Oprah's Favorite Things: Fashion and Beauty Edition

The Delovely Diva Extraordinaire, Oprah, just had her annual "Favorite Things" show where she showcased (and gifted the audience with) 20 of her favorite Holiday gifts of the moment. My main focus, as always, was the fashion and beauty gifts. Let's take a look, shall we?

CLAUS PORTO SOAPS FROM LAFCO NEW YORK

These all-natural, bath-sized shea butter bars distributed by Lafco New York are a labor of love. They have been created by the Claus Porto's family-run factory in Portugal for the past 117 years. The jumbo-sized soaps appeal to the senses with beautiful wrappers and 17 magnificent scents, from honeysuckle to grapefruit fig. "They make great hostess gifts," Oprah says.
Approximate value: $42 (set of 3)
800-362-3677; www.lafcony.com

Elle's Rating - I do love a nice bar of soap, especially one that is all-natural and full of shea butter. Lather-ific! And I'm quite sure these make lovely hostess gifts, on a regular shmegular day. But we're talking Christmas here. Nobody wants a bar of soap under the Christmas tree, no matter how indulgent it is. C+

UGG® AUSTRALIA CLASSIC CROCHET TALL BOOT

"I bet every truly dedicated Oprah watcher knows what my feet cannot live without," Oprah says. This slouchy knit boot keeps feet comfy and cozy in three colors: black, sand and rum raisin. The UGG boot's famous sheepskin sock lining is like walking on a cloud.
Approximate value: $120
888-432-8530; www.uggaustralia.com
Also available at Nordstrom stores www.nordstrom.com

Elle's Rating - I do love an Ugg! I have become a total convert over the past few years. It started with the slippers, moved to the Classic boots and now I have my eyes on the Rina style boots, which give me a Gladiator vibe I'm loving. So I can't deny the power of the Ugg and these crochet ones are perfect for a snowy day, curled up in front of a fire with some hot cocoa. Oh, the Holidays! B+

RACHEL PALLY SWING TURTLENECK AND SAILOR PANTS

After a long day of taping The Oprah Show, the first thing Oprah says she does backstage is change into something comfortable. Now, she's sharing her new favorite thing to lounge around in!This outfit by L.A. designer Rachel Pally is made from stretchy fabric that's both lightweight and super soft. "It barely feels like you're wearing anything!" Oprah says. The turtleneck and pants are available in sizes 2 to 24 and come in four colors—purple, navy, teal and brown.
Approximate value: Swing Turtleneck $141; Sailor Pants $194
www.rachelpally.com
Also available at Nordstrom stores www.nordstrom.com and http://www.shopbop.com/

Elle's Rating - Where is my Fug-B-Gone spray when I need it? In a word...horrid. I don't care if the fabric feels like 1000 marshmallows massaging your every nook and cranny, I would not be caught dead in a shapeless swing turtleneck and sailorpants. These could be straight out of Ashro catalog. No, no and no. D-

KAI BODY BUTTER and BODY BUFFER

"Bathing is an art form and nobody enjoys it more than I do," Oprah says. Kai customized their signature scent into a moisturizing body butter in a tub just for Oprah. "It's clean and fresh," she says. She also loves the Body Buffer by Kai, which combines an exfoliating loofah and cleansing soap all in one. Just wet and squeeze to release foaming bubbles that smell like an exotic garden.
Approximate value: Body Buffer $28; Body Butter $55
www.kaifragrance.com
Also available at Embrace in Hinsdale, IL: 877-361-7223, www.embraceyourstyle.com; www.eluxury.com, 877-890-7171

Elle's Rating - Now this is more like it! Nothing beats a fabulous smelling body butter après bath, darling. But she got me with the Body Buffer! An exfoliating loofah with a cleansing soap all in one? Genius! Spa luxury at its finest. A

TOYWATCH WATCHES

"My next favorite thing comes straight out of the pages of O, The Oprah Magazine," Oprah says. TOYWATCH watches come in a variety of styles and colors and have been seen on everyone from Madonna to Al Gore. The Crystal and Colored Crystal models made Oprah's list this year. "I loved mine so much, I wore it just about every day on my big road trip with Gayle," Oprah says.
Approximate value: $150–$1500
877-998-8600; www.toywatchusa.com
Also available at Bloomingdales stores nationwide http://www.bloomingdales.com/

Elle's Rating - Husbands and boyfriends take note! Christmas is a time for jewelry! I'm not much of a watch person, but I do feel like if I got one of these bad boys, I'd totally make it work! I really like how they don't look too delicate and are perfect for everyday wear. They also have a classic styling that won't look dated in a few years. Yup, these tickers have staying power! A-

CLARISONIC SKIN CARE SYSTEM

Developed by the people who created the Sonicare Toothbrush, the Clarisonic Skin Care System helps remove six times more makeup than soap and water alone. The bristles vibrate 300 times per second and massage your face to squeaky clean perfection. "It's a miracle massage for your face," Oprah says.
Approximate value: $195/system
888-5-CLARISonic (888-525-2747); www.clarisonic.com

Elle's Rating - Wipe me down and sign me up! This is what Christmas is all about. A gift that you are so happy to get, but would never ever buy for yourself and will probably stop using when the battery runs out. But for those few precious months of actual use, it is the answer to a prayer! As a person who puts on a full face daily, I truly need some vibrating bristles in my life. Love it! A+

Source: Oprah.com