Give the Gift of Vintage Chanel

The best gift to give is not necessarily something new, but something old made new. Vintage, that is. Portero offers a great selection of authentic, vintage luxury goods, like this Chanel Limited Edition Twinny Metallic Gold Leather Handbags ($1,995). Two, gleaming gold metallic handbags with Chanel’s signature quilted leather and interlocking C logo is the best gift for any fashionista. And since Portero sells pre-owned goods, the prices are a steal. The bags feature gold-tone hardware, a gold lock connecting the two bags, single rolled handles, twist locks with flap closures, and one exterior open pocket on both purses. Each bag is fully lined in gold leather with two interior pockets in the largerbag, and an open pocket in the smaller bag. This adorable duo is THE gift of all gifts, for yourself or someone very special.

Ken & Dana design holiday party and jewelry sale

Last night I got the chance to meet the designers behind the haute jewelry line Ken & Dana design at the GenArt Styles 2009 Awards/Shop NYC event. If you thought the jewelry looked amazing online, wait until you see them in person! I almost picked up the Geometric Brass Cube Ring and the RIGHTS silver two finger ring but held off since the designers let me know that they’re having a holiday party and sale tonight. If you’re in NYC, you’re invited too! Here are the details:

What: Ken & Dana design holiday party and jewelry sale
Why: Drinks, music, & jewelry
When: Dec 3rd, 6-10pm
Where: 231 West 29th Street, No. 503, New York, NY 10001

Maybe I’ll get my rings tonight. Stay tuned!

Making Holiday’s More Comfortable

Sponsored by Hanes

The holidays mean lots of fun, food, family time, gifts and unfortunately, uncomfortable moments. I remember one such moment years ago, when we did our annual family Secret Santa gift exchange. When it came time to open my gift, I could tell by the wrapping and size that it was a music CD. As a young fashionista, I was secretly hoping for something more fashionable, like a handbag, some clothes or shoes. But music would suffice. “As long as it’s not Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey“, I stated aloud. Suddenly, my cousin looked uncomfortable. I opened my gift to find Mariah Carey’s Butterfly CD inside. Oops! Talk about a severe case of foot-in-mouth syndrome! He stammered something about giving me the receipt so I could return it and I stammered something about liking butterflies. Awkward! But I kept it, and gave it a listen and it turned out to be one of my favorite CDs of all time. Guess my cousin knew me better than I thought!

Art as Scent: Wode by Boudicca

I read about the new scent paint called Wode by Boudicca, and was very intrigued. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it!

Wode is described as a revolutionary art fragrance. It comes in a fancy spray paint can and sprays on blue. Yes, blue! Within minutes, the color disappears and all that remains is the delightfully woodsy scent with hints of spicy herbal notes.  The scent is really nice, and lasts all day. But what I love the most is just the whole allure of the product. I have been wearing this scent every day since I received it, because it is just so fun to come fresh out of the shower and spray this cobalt blue (disappearing) paint on. It is a really great concept, and has a great mythical story about Queen Boudicca as its inspiration. You can read all about the scent paint on the Wode website and if you are in Manhattan, you can purchase this fragrance at Project 8, a really cool store with wonderfully friendly staff. They are located at 138 Division Street, New York, NY.

If blue’s not your color, Wode also comes in a traditional fragrance as well. If you’re looking for a unique Valentine’s gift for the beauty addict that has it all, I’d recommend picking up a can of Wode scent paint. Your Valentine will surely love it!

What’s Haute Holiday Gift Lists

All year long, we share with you our knowledge of fashion and shopping, reviews of haute products, haute shops and of course, exclusive sales, discounts and giveaways! We love to give you advice on what to buy, where to buy it, and why you should have it. But at this time of year, we want to share with you what’s haute on our holiday wish lists. These are the products, (and in one case a job) that we’re hoping for this season. Some may be practical, some fanciful but all of them are absolutely haute! And maybe, just maybe if we keep our fingers crossed, Santa baby will deliver and put smiles on all of our faces this holiday!

Ehmonie Hainey is the Founder and Editor in Chief of What’s Haute Magazine, What’s Haute – Blog and Hauteness - The Handbag Magazine. Even though her main obsession is handbags, she also lends her fashion writing skills and shopping knowledge to trend spotting, celebrity style, runway reports, fashion reviews and more. Check out this haute girl’s holiday obsessions:

1. Asus Eee PC Netbook, $379.99
2. Victoria’s Secret Long Spa Robe, $59.50
3. Mendini by Cecilio Gold Lacquer Alto Saxophone, $339.99
4. Tory Burch Bombe T Tote, $495
5. 1/10 CT. T.W. Diamond Flower Stud Earrings in 10K White Gold, $84.99

Donna Artz may be an avid shoe shopper who always knows of a great sale, but she’s so much more. Donna’s creative talents have extended throughout many dimensions of the arts, from fashion writing and design, to home decorating, drawing and photography. This gal really lives up to her ‘artzy’ name! Here’s what’s on Donna’s holiday wish list:

1. Chanel Rabbit Felt Hat
2. Dolce & Gabbana Leopard print chemise, $280
3. Chanel look #16
4. Lounge Lover Tessa Bathrobe, $205
5. Chanel Crackled Goatskin Pumps with Elastic Edges

(And her job too)

Allison Croce is a stay at home mom to two kids, with a soft-spot for shopping, beauty, and the latest trends. She owns an online retail store, Purple Caterpillar Creations, where she sells natural and unique baby items. Allison’s biggest obsessions are handbags and cosmetics, which have always been her first love. As a teenager, she used to save up her babysitting money to buy Chanel eyeshadows. As the beauty contributor for What’s Haute, Allison tries everything, and her make-up collection is full of Dior, Chanel, YSL, Benefit, and even Revlon. Check out the haute beauty and other haute products that made her wish list:

1. Bellino Coverlet, $149.97
2. 1-1/4 CT. T.W. Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold, $1,299.99
3. Valentino Nuage Bow Bag, $948
4. Nike Air Shoo-In Walking Sneakers, $59
5. Burberry Brit Eau de Parfum, $65

On the days that Seth Friedermann is not writing fashion features for What’s Haute, styling photo shoots or working with his fashion industry clients, you will find him wandering the narrow streets of downtown New York hunting for brilliant young designers. He spends hours and hours each week hunting for emerging designers on the web as well as on the streets of New York City. He loves to help people express themselves with fashion and equally loves exposing unknown designers’ expressions to the sun of the daytime streets and the glow of the street night lights. Learn more about Seth at http://www.couturetoursnyc.com and http://www.statementstyle.blogspot.com and see what’s haute on his holiday wish list:

1. Cydwoq ‘Spats’ Shoes, $363
2. Mike & Chris “spalding ave.” fleece scarf w/ pockets
3. Trippen “penna” Round Espresso shoes, £135

Staci Rutherford is a contributor to Hauteness Magazine, as well as an accessory buyer and trend correspondent. Staci constantly researches the latest handbag trends, new designers, and what celebs are wearing for her own site, Handbag Report, which connects others around the globe who love handbags as much as she does! Check out which bags and other items made her holiday wish list:

1. Limited Edition Mulberry Bayswater Bag for Gap , $150
2. Tory Burch Mercedes Trench, $900
3. John Hardy Leather Naga Dragon Bracelet, $450
4. Botkier Metallic Leather Ankle Boots, $345
5. Missoni Hat, $198; Missoni Gloves, $192; Missoni Stripe knit scarf, $330

Happy Holidays!

What’s Haute - Holiday Beauty Gift Guide

It’s holiday time, and it’s so much fun to shop for beauty gifts! There is no better time than now to splurge on beauty products for you too. There are many beauty bonus and ‘gift with purchase’ promotions out there, as well as exclusive holiday gift sets and limited editions.

Sephora has a wealth of beauty gifts for everyone on your list. A really impressive gift for the girl who loves make-up is the Sephora Brand Ultimate Blockbuster - Collector’s Edition ($48). Literally everything needed to create over 30,000 gorgeous looks for eyes, lips, and face. I don’t think any woman would tire of this make-up set.

Shu Uemura has the best eyelash curler, hands down. Their Limited Edition 24K Gold Eyelash Curler ($24) would be a great stocking stuffer. Packed in red for the holidays, this curler provides superior precision and maximum curl, while at the same time offering a unique mushroom shape pad to comfort your lashes. Pick one up from Shu Uemura.

L, a L.A.M.B. fragrance by Gwen Stefani, has an impressive and colorful gift set this year, the L, a L.A.M.B. Fragrance by Gwen Stefani Anniversary Set ($85). L is floral, musky, and fresh, and really has a very captivating, yet light scent. Nordstrom has the set at a great price this holiday season, making this a great beauty buy!

Give them something that will soothe their dry winter skin. Give them the Limited Edition Laura Mercier Souffle Sampler Set ($50). Go for the gift of pure luxe with this set. Three decadent, yummy scents, packed in jars fit to travel. You can’t go wrong. Purchase at Neiman Marcus.

These are just a sampling of the many impressive and pampering beauty gifts out there.Have you come across any incredible beauty gift finds that you want to share? Post a comment and let me know.

Happy Holiday shopping!

Shop the Tory Burch 2008/2009 Holiday Collection

I think it’s safe to say that Tory Burch has become one of my top 5 favorite go-to designers, because I can depend on her mix of classic, chic and comfortable pieces. Each season I look forward to viewing what new Tory Burch items will end up in my closet next! Her holiday 2008/2009 collection is full of covetable looks and new twists on classic faves.

Inspired by Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball in 1966, the collection consists of a classic black, white and grey palette offset with vivid pops of color like fuchsia, violet and apple green. And as always, Tory Burch’s clothing and accessories incorporate a luxe factor, with opulent materials like satin, crocodile, patent leather and snakeskin, and details like beading, multi-toned trims and the ‘T’ emblem logo plate.

The Grania Cocktail Dress, $495 is holiday party-perfect with its slim black satin silhouette and jet black jeweled neckline. Pair it up with the Brylyn Bootie ($450), an edgy, satin cutout bootie, for a unique look, or step out in the now iconic Reva Flat, in a limited edition satin with a crystal-encrusted logo. The Lilac Metallic Snake Medium Cosmetic Bag ($95) is a sleek, chic companion to any party look, in a vibrant violet hue and luxe snake skin.

For a great daytime look, pair the two-toned wool Rhiannon Cardigan with a pair of jeans and a must-have bag. The metallic trend comes back in a big way in the distressed platinum leather Bombe T-Tote ($495). Or tote the apple green, patent Anna satchel ($425).

Visit Tory Burch.com for more classic holiday picks and chic gifts!

Swarovski’s Holiday Gifts

Ever since 1895, Austrian brand Swarovski has been producing the finest, most beautiful crystal ever made. The company began manufacturing decorative stones made from crystal, and has since branched into haute couture fashion and accessories, creating crystal beading, jewelry, ornaments and figurines.

This holiday season, gift your loved ones the gift of Swarovski crystals! The jewels and accessories shine as brightly as diamonds, but without the hefty price tag. Check out these sparkly holiday gift options:

For the fashionista, give the gold Flirt Pierced Earrings, with a Light Colorado Topaz crystal chaton in the center surrounded by pavé crystals ($90), or the Fantasy Large Necklace, filled with bezel-set clear crystal chatons and antique square cut Moonlight and Silver Shade crystals. ($180)

Got a superstar in the fam? Gift her the Flicker Ring, a trio of rings with Poinitage set crystals in two interlocking stars and one dangling star charm. ($140)

For the trendsetter, give the Erika Pendant – a rhodium-plated space robot pendant with moveable arms and legs, filled with Aurora Borealis, Blue Zircon, Lime, Carribean Blue Opal, Padparadscha and clear crystal. ($220)

For the techie, get the Heart Beat USB Memory Key, a USB key disguised as a half-stainless steel, half-crystal-covered heart pendant hanging from a silver silk cord. ($180)

If you’ve got that family member who’s got everything, why not give the limited edition Tinker Bell crystal figurine. It’s made of a fully faceted clear crystal body and wings in faceted Blue Aurora Borealis crystal and a star-shaped Tinker Bell title plaque comes with the figurine. ($300)