Holiday Gift Guide 2010: 40 Gifts Any Woman Would Love

Have you heard the sentiment that Christmas is a holiday for kids? Yeah, me too and I don't buy it for one second. As a young woman living on her own, I get just as excited about the holiday as if I was 8 years-old and a bike was waiting for me under the tree. It's as good a time as any to treat yourself, or someone special, after saving, spending smart and sacrificing during the year (which I totally did except for that Lanvin X H&M sale hehe).

There are plenty of luxe gifts that will blow your Mom/BFF/sister's/girlfriend's mind on Christmas from Christian Louboutin pumps to Lanvin dresses to Agent Provocateur silk robes.

But if you're looking to cut costs, I suggest pairing a less expensive gift with an experience she can tie it to. For example, a Sephora by OPI nail polish set and a gift certificate to a swanky nail salon, a Rebecca Taylor faux fur coat and an off-Broadway play to wear it to, a pair of Ugg slippers and a massage at the Spa. Sounds great, right?

That's my wish list anyway (along with a puppy! Hey, a girl can dream, right?).

Shop my Christmas list of luxury and affordable gifts this season, and tell me your gift ideas in the comment section.

More CC Skye...

Kisses,

Coutura

Countdown to New York Fashion Week: DKNY and Ports 1961 Fall 2010

Glamazons,

I nearly fainted when I got the email at the "Answering the Call" event for Haiti at M2M two weeks ago. It read: "I have a seat for you at the DKNY show. Can you confirm your attendance?" addressed to ME. Can I confirm my attendance? What?! Of course, and let me also confirm that I've only been dying to attend this show (and getting turned down) for six straight seasons, so much so that I showed up to the runway show last September hoping my boss could whisk me in without anyone seeing (no such luck).

This year, I am so stoked to see the collection in person. In the meantime, Donna Karan has released a sketch of one of DKNY's looks inspired by "modern collage." The artful print offers a mosaic of color while the fringe bottom makes the look wearable and chic.

One of the shows I look forward to every year is Ports 1961 (it's always beautiful and elegant) and the Fall 2010 collection, designed by Tia Cibani, is "inspired by the relationship between discover and invention." That enigmatic description is a nod to the innovative silhouette, seen below, that blends a cape with a button-down zippered coat. Pretty cool. The look as a whole is stylish and modern using Ports 1961's signature muted palette. And yes, there goes those fitted pants again.

What do you think of the sketches, Glamazons? Are you excited to see these collections?

Kisses,

Coutura