Darphin Hydraskin Essential: The perfect burst of moisture for all skin types, this emulsion provides immediate hydration. Featuring butterfly lavender and organic Shea Butter to soften and nourish the skin, it is the perfect daily dose for complexion perfection.

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner: Stila’s new waterproof eye liner applies extremely soft and smooth with immediate color release and intense payoff. www.stilacosmetics.com

PRIORI CoffeeBerry Perfecting Mineral Foundation SPF 25 UVA 10: This antioxidant, SPF, foundation and acne Treatment in one offers a 100% all natural formula fortified with CoffeeBerry, a potent anti-aging botanical that fights free radicals and the causes of skin aging.  www.prioriskincare.com

GOSMiLE Touch Ups in Watermelon Mint, Fresh Mint and Green Apple: A toothbrush, floss and breath mint in one convenient, portable ampoule. These new Touch Ups contain a more effective whitening formula with increased levels of hydrogen peroxide to keep teeth as white as the day you completed your whitening regimen. www.gosmile.com

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Invisible: This sprays on clear and instantly boosts volume and cleanses the hair without water. Ingredients such as gentle starches absorb excess oil and product build-up, while vitamin E and wheat proteins strengthen and protect the hair shaft. www.sephora.com

Here are my picks, inspired by Spring’s most prevalent trends:

TREND: Florals

Boden Corsage Flower Necklace- $58 at www.bodenusa.com

Charlotte Russe Earrings- $4.00 at www.charlotterusse.com

Dav Rain Boots- $75 at www.davrain.com

TREND: Tribal

Rachel Rachel Roy Fairwinds Clutch- $79 at www.rachelroy.com

DSW Ankle Cuff Sandals- $44.95 at www.dsw.com

Lands End Canvas Scarf – $29.50 at www.Landsend.com

TREND: Lilac

Rarities by Carol Brodie Jade Drop Earrings – $149.90 at www.hsn.com

Blackberry  Curve 8530 in Smoky Violet- $29.99 w/contract, www.verizon.com

TREND: Military

American Eagle Military Radar Hat – $19.50 at www.ae.com

Old Navy Cargo Zip Jacket- $39.50 at www.oldnavy.com

TREND: Plastics/Lucite

Aqua Necklaces- $30 and up at www.bloomingdales.com

One of my favorite things about traveling solo all over the country is being able to spend time wandering malls, perusing stores that I never come across in NYC. When I was in the Houston Galleria last month, I stumbled upon PH8- and was immediately smitten. The looks in the window embodied that effortlessly chic, thrown-together-but-in-the-coolest-way- possible style that I envy.

There was an ambiguity to the outfits- is she going to the gym? Or is she going out to some velvet-rope nightclub with her girlfriends? Whatever it is, she looks damn good.

Since that initial encounter, I have developed quite a little love affair with the brand. Their sequin mini, drapey zip ups and fashion-forward yoga wear are in constant rotation in my closet. Now, I have my eye on the zipper detail leggings and colorful crop jackets. If my new yoga regimen gives me that elusive “yoga butt” as promised, I am gonna treat myself to this little outfit to show it off.

And hey- the good thing is if you buy boatloads of PH8 and never set foot in the gym (New Year’s resolutions die fast and hard), you can still get tons of wear out of them.

Check out PH8 offerings on their website,  and follow them  on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ph8_Stores.

I am not one of those girls who freaks out at the thought of putting oil near my skin in fear of a breakout. Those girls sort of remind me of the ones that see a 3 pound weight and get all worried that if they lift it more than once they will bulk up.  Both oil and weight training are really quite good for you. But, since I am a beauty buff and not a fitness one- I will focus on the former. Specifically, today I am all about L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil. The love of my life- well, for the four minutes I spend in the shower every morning anyway.

Especially in the winter, this is the most perfect way to wash. The formula lathers up into a creamy froth on the skin, so you still get that “soap” sensation. It makes the entire shower smell like the most delicious Almond Cookie ever baked, and when you step out, your entire body feels super soft and conditioned. You really don’t even need to apply lotion- which is a big plus when it is as cold as it is now in NYC and all you want to do is bundle up in a plush robe to insulate you from your sub-zero apartment. 

I shared this find with Rachael Ray when I was on her show in December and she went nuts over it- as has everyone else who I have sampled it to. For me to use a product to the last drop and run out to get another one the next day is rare. So the fact that the second I ran out this I started frenetically searching for a fresh bottle just goes to show- this stuff is good.

Flats are deceiving- they look like they should be comfy, but for some reason, they always hurt more than sky-high stilettos. Why is that?

Well- we may not have all the answers- but designer Matt Berenson was kind enough to do 2 years of research to find out just what it is that makes flats so damn painful- and went out to solve every single footwear fault. The result is the simple and chic Waverly.  So as not to bite the back of our heels with every step, there is a soft weatherproof padding along the back that hug the feet gently- like they deserve!  The bottom is soft and flexible, moving with your foot- and there is a hint of padding on the insole for extra softness. Along the top border of the shoe- what apparently is called “the throat line”- is an elastic band wrapped in soft leather so it doesn’t cut into the foot, leaving nasty marks and even nastier memories.

I love the basic black style with a patent cap toe. Very classic on the outside, but completely innovative on the inside.

Scoop up a pair (or two) for $165 a pop here- and thank me later.

Stila Makeup Player- $69.90 at www.stilabeautytube.com
Makeup lessons on demand- tips and tools included. Oh, and did I mention the makeup lessons are FREE? Not too shabby.

Kelly VanGogh Heads Up! Highlighting Kit- $49 at www.kellyvangogh.com
The first fool-proof way to do highlights at home- you watch your color change as it works, and when the desired shade is reached, spritz on the deactivator and voila- perfect color.

Vavoom Design Pulse Switch Flicks Wax Gel by Matrix- $16 at salons, for locations visit www.matrix.com
A genius 2-in-1- on wet hair, it acts as a smoothing styling gel, and when applied to dry hair, it turns into a malleable pomade to create piece-y, textured style.

Vaseline Sheer Infusion- $6.25 at drugstores
No matter how dry your skin may be, this packs twice as much moisture in a light and silky formula as other lotions and doesn’t need to be re-applied mid-party.

Laura Geller Baked Body Frosting Duo- $40 at www.qvc.com
Use this multi-tasking miracle to get bronzed from head to toe- the powder formula goes on the skin with a dewy glow. If you put a beach vacation on hold- this is a nice way to fake sun-kissed skin.

Molton Brown Aroma Rocks- $45 at www.moltonbrown.com
Beauty sleep is essential- and this is the most glam way to get it. Pop open the top and let the blend of cedrus tree oil, sweet Florida orange oil and Bulgarian lavendar oil ease you into a good night of rest.

For Kids
MiniBoden Applique Shirts- $28 at www.bodenusa.com
CELEB FANS of MiniBoden- Angeline Jolie, Michelle Obama
One of the best things about this charming British online clothing retailer is that you can find special items that not every kid will be wearing- their items tend to sell out like crazy so think of everything as a limited edition essential!

For Teens
Old Navy Sequin Tanks- $14.50 at www.oldnavy.com
CELEB FANS of Old Navy- Brittany Snow, Kim Kardashian, Kristin Cavallari
Can’t believe these are less than $15 a pop- fun and colorful, perfect fit and great under boyfriend blazers- teens will go crazy for the sparkle details.

For Him
Molton Brown Indonesian Retreat gift set- $72 at www.moltonbrown.com
CELEB FAN of Molton Brown- Ryan Phillipe
This three-piece gift for men features energizing body products for an active lifestyle- perfect for the manly man who prides himself on being athletic but secretly loves a little pampering. Contains:bracing silverbirch thermal muscle soak, active cassia hair & body sportswash and bracing silverbirch body wash.

For Her
Limited Edition Michael Kors Very Hollywood Gem Set- $90.00 at department stores nationwide
CELEB FAN of Michael Kors Very Hollywood-Debra Messing
This is the sexiest new scent- and completely obsessed with the glam cocktail ring that comes inside the gift set filled with solid fragrance- a true double duty beauty essential! If you are torn between giving someone a beauty or a fashion gift- this is a perfect option.

For Mom
L’Occitane Shea Vanilla Caress Set- $46 ($54 Value) at loccitane.com
CELEB FANS of L’Occitane- Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Garner
Something about the scent of Vanilla is super soothing- and new moms are always obsessed with this scent! And since they rarely have time to pamper themselves, the gift of at-home pampering is always very appreciated.

For the Fashionable Workaholic:
Tory Burch Laptop Case- $75 at www.toryburch.com
CELEB FANS of Tory Burch- Hilary Swank, Katherine Heigl
This is the most chic way for a carry a computer- brand new and limited edition for the holidays, it is the ultimate present for the workaholic with a flair for all things fashion.

For Hostess
Philosophy the bake shoppe- $30 at www.philosophy.com
CELEB FANS of Philosophy- Mariska Hargitay, Whitney Port
Give the gift of decadent calorie-free sweet treats for the ultimate hostess to unwind with after the festivities. This includes pink frosted layer cake and raspberry mousse shampoo, shower gel & bubble baths; buttercream body lotion; and raspberry mousse flavored lip shine.

VALUE TIPS:

• Beauty brands tend to offer amazing deals in the forms of gift sets that come with extra goodies and amazing gifts with purchase that don’t cost a penny and can be re-gifted because they look like a million bucks.

• Look to off-price retailers this year more than ever because they are getting tons of in-season merchandise because other retailers have reduced their inventories drastically. So you can gift the must-have items that the people on your list are seeing in departments stores and boutiques- and they never have to know that you saved big time.

• A big trend in gifts this holiday season- which is a direct result of the lifestyle trend in spending more time at home/nesting- are things geared around staying in- including cozy loungewear, home pampering presents and home décor items. The great thing about all three of these categories is that they correspond with well-priced offerings- you don’t need to spend a lot to get a super comfy sweater, a decadent spa kit or a fun trinket for the home.

FOR HER:

Limited Edition Michael Kors Very Hollywood Gem Set- $90.00 at Macy’s

A true value- this is perfect for the beauty loving fashionista because not only does she get the best-selling new fragrance- but she gets a decadent body lotion and- the most exciting little extra- a giant cocktail ring filled with a solid version of the perfume.

Lands’ End FeelGood Cardigan- $69.50 at  www.landsend.com

Soft as cashmere – but offers the durability of cotton- these are cozy and comfy. Also- for every piece sold, Lands’ End will donate FeelGood yarn to One Heart Foundation’s Warming Families, a nationwide knitting charity. Lands’ End has donated thousands of pounds of yarn to the charity where volunteers plan to knit up to 25,000 hats and other items to warm the homeless.

FOR HIM:

Aramis Classic Executive Collection- $62.00 at Macy’s

Aramis is the quintessential guys grooming and fragrance brand- and this gift set is the perfect way to pamper the manliest of men.

Old Navy Slippers- $19.50 and up at www.oldnavy.com

A super comfy take on the classic men’s essential- these are lined with shearling and have a very on-trend Mad Men feel to them.

FOR KIDS:

MiniBoden Applique Shirts- $28 at www.bodenusa.com

One of the best things about this charming British online clothing retailer is that you can find special items that not every kid will be wearing- their clothing tends to sell out like crazy, so think of this as a limited edition essential!

philosophy have a cherry christmas- $16 at www.philosophy.com

This is one of those products that actually will make kids excited about bath time- and it also works as a shampoo and shower gel so a true multi-tasker. Gentle on the skin, it foams up into a fun and sweet smelling bubble bath.

FOR HOSTESS:

Crystal Deco Candle Stick Holders- $14.99 each at TJ Maxx stores

These are modern, sleek and literally go with any décor- which is crucial when bringing someone a gift for their home. They look like something from a fine boutique- just put them in a fancy gift bag- you can use a wine bag which will fit them perfectly- and you are pretty much guaranteed an invite back next year.

Molton Brown Marrakech Dreaming set- $58 at www.moltonbrown.com

Three things every hostess can always use- elegant hand soap and lotion for the powder room- and a fragrant candle to set the ambience. Filled with Rose Granati favorites, this lasts much longer than an actual bouquet!

STOCKING STUFFERS:

L’Occitane Sweet Cherry and Shea Vanilla Hugs & Kisses – $18 at www.loccitane.com and L’Occitane stores.

Two of the brands best-selling products in new flavors and limited edition bundles, these are perfect to stuff in stocking- you can even break the set up to share the love!

Beauty.com Exclusive Gift with $100 Purchase- FREE at www.beauty.com

If you are planning to purchase multiple gifts online, then head over to beauty.com to snag some extra swag. You can keep the limited edition Erikson Beamon bag for yourself if you want- and then fill stockings with the over $150 worth of samples that are stuffed inside.

Wet N Wild’s Festive Flirt Nail Enamel – $1.99 at mass retailers and drugstores
These mini polishes have high performance, seasonal color. Cute names like Ho-ho-ho, Holly and Blitzen will be a big hit when stuffed inside any stocking.

Old Navy Ruffled Faux-Leather Wristlet Clutch – $14.50 at OldNavy.com
Ravishing ruffles lend this chic faux-leather clutch stand-out style. Features a wristlet strap and foil floral-print woven lining.

philosophy the gingerbread man gel- $16 at www.philosophy.com
he’s back and ready to draw you a relaxing bath. the gingerbread man foaming bubble bath and shower gel pampers you with an ultra-rich, moisturizing lather that leaves your skin feeling clean and soft.

Limited-Edition DKNY Rollerball/Lipgloss Duo- $20.00 at department stores nationwide
DKNY Be Delicious EDP, in a portable rollerball form, is conveniently paired with a scented pearlescent pink lip gloss that is sheer and lightweight and adds sparkling dimension and glossy shine to lips.

Lands’ End Kids Down Vest- $25.50 at www.landsend.com
Comes in tons of colors and works for kids in any climate- it is light enough to be comfy and versatile but substantial enough to keep you warm.

Crystal Cuff- $29.99 at TJ Maxx
Truly a timeless style- this is something you would find in stores now but can scoop up at TJ Maxx for half the price!

Lilly Pulitzer Cocktail Shaker- $39.95 at www.lillypulitzer.com
A fun gift for the preppy that likes to party- a limited edition offering that serves up a fun twist on the classic shaker.

L’Occitane Sweet Cherry Temptation and Shea VanillaCaress Gift Boxes - $46 ($54 Value) at www.loccitane.com
Gift sets offer the best values- and this one comes wrapped ready to give in an exquisite keepsake box.

SIGNATURE GIFTS- Personalize as needed.

Nuddle-$68 at www.nuddleblanket.com

L’Occitane Hand Cream Bouquet - $45 at www.loccitane.com

SCENTED PRESENTS WITH OPTIONS- since everyone’s nose is different.

philosophy the bake shoppe - $30 at www.philosophy.com

Molton Brown Atlantic Trail gift set- $55 at www.moltonbrown.com

CURRENT SEASON DESIGNER DEALS- Don’t think current has to cost.

TJMaxx/Marshalls- Designer merchandise for half the price of department stores

DON’T FORGET THE FREEBIES- Extras can become gifts worth giving.

Beauty.com Exclusive Gift- Free with $100 purchase at www.beauty.com

Limited Edition Michael Kors Very Hollywood Gem Set- $90 at www.MichaelKors.com

TIMELESS CLASSICS FOR TREND MAVENS- Basics are best.

Lands’ End FeelGood Cardigan- $69.50 at www.landsend.com

Spiegel Cashmere Blend Blazer – $129 at www.spiegel.com

UPGRADES ON THE EVERYDAY- Luxury twists on necessities are always nice.

Matrix Gifted Elegance Collection – $20-$25 at Scissor Hands in Houston or www.matrix.com

Hanky Panky Bonbons- $18 at www.shopbop.com