Last month, I was browsing around on the Alex Woo website and totally thought these luxurious Narissa Earrings would make a fabulous gift for someone. The entire collection is named after Narissa, who in Greek mythology “was among the Nereids, beautiful and prophetic women that helped sailors fight dangerous storms.”

Inspired by the ocean, these beautiful earrings have a lovely organic shape. They look so delicate and lightweight (love the tiny gems!), yet simultaneously, substantial. I think these would pair well with a variety of outfits. I’m imagining them with a fabulous little cocktail dress like these ones by Kimchi, Thread Social and Urban Renewal. Similarly, you could just throw them on to glam up a pair of jeans and tee.

Available in a variety of finishes (silver, gold vermeil, gunmetal, 14k gold), visit www.alexwoo.com to order.

Editor’s Note: All of us here send our best wishes for the New Year and look forward to spending 2009 together with you.  We will be back on the 2nd.

New Year’s is that one holiday every year that I really really look forward to.  In the same way that some people deck out for St. Patrick’s Day, or Halloween, or Christmas, I go all out festive on New Year’s.  This year I’ve compiled 12 of my favorite champagne themed products of the year - whether they be champagne colored, scented, flavored or the real deal.  It won’t be too difficult to guess what theme I’ll be rocking all night tonight.

Champagne in Hand

1. Essie Nail Polish in Imported Champagne: This sparkly golden beige polish straddles that delicate balance between gloss and frost and creates a very beautiful champagne finish.  Unlike purely glossy colors, the shimmer lets you get away with a little bit of careless in the application.  I did mine at home just yesterday in anticipation for my New Year’s party and they look fab.

2. Lauren Merkin Lucy Champagne Clutch: For those of you who like to accent your outfit with a fab accessory, this Lauren Merkin champagne colored, vintage-inspired, lambskin clutch fits in your hand or under your arm. The bubble metallic lambskin dresses it up for the evening and adds just the right amount of sophistication. (more…)

If you haven’t had a chance to scoop up a fabulous clutch for your New Year’s Eve party, we’ve got a good option for you. (Forgot about that NYE bash, didn’t you?  After all, the holidays do keep you mighty busy…but don’t let your outfit be an after-thought to your Christmas soirees. Plan ahead!) Catherine Rapetti is a new accessories designer on the scene that you should definitely consider for your perfect party purse.  After working at Sak’s Fifth Avenue’s marketing division, Catherine was inspired to create a line of accessories that are refined and elegant.  She went back to school at the Parsons School of Design and got her degree in Fashion Design; now, she’s producing fabulous, luxurious leather goods that you can imagine having in your closet forever.

For the holidays, our pick is the JoJo Clutch, which has a classic rectangular shape. Available in black tan or pink, each clutch is made of gorgeous embossed croc leather with a magnetic closure. Measuring 14″W x 8″H, this is definitely an oversized clutch that will fit all of your night’s essentials.  The clean, sleek lines, along with the high quality, make this an investment piece that you’ll still be able to use 20 years down the line.  Order at catherinerapetti.com.

Editor’s Note:  We will be taking December 24 and 25 off for the Christmas holiday, returning December 26.  We send our best wishes to you and your loved ones, and have a very merry Christmas!

When the holidays roll around (and my birthday shortly thereafter), a handbag never fails to make my wishlist. Though I’m still obsessing over the Luxembourg Satchel in Black Crackle Patent, it might be the Lock Day to Evening Bag from Andrea Brueckner’s Aspen collection that makes the list this year.

“My original training was in tailoring and clothing design, so I find I am always inspired by construction and design details. For the Aspen Collection, I utilized a couture technique called Trapunto stitching, which is one of the techniques I was taught in a couture design class,” says Andrea. “This collection includes a satchel shape, a day to evening bag, and a clutch. I chose to work with brights this season, because it is very out of my element, and I wanted to try something new.”

Why is the Day to Evening Bag my pick? I adore the sumptuous glazed goatskin leather in combination with the stitching, and the lock closure really is darling. I also adore the elegance of the short top handle, but for convenience, there’s also a longer strap included.  It’s actually also quite roomy, measuring in at 12″L x 4″W x 12″H - making it ideal for toting around everything a girl might need on a day-to-day basis, yet still looking chic! It’s also available in a variety of colors - from a gorgeous dark taupe (my fave) to a bright cobalt to a practical black. Now, if I drop enough hints, do you think someone will buy this lovely bag for me?

Do you need some new baubles for an upcoming holiday party? Or perhaps are you are still searching for the perfect gift for your best friend, sister, etc.? Well, we have a few options for you from jewelry line, viv&ingrid.

Our first pick are the Knot Earrings, which have just been added to their collection.   They come in a variety of combinations, but our favorite is Gold & Peach.  These 14k gold-filled earrings are made from pearls and metallic beands, which are then hand-tied into a knot.   They’re quite delicate and elegant, but still a bit funky.

We also adore their little collection of posts, which are all done in sterling silver or gold vermeil.  The Diamond Posts are bold and graphic; we would gift these to someone whose style has a bit of an edge. For a sweeter personality, these little Cupcake Posts are absolutely darling!  We think they would be great for a niece or little sister.

The Large Fleurette Bracelet is also incredibly gorgeous!  Measuring eight inches long, you can pick from white jade or black onyx (our preference). The chunky stones are handwrapped into flower shapes.  From the same collection, we also like the Fleurette 3-Drop Earrings in green onyx.  We think our moms would love these!

All viv&ingrid accessories come in chic little fabric pouches, so gift wrapping can even be skipped. Plus, until December 22, get 30% the entire website with code “RESCUE30″ at checkout.  Order now at vivandingrid.com!

If you’re looking for a great clutch to invest in, my pick right now is the Arabesque Clutch from Michelle Vale in Metallic Plum.  A gorgeous Italian leather with ostrich detailing, the interior is lined with suede and has a zipper compartment where you can tuck away your credit cards on a night out.  The color is gorgeous - it stands out and is a nice change from basic black, but will still go with a lot of different outfits, so it’s very versatile.  My favorite part about the clutch is that it comes with removable chain straps in two different colors, so you can wear the clutch three different ways - without a strap, with a silver strap, or with a gold strap.  What a genius idea.  All bags should come with this option!  The clutch also comes with a suede lined leather jewelry pouch where you can store the straps when you’re not using them (helpful for those of us who tend to lose things like that!)

The Arabesque Clutch comes in Metallic Plum, Jet, and Metallic Navy in leather/exotic materials (retailing for $695), and in Jet, Cloud and Caramel in leather (retailing for $550).  To find out more, visit MichelleVale.com.

As any accessories addict will tell you, it’s the little something extra that makes an outfit - whether it’s the perfect handbag or a little sparkle from a pair of earrings. This season, we’ve picked six gifts that will inspire the accessories adorer in your life to dress around!

ONE. Rebecca Minkoff Nao Wallet — Every accessories addict needs the perfect wallet to stylishly and safely store her cash, credit, and personal info. Rebecca Minkoff made her first foray into small leather goods this year, and her Nao Wallet would make for a lovely gift. Made with sleek black leather and patent trim, it has a bit of an edge, and the quilted patent and gold hardware give it more of a classic balance. It’s a gorgeous wallet that you can easily carry alone and have trouble wanting to leave in your bag! - ninabee (more…)

Looking for a new clutch for the holiday season? Look no further! We’ve found the perfect one at Jalda. Retailing for $335, the Gold Sea Snake Deniz Clutch is a cute flat leather clutch with a magnetic flap closure and turquoise bengaline lining. We totally love it and think it’d be perfect for all those holiday parties, dinners, etc. Jalda is kindly giving the clutch away to one lucky TDO reader! Want to win? Just follow the instructions below!

TO ENTER:

• Comment on this post and tell us what you’ll wear the clutch with!
• Make sure to include your name & email
• Anonymous posts will not be counted since we won’t be able to identify you
• One entry per person
• Must have a U.S. shipping address
• The winner will be chosen at random
• You have until Sunday, December 14 at midnight (PST) to enter
• Come back on Monday, December 15 to find out if you’re the winner!

Bonne chance!
The TDO Team

I adore designer Jennifer Sarkilahti’s line of jewelry, Odette. Currently, I’m coveting these gorgeous Relic Earrings, which have recently been added to her collection of whimsical baubles. “Derived from sketches of an ancient byzantine stained glass window,” these earrings are hand-carved and measure 2.2″ in length.  Elegant and feminine, these vintage-inspired earrings are truly stunning and ones that you could keep forever.  I can imagine looking gorgeous, dangling against a romantic frock for Christmas…and just as gorgeous with a soft-hued peacoat and denim the day after.  Of course, since I’m currently possessed by the gifting spirit, maybe a lucky friend or family member will be receiving these fabulous earrings as a holiday gift!  

Available in sterling silver for $160 or yellow and rose gold for $175 at www.odetteny.com.  BONUS: Jennifer is offering 25% off the entire site until December 31. Simply enter “DAILYO” at checkout…and if you order before December 10, you’ll receive free shipping, too! (HURRY!)

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