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).

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:

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


Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!!

 

Photos: Whitney Port, Miley Cyrus: Splash News

 

It’s Lá Fhéile Pádraig!! Irish for Saint Patrick’s Day. One day a year when EVERYONE’s Irish… or can at least get a little feisty. So while green nails are a trend gladly left in 2010, today they’re a DO!

Go on… get your green on.