These days, I’m in a panic with a long list of gifts that I haven’t checked off yet.Well, there’s always fashion and design. Hopefully, without having to take out a mortgage! Mmm! Why not solve my problem with books?

“Trendy, Sexy et incoscient” by Pascale Navarri is perfect for those friends of yours who are always worried about their look. With such a treatise on fashion psychology handy, everything is easier. From “child-like adult” clothes to “autosexy-visuel” shoes (I think I need a guide here), at least they’ll know what to exclude! 

Looking for the perfect for New Year’s Eve look? Here’s a pocketbook solution: “One Hundred” by Nina Garcia is a bible of the top 100 must-have pieces that a woman should have in her closet! It will certainly cut down on shopping time and help you to choose those timeless pieces.

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The time for gathering round the tree is coming soon and I haven’t had any time to think about gifts yet.

Apart from the usual safe purchases I do every year at the Mandarina shop (it’s a pity I can no longer take advantage of a 10% discount for my first online purchase!), I think I’ll try the traditional method of real shopping. It will certainly help relieve the stress of my moving!

Well, before I go shopping, I’ll get ideas for my list on the Web, perhaps by using a personal shopping website. That should shorten my shopping time.

My (hopefully well focused) shopping list:

For friends who are super-anxious or in crisis? A self-shaping chair by Droog Design. It could take my place in helping them to vent.

I’ve found a cute, feathered hair band, which could be cool for a New Year’s Eve party or as a message to a charming friend. At least she won’t have to get dressed up like a Christmas tree…
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It’s that time of year when we are surrounded by countdowns to Christmas and I must confess that, if I still were a kid (and maybe even not), I’d love to have a Hamleys’ Advent Calendar.  Its little windows are filled with real presents such as hairclips, bracelets and other nifty items!

Now is the moment for that perennial question “a la Hamlet”: nativity scene or Christmas tree? Or both perhaps?

I’m quite tempted by eco-trees, which could be made from tin cans, paper boxes, electric wires, forks, etc. (everything recycled!). Unfortunately, I can’t decorate my home this year because I have to move out at the end of December. So instead, I’m boxing up my entire life!

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The trend of virtual catwalks seemed to be happening only at Italian Life, the island of Italian style at Second Life. Well, I never believed that it would have any influence on the “analogic” fashion world! 

Viktor & Rolf have virtualized Shalom Harlow and created a completely online catwalk. Many clones of the top model were used to present their Spring-Summer 09 collection. Perhaps it’s a conscious decision due to the economic crisis. They’ve certainly reduced their number of models. Certainly, one of world’s top-paid models couldn’t have come cheap!

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Who doesn’t know about those famous, colorful building blocks?
Lego is turning 50!
Well, I know that time is rushing by but I never realized just how long ago it’s been since I fought (gently, of course) over Lego blocks with my brother.

Lego  has broken the Guinness World Record for the tallest building block tower, which has been constructed by children and adults in Vienna. Modern Peter Pans will now have much to dabble in!

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