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Giving gifts


via allora handmade

I realized last night that the holidays are right around the corner and not only do I need to start thinking about what I want to buy people but how I want to wrap their gifts — it’s one of my favorite parts of the holiday. I love the newspaper idea and have even done it before but the personalized tags really spices the gift up and I like the idea of trading out my normal twine for something a little more festive, like this red and white baker’s ribbon.

Gifts any girl would love (including me!)

1. Levi’s workwear by pendleton cape | Levi’s
2. Silver plain velvet turban | Topshop
3. Owl table lamp | West Elm
4. Zig zag throw | Jonathan Adler
5. Polly Ann frock jersey dress | Camilla and Marc
6. Hamilton suede booties | Jeffrey Campbell
7. Cheetah grey scarf | We Are Owls
8. Porcia bracelet | Brvtvs

Across the board | Holiday gift guide for all

These gifts may be all purpose but they are certainly not cookie cutter. All of the ideas work for any of those situations where you’re just not sure what to get someone. The importance here is to mix traditional with a little fun and whimsy…just get a gift receipt to be safe!

2011 Calendar | United Bamboo
Stonewear grand teapot | Le Creuset
Natural maple burl bookends | ABC Home
Acrylic leaning wine rack | cb2
Bananagrams letter tile game | Bananagrams
Eames chair coasters | MoMA
Wine and dine plate | Crate&Barrel
Chroma candlestick | Anthropologie
Mad Men: Seasons 1-3 | AMC
Bamboo cheese board and dome | West Elm
British flag dog bed | Jonathan Adler
What to cook & how to cook it | Barnes & Noble

It’s a guy thing | Holiday gift guide for him

It’s never easy shopping for guys, especially the ones who have everything. Think of it this way, if it’s something you like and you think he’ll like, it’s probably the right gift! Here’s a combination of things for every man: the gadget guy, the metro, the traditional man, and the artsy type. Happy Holidays!

Aluminum round fountain pen | Muji
Timex vintage army watch | J. Crew
Messenger bag | Sneaky Warthog
Waterproof ipad case | Dry Case
Patchwork zip pocket jacket | Michael Kors
Plaid flannel pajama set | Ralph Lauren
Salford oxford shoe | Paul Smith
Raw denim jean | APC
Tartan button down | French Connection
Camera starter kit | Holga
Perfect shave kit | The Art of Shaving
Happy socks | Steven Alan
Custom vintage mens bow tie | Tux and Tulle

Signature style | Holiday gift guide for her

I’m a firm believer that personal style is way more important than wearing what’s hot and trendy. Below are some of the things that I think will add and enhance anyone’s wardrobe and life overall! These are just suggestions. The fun in gift giving is finding the perfect gift for that special someone. Happy Holidays!

Wool fair isle sweater | Marc Jacobs
Instax camera | Fuji
Black tulle dress | Lanvin for H&M
Essie nail polish four-pack | J. Crew
Gia necklace | Dannijo
Hi 5 mittens | Kate Spade
Knitted pouf | cb2
Knuckle sammy owl ring | In God We Trust
Leopard printed tights | Betsey Johnson
Faux fur vest | Michael Michael Kors
Ruffled cashmere bralette | Anthropologie
Botanical notes & calling cards | Rifle Paper Co.
Needlepoint pillows | Jonathan Adler
Canvas backpack | Kimchi Blue

All tied up

I have been lusting over turbans lately. I have been seeing a lot of turbands lately (like this and this and here’s how The Man Repeller ties one) but I think as the weather gets colder a full turban is the way to go. And this turban Leilanni Land Etsy store is the one I want. Consider it officially added to my holiday wish list!

In case of emergency…

My birthday is now only a day away and I decided to help out with a short list of less obvious gifts that I would love for the big day!



1. Holly Golightly sleep mask
In the winter I like to lay in bed with the curtains open so I can watch the snow…But sometimes it gets too cold to get back out and I end up having a restless night’s sleep due to the lack of darkness in my bedroom. This is the perfect solution! A timeless and classic eye mask to shut out the light and lend some style and flair to my REM cycle.


2. Airline tickets
Right now, on the top of my list of places to go is somewhere warm, I definitely need some sun. Then, Chicago to see the lovely Stacy, DC to the see the soon-to-be lawyer Briana and perhaps a trip over the pond with my partner in crime Liz Baxter to rediscover our roots.


3. Doc Martens
A perfect way to add an edge to any outfit. I know these don’t fit with my resolution to wear heels, but I have wanted a pair of kick-ass military inspired boots for awhile, and go big or go home — you can’t get more classic than these. Doc Ms inspire me to add a little rough and tumble to my wardrobe.


4. Red pumps
Back in November I wrote about how much I wanted to rock matching shoes and brightly colored tights. Well, it still hasn’t happened but this might be my chance. I love my red tights (I am also loving my bright purple and mustard tights right now) and think a great pair of red pumps would be a killer look!


5. Urban Spectacles
I have been in need of new glasses for ages and these seem perfect. They have the right amount of character without being over the top. Not to mention the wooden frames will look great with just about everything!


6. MJ Lil Riz bag
The perfect all-purpose carry-all. I need a bag big enough to carry everything I could possibly need while traversing this urban jungle (read as a pair of flats, so I never get stranded in heels, a notebook, yoga clothes, lots of snacks and at least one pair of sunnies.)

Dripping in gifts

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Forever21 hat and ring, HungChains eyeglass chain turned necklace, Vintage lumberjack shirt


I celebrated the new year with the lovely and talented Ms. Elizabeth Baxter about a week before the actual day, when we had some free time to get together (Liz and I manage to have absolutely opposite schedules). On our hot date, dinner at The Bourgeois Pig and drinks at my local pub (I am sipping on a delicious Magners Cider in the picture above), I decided to wear as many newly purchased, and gifted, items as possible. It’s always so fun to get dressed up and decked out in new gear. With my birthday right around the corner (January 13th is next Wednesday ladies and gentlemen) I look forward to more nights of bejeweled decadence and merriment!


(Note: Please excuse the insane red eye!)

On the 4th day of Hanukkah

My Hanukkah dreams came true this year! The one gift I asked my family and friends for were matching hangers. (I have had this desire to have everything in my closet hung on the same hangers, for years!) This Hanukkah I got hundreds (literally) of these slim, velvety, black hangers and love how they look!


Picture 1

Queen of wishful thinking

While I would gladly accept any (read all) of the gifts below, I think these are great gift ideas for the special people in your life!


Picture 5

(from left to right)


1. Pencil Chopsticks at MOMA: Food is such a creative outlet, and pencil chopsticks give you a chance to quickly jot down any mealtime inspirations


2. UO 3D Chandelier: Everyone can always use a little more light. This chandelier is functional and nontraditional


3. Amazon Kindle: Perfect for the ADD reader who reads multiple books at once. The kindle makes life much lighter than carrying around the whole library


4. Calendar Bracelet by Dalla Nonna: A perfect mix of leather and metal. This bracelet is an easy way to count down to the big day


5. Ren ring by Japanese jeweler Yuki Kamia: Two-finger rings make for a great piece of statement jewelery. I love the fluidity. It’s definitely not your average “Lauren Conrad” ring


6. Jonathan Adler Needlepoint Pillows: Take a vacation while you rest your head on fun getaway pillows


7. Picture Frame Vinyl Decals: Show your support for the vendors and artists on Etsy. This would help any who is ‘hanging challenged’, like me


8. Ashish for Topshop Leopard Wedges: Jungle fever in freezing weather is a great way to add to a look and keep your feet warm (Jeffrey Campbell for LF wedge booties would work too!)

In the past

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