With timeless accessories and fifties movie-star styling, this shoot had us wishing for a time machine.

Clockwise from top:

- False lashes and liquid liner gave our model the perfect come-hither cat eye.

- For the shoot, Rue stylist Maureen pulled from her own personal collection of vintage jewelry and accessories.

- It took an hour each day (and lots of hairspray) to achieve those retro, polished locks.

- After hair came makeup – an hour or more of it every day (making our own routine seem suddenly low maintenance).

- Once the transformation was complete, this modern-day model looked like she stepped straight off the silver screen.

Our Now Playing: Iconic Style from the Silver Screen Boutique is now open.

On Friday, our SVP of Creative, Jen P., surprised us with a little end-of-the-week henna party. From our hands to our feet, the professional henna artist decked us out with temporary ink. Take a peek at our tats, then check out our chat with Nic.

Rue La La: This is such a fun treat for us! Can you tell us a little bit more about what you’ll be doing here today?
Nic: I’m doing henna, an ancient form of body art that utilizes the only plant on the planet with the ability to dye human skin for any length of time. It’s been used in India, Africa, and the Middle East for thousands of years.

Rue La La: You’ve been at this for quite some time – how did you get started as a henna artist?
Nic: I started when I was 11 years old. As a child, I was just grabbed by body art in every form and this was the one that was accessible to me, so I just kind of taught myself.

Rue La La: What’s your “typical” work in the henna world?
Nic: A lot of my work is bridal. Traditionally, Indian and Moroccan brides have a full application on their hands and feet before their wedding. And now, a lot of people are having pre-wedding parties so bridesmaids and guests can have a bit of work done.

Rue La La: Where do you draw inspiration from?
Nic: Mostly from traditional design motifs. I think they’re so beautiful – those really classic old-style designs. People have been using them for generations, and when artists work with a design idea for such a long time they streamline it and refine it.

Rue La La: We’ve seen you do everything from feathers to skulls today. What’s the design you get asked for most?
Nic: A lot of people come to me without an idea, so I’ll ask them whether they prefer floral or geometrical motifs because that will influence where I take the design. But as far as people coming to me with an idea, Khamsas, the hand of Fatima, are really popular. In the Middle East and North Africa, it’s a symbol of protection.

Check out more of Nic’s designs and download his patterns here. In Boston? He’s available for bookings, too.

Our happiest coincidence yet: Catching the Coyuchi photo shoot down in the studio! Our expert buyers selected this brand because it’s 100% organic, incredibly soft, and “the quality is second to none.” We love the texture, which carries an ethereal feel – in part due to its origins in a teeny, tiny town surrounded by ocean, forests, beach, and bluff. Don’t tell our boss, but we may have nodded off on set.

Our Coyuchi Bed & Bath Linens Boutique opens Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 11AM ET.

Nautical navy and white stripes are one of our favorite year-round looks. But with winter months making layering a necessity, we’ve noticed a warming trend: the addition of faux fur. Fuzzy vests and cool scarves are topping the seafaring style for a look that reads cool and cozy.

We’re rounding out 2011 with a countdown of our favorite trends that we’ll be keeping alive into 2012. In honor of our 100 Best Trends Of The Year Boutique, opening Saturday December 31, 2011 at 11AM ET, we snapped shots of Rue Associates wearing a few of the trends you can find in the Boutique.

We spotted faux fur vests, printed blouses, ponchos, lace, and infinity scarves around the halls at Rue. Tell us – what trends do you hope to find in the Boutique?

With sneaky kids and significant others tiptoeing around on the hunt for presents, we have to get a little crafty to keep hidden gifts out of sight and mind. We won’t blow any covers or name any names, but we posed the question, “What are some of the more crazy places that you’re hiding gifts?”

Play It Safe
“I am hiding mine in the storage facility in a safe. Others are in the trunk of the ‘summer’ car. Some are still at the store.”
- Information Security Officer

Dirty Laundry
“I hide ‘em in the dirty laundry bin – no one dares to snoop through there. I just make sure they are concealed in something!”
- Business Development Associate

Closet Encounters
“I placed a pair of gloves wrapped in a box in the linen closet underneath the too-small-flannel-fitted-sheet-set I haven’t used since the Clinton Administration.”
- Executive Assistant

Raise the Roof
“One year when I was little, my mom moved the ceiling tiles, stuffed the presents up there, and then put the tiles back in place.”
- Copywriter

What unusual hiding spots have you found yourself using?

Rue Copy Director Rachel saw a Celtics book on The Coveteur – one of her favorite, must-read blogs. Having fallen in love with the artwork, she searched for it on eBay.

Her husband Jim is a huge Celtics fan (with season tickets and all). Complete with vintage photos of Larry Bird, this book will make the perfect Hanukkah gift for him.

“Who knows – maybe the book will show up in Jim’s sock drawer early as an unexpected treat.”

Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? Tell us what you’ve bought so far. (And note to gifters, Rue’s Guaranteed For 12/23 shipping ends at midnight on December 19!)

Jill, one our style-savvy Assistant Buyers, has an eye for classic fashion and gorgeous design. We were thrilled to pick her brain on her favorites from today’s Boutiques.

1. For my fabulous best friend: She likes to add a few trendy accessories to the business attire she wears throughout the workweek. Fur is such a big trend this season, and this scarf is the perfect way to customize her look.

2. For my boyfriend: This is such an amazing piece – it’s a great place to both organize and display his watch and cufflink collection!

3. For my mom: She is the queen of accessories! This is a great surprise and the perfect way to accessorize that little black dress she’ll be wearing to her holiday parties.

Our What She (Really) Wants and What He (Really) Wants Boutiques open today, Sunday December 4, 2011, at 11AM ET.