< $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.
< $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).
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.
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…
“A PLACE of YES: 10 Rules for Getting Everything You Want Out of Life” guides you through Bethenny’s life story. Coming from a troubled childhood, jumping from man to man, dealing with money and eating issues – all to find the love of her life at age 38 – Jason Hoppy. The father of her child, husband, and business partner. Bethenny struggled with her career, body, self-esteem and love-life for most of her 20s and 30s, only to really find her stride (and then some) before recently turning 40. She credits her success to always “coming from a place of yes” – and breaks her life’s guidelines into 10 rules we can all follow: 1 – Break the chain; 2 – Find Your Truth; 3 – Act on It; 4 – Everything’s Your Business; 5 – All Roads Lead to Rome; 6 – Go For Yours; 7 – Separate from the Pack; 8 – Own It; 9 – Come Together; 10 – Celebrate! She had me at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9… 10!!
I just finished the book. It’s motivational, inspirational, refreshing and real. Mrs. B.F. is sans B.S.
if you’re visiting New York City any time soon, here are a few stores you DO NOT want to miss…
SoHo is a must-see for it’s energizing vibe and FASHION. From Madewell (J.Crew’s sister company), TOPSHOP (the only US retail store for the British fashion-force), lululemon (go Canada!), UNIQLO and m0851 (more Northern exposure South of the border) – you can lose yourself for hours… I did.
Madewell: Madewell is a more edgy version of it’s tried, tested and true parent company J.Crew. It’s more edgy, think West Coast and SoHo style compared to Upper East Side timeless classics of mama-Crew – or creative visions from Alexa Chung versus Jenna Lyons. Most pieces are a bit more affordable, although it varies. Madewell stores used to only be in NYC, but they’re quickly spreading across the country. And with J.Crew slated to enter Canada this year, who knows?
TOPSHOP: If you don’t know TOPSHOP, you NEED to. Currently in over 20 counties, it offers Kate Moss designer collaborations and British-European fresh styles you can’t help but love. As a bonus, the SoHo store has a free Personal Shopper Service. I had the pleasure of trying this service with Personal Shopper Brittany Barnato and was thoroughly impressed with her great sense of style, and ability to streamline the shopping process. She even shipped my items back to LA for me – saving sales tax and overweight baggage fees. I highly recommend trying this complementary service. With four floors and a ton of great stuff, efficiency is key. Thank you Brittany!
lululemon: Canada’s West Coast Vancouver pride is sweeping the US as stores pop up all over (and globally!). I’ve loyally worn and loved ‘lulu’ since it’s debut in 2000. Their ‘luon’ snugging fabric flatters like no other. As impressive as their stylish active and leisurewear, is their company culture, community outreach and overall brand values. I’m a big fan and promoter of their free yoga classes where they have local instructors rotate in each week. A great way to try a new practice.
UNIQLO: “a new-style Japanese firm making good casual clothes available for all to wear” – the slogan says it all. And you can’t beat the $everyday price point! I was in search of a vest a friend bought there, but ended up with K-Way workout jackets, a fleece, and white hooded sweatshirt with faux fur collar. I’m hoping to see many US stores soon follow this New York global flagship.
m0851: Formerly known as “Rugby North America” this Montreal-based global retailer prides itself on high quality leather pieces and clothing that aren’t branded. I first discovered it back in high school (more than a decade ago, ahem…) and it’s been one of my top five consistent retail indulgences ever since. I even found it once in a boutique in Sydney while traveling in Australia.
Of course New York City’s shopping extends beyond SoHo – next stop is midtown for the J.Crew store at Rockefeller Plaza (further North I also enjoy the Columbus Circle store). There are too many J.Crew’s in the city to list, but special mentions should be made as you continue uptown to their specialty boutiques: No. 1035 is the exclusive Madison Avenue women’s shop dedicated to the Collection label (limited edition, seasonally updated items), plus one-of-a-kind products and vintage pieces; a Crewcuts store was recently opened on Madison Avenue, and back South in SoHo a dedicated jewelry and accessories shop was added to the Prince Street store. J.Crew’s first-ever Bridal Boutique opened last spring at 769 Madison Avenue. And not to be outdone by the girlls, two men’s-only stores are now in downtown Manhattan—The Liquor Store and The Men’s Shop. For a retailer that opened it’s first store in 1989 (after six years of successful catalog sales) in Manhattan’s South Street Seaport – it’s no surprise they are proudly representing all over the city.
So the next time you’re in New York City… make me proud. shop well. and shop smart!!
I’m all for ladies first, but in this case – I saved the best for last. Yesterday was our men’s gift guide, and last week featured a unisex guide. Today is for the GIRLS!
This time of year causes many people a lot of stress, and as much as we try every gift can’t always be a 10… or can it?? For the men out there, and women buying gifts for other women, check out what to buy for less than $25, $50, $75, $100, $150, $200, $250, $300, $500, and $1,000.
Other safe suggestions for women are a spa or restaurant gift certificate (maybe take it one step further and book her treatments for her); a mani-pedi gift card at her neighborhood place (you were paying attention!); her favorite lux shampoo and conditioner or perfume (again showing attention to detail); a trip (together or on her own, either should be sans kids); a night away; an iTunes playlist (for her to enjoy during a bath, working out, or getting ready in the morning); her favorite DVD or CD; a magazine subscription to one of her favorite publications…
And last but not least, the most important part of any gift is the card. Don’t forget it, and more important is what you write inside. Even if it’s a few lines, don’t just sign your name. This is your chance to recognize, thank, honor, and cherish someone. Make a statement money can’t buy.
In follow up to last week’s unisex gift suggestions, here are WATW‘s top-coveted picks for what to buy a man for less than $25, $50, $75, $100, $150, $200, $250, $300, $500, and $1,000.
Whether his style leans toward a metro-sexual, a retro-sexual (bringing retro back JT-style), or a good ol’ rugged Old Spice wearing cowboy – there’s something here for every MAN.
