Photographed by Kerry Hallihan and styled by Edward Enninful

Flipping through the latest issue of Harper’s Bazar, I came across the last ring pictured above. HAUTE! Huh? Come to find out, it was from Noir Jewelry. After visiting the site I realized that some of the jewelry is offered on Anthropologie.com, and I have been eying it for about a year now. The items are all quite amazingly rocker chic. You may have seem some of them on my celebrity style twins Amber Rose, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Alicia Keys. Chanel Iman has also been spotted wearing a Noir piece. All of the jewelry is moderately priced, just within my budget’s reach.

All I want for Christmas: 1. Nikon D5000 DSLR Camera, Tripod and Remote; 2.  J. Crew Toscana Trapper Hat,  Cheetah Calf-hair Belt, Moroccan Blue Silk Frances Cami, Wool Schoolboy Blazer; 3. Nars Eye Shadow; 4. Bebe Wool Pea Coat and Faux Fur Belted Vest, and Daniela Over The Knee Boot; 5. BCBG Denim Jacket with Leather Sleeves and Geometric Scarf; 6. French Connection Day Dress and Sofia Swirl Dress; 7. A new pair of sneaks; 8. A lil somethin somethin; 9. A Medicine Ball; 10. Movado “Series 800″  Mother-of Pearl and Diamond Bracelet Chronograph Watch; 11. Rachel Roy Red Lips Cocktail Ring; 12. Blackberry Bold.

Gift Ideas

For your Guy: 1. DJ Hero; 2. Dell Inspiron Zino HD; 3. North Face ‘Hawthorn’ Faux Fur Hooded Coat; 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Norwegian Sweater; 5. Burberry Watch; 6. Tiffany & Co. Somerset Pendent; 7. Black Wool Military Jacket; 8. Ripped Vintage Slim Jeans;  9.  Jo Ghost Men’s 4177 Sneaker;  10. Tickets to His Favorite Entertainment Event.

Sister or Bestie: 1. Black Lace Gloves; 2. Chained Crace Sunglasses; 3. Miss J. Alexander’s Bood, Follow the Model;  4. Cable Knit Beanie with Fox Fur Pom Pom; 5. Color Blocked Scarf; 6. Spot Fluffy Robe; 7. Black Velvet Feather Fake Eyelashes; 8. Patterned/Print Tights;  9. UGG Cozy Black Slippers; 10. Hair and Nail Accessories. 

Fellas, Your GF will most appreciate any of these: 1. A Pair of Red Bottomed Shoes; 2. MacBook Pro; 3. Fuji Instax Instant Camera; 4. La Perla Lingerie; 5. A Designer Handbag (Classic Rika Bag); 6. Swarovski Geometric Bangle.

Mom’s are special. If yours is anything like mine, she already has everything. But, she’d like any of these: 1. Chanel Fragrance Wardrobe Gift Set; 2. Chain Gloves by Kenneth Cole; 3. David Yurman Eau de Parfum  David Yurman; 4. Designer Sunglasses; 5. Ruched Leather Gloves; 6. Shearling Collar; 7. Tiffany Bead Earrings; 8. Burberry Slippers.

Who’s the hardest person for you to shop for?

“Effets de Surprise”- Photo by Terry Richardson and styled by George Cortina, for H&M

Most of my purchases are based purely upon impulse. Here lately, these impulses have become less frequent (not really), but increasingly more expensive (really)!

As I understand it, during a recession, the goal for most retailers is to maintain their current levels of income or profit. However, this strategy might even be difficult, because input and inventory prices are rapidly rising (manufacturers, distributors, etc are also facing tough times). With this goal in mind and operating costs increasing, it is intuitive to raise consumer prices.

But, according to Meghan O’Brien,  Department of Economics at my alma mater,

…these increases cannot simply or universally be passed on to consumers…Pricing goods based on their elasticity is a smart retail strategy during a recession…the lesson for a retailer is not to raise prices on those goods that your customer can live without or go down the street and purchase in a less expensive form.

Managing inventories at a profit maximizing levels is difficult for retailers in a recession, but critical for success. The wisest retail strategy under the circumstances is to order the minimum necessary to sustain existing demand—an ample amount of staple items, which sell frequently, and fewer of those more expensive, non-essential items. Unsuccessful attempts result in reducing excess inventory via sales and losing consumers to competitors when there is a shortage.

O’Bien’s tips for shoppers:

1. Now is a good time to be a consumer. You might have less money to spend, but retailers want your money more than anytime in recent history. Take some time to shop around for the best prices and services.

2. Your dollar is your vote. If you really enjoy shopping at a local retail store, don’t expect it will be waiting for you to come back if you switch your spending habits.  Choose where you will spend you dollars based on whom you would most like to continue doing business with.

3. Be reasonable about where you travel to shop; try to maximize your savings per trip.

4. Limit credit card use. Retailers may be running great specials but stocking up at 70% off isn’t saving you money if the balance stays on your credit card for multiple billing periods.

O’Bien’s tips for retailers (among others):

1. Don’t assume raising prices will keep your revenue stream stable during a downturn. The price elasticity of the goods you sell will determine whether you can raise prices or not. DO NOT raise prices on highly elastic goods as this will reduce the quantity demanded dramatically! (emphasis added)

2. Listen to your customers; they are your greatest asset.

Based on the article Retail Economics 101: Lessons and Strategies of a Recession

Savvy shoppers hock the Jimmy Choos they got at H&M for double retail price on eBay- The Cut

Twitter Killed the Celeb Star- The Black Snob

‘Unfriend’ is a New Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year (Among Others)- USA Today

Sarah Palin’s Stylist Outs Herself- The Cut

Dear Chris Rock: Let Black Women ‘Do Our Own Hair- The Black Snob

FYI On Personal Email and the Law-WSJ Law Blawg

Mangagement Ring Trend Means It’s the Ladies’ Turn to Put a Ring On It – NY Daily News

Burberry, LV and More at a CostCo Near You- Fashion Bomb Daily

Wintour Hires Obama Online Campaign Masterminds for Vogue.com- Fashionologie

It’s been a long time coming, but I have to admit that I am completely WOWed by Lady Gaga. I’ve been eyeing her style for a while now. Her appearance on last night’s episode of Gossip Girl, in which she performed “Bad Romance” rocking a 30-foot long red dress, was mesmerizing. The Bitch is BAD!

Her repertoire has likened to those of Grace Jones (have you seen this performce in Vamp?) and Rupaul. Rihanna might be her biggest competition. Beyonce is totally feeling the pressure. Did anyone else notice her sudden allegiance to the avant garde movement? Hang in there Bey. Ciara should just throw in the towel leotard.

Photo

I decided to create my very own VIRTUAL BOUTIQUE  here on Read My Lips! It includes a collection of  new, gently used and vintage pieces that I think you’ll love. I still have quite of few pieces to add. And, once I get my new camera for Christmas (wink wink), I will put some looks together with some of the pieces, rather than just hanging each individual piece up, because that’s kind of boring…

The links to the items and purchasing instructions are in the sidebar. Here’s a question for you:

A few years ago, stilettos were all the rage. This season, though, shoe laces dominate.

Photo by Jock Sturges. Model, Skye Stracke, in “Wild” styled by Monika Kropfitsch Marie Claire Italy.