Gift Guide 2015: Part 3

I’ve done a couple posts based on gift genre, but now we’re going to focus on one recipient per post. Let’s start with the women, here we go!

Accessories 

Anthro scarf

Let’s start by shooting fish in a barrel and go with a scarf. A woman can never have too many scarves. You can find scarves anywhere, but one of my favorite scarf places is Anthro because they’re always have a unique and beautiful selection. It’s a great option because you can find something for almost any budget, and any occasion. I love their infinity loops like the one above. I have a couple and I wear them with a jacket in cold weather, or over a plain dress at work to create an outfit. You can also go really cold weather with something like this.

Minkoff Earring

When it comes to jewelry, I usually stick with my strengths and buy earrings for gifts (make sure the recipient has pierced ears!). I try to get something that is somewhere between my style and the recipient’s style so they’ll know it’s from me, but it works within their repertoire. I love ear climbers because they are fashion forward but very easy to wear. It’s somehow statement and subtle at the same time which makes it a versatile gift. I’m loving Rebecca Minkoff earrings right now (like above), and Kate Spade also always has some festive options. Just make sure to explain that you wear them so they follow the curve of your ear rather than a drop.

For the Home

West Elm Jewelry

Now that you got her earrings, she’s going to need something to store them in. A jewelry box is great for the younger crowd, because I feel like the older crowd already has their jewelry storage on point. That said, everyone needs a new ring dish for the dresser or bedside table. West Elm has a lot of great jewelry boxes and trinket dishes in several different patterns and sizes.

Anthro Candles

Candles, like scarves, might seem cliche, but I think they’re always a good option for good friends and new acquaintances alike. Anthro always has some great options that are really beautiful as well (love the Voluspa brand). Scented candles are sold everywhere, but I also love the options at Paper Source, Bath & Body Works, West Elm, and Target.

Beauty and Clothing

Sephora Favorites

Every woman has her favorites when it comes to makeup, but it’s always fun to mix it up from time to time. I love the “Sephora Favorites” samplers that have several good sized designer brand samples at a great price. They have samplers with mascara, eye liner, lip stick, and more. If you know the recipient is partial to one of these items, it’s a home run. On the flip side, if the recipient it partial to a specific brand, you can always get a palette or gift set from that brand. Also consider a perfume sampler.

UA sweatshirt

I often shy away from buying women clothes for presents because I do not like receiving clothes myself. There are too many variables of size, fit, style, etc. That said, there are few pieces that have some wiggle room, like sweatshirts (I can’t get enough). Fashionable sweatshirts are very in right now, and I love the above style from Under Armour. It’s ageless, and sleek but casual. It’s great if your recipient is always running off to yoga class, or if they’re running errands. There’s a very similar option from Zella (Nordstrom’s private label), an even sportier option from Athleta, a girlier option from Banana, a great cowl neck from Bobeau, and an awesome lounge look from Bobeau too.

Technology

Portable Power

Portable cell phone chargers make life convenient when you’re on the run. They seem to be popping up everywhere these days. Shopping around, it’s hard to figure out how much power each option actually has. I know QVC has some solid options like the ones above, but Best Buy has several, and even some big fashion brands are getting in the game.

 Cord Organizer

When it comes to the cords, the more organization, the better. This cool leather case will keep cords untangled and in their place in a sophisticated way. It’s perfect for busy ladies to throw in a handbag or luggage. Mark and Graham also has an earbud case as well.

What are you getting the ladies this year?

Not So Ugly Holiday Sweaters

I think you need to take a break from shopping for presents, and buy yourself a statement (not ugly) sweater for the season.

BodenSweater

Boden Embellished Sweater $148

Loft Penguin Sweater

Loft Penguin Sweater $59

Ann Taylor Sweater

Ann Taylor Embellished Fair Isle Sweater $149

Reindeer Sweater Boden

Boden Reindeer Sweater $118

jcrew plaid sweater

JCrew Plaid Wool Sweater $98

LoftReindeerLoft Reindeer Sweater $59.50

Holiday Party Attire: Evening Affairs

When I think evening holiday party, I think velvet, I think jewel tones, and I think bling. I shy away from my typical haunts like Ann Taylor or Banana Republic for special occasion dresses because I want to be a little more unique.

Work Party Dress

Vince

I think this Vince Camuto dress from Nordstrom is a great dress for evening work holiday parties because it’s flattering, fashion forward, but not risqué at all. It looks comfortable and it would be easy to accessorize. Plus it’s on sale at the moment!

Friend or Family Party Dress

ToryDress

This is a little more casual and not covered in sequins or Santa Claus. It’s giving me: I just threw this on with tights, and yet I’m the sharpest cousin/ grandchild/ high school classmate in the building. It’s Tory Burch on sale at Nordstrom. You could dress it up or dress it down, and also wear it to work.

anthro dress

For the fancier friend and family affairs, how fun is this number from Anthro? This a great combination of flattering, feminine, and comfortable (detecting a theme for my dress requirements?). Also, the emerald with the beading screams holiday. I think it would also be great for a fall or winter wedding guest dress.

New Years Eve Night Out Dress

VinceNYE

Have I mentioned I’m from New Jersey? New Year’s Eve = Sexy & Metallic. I think this is a great night out dress for the occasion. This also works great in Vegas!

Wild Card

anther jumpsuit

Everyone does a lace overlay dress, but what if you did a lace overlay jumpsuit? For those who enjoy a jumpsuit, I think it’s a good mix of the classic lace look and the modern silhouette. It’s a great alternative to a holiday party cocktail dress!