The Twelve Days of Christmas Shopping Guide

On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me,

A Prada in a Pear Tree

Because classic is always in style all year around and eyes always need protection.

 

 

 

 

PRADA Oversized Sunglasses

$245.00

Saks Fifth Avenue

saks.com

On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me,

Two Louis Bangles

Give your jewelry box the new Louis Vuitton 1001 Nights Collection. Not only would they be grateful but so will their jewelry box.

 

 

 

 

 

Louis Vuitton 1001 Nights Collection Jewelry

$125 – $755

Louis Vuitton

On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me,

Three Embellished Belts

Golden metal palettes and delicate tulle details add an eclectic, feminine accent to all everyone’s favorite holiday and going-out looks.

 

 

 

 

 

BCBG

$98

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me,

Four Winter Scarves

Keeping warm is essential this season considering it is predicted that we will be experiencing a really harsh winter. Bundle up!

 

 

 

 

 

 

L.L. Bean Men’s and women’s scarves

$11 – $39

L.L.Bean

LLBean.com

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me,

Five Golden Rings

Whether it’s for friendship or love just be careful the receiver doesn’t take it for the wrong reason!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Banana Republic

$49.50

BananaRepublic.com

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me,

Six New iTunes Albums

With new albums dropping from Mariah, Alicia Keys and Michael Bublé our iPods can use some serious updating just in time for the New Year.

 

 

 

 

 

iTunes Gift Cards

iTunes.com

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me,

Seven Stocking Stuffers

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a difference. From hand sanitizer gel to candy, get some great ideas from cool websites that can give you the best stuffing gifts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plumpstocking.com

Gifts.com

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me,

Eight days in Paradise

Definitely for those who like to escape the madness and family drama. Travel to a warmer destination and come back with a tan.

Check Expedia for holiday travel deals

Expedia.com

 

 

 

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me,

Nine the movie.

From the creative team behind the Oscar-winning Broadway adaptation of Chicago comes a lavish feature take on the Tony award-winning musical inspired by Federico Fellini‘s whimsical classic 8 1/2. The award winning cast is a motivation to check it out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premieres December 18th nationwide

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me,

10 DVD Rentals

New music is not only necessary but since the holidays are a time to relax and cozy around a couch, catching up on films is a must.

Shop or rent new or used DVD’s at Blockbuster or Hollywood Video

 

 

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me,

An Eleven-Hundred dollar bag

Why do men say women are difficult to buy for? Honestly, all we ever want for Christmas, Valentine’s Day or any day is an expensive handbag. Duh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gucci Sukey Medium Hobo

$1,100

Saks Fifth Avenue

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me,

A dozen pairs of designer socks

Let’s be honest, how many socks to do you think we lose or misplace in a year? Always start off the New Year with new socks and maybe buying them at a higher price will keep you motivated to not lose a sock next year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burberry

$99

Retail Horror Stories

Editor’s Picks

 

Have a favorite Christmas song or album? Here’s what our editors love to hear this time of year!

 

Mariah

 

Mignon A. Gould, Editor-in-Chief – Nat King Cole, “The Christmas Song”

Shaneia Caldwell, Features Editor – Yolanda Adams, “Silent Night” 

Ana Cepeda, Articles Editor – Mariah Carey, “ All I Want for Christmas”

Yvette Delgado, Online Editor – Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, “Baby It’s Cold Outside”

Brian Kennedy, Culture Editor – Tori Amos, “Winter’s Carol”

Claudia Paolinelli, Fashion Editor – Dean Martin, “Making Spirits Bright”
 
Sata Schramm, Associate Editor – John Lennon, “Happy Xmas (War is over)”
 
 

 

Jimmy Choo Goes Mainstream

A group of young women who stood in line since the day before to get their hands on a pair of strappy sandals witnessed employees painting displays, cleaning the storefront and stocking merchandise onto shelves and racks in preparation for the launch of Jimmy Choo at H&M.

The pack of Choo fanatics headed an army of sleep-deprived, antsy shoppers anticipating the opening of the retail giant in San Francisco. The line began in front of H&M on Powell street extending past Stockton and Ellis. Some sat covered in blankets, a few were slumped over while others stood stylishly dressed. Security guards wearing black suits surrounded the line. One would’ve guessed it was a casting call for a new reality show.

“We tried out H&M shoes yesterday to make sure we get the right size today,” said Alex Pratt, student at the University of San Francisco and one of the young women. Pratt and her friends staked out the store, called ahead of time for information, have been saving money and researching online for two months since they first heard of the collaboration. With not much time to waste, their strategy was to run for shoes first, then accessories and lastly clothing.

Around 9 A.M., the first 160 customers were given color-coded wristbands with a 10-minute time slot to shop for shoes and accessories lasting until noon. Those without wristbands could shop for clothing and left-over accessories.

“I want the leather leggings and strappy sandals,” said 28-year-old Naomi who has been standing in line since 3:30 a.m. with her significant other. “My friend works here and she told me about it [Jimmy Choo at H&M launch].”

Sneaky shoppers who wanted first dips were willing to pay for a space in line. Pratt and friends caught someone behind them paying a guy $400 to hold a spot. “They kept switching people and then they got kicked out,” said 23-year-old Holly Luong.

The glass doors opened at 10 A.M. to cheers and applause as a guard monitored people walking in a single-filed line. Once the crazed Choo-ers were in the store, they grabbed items like scavengers. Employees wearing Jimmy Choo at H&M labeled T-shirts picked up staples as they fell on the floor, merchandise quickly disappeared from racks and dressed mannequins went bare.

“The hottest line besides Christian Louboutin,” said Luong, student at West Valley studying Fashion Design.

The “Sex and the City” famed brand, masterminded by Creative Director Tamara Mellon unveiled at 10 U.S. stores and about 200 worldwide on Saturday, November 14. The British line features shoes detailed in studs, buckles, prints and eyelets ranging from high-heels, thigh-high boots to ballet flats.

As seen on the Jimmy Choo’s web site, shoes from the newest line runs $375 to $1195 whereas footwear for the H&M exclusive collection tops at $299 with the cheapest pair priced at $69.95.

“I wish they were all $60,” said Julie Rogers who traveled from Houston with a friend who said she was Jimmy Choo’s former attorney.

This collaboration marks Mellon’s first foray in clothing. The slick mens and Eighties-inspired womens’ ready-to-wear accented in black and royal blue includes leather biker jackets, blue jeans, shirts, fringed and one-shoulder suede dresses complimented by animal print clutches, studded belts and jewelry. The upscale party wear ranges from $24.95 to $299.

Customers carried multiple clear bags full of their selected items while some trotted through the store with clothing hanging from their arms.

A voice from the top level where the handbags and shoes were shelved shouted over the intercom, “Don’t try to be smart, we will check you.” Customers were limited to one item per style and size in the entire collection.

Hennes & Mauritz, founded in 1947 previously teamed up with famous designers like Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld, Matthew Williamson and Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garcon but Jimmy Choo is the first accessory brand on the list.

“We got everything we wanted,” yelled one of girls from the first group in line as they carried tons of electric blue bags labeled Jimmy Choo for H&M out of the door and loaded them into a car.

Written By Shaneia Caldwell

The cultural ‘Twilight’ phenomenon

The Twilight book series as well as the film adaptation of the saga has not only generated a lot of money, it has taken the world by storm. It has inspired a flow of creativity among teenagers everywhere and has inspired the creation of many television shows centered around vampires and intense forbidden love. The second installment film, New Moon, will be in theaters on November 20 and has already generated a buzz greater than that of the Harry Potter craze.

The blockbuster movie and best selling books have had a tremendous effect on today’s culture. Blogs, discussion forums, and fan-based websites dedicated to sprouting story-writing ideas centered on what happens between the sequels have popped up all over the Internet. The books have gotten teens interested in reading and writing like never before.

The books, movie and future sequels have also opened up communication between teens and their parents. The books loved by both generations have found a common ground and can openly discuss relationships, romance, and resisting temptation such as sex. Due to her strong Mormon background, author Stephenie Meyer has included passion and love between the main characters without having to incorporate sex, which has created a positive influence on teens and won the approval of parents.

Television show writers have also embraced this phenomenon creating shows about young good-looking vampires and their drive to fit in and find love. HBO series True Blood, based on Sookie Stackhouse novels, is the second most watched series ever, and the debut episode of Vampire Diaries was the most watched premiere in CW history.

The Twilight series has also influenced fashion. Although the film Twilight and New Moon do not feature groundbreaking fashion statements, designers have cashed in on the vampire fad by incorporating pieces into their lines that are darker and more mysterious befitting the vampire persona.

Twilight and New Moon stars have also been appearing on covers and spreads of fashion magazines sporting high fashion outfits and accessories inspired by the movie.

This phenomenon has quickly changed the way people think. Even if you have not read the books nor watched the film or plan on doing either, chances are you know everything there is to know about the characters and the evolving romantic relationship between them. The forbidden love between the characters and immortality of the vampires has changed the way we view love, commitment, romance, and ourselves. It has definitely changed the way we feel about those we love, fighting for what we desire, and will continue to have an impact on society and culture (at least for the next couple of years).

Written by: Ana J. Cepeda

Who’s Who? ‘Twilight’ Edition: The Edward Cullen/Robert Pattinson conundrum

Since Robert Pattinson exploded onto the scene roughly one year after promotion for the first installment of the Twilight series began. Girls around the world have been going crazy for him. As spectators to the phenomenon, we have to ask ourselves if the Twi-hards losing their minds over Pattinson or over his character, Edward Cullen.

Fictional characters have a habit of worming their way into young girls’ affections – especially moody young male characters. The case was no different with Edward Cullen, a mind-reading vampire who can run really fast and is obsessed with a classmate, one Bella Swan (played by Kristen Stewart). Fans posting to online forums call him protective, which is apparently a good thing, though possessive may be a better descriptor. Sarah Haskins broke it down in one of her “Target Women” segments: Edward Cullen is empathetic and shares his feelings, but best of all he’s a bad boy.

It’s a cliche that girls are attracted to dangerous bad boys, but maybe it’s a cliche for a reason. Girls have been fantasizing about bad boy Edward long enough for the phrase “Team Edward” to have become a cultural meme.

A ‘New Moon’ has revealed itself

Since its debut in 2005, the Twilight saga has captured the hearts of its readers, both young and old. Stephenie Meyer’s beloved star-crossed lovers, Isabella (Bella) Swan and Edward Cullen have made the hearts of readers swoon, but in her second book of the series, New Moon, audiences get a taste of just how life would be for Bella without Edward’s brooding and melodramatic love.

With the first book, Twilight, capturing the hearts of 10 million readers with its addictive storyline that entranced audiences and propelled them into a fantastical world of vampires and unrequited love, New Moon shocks readers with the question: how does one live without their true love?

Meyer found this book to be a parallel rendition to Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. She used the following quote as an epigraph for the book looking to make it represent warning rather than romance.

Come, gentle night; come, loving, black-browed night;
Give me my Romeo; and, when I shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night…
—Romeo and Juliet Act 3 scene 2

Throughout the book, Bella constantly references her favorite story as she contemplates her relationship with Edward as well as Jacob. Bella states, “What if Paris had been Juliet’s friend? Her very best friend? What if he was the only one she could confide in about the whole devastating thing with Romeo? The one person who really understood her and made her feel halfway human again? What if he really loved her, and wanted her to be happy?” (Meyer, pg. 370-371) This quote reflects her feelings for Jacob and vice versa. Paris is supposed to be the one whom marries Juliet, but is unable to win her heart although he is a good guy. Jacob and Paris are interchangeable. Jacob loves Bella the way Paris loves Juliet, however, Bella (like Juliet) does not feel the same for him.

‘New Moon’: Back with more faces, more action and a lot more skin

America loves a big hype. We go crazy for big things that come with massive media attention. We also go crazy for anything that doesn’t come to an end but follows with a saga. It was true for Harry Potter and now it is true for Twilight.

New Moon is the second film being released in the vampire Twilight Saga. If this is anything like the first film we can expect another long line at the movie theater, but something tells me we are in for a longer wait, both at the ticket booth and the concession stand.

Edward (Pattinson, left) consoles Bella (Stewart) in New Moon

For the last year we’ve have been hearing about new cast additions to the saga. I know America is and always will be excited to see Edward Cullen, played by Robert Pattinson and Jacob Black, played by dark hunk Taylor Lautner . In addition, we were surprised to hear that America’s new homecoming queen, Dakota Fanning was joining that cast. Fanning will be playing Jane Volturi a member of The Volturi- an organized, powerful, human blood feeding coven of vampires.

Vampires and werewolves sink their teeth into Prada’s runway

From vampires to werewolves, fantasy is an avenue that has long captivated people’s attention and its influence on popular culture to fashion is undeniable.

Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series of books took the world by storm. With New Moon, the second installment of the film franchise, coming to theaters on November 20, the immense popularity of vampires resulted in a phenomenon rarely generated by any one thing. It is for this generation what Anne Rice accomplished with The Vampire Chronicles. With the transference from book to film the impact of Twilight can be felt greater than ever. It is impossible to glance at a newsstand and not see a plethora of magazine covers with the stars of the film splashed across the pages. The mega star status placed upon Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner has propelled the series into greatness.

Twilight’s sequel ‘New Moon’ has an eerie beat

The score and soundtrack to the eagerly anticipated book-to-movie New Moon, the sequel to the teen vampire romance Twilight, is dark, brooding, and haunting like one would expect from this genre of film.

In Twilight, we were enchanted by the epic romance between Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson). Bella’s opening narration, “I’ve never given much thought to how I would die, but dying in the place of someone I love seems like a good way to go,” is the mantra not only for Twilight but New Moon as well. The score matches the fervor of the romantic yet forbidden storyline, with a fiery of squelching electric guitars, riveting chamber music, and pulsating percussion beats.

Composer Carter Burwell, who has worked on films such as No Country For Old Men and Where the Wild Things Are, provided a bittersweet atmosphere for the first film. Amidst haunting tunes and marauding notes, chimes a piano motif that plays the heartstrings. The soft, tranquil piano serenade that Edward played for Bella, which signifies their love, is echoed throughout the film as Edward’s enchantment and devotion towards Bella grows and vice versa. “Bella’s Lullaby” is the heart of the film with a role all its own, keeping the viewer engaged and sympathetic towards the forlorn lovers.