasonably priced starting at $20.00. All of Shankari’s jewelry comes packaged in a handmade gold and purple satin pouch and gift box. Gift wrapping at $3.50 per package is offered for the holidays. Go to www.Shankari.com to see the entire collection. Shankari’s showroom is located at 147 Bay Street, Unit 18, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or call 1-866-342-2665.
Find the perfect present without breaking the bank this holiday season with the following gifts for under $40:
Gift of Relaxation: Whether a loved one is 80 years old or 18, any of these products provide a smile when unwrapped. HoMedics has introduced three new vibrating mini-massagers that put relaxation in the palm of your hand- Atom (ergonomically designed with glowing massage heads), Puff Velvety Massager (plush, faux fur massager) and Spot Vibration Foot Massager (cushy material with dozens of acupressure nodes for tired feet). The above products come in a variety of colors and retail for $9.99. www.HoMedics.com
Gift That Will Create a ‘Buzz’: Java lovers will jump for joy when they receive the De’Longhi DC51TT Coffee Maker this holiday season. This four-cup drip coffee machine has a brushed stainless steel thermal travel mug carafe, easy-access filter basket, brew auto shut-off, and a pause and serve function. The product retails for $39.95 and is available in black or white. www.hugthecook.com
Gift for the Gadget Guru: Surprise the guy who goes gaga for new gadgets with two new introductions from the Discovery Channel Store. The Voice Memo Parking Timer ($19.95) reminds you when to feed the meter, check food in the oven or even make appointments and reservations while the WiFi Seeker Keychain ($19.95) helps you locate the nearest wi-fi hotspot with a simple push of a button. www.discoverystore.com
Gift for the Girls: Cocktails by Jenn , a collection of ready-to-drink, naturally flavored premium vodka martinis, is a great gift for your favorite gal pals. Available in four signature flavors, including Cosmopolitan, Lemon Drop, Tropical Blue Lagoon and Appletini, these cocktails are ideal for toasting to friendship and the new year. These pre-made martinis come ready to chill, serve and drink and are available as a single flavor or four pack for a suggested retail price of $14.99. www.cocktailsbyjenn.com
Cross Pens – The “Write Stuff” for the Holidays
The “Autocross” Pen is the perfect pocket pen. Autocross is a striking, smaller sized pen inspired by automotive details. Wrapped in supple leather, like a vintage car interior, this stylish design is influenced by Cross’s long-time fascination with auto racing (Alonso Cross built the first automobile in Rhode Island).
*The “Chantilly” Pen by Rafe: In plum, olive or honey hues, this baroque-patterned pen makes a chic accessory for hobo or clutch. The Cross Century II “Chantilly” pen by handbag designer Rafe, is fabulous for your favorite fashionista.
* Leather Padfolio with a Pen: Cross uniquely integrates its writing instruments into the closures of its leather accessories, from padfolio to mini-agenda. The new Autocross leather collection (how about red or plum for the holidays) features a tempting range of products, from agendas to passport holders, subtly detailed in deeply saturated tones.
* Watch It! A new product offering from Cross, timepieces are beautifully designed from contemporary to classic styles. Each timepiece is elegant, from the bold and oversized Tribeca watch, to the Soho watch with its sleek face – a stylish rectangle that’s as wide as the gorgeous leather band.* Wrap it up for $50 or less: A great pick of well-priced accessories, from luminous, pearlescent pens to leather jotters and pencil cups.
For ultimate gift giving pleasure, every Cross writing instrument is guaranteed for life. And Cross products are available atwww.cross.com, in its stores, and through select retailers.
JP Lizzy’s Fashionable and Functional Totes, Bags and Purses – The Perfect Gift for Moms at All Stages
JP Lizzy showcases a collection of fun, fashionable, functional totes, bags and, diaper bags—the perfect gift for mothers and moms-to-be this holiday season. JP Lizzy bags are created with the fashion forward mother in mind. The stylish, yet practical, bags help moms hang on to their fashion sense, while still remaining functional for baby-toting needs.
JP Lizzy offers a variety of bags: a messenger bag, a “leisure” tote which is geared for outings (park, etc.), classic tote bags which also may be used as a diaper bag, and classic purses. JP Lizzy bags are built for function in an assortment of useful sizes, with just the right amount of pockets and space. Perfectly suited for toting mom’s everyday gear, whether out with kids or out on the town. Bags come in various colors, following the season’s hot trends and mom’s ever-changing taste.
Recognizing a need for a practical bag that allows moms to express their sense of style, designer Wendy Barry developed the plan for JP Lizzy—a name she chose based on the inspiration of her twins, John Patrick and Emma Elizabeth. As women, we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders while still trying to look chic and feel organized. Sure our priorities shift in life, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up style and color. JP Lizzy bags are fun yet functional, fashionable yet practical, and most importantly, they’re designed with women’s ever-changing needs in mind. For more information, and to view the entire collection, please visitwww.jplizzy.com.
Passchal Handbags – High Fashion Daddy Baby Bags
Here is a unique new diaper bag specially designed for environmentally conscious dads—they are custom made from the inner tube of a truck tire. Dad will really be ready to hit the road with this unique diaper bag. “Each case is original with the markings that come from the factory where the tube was manufactured. Every single one of them is different,” said Ken Kobrick, the owner of Passchal. Of course it can be used for anything and not just binkies, bottles,and wipes. Women may find some dazzling uses for this as a rugged and fashionable messenger bag as well. The bags have 5 interior pockets, are waterproof, stain-resistant and have a lifetime guarantee. The price is $119.00.
Passchal is a Richmond, Virginia based company. All bags and other products are made from recycled truck & tractor tire inner tubes. Passchal handbags come with an automatic light system that illuminates the interior when the bag is opened. Paschal fashion bags have appeared in the 2004 Billboard Awards goody bag, 2005 Fashion Week Retreat in New York City & 2006 Extra TV Awards Lounge gift bag for Oscar’s.
For more information on Passchal handbags visit www.passchal.com.
Melissa Beth Designs – Laptop Totes for Women, Laptop Sleeves, Make-up Cases, Diaper Bags, Jewelry Rolls, and evenMen’s Bags.
Well on their to way to saving women from carrying embarrassingly ugly laptop bags, Melissa Beth has created a collection of totes, bags and anything that carries stuff to appeal to the discerning eyes of savvy 21st century women. The collection includes: Life with Style which has diaper and laptop bags; Kiss and Makeup which is a line of makeup cases and fabulous day bags; Lifeless Bags are a stylish variety of bags. The Spring 2007 collection makes for great holiday gifts and can be found at Fred Segal, Jennifer Kaufman, Neiman Marcus and select Apple stores.
For more information visit: www.melissabeth.com, or call 416-505-4240.
Matisse Footwear – A Beautiful Balance of Style and Quality
Matisse Footwear, a collection of high quality, fashion forward footwear sold at fine retailers including Nordstrom and Macy’s. Since 2001, Matisse’s trend-setting designs and meticulous craftsmanship have made the brand an international favorite with shoppers. Quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design are their focus, ensuring every shoe is carefully examined to maintain the strictest quality standards. From the vivid color of a tropical flower, to the detailed pattern of a mosaic, to the graceful choreography of a ballet, Matisse draws from the wells of nature, art and culture to design beauty and fluidity into all of their footwear. Whether their goal is to achieve a look of casual fun or formal elegance, there are no limits to their inspiration, because there are no limits to how far they will go to create the perfect balance of beauty, utility and comfort.
Matisse Footwear can be found not only at fine department stores but also small boutiques throughout the country, and online at Nordstrom.com, Macys.com, and Zappos.com. For more information, visit their website: www.matissefootwear.com.
NOKA Chocolate
NOKA Chocolatier, Katrina Merrem, has as her life-passion, the goal of returning chocolate to its pure, luxurious state by creating the finest single-origin dark chocolate truffles and chocolates, made from the rarest cacao sourced from exclusive plantations around the world. It is with this vision that NOKA Chocolate was founded. And it is this very vision that guides NOKA Chocolate in handcrafting the most exquisite chocolates to ever grace the palate. Taste, and you will see. www.nokachocolate.com
Compartes Chocolatier
Recently featured in our Fall 2006 issue of Agenda Bride, Jonathan of Compartes Chocolatier is another intelligent choice for chocolate this holiday season. Compartes Chocalate has been in business for over 50 years. The company is famous for hand-dipped or glace apricot covered in dark chocolate. They also carry countless other items ranging from chocolate novelties and chocolate assortments to custom made gift baskets. Chocolatier Jonathan Compartes has been featured on “Designing Blind,” Los Angeles Magazine,Movieline, Bon Appetit, and has a celebrity clientele including the cast if Desperate Housewives, actors Jack Nicholson, Vin Diesel, and Nicole Kidman, just to name a few.
Compartes Chocalatier is located at 912 S. Barrington Ave., Brentwood, CA , or call to place an order at 310-826-3380 . Visit their online catalog at www.compartes.com for pricing.
WEN Hair Products
Featured in Agenda Magazine last year, Los Angeles stylist Chaz Dean and his unique patented hair product line WEN has a celebrity clientele list that reads like a who’s who in Hollywood.
At his salon, his dedication to harmony and holistic methods are obvious. On the outside, there is no signage advertising for his business, and ivy-covered walls surround the mid-city bungalows to preserve the inner sanctuary. His products and techniques are equally as healthy: Dean’s own hair-care line is made with natural ingredrients, and he never uses bleach or developer with high levels of peroxide when coloring hair. Since debuting on QVC less than one year ago, WEN has been one of the network’s hottest selling beauty products. Chaz Deans’ WEN cleansing conditioners won this year’s Q STAR product concept of the year from the QVC Network. Visit www.chazdean.com for more information and pricing.
Honeydew Intimates
Honeydew Intimates – Having launched in 2002, Honeydew Intimates has established themselves as one of the country’s fastest growing intimate apparel collections. The line offers cami sets, boyshorts, bralettes, slips and yoga lounge pants in a wide array of vibrant, colorful, flirty and sexy intimate apparel. With celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Nicole Richie, Thora Birch, Eva Longoria, Hilary Duff, Paris and Nikki Hilton wearing the intimates, Honeydew has enjoyed overwhelming success within the Hollywood community.
Go to www.honeydewintimates.com for more information, pricing, and to order online.
Honeydew Signature Collection
Honey Dew Signature Collection is a new sophisticated intimates collection from Honeydew Intimates with higher price points, better fabrics and more subtle colors. Visit www.honeydewsignature.comto learn more.
Single – One of The Featured Designers During L.A. Fashion Week
This contemporary collection is designed with luxe fabrics from silk to cashmere for the fashion-conscious modern woman. Talented designer, Galina Sobolev, has been featured in Agenda Magazine, and continues to put out fabulous designs catering to the edgy fashionista. And keep in mind ladies, you don’t have to be single to wear Single! Countless single and married celebrities have worn her designs.
For more information, visit www.buysingle.com orwww.singledress.com.
Cali
High end sexy T’s, tubes and tops with truly comfortable and effective built-in support using the softest cotton available. For more information visit www.calicoclothing.com.
Avita – The Eco-Friendly Clothing Line
Stylish contemporary, yet eco-friendly, clothing line. Cashmere you can wear all-year-round. Pieces made of 100% bamboo fiber, organic silks, organic cottons and recycled cashmere. Be sure to check out Avita’s interview featured in the upcoming Winter 2007 issue. For more information about Avita’s designs, visitwww.avitastyle.com.
And Cake
Sporty comtemporary line of fashion T’s, sweatpants and hoodies in bright tones of pink, turquoise, yellows and blues with playfully fun graphics. For more information, visit www.andcake.com.
Cake Couture
Contemporary luxury collection of embroidered shirts and dresses, soft cashmere pieces in vibrant colors. High-end companion of And Cake. Visit www.cakecouture.net for more information.
Krisa – Casual Wear
Krisa offers fashionable basic casual wear designed with classic silhouettes and clever detailing, a perfect complement for jeans. Visit www.krisastyle.com for more information.
Lot 77
Lot 77 is a fashion forward canvas clothing line of separates in vibrant colors. Sporty pieces made in stretch and rigid canvas. Lot 77 is a stylish alternative to denim. Go to www.lot77.com for more information.
Pierce Jeans
Pierce Jeans is a brand new line of jeans and skirts made of the finest Japanese denim featuring different washes and cuts that range from boot and slim, to trouser and Capri, including skirts and jackets too. Proceeds from select jeans in the line go to charitable organizations in Mongolia, Cambodia, and Africa. Visitwww.piercejeans.com to learn more.
Worn Free – Vintage Soft T-shirts
Worn Free brings back slogans and designs that were donned by some of the greatest icons of our time like John Lennon, Joey Ramone and Frank Zappa, as well as images that defined the music scene of the ’60s and 70s by legendary artist John Van Hamersveld, in a series of vintage soft T-shirts. The revival has been welcomed by celebrities, musicians and fans alike who have been delighting in a chance to honor their favorite rock n’ roll revolutionaries by wearing their clothes. And then there are those who in this frivolous world of fashion, just want to pick up a super cool and cozy tee that has real meaning and isn’t a billboard for a brand. For the music fan, history buff, or fashionista.
Each shirt comes with an individualized sticker hang-tag which tells the history behind the images and includes a photo of the star wearing it. This time, the revolution will not be televised, but worn proudly on your back, combining art, pop culture and rock & roll into a line of hip, but subversive, T-shirts that make history come alive. Worn Free is the perfect gift the holidays. Each iconic image is available at www.wornfree.com and on the racks of Nordstrom and Fred Segal.
Nano-Tex – ThermaCheck® Fleece Outerwear, Accessories, and Static-Resistant
Looking for that perfect present for the person taking care of your prized pooch? Lands’ End’s new line of fleece is “Best in Show,” using Nano-Tex’s Resists Static fabric to resist pet hair. Their ThermaCheck gloves and scarf make for a nice gift option, retailing for $10 each. Last day to order online & receive in time for the holidays is December 19th . The collection, exclusively available through Lands’ End retail locations, catalogs and online, includes a colorful assortment of fleece jackets, scarves, hats, and gloves for both men and women – just in time for the cold weather ahead.
Nano-Tex is solving the number one consumer dissatisfaction with fleece and other synthetic fibers – static. Reduces static cling, static shock and the attraction of lint, dust and hair on both synthetic and natural fibers without compromising the integrity of the design or look and feel of the garment. Nano-Tex’s Resists Static fabric treatment lasts up to 30 washings making it the only durable anti-static product available in the market.
Lands’ End ThermaCheck fleece products with Nano-Tex’s Resists Static fabric treatment are sold exclusively through Lands’ End retail locations, catalogs and online at www.landsend.com. The fleece products are made of 100% polyester and available for both men and women. The ThermaCheck-100 cap, gloves and scarves are available in seven matching colors. The ThermaCheck-100 Half-zip pullover and pants are available in eight colors, while the ThermaCheck-200 jacket is available in 10 colors. The Lands’ End fleece cap, scarf and gloves are available for $10 each, while the fleece pants and jackets range from $19.50 to $54.50.
Hello Kitty
The arrival of the annual Neiman Marcus catalog signifies holiday shopping season is on! Grown-up kitschy kitty lovers may purr in diamonds with the Hello Kitty® Pavé diamonds. Also known as “the cat’s meow”, this 1.0 carat familiar cat-shaped ring with ruby bow, yellow citrine nose, and black onyx eyes definitely says, “I’ve upgraded”. . . To make a set, or if you prefer some frosting for the decolletage, try the matching Diamond Pendant Necklace, which can be super-sized to “Large” Diamond Pendant Necklace. If you are wondering about your lobes or looking for luxurious stocking stuffers, yes, earrings are also available. www.neimanmarcus.com
