Coquette

Give Books + Giveaway to Win My Holiday Gift Picks

As digital as I am, when it comes to books nothing beats cracking open a real paper book and smelling that new scent of paper. Ah! Books become memories and I am lucky that while growing up my parents would always give me books as gifts. Some of my childhood books (where some are at least 35 years old) adorn my daughter's bookshelf, taped up tattered spines and all.

As the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping soon arrives, Chronicle Books has started a wonderful idea for us to share the gift of a good book with their Give Books campaign. Whether you are young or old, no one can deny how special a good book can really be. Think of a special book you love and want to share or match a book to your BFF's personality.

This holiday, Give Books!
Books make the perfect gift: They're personal. They're beautiful. They can inspire creativity and transport you to another world. Driven by a shared love of books, reading, and a commitment to support bookstores and literacy, Chronicle is launching a community-driven campaign to Give Books this holiday. We're partnering with authors, artists, bloggers, bookstores, and librarians to share their favorite reads and inspire your gift-giving this season. Whether you love the smell of books, the feel of paper, or the sight of colorful spines lining the shelves, join us this holiday and Give Books.

Now through December 31, enjoy 30% off + free ground shipping on all holiday orders at ChronicleBooks.com! Enter discount code GIVEBOOKS at checkout.

Giveaway
I've chosen 10 books and paper goods below which I plan to give to family and friends this holiday season. And guess what? You can win each of these 10 books too by entering this giveaway. Simply leave a comment to this post to enter. The giveaway will run through this week and end on Friday, November 16, 2012 at 5pm PST.

Note: This giveaway is now closed. The winner will be announced soon. Thanks to everyone who entered!

Here are my 10 picks for the holiday gifts for my family and friends:

Boo Little Dog in the Big City ($12.95)

100 Years in Fashion ($40)

Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful ($29.95)

Step It Up Knits ($22.95)

Miette ($27.50)

The Country Cooking of France ($50)

Paris in Color ($19.95)

Decorate Workshop ($27.50)

Liberty Art Nouveau Notecard Set ($15.95)

Julia Rothman Bookshelf 2013 Agenda ($12.99)

Hello Kitty Forever at Forever 21 on November 16

Hello Kitty Forever will debut at Forever 21 on November 16, 2012. This is the second exclusive collaboration between Sanrio and Forever 21. The collection consists of ready to wear apparel, travel, accessories and more. The Hello Kitty Forever campaign features 4th and Bleeker blogger Alexandra Spencer as the face of the collection. I adore the modern prints that adorn wispy scarves to tops and pants.

Featured above:
Chococat Pattern Peplum Top ($19.80)
Onch Movement for Hello Kitty Forever Necklace ($8.80)
Gold Chain Necklace ($6.80)
Thick Link Gold Chain Necklace ($6.80)

Here's a preview of the Hello Kitty Forever Lookbook:

Hello Kitty Faux Leather Sleeved Cardigan ($27.80)
Chococat Pattern Blouse ($19.80)
Chococat Pattern Shorts ($19.80)
Onch Movement For Hello Kitty Forever 21 Charm Bracelet ($8.80)
Seafoam Heels ($19.80)

Hello Kitty Chiffon Button Up ($19.80)
Hello Kitty Patterned Legging ($17.80)
Hello Kitty Patterned Casual Jacket ($27.80)
Hello Kitty Pattern Scarf ($10.80)
Hello Kitty Decor Pillow ($14.80)
Onch Movement for Hello Kitty Forever Charm Bracelet ($14.80)
Onch Movement for Hello Kitty Forever Pretzel Necklace (worn as bracelet) ($10.80)

Chococat Pajama Top ($19.80)
Chococat Pajama Bottom ($19.80)
Hello Kitty Laptop Case ($17.80)
Chococat Beanie ($9.80)

Hello Kitty Long Sleeve Sweater ($19.80)
Hello Kitty Fingerless Gloves ($12.80)
Hello Kitty Pink Strapped Backpack ($27.80)
Hello Kitty Antique Designed Pillow Case ($6.80)
Hello Kitty Antique Designed Duvet Cover ($29.80)
Hello Kitty Antique Designed Decor Pillows ($14.80)
Hello Kitty Antique Designed Decor Pillows ($12.80)
Onch Movement for Hello Kitty Forever Pretzel Necklace ($10.80)

Badtz-Maru Knit Sweater ($22.80)
Hello Kitty Black and White Pillow Case ($6.80)
Hello Kitty Black and White Duvet Cover ($29.80)
Hello Kitty Black and White Decor Pillow ($14.80)
Onch Movement for Hello Kitty Forever Necklace ($8.80)

Winner of the Feistyelle Giveaway

Congratulations to Sheri from Orange, CA for winning a pair of feistyelle stacked lotus earrings in my recent giveaway. Thanks to everyone who entered. Stay tuned for an amazing giveaway on Monday!

Diana Eng Farfalle Bowtie Pasta Necklace

Diana Eng brings you a stylish new version of the macaoni necklaces you loved as a kid with her Farfalle Bowtie Pasta Necklace ($60 for brass, $75 for hand painted enamel on brass, $120 for sterling silver). Each necklace is cast from a mold of real farfalle pasta and created with the lost wax process in brass and sterling silver. Each pasta is finished by hand. Hand painted enamel patterns are available in Lavender Stripe, Black Tie, Teal Dot, as well as a polished Sterling Silver option.

Feistyelle Giveaway - Eco Chic Handmade Jewelry

Whenever I used to work craft fairs, my favorite thing to do was to take a break and walk around to admire and shop for jewelry. Leslie Yang of Feistyelle was always one of my favorites as she showed off her gorgeous bold earrings, necklaces, hair clips, and brooches. All of her pieces are designed and made by hand in San Francisco and feature pieces inspired by nature. Feistyelle is committed to using eco friendly materials like bamboo ply, 100% wool felt, and vegan suede.

The best way to refresh your wardrobe is with jewelry and I love that feistyelle's pieces don't break the bank. In fact, her jewelry was featured on The Today Show in a segment called Fashion Emergency (Jewelry $12 and Up). I also love her No Earring Left Behind policy where you can order a replacement earring if you lose just one of them. Brilliant right?

Giveaway
Coquette is giving away a pair of stacked lotus earrings, one of Feistyelle's most popular pieces. These earrings are not only soft and unbelievably light but they are also reversible! They can be worn 6 different ways. Featuring vegan suede, a thin, super strong textile made from recycled polyester film. The earrings also use silkscreened water-based gold ink on one side for a glimmery reversible effect. Measurements: 1 3/8 x 1 1/2 inches Hoops are 14K gold fill. Retail price is $29.

Rules & How to Enter
You must be a resident of the U.S. to enter. To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment to this post as to why you want these earrings! The giveaway will run until on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 5pm PST.

Note: This giveaway is now closed. The winner will be announced soon. Thanks to everyone who entered!

Here are my favorite pieces from Feistyelle:

Dahlia Earrings - Bamboo ($28)

Ganado Earrings ($36)
More colors

Feather Earrings - Gold, reversible ($26)

Bamboo Dahlia Necklace ($60)

Gold Dusted Feather Necklace ($62)
(Also in Pearl)

Chevron Necklace ($34)

Dahlia Coasters - Red ($35)

Makes a great housewarming gift!
See more coasters in the Feistyelle housewares section.

Good Taste, Great Style: My Top 5 Favorite Trends for Fall and Winter 2012/13

There are so many trends for fall and winter that it's easy to get overwhelmed. Never fear! I compiled my top 5 favorite trends for the cold season ahead. What's great about fashion is that you don't need to update everything in your closet. Just pick a few pieces you think will freshen things up. Makeup and accessories are the easiest ways to accomplish this.

1. The Color of Wine - Burgundy/Bordeaux

At the top of my list is the color of the moment, Bordeaux, Burgundy - basically a glass of your favorite red wine. You can easily incorporate this trend into your wardrobe this season with a stylish jacket or handbag. The color is rich and classic and I must say, it's an easy way for color-phobes to bring a color into their style. I'm looking forward to shopping for a new deep burgundy lipstick for those holiday parties this season. Pick up a burgundy colored handbag and you'll realize it will pretty much match anything you are wearing.

2. Oversized Coats

The oversized coat trend is taking me back to the 60's (and even 80's) and I like how it's all about the bright pop of color. There's got to be a certain swing about them and cozy deep pockets are a must.

3. Leather

The look for leather goes beyond biker chic (although that itself is still a trend). I like how leather becomes more feminine this season with the wide array of leather dresses and leather details on outfits. I especially love the "mixed media" look of leather sleeves mixed in with soft fabric for tops or jackets. For your feet, there's a contrast to the super thigh high boots of last season. This time it's all about the short motorcycle boots, complete with adorning buckles that work so perfectly with skinny jeans.

4. Color Block

Color block keeps staying strong this year and I love how it works so well for dressing up or for cozying up. My black and gray sweaters all seem so boring to me now. I'm definitely stocking up on a couple of color blocked ones. From shoes to scarves, you can use color block accessories to brighten up simple outfits from a black dress to t-shirt and jeans.

5. Metallics

I always had a soft spot in my heart for metallics. Maybe because I just never stopped loving sparkly things from my childhood. I've already got my metallic nail polish ready to go and I'm about ready to try on a pair of metallic skinny jeans. Intricate baroque prints are in fashion and feature metallics in beautiful splendor.

Yoplait® Original is proof that classic is always a good choice. We have more than 20 flavors that burst with the delicious, flavorful creaminess that isn't just good, it is SO good, especially now that it's made with natural colors, flavors and sweeteners. What can be more than SO good? The fact that Yoplait® Light is made in more than 20 flavors that contain 90 calories and 2 Weight Watchers® PointsPlus® value each.  But the best part is the inspiration these fun flavors can be when it comes to fashion – how about a Key Lime Pie clutch or a little black forest cake dress. We believe the best fashion statements come from flavor inspiration.  What flavor inspires you? Try a new one today and use it to plan your outfit tomorrow.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by General Mills via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of General Mills.