Holiday sweaters

Nancy ann — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 21:03:07 -0600

No,no no, I will not wear a sweater with designs of any kind on it , no reindeer,snowflakes no nothing. I think they are tacky.

Ten gifts for your favorite fashionista

Susan Wagner — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:24:19 -0600

Shopping for the fashionista on your list can be tough; you are compelled to navigate the pitfalls of color and size and style as you choose the perfect gift. And if the girl you're shopping for is someone who already has a functional, stylish wardrobe, it may seem like there's not much left to buy for her.

The secret is to know what you're looking for. And it's NOT a holiday sweater.

Cashmere sweater. This is the splurge that keeps on giving. Garnet Hill has a wonderful selection of cashmere sweaters, including the tie-front cardigan featured in O, The Oprah Magazine. Choose a style that is appropriate for the recipient's figure (the tie front is not the best choice for girls who carry their weight through the midsection). A V-neck works on everyone, as does a basic cardigan. And cashmere NEVER goes out of style. Wrap with a bottle of baby shampoo and instructions for proper care.

White shirt. The perfect gift, because it goes with everything. Look for something less traditional, like this ruffled version from Ann Taylor Loff.

Long sleeve ruffle shirt, Ann Taylor Loft, now on sale for $49.99

Cocktail ring. J. Crew has a nice selection, for $40.00 - $75.00. Go for a shot of color, or something more sedate. Cocktail rings come in larger sizes, to be worn on the index or second finger; for the most impact, wear on the dominant hand, which is the one we gesture and eat and drink with.

Dramatic bracelet. Banana Republic has everything from embellished cuffs to sleek links. My favorite are the enameled bangles, in red and green. J. Crew also has a nice selection of bracelets, including some simple and colorful enamel bangles.

Metallic handbag. Choose a tote or a clutch; go with a simple line or something with bells and whistles. No matter what you want, though, check out the offerings at Target, for the best deal for your money.

Sparkly flats. Gap has metallic flats, Old Navy has them in glittery silver; either way, a sparkly flat is the perfect bit of bling for her everyday uniform. Both are perfect with jeans or dressy trousers or a pair of leggings.

Loungewear. Tees for Change has soft, fabulous organic cotton and bamboo tees with mindful slogans on them (my favorite: "today matters"). They run small, so order a size larger for best fit. Wrap one of these lovely tees up with a pair of yoga or lounge pants (Old Navy has a nice selection of sizes, or you can include a gift card with the tee and let her choose her own).

Tees for Change organic cotton tee, $28.00

Makeup. Unless you know EXACTLY what eyeliner she wears, opt for the gift card. Sephora offers gift cards, as do most department stores (for use at their cosmetics counters). I am a huge fan of boutique makeup stores, like The Makeup Bar in Oklahoma City, which also offers gift certificates. Wrap with a lip gloss in a neutral shade, like Fresh lip shine in Arabesque.

Skin care. Before she gets dressed, she can slather on some delicious lotion. My favorites: Zents, in Fresh (has a light, cucumber smell), Noodle&Boo's Lovely Body Lotion (creamy vanilla scent), and Terralina's facial moisturizer (which I swear to you smells like a delicious tea cake).

A good read. Fashionistas like books, too, you know! Tim Gunn's Guide to Style is a must-have, as are The Lucky Shopping Manual and Dress Your Best (the What Not to Wear Bible). I am currently immersed in Caroline Cox's The Handbag: An Illustrated History, which is both beautiful (pictures of handbags!) and smart (it's a history book!). For nerdy girls who love fashion. I can't be the ONLY one, can I?

For holiday giving, stick with accessories, or with pieces that feel like a splurge, even if they aren't. A little bling, a fun bag, something that will make her feel pretty -- all are great gifts for the stylish girl in your life. Or for yourself! Because you deserve a reward for all that shopping.

Susan Wagner writes about fashion at Friday Style and The Working Closet, and about everything else at Friday Playdate. For Christmas this year, she's asking Santa for an iPhone.

BlogHer - Ten gifts for your favorite fashionista - Comments

Holiday sweaters

Ten gifts for your favorite fashionista