The holidays are upon us, and we’ll be the first to admit that we’re making our list and checking it twice. And thanks to the flood of holiday catalogs that have been arriving on our doorsteps, there has been no shortage of gift giving (and receiving!) inspiration. We’ve rounded up a few holiday catalogs from our favorite retailers that we think are worth the browse for their ability to pin-point exactly what we’re looking for. Proenza Schouler’s covetable round shades from Barneys? Check. A hooded fringe poncho from Anthropologie? Check. A souped up motorcycle from Neiman Marcus? Not so much. But we couldn’t help but daydream about what our lives would be like with a new ride at a hefty six-figure price tag. Here, our top picks for must-save holiday catalogs.

Neiman Marcus: Despite the economic downturn, Neiman Marcus has managed to create an ultra exclusive Christmas book this year. Fantasy items include: 535 square feet of the Dallas Cowboy's turf for $500,000, a $110,000 140-horsepower motorcycle that looks like it is off the set of Batman, an opportunity to play a game with the Harlem Globetrotters for $100,000, a rare 10th century braided god viking ring for $25,000 and his and hers life-size Lego statues at $60,000 a piece. Yeah, we know…these are out of our budget too, but what would Christmas be without a little fantasy!

140-Horsepower Motorcycle available through the Neiman Marcus Catalog, $110,000

J.Crew: J. Crew seems to have everything right these days — including their gift guide. Taking the guesswork out of shopping for everyone on your list, J. Crew has broken down their gift card by both the recipient and the denomination. So if you are looking for a gift for your new niece, you can shop in the $25 & Under for Girls category or pick out something for your big brother in the $75 & Under for Men. We love the cable knit ballet slippers with pom-poms for girls. This is really genius – We wish all retailers would make it this easy for us!

Cable Knit Ballet Slippers available through the J. Crew Catalog, $39.50

Barneys: We’re smitten by Barney’s mantra of the season: “Have a Hippie Holiday, Peace + Love”. There’s something for everyone on our list in their holiday catalog (and plenty for us, too!) – psychedelic Paul Smith wallets that would put a smile on the face of any Grateful Dead fan, cashmere travel blankets for the jet-setters we’re all envious of, and gold pave’ diamond pendants from Jennifer Meyer that make for the perfect gift for the women in the family. On our wish list? Round sunglasses from Proenza Schouler. We’ve been nice, dear Santa, and we promise not to be naughty.

Proenza Schouler Round Sunglasses available through the Barneys catalog, $310

Anthropologie: It isn’t just Neiman Marcus that creates a fantasy to lure in shoppers. Anthropologie’s “Wonder” catalog just landed on our desks and let’s just say they’ve got the fantasy factor down pat, minus the high dollar price tags. Gifts for the home including decorative peacock bowls, tea party candelabras, and cozy knit throws have that old world vintage look that we’ve come to expect from one of our favorite retailers. Statement jewels, oversized leather totes, and our favorite – the diamond snow poncho are all winter essentials.

Diamond Snow Poncho available through the Anthropologie catalog, $118

By Anne Ziegler and Joanna Williams

The term “eco-friendly fashion” doesn’t always convey images of über stylish wares. Sure, there are some green lines to lust after, but let’s face it – there is still a long way to go before eco-chic dominates the fashion world. For some designers, green has become a necessity in the design process, and ethical manufacturing is equally essential. On our radar is a new line of eco-totes from Peruvian designer, Ali Rapp. After six years of collaborating with Anna Sui on handbags, hoodies, and t-shirts sold under the name Ali Rapp for Anna Sui, Rapp decided to create her own brand, launching with oversized canvas totes that are handmade in Peru using 100% pima cotton and natural inks. Five styles of the bag will be available come spring with slogans such as “I’m Totally Green”, “Earth Day Everyday”, and our favorite – “Green, That’s What’s Up!” Lucky for us, Rapp will make three of the five styles available for the holidays by special order. Finally, a weekend holdall that will make trips to the farmer’s market a fashionable affair.

Contact ali@alirapp.com to purchase your eco-friendly tote. All styles are $68.

We all have our go-to websites for shopping – just take a look at the Closet Couture retailers and you’ll get an idea of who we turn to for virtual shopping satisfaction. But with all the retailers out there in cyberspace, it can be hard to filter through the great and the not so great. One online boutique that is making a name for themselves for affordable, hard-to-find contemporary labels is Pixie Market. Their brick-and-mortar locations in New York and Los Angeles have gained a cult following and their online business has furthered them into the spotlight even more. In-the-know girls are scooping up angular jackets from Swedish designer Carin Wester; sequin snakeskin capelets by Milne; and form fitting downtown dresses from London line, tutu blu. Shoes from Australian label, Mogil, and ruffle neck scarves and necklaces by Ka Pow Wow are also coveted items amongst the fashion-forward set. The website is frequently updated, so sign up for the Pixie Market newsletter to be the first to hear about new arrivals. Trust us, you’ll want to – merchandise sometimes sells out within a couple of days.

Splurge: Carin Wester Henna Blazer, $359

Save: tutu blu Satin Dress, $229

Steal: Milne Sequin Snakeskin Capelet, $147

All items available at www.pixiemarket.com