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.
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.
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.
Blush Blazers are a go-to for spring and summer that can be worn right into fall… their neutral palette goes with everything!! Without competing to be the focus of your outfit, this blazer keeps you cool from day to night – battling over-air-conditioning and breezy nights. Worn over a tank or blouse with white skinny jeans and nude patent round-toe pumps, you’ve got your summer uniform. Softer and more feminine than beige (although I love Gwyneth’s look too), you can opt for an oversized boyfriend or more fitted style. Even men (ahem Justin Bieber…) are BLUSHING.
Since moving to LA two years ago I often hear, “you’re so tan!” Which I immediately follow with, “It’s self-tanner!” I discovered bronzer in my early twenties, and religiously used Bobbi Brown’s miracle powder for years to come. Then I discovered Estee Lauder’s tanning towelettes, I used them once a week or so until they were discontinued about 3 years ago now. Devastating! I dislike most self-tanners on the market. Anything that’s a cream or foam isn’t for me, I’d rather use actual bronzer than a tanner that acts the same way (coming off on my clothes, sheets, etc). It took me a year to discover my next go-to, Look Good Naked’s Tan Towel (in face and half body applications). I’ve used these once a week since moving to LA – yes, I live in a city that prides itself on averaging 320 days of sunshine per year… but no, I don’t live outside, and I believe in sunscreen. Recently, I was introduced to Kate Somerville’s “Somerville360 Tan Towelettes”. After one use, I was converted! The perfect bronzing tan that isn’t orange (apply moderately)… this towelette is a 10.
Living in LA, I can get away with using self-tanner twice a week (NB: apply tanner at least two hours before applying makeup or leaving the house – do no use bronzer at all on these days – your skin with get darker throughout the day, sometimes as late as 6 hours later!) – for others I’d suggest once in the fall and winter, and twice in spring and summer. For in between days, trust a bronzing blush (subtle shimmer is OK, sometimes matte bronzer makes your face look dirty – try a few to find your match). I swear by Yves Saint Laurent Variation Blush, offering a pop of color that is the perfect combination of gold-bronze and rose-pink-blush.
Another great way to fight pale and pasty skin is tinted moisturizer. Almost every cosmetics line makes this efficient and effective beauty must-have. I put on Origins VitaZing SPF 15 Energy-Boosting Moisturizer in the morning before my makeup. With SPF built-in, it’s great for travel.
Stay harmful-ray-free – and with these four beauty pillars – get ready for a sunless summer GLOW.
10 – monogrammed tote - L.L. Bean is just one of the many retailers who make great canvas tote bags, the finishing touch – your initials or name! They’re a great gift – I like to gift Mrs. plus their new surname to my girlfriends getting married. Reese Witherspoon (the new Mrs. Toth) is a fan, and so am I. These roomy personalized bags are the epitome of fashion meeting function. Making a personalized statement, they’ll take you from the beach to the gym with you life in tow.
7 – monogrammed towels -Ralph Lauren offers customizable bath-wear. Dry off in style.
6 – initialed bikini bottoms -J.Crew allows you to monogram your beach bottoms. Subtle, sexy!!
5 – personalized stationary - I’m a stationary addict. I love great cards and paper. There’s nothing more classy then receiving a note, thank you, or invitation from someone on their monogrammed note cards and paper. The options are endless, but I love classic initials. Send your own mark.
4 – signature candles – use initial candles to lighten up your home and your life. Smells good!
3 – initial earrings – Sarah Chloe monogrammed earrings are a great reprieve from your daily pearl and diamond studs. I love them equally in silver, yellow and rose gold. Such great go-to that can take you from day to night InStyle (as seen in). Literally.
2 – customizable sunglasses - Prada recently came out with customizable Prada Private sunglasses. We’re constantly seeing label-covered glasses, why not wear your own logo with pride.
1 – initial ring -Jennifer Kaufman’s three initial gold ring has been on my wish list for two years. Make any woman in your life glow with this as a gift, or treat yourself for a commemorative piece that you’ll LOVE forever. The initials are subtle, but the size of the ring is all STATEMENT.
Because sometimes signature style, requires some signature pieces. Enjoy!! “KD”
