Shop your own closet for holiday gifts.

• Trade your unwanted clothes for cash or credit.  This week I visited Re/Dress NYC, one of my favorite Brooklyn consignment shops, and made thirty bucks by selling a few things that had been idling in my closet including a couple sparkly winter hats, a glittery dress, and a set of gold bangle bracelets my Mom gave me and I never wore.  With that cash, I plan to treat myself to a coat I have my eye on at H&M.

• Use those gift certificates before they expire. Last year, I received a $100 gift certificate for Blanc de Chine, a pricey boutique on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, at an in-store fashion event.  I’d been carrying the crumpled certificate around with me for months, and had periodically called the store to find out what I could get for $100.  Not much.  Feeling a bit like Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman,”  I finally returned to the store before the certificate’s expiration date and came away with a lovely silk scarf in midnight blue that I plan to give a friend.  Retail price $75.  An expensive gift for free? Priceless.

• Comb your closet and shelves for things you haven’t worn or used. Not everyone is lucky to get as many freebies as I do.  But if you’re a bargain shopper like I am, chances are you have a few items stashed away that would be perfect for re-gifting. For example, while cleaning my apartment I found a few jazz CDs still shrink-wrapped that two of my cousins will love. And several “Pashmina” scarves I picked up a few months ago at one of my secret bargain haunts will make great stocking stuffers.

(Image credit: Tracy E. Hopkins)

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Here’s what’s on my Black Friday short list:

Hollyn Nine West Vintage American Collection, $180

These Hollyn black lace-up boots by Nine West are hot!  They’re already 30 percent off, but I’m hoping they’ll be marked down even more on Black Friday.

The Black List DVD, Vol. 2, $9.99

Give this adorable Make a Joyful Noise Target gift card.

I have a $50 gift card for Target, and I know how to use it.  In addition to the brand’s trendy staples by Merona and Mossimo, I plan to raid Tar-jay’s designer collections.

Plus, HBO’s “The Black List, Vol. 2” DVD — featuring reflections on African-American life in the 21st century from prominent entertainers including Maya Rudolph and Tyler Perry — is available only at Target.  My Dad would love this DVD, and ten percent of the proceeds benefit the United Negro College Fund.

Altay boots, $79

Looks like I need to get to Nine West early.  Another pair I covet are these slouchy Altay ankle boots.  I already have a pair in black leather and now I want a pair in either black or orange suede.

Wish me luck and happy shopping!

Image credit: Nine West, Target

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Kusmi Tea Detox makes a great stocking stuffer.

The brand is new to me, but Kusmi Teas of Paris has been known for its traditional Russian style teas for the last 140 years. The teas are made by master blenders who select premium tea leaves and flavorful natural ingredients to make tasty beverages that purify, invigorate and help slim the body.

Just in time for the holidays, Kusmi has introduced Black & Green Christmas Teas ($32.40), flavored with orange, almond, and vanilla spices. Packaged beautifully in classic tins or muslin bags, these healthy teas make great gifts. But make sure to keep a tin or two for yourself; they’ll come in handy on the cold, winter nights to come.

I love this colorful Kusmi shopping bag.

For the fashionista on your gift list, pick up a chic, limited-edition Kusmi Shopping Bag ($18).

Image credit: Kusmi Teas of Paris

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Oprah Winfrey with Martina McBride at the State Fair of Texas.

And with Oprah ready to take a bow at the end of her 25th season, who will be able to fill her designer shoes?

Could Tyra be the next Oprah?

If you’ve ever tuned into “The Tyra Banks Show” it’s very clear that Ty Ty would love to become the next Oprah.  But does the supermodel have the journalistic chops?

Wendy Williams

Wendy Williams’ radio program, “The Wendy Williams Experience,” was my afternoon delight.  Although I still find Wendy amusing, her scattered syndicated TV show hasn’t totally won me over.  How she doin? Could Wendy be the next Oprah?

Mo'Nique showed her range in "Precious."

Funny lady Mo’Nique showed her flair for drama with a ferocious performance in “Precious,” an acclaimed film co-produced by Ms. Winfrey.  She also slimmed down and has her own late night talk show on BET. Does Mo’Nique have the Oprah touch?

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin, The Wendy Williams Show, Newscom

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Anika Noni Rose

Princess Tiana is voiced by adorable actress Anika Noni Rose.  I’m so proud of the “Dreamgirls” and Broadway star and can’t wait to see her animated portrayal of the New Orleans princess. The cast is rounded out by Tiana’s matriarchs, voiced by Oprah Winfrey and Jennifer Lewis.

When you wish upon a star: Princess Tiana is Anika's dream come true.

“[Being in a Disney film] is something I always dreamed of doing.  I didn’t dream of being a princess.  I could have been a dandelion and would have been happy,” Anika said at a press conference.  ”So when your dreams take off and become bigger than what you imagined, it’s amazing.”

“The Princess and the Frog” will be in theaters everywhere December 11.

Image credit: Newscom

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Christian Serratos' red carpet style is young and hip.

Christian plays Bella’s best friend Angela in the “Twilight” trilogy, and hopefully the vampire flicks  will only be the beginning for this rising starlet, who has also appeared on the TV series’ “Hannah Montana” and “7th Heaven.”

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin

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Diehard fans won’t want to miss Demitasse’s limited edition, “The Vampire Chronicles” jewelry line, inspired by “New Moon.”

Demivamp Necklace, $48

This Team Edward necklace is made from pewter and features a size 9 ring of teeth and bullet tip center. The DemiVamp comes in three colors: silver, brass, and rose.

DemiVamp Rosary Necklace, $115 (available December 5)

I wouldn’t wear this rosary to confession, but it makes a great vamp fashion statement.  Available for pre-order, this 30″ long rosary bead necklace with a thumb ring of fangs and a bullet drop center is available in garnet antique brass, smokey quartz antique brass, jet beads silver, and pearls in antique brass or silver.

DemiBullets necklace, $55

This DemiBullets necklace is a must for any “New Moon” fan.  A silver bullet is the only thing that can destroy a werewolf, so Team Jacob girls will keep it close to their hearts.  And Team Edward girls will wear it just in case they need to protect their man.

Image credit: Demitasse

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Inscribed necklace from the Barber's Daughters collection, $85

Lucky New Yorkers, however, can get a sneak peek at Keys’ jewels on Monday and Tuesday (Nov. 23-24) at a temporary pop-up shop at the Collette Blanchard Gallery at 26 Clinton Street in Lower Manhattan.  The hand-crafted jewelry is priced $85 and up.

Alicia Keys

Keys told Women’s Wear Daily her mission is “to give people beautiful, unique pieces with messages that ignite them to find the best within.”

“Live your inspiration” is the tag line on the Barber’s Daughters website. For me, those are words to live by as I look forward to doing exactly that in the new year.

Image credit: Bauer Griffin, The Barber’s Daughters

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Essence of Vali Sleep Collection

The 100 percent natural sleep collection offers a relaxing blend of lavender, marjoram, cedar wood and ylang/ylang and is available as balm, mist, massage and bath oil, and concentrate. No more counting sheep here. I applied a drop of the Bedtime Ritual ($18) to the corner of my pillow case and was lulled to sleep by the clean aroma.

Image credit: Beauty Press.com

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Maui take me away!

Almond Body Scrub

¼ Cup Rolled Oats

¼ Cup Raw Almonds

¼ Cup Water

2 Tablespoons Oil (Coconut, Sesame or Olive)

(Optional: Few drops of your favorite essential oil)

Grind all ingredients in a blender or food processor.  In the shower, scrub entire body and rinse off.  Excellent for circulation and detoxifying your skin, this treatment will leave your skin feeling revived and smooth.  Enjoy!

Banana Avocado Body Mask

1 Whole Ripe Avocado

1 Whole Banana, Mashed

¼ Cup Plain Yogurt

Scoop out the meat of one ripe avocado and mix together with the mashed banana and yogurt.  Spread mask onto your body and cover yourself with a big bath towel.  Prepare a warm wash cloth to cover your eyes.  Play soft, relaxing music and unwind for 15 minutes.   Shower and rinse off the mask and pat skin dry.  Moisturizer or lotion is unnecessary as your skin will feel soft and naturally hydrated.

Image credit: John Carluccio

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