Mothers Day Gift Guide

In case you've been living under a rock, Mothers Day is on Sunday which means you only have two more days to pick up a gift. My mom's birthday was yesterday which means every year I have to find two good gifts to buy her in a matter of a few days span. It's not difficult because my mom is easy to shop for but it does make me think long and hard about how I want to spoil her on her "Mom/Birthday week." 

This year I went big on the birthday gift, getting her a Sirius XM radio and a 1 year subscription for her car so on Mother's Day I'm sticking to her basic favorites: shoes and candles. A few weekends ago she picked up a pair of floral sandals in Macy's that she wanted but was going to wait for a sale so I decided to surprise her with those sandals just in time for the warm weather. Also my mom goes through candles like crazy, she always has them burning in the house so a few scents from Bath & Body Works seemed like an obvious Mothers Day choice. On top of gifts I plan on making a delicious breakfast for her, which is a double win because I get to eat some too!

Above I highlighted some other gift ideas I considered getting my mom on her special day. They are all classic gifts that any mom would enjoy.

What are you getting your mom for Mothers Day?

Candles // Straw Tote // Book

Necklace // Scarf // Duffle Bag

Mom Pendant Necklace // Mug

xoxo

Valentines Day (or Gal-entines Day) Gift Ideas

With Valentines Day only a week away I'm sure many of you are hinting towards your loved ones at different things you would like or receive and the rest of you may be shopping for single friends to surprise them with something fun on "Galentines Day." Personally, single or not I've never been a huge fan of Valentines Day but I do love how it gives me the excuse to eat lots of candy and wear pink. I also really enjoyed looking at all these fun gift ideas and found my black heart growing as I picked out heart theme presents, but how can it not when presented with bright pink loafers and heart shaped sunglasses, haha!

When writing this post I was reminiscing about the elementary school days when we would pick out boxes of Valentines for our classmates (mine we're always superhero theme), fill them out with names and put them in everyones individual handmade valentine mailboxes. It made me miss those days and I now want to convince my co-workers to pass out valentines in the office like the good old days!

tumbler // sunnies //  duffle bag // heart socks

kiss clutch // kiss me bangle // be wild pencils

heart pants // loafers // sticky notes // mug // scalloped dress

xoxo

Gift Guide #5: The Entertainer

This will be my last gift guide for the season since theres only 4 days until Christmas, ahhh! I hope most of you have all your shopping done by now, but for the few of you who like to wait until the last moment or are looking for a last minute gift to give to your hostess this Christmas, this is the post for you. We all have that one friend or family member that loves to throw a good party (and we love that friend because it saves us from having to take on that role!). They are well prepared to make sure that their guests have a great time whether it be the perfect cocktails, delicious food, great music or fun entertainment. Well here are few gift ideas that will only contribute to their next big bash!

What would you buy the entertainer in your life?

Recipe Box // Cake Stand // Poker Set // Drinking Stones // Cruiser Turntable

Drink Up Coasters // Cocktail Shaker & Champagne Bucket // Party Conversation Starters

Gentleman's Guide to Cocktails // State Cutting Board // Mixology Glasses

xoxo

Gift Guide #4: Mom (and other special ladies in your life)

You have officially one more week to finish your shopping, hopefully that sentence doesn't make you panic too much. Personally my mom is my favorite person to shop for. I got my love of fashion and shopping from her, so it's always fun to go out and splurge on something fun for my mom. Typically I start making a list for my mom in early November, just keeping an eye on things she mentions she likes during out shopping outings. However, not all moms are as easy to shop for as mine, so here are a few holiday gift ideas for all the moms, grandmas and aunts in your life!

Downing Colorblock Tote // Faux Fur Throw // Monogrammed Jewelry Box 

Miss Fancy Pants Mug // Ivory Fisherman Cable Knit Sweater // Kiehls Beauty Set

Tartan Blanket Scarf // Turquoise Vase // Leopard Wine Stopper // Embellished Gloves

Navy Slippers // Bracelet Set

What did you buy your mom for Christmas?

xoxo

Gift Guide #3: Stocking Stuffers

I've been having so much fun making these gift guides every week. It's no surprise that I love to shop for myself, but around the holidays I get to re-direct my passion for shopping towards others. When looking for different ideas for these gift guides I've been inspired and gotten so many gift ideas for friends and family. With less than 2 weeks before Christmas (OMG), I'm slowly wrapping up (pun intended) my lists and now focusing on last minute stocking stuffers. Not sure why, but I always forget about buying stocking stuffers until the last minute so I'm always rushing around trying to think of something creative and useful. 

Here are my suggestions for you guys:

1. Jewelry- you can never go wrong with a little extra sparkle, especially during the holiday season. I typically try to buy jewelry to put in my moms stocking that matches some item sitting under the Christmas tree.
2. Candles- Currently I have the amazing fresh Christmas tree smell wafting through my house but once the tree comes down I go back to sweet smelling candles. I tend to gravitate towards baking scented candles like vanilla, espresso or pumpkin! Pair a candle with a cute set of matches.
3. Travel Necessities- I like to buy gifts for others that they wouldn't buy for themselves and sometimes that means the little things that people never splurge on. This Christmas I'm asking for a portable iPhone charger for when I'm traveling, but I also love the idea of buying cute travel cases for others.
4. Agendas: Post Christmas we only have 1 week left of 2014, so a new planner would be a perfect way to welcome in 2015!
5. Personalized Gifts: Picking out gifts that match the receivers personality is so much fun. I found this awesome 'Dessert and Baking Salts' set that is perfect for all the foodies in my life!

Ban.do Mobile Charger // BaubleBar Pearl Hinge Bangle // BaubleBar Emerald Bracelet

Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candle // Essie Polish // Dessert and Baking Salts

Dew Drop Earrings // Lilly Palm Beach Cosmetic Case // Tile Matches // Kate Spade Agenda

What do you typically get in your stocking?

xoxo

Gift Guide #2: The Jetsetter

Not going to lie, making this holiday gift guide for the travelers in your life gave me serious wanderlust. I'm already adding some of these items to my Christmas list along with looking at post-Christmas vacation spots, because what better way to beat the post-Christmas blues than to go on vacation!? Okay, back to the gift guide, there are plenty of fun gift idea's on this list for those in your life who love to travel. Some are practical, like luggage and travel cases. Some are fun, like instant cameras, travel journal and funky PJ sets and some help you travel in comfort like the cashmere wraps, bold sunnies and leopard neck pillow. 

Typically when I travel I use a backpack as my carry-on so my hands are free but when I went to Disney a few weeks ago and my friend Meg was using the large Le Pliage longchamp as her carry-on bag, I started to reconsider. These bags are huge and fit everything you would need for a plane ride. I'm also obsessing over fun luggage tags which help you find your luggage faster in a crowd of people and a stylish case for your passport!

Plaid Passport Case // Luggage Tag// Journal // Pink Giraffe Overnight Duffle

  iPad Travel Sleeve // Neck Pillow // Large Le Pliage Tote //
 Fujifilm instax mini 8 camera // Travel Pajama Set // Sunglasses
Snow Bunny Travel Case // Cashmere Wrap

What are you buying for the jetsetter in your life?

xoxo

Gift Guide #1: BFF

It's the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday bustle has already started even though Thanksgiving hasn't even happened yet. Personally, I like to get a jump start on my holiday shopping in November because December is always super hectic with holiday activities and parties. Starting this week I'll be doing gift guide highlighting different gift ideas for the different people in your life. Being the shopper than I am, I really enjoy buying gifts for others... mainly because it gives me an excuse to head to the mall! 

Today I'll be focusing on gifts to get your BFF, because she deserves to be spoiled after putting up with you for all these years! I always thought friends we're the easiest to shop for because you most likely have similar interests. Each year my friends do a secret Santa and even though we haven't picked names just yet, I'm already brainstorming ideas for each of my friends!

1. Pamper your friends with a little R&R kit filled with slippers, a sleep mask, pajamas and nail polish. Perfect for a girls night in!
2. For the girl who loves glamour, fancy bangles and a shiny jewelry tray to display them is the perfect holly jolly present!
3. Your BFF is awesome, so giving her a book set filled with new releases like Lena Dunham and Amy Poellers and Sophia Amoruso's new books will leave her laughing and feeling inspired!
4. Baby it's cold outside, so keep your BFF warm with hats, gloves, and scarves. Don't forget the fun travel mug, phone case and cute tote for when she's out running errands in the cold! 

Slipper & Sleep Mask Set // Sunglasses Hat and matching Heart Gloves // Pajama Pants

Scarf // On the Dot Bangle // Teal Gem Bangle // Heart iPhone Case // Thermal Mug

Essie Polish // Not That Kind of Girl // Yes Please Book // #GirlBoss Book // Zebra Jewelry Dish

Preppy Print Shop Market Tote

What are you getting your BFF?

xoxo

Gift Countdown: $25-50

We are getting down to the wire here, one week from today all the presents will be unwrapped and we will all be suffering from the post-holiday blues. But, in the meantime I am working my way down the price line to bring you my picks for the perfect gifts in the $25-50 range. 

1. Stone Cuff- Banana Republic has had some beautiful jewelry lately, I especially love their incorporation of turqoise stones in their baubles. This statement bracelet will definitely be a conversation piece!
2. Lilly Make-Up Bag- For the girl who loves to travel this make-up bag will fit great in your luggage and it's a fun traditional pattern.
3. Forget Me Knot Earrings- My ears are super sensitive so I cant wear very many earrings but it doesnt stop me from looking for others. I love these hot pink ones!
4. Cheers Bangle- With NYE coming up who could resist this fun bracelet from C Wonder!
5. Slippers- I have been guilty of running to my car in my slippers which is fine in most cases but not when there is snow on the ground. These slippers have a rubber bottom which wont get wet on quick runs to the mailbox/car in the snow!
6. Calf Hair Belt- I've been obsessed with calf hair leopard lately. This is definitely a great staple to add to the wardrobe and a great way to subtly add leopard into your wardrobe.
7. Jeweled Striped Top- I love a good long sleeved shirt, I wear them under so many things. This top is a fun twist on the traditional long sleeved top with a small jeweled brooch detail that makes it just a tiny bit dressier!
8. Monogrammed Coasters- This gift would be great for friends who love to decorate their apartments and for friends who love to entertain!

Calf Hair Belt // Turquoise Cuff // Cheers Bangle // Forget Me Knot Pink Earrings

Lilly Makeup Bag // Monogrammed Coasters // Jeweled Brooch Striped Top // Plaid Moccasins

xoxo

Gift Countdown: $50-100

Day two of my Christmas Countdown features gifts ranging from $50-100. Luckily for all of us so many stores have been having awesome sales so you can grab a bunch of gifts that are normally over $100 for a discount price. 

1. Blinged Out Blouse- This top is so versatile it can be worn on its own or under a sweater for a layering look. Plus the extra sparkle on the collar would be perfect for holiday parties!
2. Cashmere Gloves- It's been freezing here in the 518 so these gloves would come in handy, plus they work on touch screen phones!
3. Plaid Blazer- When I was visiting the Woodbury Outlets last month I scooped up a plaid blazer from The Loft and I love it because I can dress it up for work or dress it down with a pair of jeans. I found a similar blazer from J Crew Factory that I would recommend to all of you!
4. Peter Pan Collared Dress- I've had my eye on this beauty for awhile. I love the structure of the dress, very flattering on the body.
5. The Statement Clutch- Whether its leopard calf hair or a witty quote, stand out from the crowd with a fun clutch this holiday season.
6. The Cailean Lilly Top- You can probably tell I've had warmer climates on my mind lately. I love the print in this tee, it has me dreaming of beaches and tiny umbrellas in my drinks!

How many of you are guilty of the "one for you, one for me" Christmas shopping mentality?

Peter Pan Collar Dress // Jeweled Collar Blouse // Cailean Top // Cashmere Gloves

All That Glitters Gia // Plaid Blazer // Leopard Calf Hair Clutch

** Also be sure to check out my guest post on Preppy on the West Coast **

xoxo

Holiday Gift Guide: Gift Cards

So I know everyone has been blogging about the best holiday gift ideas and so many of you have had some amazing, thoughtful and creative ideas but today I wanted to talk a little about gift cards. I know how impersonal gift cards can seem but sometimes they are the perfect gift for someone who is impossible to shop for. Plus they make awesome stocking stuffers! Each year my parents always put a couple gift cards in my stocking for different restaurants and gas stations and they really come in handy when money is tight.

 Here are my picks for the top 6 gift cards to buy:

1. Spa Gift Cards: Often times people wont spend the money to pamper themselves so the spa gift card is the perfect gift! My mom normally picks me up one to get a facial at my local salon Changes and I love it so much because there are times when I am feeling stressed and would love a nice relaxing break but don't want to spend the money. Also getting a general spa gift card allows the gift card receiver to pick out what service they want (manicure, pedicure, massage, facial... so many options!)
2. Coffee Shop Gift Cards: For all the coffee lovers out there I'm sure the best way to start your morning is with a free coffee/latte/cappuccino!
3. Restaurant Gift Cards: My parents always stock my stocking with $10 gift cards to Panera because I'm a frequent visitor. These $10 cards allow me to pick up lunch on the go even if I don't have the money to treat myself. I'm also a big fan of getting gift cards to other restaurants because who doesn't love a free meal?!
4. Movie Passes: Each year my aunt gets all of us cousins movie passes. Movies can be super expensive (they are $14.50 at my local theater for a 3D movie) so these come in handy for someone who loves to watch those summer movie blockbusters when they first come out.
5. Amazon Gift Cards: Amazon literally has everything, there is no way your gift receiver could find something they want on that website. 
6. "Treat Yourself Card": I'm also a big fan of getting someone a gift card for an expensive store that they otherwise wouldn't be able to afford anything from. It allows them to treat themselves to something fun on your dime!

Where do you buy gift cards from?

Do you like getting gift cards as gifts or are they too informal?

Spa Gift Cards //  Panera Gift Card // Starbucks Gift Card

Movie Gift Card // Amazon Gift Card // Lilly Pulitzer Gift Card

**Also make sure you check out my guest post on my blogger friend Whitney's 
blog McKenzie Wild!**

xoxo

Holiday Gifts: Mom

Or....

If I had to pick my favorite person to shop for during the holiday season it would be my mom. I definitely get my sense of style from her, she is never afraid to take risks and she is quite the fashionista if I do say so myself. My mom is the queen of statement jewelry and funky heels which makes Christmas shopping for her a breeze. However, not everyone has an easy time finding fun and affordable presents for their mom so today I will share my favorite gift picks for the mothers in your life. 

1. Cashmere Sweaters: You can never go wrong with Cashmere, it's a timeless fabric that all ages will appreciate
2. Pajama Sets: I feel like my mom never invests in a nice pair or pajamas for herself so these pretty set would be the perfect gift for her.
3. Candles: My mom is a sucker for Yankee Candles especially in the buttercream or coffee scents. 
4. Scarves: Whether it be for a winter coat or just a light scarf to compliment an outfit, there are so many fun prints out there mom will love.
5. Jewelry: I know every mom is different but if you paired a piece of jewelry with a fun sweater, mom could have a whole new outfit to wear!
6. Cake Stand: My mom is not much of a baker or cook but for any mom who loves to spend her time in the kitchen baking goodies this polka dot cake stand would be a perfect way to display her finished product!
7. Handbag: My mom has a rule "her shoes have to match her hand bag"... a classic bag never goes out of style so treat your mom to a bag she'll have forever!
8. Fur Throws: My mom is always cold (I must get it from her) so this faux throw is perfect for those cold New York nights.
9. Wine Stoppers: For the mom who loves to entertain and host parties
10. Monogrammed Jewelry Box: To hold all the jewelry you put in her stocking... duh!
11. A Big Ole Mug: My mom is a big tea drinker and she prefers her mugs be giant, this C Wonder cup is too cute and quite cheap!

Have you bought anything for mom yet for Christmas?

Do you have any fun suggestions for me to give to my mom?!

Yankee Candle // ALDO Forest Green Handbag // Periwinkle Necklace 

Topaz Gem Teardrop Earrings // Holiday Wine Stoppers // Printed Floral Scarf

Cashmere Sweater // Polka Dot Pajama Set // Monogrammed Jewelry Box

Giant Ski Tea Cup // Polka Dot Cake Stand // Faux Fur Throw 

xoxo