For some reason, this guide is always the hardest one for me…possibly because part of me thinks this whole blog is one giant style gift guide (isn’t it?). But still, I know we all have that trend-obsessed slave to fashion on our list who feels impossible to please. Take my word for it: your work’s officially done. Any one of these gifts is 100% SMC-guaranteed to put a geeky holiday grin on even the pickiest fashionista’s face.
Why is it that men are always the trickiest to buy for? I don’t know about you, but I spend most of December stumped when it comes to gifts for husbands, dads and brothers. But this year, I’m feeling confident…and you should too. Whether he’s into food, drink, gadgets or the latest hipster craze, I promise each and every one of the picks in this gift guide is 100% guy-tested and approved, and sure to be a hit with any man on your list.
Especially those steaks. Trust me on this…they’re unreal.
because i so hate the dreaded “-ista” word, let’s just say this guide is for the girl who thrills when the latest issue of vogue hits her mailbox, never says no to a trip to barneys, and is always the first in your crowd to buy into the latest trend. i’ll admit she’s not the easiest (or the cheapest) giftee on your list, but rest assured she gives as good as she gets. so gift your fashion-obsessed friends well…they’re sure to return the favor!
left to right, from top: prada vespa keychain, $165; frye reagan campus moccasins (especially this shearling-lined version), $138/148; emporio armani white ceramic watch, $545; däv fleece-lined equestrian rainboot, $98; the ELLEments of personal style: 25 modern fashion icons on how to dress, shop, and live, $17; joya solid perfume lockets, $38-68; diane von furstenberg lytton minaudiere, $325; echo touch ruffled gloves, $35; lafayette 148 faux leopard scarf, $98; chance striped boatneck tee, $60; all saints kadian jacket, $500 (and a very close second).
{FTC disclaimer: some product samples were provided to help me compile this guide, but as usual, there’s no pay-for-play here.}
welcome to summer! i thought we’d kick off the season of sun and fun this week with a look at a few items i simply have to have in my closet when the weather heats up.
first on my list is a collection of gauzy, lightweight summer scarves. at first glance, i realize that a scarf might not feel like the perfect warm weather accessory. but i love their ability to turn summer ensembles, which can be a little dull (tees, tanks, shorts, jersey dresses…) into something sensational, without the weight and bulk of big jewelry pieces.
also, let’s face it: most of us spend our days going in and out of highly air-conditioned offices, stores and cars, until we hardly know whether we’re going to freeze or melt. a light cotton scarf is the perfect solution, and so much less preppy than the cardigan-over-the-shoulders look.
over the weekend, i picked up this gorgeous chevron stripe scarf from epice (left, but in green) – i’m thoroughly addicted to this line. the cotton is light as air, the pattern is incredibly bright and delicate – it’s as close to perfection as a scarf gets. i got mine at covet here in portland, but until they’re online, you can find more styles at goldyn, barneys and kate boutique.
if you’re still new to the scarf game, you might want to give this trend a try with a more budget-friendly option. virginia johnson makes some of my absolute favorite scarves – they’re light, fun and so beautifully made! normally on the high end of the scale, they’re having a pretty outstanding sale that’s well worth a look. my picks are the fig leaf, sailboats and chevron – all under $50 now.
i also love the scarves over at echo – they do a fantastic job of mixing style and value. my pick for summer is this gauzy block print scarf (far right), which looks like something you picked up on an exotic euro vacation – but really, it’s hard to go wrong with any of their designs!