How to beat the holiday blues in style

Old blue eyes
If you haven't heard about the whole Blythe phenomena, it's not too late to catch on. Ahead of her time by several decades with an oversized head and eyes that turn blue, green, pink, or orange, Blythe was only on the market from 1972 to 1973. Rescued from obscurity by Gina Garan's photos, Blythe went on to hit the front windows of Bloomingdales, nab the cover of Women's Wear Daily, have a stint on VH1, and land features in People, the New York Times, and ad campaigns for Nordstrom, Sony, and trendy Japanese department stores. Guaranteed to ward away holiday blues, Garan's latest book "Blythe Style" captures Blythe in 100 fabulous outfits by top designers from around the globe, including Gucci, Prada, Versace, Dior, Paul Smith, Issey Miyake, John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, and dozens more. Order a signed copy of "Blythe Style" for yourself or your favorite fashionista. $20.95 at www.thisisblythe.com. Photo courtesy XieKitchen.

Travelin' blues
Sometimes, you just need to get out of the house when the holiday blues come a callin'. This bright blue Chinese silk laptop bag is funky, pretty, and just the thing to lift your spirits right into the nearest coffee shop for some personal downtime with your computer. This new line of super cute laptop bags for women offers a bunch of adorable to chic styles that don't actually look like they're laptop bags. Abbi New York "Alysa" bag $89.95 at www.abbinewyork.com.

Wrapped in blue
Looking good in this cozy blue knee-length sweater coat is bound to cheer you up. This cheery bright shade of blue will make you a stand out (in a good way) even if you're only swinging by the market for some eggnog. Button Front Tie Sweater $29.95 at www.venusswimwear.com.

Keep baby blue too!
Nobody does cashmere like Dolores Piscotta--I'm serious! She has the most beautiful eclectic and luxurious cashmere line for people and she also caters to your most precious four-legged babies. This to-die-for doggie cable turtleneck is $59 at www.piscottacashmere.com.

If heaven were a color
These blue suede sheepskin scuffs are pure heaven on earth! I put them on first thing when I get home and find that after a hard day's work (or shopping) they make me feel much better within seconds. While divinely comfy with padded foam midsoles and sheepskin lined suede uppers, they are also chic enough to wear with jeans when friends come over. Women's sheepskin scuffs in blue are $44, available at www.normthompson.com.

Wear a big blue rock
Treating yourself to this milky blue semi-precious faceted chalcedony nugget on a delicate chain will bring a smile to your lips every time you wear it. The handmade silver hook clasp features a triple moonstone drop at the back of the neck. Belize necklace $50 at www.hellfirecollection.com.

When blues are sexy
Most guys will tell you that nothing's sexier than a girl in a great pair of blue jeans. These days, with so many choices on the market, it can still be challenging to find a pair of high quality denim with a great fit--ie, that fit your bum like a dream. Fidelity is one of my favorite brands for exactly this reason. They also come in three inseam lengths (32, 34, and 36), giving equal love to all legs. You can view more Fidelity jeans styles at www.fidelitydenim.com.

Get sparkly (and blue)
If you're going to wear a little sparkle, this is the time of year to do it. Writing about beauty year-round, I try hundreds of products. Without a doubt, Emani is my new favorite shadow. Not only is it free of chemicals, dyes, and oils, it looks great and I love the sheer hint of sparkle you can get with a light application. The mica mineral used in Emani's Natural Crushed Mineral Color Dusts lets your natural skin tone shine through and it's virtually weightless so your skin can breathe. Another bonus is that mica powder reflects light from your face, creating an illusion of a smoother, softer skin tone--meaning fine lines are diminished. Even if blue eye shadow isn't your thing, you can wet a fine brush and use it for a shimmery blue liner. $12 at salons and beauty stores or at www.emani.com.

Have some zany fun
Nothing chases away the blues faster than Cranium Turbo, the new deluxe version of Cranium with 16 activities like sculpting, humming, drawing and guessing, plus 6 new activities including Zooma (identify three objects shown super close-up) and Odd Couple (find the two things that don't belong). Also new to this edition are the Turbo Rally Cards that feature more fun by including three activities instead of one. Guaranteed to relieve stress with a single sketch, word puzzle, or fun fact. Don't go into the holidays without it! Cranium Turbo Edition $29.95 at www.cranium.com.

Sip the blues away (in moderation of course)
While you've got your friends over for a friendly game of Cranium Turbo, why not serve HPNOTIQ Sub Zero Martinis? Once you have a sip of this lively blend of vodka, tropical fruit juices, and a hint of cognac, winning or losing will be irrelevant.

HYPNOTIQ Sub Zero Martini
1 oz. HPNOTIQ
1 oz. orange rum
1 oz. coconut rum
Splash of pineapple juice

Shake well and strain into a glass. Garnish with mini sugar cubes and holiday stir stick. And just in time for the holidays, HPNOTIQ is offering their signature blue, hand-blown martini glass with every purchase of a 750 ml bottle of HPNOTIQ for about $26.99. Additional recipes at www.hpnotiq.com.

Cleansing the blues
After a night of frolicking, FUNCTION urban detox will definitely help you sweep the blues right out of your system. This new all-natural preservative and caffeine-free drink is scientifically proven to cure and prevent hangovers. Infused with an enzyme which ER doctors give to patients who come into the hospital with alcohol poisoning, FUNCTION urban detox cleanses your system of hangover symptoms such as headache, nausea, red eyes and skin as well as airborne pollution. Flavored with prickly pear fruit and orange, it tastes great and I plan to have a bottle standing by (just in case). Learn more at www.functiondrinks.com.

The color of the sky
One of the quickest ways to raise your spirits is by spending some time outdoors. This state-of-the art sky blue trail runner is a high performance shoe that is well ventilated, quick drying, and made to handle off-road adventures. Take a deep breath and hit the trail--you won't have time to feel blue! Brooks "Cascadia" $90 at www.brooksrunning.com.

It's always worth it to take a little extra time to stay happy and relaxed during the holidays. Remember, one of the best ways to kick the holiday blues is to do something for somebody else.