Gift Guide: Guy Edition

Why does it always seem so darn difficult to find the right gift for a guy? If you've only known them for just a bit, or even for your entire life, they're usually tricky to shop for... I don't even understand the dynamics behind it. It doesn't seem like guys are very picky about what you get them, but there seems to be an element of stress on getting them the perfect present.
I am an especially thoughtful gift-giver and I probably over-analyze what to get someone. The receiver's interests, hobbies, personal style, etc. are all taken into account before I even start brainstorming what to get them. That said, with guys I go about it the opposite way. Instead of thinking about what they would want, I think about what I would want to see them in or what I think they need. I'm actually surprised at how well this method has worked out for me...
So here are some items that I think guys would appreciate receiving:

1. Sweatshirt: This is probably the easiest thing to get a guy because it can be completely casual. You can make it more personal by giving them a hoodie or crewneck for their favorite school or team.

2. Snapbacks: I actually don't know that many guys who wear these, but I've noticed that they have become quite popular elsewhere. Again, you can personalize it to whatever team your guy supports.

3. Nike: Maybe this is just a thing around here, but all of the guys at my school are obsessed with Nike. I'm sure that if there was a survey 99% of them would proudly admit to owning Nike Freerun's and Nike Elite socks.

4. Wallet: What guy doesn't need a wallet? You could even add in some gift cards or some extra cash for a surprise.

5. Music/tech related stuff: An iTunes card is always a good one. If you're willing to splurge, the Beats by Dre headphones and earbuds are super nice. If not, there are plenty of other headphones out there that would be sufficient. Concert tickets to a band you both enjoy would make a great present too. Other tech related things like phone or iPad cases are easy gifts as well.

6. Movie night: Put together a package including a favorite movie, some popcorn, candy, and a blanket/Snuggie for a thoughtful and fun present. 

7. Cologne: Picking out a cologne for a guy might be difficult if you're trying to figure out what kind he would like, but if you go off of your own senses at least he will know that you like how he smells! (P.S. Bleu de Chanel is what Harry Styles wears).

Again, I hope I helped you get some ideas to get some presents checked off of the list! Happy holidays! xxx

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Gift Guide: Fashion Literature

Since my Winter Break starts on Thursday I've had a generally less-demanding workload and have been able to do more blogging than I am normally able to! Yay! This Gift Guide comes to you in video form because I had so much to say and share about the books, so I thought it would be best to make my review into a video. Somehow I managed to film half an hour of me just talking about my books, so I had to majorly edit it and split it into two videos! What can I say... I'm an avid reader with a passion for fashion.
Anyways here's the videos! Please "like" and subscribe to my YouTube channel, it would mean a lot to me. Oh, and they look way better in HD!

Happy holidays! xxx

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Gift Guide: Phone Cases

Last week this happened:

Luckily, it turned out not to be so bad after all, because I had an upgrade coming up soon and was able to get the iPhone5!

As soon as I had my iPhone in my hands I got a case for it. A phone case would make a lovely stocking stuffer because they can be so personalized to the owner's style. They're also an easy way to get something designer for a relatively reasonable price. Some of my friends who have had iPhones way longer than me have whole "wardrobes" of phone cases. And you don't have to have an iPhone to get a cute case! They have lots of choices for a variety of phones on amazon.com or at those kiosks in the mall (or maybe that's just in the malls around here?). I've also heard of websites where you can custom order a case with your own image on it. There are so many options! 

Just because I'm on team iPhone now and they're the most common kind of phone case at stores, I've picked out a selection of some iPhone 4 cases that would make your phone a fashion statement:

I especially like the Kate Spade ones, and she has at least five other designs than the ones shown above. 

Another thought is to look for laptop/iPad/tablet/Kindle cases for a present. Like I said, amazon.com has tons of choices for all of those tech accessories.

Happy holidays! xxx

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Gift Guide: Boots & Dupes

Boots are a must during the autumn/winter season, so naturally they make a wonderful gift! Upscale boots aren't very friendly to a budget, however, so I have put together some very promising alternatives to my favorite boots of the season. And yes, they are all black just because that is my personal preference.

Click on the picture to go to my Polyvore where you can find the links to purchase the boots or if you are interested on getting more information.

1. Jeffrey Campbell "Lita" Bootie- $160, These boots are an easy way to achieve high-fashion. Project Runway Season 10 finalist, Fabio Costa, paired these with his collection for Fashion Week. I can just imagine all the ways to style these babies.
          Dupe: Trouvé "Blakely" Bootie- $80
2. Frye "Lindsay Plate" Boots- $329, These are my ultimate sell-my-soul-to-the-devil-for-these-boots boots. Frye boots are the epitome of riding boots, always have and always will be. I particularly love these ones because of the clean lines, the simple, thin strap, and the decorative silver plate at the back.
          Dupe: Franco Sarto Riding Boot- $200
3. Michael by Michael Kors "Lesley" Bootie- $200, Who doesn't need a pair of suede booties? These heightened beauties are simple, sophisticated, and versatile.
          Dupe: DV by Dolce Vita "Dakoda" Bootie- $119
4. Acne "Pistol" Boots- $570, Acne's shoes have the perfect balance between a classic idea and ingenious style. Last year, their "Atacoma" wedges were spotted all over Tumblr and fashion blogs. I discovered the "Pistol" boots on Tumblr as well. Unfortunately, they come at a steep price. Fortunately I've found a fantastic dupe!
          Dupe: Topshop "Ambush" Boots- $150 *These may be out-of-stock on topshop.com.
5. Hunter "Original Tall" Gloss Rain Boot- $135, The classic rain boots that you imagine wearing while jumping and splashing in puddles on lovely fall day...  but practically, these boots are essential for a Washingtonian like me. The rainy days last most of the year, so these boots would definitely be worth the money!
          Dupe: Sperry Top-Sider "Pelican Too" Rain Boot- $78

***The dupes are still pretty pricey, but I believe that quality is key. I would much rather splurge on a pair of boots that I know will last me through a few winter seasons, than save some money that I will end up spending later trying to save a cheap pair of boots.

I'll be posting more Gift Guides and Dupes as we head into the pre-Christmas crunch time. I hope this one gave you some ideas to put on your Wishlist or to give to a loved one!

Happy Holidays! xxx



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Pinterest and Peppermint

Once again, the Holidays are upon us. This means it's time for several things:
1) Starbucks' holiday drinks and cups come out (make that a grande Skinny Peppermint Mocha, please!). 2) Christmas decorations go up. And 3) It's the season for giving!

My family tends to wait until two weeks before Christmas to begin our present shopping... I'm not exactly sure why we do this, and it really doesn't seem logical, but that's one of our holiday traditions I suppose. Regardless of if you're on the lookout for Christmas presents all year round, or a last minute gifter it's always helpful to have a guide.

This year my go-to resource has been Pinterest. This fairly new website is like a hybrid between Tumblr and Polyvore. You personalize and create Boards where you Repin what others have already put on the site (you are also able to make your own pins), but then clicking on the pictures sends you to the site the picture came from. I apologize if that didn't make any sense at all, but I promise it is simpler than I made it sound!

You can check out and follow my boards here. The ones that will be helpful for the holidays are my Seasons, Style It, and Accessorize It boards. The Seasons one is mostly recipes for treats and ideas for decorations, but the Style It and Accessorize It ones are good for getting ideas for cute and fashionable gifts.

Another way you can utilize Pinterest for the holidays would be to make a Christmas List board and pin all of the things you want for Christmas on it and then share the link with your friends and family.

Hope this gives you some gift giving-ideas!



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