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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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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Here are a few plaid perfect items I found while surfing Forever 21’s website:

Sonya Plaid Coat, $29.80

You can’t beat the style or the price.  I picked up a plaid jacket similar to this one at my local Forever 21.

Forever 21 Plaid Poncho, $16.90

I’m going to put this groovy plaid poncho on my Christmas list; that is, the list of gifts I want for myself.

Belted Check Vest, $32.90

This belted red and black check vest is super cute.  I’m not sure how warm it will keep you, but wear it with a sweater and scarf and you’ll be ski-bunny-lounge ready.

Gingham Shirt Jacket, $32.90

I didn’t see this totally cute gingham shirt jacket at Forever 21 when I popped in last week. It’s official, I’m mad for plaid!

Image credit: Forever 21

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M.I.A. has a quirky sense of style.

Alternative hip-hop/dance artist M.I.A. was among the celebs invited to a Hollywood preview of the Jimmy Choo for H&M garb.  The Sri Lankan singer has never been afraid to express herself through fashion as boldly as she does in her kick ass music.  The shark tunic she’s wearing in these photos is no exception.

M.I.A. isn't afraid to swim the fashion sharks.

I like it that M.I.A. takes risks and isn’t afraid to be a rock star.  The shark shirt definitely stands out and I like the black leather pants and boots.  So I’m going to take a risk too; I think she looks Hot (in a cool alt rock gal way).

But what do you think of  M.I.A.’s ensemble?  Is it Hot or a Hot Mess?

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin

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I'm on Team Jacob!

For younger (and young at heart) Hot Mamas who love “Twilight,” Nordstrom’s junior “New Moon Fashion Line for BP” includes tees, hoodies, jewelry, the Luna Twilight Beauty collection,and those huge cutouts of hot vamp Edward and sexy werewolf Jacob.

Luna Twilight 'Femme Fatale' Lip Gloss, $20

The Twilight Saga: New Moon for BP. 'Wolf Pack' Baseball Tee, $34

The Twilight Saga: New Moon for BP. 'Bella' Chunky Charm, $36

Image credit: Nordstrom.com

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"Women's Work" Skechers' Shape-Ups

This “Women’s Work” style ($100 at Macy’s; $115 on Skechers.com) in black reminds me of old-school Reebok sneakers and is more ideal for the cold weather than the “Sleek Fit” Mary Jane style I tested over the summer.

Plus, they have slip-resistant soles, which make them suitable for wearing in the rain (just be careful since the kinetic wedge heel takes some getting used to).

I tried them on and they were super comfy. My feet are flat and I need this kind of shock-absorbing support.  And now that I’m used to the way Shape-Ups look (slightly orthopedic), I may just pick up another pair.

(Image credit: Skechers.com)

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The boyfriend blazer I sported in high school came from the Limited, and was grey with a plaid pattern, double-breasted, and had shoulder pads so big I felt like a linebacker.

Women's 3/4-Sleeve Sateen Blazers, $39.50

Women's Double-Breasted Boyfriend Blazers, $39.50

The new version of the boyfriend blazer seems less tomboyish and a little sleeker. I found these two great jackets on Old Navy’s website.  Better yet, you get 30% Off any purchase if you use your Old Navy card!

What do you think — are boyfriend blazers Hot or Not?

Image credit: OldNavy.com

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So ladies get ready, set, and go stock up on holiday gifts, because Falchi’s authentic-looking, faux snakeskin bags are available at Target ($19.99 to $49.99) through December 27.

Carlos Falchi for Target® Small Hobo - Purple Collage, $19.99

Carlos Falchi for Target® Large Satchel - Black, $49.99

Thanks to the generous folks at Target, I already have my large, patchwork satchel in gray.  And I love it.

But what do  you think of the bags?  Are Carlos Falchi’s handbags for Target Hot or Not?

Image credit: Target.com

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During Fashion Week, I visited the CVS/pharmacy Reinventing Beauty event, where I found out the store’s beauty aisle shelves are lowered to 5′0″ so products are easily accessible for the average height woman (5′4″), and was introduced to the latest beauty trends and products for the Fall/Winter season. Here are a few highlights:

DIY: Sally Hansen Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit ($5.99 for 44 strips) is a good example of a do-it-yourself product that will save you time and money. The dermatologist-tested strips are made with aloe, soybean, and Vitamin E.

Store Brands: Store brands are usually a better value.  And with CVS’ money back guarantee, you can’t lose.  I’d love to try the CVS/pharmacy Deep Action Power Cleanser ($13.99), which massages and exfoliates your face when used with your favorite skin cleanser or scrub.  Compared to the $195 Clarisonic Classic, that’s a real bargain!

Back to Basics: It’s fun to test new beauty products,  but there’s nothing like tried-and-true standbys like Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($5.29). America’s number one mascara in the pink and green container conditions as it thickens lashes, and is a stock staple at CVS.

Image credit: Tracy Hopkins

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18 karat Gold, Silver, and Chocolate Diamond Ring by JesseDanger

This modern and luxurious 18 karat Gold, Silver, and Chocolate Diamond Ring ($585) by JesseDanger features a band hand-crafted from recycled Argentium Silver, and the 18kt yellow gold bezel holds a beautiful .25ct round chocolate diamond.

Silver Asymmetry Ring with Quartz

For those not going to the chapel, the Vermont-based designer also makes eye-catching cocktail rings like this Silver Asymmetry  Ring with Quartz ($85) made with recycled Argentium Silver and a lovely, round rose quartz stone. 

Image credit: Etsy

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