Holiday 2012: Gift Guide

One of my friends asked if we could share some ideas for gifts as the holiday season approaches.  Gifts for ladies (sisters, aunts, cousins, friends) in the form of accessories and other fun finds.  We love giving (and receiving!) and were happy to assemble this list.  Maybe we can get a little holiday shopping done at the same time. :-)  By price-point, these are some of our favorite finds this season!  Happy shopping!

Under $50

I found this first gift item in J.Crew while standing in line to check out.  I almost bought several just to have gifts 'in case'.  My iPhone gets drained regularly, so what girl wouldn't LOVE to have a back-up battery in her purse/tote?  Love the prints and colors, especially this cheetah.  At $39.50, it's a great gift!

Image from jcrew.com.

This set of 3 gold bangles is another great find at J.Crew.  For $39.50, it's totally useful gift which I have given before.  Every girl needs these in their jewelry drawer.

Image from jcrew.com.

Another fun gift I've given to others (and to myself) are these fun Farmer's Market Baskets from Anthropologie, priced at $14.00.  I have several on my counter holding shallots and garlic and a bigger one ($20 each) holding avocados.  These are the smaller ones pictured below.

Image from anthropologie.com.

Pinkberry yogurt is one of my latest addictions.  Seriously, sometimes we make late-night Pinkberry runs for small cups of chocolate hazelnut swirled with peanut butter (with dark chocolate crunchies on top).  Yum.  If you have a friend near or far with their own Pinkberry nearby, why not send a gift of swirly goodness?!  From Pinkberry.com, you can both purchase e-gifts to be emailed, or have gift cards sent.  Brilliant! In amounts as low as $5, send a friend a tasty treat.

Image from pinkberry.com.

One of my favorite online stops is The Stationery Studio.  They have everything under the sun that's paper, from personalized cocktail napkins to party invitations.  I was recently trolling for gifts, and clicked on their 'Colorful Notepads' section under stationery.  For around $30, you can get sets of really lovely, personalized pads.  And who can't use more fun paper for mundane things like grocery lists?!

Images from thestationerystudio.com.

Under $100

I have loved these earrings for a while and they are still on my mind.  I'm not normally enamored with logo earrings, but these by Tory Burch are classically lovely while giving a little twist on a stud earring. They come in silver, gunmetal, or gold.  At $68, they make a present that I would like to receive. (The smaller logo earrings are $58.)

Image from nordstrom.com.

Every girl/lady needs updated cosmetic bags.  Lisa and I have always loved the cosmetic bags by Henri Bendel; they come in several sizes and keep going and going regardless of the abuse.  Between $48 and $132, they make great gifts, either one large one or a couple smaller ones.  In my purse right now, I am using 2 of them.  You can go with the classic brown and white stripe, or the current print, which is entitled 'NY Minute'.

Images from henribendel.com.

Who doesn't love a personalized gift?  If you have the time (20 day production time plus shipping time, so order soon!), iomoi.com has the best iPhone covers for $68.  Personalize using either a monogram or name (depending on the design) and impress your girlfriends or sister-in-law.  There are 60 different designs from which to choose! Be sure to know which iPhone version your recipient has before ordering.

Image from iomoi.com.

A friend convinced me that I needed one of these and after I bought one, I had no idea how I lived with out it.  Every lady should have a substantial wrap in their closet and this one by Nordstrom is $98 and comes in 9 colors.  While mine is a basic black, you can flirt with 'sandshell' or 'pine bark', as pictured below.

Lisa mentioned these jackets a few posts back.  Uniqlo puffer jackets are on trend, lightweight, and completely affordable at $69.90.  They arrive in little carry pouches, so the gift recipient will never know what's inside until they open it. So fun!

Images from uniqlo.com.

Under $200

I have been searching around for a golf cuff bracelet for myself, but one that's a little less 'Wonder Woman'.  I found this Kendra Scott one at Neiman Marcus.  For $150, it's a good price-point and lovely, timeless piece.  I can see this on any lady wearing a sleeveless sheath dress or silk top.  

Image from neimanmarcus.com.

If you know your recipient well, why not customize a Longchamp Le Pliage bag for her?  With a 3 week lead time, you can choose the bag size you want, the handle length (hand or shoulder), the colors (endless combinations), hardware color (golden, nickel or bronze) and any monogramming you want.  Lisa and I travel with the largest bag as our 'carry on' bag all the time.  I tried designing the largest bag and added initial embossing on the leather; my total bill was $192.50.  

Image from longchamp.com.

For a great evening bag (or day shopping!), the Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C. Shoulder bag would be a welcome addition under my tree!  The $195 price puts you right under the $200 mark, and on Nordstrom.com, it comes in about 8 colors.  I love how you can wear it cross-body, keeping your hands free at holiday parties in the future.  (I kind of love the grey!)

Images from nordstrom.com.

Fantasy gifts

Lisa's top gift desire this year is a (HINT HINT) Vitamix blender. Lisa 'juices' regularly and would love the treat of this blender which apparently purees anything in it to pure liquid - no lumps and bumps.  Honestly, it would be a great gift for anyone that blends regularly.  The Classic starts at $449, with the professional at $529.  Not a gift for your friend down the street, but one that you might want to leave clues for about the house.  Just saying.

Images from vitamix.com.

If a very serious gift is to be given, then a classic Chanel Reissue 2.55 bag is at the top of my list of fantasy gifts.  Oh, wait, is this about giving and not receiving?!  Any lady would love to have one of these in her closet.  I'm a fan of the 2.55, but in the original, Reissue, version. Coming in 3 sizes, the Reissue has the original Chanel clasp (no CC lock), chain shoulder strap (no leather entwined), and all the lovely details that Coco put into this bag (like the zippered compartment on the inside of the front flap where Coco put her love letters).  A classic now and forever; a forever gift.  Priceless (but really in the thousands, depending on size). 

Image from myfashionjuice.com.

Whatever your holiday gift-giving needs, we hope this has helped!  Happy elf-ing! ~ LB & JH

what to add to your spring wardrobe? Item #4 is...

Bracelets, and lots of them!  

Hang up your statement necklaces ladies, it's all in the wrist this season.  Piling on a curated assortment of bracelets in every color, texture and size is a trendsetting look that can effortlessly update a casual daytime look or transform a nighttime ensemble.   A sleek cuff or simple bangle, beads, braids, leather, studs, rhinestones or ropes...layer it on like icing on a birthday cake.  But how many?  In what colors and materials?  So much for effortlessly.

I was delighted to find this "cheat sheet" for stacked arms on Pinterest which can help you get your arms around (heh, heh) this fun trend for spring.   I myself will play with 4+3+1 and completely drop 6.  2, 3, and 4 can stand alone and do the job.   There's really no right way to layer...that's the beauty of it!  You Pile & Play until you find a look you love.  There's no denying an armful of stacked mix and match bracelets that together become so chic.

Image from pinterest.com.

Here are some personal picks that I would love to work onto my wrist.

C. Wonder features their logo bangle at $38.  Look at these fabulous colors!  And equally fabulous prices.  Pick one and build around it.  Choose two or three complimentary colors when working on a color scheme for your stack.

Photo from cwonder.com.

J. Crew has some fantastic bracelets in store but not on line.  Check them out next time you're there.  This bad boy can stand by itself or bring the bling to an armful of wrist candy. Their classic gold bangle is just $28.  

Photo from jcrew.com.

How about a premixed set that's ready for stacking?  The textures on these are so interesting and will mix with just about anything you pair with it.  The Madewell stephan & co. metal bangle 7 pack is only ONLY and only $38.

Photo from madewell.com.

Another great anchor piece from Kate Spade to build around with more delicate, thinner pieces. The Kate Spade triple threat faceted bangle is $88.  

Photo from katespade.com.

Henri Bendel in NYC has a dazzling selection of bangles in all sizes and colors.  The chevron pattern is a classic and the white, a nod to summer.  The Henri Bendel Chevron bangle is $118.

Photo from henribendel.com.

Another fabulous anchor piece that would pair well with so many different looks or shine on its own. The tortoise and hammered gold cuff is featured at C. Wonder for $58.

Photo from cwonder.com.

Add some friendship bracelets - get a kit for your daughter and once she gets in a groove, you'll have a rainbow of custom designs, made with love, worn with sentimentality!  Otherwise, try these:

Love Miansai by Michael Saiger's rope bracelets.  $60 each.

Photo from miansai.com.

Add a shot of color with the indego africa bangle - 100% of profits go back to African communities.  Each is handmade and individual; $10 each at Madewell.

Photo from madewell.com.

I love this little number with Swarovski thrown into the mix. The Girlfriend Wrap bracelet is at Henri Bendel for $78.

Photo from henribendel.com.

Another chain wrapped silk cord for a splash of color! $10.74 at ASOS.

Photo from asos.com.

Mali Africa Bangles are so colorful and fun.  Handmade in Mali, and available at Need Supply Co. for $14.

Photo from needsupply.com.

Leather will add some grounding.  I could build a whole arm around either of these - the Logo Stud Wrap bracelets or the Hook Leather Wrap bracelet both from Tory Burch, each $95 at Nordstrom.

Photos from nordstrom.com.

When J. Crew started making jewelry, I got a chain link bracelet that I still reach for in a pinch.  If you don't have one, Michael Kors makes a pretty good one.  His Goldtone Link Bracelet is $125 at Saks.

Photo from saksfifthavenue.com

Finally, some inspirational photos....

Photo from pinterest.com.

Image from talkingwithtami.com.

Image from pinterest.com.

And from the Queen of the stacked bracelets, Atlantic-Pacific.

Images from atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com.

Happy stacking! ~ LB

Stripes.

Stripes have been a "go to" in my closet since I got my first rugby shirt in college.  Stripes are clean and crisp.  Classic in a Parisian kind of way (Saint James) which may be a reason why I love them so.  They are a perfect neutral that can be refreshed with a scarf or dressed up/down in a snap.  

Honestly, I'm obsessed with stripes and am stockpiling my faves.  One could go so far as to say that I have stripe PROBLEM - witness a shelf in my closet.

Photo by LB.

So in the spirit of January, when the racks are filling with those transitional stripes inspiring us to forget the snow on the ground and look to Spring,  I give you my some of my affordable faves and ways to wear.

Boden stripy tunic.  $58 I got this last year and wore it to death.  It's tapered in the waist so it hangs nicely, not like a sack of potatoes.  Grab one before Real Simple or Lucky does an editorial and they sell out.

Photo from bodenusa.com.

What to pair with it?  TOMS - I was not a believer but am now.  Their canvas shoes are adorable, affordable at under $45 and supremely comfortable.  The leather footbed actually has arch support so you can tool around in these all day and your feet will be happy. They come in all sorts of colors but I like the bright and cheery red.  Look for TOMS new line of ballet flats in February.

Photo from Nordstrom.com

Denim shirt.  Throw a denim shirt over the dress, cinch up the sleeves and you've got great layered look.  A great go-to for denim shirts is J. Crew or Madewell.   This one is the keeper from J. Crew at $78.

Photo from jcrew.com

One of our friends and readers had on this one from Old Navy the other day and it looked fantastic.  Women's Chambray shirts, $24.94 at Old Navy.

Photo from oldnavy.com.

When it comes to shades you can't go wrong with Ray-Ban.  With a small face like mine,  the aviators will make me look like a sad puppy. I found these cool wayfarers at Henri Bendel's for $119 and don't venture out in the sun without them.

Photo from ray-ban.com.

For jewelry, I'm loving these hand made Holst + Lee bracelets.  Made with brass fixtures and beads, mother of pearl discs, glass beads, Egyptian cotton, copper and has a magnetic closure.  Layer with your watch or other bracelets for a pop of color. $155 each.

Photos from shoplatitude.com.

If you're looking for a classic striped top, look no further than Saint James, the definitive French nautical brand which is getting amazing brand awareness with US customers through partnerships with Madewell and J. Crew which just starting selling Women's in store at the Natick store.  

Photo from jcrew.com.

Make sure you've got some yellow in your closet this season.  It's such a happy color and pairs beautifully with navy, white and stripes.

Photo from toryburch.com.

This Madewell Scarf ties it all together for $52.

Photo from madewell.com

With so much color going on above, try for an understated shoe in a light color - a dark color on your feet will drag the whole look down and become heavy .  Metallics are still hot (note: metallics are always in style during an Olympic year) and something like this platinum leather Montauk from Sperry Top-Siders is a classic.  Sperry is one brand that Jen and I couldn't be farther apart on.  I love.  She loathes. ("I really dislike them" - JH) $90 at Nordstrom.

Photo from nordstrom.com.

Happy almost spring! ~ LB