June 11th, 2010
There is a reason it’s known as the art of gift-giving. Finding the perfect present for a friend or family member can be quite the daunting task. Trust me, I know. Last semester I studied in Italy and days before our flight home, my roommate decided it was imperative for her to buy a scarf for everyone she had ever met. We set out for the outdoor market (in the rain, might I add) where I spent nearly two hours watching her choose, re-choose, and re-choose the perfect scarves for her friends and family. While I stood there nodding in agreement that the navy pashmina would look great on Aunt Millie, I couldn’t help but think there must be an easier way. With a little bit of pre-planning, finding the right scarf for a loved one can be quite easy.
- Fabric First. Selecting a fabric is a great way to narrow your focus and make the wide world of scarves easier to conquer. When choosing a fabric for a friend, consider the season you’re buying for. Cashmere and wool are great options for those colder months whereas a lightweight cotton is perfect for summer. And be sure to consider any fabric allergies your friend might have because who wants a gift that makes them itch?
Personalize for Personality. Take a minute to think about your scarf recipient. Is she bold and outgoing, fun and flirty or maybe classic and classy? What about her lifestyle? Is she hitting the books or hitting the town? Be sure to consider where she would be likely to show off her beautiful new scarf and what items in her wardrobe it would complement. Which brings us to Numero Tre…- Choosing Color. You want a color that is really going to show off her existing wardrobe. If you take into consideration the colors in her closet and some basic principles, you can pick colors that are really going to pop. And if selecting a color is stressing you out, look for neutrals. Black, brown, gray, and navy are classic options that will complement any outfit.
See, that wasn’t so difficult! Now let the gift-giving commence!
Photo: JessicaEk.com
Popularity: 3% [?]
By Beth in Fashion, Gift Buying, Musings | Permalink | No Comments »
April 26th, 2010
Mother dearest might seem like an easy giftee, but even your loving mama is getting sick of receiving framed pictures of your smiling mug. Move out of the box with a gift that steps toward fashion-forward, without jumping off the deep end. This Mother’s Day look for Spring-themed gifts that are parent-friendly but offer touch of lux that she wouldn’t normally pick up herself.
- Isabelle Ombré Scarf, $10.46, AffordableScarves.com
- Hartford Pashmina Wrap, $14.36, AffordableScarves.com
- Fine CZ Hoop Earrings 3.5mm X 30mm, $29.98, SilverTreats.com
- Leann Turnlock Hobo, $43.16, HandbagHeaven.com
- Fashion Style #1463, $11.96, SunglassWarehouse.com
- Gemstone Moon Pin, $70.50, SilverTreats.com
- Paisley Clutch, $20.95, HandbagHeaven.com
- Paula Double Dot Bracelet, $12.71, InexpensiveWatches.com
- Roselyn Flower Satchel, $77.95, HandbagHeaven.com
Popularity: 1% [?]
By Bridget in Gift Buying | Permalink | 1 Comment »
March 15th, 2010
Tie-dye is no longer simply a tool with which hippies can “genuinely” express themselves. No sir, not this season. Tie-dye has recently become a trend embraced by peeps of all ages and sizes, and these days it doesn’t have to come in the form of neon swirls with a peace sign in the middle.
With that in mind, I give you the Emelia Tie-Dye Scarf. Made of 100% cotton, this baby will provide you comfort and easy breezy style as the warmer months approach, which, by the way, are finally sort-of here! High-five!
Sorry. Got a little excited there.
In two easy shades of purple and brown, this scarf’s truly the perfect adornment come spring. Fringe on the scarf’s bottom ends wrap up the look. Now I bet you’re wondering with what to pair this, especially if you’ve never dipped your toe into tie-dye before. No Worries.
The Emelia Tie-Dye Scarf ‘s classic colors combined with its simple two-tone tie-dye pattern, allow you to pair it with nearly your entire wardrobe. My personal ensemble advice would be to keep things simple. A plain colored tee or tank, along with any type or color of denim bottom (jeans, capris, shorts; white, dark blue, faded) will work just fine. Update the look further with a pair of gladiator sandals.
The best part of this tie-dye trinket is its extreme affordability, of course. You can pull off this look for only $15.26.
P e a c e ☮ & L o v e ♥
Popularity: 1% [?]
By Jaclyn in Gift Buying, New Arrival | Permalink | Comments Off
December 17th, 2009
Have you ever noticed how some people just look like total rock stars all the time? It’s the subtle things that make them stand out a little, without being costume-y or too trendy.
And I’ve gotta tell you, I wish I could give you hints about how to dress like them. But I’ve been trying for years, and I still can’t get it.
So I’ll just give you some cool ideas for what to give your everyday rockstar.
You know it’s not about having studded denim and Alice Cooper eye makeup on all the time; it’s about the little punky touches. Check it out:
-
-
SW Retro Style #2453
-
-
Sid Skull Oversized Watch
-
-
Ramsay Rock Tote
-
-
Glitter Ring Watch
-
-
SW Retro Asymmetrical Style #97
-
-
Black Poly Skinny Tie
-
-
Tiffany Stud Clutch
SW Retro Style #2453 Sunglass Warehouse, $8.46
Sid Skull Oversized Inexpensive Watches $23.76
Ramsay Rock Tote Handbag Heaven $66.26
Glitter Ring Watch Inexpensive Watches $16.96
SW Retro Asymmetrical Style #97 Sunglass Warehouse $12.71
Black Poly Skinny Tie ABC Neckties $12.71
Tiffany Stud Clutch Handbag Heaven $25.46
Popularity: 1% [?]
By Terryl in Gift Buying | Permalink | 4 Comments »
December 16th, 2009
Grandfathers are so sweet. And if you’re in the market for gifts for your grandfather, I’m going to assume you agree with me. Is it necessary for me to scrunch my shoulders up and say, “Gwampaw” whenever I talk about sweet old men?
No. But I can’t help it, and it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
When it comes to what to buy Gramps, however, you may think it’s easier to just continue to consider your own adorableness and sweet demeanor to be gift enough. Well not this year, my friend. We have some pretty thoughtful ideas with which you can surprise your favorite cardigan’d story-teller:
-
-
Classic Pocket Watch
-
-
12 Pair of Men’s Bold Assorted Diabetic Crew Socks
-
-
The Anderson
-
-
Umo Lorenzo Handkerchief Set
-
-
OveRxCast Medium Polarized Sunglasses #1399
-
-
The Flight Bi-Focal Sun Reader
- Classic Pocket Watch, $16.96, InexpensiveWatches.com
- 12 Pair of Men’s Bold Assorted Diabetic Crew Socks, $26.96, Socks4Life.com
- The Anderson, $14.41, ReadingGlassesShopper.com
- Umo Lorenzo Handkerchief Set, $13.5, ABCNeckties.com
- OveRxCast Medium Polarized Sunglasses #1299, $16.96, SunglassWarehouse.com
- The Flight Bi-Focal Sun Reader, $14.41, ReadingGlassesShopper.com
Popularity: 1% [?]
By Terryl in Gift Buying | Permalink | 1 Comment »
December 14th, 2009
Everyone has a sports fanatic in their inner circle. My lovely BF happens to lean toward to the crazy side in this regard. He bans me from the living room while he watches his beloved college basketball because my insightful commentary on the players’ pants is “distracting.” He seems to have more sports-centric T-shirts and hoodies than there are days in a decade. And his favorite lullaby is the gentle hum of Sports Center.
Sound familiar?
If you know someone like this, dazzle them this Holiday season with a spot-on, sporty gift. Whether their addiction game of choice is golf, basketball, baseball, football or flying, these gifts are sure to score a home run.
-
-
Golf Pocket Watch
-
-
Baseball Explosion Tie
-
-
SW Shatterproof Goggles Style #9887
-
-
Indianapolis Colts Gridiron Tie
-
-
Basketball Hoop Pendant
-
-
Airplane Tie Bar
-
-
12 Pair of Men’s Tube Socks
- Golf Pocket Watch, $16.96, InexpensiveWatches.com
- Baseball Explosion Tie, $11.01, ABCNeckites.com
- SW Shatterproof Goggles Style #9887, $15.26, Sunglasswarehouse.com
- NFL Necktie, $16-$26, ABCNeckties.com (Check the selection for his or her favorite team!)
- Basketball Hoop Pendant, $19.98, SilverTreats.com
- Airplane Tie Bar, $10.16, ABCNeckties.com
- 12 Pair of Men’s Tube Socks, $13.09, Socks4Life.com
Popularity: 1% [?]
By Bridget in Gift Buying | Permalink | 1 Comment »
December 14th, 2009
Click on the each person to see some spot-on gift ideas!
Trendy Chick
Trendy Guy
Teen Girl
Grandma
Student
Mom
Dad
New Mom
Fashionista
Popularity: 1% [?]
By Bridget in Gift Buying | Permalink | 1 Comment »
December 11th, 2009
Who is the Fashionista in your life? Sister? Friend? Grandma? (It happens! Anna’s no spring chicken ya know…) The Fashionista is the girl to whom hallways are runways. Her taste is designer and she’s always in pursuit of the latest “IT” thing. We all know one.
Since it might be a tiny bit impractical to drop a G or two on a bag while in a recession (or EVER), why not give her something designer-inspired? Get the look and quality minus the price tag — what’s not to love about that?
All items below have designs derivative of costly counterparts, but not one is over $45. So whether she drools for Balenciaga, Burberry, Michele, Fendi or Tiffany, no need to cry into your wallet because the gang’s all here.
-
-
Broad Ripple Satchel
-
-
Plaid Crinkle Scarf
-
-
Montres de Fleur Barrel Watch
-
-
Classic Secret Agent Bag
-
-
Heart Outline Charm
-
-
Oversized Shield Style #4724
- Broad Ripple Satchel, $40.86, HandbagHeaven.com
- Plaid Crinkle Scarf, $16.11, AffordableScarves.com
- Montres de Fleur Barrel Watch, $11.86, InexpensiveWatches.com
- Classic Secret Agent Bag, $42.46, HandbagHeaven.com
- Heart Outline Charm, $4.48, SilverTreats.com
- Oversized Shield Style #4724, $13.56, SunglassWarehouse.com
Popularity: 1% [?]
By Bridget in Gift Buying | Permalink | 1 Comment »
December 10th, 2009
Was a friend of relative graced by a new bundle of joy this year? Yes? Planning on getting her another bib with ‘I’M TROUBLE’ printed on the front? It’s good I caught you then.
As fun as it is to gift for the little tykes, our dear new Moms need some love too! She’s likely been crazy busy and will appreciate some much-deserved attention in the form of stylish yet practical presents.
The bag below is big enough for the occasional diaper or bottle and offers tons of pockets for baby-relevant nick-nacks. Make the gift especially personal and give a sterling silver locket with a pic of her mini-me inside (I know, I can’t believe that price either!). Or perhaps a pretty glasses chain to keep the specs from crashing to the ground via baby-slingage. The lovely scarf you see is called ‘super’ for a reason — makeshift baby blanket in the house! And last but not least, a sturdy pair of movie star-worthy shades to hide the inevitable circles under her eyes from lack of sleep.
-
-
Jackie Pocket Tote
-
-
Polished Silver Locket
-
-
Glasses Chain
-
-
Hannah Super Scarf
-
-
Laser Cut Style #8737
- Jackie Pocket Tote, $40.76, HandbagHeaven.com
- Polished Silver Locket, $5.48, SilverTreats.com
- Glasses Chain, $4.21 ReadingGlassesShopper.com
- Hannah Super Scarf, $16.96, AffordableScarves.com
- Laser Cut Style #8737, $14.41, SunglassWarehouse.com
Popularity: 1% [?]
By Bridget in Gift Buying | Permalink | 1 Comment »
December 9th, 2009
Alright, Daddy’s Girls: raise your hands.
*raises hand*
Dads take care of us even when we don’t do that killer puppy dog face, and it’s time to return the favor! We know Dad never expects anything for Christmas (“Your presence is all I ask.” Right?), but wouldn’t it just feel good to see the pleasant surprise on his face when you present him with a nice little box with a pretty totally manly bow on it?? And then to have something in it other than a CD from an artist you think he should like will blow him away.
Check out some of the classy gift ideas below, and don’t be afraid to tell him how excited you are for him to open the present from his most cherished little girl in the world!
-
-
Alex Multifunction Rotating Dial
-
-
Selini Handkerchief Set
-
-
Men’s Designer Dress Socks
-
-
Salt Lake Striped Silk Tie
-
-
Metal Style #214
- Alex Multifunction Rotating Dial, $21.21, InexpensiveWatches.com
- Selini Handkerchief Set, $12.88, ABCNeckties.com
- Men’s Designer Dress Socks, $17.81, Socks4Life.com
- Salt Lake Striped Silk Tie, $16.96, ABCNeckties.com
- Metal Style #214, $13.56, SunglassWarehouse.com
Popularity: 1% [?]
By Terryl in Gift Buying | Permalink | Comments Off
