Rakia’s Style Nation:

Rakia’s Fashion and Beauty Holiday Gift Guide

The countdown has begun! The holidays are 11 days away. Here are some last minute gift items that everyone will love.

Distante

1510 Sansom Street

Philadelphia, PA 19102

(215) 545-2850

If you’re looking for a great pair of cuff links to compliment that stylish suit in your man’s closet, Distante features a variety of well-made and designed links. They are sure to give a man that extra flair for the holidays.

Vivant Art Collection

60 North 2nd Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106

(310) 612-4636

Need a great gift for the ladybug in your life? Vivant Art Collection in Olde City has a hand painted espresso set done in a red and black lady bug pattern. Too cute!  The gallery displays a cultural art exhibit of works from Africa and the Caribbean so if you are looking for a gift for the art connoisseur, look no further.

Duafe Holistic Hair Care

3502 Scotts Lane

Philadelphia, PA 19129

(267) 297-7636

Duafe Salon has come up with a holiday treat for all natural locked individuals. They offer a holiday hair care product kit, which includes shampoo, conditioner, slicker, and body oil—and it’s all wonderfully packaged into what they are calling a lock box!  Treat the locked one that you love to this wonderful treat.

Wilma Theatre

265 South Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107-5659

(215) 893-9456

This holiday seasom, buy tickets to BalletX’s spring series 2011. BalletX’s performances feature a multimedia dance production that incorporates ballet, spoken text, video, and originally composed music. Treat the whole family to a great performance for the holidays.

Spa East

1040 N. 2nd Street, # 301

Philadelphia, PA 19123

(215) 829-1009

Treat the special lady in your life to a relaxing sensation such as a paraffin wax treatment and minx manicure in Northern Liberties. Spa East will leave you pampered and waxed for the New Year. Don’t be the last to know about this great holiday dea! Why not treat yourself while you’re at it?

Nino Brand Sample Sale

December 16

6 – 9 p.m.

1639 Fitzwater Street

Keep warm in the freezing cold with a cape coat made by Nino Brand by designer Bela Shehu this holiday. This stylish cape coat is more than just a gift—it’s a lux gift of style. Give the gift of lux wear and also catch this gem at their sample sale for 70% on Thursday, December 16 from 6-9 at 1639 Fitzwater Street. You’ll surely be the envy of all females this season.

Salon Tenshi

537 North 10th Street

(215) 232-8090

Give the gift of beauty! Salon Tenshi is offering a complimentary full-face makeover and pack of makeup removal wipes as well as brush cleaning wipes if you purchase gifts over $100. Stop in to peruse the locally made makeup line. Every piece is sure treat!

Matthew Izzo

151 N. 3rd Street

(215) 829-0606

‘Tis the season for giving, so don’t forget to visit Matthew Izzo Boutique and experience peace and tranquility while splurging on your most favorite winter fashions. Custom made candles adorn the quaint boutique, which manage to alter the feel of your shopping trip while still arranging to lighten up your holiday. Plus, check out one of my favorite lines, Duke + Winston!

2 B Groomed Barbering Studio

270 South 11th Street

(215) 925-3505

Be sure your man is trimmed and ready for 2011. Give your guy the gift of a straight razor shave at 2 B Groomed Barbering Studios. He will enjoy a relaxing shave and hot towel treatment with stimulating jazz music playing in the background. Don’t hesitate on helping your guy look and feel like a new man for the New Year!

Lolli Lolli Boutique

713 Walnut Street

(215) 625-2655

Make sure you visit Lolli Lolli Boutique this holiday season to treat your children to fun and charming get-ups like tutus for her and vintage tees for him—and don’t forget to pick up a toy or two to place under the tree on your way out!