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B4 THE ADVOCATE
l WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11, 2013
The Advocate gives readers an early insight into this season’s holiday bargains, Christmas albums, winter fashions and classic activities
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11, 2013 l THE ADVOCATE
Winter fashions highlight style Demands of season require fashionistas to keep cool with hip styles, practicality
UnderArmour
Headgear
For both men and women, UnderArmour is a useful, comfortable and practical gift. The sleek, form-fitting, moisture-wicking performance apparel can come in the form of hooded sweatshirts, T-shirts, sweat pants, warm-up outfits and compression shorts. Skirts, capris and leggings are also offered for women. Even undergarments like sports bras, underwear and socks can be purchased. UnderArmour can be purchased online at underarmour.com or at nearby locations including R.E.I., Blue Sky, Big 5, Champs, Finish Line or Sports Authority. —Veronica Santos
Jackets, vests, hoodies, windbreakers
Holiday movies revive memories, produce spirit of yuletide cheer “A Christmas Story”
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”
“A Rugrats Chanukah”
This is a classic film that will bring back memories of past holidays for any viewer. The story follows 9-year-old Ralphie who yearns for a Red Rider BB gun as a Christmas present from his parents. When he tells everyone he receives the same response from them, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” The movie is a classic and is full of family fit humor that will definitely have some appearances on television channels during the holidays.. —George Morin
The story touches on the over-commercialization and secularism of Christmas. A theme that the peanut gang deals with in the film, and serves to remind viewers of the true meaning of Christmas in the eyes of Charles Shultz. It’s a classic film that will bring nostalgia to most viewers. Even though the movie was made in 1965 it can be a blast for past fans and children who have never experienced the film before.
The “Rugrats Chanukah Special,” is a special episode of Nickelodeon’s animated television series “Rugrats.” The episode tells the story of the Jewish holiday Chanukah through the eyes of children, who imagine themselves as the main characters. Meanwhile, Grandpa Boris and his long-time rival, Sholomo, feud over who will play the lead in the local synagogue’s Chanukah play. It’s a classic with children, that takes a look into Chanukah and takes some time to explain the history of the holiday and why it is important. —George Morin
—George Morin
Scarves
Chia pet Price: $15-$20 Where: Wal-Mart, Amazon.com Who: Anyone, gardeners
The Super Dooper Reindeer Pooper Price: $4-$7 Where: Rite-Aid, Amazon.com Who: Relatives, children, anyone who finds humor in edible waste products of animals. Why: Nothing says “Happy Holidays” more than a pooping animal, but this is a mess that is easy and tasty to clean. The Super Dooper Reindeer Pooper, a fun little reindeer that poops out edible candy, is a great gift for the holiday season. As cheap as $4 at some locations, this little gift is sure to get some smiles and laughs. So if gag gifts are the avenue of choice, look no further than this. If the reindeer was not enough, he has friends too. Also available are a polar bear and penguin able to perform the same bodily functions. —George Morin
Why: A cheesy gift idea would be a chia pet, a clay pot shaped in the form of your favorite animal, president or cartoon character. When you add seeds it grows “hair” made out of grass. They can be grown indoors all year round and make good projects for kids. They come in a variety of styles and shapes. – George Morin
Trenchcoats/peacoats
The old saying that 80 percent of A number of otherwise wonbody heat lost exits through the head derful winter outfits cover from may be untrue, but warm headgear the head up and the shoulders is still an essential part of winter down but leave the neck bare. A fashion. Tailored to compliment any nice, thick scarf remedies color or pattern, the popular New this problem, while Era 5950 fitted caps come in adding another level of countless designs and are a style to one’s ensemwelcome addition to most ble, usually in the price outfits. For even warmer range of $10-$50. options, covers such as From wool to cashbeanies, earflap hats and mere, home-sewn to aviator bombers are sure store-bought, scarves to maintain a higher body can be one of the temperature as the mermost comforting cury begins to plumarticles of winter met. Prices range fashion, bringing from $15-$40. warmth and securi—George ty to their wearers. Morin —Veronica Santos
It is time to bag up all the skirts, shorts and T-shirts and time to pull out the winter jackets, sweaters and windbreakers in order to brave the cold weather. Always popular items, fur-enveloped hoodies, vests and jackets are great for warmth, as well as for appearance. Patterns are big this winter season and jackets, vests and hoodies bearing designs from stripes to hound’s tooth to checkered patterns or plaid are easy to find. The shopper can have some more fun with jackets and vests. Vests can be purchased in a wide array of colors and designs. Buttons, zippers, pockets and belts are all options when shopping and purchasing. Besides the typical warm, puffy jacket that returns each season, trenchcoats for men and peacoats for women are definitely in this season. Jackets vary in price, and can be found anywhere from $30-$80. Vests are fairly cheaper and usually go for $20-$45. Windbreakers are back, but more of a subtle fashion choice. H&M, TRUE or HUF can be great locations for colorful, stylish windbreakers, some in hoodie form while others sport zippers. Prices can range anywhere from $50-$130 for windbreakers. Great locations for any of these items include Tilly’s, Urban Outfitters, Zumiez, Macy’s, The North Face, Hollister, Pac Sun, Abercrombie and Fitch, Forever 21 and Anchor Blue. Apparel can be purchased online as well. —Veronica Santos
As fall gives way to winter, it will be time to bundle up in a warm, comfortable coat. This fashion season, guys and gals cannot go wrong with a stylish trenchcoat or fabulous peacoat. Stores to look out for, in terms of quality and bargains, are Old Navy, Gap, Forever 21 and Burlington Coat Factory, to name a few. For the women, peacoats are coming in an array of colors and cuts. Different designers are offering belts to wrap around the waistline, shorter cuts and more form-fitting styles. Guys, on the other hand, can find traditional navy peacoats, long trench coats and peacoats with zippers and extra pockets. Prices for a fashion-minded coat can run from $45-$120. So if warmness and fashion are one’s priorities this holiday winter season, a good fleece will be in one’s best interest. —George Morin
Skinny jeans A wardrobe staple for this winter is skinny jeans. Although they started becoming popular more than a few years ago, current trends keep them fresh. Skinny jeans can be found in an array of colors, from classic blue to jewel tones to neons. Wild patterns are also in, from checkers to zebra print. They can be dressed up or down, making them the perfect pants for any occasion. Girls’ skinny jeans can be found in a number of stores, from Forever 21 to Hollister to H&M. Prices range from $25-$50, often depending on the color and style. Guys have joined the trend as well. Like their female counterparts, guys can choose from many different labels, such as Levi’s and Empyre. They often start at $35 and can easily go up to $65 and over. With designer denim, prices go up even higher. —George Morin
Gloves, belts and earmuffs
The Advocate’s present list for penny-wise gifters
B5
Winter accessories are also finding a place in this season’s fashions. Belts for guys and girls never go out of fashion and are functional year around. Earmuffs are making a comeback, most being incorporated into hats. These knitted hats hang over the wearer’s ears for warmth and can be worn by men and women. Gloves are practical fashion items, especially for the colder winter days or trips to the snow or city. For women, gloves are more form fitting and can cut off at the wrist or extend down the arm for a more elegant, sophisticated look. Gloves for both sexes come in various colors, patterns and material. Although more designed to be fashionable than functional, fingerless gloves are also gaining popularity. Gloves, earmuff hats and belts can be found at most local apparel stores and rarely exceed $25. —George Morin
Boots As temperatures drop, it is time to stash the flipflops and flats and break out the boots. Boots not only keep one’s feet warm and snug, but can also be extremely stylish. They can go from plain and practical to daring and flashy. Among the better-known boots are the iconic Uggs, as well as Doc Martens. Rain boots are making a comeback as well. They can be found in solid colors as well as eye-catching patterns. Boots of all heights and styles are in. Those in search of comfort can take solace in flat boots, while those more daring can try on a pair of stiletto boots. Ankle and kneehigh boots are popular with women, while lace-up and Western-style boots can appeal to both sexes. Depending on brand and style, boots can range from $35-$600. —George Morin
WARM UP WITH HOLIDAY DRINKS
Marshmallow shooter Price: $14.99-$16.95 Where: Amazon, Drugstore.com Who: Young men, co-workers, anyone who enjoys harmless pseudo-violence Why: Some might consider this gadget to be childish, stupid, excessively violent or all three. What these detractors forget, however, is how much joy this “weapon” can bring to a person. After all, not every holiday present allows its owner to pelt people with delicious edibles. One can bestow days, months or years of enjoyment upon the recipient by giving them this simple device. Half the fun lies in finding new ways to use it, whether it is in the form of skill-based games or relentless torturing of loved ones. —George Morin
Gas gift cards Price: $0.01 and up Where: Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobile, 76, BP, Texaco Who: Motorists, teenagers about to get their license, anyone tired of spending one fourth of their paycheck on fuel Why: In a decade where the lows have hovered around 80 or so cents and the highs above $5, few gifts communicate an understanding of mutual frustration better than gas gift cards. Sure, gift cards are often thought to be cold evidence that the gift giver does not know the intended recipient well enough, but such a belief is not always true. Sometimes, one just has to address the necessities in life, particularly when money and love are involved. Even though the price of gas has seen significant decline lately, given the mercurial nature oil barrel market values, there is no telling how long fuel stays under $4. —George Morin
Hot Apple Cider (serves four)
Price: $12.99 Where: Best Buy Who: Parents, grandparents, anyone who enjoys constantly changing their keychain photos
2 bottles of sparkling apple cider such as Martinelli’s 2 cups dark, spiced rum, such as Captain Morgan 2 cinnamon sticks ½ teaspoon nutmeg (powder) ½ teaspoon whole cloves 1 vanilla pod whipped cream extra cinnamon sticks for garnish caramel (optional)
Why: Give a loved one a gift that they can take wherever they go. The Insignia digital photo key chain is perfect for keeping photos of family, pets and other stuff. It can hold up to 40 pictures in JPEG format. It has a 1.8-inch bright LCD screen with a built-in clock and it comes with a USB cable to connect it to your computer to transfer photos. —George Morin
In a medium-sized pot, combine cider, rum, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and cloves. Split the vanilla bean in half, and scrape the inside with the back of a knife. Add the pod and beans into the mixture. Let the ingredients boil to infuse the flavor from the spices. Ladle into a mug and top with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick. For added flavor, drizzle with caramel. —Veronica Santos
Digital photo keychain
Spiced Pear Gin Martini (serves two) 2 cups Trader Joe’s spiced pear cider 1 packaged cup Trader Joe’s pear sauce 1 cup gin ice pear slices
Peppermint Hot Chocolate (serves four) 1 quarter gallon of milk 1 ½ cups peppermint schnapps 5 tablespoons hot cocoa mix 1 bar Ghirardelli dark chocolate whipped cream candy canes
Add cider, pear sauce, gin and ice into a martini shaker. Heat milk in a large pot. Add hot Shake ingredients until cold and pour into a martini glass. Add a thin cocoa mix and stir. Add schnapps. Serve in a mug and slice of pear for garnish. —Veronica Santos add whipped cream. Grate chocolate bar over the whipped cream and add a candy cane for garnish. —Veronica Santos