When I see somebody in my clothing, I get goose bumps. I get giddy. I get as giddy as being in it. I get excited about watching people try things on. And I almost cry every time someone puts on one of my dresses. I get high like this everyday.

I put together a list of my top five film noir classics that can’t miss for an incredible gift. Of course, there are so many to choose from, so use your imagination if you don’t like my choices. But each movie I have watched repeatedly.

There’s something on this list for everybody and every price range. I know the title seems a little self-serving, but the bottom line is if you wouldn’t want the gift you’re giving, neither will your recipient!

Sphinx Cat or other Useless and Ugly Pets:
Why anybody would waste his money on this hideous creature is beyond me. But people have and do. A certain gifter gave his girlfriend a Sphinx cat. She ended up taking the poor thing to a shelter. From her mouth, it was not a pleasant experience, especially not on the eyes. Would you believe people have gifted snakes, rats, and even a piranha!

Beautifully crafted swimsuits describes the Gottex Spring 2011 collection. With clear sporty visors (some draped with matching scarves), the models looked oh so fresh. The swimsuits were well-constructed in colors of pure white, vibrant tie-dyed indigo, blue, and mauve . . . reminiscent of corals in Fiji. Gottex swimwear is perfect for that luxury cruise or honeymoon getaway. Photographed by Arun Nevader.

Betsey Johnson presented her collection this season in a wild and crazy fashion. On the runway the colorful garments screamed circus meets navy with cheerleader fashion and vivid palettes.

I have seen Stanley Clarke perform a few times: The Playboy Jazz Festival in Pasadena; his home, where I actually sat in with him once; and last week at the Catalina Bar & Grill on October 14, 2010. The man does not disappoint.

I have a general concept of what I want to create, especially as a whole series. But then for the individual pieces I’ll start with a piece of imagery or a drawing that I’ve done and just work with it. Especially when I do my drawings because it’s really free, although there’s no going back with pens. (Her latest series is created with blue and red ball point pens.) I build it up really slowly. It just somehow forms into something that I like.

Nowadays, for a new band to get presented a record deal, they had better do the hard work first—sell 200,000 units on their own, create their own fan base, get their own radio airplay, record their own music, and produce/finance their own videos. After they do all the hard work, then the label swoops in like a hawk and preys on them unsuspectingly.

Directives West previewed trends for spring 2011; and after having just returned from the runways in New York, I’d venture to say they really got it right with a Southern California twist. Previewed on the runway that rainy morning of October 4, 2010, was a variety of looks that were predicted to be popular next season, with over 170 looks, ranging from simplistic to comfortable to fun for contemporary, juniors, and girls.