We’re kicking off the last month of 2012 by keeping you in the loop on a number of items that are perfect for gifting, for you to wear to your events during the holiday season or to add to your wardrobe for the future – with our Last Minute Holiday Guide 2012! Last month we launched the Holiday Gift Guide for 2012 which had some key things that we were excited about for the season! This guide is a number of items to help you check items off of your list while also ensuring that you have fabulous finds for yourself and in time for your Secret Santa, stockings and to get under the tree. We’ve got you set for all of your gifting solutions and they’re all themed so all you have to do is relax and click away! We also have a NYE Guide that you can check out just in case you’re beginning to think about what you should wear on the big night that ends the year while kicking off to another! Let’s end 2012 on a good note that’s full of health, happiness and joy while also looking forward to all that is bound to happen in 2013! You can also check out updates to this Magalog by following the hashtag, #LastMinuteHolidayGuide (@KittenLounge) as we even have the scoop on what you can get just in time for your gifting deadlines!
The holidays are all about ensuring that your home reflects the spirit of the season! One of my favorite symbols during this time of year is a Christmas tree. Growing up, we had artificial trees as my sister had asthma and the upkeep of a natural tree was a bit much! I love that Balsam Hill (@BalsamHill) has a number of trees to meet your needs and although artificial, they’re amazingly life like! In addition, I love that many of them are pre-lit which is even better. Trying to figure out whether you’re light strings are still active and what connects with what takes away from the joy of putting up your tree. In addition, this site is a great destination to find ornaments, wreaths, garland and more. Just like we all have different requirements for the essential tree, you will have a number to choose from. Whether your decorations are for intimate spaces (our NYC small apartments), palatial lofts, and free standing homes or even outside décor – there are a number of options here. Visit Kitten Lounge to watch our fun video that we have thanks to our fab sponsor, Balsam Hill which will tell you how we decorated our tree and why we chose it!
We love our traditionalists but for those who want to bring fun into their holiday, Treetopia (@Treetopia) has you covered with trees, garlands and wreaths that come in a number of hues from red, gold, black, purple, rainbow and more! Whether it’s a dorm, office or your home you’re set!
LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE GIFTING TIP: We obsess over stacks on stacks
The holidays are about coming together whether it’s with co-workers, friends, family or your significant other! This means that with a busy schedule, it’s all about being able to rock a look that works in a moment’s notice. Marissa del Rosario (@MarissadRosario) has bracelets that can be worn alone, are stacked and are the perfect way to make your options a lot more chic. When it comes to an accessory that has a touch of the classics and a bit of an edge, it’s the perfect choice to wear out or for gifting whether it’s a set or for a stocking stuffer. Don’t ask us to choose which one should be under our tree and check out additional offerings from this accessories designer!
LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE GIFTING TIP: When getting a last minute invite to a gathering, don’t show up empty handed. Everyone loves tasting something new!
We all know of times when we realize that a brunch with friends turns into a brunch at home. Perhaps you’re invited to decorate someone’s tree, will be wrapping packages or are just checking in. Regardless, you should never show up empty handed and when thinking about what makes since in terms of the type of alcohol to bring, why not bring something that will allow you to share a story about? We’re such fans of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction (@ArtintheAge) as I love that they bring a number of old time alcohol mixes back to the modern age! One of their newest products is Sage which is a fabulous blend of Dandelion, Thyme, Rosemary and Fennel. We’ve been mixing away at Kitten Lounge and we love to taste this when it’s with citrus based beverages or in warm tea! We’ve also been a fan of Barenjager Honey (@BarenjagerHoney) for a long time and when we found that this honey based alcohol now has a version that’s a mixture of honey AND bourbon, we were excited! This is the perfect drink to mix with hot toddies, ginger ale and more – it screams a fabulous winter drink. Check back as we will have videos of cocktails for both of these drinks within our NYE Guide!
LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE GIFTING TIP: Always be party ready!
Shobha (@MyShobha) on Madison Ave is my favorite place to keep my brows looking fabulous and so this season it’s important to spread the good cheer to all those in need! A few weeks ago, I went to the opening of their newest location in the Financial District. This location could also use you guys as well and so we’re excited to announce that between now and Dec 16th, you can get a free brow, underarm or bikini treatment! Simply print this out and being it in; however, you only get ONE of these items for free, AND you must be a new Shobha customer so if you’ve always wanted to check it out – this is your perfect opportunity to do so. For additional information, read the information above and see why Kitten Lounge stands behind one of our favorite salons in the city!
LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE GIFTING TIP: Comfort is key but just keep it sensual (giveaway alert)!
Then there are the gifts that you give yourself! We have a fun array of fun items that are for you! We fell in love with Curvy Couture (@CurvyCouture1) which is a plus size line of lingerie as we think that everyone should have fabulous underwear! How fabulous are the peacock inspired lingerie set (love the sleep mask which is also blinged out) as well as the Swarovski hand placed stones she ranges from 36C – 44D (next year this line will be available in H). One of my favorite underwear lines that I love rocking is Affinitas Intimates – especially their panty packs where each package has 3 pairs! This is perfect for long weekends or keeping an extra stash. I love Affinitas Intimates so much that we will be giving 5 winners the opportunity to win a pack between now and Dec 15th. Simply tell us about a long weekend trip you would take during the holidays and a pack can be yours! Just make sure to tweet @AffinitasIntima and @KittenLounge #HolidayGetaway. When it comes to a night in, how can you pass up Jimmyjane (@Jimmyjane)? This candle not only illuminates a room with its aroma but as it burns, it creates an oil which can be used while getting a massage! Whether after this massage or when you’re out and about, we also suggest rocking Courtesan Candy (@Shoshi) perfume oils!
LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE GIFTING TIP: Two gifts for us and one for you (giveaway alert)!
We travel a lot whether it’s getting gifts for others, meeting with friends after work and of course heading out to meet up on Christmas and more. When we do, our music must go with us! We love Sol Republic as we were sent In Ear headphones in grey AND we were able to make Track Remixes (this is when you select your color of the headband, your chords and the earphones) in our favorite signature pink color! We also love that whichever ones we rock, we’ll be able to listen to music while also being able to use them to talk on our phones or to Skype because of their Cleartalk Cables! We loved this so much that we had to spread some love to you! On Dec 18th, we will select a winner for these red, white and blue Anthem Tracks HD. Tweet @SolRepublic and @KittenLounge what you’re fave song is this holiday to calm down from the madness #HolidayTunes.
LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE GIFTING TIP: Stocking stuffers need to be fun!
We love Avon (@AvonPRGals) and Mark (@MarkGirl) products as there are tons of things to check out and they make a great stocking stuffer, Secret Santa and more! Whether you’re thinking of beauty/skincare products as a gift, accessories or apparel – they have you covered!
LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE GIFTING TIP: Sometimes people will try it if you leave it out!
My obsession with Korres (@KorresUSA) is all about having amazing skin (and yes it could make amazing gifts for others but this is definitely something that I would put in my own stocking)! I’ve been stocking up on a number of items lately as they span from beauty to skincare! What’s not to love about them? When I know people are coming over, I like to leave things out to encourage people to try! I always get my mom to try something new this way and it’s a great way to gift it!
LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE GIFTING TIP: Giving starts with you!
We know that everyone is always asking themselves how they can look amazing now or into the New Year. We believe in eating right, exercise etc. but we know that sometimes in addition to these methods, we have to add in a few things. We had been hearing a lot about VelaShape (@VelaShape) which many of Bravo’s Housewives (we know that Kim from Real Housewives of Atlanta has used this and was even included within one of the episodes – only Kim would nibble on pizza while she contoured her body) have tweeted about using. VelaShape is the premiere FDA cleared device for body contouring, cellulite removal and slimming that feels much a like a warm massage. Whether it’s body after baby, a simple confidence booster or just a beauty treatment to prepare for a bikini-donning vacation, Vela is a much desired option for women and men the world over. We think this is a great gift for you or someone that you know is looking for this and we will be talking more about this into the New Year (just as we have with a number of treatments that take multiple applications so that you can see the process)! LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GUIDE GIFTING TIP: Giving starts with you and lasts for weeks!
Giving to you or to others continues with Beam Laser Spa (@BeamLaserSpa)! Many of you know that I was super dubious when it came to laser treatments years ago. As an African American, I knew that many spas didn’t have the appropriate lasers that were for olive to darker skin and could in many cases; lighten the skin in addition to removing hair! But when I met the fabulous Young sisters (Andrea and Liz – gorgeous Brazilian Glamazons) of Beam Laser Spa, I got an education on the different types of lasers and the care that they took in to ensure that their patients were properly treated! A few years ago, I got my underarms taken care of. To this day (years later), I still say that I barely have to shave! This fall, I received treatments on my bikini line here and I’m so pleased that I did this! Beam Laser Spa is located on the UWS in the Columbus Circle area and has a pleasant staff, one that tells you what will happen and allows you to have a moment if you want a little more of a space between zaps! I’m a huge advocate of this spa salon for hair removal and encourage everyone to check it out (or to ask me questions)!