As any beauty junkie knows, milk is a great skin care ingredient because of its emollient fats and lactic acid. But what about the poor cows? Well, c-milk is a vegan coconut milk that takes the milk-as-skincare concept to a more animal-friendly level. Makers of Mi-Spa add freshly ground chamomile to this proverbial liquid gold, which results in a soap that soothes and nourishes the body.

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Hilside bags are playful and affordable, handmade by Hilary Wehlitz of San Francisco. The oil cloth linings come in a range of colors and vintage inspired designs (thankfully, they’re water- and stain- resistant). Snap up a couple bags for different uses, for instance, storing cosmetics, travel gear, and computer accessories.

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Marie has many words of wisdom. Among our favorite? You can never be too cute, too cultured, or too blessed with a jewelry box full of great taste in shoulder-dusting earrings. Our intrepid correspondents take delight in Bay Area-based designer Rachel Clinnick’s Thalia collection, influenced by Byzantine and Etruscan artistry. The line juxtaposes old world elegance with modern day refinement. And, yes, we’re swooning over this decadent cross necklace.

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February news flash: Bliss is setting up spa at the brand new W hotel in Atlanta, Georgia (Midtown). The massage and facial mecca brings a fun, no-attitude atmosphere to Atlanta with its signature menu of over-the-top spa services and mmm good brownie buffet. W guests can look forward to BIP perks including exclusive in-room Bliss amenities and priority booking. Think waxing and wake-up calls, Triple Oxygen treatments and turn-down service. And a prettier, more relaxed you.

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Wanna outfit your fingers in something fabulous for spring? That’s practically a non-negotiable requirement for us. In the East Bay suburb of Danville, California, Geoffrey Scott jewelry boutique caters to lovers of luxury with this gorgeous Matrioska ring from Alfieri & St. John by Damiani. The line is well-known in Europe, but brand spanking new to the United States. We declare this particular bauble the perfect accessory to a fresh French mani. Fun fact: Brad Pitt chose Damiani to make his engagement and wedding rings for Jennifer Aniston.

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As usual, self-indulgence awaits at Spa Claremont in Berkeley. The stress-numbing Winter Massage Ritual (which lasts 80 minutes) comes with a radiance boosting scrub and warm wrap. Scents of pine and eucalyptus invigorate the senses and offer relief from the crazy “holidaze.” Mellow out pre-treatment with a cocktail at Paragon Bar & Café.

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Designer Rory Edelman, creator of eponymous fashion line Rory Beca, creates feminine fashions with an edge, and she finds inspiration from traveling the globe. Her debut collection featured hand knit scarves and tops created from rare and unusual yarns and vintage pieces. Their popularity prompted her to launch a collection of dresses for the red carpet, as well as summer essentials. She scours flea markets, private collections and antique shops in pursuit of fabrics (silk charmeuse, chiffon and cashmere), and other details like rhinestone brooches, ribbons and buttons. The result is youthful, not granny-like.

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Win the war against aging with Arcona products, considered topical alternatives to cosmetic surgery and other harsh treatments (buh bye Botox!). The key to its remarkable effectiveness is Cosmeceutical-grade active ingredients, such as enzymes, antioxidants and amino acids—all of them formulated to deliver powerful results. Cold-processed in small temperatures at very low temperatures, the ingredients retain their effectiveness (unlike heat processed products that make nutrients lifeless and ineffective). The Kiwi Cream Bar nourishing facial cleanser replenishes dehydrated and depleted skin with kiwi extracts while minimizing pesky pores.

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You don’t want to be a Hollywood starlet (heaven forbid!), however there’s no harm in carrying Kaia Peterka’s Starlet clutch in gold or any of the other pretty colors that are available. This bag “doesn’t beg for attention, she commands it” with pleats and stand-out leather. Optional strap is included in the event you want to sling it over your shoulder mid-party.

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Hate perfume? Who can blame you? Too many people overdose on the stuff. Consider Christopher Brosius the anti-perfumist (he says people who smell like everyone else disgust him). Our ultra-sensitive sniff testers fell for his elegant, euphoria-inducing Cradle of Light, a glorious blend of pure white flower absolutes such as Moroccan, Indian, Egyptian and Tunisian Jasmine Grandiflorum; Indian Night Blooming Jasmine; Jonquil; Narcissus, Tuberose and White Lotus. This beguiling bouquet is set against a green background of Sumac, Tomato and Violet Leaves, mixed with a hint of Galbanum, and grounded in a base of Sandalwoods and CBMusk. Ah, a feast for the senses.

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