'TIS A GIFT TO BE FASHIONABLE : DENIM DAZZLE.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Fashion Editor

An embroidered denim jacket is just what she needs for the new artsy fashion stance. This one's by Liz Claiborne, $89, at Macy's and Robinsons-May, and will look way-cool with peasant tops and ball gown skirts.

How timely

Swim-and-surf fans will find the new acrylic Tech watch by Nine West both colorful and water resistant, and it has plenty of bells and whistles. It's $39 at Nine West and other department stores. While you're there, take a look at Swatch's new Millennium model, and Calvin Klein's metal collection.

Make it snappy

Rubber band bracelets and rings with messages are hot tickets with teens and teen idols, including Charisma Carpenter of TV's ``Angel.'' They're by Wordstretch, priced at $3 and up at specialty stores, including Fred Segal, Santa Monica. Also check the web at www.wordstretch.com.

Stole-n moments

The fringed stole made of cashmere and silk will keep her warm and fashion-forward; $99.99 at T.J. Maxx stores.

Ski-daddle

Knitted caps, parkas and plaids will keep you stylin' all winter long. Warm and utility-chic, both ensembles are available at American Eagle Outfitters, including his jester hat priced at $24.50 and her ripstop down vest, $78. You'll find similar styles at Old Navy and the Gap.

There's no business like shoe business

Pop culture fans can step lively in Icon shoes, the new wearable art by filmmaker Peter Traynor that features baby boomer icons such as Campbell's Tomato Soup, as well as Tide and UCLA logos designed on fine leather. They're $260 a pair at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills.

The scent of a woman

The Perfumer's Paintbox by Primal Elements has five aromatic disks that can be blended to create a personalized scent or used individually to express your mood of the moment: citrus, wood, musk, herbal or floral. It's $35 at specialty stores, including Handmade Galleries, 14556 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; Flower Factory at 18251 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana; and Gracious Rooms in the Calabasas Commons.

Playing Santa

Kids can get into the holiday spirit with a tiny red Santa hat on a headband (or soft chin strap for infants). It's $6.99 by Osh Kosh, available at most department stores. For more information, call [phone] or visit the Web site at www.oshkoshbgosh.com.

Short takes

Youngsters who loved the Pokemon movie will love a new sweat shirt featuring Ash and his pals; $18, at Warner Bros. Studio Stores. Pokemon characters also are featured on T-shirts, pajamas and ball caps.

Lanyards have gone high fashion. Those utilitarian ropelike cords holding backstage passes and identification badges just won't do anymore. Jewelry designer Lisa Jenks has found a way to turn that throwaway neckware into sterling silver chatelaines. At $425 to $495 a piece, you won't want to toss these after the event. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

If someone's stolen your Mojo, put this on your wish list to bring back that oh-so-Austin Powers libido with a bottle of his self-named scent. Gendarme Fragrance Group has put out MOJO by Austin Powers ($22.50). Available at Robinsons-May.

Estee Lauder's newest holiday collection of compacts includes a golden bottle of the bubbly, filled with Pleasures solid perfume, priced at $65. Other designs include a kitten, poodle and toy wagon. All are available at major department stores. Younger girls will like checking their faces in the witty and colorful 2 Grrrls' mirror compacts. They're $6 at Zany Brainy and FAO Schwarz stores.

Take heart, parents everywhere. Yes, many teens are still stuck on the idea of getting a tattoo. But better hair than somewhere else. That's right, on the hair. Windmere Corp. has come out with new Hair Prints, glittery tattoo designs that are applied to hair with heat. They come in six designs: butterfly, heart, dragonfly, gecko, moon and stars, and flower. And they wash right out. Hair Prints are available at mass merchandise and discount stores for about $20.

Short takes, part two

For the gal on your list who's constantly on the go, OPI has developed a manicure packed in a pouch. The vinyl pouches, called Nicole to Go, include three nail polishes and a tube of Lip Sparkle. The packaged sets come in three shades: pink, violet and red. Available for about $15 at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and JC Penney.

Lift her spirits and send a message with Amy Peter's handcrafted sterling silver mini-talismans on ball chains. They're $28 at specialty stores, including Emerald Forest in Studio City, and can also be found in the Femail Creations Catalog, [phone].

Everybody's getting bejeweled, and GirlStuff Glitter Gel for Body & Hair comes with just the kind of trendy accents girls are adding to their looks these days. The glitter gel comes in 12 different birthstone colors and can be applied to hair, eyes, face, shoulders and just about anywhere. Each bottle holds glitter shapes - moons, stars, hearts - and sells for about $10. To order directly or to locate a store near you, call [phone].

Computer addicts may find one of the latest incarnations of the classic Swiss Army pocketknife a handy gadget to have. The CyberTool comes with either 29 or 34 features, including tiny torx and pozidrive bits for dealing with those too-small-to-see parts of the computer. And it all folds up into a compact red Swiss Army case.

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