Lauren Bush Lauren

Photo: Roger Neve


The Change Agent: Lauren Bush Lauren, 28, Entrepreneur
Her Favorite Things: "I really believe in conscious consumerism—doing good through our purchases," says Bush Lauren, cofounder and CEO of FEED Projects, a charity that fights hunger and malnutrition around the world. Her latest FEED collection is the most fashion-forward yet, including a hand-beaded cross-body bag, a colorful scarf made of fabric from Africa, and bright, tasseled cord bracelets.

Her Merrymaking Style: "I'm pretty casual—I love chunky sweaters and cozy clothes for the holidays. Things you can relax, eat a lot, and feel good in."

Her Gift List:

For the child at heart: A tree swing for one
PegandAwlBuilt.com

For the nature lover: Terrariums featuring tiny people figurines
TwigTerrariums.com

For the wine aficionado: Chardonnays and Merlots from a company that donates part of its profits to charity
OneHopeWine.com

Under $50: The book True Love, by Thich Nhat Hanh
Amazon.com

Dress, Ralph Lauren Black Label. Bracelets and bag, FEED. Belt and shoes, Ralph Lauren Collection.


Chia Jenious-Namavong

Photo: Roger Neve


The New Face: Chia Jenious-Namavong, 36, Model
Her Favorite Things: "I find peonies absolutely gorgeous," says Jenious-Namavong, winner of the 2012 Wilhemina 30+ Model Search. "They're delicate and have so many layers to them—they're like a metaphor for life." Also: Olay face cream and knee-length pencil skirts in black. "Pencil skirts are so demure, they just make you feel like a lady," says Jenious-Namavong, mother of two boys, 15 and 9.

Her Everyday Look: "I try to be a girly girl, but the truth is, I'm usually in my Nike running pants and a T-shirt."

Her Merrymaking Style: "The holiday party is usually at my house—my husband loves to cook—so it's all about comfort. I do wear a cute apron with frills, though."

Her Gift List:

For the sweet-toothed: Whimsical and tasty chocolate treats
HarryandDavid.com; EdibleArrangements.com

For the stylish toddler: Princessy clothing, accessories, and toys
Carters.com

Under $50: Basil or houseplants to start a home garden
HomeDepot.com

Dress, Novis. Rhinestone necklace, Rebekah Price. Gold star necklace, Tuleste Market.


Monika Chiang

Photo: Roger Neve


The Designer: Monika Chiang, 38, Style Maven
Her Favorite Things: Chiang, whose eponymous fashion label has boutiques in New York and Los Angeles, is crazy about meaningful jewelry. "I have an evil eye bracelet that I never take off." She also has a heart-shaped stone that she dipped in gold and carries around when she travels.

Her Everyday Look: "I dress by mood, so I don't really plan ahead—I open my closet and think, How am I feeling today?"

Her Merrymaking Style: "Lately I've been wearing dresses with an open back, and then I'll pile on the necklaces or bracelets. It's all about the bold statement!"

Her Gift List:

For the trendsetter: Jewelry and accessories from Istanbul, Mexcio City, or Manila
ShopLatitude.com

For the nester: Unique pillows and vases
GiftLab.com

Under $50: Teddy bear key chain with spikes on its body
Originally $55, now $49 with code OPRAH; MonikaChiang.com

Coat ($895), shirt ($345), and leggings ($895), Monika Chiang. Necklace, Tres Glam by Lisa Gastineau. Gloves and shoes, Monika Chiang.

Archie Panjabi

Photo: Roger Neve


The Firecracker: Archie Panjabi, 40, Actress
Her Favorite Things: London native Panjabi, who plays the sultry Kalinda Sharma on CBS's The Good Wife, can't live without her Lhasa Apso, Benzi; macarons from French patisserie Ladurée; Le Métier de Beauté lip gloss; and Jo Malone candles. All things Parisian, in particular, have a special place in the Emmy-winning actress's heart. "I just love the food, the culture, the dogs," she says. "The women and how naturally sexy they are—and how they enjoy good food and do not put on weight."

Why She Loves This Outfit: "This dress captures all the things I like: It's very pretty, very festive, and very French."

Her Merrymaking Style: Casual clothes for day ("I never get to wear jeans as Kalinda"), jewel-toned dresses for night. "I tend to do well in very structured dresses with fitted silhouettes."

Her Gift List:

For the person who has everything: Unforgettable experiences, like the NYC interactive play Sleep No More
SleepNoMoreNYC.com

For the foodie: A selection of Indian spices, like star anise seed and black cardamom
Kalustyans.com

Under $50: A charity donation
DoSomething.org

Dress, BCBG Max Azria, $448. Earrings, Janis by Janis Savitt. Shoes, Roger Vivier.

Erika Liles

Photo: Roger Neve


The Entrepreneur: Erika Liles, 39, Chief Operating Officer
Her Favorite Things: Liles loves body-conscious dresses with sleeves ("I like to embrace my curves without being too revealing"), peplum shirts, and Laura Mercier Crème Brûlée products. "They smell so relaxing and delicious—like you're sitting between a spa and a bakery," says Liles, who has a 1-year-old daughter and runs KWL Enterprises (an entertainment, technology, and commodities company) with her husband.

Her Everyday Look: "I'm a curvy girl, but I'm also 39, so I try to balance being sexy with being mature and appropriate."

Her Merrymaking Style: "I love to wear dresses in a color that pops, in a luxe fabric like velvet, silk, or a formfitting wool. A jeweled or sparkle embellishment always adds some sass!"

Her Gift List:

For the home entertainer: Porcelain and floral-patterned tea sets
Teavana.com

For the cuddler: Chenille throw blankets
PotteryBarn.com

Under $50: Extra-virgin Greek olive oil
DeanandDeluca.com

Dress, Halston Heritage, $475. Necklace, Thale Blanc. Crystal bracelet, C. Wonder. Cuffs, Janis by Janis Savitt. Shoes, Charlotte Olympia.


Candace Nelson

Photo: Roger Neve


The Foodie: Candace Nelson, 38, pastry chef
Her Favorite Things: Founder of the megasuccessful cupcake chain Sprinkles (and a recently launched line of Sprinkles Ice Cream) and mother of two boys, 5 and 2, Nelson loves Mother jeans ("They give good butt"), DevaCurl hair products, Lemlem gauze scarves, and Irene Neuwirth jewelry. But she's particularly obsessed with Cal Red peaches from Frog Hollow Farm. "They're insane and supersweet, the kind of peaches you have to eat over the sink, they're so juicy."

Why She Loves This Outfit: "I like dresses that have a nice, architectural shape. And how cute are these shoes?"

Her Merrymaking Style: "Los Angeles is so casual all the time—the holidays are the one time of year when people will maybe wear a fancy top with their jeans," says Nelson. "So I like to wear a dress and heels."

Her Gift List:

For the literary foodie: The memoir Blood, Bones, & Butter, by Gabrielle Hamilton
BloodBonesandButter.net

For the home chef: Artisanal maplewood cutting boards
EdwardWohl.com

For the jet-setter: A membership to luxurytravel site Indagare
Indagare.com

Under $50: La Maison du Chocolat dark chocolate truffles
LaMaisonDuChocolat.us

Dress, Taylor Dress, $134. Cardigan, L'Wren Scott. Necklace, Tuleste Market. Shoes, L'Wren Scott.


Famke Janssen

Photo: Roger Neve


The Movie Star: Famke Janssen, 48, actress and director
Her Favorite Thing:Her 12-year-old Boston terrier, Licorice. "He brings joy and fulfillment to my life," says Janssen, who appears in the upcoming film Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters. "He also gives me a sense of belonging because no matter where I travel, he comes with me. So in a way I'm always home."

Why She Loves This Outfit: "This dress is timeless, elegant, and womanly. Trendy is just not me."

Her Merrymaking Style: "It's not about comfort. I'm still very European in that I love dressing up," says the Dutch-born former model, who wrote and directed her first film, Bringing Up Bobby, last year. "You'll never see me walking around in sweatpants. I love dresses and boots in winter."

Her Gift List:

For the home design geek: Decorative, unique plates, vases, and glasses
GlobalTable.com

For the serenity seeker: Candles from the exclusive Hôtel Costes
BigelowChemists.com

Under $50: Poco Dolce bittersweet chocolate with Aztec chile and sea salt
PocoDolce.com

Dress, L'Wren Scott. Bracelet, Rebekah Price. Shoes, Manolo Blahnik.

Next: Color Shock: 9 Gorgeous Holiday Dresses


From the December 2012 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine