By Doshka Harvey

Freshly out and in time for holiday fashions, Alexandre Birman's canvas and leather platform sandal will make you want to brave the cold weather to show of its sleek design.

Even though Blake Lively recently wore a pair while filming on the set of 'Gossip Girl,' one need not have gams like her to look sexy.  The alluring crisscross wrap around construction of these shoes will easily do the trick for any woman.

Available for $475 in orange, natural, and grey, these beauties can be found at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.  For a more detailed list of retailers click here

Images courtesy of Network Showroom

By Doshka Harvey

The Sky King Tricycle from Airflow Collectibles is wicked cool!  Your kids can take a step back in time and go for a playful ride in this swanky 1936 replica trike.  It has an adjustable spring seat, rubber handle grips, rubber tires, and an actual working light.  Appropriate for ages 3-6.  I wish there were an adult size one for me. 

Available at www.airflowinc.net or www.vivre.com for $279.

Image from Vivre

By Doshka Harvey

Yesterday Oprah displayed a beautiful pair of Jessica Leigh diamond earrings by Dana Rebecca Designs on her Oprah's Ultimate Favorite Things 2010 show, which cost approximately $1,900.  While those earrings are absolutely gorgeous, I found another pair just as enchanting and more affordable for those of us who did not have an opportunity to attend Oprah's gifting event. 

I recently discovered Amanda Rudey Jewelry Designs.  Amanda's pieces are quite fetching, including her white topaz and 18K vermeil Forget Me Not Earrings.  Now, I may not, like Oprah, be able to say, "You get a pair!  You get a pair!  And, you got a pair!", however, what I can say is that you can get yourself a pair or a loved one a pair for the holidays for approximately $70 at www.amandarudey.com.

They are on my list of favorite things and I think they are spectacular!

Image from Amanda Rudey Jewelry Designs, Inc. 

By Doshka Harvey

Wood and bamboo never looked so good!  These funky bubble print bangles from Vivre will add that spot of fun color you are seeking to compliment any outfit.  Bright hues like the ones seen here (fuchsia, yellow, orange, and green) are no longer for summer looks only.  Go on -experience a color splash!

Currently on sale for $14 each at www.vivre.com, this is yet another great stocking stuffer.

Image from Vivre

By Doshka Harvey

Transport your doggy in stylish French country flare with Pierre Deux's small pet carrier.  This très magnifique bag is made out of Bonis black fabric (one of their signature fabrics) lending to simplicity and sophistication at once. 

Specifics:

-Interior ring to secure pet

-Bottom with protective metal "feet"

-Velcro closure with flap

-14" long x 11" high x 5 1/2" deep

Available for $69.99 at www.pierredeux.com

Image from Pierre Deux

By Doshka Harvey

He sauntered through the city feeling relaxed - lunchtime date with a friend; happy hour drinks with the guys; last minute Christmas gift shopping for mom.  He got home early to lounge on the couch - feet on the coffee table, no sense of tension.  That's when he realized, he still had on his Faconnable canvas and suede sneakers (approx. $300).  Comfort...he kept them on. 

Address:  Rockefeller Center, 636 5th Avenue, NY, NY 10020, (212) 319-0111

Image courtesy of Faconnable

By Doshka Harvey

Experience a rush of sorts with Betsey Johnson's gold plated cuff bracelet.  I'm already thinking holiday outfit bling with this one.  Your friends need not know it was acquired for a mere $35 at Piperlime. With the gorgeous gold sequin detailing seen on this piece of jewelry let them believe you splurged.  Shhh...I won't tell.

Image from Alison Brod

By Doshka Harvey

Where are you Amy Winehouse?  I miss your presence in the music scene.  Come back you sultry songstress.  Engage us with your melodic lyrics again.  Shower us with tales of love and of sorrow.  We await your next album with great anticipation.  Amy, come back from black!

By Doshka Harvey

When you are carrying data on your trusted USB flash drive, who says you cannot dress it up while on the go?  The Peanut USB Flash Drive Holder ($7) from Built NY is the perfect little pouch to protect and store your memory stick.  Made of the same material as wetsuits (neoprene) and with a metal hook that easily attaches to what you want for ease of carrying, the Peanut is available in three colors - black, lime green and scuba blue.

It can even fit comfortably in your jean pocket if you'd prefer to not latch it onto anything.

Talk about an awesome stocking stuffer!

Image courtesy of BuiltNY

By Doshka Harvey

Crème Brulee is not only a dessert; it's also the name of the elegant wrap from Chico's, decorated with faux-pearl paisleys, rhinestones and beads.

One can easily play dress-up with this 100% rayon item retailing for only $89.

Image courtesy of LaForce + Stevens

By Doshka Harvey

Women take notice when a man sports a handsome pair of shoes.  Spot a man in these Cole Haan Air Colton saddle shoes ($198) and you might become smitten.  Good conversationalist, kissable lips, perfect gait, 6-foot-1 and impeccable footwear - soft calfskin with a classic design, polished leather sole and rich black/brown color pattern - this could be the perfect man!  What woman wouldn't want such a gentleman by her side?

Available at www.colehaan.com

Image from Cole Haan

By Doshka Harvey

Recently, I made an accidental yet delightful discovery on the Upper East Side of Manhattan - Lady M Cake Boutique.  If you are a lover of cake, then consider Lady M heaven on earth where you'll find yourself very much alive and filled with childlike glee at the confections before you.

Enter into the svelte and all white decor to discover lavishly adorned galettes, meringues, mille feuille, and crepes.

On the day of my visit I opted to try the Lady M Mille Crepes - 20 layers of thin hand-made crepes filled with creamy vanilla custard, topped with caramelized sugar.  Needless to say, I experienced nothing but excitement and mouth pleasing joy from the first to the last bite! 

Pricing:  $7.50 per slice, 6" - $40, 9" - $75

Address:  41 East 78th Street, b/w Madison and Park Avenue, NY, NY 10075, (212) 452-2222 

Mille Crepes image © 2010 Doshka Harvey

Interior image from Lady M Cake Boutique.  Photographer:  Paul Warchol 

By Doshka Harvey

"There's no time like Christmas!  There's no time like Christmas!"  Surely, if you click your heels three times in these Kate Spade ballet slippers called "Fling," you are bound to get all that you wish for during the holidays.  I believe it!  I'm already clicking and enjoying the comfort of the velvet feel and gazing at the beauty of the black bow. "There's no time like Christmas!"

Also available in black velvet, the "Fling" retails for $150 at www.katespade.com

Image from Kate Spade

By Doshka Harvey

The holidays are a time when you can dress your little ones in the cutest of outfits to look their best at family functions.  Whatever ensemble you already have set for your little girl, this wool cape coat from Kensington School is the most adorable cover-up to keep her warm and comfort cozy.

Sold at Jacadi Paris, this cape is made of wool and cashmere and has a detachable hood for a versatile look ($184).

Image from Jacadi Paris

By Doshka Harvey

Strut around town while grasping Finnish coolness in your hands.  This stylish clutch from Finnish concept store Marimekko is darling.  The print design is fun and flirty and everything girly. It's the ideal bag when hanging out in jeans and a nice top with friends on the weekends.  Made of cotton canvas with a leather trim, it is currently on sale for $155 at www.kiitosmarimekko.com

Address:  1262 Third Avenue, b/w 72nd and 73rd Streets, NY, NY 10021, (1-800-527-0624)

Image from Marimekko

By Doshka Harvey

The bow tie has been re-invented.  Bet you thought it was only meant to be clipped on or tied on - not at all.  Now you can quickly and easily slip one over your neck with Rebel Chic's "Winston" bow tie necklace.  Made from leather with gold filled hardware, this is fashion made convenient for that diva on the go.

Available at Rebel Chic for $125.

Images courtesy of Rebel Chic NYC

By Claudine Paul

Dance queen, Kylie Minogue, conjures familiarity with new music release Aphrodite.  The fun commences with single "All The Lovers," which sets the pace of the whole release and keeps toes tapping. Named after the mythical goddess of love, the main theme pronounced throughout is the subject of love. Minogue's Aphrodite is sure to keep dancing worshippers on the dance floor.

Images courtesy of EMI Music Publicity

By Doshka Harvey

Lanvin has joined the high rank of designers (Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Commes des Garçons and Sonia Rykiel) who have collaborated with H&M to design an exclusive collection.

With the women and menswear line set to hit stores in North America on November 20th and November 23rd worldwide, a very creative video called The Show has been launched to give you a sneak peek of the full Lavin hearts H&M collection.  Take a look. Video from H&M.