Coquette

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Gifts for Him

It's hard to shop for guys which is why I usually always seem to put it off until the last minute. Here are some gifts that will ship online in time for Christmas! (Check ordering deadlines - some places will be Rush by Monday 12/23.) Bleu de Chanel ($62 for 1.7 fl oz at chanel.com - free overnight shipping until Dec 23rd) is one of my favorite male fragrances that smells manly without being overpowering, if you know what I mean. Another great gift is the Coach Bleecker Stainless Steel Chrono Bracelet Watch ($448 at Coach, free shipping on all orders $150+, guaranteed holiday delivery if ordered by Dec 22nd ). It's a luxe gift that will last a lifetime. The watch features a chronograph and date windows and is water-resistant down to 99 feet.

Up by Jawbone Wristband ($129 on Amazon)
Track all your activities from steps, distance, calories burned, time spent active vs idle. You can also log what you eat and sleep time and monitor it all through their mobile app.

Nest Learning Thermostat ($249 on Amazon)
For the guy who loves his electronics, he will surely want his home thermostat to be connected as well. The Nest is amazing and you can also control the device via your mobile phone, laptop or tablet.

Breville Crispy Crust Pizza Maker ($149.95 at Williams- Sonoma)
What guy doesn't like pizza? Now your chef can make gourmet pizza with a crispy crust. (Trust me, I have tried this machine and the pizza comes out so delicious!)

Coach Electronic Cord Zip Pouch ($148 at Coach)
For the traveler, this pouch keeps everything organized in three separate compartments for Digital, Audio, and Tech. Made in tumbled Italian leather.

Malin + Goetz Mojito Soap Set ($26.95 at Amazon)
Malin + Goetz is a bath/body line that is so well-designed you man will never consider this one of your beauty products. This makes a great stocking stuffer!

Moleskin Classic Notebook ($11.66 on Amazon)
Another stocking stuffer idea is to give him a Moleskin notebook. It's the perfect compact place for him to jot down notes and inspirations for the new year.

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Beauty Gifts Beauty Gift Guide

It's time for beauty gifts! These gifts are fantastic for any women because I for one know how happy I would be to receive them The Essentials Eye Make-up Palette Collector Edition ($45 at clarinsusa.com) is a generously sized palette from Clarins features 10 eye shadows in every gal flattering shades of beige, taupe and brown that will keep her pretty all year long. The set comes with a dual-sided pony hair applicator brush that makes applying eyeshadow sheer perfection. Proceeds from this limited edition palette also benefit the planting of 10,000 trees for medical or cosmetic use for the Kuntanawa culture in Brazil. For a great stocking stuffer idea, the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick ($34) is currently my all-time favorite lipstick this fall. It gives dazzling color and shine while keeping my lips super moisturized. The packaging is gorgeous and is a major treat to pull this beautiful lipstick out of your handbag. Comes in 19 shades.

NuFACE 'Trinity' Facial Toning Device ($325 at Nordstrom)

The NuFACE Trinity is said to be like a 5 minute face lift. This anti-aging device tones the face while also improving fine lines and wrinkles. It is currently the only handheld micro current device that is approved by the FDA and uses the same technology used by aesthetic professionals. Some of the benefits of use are: firmer muscles, tighter skin, lifted brows, contoured cheekbones and a more defined jaw line.

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition 'Old Hollywood' Mini Brush Set ($93 Value) ($70 at Norstrom)

The holidays are always the perfect time to get brushes because there are always great kits with a variety of brushes. My favorite right now is this one from Bobbi Brown because they feature all the essential brushes you need from face to eyes and they are compact enough for travel.

Estée Lauder Color Portfolio ($37.50 with any Estee Lauder purchase, esteelauder.com)

Estée Lauder wins big with their limited Edition Color Portfolio. With *any* Estée Lauder purchase you can get this palette for only $37.50. I picked this up as a little stocking stuffer gift for my mother-in-law in France but then had to go back and get one for myself before it leaves the stores. It's been so great to test out different eye shadow colors and mix lip colors as well. I am now obsessed with the peach blush that when I am done I'll have to go get another blush to replace it. I love that the palette has everything you need so you can easily take it on the go. I also find it makes it easy to apply makeup for a night out because you no longer need to fumble through various compacts but have everything you need in front of you.

Estée Lauder 'Delectable' Nail Coffret (Limited Edition) ($27.50 at Nordstrom)

Estée Lauder also makes the best nail colors and this set of 4 polishes come in trendy colors from black plum to a pinkish-nude. All of them packaged oh so beautifully in an ivory pin-dot box.

Chanel Le Brillant Glossimer Duo ($64 at chanel.com)

Nothing is more luxurious than Chanel lip gloss and this limited edition set includes Lévres Scintillantes Glossimer in a bold burgundy shade Crushed Cherry and the muted mauve Wild Rose. Comes with a mini Le Crayon Lévres Precision Lip Definer in Nude and a sharpener all inside a beautiful Chanel pouch.

NARS Guy Bourdin Voyeur Mini Larger Than Life Eyeliner Coffret ($49)

True makeup lovers will drool over this NARS Guy Bourdin eyeliner set. Get 5 limited edition eyeliners in bold shades: jet black, copper brown, white, cyan blue and deep violet. Everything fits in an adorable satin and patent heart-embellished pouch that can fit perfectly in a handbag.

Benefit Groovy Kind-a Love Kit ($36 at benefitcosmetics.com)

Get a makeup set that is perfect for everyday beauty! Featuring a 4 shade deluxe eyeshadow in nudes, double-ended sponge applicator, dandelion & gimme ever cheek powder duo, deluxe benetint medium, deluxe they're for real mascara and deluxe the POREprofessional. All of the makeup is stored inside a cheeky reusable retro-style tin.

Jo Malone London The English Pear and Freesia Collection ($100 at Jo Malone London) and Pine and Eucalyptus Candle ($65 at Jo Malone London)

Jo Malone fragrances are must-haves for any gal and this set is perfect for her to try this wonderful collection featuring The English Pear and Freesia scent. Included in the gift box is one body and hand wash (100 ml), cologne (30 ml) and body creme (50 ml). For a stocking stuffer, you can't go wrong with a Jo Malone London candle. I love the cozy Christmas scent of the Pine and Eucalyptus Candle.

Extra-Firming Luxury Collection ($142 at clarinsusa.com)

Skin care lovers will enjoy this collection filled with a full size Double Serum and Extra Firming Day Wrinkle Lifting Cream. The set also includes travel sizes of Extra-Firming Night Rejuvenating Cream and Advanced Extra-Firming Neck Cream all inside a luxurious red train case.

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Gifts for Her

Here's a great list of fashionable Gifts for Her: moms, aunties, sisters, girlfriends and more. (My beauty gift list is coming soon so stay tuned!)

I am always keen on giving stylish goods to the ones I love. You can't go wrong with Coach in my book and the Mini Borough Bag in Oxblood ($378) and this super soft and warm (trust me, I tried this one on) Windowpane Challis ($168) will keep the compliments coming to them all season long.

Kris Nations is one of my staple go-to jewelry pieces. You can't go wrong with her jewelry. She is featuring deals each day on her web site. Today you will find the Orchid Earrings marked down to $32.50 (regular $65). I wear these earrings almost every day and constantly get compliments on them.

Here are more Gifts for Her picks:

Pim + Larkin Sequin Key Stripe Sweater - Almond Mix/ Black w/ rose gold sequins ($79 at Shopbop)

C by Bloomingdale's Camo Print Cashmere Sweater (sale $124, was $178 at Bloomingdales)

Velvet Pauline Cashmere Sweater ($339 at Shopbop)

Kate Spade Pop Top Gloves ($58 at Kate Spade)

Kate Spade Picture Frame ($30 at Kate Spade)

Lauren Joy Necklace ($275 at Dana Rebecca Designs, in rose gold, also in gold or white gold)

MARC by Marc Jacobs 'Sleeping Bunny' Slipper ($198 at Nordstrom, also in charcoal)

Coquette Holiday Gift List 2013:
Books + Paper Goods
Handmade Gifts (12 Days of Gifting #ShopLocal SF)

Giveaway: $100 to #ShopLocalSF - 12 Days of Gifting with Six Doors

I've teamed up with 11 SF bloggers to bring you wonderfully curated gifts from local boutiques in San Francisco with Six Doors. The free Six Doors app lets you shop locally from the comfort of your iPhone/iPad and have the goods delivered to your door the very same day! Pretty cool, right?

Featured above is my curated list of Handmade Gifts from local San Francisco boutiques:

Stitched Paper Bowl ($24) from Whistle / Kris Nations Gold Fill Charm Bracelets ($37) from Bell Jar / White Flower Bouquet ($35) from Verde / Peanut Butter Blossoms ($6.75/half dozen) at Batter Bakery / Winter Woodland Diorama Kit ($18) at Fiddlesticks / Krochet Kids The Margo Hat ($25) at BeGood Clothing / DODOCase Solid iPad Mini with Cardinal Exterior ($74.94) at Create More / Fleur de Sel Caramel Box of 8 ($10) at Park and Pond / Jess Brown Doll ($180) at Half Hitch Goods / Porcelain Hanging Pot ($45) at Whistle

Guess what SF folks? I have a giveaway for you! In support of #ShopLocalSF , I'm giving away a $100 credit towards this gift set, or any items you desire via the Six Doors app with same-day delivery in San Francisco. There are also 11 other giveaways you can enter from my fellow SF bloggers in the schedule listed below.

San Francisco friends can enter the giveaway through the widget here: (Please note you must have an SF address for hand delivery of goods.)

Today through December 16th, you can head to a different SF blog each day to win more and discover great boutiques and gift ideas around the city:

Day 1 - GIFTS TO PAMPER A FRIEND: Visit Victoria of SF Girl By Bay on Friday, 11/29 to find perfect gifts for pampering.

Day 2 - GIFTS FOR THE TRENDSETTER: Visit Kelli of Leopard and Lavender on Monday, 12/2 to find stylish, of-the-moment gift ideas.

Day 3 - GIFTS FOR CITY KIDS: Visit Kate of Style Smaller on Tuesday, 12/3 to discover picks for the little ones in your life.

Day 4 - GIFTS FOR THE NEWLYWEDS: Visit Allison of Engaged and Inspired on Wednesday, 12/4 to find gift ideas for your favorite new couple.

Day 5 - HANDMADE GIFTS: Visit Natalie of Coquette on Thursday, 12/5 to find items made lovingly by hand.

Day 6 - GIFTS FOR SAVVY HOSTESS: Visit Melissa of Savvy in San Francisco on Friday, 12/6 to find gems for your favorite in-the-know gal pal.

Day 7 - HOSTESS GIFTS WITH A TWIST: Visit Paul of Urbanite Suburbanite on Monday, 12/9 to find a little something unique for your holiday hostess.

Day 8 - GIFTS FOR THE FOLKSY FOODIE: Visit Ana of Fluxi on Tour on Tuesday, 12/10 for yummy, giftable treats.

Day 9 - GIFTS FOR STYLE SAVVY FAMILIES: Visit Janette of Fashion Loves People on Wednesday, 12/11 for unique gifts for parents and kids.

Day 10 - GIFTS FOR THE FRENCHIE FOODIE: Visit Andi of Misadventures with Andi on Thursday, 12/12 to find great gifts for the Francophile in your life.

Day 11 - GIFTS FOR THE STYLISH GOURMAND: Visit Marcia of Tablehopper's The Sugar Mama on Friday, 12/13 to find great gifts for your favorite foodie.

Day 12 - Visit Adelle of Fashionista Lab on Monday, 12/16 to find high style items for you or your favorite fashionista.

Enter each giveaway and discover some amazing, San Francisco based blogs and shops this holiday season! Check out all of our hand-picked gift sets and #ShopLocalSF by downloading the SixDoors app.

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Books + Paper Goods

I'm kicking off my Holiday Gift Guide 2013 today with a collection of books and paper goods from my favorite publisher, Chronicle Books. You see, they have a huge Friends + Family sale going on now through tomorrow where you can get 35% off and free ground shipping with the code FRIENDS. (Hooray!) They have such an amazing variety of categories and gorgeous books. Right now I am currently loving these two new books: Braids, Buns and Twists ($19.95) by Christina Butcher which features step-by-step tutorials for 80 hairstyles perfect for parties or everyday looks and Knitting by Design ($24.95) by Emma Robertson which has dreamy knitting projects that will keep me cozy all winter.

Here are more of my picks for Books + Paper Goods:

Well-Read Women by Samantha Hahn ($19.95)

This book by one of my favorite artists and friends, features breathtaking watercolor portraits of literature’s most well-read female characters such as Anna Karenina, Clarissa Dalloway, Daisy Buchanan and more.

Nails, Nails, Nails! by Madeline Poole

Learn how to create your own nail art with 25 step-by-step tutorials featuring some very stylish designs!

Street Fashion Photography by Dyanna Dawson and J.T. Tran ($19.95)

Enjoy the fashion eye candy in this style book from the fashion photographers from Street Fashion Style. The book features lots of photos as well as tips and advice on how to take the best street style photos yourself.

Sewing for All Seasons by Susan Beal ($24.95)

Author Susan Beal is a friend of mine and one of those people who is so amazingly at both crafting and teaching. In this book she shares her expertise in sewing, something I know lots of women I meet want to learn how to do. Susan makes it easy with easy projects that will take you throughout the year.

Cooking Slow by Andrew Schloss ($35)

Features more than 80 recipes for soups to stews as well as desserts showcasing the art of slow cooking. Little hands on cooking time is my kind of cooking.

Put Your Stamp On It by Meagan Lewis ($19.95)

For friends who like to be crafty, there is this fantastic book on how to create your own stamps and stamping projects. Create your own cards, gift wrap, tea towels and more.

Baby Bib Embroidery Kit by Jenny Hart ($19.95)

For your friend that's expecting or is a new mom, there this adorable baby bib kit that has everything you need to make your own heirloom. The iron on transfers included can be used several times and are perfect to also customize baby onsies and more.

Victoria and Albert Museum 1930s Fashion Notebooks ($12.95)

Features 3 paperback notebooks - 2 graph and 1 blank. 4 1/2" X 8 1/2"

Amy Butler Soul Blossoms Mini Eco-Journal Set ($9.95)

This set features 4 notebooks with a stitch spine and unlined. Perfect small size to fit in any handbag or tote. 2 2/3" X 5 1/2"

Shop more gifts at Chronicle Books and don't forget to use the code FRIENDS for 35% off and free ground shipping. Offer ends 12/5/13.

Clarins Essentials Eye Make-up Palette Collector Edition

Ever since I received the new Clarins Essentail Eye Make-up Palette ($45), I have been using it every day to try out all of the different colors and combinations. I don't normally wear eye shadow everyday, but in the case of this palette, I seriously couldn't help myself! All ten mineral eye shadow colors colors fit me so well and are universally flattering for everyone. I have gone light by just brushing on a bit of the light beige for a simple day look to going all out for evening. There is a plastic overlay that comes with the palette that numbers all the colors for you and shows you a few different ways on applying, contouring and highlighting your eyes.

This limited edition palette also contains a double sided pony hair brush for great eye-shadow application. I typically never use those tiny applicators from eye palettes but this one is perfectly usable! The whole palette is perfect for travel because this is all you will need for your eyes.

This palette was created as part of Clarins' initiative to minimize our environmental impact, and features carefully-selected materials and reusable packaging. Proceeds from the purchase of this palette will go to planting 10,000 trees in Brazil for medical or cosmetic use, which will help revive the Kuntanawa culture (Amazonia).

Today is also the last day for free shipping! Pick one up for yourself and another one for your mom or BFF for the holidays.

Free Shipping on ANY order - code NOVFREESHIP (valid 11/19-11/21)

Disclaimer: Review product was provided by Clarins.

Benefit's Limited-Edition Holiday Sets

As the holidays approach, I get so excited for all the various holiday palettes and limited-edition sets that are currently popping up at beauty counters near you. Benefit holiday sets are a perfect way to have everything you need in one place. I also think it is a great way to try sample different products. One tip: keep a kit in your desk drawer at work to instantly touch yourself up before going out at night or for quick touch ups. I love the packaging for this holiday season where the products are displayed inside a decorative metal tin that can easily be reused once you are done.

Nudes are in and for just $25 you can pick up the luv it up! makeup kit (colors above and at top) featuring three deluxe eye shadows (call my buff, nude swings, thanks a latte), a creaseless cream shadow and a dandelion ultra plush nude lip gloss (which has been living now in my handbag). At this price, pick up this little gem as a stocking stuffer and don't forget to get one for yourself too! View the PDF featuring instructions on how to apply.

If you're looking for a little more in a kit, the groovy kind-a love kit ($36) features everything for eyes, cheeks, and face. The kit includes the POREfessional (I use this on and around my nose), they're real mascara, benetint, dandelion and gimme fever cheek powder duo, 4 shade deluxe eyeshadow palette with double ended sponge applicator. The eyeshadows are wonderfully pigmented and buildable. I use these nude colors the most and I can never get enough! View the PDF featuring instructions on how to apply.

Disclaimer: Products were provided by Benefit for this review.

Valentine's Day Spa Packages at Burke Williams

If you're like me, a spa gift is a welcome gift anytime. California-based spa Burke Williams has the perfect Valentine's Day gift featuring three relaxing spa packages to pamper the ones you love (or yourself). Each exclusive package, “Romance,” “True Love,” and “For Two” offers a unique combination of soothing treatments and services to create the perfect way to experience romance this holiday.

Valentine’s Day package specials are available now through February 14 and vary per spa location (see details below). To make a reservation, find your nearest Burke Williams location.

San Francisco folks, the Burke Williams San Francisco Spa is in a perfect location at the Westfield Shopping Center. Get a spa treatment with your loved one, catch a bite to eat at the new Martin Yan restaurant M.Y. China and then catch a movie -- all in one place!

2013 Valentine’s Day Packages

Offered at Burke Williams Orange, Torrance, Santa Monica, San Jose, Pasadena and Sherman Oaks

Romance: Just $149 (regular price $180)
Enjoy a Spa Pedicure with your choice of a 50-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement -or- a 50-minute Spa Style Facial with peel or brightener.

True Love: Just $249 (regular price $310)
Indulge in a Spa Pedicure with a 50-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement -and- a 50-minute Spa Style Facial with peel or brightener.

For Two: Just $279 (regular price $360)
Each of you will enjoy a luxurious 80-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancements or Spa Style Facials with peels.

Offered at Burke Williams, San Francisco

Romance: Just $159 (regular price $205)
Enjoy a Spa Pedicure with your choice of a 50-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement -or- a 50-minute Spa Style Facial with peel.

True Love: Just $259 (regular price $340)
Indulge in a Spa Pedicure with a 50-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement -and- a 50-minute Spa Style Facial with peel.

For Two: Just $299 (regular price $400)
Each of you will enjoy a luxurious 80-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement or Spa Style Facial with peel.

Offered at Burke Williams, Mission Viejo and West Hollywood

Romance: Just $159 (regular price $205)
Enjoy a 25-minute Salt or Sugar Glo with your choice of a 50-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement -or- a 50-minute Spa Style Facial with peel or brightener.

True Love: Just $259 (regular price $335)
Indulge in a 25-minute Salt or Sugar Glo with a 50-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement -and- a 50-minute Spa Style Facial with peel or brightener.

For Two: Just $279 (regular price $360)
Each of you will enjoy a luxurious 80-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement or Spa Style Facial with peel or brightener.

eBay Now - Have an eBay Valet Shop & Deliver your Holiday Gifts within an Hour in SF & NYC

Do you want to know what I really hate doing? Shopping in physical stores during the holidays, especially as the days get closer to Christmas. The parking, the crowds, searching through all the goods, the long lines, you name it.

For those of us lucky enough in to live in San Francisco and New York City, you can now shop from your mobile phone and have an eBay valet shop for you and deliver the presents to your door within an hour with the eBay Now app. Deliveries are free from now until December 22nd. What's extra special is that as a first time user I got $20 off my first purchase!

You can also browse through your favorite shops such as Macy's, Target, Toys 'R' Us, Best Buy and more.
I had already spent the morning searching City Target in SF for the ponies my daughter wanted. Today was the only day I could get the last of these gifts because she would be out of school tomorrow. So, instead of having to run out to Target in Daly City to find the EXACT My Little Pony sets I needed, I was able to finally catch up on emails and eat my lunch calmly. It was so easy to shop too! I just used the search field and typed in "My Little Pony" and results would pop up, just like shopping online.

I picked the two sets I needed. Steve called me right away after the order went through to confirm what I wanted and he was off! I then received a call that my items were a few dollars more than in the app and if I still wanted to purchase it. I said "yes" so he told me he would be back to deliver me the goods. He called me upon arrival and the products he gave me were the right ones. I only had to give him my credit card for him to complete the transaction which was done easily by his iPhone. I could also choose to give Steve a tip or not. I did give him a tip because through all the chaos of the last few days, he was a godsend. Thank you Steve!

All in all, spending around $15 total for the gifts I needed while also having a little bit of me time was wonderful and so worth it. This is a Christmas miracle!

eBay Now is a free app available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Download it from the Apple App Store on your device. All items come with limited-edition gift wrap designed by Jonathan Adler (pictured at top).

Holiday Gifts for Men Under $100

Men are not easy to shop for. I take the holidays as a chance to introduce the men in our lives something new – whether it's shaving/beauty products, a can't live without gadget, for the kitchen, or something just plain cool. Last year, I got my husband the Art of Shaving Cream which he has loved ever since. I like the The Art of Shaving The 4 Elements of The Perfect Shave Starter Kit ($23-30 at Amazon) that is the perfect starter kit and comes with pre-shave oil, shaving cream, after-shave balm, and the badger brush. Choose from scents: lavender, lemon, sandalwood and unscented. Or for a small stocking stuffer, the full sized container of The Art of Shaving Shaving Cream (150 ml) is a perfect stocking stuffer. I love Coach leather and this Coach Bleecker Legacy Money Clip Card Case ($78 at Coach) is a great compact wallet that fits standard business cards, credit cards, and comes with an attached money clip.

Here are more great holiday gifts for men under $100:

REI Double Shot Press Mug ($29.50)

Malin + Goetz 1 oz Essential Kit ($30 at Barney's)

X Mini Speakers ($38 at Bloomingdales)
Comes in lots of cool colors

eComfort Tablet Pillow ($39.99)

Bar10der Ultimate Bar Tool ($50)

Vinturi Wine Aerator Tower Gift Set ($69.95)

Amazon.com $50 Gift Card with Gift Box (Holiday design) (In denominations of $50 at Amazon.com, comes with free 1 day shipping)