55 Secret Street

55 Holiday Favorites

   

Gifts and Parties

55. BeBe Metallic Leather Belted Coat (top)  54.  Satin Renee Peep Toes Pump (top) and 53. Bow Bubble Dress -   I had to drag myself out of BeBe with all of their cute party dresses and shoes! The bubble dress may be out of stock online, but I did see it in the stores.  I love the metallic jacket because you can use it long past the holiday party season over a pencil skirt or a great pair of jeans. 

52.  Veuve Clicquot Pucci La Grande Dame Gift Pack, 1996 (top)  Inside of the "Caprice" bottle cooler is the Pucci-inspired bottle of La Grande Dame.    It is insulated, reusable and guaranteed to put a smile on your hostess's face upon presentation.  

51.  Blahnik by Boman: Shoes, Photographs, Conversation -  I have been a fan of this gorgeous coffee table book since it was released in 2005.  You really can't go wrong with this - especially with your favorite fashionista. 

50.  Van Der Zee Music Box -  Speaking of conversation, this music box is a nice, unique gift to give.   I know that my mother and stepmother would love to keep their jewelry in a box like this.  James Van Der Zee was a legendary African-American photographer - see my Virtu section for some of his work.  This pretty little music box is adorned with one of his most famous photographs, "The Wedding Party" from 1926. 

49.  Sony VAIO UX280P Micro PC (top)  I am so in love with this!  It is a full-fledged pocket-sized laptop and it would bring tears to my eyes if it were under the tree with my name on it.   In fact, it would bring tears to my eyes with anybody's name on it!

48.  George Foreman Indoor Grill with Timer -  I literally wore out my first George Foreman grill, so this would certainly be welcome in my house.   However, I think one or both of my sisters would really appreciate this.

47.  The Bible Experience Audio Bible - Even if you celebrate Festivus, I'll bet someone you know would get a kick out of hearing Denzel Washington as Solomon, Forest Whitaker as Moses, Jeffrey Wright as John the Baptist, Angela Bassett as Esther, Cuba Gooding Jr. as Judas Iscariot and Samuel L.  Jackson as, you guessed it, the voice of God.

46. Anthropologie Punchy Plaid Wrap - You know how there is always one gift that you buy that you inevitably keep for yourself?  This would be it for me.

45.  7 For All Mankind Stretch A-Pocket Jeans - Whenever I take a quiz at Glam.com, 7 For All Mankind jeans show up in my results.  Coincidence?  Well, yes... I think so.   I don't know that 7 is made for the more bootylicious among us, but I would gift these to one of my no arse friends.  Or my little sister (Hey Sweet Pea!)

 43. and 44.  Lap and Foot Duvets by Restoration Hardware - My middle sister Tijuana (I am the oldest and the Queen, hahaha...) would love these.    I can see her now, snuggled on the couch, hogging the remote control.   

Ah, don't you just love the holidays...

55 Holiday Favorites

Charitable Giving

42. Silver Oval Earrings by Joan Hornig (top)  Joan Hornig had a successful career on Wall Street before she started her jewelry business.   She sells the jewelry through Bergdorf Goodman, which means she could make a fortune.  Instead, she donates 100% of the profits to the charity of her customer's choice!  That's right, you buy the jewelry and you get to pick the charity - and not just for the holidays!

41.   Kenneth Cole Limited Edition Bon Jovi T-Shirt (top)  First of all, I'm from New Jersey so I love Bon Jovi.  You're not allowed to be from Jersey and not like Bon Jovi!   Anyway, if you're gonna buy a $50 T-Shirt, this is the one to buy.   All profits will go to HELP USA,  an organization that helps the homeless become self-sufficient through job training, placement and other programs.

40.  Watercolor Cards by Anne Watkins - Each card tells the story of the special needs dog or cat depicted.   Bruno, for instance, suffers from seizures.  He is a pit bull that was rescued from being raised in dog fighting circles.   All proceeds from these beautiful cards will benefit Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter  for abandoned animals in New York City.

39. Daisy Soap by The Body Shop - This soap contains Ghanaian shea butter and bits of daisy extracts, but the most beautiful thing?  All proceeds from the sale of this soap will go to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

38. Cargo Holiday Glossy Greeting Tags (top)  Now this is what I call a gift tag!  That red dot you see is actually lip gloss (you get five) and all proceeds go to the St. Jude Children's Research  Hospital.

37. Benefit Big Magic Lip Gloss -  Love this pretty gloss in both shades (soft mauve and pearly pink).  And I love that all net proceeds from it will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

36. M.A.C. Kids Helping Kids Holiday Cards (top)  These cards feature art by kids on behalf of kids living with AIDS.  M.A.C. has been in on the fight against AIDS from the beginning course.   In fact, I am long time devotee of their original Viva Glam lipstick.  All proceeds from Viva Glam have gone to the fight against AIDS from day one.   

55 Holiday Favorites

   

Film, Music & TV

35.  A Diva's Christmas Carol (top) Who knew a VH-1 movie could be so much fun!  Sure, everyone loves Vanessa Williams's witchy Wilhemina on Ugly Betty, but her Ebony Scrooge can go toe to toe with Miss Wilhemina any day of the week.

34.  How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss (top) I'm sorry, but the Grinch is the man.  I'll be watching this (the original!) when I'm ninety years old.

33.  This Christmas by Donny Hathaway,  32.  Silent Night by the Temptations,  31. The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole.

As far as I'm concerned, it is NOT Christmastime until I hear these songs.  I swear cakes don't rise and the greens don't taste right until they are played in their entirety!  Once they are played, you may proceed with your holiday celebration.

30.  Give Love on Christmas Day by The Jackson 5 - Instantly, I am seven years old when I hear this, but it's a good thing.  Oh Michael...

29.  Santa, Baby by Eartha Kitt - Eartha's classic wink-and-nod holiday favorite has been covered countless, and I do mean countless times.  But, there's nothing like her purr-fect original.

28.  O Holy Night by Mariah Carey - O Holy Night is easily my favorite Christmas song ever.  When it's done right I get chills and Mariah does the job here.  I also like the renditions by Yolanda Adams and Sandi Patty.

27.  The Christmas Music of Johnny Mathis -  I'm especially partial to Sleigh Ride, Winter Wonderland and, of course, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. 

26.  Jingle All The Way by Lena Horne  (top)  This is a fun new addition to my iPod.   I always love Lena's no-nonsense get outta my way honey delivery.   While I was at it, I added two non-Christmas songs:  Summertime and her signature song,  Stormy Weather.

25.  What Are You Doing New Year's Eve by Nancy Wilson - Can I tell you my quick Nancy Wilson story?  I met her a few years ago backstage in her dressing room at the Blue Note (the legendary Manhattan jazz club).  She was in her bathrobe reading a book and she was flawless with no makeup.  And she's still beautiful today - check her out here in the new issue of Essence.

24.  Baby, It's Cold Outside by Vanessa Williams and Bobby Caldwell - This is a really nice version from Vanessa's first Christmas album. Bobby Caldwell (for the young'uns out there) is known for his huge hit What You Won't Do For Love (you'll try everything, but you won't give up... in my wooorld... only you...)  Yeah, that one.  He's bad. 

23.  Christmas in Hollis by Run D.M.C. -  It's Christmas time in Hollis, Queens! Mom's cookin' chicken and collard greens!  Rice and stuffing, macaroni and cheese, and Santa putting gifts under Christmas trees!  Decorate the house with lights at night!  Snow on the ground - 

Okay, let me stop...

55 Holiday Favorites

 

Food, Wine & Home

22.  Apple Truffles by Williams & Sonoma (top) Yes, they are truffles not apples!   They are made with dark chocolate and toasted almonds and filled with caramel and apple ganache.  I know you want to reach through the computer screen right about now! 

21. Williams & Sonoma also has a nice mix of  Mulling Spices  that can be simmered with apple cider or  steeped in water to give your house that delicious spicy cinnamon aroma.

20.  Peach Bourbon Turkey by The Jive Turkey - This was a big hit with my family on Thanksgiving.   We also had the Cajun Fried and the Fresh Herb seasoned turkies.  You've never had fried turkey you say?  Oh boy are you in for a treat! 

19 .  B. Smith 5-Piece Lazy Susan Condiment Set -  I saw B. Smith in Whole Foods once looking spectacular (I'm guessing that she was going to an event or something because I'll bet that even she doesn't go food shopping that camera ready all the time.  Or does she?) Anyway, this wonderful Lazy Susan set she offers via Bed Bath & Beyond is perfect for chips, nuts and candies.

18.  Cuisinart 6-Bottle Wine Cellar - Perfect, perfect, perfect I say!  Any city dweller in a tiny apartment they can barely afford with its minimal counterspace will love you for this.  Trust me on this one. 

17.  Riedel "O" Merlot Gift Set (top) If you're going to spring for the wine cellar, I don't think the city dweller would have any complaints about this gift set - even if they can't fit three other people into their apartment!

16.  Diva Candleholders by Crate & Barrel (top) I think this justs screams "co-worker" or backup gift for a neighbor or that cousin that shows up on Christmas once every ten years.

15.  Sil Pin Silicone Rolling Pin (top)  I don't know if I want to use these rolling pins or hang them up for decoration.  I may try my hand at making holiday cookies yet!  Oh wait, do you need a rolling pin to make cookies?

14.  Crystal Handled Ice Bucket by Tiffany & Co. - Yes, it's Tiffany's and it's pricey but look on the  bright side.  Whomever you give this to will take care of it and have it forever because it's from Tiffany.  At least you know they'll get some use out of it!

13.  Old Fashioned Poundcake by Oh So Sweet Confections via 1865 Company - 1865 company is a company after my own heart.  They pay homage to African-American pioneers and history through a variety of top quality products in several different categories including clothing, home decor and gourmet food like this old fashioned butter-cream poundcake.

12.  Drinking Chocolate Collection by Marie Belle - I am incapable of making a list of favorites without including MarieBelle.  I went to a chocolate tasting about two years ago and I've been hooked ever since.   If you've been thinking about trying it, now is the perfect time to add it to your list. 

55 Holiday Favorites

 

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I put up my 55 Fall Favorites last September, but I think I've started a little tradition here!  So, since it's that most wonderful time of the year again, here are my 55 Favorites for the Holiday Season beginning with, what else? 

Beauty

11.  Bliss Spaahh'-kling Body Butter and 10. Pooka Pure & Simple Frankincense & Myrrh Body Butter - Of course, I love body butter all year, but I really like the spaah'-kling champagne scent Bliss has added to their latest and Pooka Pure & Simple's Frankincense & Myrrh is just as irresistible.

9.  White Linen Holiday Nutcracker Compact by Estee Lauder  (top)  Is it really a beautiful Christmas without Estee Lauder's legendary solid perfume compacts?  I think not people!  One of my first jobs was doing makeup at the Estee Lauder counter at Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan,  so I've always had a special place for in my heart for the brand.

8.    Kiehl's Ultimate Man Collection (top) You can always count on Kiehl's in a pinch - especially for the guys.  I would pick this up for my cousin Kyle because I know he would use it and I can't exactly afford that cover he'd like for his Thunderbird convertible.

7.  Clinique Limited-Edition Candy Glosswear Twirl Treat Set - Isn't this the cutest?  A nice little stocking stuffer to split between your favorite little nieces or, a little something for the college freshman in the family who really shouldn't be spending twenty-six bucks on lip gloss. 

6.  NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Surbaya - The Surbaya colors are brown sugar and chestnut and, speaking from personal experience, it looks really great on chocolately skin.  Combine it with a nice NARS lip gloss like Rose Birman (a sheer rasberry) or Sandpiper (a shimmering amber coral) and you're really in business.

5.  L'Oreal Hip High Intensity Pigments Blendable Blushing Creme in Elated - I usually skip blush, but sometimes I'll get a little ambitious during the holiday season.  Of course, I would sneak a little on my eyes too.

4.   Regina Harris Fragrance Oil and 3.   Yosh Ginger Ciao Fragrance (top) - On the Ne Plus Ultra side, makeup artist Regina Harris has added touches of frankincense and myrrh to this gorgeous bottle inspired by her trips to Marrakech.   And I have to say that just hearing the ingredients drew me in to Yosh's Ginger Ciao.  It's made with Arabian sandalwood, ylang ylang, black coconut, Kenya lily, basil and ginger.  Delicioso.... 

2.  The Body Shop's Cranberry Body Butter - Yes, indeed - more body butter!  Malinda Williams of Soul Food once told me in an interview for Essence.com that she loved the cranberry body butter from the Body Shop.   She was loving it for the beach but of course, it will work in the wintertime as well. 

1.  Dior Pretty Charms Locket (top) Another lovely locket from Dior.  I think this would be another cute stocking stuffer to pass on to a favorite little niece or cousin.  You know they would wear it long past the holidays! 

Merry Christmas, Darling

La Petite Coquette is a fun, really adorable lingerie boutique in the Village that I pass everyday on my way to class.  Usually, I just admire the window display and keep going (it is finals time), but the other day I decided to stop in because I've been hunting for ideas for the next edition of my 55 Favorites list (55 Holiday Favorites - coming next week!) 

While La Petite Coquette is no stranger to a celebrity clientele, don't let the pictures fool you.  They also carry a considerable selection for the curviest among us.   

 

Fantasie Bridgette Underwire Plunge Bra $79.00.  Chantelle Chantilly Thong $52.00.  Chantelle Chantilly Chemise $95.00.