Gift Guide 2015: Part 4

This one is for the men on your list!

Accessories

jcrew Astronaut

I realize I live in the preppiest part of the country, but statement dress socks seem to be very in with the men I work with. You can go two directions with this: holiday socks, or general statement socks. Both are good ideas, but I’m thinking go general so the recipient can wear them all year. The above astronaut socks are just one of many options from JCrew, and almost every men’s apparel store have comparable options. Other classic work wear accessories are cool cuff links, a power tie, or a funky tie bar.

Banana Scarf

A scarf might seem like a snooze, but in my experience, it’s something that a lot of men forget to buy for themselves. I love a good mid-weight plaid scarf that will look smart with a wool coat. The above is from Banana.

Home

MarkTravelBag

Time to upgrade the travel toiletries bag! I love these leather ones from Mark and Graham. Pottery Barn has something very comparable. If you want a sportier option, I would look to L.L.Bean.

DollarShave

I’ve heard a lot of raves about the Dollar Shave Club, and it’s a pretty universal gift for men because most of them shave, right? You can gift a membership, and the options are very affordable. We all know that razors are annoyingly pricey, so it’s a great break! It’s something a little out of the box, but makes the recipient’s life a whole lot easier.

Apparel

Banana Sweater

The guys I know seems to accumulate tee shirts and sweatshirts like it’s going out of style, and they have to buy clothes for work, so I usually go for a shirt or sweater that is somewhere in between. This sweater from Banana is work worthy for most people, but it’s also casual enough for weekend outings. I also love this subtle patterned crew neck sweater, and a machine wash JCrew Factory half zip is always a winner.

UA shorts

If you’re shopping for a guy that likes to hit the gym, shorts are a great option. Like I said above, tee-shirts appear out of no where, but shorts are another story. I think it’s a great idea to gift a good quality pair or shorts from Under Armour (like above), or Nike because they will last a long time.

Technology

USBCharger

There are all sorts of great techy accessories out there that can make life easier. One of my favorite places for these items is The Container Store (there’s one in walking distance from me), but you’ll also see a ton at places like Best Buy. Something like this four USB charging adapter will help maximize outlets and get everything charged on time. There’s another similar option for the cigarette lighter in the car. Other good tech accessories are containers for all the cords, or stands for smart phones.

BasisWatch

Since we now need everything available on our wrist, this smart watch version by Basis is somewhere between a Fitbit and an Apple watch both in functionality and price. It tracks all of your activity and sleep, and it communicates with your smart phone to give you text, email, and phone call notifications. I also think this looks a little cooler than most of the fitness trackers on the market. You can go with the leather band, or there are sportier band options as well.

What are you getting the guys on your list this year?

Holiday Party Attire: Daytime Affairs

Holiday celebrations, annual get togethers with friends, or daytime work parties create a lot of outfit opportunities in December. For daytime holiday parties either at work or around town, I need plaid, metallics, festive patterns, and some seasonal mixed media.

Outfit 1

Holiday Outfit 1

Outfit number one is a statement maker, but around the holidays, I think more is always more. I think these pieces make an impact together, but can be worn separately throughout the season for several outfits. I have and love this super soft plaid shirt from JCrew Factory. The fun metallic skirt from Banana provides texture and formality contrast (this from JCrew factory is also festive, or there are some shiny pants and a similar skirt from Loft). The tights are DKNY and the shoes are Vince Camuto.

Outfit 2

HolidayOutfit2

For a whimsical but slightly sleeker look, it would be great to do a non-ugly holiday sweater with a fashion forward pant. Something like this sweater from the Loft (it’s hard to tell but it’s white and navy), another fun Loft option, or a fun fair isle pattern. Even though it’s very trendy, the drapey pant can be both comfortable and flattering. This look would also be great with a velvet or faux leather pant. And then finish it with a classic metallic pointy toe pump or another neutral pump in your closet.

Outfit 3

holidayoutfit3

Outfit number three is a far cozier and casual look, great for a cold day. A cable sweater dress like this one from the Gap can hide a multitude of sins (or christmas cookies) and a cable sweater is festive by default. Pairing it with flat booties and cozy tights makes it extra easy. Top it with an infinity scarf and you’re all set!

Don’t forget: the key to any holiday outfit is the holiday earrings!

Earrings

Hits and Misses

I do a lot of shopping around, waiting for sales, comparing options, and I try to be strategic with my purchases. Inevitably, some items impress me, and some disappoint. Here are some reviews on my recent purchases.

Hits

Ann Blouse

I’m always looking for a good, versatile blouse because they always multiply my outfit options more than any other piece. I recently got this one on sale at Ann Taylor. I like the pattern because it’s more interesting than plain shirt, but it’s still a neutral that’s relatively subtle. I think it will work in all four seasons.

lands end gloves

I was shopping around for leather gloves because my standard black leather gloves are way past their prime. These caught my eye at Lands End and I was impressed by the cashmere lining and the option to monogram. Not to mention, the price was on point. These will get a lot of wear this summer.

Misses

Banana Honeycomb

I was hoping this sweater from Banana would be a great neutral chunky sweater that I could wear to work with a pencil skirt or on the weekend with jeans. Two main problems: 1. the fit is bizarre, it was baggy under the arm but not a dolman sleeve which was just very bulky and unflattering; and 2. it’s super super warm, like I couldn’t wear it indoors warm. I should have taken the reviews seriously, because they practically said that word for word. It’s a return.

Banana Dress

Another Banana miss. I thought this dress would be another work or weekend option, but it was not flattering. I bought my normal size, but it seemed clingy and baggy in all the wrong places. It also had two sweatery layers of fabric which added bulk. Maybe if I sized down it would be a sleeker look, but I’m over it. Return.