gift guide 2012: classic christmas

Nothing says Christmas like vibrant red and forest green. Whether it's festive footwear or coffee mugs made for cozy afternoons by the fire, gifts in these timeless colors will bring a dose of holiday cheer to everyone on your list.

1/ TOMS Red Dot Women's Classics, $54. 2/ Crate & Barrel Pick Me Up Mugs with Tray, $25. 3/ McSteven′s Rudolph’s Chocolate Creamy Cocoa, $8. 4/ Alexander McQueen Skull Print Silk Chiffon Scarf, $295. 5/ Pendleton Tartan Mug Set, $52. 6/ Tory Burch Pietra Doro Long Necklace, $425. 7/ Michael Kors Crystal Bracelet, $250. 8/ Reed Krakoff Boxer Bag, $1,090. 9/ Crate & Barrel 3-Piece Holiday Snowflake Nesting Bowl Set, $20. 10/ J.Crew Collection Janey Printed Flats, $248.

gift guide 2012: ballerina dreams

I have a serious love for ballet, so it goes without saying that one of my favorite holiday traditions is watching The Nutcracker. Lucky for me, my cable subscription includes Ovation TV, which broadcasts a "Battle of the Nutcrackers" every season. This year, that means seven different Nutcracker productions to enjoy. The music, the costumes, the sets - The Nutcracker is the ballet that makes thousands of little girls (ok, and grown women) dream of becoming a ballerina. So why not give the one you love a little piece of her dreams this Christmas? From haute fashion to a gorgeous book of ballet photography, these Nutcracker-inspired gifts will bring out the ballerina in anyone.

1/ Crate and Barrel King Nutcracker, $130. 2/ Alexander McQueen Blossom Pink Circle Mini Dress, $2,560. 3/ Bloch Amelie Pointe Shoes, $64. 4/ Repetto BB Strass Swarovski Crystal Embellished Leather Ballet Flats, $600. 5/ Lululemon Skinny Satin Pirouette Headband, $12. 6/ Ballet Beautiful Workout DVDs, $11-$13. 7/ Ballet: Photographs of the New York City Ballet by Henry Leutwyler, $88. 8/ Nutcracker Nation: How an Old World Ballet Became a Christmas Tradition in the New World, $22. 9/ Xhilaration Juniors Fashion Legwarmer, $7. 10/ La Mer Collections Crystal Ballerina Charm Watch, $165. 11/ Rebecca Taylor Perfect Fit Strapless Dress, $425.

gift guide 2012: tiffany blue

If you are one of the lucky few who managed to get all your holiday shopping done between Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday - congratulations! If you, like me, aren't in that first group, don't sweat. There is plenty of time left before Christmas, and over the next few weeks I'll be sharing great gift ideas for everyone on your list. And you may even find a little something for yourself along way.

I can't seem to get enough of my latest color crush. Tiffany blue, aquamarine, turquoise, robin's egg blue - whatever you want to call, it's absolutely lovely. At once elegant and cheerful, it gives a fresh pop of color to everything from kitchen appliances to cameras.

1/ KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer, $350. 2/ J.Crew Edie Purse, $238. 3/ Yves Saint Laurent Arty Gold-Plated Glass Ring, $290. 4/ Kate Spade Pixel Journal, $28. 5/ Lomography Diana F+ Camera, $99. 6/ Tory Burch Cotton Simone Cardigan, $225. 7/ Essie Nail Polish in Where's My Chauffeur, $8. 8/ Paper Source Seashell Letterpress Stationery, $10.50. 9/ Nanda Home Tocky Clock, $58. 10/ J.Crew Bubble Necklace, $120. 11/ Urbanears Plattan Headphones, $60.

small business saturday is november 24!

While there are literally thousands of people gearing up for the rat race that is Black Friday, I'm making plans for Small Business Saturday. Founded in 2010 to give small businesses more exposure on one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year, Small Business Saturday brings together shoppers who want to buy local and the independent designers, boutiques and specialty shops that give a community its unique flavor. From dance wear to home wares, here's a peek at the local shops I'll be visiting this Saturday.