Table of contents for December 2015 in Marie Claire

1 ON DISPLAY Forget the museum. Head to Miami Beach, Florida, to see big-name artists—with 267 galleries from around the world—show their stuff at Art Basel, December 3 to 6. 2 HEROINE CHIC Your workweek doesn’t even begin to compare to this girl’s—meet Jessica Jones (right), superhero detective. Watch her (played by Krysten Ritter) on the eponymous live-action Netflix series this month. 3 LIFE SAVER Luxe shopping site matchesfashion.com is teaming up with top U.K. designers, including Giles Deacon (see sketch, left), to create seriously festive sweaters benefiting Save the Children. 4 GOOD LOOKS There’s a lot going on this month you’ll need to look party-ready for … enter: Benefit’s Party Poppers, a collection of beauty goodies in a fun advent-calendar-y box. (Benefit Party Poppers Limited-Edition Set, $45; benefitcosmetics.com) 5…

Girl on Film Spectre’s Stephanie Sigman is the latest dangerous liaison to heat up the legendary James Bond franchise. We get intimate (and talk Martini choices: shaken or stirred) with the Mexican star. marieclaire.com/stephanie-sigman CAREER CONTROL You’ve heard all the pearls of wisdom about how to navigate your path. Now, we tell you which pieces of advice actually might not apply. After all, it’s almost 2016, and expectations are changing—as should your attitude. marieclaire.com/career-myths Smart Splurge Still lusting over the fall catwalks but don’t have the cash to drop on designer looks? Take a cue from Proenza Schouler’s embellished sweaters, Gucci’s sheer factor, and Miu Miu’s stripemixing to treat yourself to a holiday spree. Did we mention everything is under $200? (You’re welcome.) marieclaire.com/affordable-runway-looks HOLIDAY SHOPPING CHEAT SHEET Want even…

WRITER GABY WOOD @woodgaby Wood, the London-based literary director of the Booker Prize Foundation, wrote “Amber Ascendant” (p. 160). “Amber Heard is propelled by a force that pays no heed to convention,” she says. READING: A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James. FAVORITE ACCESSORY: Elsa Peretti silver bone cuff. FASHION EDITOR MARINA GALLO @marinagallo_m The Paris-based Gallo found inspiration for styling “She’s All That” (p. 36, Luxe List Flip) in a vintage Christian Dior campaign, giving the spread a “sexy and cool” feel. “I created the looks with the idea of conveying a young and positive image of luxury in mind,” says Gallo. FAVORITE OUTFIT: Topshop jeans and Chanel ballerinas. FAVORITE ACTOR: Jack Nicholson. PHOTOGRAPHER ÁLVARO BEAMUD CORTÉS Shooting leather and diamonds for “She’s All That” (p. 36,…

Kara Ross wants to do for diamonds what Victoria’s Secret did for lingerie. Which is to make it perfectly natural for women to buy one for themselves, rather than wait for a man to give it to them. This month, the jewelry designer launches Diamonds Unleashed, a movement set on making the diamond-within-a-diamond logo she created synonymous with women’s empowerment, akin to the instantly recognizable symbolism of a pink ribbon. She’s recruited more than 200 ambassadors and counting—women like Zaha Hadid, Norma Kamali, Adriana Lima, and Sallie Krawcheck—to spread her message, including a campaign explaining what their gems mean to them. (Serena Williams: “My diamond is a trophy that I gave myself.”) If Ross looked to a purveyor of knickers as a model of changing attitudes, she was inspired by…

1 DIBLE ART GOURMET CHOCOLATE BARS WRAPPED IN KELLY WEARSTLER–DESIGNED BOXES MAKE FOR EXTRA-YUMMY GIFTS. «Compartés Chocolatier X Kelly Wearstler Bars in White Chocolate Lavender (far left) and Strawberry Black Pepper, $13 each; compartes.com» 2 BIG EYES SUPER-WHIMSICAL SHADES THE COLOR OF VINTAGE CHOWARD’S VIOLET CANDIES. «Miu Miu sunglasses, $360; saks.com» 3 GOLD RUSH THE CLASSIC CARAMELNOTE FRAGRANCE ALL DRESSED UP IN LIMITED-EDITION METALLIC FOR THE HOLIDAYS. «Prada Candy Holiday Collector, $114; nordstrom.com» 4 PALATE CLEANSER FRENCH MACARON GURU LADURÉE LIGHTENS UP WITH THIS FRESH, CITRUSY CANDLE. «Ladurée Opoponax Candle, $69; laduree.com» 5 BITE-SIZE SWEEP A FACE BRUSH OVER THESE CANDY-COLORED POWDER “PEARLS” FOR A SUGAR-RUSH GLOW. «Guerlain Météorites Light Revealing Pearls of Powder in 2 Clair, $62; saks.com» 6 CHOCOHOLIC LEAVE IT TO THE GENIUSES AT FRESH TO COME…

“I DESIGN FOR THE CONFIDENT WOMAN—SOMEONE WHO KNOWS WHAT SHE WANTS.” —Ashley Nell Tipton (right) Project Runway expects contestants to bring new ideas to the table. But none have risen to that challenge quite like season 14’s Ashley Nell Tipton. On the show’s November 5 finale, the lavender-haired San Diego native, 24, became the first designer in series history to secure the win with a plus-size collection. “I used to think being big meant I didn’t belong in this industry,” says Tipton, who was bullied in school for her weight. “But when someone tells me I can’t do something, it just makes me want to prove them wrong.” Though she launched a namesake label in 2012 as a student at Fashion Careers College in San Diego, it wasn’t until the…

MARIE CLAIRE: WE ARE SITTING IN THE SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA, OFFICES OF STAR WARS PRODUCER J.J. ABRAMS’ PRODUCTION COMPANY, BAD ROBOT. IMPRESSIVE! LET’S TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT YOUR START. MICHELLE REJWAN: My path was nontraditional. I went to UCLA for a year, transferred to USC, then decided to take a leave of absence. School always mattered to me, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study, so it felt like the right decision. Through a friend of my sister’s, I got a job as assistant to Allison Jones, a casting director who did a lot of Judd Apatow’s films. She was an absolute genius, and I got to be a small, teeny part of all these great films and shows I admired. Through her, I met Jeff Garlin,…

MARIE CLAIRE: Introduce us to your character, Captain Phasma! GWENDOLINE CHRISTIE: Well, Captain Phasma is the first female Star Wars villain, as captain of the Stormtroopers. And she’s a Boba Fett–style character in that she makes a huge impact but she isn’t always at the forefront of the film. This character is, I think, incredibly progressive. We have a female character, and we respond to her—not because of the way she looks, but we are responding to her actions and to the way she has chosen to look, the way she has chosen to present herself, that isn’t about flesh. MC: Is the costume as insanely heavy and warm as it looks? GC: It’s very difficult for me to give you a proper, concise answer, because I was so, so…

Rachel Platten would rather you not call her a singer/songwriter. Not because she doesn’t sing (she does) or write songs (she does that, too), but because she finds the term limiting. “I want to do full-on pop, but with the credibility and organic elements of songwriting,” Platten says. It’s no surprise then that lately she’s been hanging out with Taylor Swift—who not only gave love to Platten’s first single, the empowering hit “Fight Song,” but also tweeted in support of her second, equally anthemic, single, “Stand By You.” “Every time [she tweets about it], my song races up the chart,” Platten says. While she’s only recently blown up in popularity, Platten’s no newbie: She gigged in NYC for years before her big break—in fact, that’s probably why that song you…

The Dutch love an adventure: Starting in the 15th century, explorers from the Netherlands racked up plenty of frequent-floater miles. In the process, they set up significant shop in the East Indies (Dutch East India Company ring a bell?) and established a once little-known settlement we now refer to as New York City. Today, this wandering spirit still seems entrenched in the local psyche as I stroll down the gorgeous canal-flanked streets of Amsterdam, trying desperately to avoid all the cyclists whizzing past. I make my own discoveries at the headquarters of Rituals, a beauty company based here that, much like those fearless travelers of yesteryear, is conquering the globe at a dizzying pace. With 1,000 shops in 21 countries (including two new ones in the U.S. and more on…

Amber Heard is on the move and on the rise THE FRESH APPEAL OF RETRO GOLD JEWELRY The collegiate cool of the resort collections SECRET LIVES OF FLIGHT ATTENDANTS “The shocking news my parents kept from me” Creative Director NINA GARCIA…

GOT GAME Preppy-fabulous designer Tory Burch is embracing her inner athlete with a new line, Tory Sport. Our favorite from the collection: a cream-and-navy canvas tennis tote that’s courtside cool. TORY SPORT Tennis Tote, $395; torysport.com. MAIN SQUEEZE While traditional juicers shave and grind fruits and veggies—producing heat that breaks down enzymes—Juicepresso’s system cold-presses produce, stabilizing nutrients for up to 72 hours. That makes it perfect for the super-busy alpha girl who wants to juice in bulk and store for later. JUICEPRESSO Platinum, $549; juicepressousa.com. AIR CONTROL You may not have heard the latest research on humidifiers—that they help prevent flu transmission and make your skin look smoother—but you definitely do know that the clunky, noisy gadgets mess with your feng shui. Enter Dyson’s sleek and virtually silent humidifier that…

@NaomieHarris TO GET INSPIRED: The courses at The Mindfulness Project involve meditation, discussion, and lectures on living in the present. TO BEGIN THE DAY: Morning Gloryville, an immersive morning dance party. Best way to start any day! TO DISCOVER COOL ARTISTS: Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club or Union Chapel (above), an incredible place combining a church, music venue, and space for the homeless and those in crisis. FOR A HEALTHY MEAL: Nama Foods, a raw-food restaurant in Notting Hill. FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP: I don’t think good nights’ sleep are really what London is great for! For sleep, I head out of town to Champneys Spa in Tring. TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME: Alfies Antique Market, where I bought a gorgeous Art Deco chandelier for my hallway. TO CATCH AN…

IN OUR INBOX SIENNA STUNS Sienna Miller was breathtaking in the cover story [“Sienna’s Season”]. Her drive to stand up to the paparazzi and reclaim her image is admirable. I continue to adore Sienna and loved getting to know her a little better. —Gracie Culver, Milwaukee #LOVEWINS I was flipping through October’s issue and came across a quote from Rosario Dawson on the insurmountable odds of finding that one person to share your life with [“That’s What She Said”]. It made me stop and think of the meaning behind the words. Thank you, Rosario and MC! —Laura Niemann, Louisville, KY HUMAN COST You jolted us awake with your sex-trafficking series [“A Tribe’s Quest,” October 2015, and “Crude Awakening,” September 2015]. What is so bothersome is how long it takes to…

“THE PATH TO YOUR SUCCESS IS NOT AS FIXED AND INFLEXIBLE AS YOU THINK. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU WANT, EVEN IF YOU ARE BEING TOLD NEGATIVE THINGS. STAY STRONG AND FIND MOTIVATION.” MISTY COPELAND, LEVO LEAGUE “I DON’T WANT TO GET UP ON STAGE AND TELL SHITTY JOKES ABOUT HOW LONG IT TAKES WOMEN TO GET READY OR THAT WOMEN LIKE WHITE WINE OR ANY SORT OF WEIRD THING THAT SEEMS LIKE IT’S FOR WOMEN BUT IT’S ACTUALLY FOR MEN.” JENNY SLATE, ROOKIE MAGAZINE “I’M A GREAT DANCER! THE KEY IS CONFIDENCE AND THEN NEVER WATCHING RECORDINGS OF YOURSELF DANCING.” ALISON BRIE, THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON “BEING APPRECIATED FOR WHAT MADE ME DIFFERENT HELPED ME LEARN TO APPRECIATE MYSELF.” KARLIE KLOSS, THE NEW YORK TIMES “NEVER TAKE…

AGE: 29. OCCUPATION: Actress. HOMETOWN: Manor, Texas. CURRENT RESIDENCE: Los Angeles. JEAN QUEEN: Lone Star State–bred Heard arrived in a Mother denim shirt, jeans by Re/Done (which repurposes worn Levi’s), cheetah-print Tod’s flats, and a black Saint Laurent bag. MODERN MUSE: Heard brought her love of the blues to the City of Light, selecting John Lee Hooker and Canned Heat as the soundtrack for the day. SNAP CHAT: Though she’s usually in front of the camera, she also has an eye for photography. She and photographer Boe Marion shared their respect for Henri Cartier-Bresson. A painter, Heard also gave the crew a glimpse of her work via iPhone. NEIGHBORLY LOVE: Growing up among native Spanish speakers, Heard became fluent in the language and culture. “I was planning to have a…

At a glance, Michael Kors’ limited-edition, gold-tone Bradshaw 100 watch looks like a globe-trotter’s take on his iconic timepiece, with a world map etched on its face. But the back tells a different story: Kors’ signature is engraved, along with the messages “Watch Hunger Stop” and “1 Watch = 100 Meals.” Launched in October, it’s the latest in the Watch Hunger Stop series, introduced in 2013 as the brand’s first product line specifically designed for doing global good. For every watch sold, 100 children in need will receive a meal from the UN World Food Programme (WFP). Fighting hunger is a primary passion for Kors, who was named a WFP Ambassador in July. “I’m a person who likes results,” he says, “and hunger is one of the problems in this…

GIVE & GET GIFTED WITH PANDORA SHINE ON To amp up her own holiday wardrobe, Nicole turns to the PANDORA Crystallized Blue Collection. Offering an unexpected take on traditional silver, this superchic collection is beautifully accented with brilliant blue crystals and starspangled charms. FOR THE POWER PLAYER Surprise the girl-on-the-go with a mélange of must-have metals. Beautifully made with solid sterling silver and 14-karat gold, these pieces are intended to mix and match, resulting in dozens of unique combinations for the woman who seeks to keep her look fresh. FOR THE WOMAN WHO HAS IT ALL Dazzle the glamour girl in your life with silver stacked rings and delicate charm necklaces that sparkle and shine. Look to the PANDORA Timeless Elegance Collection for vintage-inspired pieces that offer a modern twist,…

My bonkers month started with New York Fashion Week, when my schedule would be: show, filming, dinner, party, repeat. Highlights were an alfresco dinner beneath the lights of the Williamsburg Bridge for Phillip Lim’s 10th anniversary, and Alexander Wang’s 10th-anniversary show and afterparty, which featured Hooters girls, fried chicken wings, and Lady Gaga. Kendall Jenner, keen to jump-start a trend, tried to get her hands on a Hooters tee the whole night! I also covered the official launch of the SJP fall collection at Bloomingdale’s (4). Before taping my interview with Sarah Jessica Parker for E!, the two of us caught up on our common passion: twin daughters. SJP then proceeded to rearrange the entire shoe display and talk to shocked customers walking by. She is always interested, interesting, and…

QI’ve just gotten a job offer, but I was hoping for more money. Can I negotiate, or will that piss them off? First, thank the employer and ask for a few days to think about it. They owe you at least 48 hours. Second, do some research. Title alone isn’t enough to dictate what your salary should be. Consider your location, seniority, and variables like whether there is good health care, 401(k), paid time off, or equity. The best relationships aren’t about money, but we all want to feel like we’re being paid what we’re worth. Call the hiring manager back and let her know that you’d feel a lot better if she came up on the offer, and see what happens. You don’t get what you don’t ask for.…

ON POINTE I’ve been with Semperoper Ballett in Dresden, Germany, for five years—I wanted to escape the competitive dance world and go somewhere where I felt appreciated for my talents. Stateside, it was always kind of a struggle. And the competition? Not into it. SPIN IT, SISTER My dad influenced my musical taste. I grew up listening to Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones, and a bunch of rock music from the ’60s. Now, instead of watching TV, I’ll play a record from start to finish. BAND OF BALLERINAS My friend (and fellow dancer) Caroline Beach and I began performing music around Germany, just for fun. We cover ’90s chick music and we “folk up” songs that shouldn’t be folked up, like Ace of Base. Ballet is so rigid—we take…

1. IF YOU LIKE: Kissing under the mistletoe GO SEE: MACBETH (December 4) Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, the titular king-killer and his lady, remind us that the couple that slays together stays together. (Spoiler: Not really. The Shakespeare play is a tragedy.) 2. IF YOU LIKE: The Charlie Brown specials GO SEE: A VERY MURRAY CHRISTMAS (December 4) A twist on the classic Christmas variety show from Netflix, hosted by the master of quirk himself, Bill Murray. Plus: a Miley Cyrus performance; Chris Rock; tons of warm, fuzzy feelings. 3. IF YOU LIKE: The office holiday party GO SEE: JOY (December 25) Another year, another awesome Jennifer Lawrence performance in a David O. Russell flick. This one is a biopic about single mom turned real-life entrepreneur extraordinaire Joy Mangano.…

PRETTY IN PINK The designers behind fashion (and record) label Maison Kitsuné bring their cool, East-meets-West sensibility to a limited-edition line of makeup, haircare, and skincare for iconic Japanese beauty brand Shu Uemura. MAISON KITSUNÉ FOR SHU UEMURA Cleansing Oil Shampoo, $57. MIRACLE MIST The catch-22 of winter haircare: You need hairspray to tame under-hat static and keep party-ready chignons smoothly in place, but it’s loaded with alcohol, which dries strands, making the flyaway situation worse. Luckily, Pantene has the paradox-buster. Its new “airspray” offers as much hold as traditional aerosols without the drying, crunchifying alcohol. Thank you, science. PANTENE Pro-V Style Series Airspray Level 2 Hold (available in January), $7. HAVING A MOMENT ARTIST COLLABORATIONS Skip Art Basel and get your fine-art fix at the beauty counter this month.…

Hairstylists are always in awe of my undyed brunette strands. When I plop down in their chairs, they look at me like I’m a unicorn—albeit one who’s not as fetching as all the blueand pink-haired ponies trotting around these days (Hilary Duff, I’m looking at you). I know this because rather than telling me how wonderfully healthy my hair is, they immediately dole out unsolicited color advice. “Try highlights!” “Glaze!” “Go darker!” “Go lighter!” I’ve heard it all. Then, when I’m ready to pay my tab, there’s the follow-up: “Stop by the front desk and we’ll get you set up with that color appointment.” Approximately 83 million women in the U.S. have colored their hair in the past year (according to Clairol), so I know I’m in the minority with…

Amber Heard’s mother likes to say that ever since Amber was a little girl, she’s been trying to see how far she can get, how fast. “A horse became a bike, a bike became a car, a car became a plane,” Heard explains. And now, when I ask her if she likes flying, she looks puzzled. “It’s like walking, I guess,” she says. “It’s just how I get around.” She’s certainly picked up speed since she left Texas for Hollywood 13 years ago, landing, among other things, the perfectly descriptive title role in All the Boys Love Mandy Lane (2006), a part as Demi Moore’s daughter in The Joneses (2009), and a life-altering costar in Johnny Depp, with whom she lit up The Rum Diary (2011). Much was made of…

On a recent trip, Jackie, 28, wasn’t particularly fazed when, for the third time before takeoff, she had to ask an uncooperative passenger to remove her poodle from the airplane’s overhead bin. She had nerves of steel another day, when, during turbulence, a screaming 5-year-old girl—her inattentive parents 10 rows away—got stuck in a lavatory with a fussy lock; Jackie ripped off the entire door to free her. While boarding yet another flight, when a passenger grabbed an ice mallet from the galley and threatened to hit her because the lavatory was occupied, Jackie was shaken—but not for the reason you’d think. Every flight attendant has a story (or a dozen), and incidents like these are likely to multiply when air travel ramps up for the holiday season, following a…

W hat kind of holiday gift giver are you? Do you have a giant list you check off immediately the day after Thanksgiving? Or in July? Are you one of those preternaturally organized people who has a closet full of treasures you stock throughout the year that you can casually pull from as the need arises? I envy you. A high school friend of mine actually has a presentwrapping station at her house in L.A., and I think of her every time I’m scrounging under my bed for appropriately themed paper at midnight. Despite my best intentions, I am a gift procrastinator. The tardiness of my efforts in no way takes away from my desire to find something thoughtful, personal, and special for each person on my list, which puts…

“THE PARISIAN APARTMENT SETTING EMBODIED AMBER’S TIMELESS BEAUTY LOOK.” —MAKEUP ARTIST MÉLANIE INGLESSIS HAIR: For a tousled style, hairstylist Renato Campora worked a volumizing mousse into Heard’s roots and blowdried to add texture. He then used a curling wand to bend strands in alternating directions for an undone effect. MAKEUP: To keep attention on the actress’s eyes, makeup artist Mélanie Inglessis applied bronze powder shadow at the lid creases and chocolate liner along the lashlines. “I created a soft, yet seductive, smoky eye,” explains Inglessis. Glowing skin and a nude lip completed the look. NAILS: Manicurist Laura Forget brushed two coats of pale-pink polish on Heard’s nails for a clean, fresh finish.…

1 BLUES TRAVELER HUBLOT’S BIG BANG WATCH TURNS 10, AND NOW COMES WITH A STUDDED DENIM STRAP. «Price upon request; hublot.com» 2 BLAST OFF PLAYFUL SPACESHIP PINS GIVE YOUR STYLE AND SPIRITS A BOOST. «Prices upon request, Loewe; loewe.com» 3 JUST HEAVENLY I NEED THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND DE GRISOGONO RING—COVERED IN OVER 1,000 DIAMONDS—IN MY JEWELRY ORBIT. «Price upon request; 212-439-4220» 4 MIRROR, MIRROR HERVÉ VAN DER STRAETEN’S REFLECTIVE CUTOUT CONSOLE TABLE WOULD ADD MAJOR WOW TO MY LIVING ROOM. «Price upon request at Ralph Pucci; 212-633-0452» 5 MIXED SIGNALS I LOVE THE VARIED MATERIALS AND EDGY ROAD-SIGN ELEMENTS OF THESE PRADA SANDALS. «Price upon request; prada.com» 6 SILVER LINING I’LL WEAR LOEWE’S MOLDABLE METALLIC BAG THE MODERN WAY—TUCKED UNDER MY ARM LIKE AN OVERSIZE CLUTCH. «$2,850; loewe.com» 7 CLOUD NINE…

NINA’S NOTES: Festive lighting, cashmere sweaters, mugs of hot chocolate—there’s not a holiday cliché I don’t love. Then, of course, there’s the gift giving. Whether you’re the hyperprepared early bird or the last-minute closer, no one is immune to shopping-list stress. Not to worry: Turn the page for our guide, inspired by five natural elements. It’s full of cool, covetable items—from cheekily imaginative accessories to ultramodern kitchenware—sure to spark some ideas. And because it’s almost impossible to buy for others without finding something you want, flip this issue over for a special section of überluxe items (exotic travel packages! handbags! jewelry!) we’ve put together for you to peruse. Happy indulging. @ninagarcia…

The holidays are all about that little something extra. Still, it took years before I finally rejected the idea that I had to hide myself in drab, “flattering” clothes during party season when, deep down, I knew the loud, glittering numbers were often the best way to accentuate the parts about me that I liked most. Like me, I’m sure you have a lot to be grateful for—and a lot to be proud of. And there’s no better time than now to step out in a statement-making look that exudes that confidence. So while you’re drafting your New Year’s resolutions, consider adding “more look-at-me outfits” to the list. P.S. You can also find me on Snapchat @nicolettemason.…

1. RIOT GRRL: Raise a glass— then rest it on a coaster, because manners. PUNK ROCK AUTHORS COASTER SET $18, Out of Print; outofprintclothing.com. 2. DRINK UP: Even more reason to hang by the bar. TWO OF A KIND ICE BUCKET $80 & JEWELED BOTTLE STOPPER $25, Kate Spade New York; katespade.com. 3. LET’S ROLL: This swanky bar cart deserves its own grand boozy entrance. JACQUES BAR CART $1,450, Jonathan Adler; jonathanadler.com. 4. POUR ONE OUT: Play bartender with help from this app/scale duo. PERFECT DRINK PRO WIRELESS SCALE & APP $100, Perfect Company; perfectdrinkapp.com. 5. ROYAL FLUSH: Winning a hand of poker will feel even cooler with this colorfully designed deck. FREDERICKS & MAE PLAYING CARDS $13, Fredericks & Mae; amazon.com. 6. SAY CHEESE: Instantly printed pics make awesome…

MARIE CLAIRE: What’s the difference, for you, between writing and painting? CRABAPPLE: I’ve been drawing since I was 4 years old—drawing is in my blood and my bones. I’m addicted to it. I cannot survive without making art. But I had this moment when I was 28 or 29, hanging out with all these journalists and all these writers, where I felt they would just say things with their voices and words, and with passion and precision, whereas when I drew, I was forever hinting at things. For me, the difference, besides the fact that writing is a lot harder for me, is the fact that writing is explicit. Visual art is implied. MC: What does it mean to you to be a “female writer”? CRABAPPLE: When a man writes…

GUEST EDITOR: VALERIE BUCEK, 28 “A swipe of liner and mascara makes my blue-green eyes pop.” This Australian transplant and Guerlain executive spills on all her favorite city hangouts. Hotel haven: Once frequented by the likes of Coco Chanel, Le Royal Monceau hotel (leroyalmonceau.com) is très chic. The luxe decor, extensive Clarins spa menu, and decadent ice cream bar from renowned pastry chef Pierre Hermé make the property one of a kind. Good eats: Michelin-starred Pur’ (paris-restaurantpur. fr) takes classic Parisian fare to the next level (think foie gras lollipops and tomato-flavored ice). Shopaholics: Part gallery, part fashion boutique, L’Eclaireur (leclaireur.com) is popular with the cool crowd. Céline and Givenchy are among some of the highly coveted labels sold at its seven locations. Must-see: If the glittering Eiffel Tower isn’t…

I didn’t smell perfume for the first time until I was 17. Growing up, I had a very strong sense of smell, but no one in my family could afford perfume. Even if we could have, there was no place in Russia to try it on at the time! But a lot of my childhood memories have to do with smell. One of my most vivid memories is of my grandmother’s scent: Every morning, she would run in the park and then swim in the lake, even if it was frozen. She belonged to a club of these women who were crazy enough to jump into 5°C (41°F) water and swim in the middle of winter. And I remember when she got back, she smelled like snow—this mineral, very fresh,…

HAIR: SARA DENMAN FOR KEVIN MURPHY AT CELESTINE AGENCY MAKEUP: HEATHER CURRIE FOR NARS COSMETICS AT CLOUTIER REMIX MANICURE: EMI KUDO FOR DIOR VERNIS AT OPUS BEAUTY MODEL: BREGJE HEINEN AT THE LIONS NY PROP STYLIST: CHLOE CHIPPENDALE PRODUCTION:…

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22–DECEMBER 21) MOOD: Ambitious Confidence rises when you’re able to mindfully acknowledge and address your doubts. Ask questions loudly, clearly, and fearlessly. Remember: Some inquiries have answers and some require further investigation. POWER DAY: December 24 CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22–JANUARY 19) MOOD: Expansive Certain influences are calling you out into the world, while others are encouraging you to go deep into yourself. Both are necessary for your peace of mind. When you’re alone, you are still open and available. POWER DAY: December 19 AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20–FEBRUARY 18) MOOD: Generous A profound part of your purpose is taking care of others. How you define this is up to you. It might be feeding your friends; it might be solving a persistent IT issue. The more you give, the more you feel you have. POWER DAY: December…

RIDE & SHINE This page: Jacket, $1,800, Carven; overalls, $2,600, Adam Lippes; earrings & short necklace, Harry Winston; long necklace, Tiffany & Co. On model’s right hand: Wrap watch, Chanel Fine Jewelry; thin diamond bracelet, Dior Fine Jewelry; ring, Boucheron. On model’s left hand: Watch & ring, Chopard. On brows: Urban Decay Brow Beater in Neutral Brown. Opposite page: Sweater, $2,200, Louis Vuitton; earrings, necklace, cuffs & ring, Messika Joaillerie; watch, Rolex. FASHION EDITOR: MARINA GALLO BLACK ICE Sleeveless dress, price upon request, sweaterdress, $1,260, Azzedine Alaïa; stud earring, Dauphin; drop earrings, necklace, wide cuff & round ring, Piaget; watch, Van Cleef & Arpels; yellow-stone ring, Dior Fine Jewelry. On hair: Dove Advanced Hair Series Oxygen Moisture Root Lift Spray. On him: Coat, price upon request, Balmain. Dress, $4,336, Anthony…