Fashionistas,
You know I love statement necklaces. Specifically, collar necklaces are a great way to add an elegant touch to your ensemble. Check out all the varieties available at Polyvore below- a collar necklace would be a perfect addition to your holiday dress!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
GIFTS FOR THE GIRLS
Subscriptions and Memberships
Clockwise from the Top:
1. Birchbox; $10/month
2. Massage Envy; Approx. $59/month
3. Bag Borrow or Steal; Starting at $25
4. Spa Finder; Starting at $25
5. Conde Nast Subscription to Vogue, Lucky, etc.; Approx. $20-30/year
Simple and thoughtful, giving the gift of a subscription or membership makes a great impression. Subscriptions and membership applies to a range of products, from fashion magazines to massage therapy to makeup and skincare. And just think: each time your loved one receives her magazine in the mail or schedules her monthly massage, she’ll think of you!
Custom/Personalized Style
From Left to Right:
1. Rose Gold and Diamond Initial Necklace ($214.99); Photo Credit: Overstock.com
2. Monogram Louis Vuitton Speedy 35 with Personalization ($1,100; without Initials- $800)
3. 14k Gold-Plated “Carrie” Style Name Necklace ($49.95); Photo Credit: Mynamenecklace.com
There’s nothing like a customized gift to show how much you care. Always popular, initial or name necklaces never go out of style. And if you want to give an uber-chic gift, Louis Vuitton offers personalization on select items in a variety of festive colors.
Fashion Gadgets & Entertainment
From Top to Bottom:
1. A Patricia Field Trifecta: The Devil Wears Prada, The Sex & the City Movie, and Confessions of a Shopaholic (Approx. $20 each); Photo Credit: IMDB.com
2. iPad 2 Tablet (starting at $499); Photo Credit: Apple.com
3. Purseket: The Original Purse Organizer (Approx. $20-30); Photo Credit: Purseket.com
Fashion and film go hand in hand and make a great gift for any fashionista who’s also a film buff. Iconic stylist Patricia Field made fashion magic in the Sex and the City series on HBO and other successful shows like Ugly Betty. Naturally, Pat styled both Sex and the City Movies and others such as The Devil Wears Prada and Confessions of a Shopaholic. For fashionistas who love history, I also recommend Valentino: The Last Emperor and Coco Before Chanel, starring Audrey Tautou.
If you’d like to give the gift of gadgets, well you can’t go wrong with an iPad 2. Want to go the extra mile? How about an iPad preloaded with fashionable movies like those listed above! Also, there are a variety of fashion apps that can be added to keep the most dedicated fashionista up-to-date.
For fashion and functionality on the go, I think a purse organizer is a great idea. I’ve seen several on TV: just place keys, a phone, makeup and money in the pockets, and drop the entire organizer in your purse!
GIFTS FOR THE GUYS
Guest Post by J. Edward
The 3-Piece Suit
From left to right:
1. Photo Credit: Askandyaboutclothes.com
2.Ralph Lauren Suit (Starting at approx. $1500); Photo Credit: Esquire.com
3. Photo Credit: Monkeysuitvintage.com
Every man wants to be stylish, and nothing says class and sophistication like the 3-piece suit. Whether it’s muted tones and stripes or bold lines and lapels, the true character of any man comes forward with this ensemble. As a gift to your loved one, or to yourself, this is one gift that will add to any man’s wardrobe.
The Professional Tablet Case
Top Left: Fossil (Approx. $40); Photo Credit: Ipadcaseden.com
Bottom Right: Louis Vuitton in Monogram and Damier Patterns (Approx. $350); Photo Credit: Most-expensive.net
Who carries around laptops anymore? The business world is about speed and ease, and the introduction of tablets into the boardroom has changed how we get the job done. So who wants to be ordinary when you can be fabulous…and why not accessorize what is now as commonplace as our cellphones? For fashionistos on a budget, consider the very sleek and simple offering from Fossil. If you have a little more to spend, and really want to standout, visit your local Louis Vuitton retailer to see their selection.
John Varvatos Chuck Taylor All Star
John Varvatos Shoes (Approx. $145); Photo Credit: Shopstyle.com
When you’re lounging around on a weekend afternoon, is there anything more stylish and comfortable than a pair of Chuck Taylors? John Varvatos has lent his style expertise to the brand to create a super cool yet casual rendition to their line. When you are wearing these All Stars, people will know you didn’t just walk into the local shoe store.
The Pocket Watch
From Left to Right:
1. Vintage Watch (Prices Vary); Photo Credit; Gstatic.com
2. Harley Davidson (Approx. $202.50); Photo Credit: Harleyitems.com
Why limit your accessories to the usual… step outside of the norm. Pocket watches have been around for centuries, and yet remain rare and stylish. Harley Davidson offers a cool version of the classic time piece. If you are like me and like antiques, visit your local retailers and trade shows to see what they have to offer. Never forget that one person’s junk could be another person’s treasure.
Hopefully these gift ideas will find their way onto your gift lists or at least give you some great ideas. Starting at just $10, there’s something for everyone, and every budget, listed here. So Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
In a bold move, Barneys is partnering with Lady Gaga and Nicola Formichetti on an unprecedented holiday campaign. The theme: Gaga’s Workshop, starring the Lady as Santa.
Gaga and Formichetti have designed a range of limited edition gifts, including candy, CDs, books, apparel and cosmetics. In the spirit of giving, Barneys will donate 25% of the proceeds from the sale of these exclusive items will be donated to a charity of Gaga’s choosing.
“Holiday is about joy, sharing and inclusiveness, and to me, Gaga really represents all of that,” Barneys’ CEO Mark Lee mused.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
I just can’t get enough of Spiral Diner. I’ve been going here for at least the past three years and it’s always wonderful. This vegan eatery has expanded from Fort Worth to Dallas, but the best Christmas gift of all would be having an Austin location to frequent as well (hint hint). Spiral Diner has a charming retro 1950′s vibe, complete with a quirky sculpture to greet you in the foyer. While it has delicious cold and hot entrees, the desserts are out of this world! Carrot cake, sweet potato pie, apple pie- there’s so much to choose from. My favorite is the chocolate chip cookie. Can’t wait to see what Thanksgiving specials are served as well!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Fashionistas,
The Very Best of Versace for H&M Collection is available at Northpark Center in Dallas starting TODAY. There is already a line outside the store! There is such a fashion frenzy that H&M has set up a shopping system to make scooping up your favorites a bit easier. The Ladies’ Collection ranges from about $29.95 to $399 while the Men’s Collection is priced about $17.95 to $299. If you love bold and bright with a touch of rock ‘n roll edginess, then this is the Collection for you. Happy Shopping!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Dora Fitikidou Schabel
FIG Designers is excited to announce that Dora Fitikidou Schabel is coming to town! Dora is one of the owners and the creative director behind the new studio. She is also the designer for the Dora Fitikidi handbag collection – one of FIG’s premier brands of unique handbags.
What: Open House to welcome Dora to Texas
When: Thursday, November 17th from 5:30p to 7:00p
Where: FIG Designers studio, located at 2925 Crockett Street in the West 7th area.
Please join us to enjoy a glass of wine and to hear about Dora’s design ideas for her upcoming collections! This would be a great time to have your designer create something special just for you. Be sure to bring your friends!
Fabulous Handbags by Designer Dora Fitikidou Schabel
Statement Necklace
In Love with the Bow!
PERFECT Cocktail Dress for the Holidays
FIG: A Taste of European Fashion
Rainbow of Choices
Fashionistas,
A few months ago I was in the Washington, D.C. area and was fortunate to stop by ROSS, which I love. ROSS has a great selection of clothing and accessories at totally reasonable prices. So reasonable in fact, that even a frugalista like myself seriously thought about leaving with FIVE purses (hey, some folks like shoes, I like bags ’cause they don’t hurt my feet!). But I had no room in my luggage so my pretties had to stay behind. But that didn’t keep me from snapping a few pics in case I find them in Texas! Enjoy. : )
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
STEVE MADDEN- Only $39.99
KDNY Zipper Handbag- I totally snapped a pic while someone was checking out this bag!
UNIQUE Teal Studded Handbag- Only $39.99
VERY COOL Side Zipper Peek-a-Boo Cheetah
STEVE MADDEN- Only $42.99
Dear Fashionistas,
Here are some fascinating fashion moves I read about it in the blogosphere- Happy Monday!
Tech Crunch recently reported that popular flash sales site Gilt Groupe is expanding its offerings to over 90 countries. Men, women and children’s clothing and accessories will be available on Gilt’s international sites, with Park & Bond (Gilt’s retail site exclusively for men) following next month. For my international readers, you’ll be glad to know that Gilt is also offering free international shipping for a limited time.
New York Magazine reports that Vogue contributing editor Lauren Santo Domingo and former Gilt Groupe executive Aslaug Magnusdottir are snapping up some major talent to help grow Moda Operandi, their online members-only site specializing in getting designer duds off the runway straight to your door. Marie Claire’s former style and accessories director Taylor Tomasi Hill will join Moda as its artistic director. Former Neiman Marcus executive Roopal Patel will come on as its fashion director.
For interesting fashion news, unbelievable online/in-store deals and more, also be sure to check out my Facebook Page!
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Victoria Beckham Dresses; Photo Credit: Manycolor.com
Dear Fashionistas,
I just read a wonderful article by Amy Tara Koch on Huffingtonpost.com outlining the rules of eternal style. Titled “How to Look Rich on the Cheap,” (keeping in mind that cheap is relative), what the article really teaches is how to choose pieces that are classic, chic and tasteful. I don’t agree with everything Koch suggests (such as “Rich people don’t wear [nail] color. EVER. “- that’s just not true and certain nail colors are tasteful) but for the most part, she is spot on.
I also appreciate Koch taking time to include shopping suggestions. Need to find that must have item on her list? No problem, an array of sensible shops are provided such as Bluefly, Zara, Overstock.com and Ebay.
Finally, I agree with Koch that proper grooming is essential to classic style. Facials and mani/pedis can, and should, be a regular part of one’s style routine. What good is wearing a beautiful cocktail ring if your nails look awful?
For comprehensive style tips, check out the entire article on Huff Post Style here.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
Photo Credit: Style Crunch
Dear Fashionistas,
I love this recent article from the Boston Herald about fashion’s boy wonder, Zac Posen. Known for his youthful, fresh and dynamic designs, Posen took the fashion world by storm in his early 20′s. Now at 31, he is returning to the city that holds a significant place in his career: Boston. Today, Tuesday November 4th, Posen will hold a trunk show at Neiman Marcus, Copley Place from 6-8pm featuring his resort and Spring 2012 lines. Highlights from the Boston Herald article:
1. Connections are key: Alexis Maybank and Alexandra Wilkins Wilson, co-founders of the wildly popular flash sales site Gilt Groupe, were both Harvard Business School students in 2003 when they invited Posen to speak to their class. Posen’s dresses are now featured on Gilt Groupe, often selling out. Also, Posen counted Oscar-winner Natalie Portman as his muse.
2. Good design is an investment: In 2004, Sean Combs’ Sean John label was so impressed with Posen that it invested in the young designer’s business.
3. Design karma is real: Creating fashion is hard work and Posen believes in making the process enjoyable. In turn, the joy that goes into making the garment is transferred to the customer. Happy customers, happy career.
Fashionably Yours,
Nik
