Can you believe that Christmas is only a week away? I don't know about you, but I am still picking gifts AND I have all my wrapping to do. Eek! Today, I am rounding up a bunch of ideas at a bunch of price points to use to fill your guy's stocking this Christmas. As I wrote in my last post here, K and I exchange stockings filled with lots of fun surprises every Christmas morning before heading out to spend the day with our families. From warm weather accessories like this hat, these gloves, or this scarf, to tech accessories like a fitbit, this USB charging cord, this phone case, or these earbuds, there are so many great options to fill his stocking with.
A few years ago, Kevin and I started a tradition where we fill each others stockings with little gifts and then exchange them on Christmas morning. Since we open most of our other gifts for one another at the family Christmases at each of our parents' houses, we like to have something fun to open together first thing. It's a little way we have found to make Christmas ours without taking anything away from the traditions we want to keep with our families.
Some of the things I always like to receive in my stocking include makeup, jewelry, warm weather accessories, and small home decor items. So, I've rounded up my favorite trinkets and tiny treasures that any lady would love to have in her stocking, or wrapped up under the tree.
For warm weather accessories, hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, socks, and earmuffs are always a win in my book. But, I've picked out pieces that aren't your granny's accessories, they are pretty colors, in luxe fabrics, with trendy details, Like this beanie with multi-colors pom on top; a classic piece with a modern twist. Or these gloves adorned with a contrasting bow and pom-poms, they are chic but playful. And what about these over-sized faux fur earmuffs? They are the perfect upgrade from the pairs your mom made you wear in grade school. Lastly, you all know I love a good scarf, and this muted plaid will be a staple all winter, I mean, grey and blush pink is such a perfect combo, you can't go wrong.
For jewelry, I am definitely a fan of statement earrings having a moment. I have included 3 different pairs of earrings to make sure every lady is covered. This pair is a subtle but sparkly pair by Kendra Scott. I love the druzy stone paired with rose gold, so pretty. While this pair is a a step up in the drama department from the stud, with a beaded tassel, they can definitely be worn up or down, day to night. They are super versatile and come in 4 colors. Lastly, this thread tassel earring, I have them in 3 colors and absolutely love them! They are super light weight and definitely add some drama to an outfit. Plus, they come in a ton of colors.
Outside of earrings, watches are always a nice Christmas gift. Especially for a spouse or parent. They can be a little pricey, but watches can be a great gift to show appreciation for the role they play in your life. I love this watch with blush pink band and the pearl face, it is really feminine and probably something not in her closet yet. I'm also loving this simple knot bangle. It is a great piece because it can be stacked with other bracelets, be worn alone, or since it is thin, be worn with a watch. One last accessory that will be in high demand as the snow starts to fall? Sunglasses! It seems counter intuitive, but I never leave home without them. Snow glare is real people, and it is the worst. I love the pearl details on this pair, and they are super affordable, only $24!
For face, bath, and body, there are so many great options around the holidays. Lots of companies release limited edition items, as well as gift sets. This Philosophy bath set is a great Christmas gift option because it is a themed set and all the scents are limited edition for the season. Another great gift for any make-up obsessed lady is this marbled beauty blender. I die. Its so cute, only $5, and anything marble is a winner. If the ladies on your list aren't into a lot of products, this lippie is the perfect gift! It's a moisturizing lip tint in a nude color. I recently bought one in the color Honey and it is life changing! Snag a bunch and sprinkle them in everyone's stockings this year. Don't forget you can top a stocking the way you top an outfit, with perfume. You can never go wrong with a classic and clean scent like this one, plus its 15% off.
For home decor, there are lots of options too, from small photo frames, to mini candles. I love the rose gold container this candle comes it, and the scent is one of my favorites! Another idea for any wine lover is a new stopper, and what's better than a monogram? This stopper combines both and would be a great addition to any stocking. If you are doing a little theme with your stocking gifts, a wine accessory and candle, pair great with cheeky socks for lounging around the house and a sleep mask to use while pampering. I love this pair of socks, because, hello, brunch. And how pretty is this pink velvet ruffle edged sleep mask, perfect for getting all that beauty sleep.
Rounding out my stocking stuffer ideas are some more sparkly and marble items. Phones now have almost more options for accessories than girls do. Almost. That said, a new phone case and grip, like this case in marble, and this blush grip, would make a perfect pairing and very practical gift for any girl on the go. Sparkles are aplenty on this wallet that has a glitter finish. Another practical gift, that feels special because of the little details, colors, and material. And finally, what girl doesn't need a little sugar now and then? Include something for her sweet tooth in her stocking like these champagne gummy bears, so fun, and definitely not your kid's candy.
Today's gift guide is dedicated to the homebody. If you have someone on your list who would rather stay in and sip wine, read a book, watch something on the DVR, or just sit by the fire place, than go out of the house for pretty much any reason, then this gift guide is for them! I definitely am a homebody. I prefer my down time to be in my home, snuggled up on the couch with a hot beverage in hand catching up on some tv shows. And any Saturday or Sunday that I don't have to put on make-up or leave the house, is a win in my book!
One of my guilty pleasures on the weekends is staying in my pajamas as long as I can. If I don't have to leave the house, there is a good chance I am not getting dressed in what I call "real people clothes" for the day and instead lounge around sipping coffee until wine is acceptable. So, I have found the softest, coziest pieces that any self proclaimed homebody would be excited to receive for Christmas.
I really do love a good pajama set and have included a few as gift ideas. This lavender set and this soft heather grey with white stripes set, are both under $75 and come in multiple colors. They are both a great classic style and cut, too. Another option is this cozy fleece sweater and shorts set, I'm obsessed with the color and material! Plus, how cute would it be with these over the knee socks? Love! Another way to stay cozy is to throw on a chenille cardi. If you pick this one up for anyone on your list, they will definitely live in it all winter long! Cardigans not your gal's thing? Maybe a robe is a better option, and while this one is a bit of a splurge, but is worth every penny. I mean, your mom totally deserves to be pampered anyways, right?
Another great part of not leaving the house? Wearing slippers all.day.long. How cute are these bow topped moccasins? They come in 4 colors, including a gorgeous blush, and have the prettiest perforated detailing. Plus, with a rubber sole, they can be worn out of the house in a pinch, like to collect your package deliveries, wink, wink. Another option are slipper socks, aka the epitome of comfy, and this pair will the little pom poms would make a great gift or stocking stuffer. Another popular slipper style is a slide, and I think this cable knit pair with shearling lining would be an adorable addition to anyone's closet.
As winter weather starts rolling in, layering becomes second nature. Warm accessories make a great gift for any lady. This scarf is a delicate, not chunky knit, so its perfect to wear inside all day. At under $50 it is a great piece for anyone who is typically a little chilly. One thing I wear pretty much every day, inside and out, when the temps drop, are beanies. This cream beanie and grey beanie both have a pom on top, are only $25, and would make a such a darling gift.
Skin care is something everyone becomes a little more concerned with during the winter season. The rigid temps and cold air suck the moisture right out of everything, especially our skin. This hydration set by Fresh would be a great gift for a homebody who has extra time to pamper, a secret santa exchange, or any hard to shop for lady on your list, because the products are really good and its a great basic essentials set. I'm obsessed with the lip treatment!
Some other ideas, besides clothing and accessories, for the homebodies on your list would be decor items to make their spaces a little more joyful. I love both these pillows. The faux fur heart throw pillow is darling and super soft, and you cant go wrong with a cable knit pillow. Plus, how amazing are those buttons? If you have a candle lover on your list, this mini set of luxe candles would be a perfect gift. The scents are amazing and the pastel colored containers are super pretty.
Coffee table books are another great, but under-rated gift idea. This "The Year of Cozy" book would be a welcome and gorgeous addition to any coffee table. And who doesn't love a good throw blanket? Especially when its snowing out. We have this blanket in 3 colors and it's a good thing we do because otherwise K and I would fight over them constantly (yes, it's boy approved!). It comes in so many colors and is 25% off, making it a steal at only $29.
Fianlly, when staying in or being snowed in, both coffee and wine can be of the highest importance. Stock up on cheeky mugs and wine glasses as great and affordable gifts for the ladies on your list. I especially love this $16 gold lettered mug, since it is a little sassy, as well as this $12 wine glass, which can be pretty accurate.
Today, I am so excited to be sharing my first gift guide of the season and will be sharing a bunch more over the next few weeks to hopefully help you check all the boxes on your shopping list. To kick off this year's gift guides, I'll be starting with one of my favorites: Gifts for Her. Between my mom and my 3 sisters, Christmas mornings my entire life have been pretty girl-centric, and their gifts are the things I look most forward to finding and buying. I've rounded up my top gifts for all the ladies on my list - girlfriend, sister, and mom approved - to share with you.
I think sweaters are a staple gift for women, so why not pick out a sweater with a little something extra? Like this ruffle sleeve sweater, perfect for your sister or BFF; it comes in cream and a pretty peach color and is super afforable at $49. I also love this ruffle sleeve tunic style sweater with elbow cut-out; its super unique, on-trend, and comes in olive and black too. Or if you are looking for something a little less trendy and more classic, maybe for mom, this is the perfect cardigan. It's an open-front circle-style cardigan and is made of the softest material ever, so luxurious!
Besides sweaters, jewelry tends to be a super popular gift for ladies year after year. Statement earrings are currently having a moment, so why not snag a few pairs of fun earrings. I am recommending these 2 pairs for 2 reasons. First, they are super light, so you can wear them all day without any discomfort. Second, they come in a TON of colors options! Both the pink and eggplant pairs are under $50 too. Looking for a next-level type gift for a special lady in your life? This wrap bracelet is perfect because the stone on the ends can be switched out with lots of gem options or the pearls shown to really personalize the piece.
Another popular gift idea for women are warm-weather accessories, like gloves, hats, and scarves. Treat the ladies on your list to a fabulous scarf a la this oversized, knit beauty in the perfect soft pink hue. If you have a plaid-lover like myself on your list, I definitely recommend this boucle plaid scarf in the navy and pink plaid. It will be so warm during the upcoming winter months and the color combo is gorgeous. If you are thinking your bestie has enough scarves, this pearl adorned beanie might be the perfect gift for her! Pearls are everywhere this season, and even though they are trendy, they are also very classic. I adore this beanie, and it comes in black too. Snag it quick its currently 30% off through Cyber Monday.
If you are a boyfriend or husband looking for the perfect gift for your lady, I have included some higher end suggestions too. Like this Chateau Parka by J.Crew, its a classic, comes in 5 colors, and will become her favorite for years to come. The quality is top notch, and they are currently 40% off, through Cyber Monday, (plus an extra 10% off until noon Cyber Monday with code: SHOPFAST) so shop quickly! Another good option is a designer handbag. For totes, I personally love Tory Burch, this pretty pink one with the tassel detail has stolen my heart. Plus, it's 30% through Cyber Monday with code THANKS. If your gal prefers a smaller bag, this Rebecca Minkoff crossbody is a classic, but in this velvet, its both chic and trendy too. I love this dark grey, but it comes in several other colors too. Snag 25% off orders of $100+ with code BLACK25 or 30% off orders of $250 with code BLACK30.
Know anyone taking a big trip next year? Milestone birthday, honeymoon, anniversary? Or just travels a lot for work? This chic spinner luggage duo can't be beat. Under $300 for both pieces, and available in 4 colors, this set is the perfect gift for a daughter who might be getting married next year. Hint, mom, hint. Not in the budget, no worries, snag this super affordable and incredibly gorgeous iphone case, so at least her phone can travel in style ;) I mean, that marble is swoon worthy, right?
Shopping for yourself? No judgement, I did too! I highly recommend snagging these OTK boots while the sale price is so freakin good! At over 50% off for Marc Fisher, you almost have to, right? Is your calendar littered with holiday parties from now until the new year? Snag these pretty strappy heels in this gorgeous blush velvet or one of 3 other colors, and dance your way to 2018 in them!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of great food and even better company. If you are like me and my family, you may have already hit the sales, both in store last night and earlier this week online. I have rounded up the best of the best sale this Black Friday and have even posted a ton of my favorite gift options from a bunch of retailers to make your shopping even easier. With all the sites and sales, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect gifts for everyone one your list. So, hopefully this along with tomorrow's gift guides will be helpful!
This time of year leaves me with a serious crush on all things pink. As the winter snow and bitter cold seem endless, I can't help but daydream of springtime. Springtime for my closet means rolling out all of my pink - neon, pastel, patterned, you name it, I will probably be wearing it! This past week I have been feeling especially impatient for warmer weather...perhaps it was the 2 feet of snow dropped on us, or perhaps it was the silly groundhog...I'm not quite sure, but I have been prematurely slipping pink back into my outfits. Currently on my radar - pastel pink and blush. Sigh. Thinking of them just makes me smile wistfully. Plus, with Valentine's Day a little over a week away, the influx of pink products is insane. Talk about developing a serious case of the "I wants." I figure if I cross my fingers one or two of these items may find their way to me on the 14th =) If not, I will be keeping my eye out as we move closer to the thaw and snagging them as I can. In either case, here's a peek at my latest lust list just in time for V-day!
Topping my list are the matching pastel pink Robinson bag with matching wallet, that color is sheer perfection. Up there with a new carry-all, is a collection of delicate rings. I am loving finger stacks, simple shapes, and the midi-rings - so chic. Lastly, I am craving new shoes...duh. Its pretty much an insatiable hunger, especially knowing these floral (LOVE!) patterned Emery flats & neon pink bowed heels exist. I must have these in my closet for spring!
Christmas is easily my favorite time of the year, and it's rapid approach has me feeling giddy with excitement! One of my favorite traditions is stuffing stockings; the combination of gift-giving with decor is perfection in my book. Growing up, my three sisters and I each had matching stockings in 4 different colors. Every Christmas morning, we would come down to the family room and see them hanging from the mantle, filled to the top with tiny treasures. My mom would always carefully individually wrap the contents and inside we would find adorable items such as lip balms, lotions, patterned socks, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, beauty products, notepads, pens, and other things that were practical but also fun.
To this day my sweet mom still fills our childhood stockings for when we come over to exchange gifts and celebrate Christmas. It's one of my fondest memories and cherished traditions. Now as an adult, I always look for extra, smaller items to share with my sisters as part of their gifts each year. Plus, K and I have stockings of our own to fill with festive goodness this year to expand the tradition!
Below are some of my favorite items to give and receive as stocking stuffers. These items also work well if you exchange gifts with your girlfriends, or participate in Secret Santa exchanges. I have also included some items that are inspiring my stocking stuffing for K too. Happy shopping!
Happy Monday lovelies! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. I know we enjoyed a long vacation from work, spending a lot of time with family, and of course, eating tons of delicious food! Quickly on the heels of Thanksgiving was the start of the retail frenzy leading up to Christmas. K and I were out shopping Thursday evening and again Friday afternoon. It was a much less rushed feeling than in years past, which we appreciated. Following shopping, we pulled out all our Christmas decor and decked the halls Saturday. Finally, on Sunday we wrapped all our goodies from shopping the days earlier and enjoyed a Netflix marathon.
Today we are back to work and it is a bit of a drag. Luckily, today is also the magical day of online super sales, guaranteed to aid in the completion of your holiday shopping: it's Cyber Monday! I have put together a little synopsis of the discounts happening around the interweb as well as a few of the items I have already picked up for the holidays. While you are shopping, don't forget to keep an eye out for holiday party apparel and little gifts for stocking stuffers too, both of which I will be talking about in upcoming posts. Good luck and have fun shopping!
I don't want to panic anyone, but Christmas is a month away. Say what?? Yep, only 30 days away, crazy right?! It's even beginning to feel a lot like Christmastime. We received our first real snow in the motor city this past week and with Black Friday on the horizon, I am just buzzing with excitement! Christmas is my favorite time of the year; I love the bustle of the crowds, the spreading of good will, and the joy of celebrating the reason for the season! I must also confess that I am one of those crazy people who is almost done with their shopping. Giving gifts is by far one my favorite part of the holidays and I have been plotting and planning and shopping for months now. Next is wrapping, ribboning, and bowing, an OCD person's pinnacle of bliss. But before I get too carried away, I thought I would share some of my favorite things to buy (and in some cases, receive).
To start, gifts for him. I think guys are always harder to shop for than girls because they are actually really simple and we tend to overthink it. I tend to follow three general rules: can he play with it, will he wear it, and does he already use it. Pretty simple, right? First, boys like toys - electronics, movies, tools, and the like, are all things that guys get abnormally excited about, we don't have to get it, we just need to know it. Next, most guys are hopeless when it comes to shopping for themselves and rely on their partners to select and even purchase their clothing and accessories for them. Christmas is the perfect time to do this without having to drag him along complaining as you find pieces to replace or fill his closet. Lastly, is it something he already has or uses, again, really simple. Guys will use their stuff until it falls apart. Look for items that could use replacing - chipped coffee mug, worn wallet, scuffed belt, or items that he may enjoy a little higher end version of like shaving lotions and grooming tools.
For the special ladies in my life, I like to find gifts that they may not be inclined to buy themselves because they are busy taking care of all the other people in their lives. We all know women like this, they care about their family and friends and often put them first. The ones that always take your calls, make your coffee date chats last hours, dance with you til dawn, and wipe away your tears; your persons. Pamper and spoil these girls that are always there when you need them, time and time again, all year long with some comfy pj's and a pair of slippers, some gorgeous beauty products, or jewelry. Look for luxe finishes, rich textures, and anything gold to brighten her holiday season!
It's finally Friday which means that the weekend is only a work day away (insert jump for joy here) and that Valentine's Day is only a week away! Say what? It's crazy, right? I swear just last week we were ringing in the new year. So, with V-day just around the corner, I thought I would start sharing some favorite things that I would either love to give to my sisters and girlfriends, or receive. I am definitely one of those people who loves Valentine's Day. Any holiday where we get to spread love and recognize the people we care about is a-okay with me! I always mail Valentines and buy little gifts for all my loved ones. This year, I am loving cute but practical gifts and swooning over all things pink. Do you buy gifts for all your Valentines?
Happy happy Monday (night) loves! It never fails that there are just too many things to do, and so little time to do them in! I really wanted to get this up last week, but life had other plans (we plan and God laughs, right?). Though, I'm sure you were all rushing to prepare for Turkey Day and the madness that was Black Friday, so hopefully you can relate and forgive me, pretty please; I am posting now, after all =) I shall try really hard to post again with a Thanksgiving day recap later this week (fingers crossed)! But, until then, I would like to share with you some items that I have been perusing for the men on my shopping list, in case you need a little inspiration! Confession time: I hate, loathe, dislike, etc. the word 'man'...and its plural 'men.' Its so weird and formal and gross to me (hello new bucket of issues to discuss with my non-existent therapist). I much prefer the word 'guys' to 'men' so that is what I shall try to stick to going forward. Now, there are significantly fewer gift guides for the guys than for the girls, since, in my experience and opinion, guys are much easier to shop for. Get them the newest electronic toy, latest movie release, new socks to replace the ones lost to the monster living in the dryer, and they are happy as a clam. Sweet and simple right? Well, I have rounded up some duds, toys, and other fun things to keep the guys in your life stylish and entertained heading into the new year.
I hope this gives you some inspiration for the special guys in your life, or your weird uncle, or your distant relative you are not even sure is related to you, but you feel obligated to buy something for (we all have them, right?). I mean what guy doesn't love when they don't have to go clothing shopping for an entire year, because you do it for them at Christmas? And, although they will not admit it, they like to feel a little pampered every now and then too, so a few manly 'beauty' items never hurts either. Did you see those beer mugs?? Now our love of monogramming can be shared by our counterparts in a way that makes beer actually sophisticated and a little cute (but don't tell them that, of course). Whether he's a guy's guy, the sports aficionado, the brainy guy in a tie, a hipster, the strong silent type with a pipe and a book, or just a goofy guy who stole your heart, there is something for him on this guides. With that, I wish you all happy shopping this holiday season ladies!
What's on your guy's wish list?
Are the girls or guys on your list easier to shop for?
Happy Monday Lovelies! Today I have put today some gift ideas for the variety of ladies you may need to shop for this holiday season. I love shopping, and shopping for others is by far my favorite kind of shopping to do. Having 3 sisters and several other special ladies and girlfriends in my life, I know that I have already began searching high and low for the perfect gift for each of them (Christmas is just 30 days away after all!). I love to find personalized gifts for each person on my list, tailored to what I think they will enjoy. It can be easier sometimes to get a "blanket gift," or the same gift for lots of people on your list, but I don't really like the generic-ness of that, so I tend to favor highly individualized gifts selected for that person and no one else. Keeping this in mind, I have grouped my gift guides thematically and selected gifts all below $50 with a variety of price points, knowing that some (like my sisters) will be allotted more money, while keeping all the items affordable. Since it's t-minus 4 days until Black Friday, I hope this gives you some ideas for the special ladies on your shopping lists!
Hopefully this helps you locate things you were already thinking of buying, or answers the "what the heck am I going to get for so-and-so?" question. I realize that a few things are not currently available online, but most are available in stores, so take advantage of the locate-in-store functions on websites or check back to see if the item is restocked for cyber Monday. I also included several etsy shop finds, I try to support local business whenever possible and there are so many cute and unique items, finding the "right" gift for someone is made easier. I am working on gift guides for him, they will be up soon. That's all I have for now, happy shopping!
