I love stating the obvious, so here it goes: The trick to everlasting fabulousness, beauty, and sexiness is good lighting. I remember I used to go to this bar on the Upper West Side, and it didn’t matter how crap-ass I looked, I always looked like a million bucks in that bar. Why? That’s right, good lighting. That wonderful locale has since closed down, but I can guarantee you it wasn’t because of their luminary choices.

Unfortunately, many of us do not have that slam-dunk awesome lighting in our homes – we have to go places to find the greatness, which…is inconvenient. I want to look good in my house, damn it! There are so many options – track lighting, dimmers, no dimmers, overheads, floor lamps, hanging hoozawhatsis. Whatever. End the madness people. End the madness. I have a great solution for you…and it’s decoratively stimulating and delicious. Two for one – I love it.

Let me introduce you to LightenUp! Designs. Designer Lisa Goldberg’s exceptionally designed lamps turn utilitarian lighting into beautiful sculpture that adds panache and elegance to any space. She uses organic materials to create her simple forms from … well, the richest color palate next to Madison Avenue.

There are eight different collections, ten lamp styles, and seventeen different glazes. Oh, oh, oh, I feel it coming – YES! CUSTOM COMBINATIONS! Oh, I love that. Of course, custom combinations should only be reserved for the truly adventurous – yes, that is a challenge. And of course, because each shade is laminated with an opaque paper backing around a low luster satin weave fabric, light reflects up and down, not out – a feature which guarantees the best ambiece possible. And the crowd cheered…

Get out of the Pottery Barn and into LightenUp! Designs. End your love affair with halogen and fluorescent. Save yourself, save your lighting.

www.lightenupdesign.com

And as I write this, I’m listening to the classic “Chanukah Song” by Adam Sandler. It’s the third rendition, which isn’t really as good as the first, but…whatever, it’s still funny. Which reminds me … Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and a very Happy Happy New Year. We’ll see you in the coming year.

What would you do-ooo-ooo, for some celeb memorabilia? Well, if you were anything like me, you’d do practically ANYTHING for Johnny Depp. Oh, uh, I mean, celeb memorabilia. The best part about celeb memorabilia is…right, of course, the art behind the fame. The craft behind the artiste. The ends to the means, if you will. Well, ok, I guess we should do a little celebration of the arts, to give thanks for bringing us Johnny Depp…uh, I mean, lots of amazing theatre, film, arts, etc.

Enter The New York Times Arts & Leisure Weekend: from January 5th to January 9th – the fifth annual, if you were wondering. In case you’ve been living under a rock for the last five years, this is an annual festival of goodness dedicated to celebrating the right brain. It includes lectures with some of your favorite and today’s most talented artists in every genre you can imagine – architecture, film, theatre, journalism (particularly from The New York Times)…oh, the list is too long, mes cherries! It also includes special admissions and offers for theater, music, film, museums, and dance. Seriously, does it get much better than this?

Oh, wait, IT DOES! This year there will also be an auction! OOH! I LOVE ME SOME AUCTIONS! To launch the weekend of fabulousness, Christie’s is hosting the first New York Times Auction for The Arts on January 5th. Many of the celebs who participated in the weekend of artistry over the last five years are donating one-of-a-kind personal items – no, not those personal items – and event-type awesomeness to the auction.

What types of “HOLY CRAP BATMAN I HAVE TO HAVE IT” stuff will be up for auction? Uh, well, only a vocal coaching lesson with Barbara Cook, a golf outing and lunch for three with Bill Murray, a walk-on in the Broadway musical “Rent” an American Ballet Theatre V.I.P. package, “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” V.I.P. package, a private voice lesson with Renée Fleming, and an autographed script of “The Simpsons” – and more, of course. Dude, golfing with Bill Murray! Caddyshack live, baby!

Pre-bidding begins now on www.nytimes.com/alweekend and concludes Wednesday, January 4th, at noon E.S.T. Net proceeds from the auction will benefit The Actors’ Fund of America. The honorary chairs for the event are Tony Award winner’s Brian Stokes Mitchell and Bebe Neuwirth and Golden Globe winner Lynn Redgrave.

To check out what else is up for auction, what lectures/events are being held, and what types of discounts you can get, visit: http://www.nytmarketing.com/alw/index.htm.

Please tell me who doesn’t love a good tease. Even though we may sit at a bar in the LES blubbering to our gal pals about this so called “tease” in our life, we somehow secretly love it. Why? It’s easy — teases give us just enough drama to keep us interested without the serious hour-long CSI sh*t that sucks us in and rips us to shreds. Now, in counter-intuitive news, I have found one tease that will cut us up, razor us into oblivion, and give us just that fab amount of drama that we must run run run to tell our friends about this new love in our life. His name is Bob…the World Famous Bob and all the stylists she works with at Tease, a new hair salon on Rivington Street in the heart of “eat your heart out you don’t live closer to us.”

Let the World Famous Bob (and really, she is world famous — at the count of three, let’s say Google) jot down an appointment for you with one of the legendary downtown New York sylists Margie, Jackie D., or Troye Evers — the “downtown trio of hot haircuts.” Qu’est-ce que c’est un “hot haircut,” you ask? Well…probably one you don’t have right now. I’m talking rock ‘n’ roll, people. If you love…oh god…whatever music your parents hate, you’ll love this joint. All three stylists are formerly of Kropps and Bobbers and have 25 years of mind-blowing cuts, color and extensions under their collective belts. The trio’s style of work is rock steady and they keep their wide range of New York clientele looking sharp by using primo products that promise lasting color and healthy hair.

But wait, there’s more! If you order now, you’ll also get to experience the unbelievable ambiance of Tease’s salon– Lisa Goldberg, chief lamp designer extraordinaire of Lighten Up! Designs brings you into good light with her “oh thank god you arrived” lighting designs; Mike Wench (club owner of Bowery Ballroom and the Mercury Lounge), can be thanked, profusely, for bringing his welding torch and erecting a comfortable waiting area where clients get a view of the stylists at work; Metal artist, Elisa Meyer, designed the ironwork sign that graces the front of the shop; and Leslie Van Stetton, Village Voice photographer extraordinaire, was let loose to go all nuts and sh*t on the “commode.” If you can only imagine how super-hip this joint is you would have booked your appointment by the end of the first paragraph.

But wait, there’s more! If you call in the next ten minutes, you’ll get a free glass of wine (red…or white) if you come to the shop after 5pm. When does said offer end? Never. Why? Because these people are so much cooler than I’ll ever be, so you should seriously make an appointment before their entire first quarter is booked solid. Oh, and they’re right next door to Schiller’s — so, really, you might as well make a night of it.

Tease: 137 Rivington Street (between Norfolk and Sutton). (212-979-TEAS). Open Tuesday-Saturday 12-9pm and is open on Sundays 12-8pm.

www.teasesalonnyc.com

I like to pride myself on finding the hippest, hottest, “on-the-brink” trends out there. It’s like I’ve got my finger on the pulse of pop culture or something. Well, now that I’ve woken up from that dream, reality sets in — the truth is though, I have something really awesome upon which I have stumbled (puhleeze take notice of that excellent usage of English grammar). This little tidbit happened to fall in my lap, but it’s actually fabulous so I wanted to pass it along to you.

And we go dooowwwwnnnntoooowwwwwnnnnnn to the LES where I’d like to introduce you to Goldmine Sh*thouse (but we’ll just call them GMSH for short), a New York based artist collaborative. No, they’re very un-Petula Clark even though you totally have that song stuck in your head now. So, who are these guys? David Hochbaum, Travis Lindquist, and Colin Burns started the collective in 2003, meeting on Saturday nights with an open door policy for their friends who wanted to partake in the collaborative/artistic process. Their website says: “The work is started by one artist, then passed on, or put aside until picked up by another, and so on, as the piece begins to take shape. At one point, the majority rules in the decision to continue, or deem it finished. This creates a communal atmosphere and a dialogue between the participants, in which all the artists involved have say.” You’ve got to love democracy when it works.

Their work is very in-your-face, and I mean that in the best way possible. I don’t like pastels — pastels are for wimps. Their stuff pops and belts your senses, and you leave thankful for the experience. I don’t know about you, but I was like, “self, I wish I had some sort of, oh I don’t know, t-shirt, with the GMSH designs on it!” Holy GMSH, Batman … tada….we’ve now arrived at this aforementioned tidbit.

So, here’s the deal — you have a blank t-shirt, boring yoga pant, horrible old trench coat, fabulous pair of new jeans — WHATEVER. You bring said article of clothing down to the GMSH Holiday T-shirt Throwdown at the GMSH Studio on Wednesday, December 21. The GMSH fellers take said article of clothing, or articles, and silkscreen one of their designs onto your garment. You are sitting enjoying yourself at the Throwdown, maybe having a drink or two, watching your bland and art-less piece of crap clothing become a work of art. Twenty minutes later, your clothing is dry, you pay $5 for ink, and go home with a one of a kind work of art.

I’m sorry, isn’t that bloody brilliant? I don’t know how many designs they’ll have to choose from, but it’s usually three. And these guys are fabulous artists — your girlfriends will want to know where you got that unbelievable shirt/jacket/underwear, your daughter will think you’re the hippest mother to ever walk the face of Manhattan, and your niece just might start stealing from you. Granted, someone might bring in a white shirt, you bring in a white shirt and you both pick the same design–boom, you’ve got two of the same one-of-a-kind tee. But, if you bring in your uncle’s old trench coat that hasn’t seen the light of day since god knows when — now we’re talking.

You know I’m a sucker for fabulous artists. You know I’m a sucker for one-of-a-kind anything. You know I’m a sucker for custom couture. I think I hit the motherload.

The GMSH Studio, 93 2nd Ave. Studio #1. The party starts at 6pm and goes til…”late.”

www.goldmineshithouse.com

The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, a time to share with your family, eat, drink…maybe, even just maybe, be a little merry. Then comes the credit card bills. And whoa nelly, does that merry wear off real quickly. It’s quite brilliant, really — you’re in such a good mood, that you think “hey, who cares if I’m spending a shitload of money on my Cousin Ralph’s gift who I don’t even like!” By the time January rolls around, not only are you cursing Cousin Ralph, you also want that damn cashmere sweater back for yourself.

Et voila, I have the answer to all your problems. Welcome to my petite sample sale (or normal sale) round-up. I stumbled across a few great deals, and thought I’d share. The deals are so great, you may even be able to get a little somethin’ for yourself. Or me. I love cashmere. And handbags. And product.

Lynn/Linh:
Um, hi, we love Lynn/Linh’s gorgeous girly designs. There is something ultimately sexy about the chemise/lingerie feeling designs — and I’m not talking about the trend where people were actually wearing lingerie — their designs are super classy, have the hint of a little boudoir flava, and are simply yummy. So, I bring you the Holiday Tea and Shopping Event at their NYC Showroom, which happens to be called the Heaven Sent Showroom. And say it with me now, their clothes are Heaven Sent. To me. In my closet. The sale-event is next Tuesday, December 13th from 11:00am until 7pm and Wednesday, December 14th from 11am until 5pm. Leave your plastic at home, it’s paper-only at this event (that’s cash and checks).

RSVP to apiola@selfesteemclothing.com — how much do we love this URL

Heaven Sent Showroom: 231 W. 39th Street, Suite 209.

MOMA Design Store:
I f-ing shop at this store all the time, so I’m even hesitant to tell y’all about this because I want to hog it all to myself. Seriously, that Muji stuff is phenomenal. Anyhoo, you guessed it, their having a sale. It’s a limited time thing though, so I cannot guarantee I won’t be you to it. It’s 20% people, and I’M LOVING IT! December 7th through December 11th (yesterday, Wed, through Sunday. You have nothing to do on Saturday and Sunday, so no excuses people). So, you can either print out the attached form and take it to the store, or type in 5VIP6 if you prefer shopping online. Although I do partake in the occasional online shopping spree — usually when I’ve had some vino, I say…pull out the shearling, head down to SoHo, go carayzee at the Moma store and then pop across to Balthazar for a little afternoon cafe. I guess you could go to 53rd street too, but…I have an allergic reaction to midtown this time of year.

MOMA Design Store:
53 W. 53rd Street
81 Spring Stree
www.momastore.org

Not Soap, Radio
I did mention above that I love product. And I mean it. Hence Not Soap, Radio being in my round-up. It’s simply fab. If you can imagine using it in the bath or shower, Not Soap, Radio makes it. Have you ever tried wrapping a bottle of shampoo? Yeah, it’s not easy. (And please refrain from commenting on the fact that I have either given a bottle of shampoo or received a bottle of shampoo, wrapped, so that I could tell you whether or not it’s hard to wrap a bottle of shampoo). A little santy clause also told me that while supplies last, you’ll get a free mini sugared body polish or body souffle from the just launched “I’m Not Here, I’m Really…” collection. “I’m Not Here, I’m Really…” somewhere else? in Aruba? Oh, if only I were really in Aruba. The sale is being held at Henri Bendel starting on December 9th through December 11th from 10am until 9pm. OK, those seriously have to be holiday hours, because I’ve longingly gazed into Bendel’s at around, oh, after closing, and that, my friends, was before 9pm. It’s like all my dreams have now come true!

Henri Bendel, 712 5th Avenue (between 55th and 56th)

$50 Bag: (Gift valued @ $100)
Basic Bikini Wax & completely clean Facial Cleanser and Solar Shield SPF 30 pads

$100 Bag: (Gift valued @ $200)
completely bare Purity Facial & completely clean Facial Cleanser, completely Buff, & Eminence Almond Mineral Treatment

$250 Bag: (Gift valued @ $500)
Exotic Detox Facial & completely clean Facial Cleanser, Solar Shield SPF 30 pads, Eminence Peach Masque, Sweet Red Rose Treatment, Eminence Honeydew Body Lotion & your choice of: Eminence Sweet Red Rose Moisturizer (dry skin) or Eminence Thermal Spring Moisturizer (oily skin)

Oh, and if you purchase three or more products before December 31st, you’ll get 20% off. Taking 20% off something that is already completely bare is, just, awesome.

www.completelybare.com

I recently stumbled upon the Dahesh Museum of Art — heard of it? Well, yes, if you’re a savvy, fabulous New Yorker you probably have — and if not, don’t even sweat it, because Razi has come to the rescue — you will be without information no longer! The Dahesh Museum of Art is, in a nutshell, gorgeous and unlike any museum I’ve seen. The art is a collection of academic artists from the 19th and 20th centuries — think SVA, but from…a really long time ago. The museum’s founding was inspired by the collection of a certain Mr. Dahesh, a Lebanese author and philosopher Mr. Dahesh, a Lebanese author and philosopher. Um, honestly, I cannot lie to my public — I would love to have the Schwartz Museum of Fine…whatever, really. Of course, my museum collection would probably be filled with back issues of early 21st century US Weekly and InStyle Magazines … Something to be proud of? Maybe not. But, hell, that might be considered pop art someday people, SOMEDAY!

Anyhow, aside from glancing at the museum’s stunning and somehow familiar collection, the museum offers a plethora (totally the first time I’ve been able to work this word into my work!) of activities, special exhibits and film and lecture series. Since I’m now a huge fan of all things Dahesh, I thought I’d do a quick run down of what they have going on in December, so y’all can check it out when you ditch work to do your holiday shopping — the museum is located conveniently on Madison Avenue between 56th and 57th Streets — and if you wanna tell me you won’t be over there shopping, just stop kidding yourselves!

The current exhibition is called The Legacy of Homer: Four Centuries of Art from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, Paris. The works in this exhibit are based on the impact of Homer, the renowned poet, upon the finest visual artists from the 17th – 20th century France. This is a little-known collection from the Ecole, and it shouldn’t be missed. We all know Homer, we all had to read him at one time or another, and seeing how these artists of yore envisioned him in their own mind is, well, just awesome. Who’s a part of said collection? David, Ingres, David d’Angers, Rude, Flandrin, Regnault, and Carpeaux, to name a few. The exhibit also features Jacques-Louis David’s enormous “Andromache Mourning Hector,” which is usually on loan to the Louvre. Yes, the Louvre. In French, that means…fabulousness times ten.

In an ongoing Homer theme, the museum is also currently featuring a film series entitled the Homer Lives! Film Festival. I love that. The first film in the series has already come and gone (tear), but there are two more films playing on Sunday, December 11th that shouldn’t be missed. At 11am, check out Ulysses’ Gaze, directed by Theo Angelopouloswhere a “Greek exile returns home to attend a screening of his controversial film. But his real goal is to recover the mythical reels shot by the Manakia brothers, who, at the dawn of the cinematic age, criss-crossed the war-torn Balkans to record what they saw.” I love complicated-esque plot lines — we’re watching a film about a guy going to watch a screening of his film. Sheer brilliance. The second film, at 3pm is Le Mepris, which means Contempt en francais. Mmmm, contempt. Bonjour Jean-Luc Godard, where in this one of his many films “A screenwriter attempting to doctor a new version of Homer’s Odyssey is torn between the demands of an arrogant European director, a crude American producer, and his disillusioned wife. If the plot isn’t reason enough to see the film, it also stars Jack Palance and Brigit Bardot — Brigit needs no introduction, and really, neither does Jack — especially after his impressive single-armed push-up show at the Oscars … I don’t remember what year it was, but the image is ingrained in my head forever. The films are free to museum members, and non-members need to pay regular admission plus $5. Really a bargain considering what movies cost these days…sheesh.

Oh! And the lectures! You guessed it, we’re still visiting the Greeks in these, but…who doesn’t love the Greeks. They have big, fat, Greek weddings. So, only one lecture in this month’s series has passed, which means you have THREE to still see. Yay for three! The first one is tonight at 6:30pm, and will be focusing on Romare Bearden’s Odysseus Series. Romare Bearden was a master collagist who completed a series of 20 large-format depictions of Homer’s Odyssey. In the artist’s own words, through his art he sought to allow “a child in Benin or in Louisiana… to understand the myth better.” The lecture will be lead by Columbia Univesity’s Professor Robert O’Meally. The lecture is included in the cost of admission, so…hoorah!

The second lecture in the series is on Saturday, December 10th at 2:30pm, and features some sweet Dances from the Greek Isles. There will be awesome music, awesome dancing, and you’ll learn about the making and meaning of regional costumes and dance styles – from ancient to modern times. Bring the kids. Kids love music. This lecture/dance is free to museum members, $10 for non-museum member adults, and $5 for non-museum member kids under 12. Seriously, just join the museum.

The third lecture is a mini concert on Friday, December 16th from 7-8pm featuring Christmas Carols Performed by Boricua College Chorus (New York). 1. I love Christmas Carols even though I’m Jewish. 2. I love concerts. 3. I know all the words and like to sing along. The cost for this is the same as the Dances from the Greek Isles, but it’s $5 for kids under 16 — which really aren’t kids, they’re teenagers at that point.

Of course there is more goodness to be found at this museum — a gallery shop, Cafe Opaline, and ongoing Gallery Talks and Family Programs. It’s just such a lovely experience, and a great way to spend a day in Manhattan in between Bendels and Barney’s.

Dahesh Museum of the Art, 580 Madison Avenue (between 56th and 57th street).

Staying true to form, Burberry has designed a fabulous new scent tocomplement their Brit line. Burberry Brit Gold is a limited edition fragrance now available for the holiday season. Spray this scent and be enveloped in rich scents of magnolia, neroli, black currant and bergamot, and then subtle notes of pink orris, amber and sandalwood impart a spicy and exotic undertone. Perfect for crisp weather, the strong hints of vanilla and musk give you a cozy feeling. This is an ideal autumnal or winter scent because it’s warm and inviting, and for those of us who love to play up the warmth, this fragrance can easily be paired with vanilla lotion.

As on the packaging for the Brit line, Gold features the standard Burberry checkered design. To make the design more festive, Burberry opted for all gold instead of the usual black and red, and the packaging is perfect for those of us who are not expert wrappers. Burberry Brit Gold is a sophisticated stocking stuffer for a loved one — or a delicious treat for yourself. You can find this fragrance at Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales, or on line at
http://www.sephora.com., $62.

Scarlett Cosmetics is a very glam, very sexy line that is known for one thing above all else when it comes to their eye shadows (known in the line as Glamo-Glitz). That one thing? Pigment.

This holiday Scarlett introduces the Magic Carpet Collection. These viabrant jewel tones are ideal for creating festive holiday looks. Used wet or dry, these shadows stay on all day and well into the night. Colours like Sphinx (a must-have dark pewter), Storm (rich amethyst), and Bronzique (three guesses what colour this one is) come in powder form and are easy to blend. No worrying about clumping if you choose to use them wet for more pigment (or as a matching liner for sultry smokey eyes). Add more water and give your lids a sheer colour wash…whatever works for you, Glamo-Glitz is as easy to use as they are fun to look at. The formula is crease-resistant…and like I said, they have some serious pigment.

So now that you’re thoroughly intrigued and dying for a few Glamo-Glitzes of your own…here’s my little Christmas gift to you: If you Log on to www.scarlettcos.com and order something (while you’re checking out Glamo-Glitz, don’t you dare neglect your lips! The line has signature Scarlett Fever lip plumping Lipgloss…happens to be one of my personal favorites when it comes to beauty products!) So anyhow…This month Beauty News readers are being treated to 10% off when you log on and purchase from their site through December 31st. Be sure to enter “Beauty News Subscriber” so you’ll get your discount AND (can’t stand it, huh?) A free Glamo-Glitz in “Swank”. Check out the official BN Members Only special (and a few more) in our new Members Only section. That’s the cute blue bubble over there.

Stila has done it. They’ve actually created a cosmetics gift set that is 100% usable. Never again will you have to toss the Fuschia eyeshadow, Emerald Mascara and garish orange-red lipstick that other companies seem to work into their gift sets as fillers.

The Grand Collection has virtually everything you could want or need for that fresh, oh so pretty, Stila look. You’ll enjoy giving or receiving this limited release set that comes in a keepsake box, perfect for keeping your cosmetics in.

Included in the gift set you’ll find: midnight bloom fragrance, major lash mascara, six lip glazes (apricot, vanilla, cranberry, fruit punch, star fruit and mocha), two glaze lip liners (mocha and pink), all over shimmer #9, three eye shadows (kitten, grace and espresso), cheek color in rose, three eye brushes (base, crease and liner). A $325.00 value, at a special price of $160…and if you purchase online at www.stilacosmetics.com, they’re offering free shipping for the holidays.

I mean c’mon…all you have to do is stick a bow on the box! Just make sure you buy one for yourself while you’re at it. You’re gonna want this one!

Anyone serious about fragrance, or buying perfume as a gift, absolutely must check out www.luckyscent.com. This is the source for many of the rarest, finest, or most interesting perfumes in the world. For the holidays, wrap yourself in one of the perfumes on this site. I recommend Nanadebary Bronze, which is light for daytime use, yet so unique that people lean in with a smile and glazed-over eyes to ask what it’s called. Its base is a warm mix of amber, vanilla, and musk entwined with cedar and a hint of patchouli. At its heart is a slightly spicy jasmine, a whiff of bergamot, cinnamon, iris and mandarine orange. $70 at www.luckyscent.com.

When visiting the Lucky Scent site, match your astrological sign to the recommended perfume for you, and read the explanation of why it just may suit you perfectly. This is also a great way to glean an overview of the site’s best perfumes, which overall is a mind-boggling collection. www.luckyscent.com/luckystars.asp

Caron’s exhilarating French Can Can and Nuit de Noel are practically custom-blended for the holidays. Nuit de Noel, which in French means Christmas Eve, is an exotic oriental from the lauded House of Caron and was introduced in 1922. This enduring classic is comprised of citrus top notes, orris, sweet vanilla, oakmoss, sandalwood, and a heart of rare flowers, and its dramatic black flacon underscores sophistication. An elegant bottle of Nuit de Noel is an inspired gift.

French Can-Can was originally banned in the United States for its perceived naughtiness and link to the devilish, skin-baring dance of the same name. French Can-Can is a volumptuous bouquet of aromatic flowers, equally at home at the Place Vendome and anywhere this side of the Atlantic. Caron founder Ernest Daltross made perfumes like nobody else, and because he was untrained, he broke the rules of perfume-making to create astounding fragrances. Prices vary by size, so visit the Caron Boutique at 675 Madison Avenue or call 1-877-88Caron.

Annick Goutal’s Ce Soir Ou Jamais (Tonight or Never…Maybe Forever) is a classic workplace scent for the holidays because it’s feminine, floral, and distinctively seductive — yet light enough to be subtle. Pear, rose, wildflower and peach are combined with 156 other notes, and it took Goutal a decade to create this complex blend that somehow manages to smell different with every wearing. Magnificent! Women on your gift list will swoon when receiving this fragrant treat. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, $65.

L’Artisan Parfumeur’s October debut in Henri Bendel on Fifth Avenue marks this French line’s first “in store” boutique in the United States. This is one international expansion everyone can cheer, since L’Artisan Parfumeur is a quality line with exquisite offerings. Visit the scent bar in the L’Artisan boutique within Henri Bendel to see if you have a discerning “nose” for fragrance. The entire L’Artisan Parfumeur line can be found here, including handcrafted Amber Balls, hand-sewn sachets, the Bottega Veneta collection, the fresh new Fleur d’Oranger fragrance, and the best-selling Mure et Musc.

Hermes Eau des Merveilles, or Water of Wonders, is marvelously sweet due to ambergris. Ambergris is a rare substance regurgitated by whales and comprised mainly of cuttlefish beaks (to put perhaps too fine a point on it).Though any bottle of Hermes fragrance would be a welcome gift, this one is memorably crafted both inside and out. Italian lemon, orange, Indonesian pepper, pink pepper and elemi intermingle with oak, cedar, vetiver, balsam of Peru and tobacco. This magical fragrance has almost no floral notes, which is unusual in a woman’s fragrance, and the round orange bottle was designed to look like a toy and to invite playfulness. Available at Hermes stores and fine department stores, $55 – $120.