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?

Hits and Misses

After a flurry of fall shopping (my wallet is currently on lockdown), I need to be honest about what pieces worked and what didn’t. I’m trying my best to get pieces that a. fit correctly (which means going into the dreaded fitting room), and b. the price per wear makes it worth it (i.e. I will wear it a lot, especially if it’s pricier).

Keepers

This dress from J.Crew is everything! I do not buy a ton of clothing from J.Crew, especially since they’ve recently been getting flack for poor quality. I saw this dress online and in stores, tried it on, and knew I needed it. This will be a workhorse for me because: it’s 3/4 sleeves (cardigan/blazer optional!), machine washable, substantial enough for fall and winter, and a flattering sheath silhouette. I got the blue, but I’m thinking I might keep an eye out for a sale and get the black as well.

jcrewdress1

My coat game is going to be very strong this year. I did in fact get this Trina Turk jacket from Nordstrom on sale. I love it! It is very flattering, comfortable, and so chic!

Nordstromcoat2

Returns

I thought this blazer from Ann Taylor would be a go-to, but I was wrong. It was billed as a tweed blazer, but when I got it in the mail, I realized it was more of a flimsy, chunky sweater texture. Plus, it was unlined which made it look rumpled. The fit was also too big and thus unflattering, so it was a no. Sometimes Ann Taylor’s quality leaves something to be desired. No wonder everything is always on sale!

tweed jacket

I love, love, love a white blouse, and I really need a couple fresh white blouses right now. I tried this on in Banana thinking that I was just going through the motions and I would definitely buy it. Not so. It was too long for me, which seems to be a theme for me in Banana lately. I understand wanting some shirts to be long enough to cover your behind, but I would be wearing it primarily tucked into a skirt or pants at work, so the extra length was too much for me. Also, it was pretty sheer and dry clean only. Too many cons to overcome the sale price!

bananablouse1

I also returned this white button down from J.Crew. I generally say no to traditional button down shirts, but I have found that a white button down is kind of an essential. I have a couple “perfect shirts” from Ann Taylor, and those seem to fit me well, but I wanted to try another brand to see if there were other options. This one from J.Crew is a really thin fabric that was pretty sheer and just seemed flimsy. The fit was ok, but it was not good enough to overcome the mediocre fabric. The search for white blouses and button downs continues…

jcrewshirt

Fall Coats!

The best part of fall shopping for me is coat shopping! I typically stalk a couple coats each fall and strategize one or two purchases a year based on need or price point.

Here’s what I’m stalking so far:

I need a new trench coat. I currently have a black, zip, short trench that I’ve had for about seven years. I really love it and I wear it a lot in the spring and fall, but it started fading and fraying at a few seams a couple years ago, and I think I could use a fresh one! I want to stick with the zipper and the shorter length because it makes it so much more functional for me. This is what I have my eye on right now:

Michael Kors Trench

It’s a MICHAEL Michael Kors trench for $275. I’m going to keep my eyes open for a sale, but I might cave on this and buy it full price because I will probably where it for a good seven years.

I also need a weekend fall/winter coat. Last year I either wore my standard black fleece, or one of my nicer wool coats. So I need something a little warmer than a fleece, but not as fancy as a wool coat that I wear to work. I think this is the answer:

llbeanjacket

This LLBean coat is the “Quilted Riding Jacket” for$139. It comes in a few colors, but I think I’m leaning towards the “dark ivy” because olive is the “new neutral.” I think it’s the perfect combination of polished and sporty.

Speaking of olive, I think I also need this wool jacket. Why? I have black, red, and navy coats, so olive and camel are next on my list (and maybe grey).

Nordstromcoat2

This is a Trina Turk coat on sale for $259 at Nordstrom. I dare you to come up with one negative thing to say about this coat.

What coats do you have your eye on this year?