Right about now, you’re probably rifling through your tights drawer wondering where they all went. Hosiery is one of those items that you have to reup on every winter. I stumbled on this site called We Love Colors and was overjoyed to find that they have 51, yes 51, different shades of tights ($12.50) each. A pretty inexpensive way to add a dose of excitement to your wardrobe.

Some of us are theoretically anti-hat—until a fierce wind comes whipping around and we’re secretly wishing we had that hat with us. Well here’s the next best thing: Urban Outfitter’s Chunky Ribbed Hoodie Scarf ($38) which ably protects the neck and then can be pulled up to cover the head. Now this is double-duty worth exploring.

I’ve always admired Alicia Keys because she’s an artist who doesn’t need a whole lot of bells and whistle (or collaborators) to make an impact. And she does it again with “Elements of Freedom”($9.99). Her only collaboration come from the same household that spawned “Empire State of Mind” but this time instead of Jay-Z it’s Beyoncé who partners with Keys on “Put It In A Love Song”. Matters of the heart are a central theme  from “Love is Blind” to “Love Is Disease” and “Trying to Sleep With A Broken Heart” but don’t fear that Keys will bring you down…

Forget about shopping for other people for a second and make the time to make a holiday wish list for yourself. I’m a sucker for luxurious body products so I can’t wait to slough off the last vestiges of this year with La Mer’s Body Refiner ($110) it’s got diamond powder mixed in with all those marine ingredients that make every product in the line so luscious. Then I’d have to cap it off by slathering on a healthy dose of Body Creme ($195) to keep that ashiness at bay. Where’s Aladdin’s lamp when you need it?

So I don’t think I’ll be able to put this off much longer…it’s time for a hat. And when those cold days come one often has to make a choice between function and fashion. But I won’t this year if I get this Topiary Hat ($78). It easily combines a close fitting felt shape  with a stylish embellishments— a bouquet of sculpted petals. I never thought I’d say this but bring on the cold!

I would have never known that the Divine Miss Fitzgerald’s work had been put together on this four disc compilation (75 songs) if I hadn’t run across this review in The Los Angeles Times. Let’s call it kismet. “Twelve Nights in Hollywood” ($55.99) includes such hits as “The Sunny Side of the Street”, “Come Rain or Come Shine” and “”One For My Baby” among others. Plus she’ll be doing her skat thing—what’s not to love!

With the wind whipping around like we’re on the sound stage for “The Wizard of Oz” beverages that keep us warm are top of mind. While hot chocolate might not be a daily indulgence, when you do go for it it’s worth it to skip the instant stuff and have a real treat. One of my favorites is Jacques Torres Wicked Hot Chocolate ($18) because it’s got a special kick courtesy of chili peppers. A perfect at home treat or gift for your friend the chocolate fiend.

If there’s one thing I love, it’s my alma mater. I have to confess, I am one of those outwardly arrogant Howard alum who will talk about our legacy or our professors or our homecoming at the drop of a hat. So when I arrived at Madison Square Garden, last Saturday for the Big Apple Classic I was ready to root for my team against our rivals Hampton University. Ryan Leslie, who’s new album “Transition” was recently released, was also there as halftime performer. (more…)

Christmas music hits the shelves around Halloween (or shortly thereafter) but I don’t pay attention to what’s new until at least early December. I’m so glad I did because Joe released a second album this year called “Home is the Essence of Christmas”. There’s a mix of songs we already know like “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” with new stuff like “Grown Up Christmas List” and “Make Sure You’re Home”. And because it’s Joe he makes it all sound downright sexy. Get thee to Itunes to download a Christmas treat that’s all your own.

I don’t know if it’s the name Kate Spade gave these earrings or the fact that they remind me of New Year’s Eve but they’ve got me feeling festive. These Lady Marmalade Ball Dangle Earrings ($95) are two colorful orbs of pave crystals that make you want to get your hustle (yes, the dance) on.