A-LIST: Scented Secrets for the Season

Finding the right fragrance for the holidays requires a strong constitution. One foot in a department store, and a salesperson hovers over your shoulder trying to sell you the most expensive item on the counter. Or, worse yet, spritzing you in an nasal ambush. If you attempt to test a few on your search, you create a concoction that obliterates your ability to sniff a clear winner. You leave smelling like you took a bath in perfume and with a headache to boot. Let these picks make your search for the perfect holiday scent short and sweet.


1. Miss Dior Cherie ($68 for 1.7 oz lordandtaylor.com): This scent reminds me of being wrapped up in a cashmere sweater by the fire or laughing at a holiday party. The floral and musky scent, which makes it flirty sexy. Though it runs the risk of being overpowering, one spray is enough to last the evening.


2. DKNY Delicious Night ($58 for 1.7 oz macys.com): Less sweet and more spice, this scent is an ideal garnish for your New Years Eve. It includes blackberry and ginger, which create a tangy scent. Perfect for a woman in platforms or pumps, a slinky dress with an attitude to match.


3. Maybe Baby ($48 3.4 oz benefitcosmetics.com): This floral scent is subtle, as if you just put on lotion or clean laundry. It smells light like rose water, with hints of water blossoms and apricot. Perfect for a date or a just an evening with drinks, this scent does the flirting for you.


4. Pure Vanilla from Lavanila Laboratories ($56 for 1.7 oz lavanila.com): Remember as a kid making cookies when it came to measure the vanilla, and it smelled so delicious that you took a taste (only to find it bitter). This perfume delivers the same experience, capturing the scent of gingerbread houses and holiday baking (minus the bitter finish).


5. Thierry Mugler Angel ($72 0.8 oz nordstrom.com): This perfume offers a woodsy scent with a hint of honey and chocolate, which gives it a feminine profile. This playful perfume makes a great everyday scent. One user from Sephora.com commented, “It gives you confidence when you enter a room and people want to know what you are wearing.”

LOOKS FOR LESS: Runway New Years

New Years glitz and glam always calls for a new outfit. Something about champagne and a midnight kiss that demand you look your best. But fashion splurges are about as common these days as finding true love at a New Years party. That doesn’t mean you can’t look like you stepped off the runway as you waltz into 2009. Here are three lusts and musts for the special evening:

Dolce and Gabbana Stretch Sateen Bustier Dress: (Saks Fifth Avenue $525)



Jenny McCarthy looked sophisticated sexy (a crazy tan) in a D&G black corset dress. This sleek number is a perfect go-to dress for any evening event. But at $525, this look is too steep for anyone without a hired stylist and a Hollywood income.

Bebe Shirred Corset Dress: (Sale: $69)



Instead, try Bebe’s version of the same style. With a show-stopping piece like this, magic is bound to happen. The stretchy front adds room for all the bubbly your heart desires. And because it’s so simple, you won’t mind recycling this dress from party to party. Just change up the accessories.

Burberry Nova Plate Platform ($410)



Shoe lovers beware: these Burberry prorsum collection platforms are fierce. The five-inch heel makes any fashionista drool. Made of silver patent leather and nova plates down the front strap, these personify decadent spending (and wearing).

Steve Madden Rufles (Sale: $69.95)



Mimic the look with Steve Madden’s Rufles style, with a similar five-inch heel and platform design. Ruffles replace the silver plating, but the payoff is a more affordable price (sale!).

Kors by Michael Kors Fur-Trim Wool Coat ($750)



Cover up from the cold with a winter pea coat that features a fur trim. This chic wool jacket ties at the waist, and the collar is made with coyote fur. Fit for any non-PETA celeb.

Forever 21 Dora Faux Fur Coat ($54.80)



Animal activists and smart shoppers prefer this gray pea coat with a faux-fur-collar embellishment. This coat makes you look polished, poised, and ready to party, all without breaking the bank. Save that money for the Moët and Chandon.