Tag Archives: lesportsac

get gifting: cheap thrills

(Also known as the “under $30” guide). Because most of us have the highest of ambitions but the lowest of budgets, my list of cheap thrills for the holidays is here to help you keep that holiday credit card balance in check. Turns out, it actually is possible to give a thrill-inducing gift and stay under budget – who knew?

  1. Totally invigorating in the morning, and not the least bit girly. Anthony Logistics eucalyptus + mint shower gel for men, $18
  2. Who can’t use another tote? This one has the added bonus of a cross-body strap and a stylish, not-too-sweet graphic. And it’s made by a dear friend of mine! Chrysanthemum tote, Westmama Designs, $29
  3. West Elm has a bevy of beautiful throws this season, but this one’s cuddly soft and comes in a rainbow of hues. Add your favorite paperback of the year, and give her an excuse to snuggle up. “Favorite” throw, West Elm, $29 (on sale for $19!)
  4. I never seem to have enough cosmetic bags to throw into handbags, carry-ons and totes. This one reminds me of Chanel, but won’t make me cry when my lip gloss leaks. LeSportSac “Kevyn” cosmetic case, $25
  5. If there’s a teen or tween girl on your list, I promise you, this is the gift to get her. Absolutely every color under the sun…so you can prove to her there’s more to makeup than piles of black eyeliner. Expert Mega Palette, Avon, $30
  6. Bargain gifts for men are hard to come by, but this watch is infinitely more handsome than its pricetag allows for – I especially love the webbed strap, which gives it an urban edge. Military style canvas strap watch, Avon, $15
  7. I’m basically obsessed with this stuff – it’s become my savior during these dry, windy winter days. Trust me, she’ll be addicted too. Blood orange body balm, McEvoy Ranch, $22
  8. Chocolates are always a great bargain go-to, and these have a fun twist. Each flavor is modeled after a bigger, badder (much more caloric) dessert. Red velvet cake truffle, anyone? Ultimate Dessert Truffles, Godiva, $25
  9. A classic holiday scent that’s festive, but not cloying. And I always love the packaging from Linnea’s Lights! Pumpkin soy candle, Linnea’s Lights, $21
  10. Okay, this one’s a smidge over budget. But you get six single-glass bottles of wine for that price, custom grouped by region or selected by master chefs. For a budding oenophile, it doesn’t get any better. Mario Batali Selection 6-bottle wine sampler, Tasting Room, $33 (looks like you save $10 by signing up for their mailing list!)
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get gifting: the jet set

If she’s guaranteed an upgrade every time she sets foot on a plane, knows the best hotels in every major city, and racks up more frequent flyer miles than most pilots, here are a few treats she’s sure to stash in her carry-on.

  1. One thing every traveler has in common is dry skin and hair. Fix it in one fell swoop with this genius travel set packed with argan oil-infused essentials. Moroccan Getaway travel set, Josie Maran, $39
  2. This trim tote packs flat, holds a ton, and the baby soft leather is stylish enough for any adventure. Baggu leather tote, $150
  3. Every good traveler needs a page-turner novel to get them through those Atlanta layovers. Sarah’s Key, by Tatiana de Rosnay, $15
  4. This clever gadget is a surge protector, USB charger port and phone cradle all in one – pretty impressive for under $20. Portable charging station, RCA, $19
  5. Heats up in an instant, seriously delivers on style, and comes with a trim, ultra-glam case to keep your clothes safe when you have to throw this in your bag while it’s still warm. GHD Scarlet styler, $225
  6. Borrow from the boys and get her a dopp kit that will actually hold all her beauty essentials in one bag. Hammocks & High Tea dopp kit, $50
  7. So big you could stow a greyhound inside (I’ll never admit to how I know this), but so light, it makes carry-on a breeze. And I love the mod plaid print. LeSportSac large weekender, $108
  8. The stuff deskside daydreams are made of. 2012 Paris calendar, Little Brown Pen, $22
  9. Oh, the places you’ll go – these are tiny enough to stow away in the smallest suitcase, and comfy enough to save your travel-weary feet. Tieks foldable ballet flats, $175
  10. Stylish and feminine, but not girly. Portola Valley passport holder, Kate Spade, $65
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get gifting: the globetrotter

For the girl who’s racked up enough frequent flier miles to take a trip around the world (if only she could find time between layovers), this list is packed with presents guaranteed to make it into her coveted carry-on space.

But why stop there? So many of these travel-friendly finds would be genius picks for a friend who’s always on the go, even if her travel is mostly of the afternoon-commute variety.  Or for the girl who doesn’t often travel far from home, but is forever daydreaming about her next exotic vacation.  In other words, whether it’s wanderlust or wander-must, there’s something here that’s perfect for any traveler on your list.

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left to right, from top: baggu zip travel bags, $8-12 for sets; pacifica roll-on perfumes, $12; blow to go hair travel kit, $28; Cashmere tunic, $139; lily & lionel london cityscape scarf in sepia, $272; lesportsac large zip travel wallet, $48; tieks foldable flats, $175; ghd dazzle styler travel set, $240; gorjana thomspson jewelry case, (sold out; similar here, $29).

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summer essential: the overnighter

i started digging through the dusty nether-regions of my bookmarks folder to write this, oh, maybe two hours ago.  now, i’m thoroughly bleary-eyed and exhausted, but i found what i was looking for!

in my opinion, few summer essentials are as overlooked as the overnight bag.  when the beach is the destination (or somewhere equally relaxed and inviting), i get weighed down just thinking about carting my ancient roller bag along for the ride.  there’s just something about summer travel that makes me want to throw “responsible” to the wind, and use a bag i’ll really love for my vacation.

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i’ve been testing out the new patent-finish collection from lesportsac, and i’m fairly convinced this might be the most durable bag ever made.  first, it’s h-u-g-e…you’ll definitely get your carry-on max with this baby.  the straps are padded and comfy enough for even heavy loads, and lesportsac’s normally-impermeable nylon is made even more indestructible with a hearty patent coating on the exterior.  so, when that mean flight attendant insists you shove your carry-on into an overhead compartment, you won’t need to fantasize about pushing her off the plane.  if you’re classic, grab it in black, but i kind of like the posey for summer fun (better pic here).  plus it zips flat…so it doubles as a “i bought too many souvenirs” emergency stowaway.

i can’t think of a single thing by angela adams that doesn’t make me swoon with delight.  i am not at all kidding when i say it’s my dream in life to own one of her amazing rugs (later in life…when i don’t have dogs that will puke their guts out all over it).  for now, i’ll happily settle for this sweet weekend tote ($145), which reminds me of a classic ll bean tote, but so much more chic.  it’s  packed full of pockets, and made of super-durable cotton canvas (hand-printed, by the way).  doesn’t it just make you think of a summer weekend in nantucket?

and last but not least, hayden-harnett is always a classic for chic travel options (their ibiza flight tote is a legend).  i’m dying to get my hands on their new avion tote ($318).  with leather handles and a chic paule marrot fabric pattern, this one is made even more perfect by being laptop-friendly – and, while i don’t condone working on a vacation, how else are you going to get your cardio poolside?

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