Photo: Ryan Gosling c/o: http://www.amoeba.com/
Who doesn’t want a wrapped Ryan Gosling for Christmas?! Hmmm… two words: YES. PLEASE.
Wishing all the best for a very happy and healthy holiday season to you and yours!
GIFT GUIDE… for him
“If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart.”
< $25 – Fur Trapper Hat: help him stay snow-shoveling-ready (and warm!) with a fur trapper hat.
< $50 – Roots Ipad II Sleeve – this iPad case offers padding and a bright kelly green interior.
< $75 – UGG slippers – these slip on scuff slippers are a pillow for his (and your!) feet.
< $100 – HUDSON’S BAY COMPANY COLLECTION flask with blanket sleeve: thanks to Mad Men, flasks have made a comeback. The Bay’s signature print flask is a great conversation piece.
< $125 – UGG Shearling Glove: comes in brown, camel and black leather – a cozy classic.
< $200 – A plaid scarf: not too-fashion-forward, but a soft statement that keeps him looking pulled together. This look works for the office and weekends.
< $300 – Red Wing® for J.Crew Wabasha boots: help him fight rain and snow in style.
< $400 – Barbour® Beaufort jacket: every man needs a Barbour jacket, it’s a classic staple.
< $500 – Alden® for J.Crew suede longwing bluchers: if he doesn’t know what shoes to wear with jeans on casual Friday or nights out, these are them! They also work with dress pants and a suit. They aren’t to be missed in black or dark brown leather either (a shoe in for a more conservative dresser – for the daring, check out the high tops).
GIFT GUIDE – for her…
It’s that time of year… here’s my GIFT GUIDE for all the amazing women in your life. Give well!
“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.” ~Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur
< $25 – Glamour Travel Bags – need a Secret Santa Gift or stocking stuffer? These colourful totes are great for travel – keeping your lingerie, laundry and shoes organized.
< $50 - GAP Sequin Tote – you can never have too many totes. This sequin bag in polyester is great for gym clothes, a laptop, and other essentials.
< $75 – Iomoi monogrammed canvas makeup bag – nothing adds a personal touch to a gift like someone’s initials! And if you’re tight on time or want a little less bank, Iomoi’s noncustom large and small zigzag canvas totes serve a multitude of purposes.
< $100 - TOMS Beaumont Skull Slip-On – in red or navy – These limited holiday edition TOMS are too good to pass up. And with every purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.
< $150 – Jo Malone’s perfume – Jo Malone has a fragrance for everyone. Favoring citrus scents, grapefruit is my go-to. The collection (including candles and body lotion) make great hostess gifts.
< $200 - Henri Bendel’s “Disturbed Stripe Small Train Case” – every woman’s dream toiletry bag.
< $250 - Michael Kors Rose Golden Chronograph Watch – a gift she’s guaranteed to LOVE.
< $400 - White + Warren’s Cashmere Travel Wrap – nothing says the holidays like cashmere, but I wear my grey frost cashmere wrap year-round (buy in Canada). I want every colour!
< $500 - YSL’s Chic Leather iPad case / sleeve – comes in black and pink. Speaks for itself.
must-have statement watch
Right about the time everyone starts wearing something, is when I stop loving it. So while I’m still a big supporter of an oversized men’s-style watch on a women’s wrist – I’m branching out from the popular Michael Kors go-tos (I’m down to three after selling my fourth on eBay). For the most bang for your buck, I suggest a staple silver, yellow or rose gold – and right now I’m several from Nixon’s women’s (and men’s) collection(s). The Crystal Bezel increases your statement, as does a touch of blue marble. I love all-white (available in ceramic for the big spenders; shockingly still less than CHANEL), and white and silver. All-black is stunningly chic (also available in ceramic; and by CHANEL with or without diamonds). Opposites attract with yellow gold and gun-metal. Rose gold and acetate also make a great pair. A statement watch is the first step to a perfect outfit everyday.
“with an S on my chest…
… Oh yes, I’m a Superwoman.” – Alicia Keys, ‘Superwoman’
Photos (Katie Holmes) c/o: http://jonesmag.com; http://media33.onsugar.com
Katie Holmes pays tribute to five-year-old Suri with her Jennifer Meyer “S” nameplate necklace. Famous for her wish bone worn by Jennifer Aniston in “He’s Just Not That Into You” a few years back, Jennifer’s jewelry is a favorite with countless A-listers (her pieces are regularly worn by Courtney Cox on “Cougar Town”; by Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz and more). They’re all 10s!
While I’m all for a $1,500 “push present” – (or more, Rachel Zoe’s husband Rodger gave her a $25k Neil Lane ring for birthday Skylar – 10 carats later, that is CLEARLY the exception and we can’t all be so lucky… Thankfully, there are more value-conscious ways of showing your maternal loyalty. Opt for yellow gold, white, copper, or silver, diamonds, or cubics. Bigger and bolder styles work too. These signature necklaces look great solo, or layered with other pieces. I’m all for mixing metals for casual occasions; wearing silver and yellow gold, rose and yellow, etc – it all works. But often, less is more. You’ll notice Katie’s always photographed with just the one signature piece.
Now go on, call your mother. She worries.
Father’s Day must-haves
What do men need? Clothes. Stylish clothes. Few of them like to buy them for themselves, so occasions warranting gifts (like Father’s Day) are the perfect opportunity to lend a loving hand. My suggestions for Dad this year start with the lightweight shirt above, and continue with…
Board Short: Carry-On: Work/Weekend Watch: Kicks:
June’s jewelry must-haves
These pieces all make a statement, some are more of an investment than others…
all are worth it!
10 –David Yurman Sterling Silver Large Link Necklace.
9 – David Yurman Sterling Silver Box Chain Necklace.
8 – Links of London Copper Glitter Friendship Bracelet.
7 – Links of London Sweetie XS Bracelet.
6 - Helen Ficalora 14k Rose Gold Studs.
5 – David Yurman Sterling Silver & 18K Yellow Gold Extra-Large Link Bracelet.
4 – David Yurman Sterling Silver Ring.
3 – J.CREW Heirloom octagonal locket.
2 – David Yurman 18K Gold & Sterling Silver Petite Buckle Bracelet.
1 – Eddie Borgo Rose gold-plated cone stud earrings.
Feel free to pass this along as your personal wish-list. Pretty sure i had you at ‘David Yurman’ ☺
Mother’s Day gift ideas
This Sunday (May 8th) is Mother’s Day in North America (it was April 3rd in the UK). For most mom’s it should really be EVERY day, so for anyone who hasn’t bought the Mother’s in their lives a gift (ahem… any men out there?) – here are my four pillars to a successful gift for Mom:
1 – Thoughtful card: 2 – Buy her flowers:
3 – Something luxurious: 4 – Get sentimental:
I’m obsessed with quotes, and I’m a HUGE fan of “quotable cards” – there’s one for every occasion. I think EVERY gift (and occasion) deserves a thoughtful card, you can take it further with a quote that’s sure to warm Mom’s heart. I’ll leave the personal message inside to you.
You can’t go wrong with flowers. Bonus points if you get her favorite. Keep them spring-bright!
Mom’s often don’t spend as time and money on themselves as they do on everyone else. Pamper her! Invest in a designer candle, body lotion, perfume, or jewelry to show her she’s worth it.
My favorite gift to give anyone in my family is a KODAK Photo Book - filled with memories (and of course, I add quotes as captions). You can use photos to personalize mugs, jewelry, and magnets. Tight for time? Just load a digital frame with select photos (or create a slideshow for her iPad).
“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.” ~Unknown
