Tag Archives: presents

Holiday Gift Guide (Day 10)

Day Ten of Garden of Glam’s Holiday Gift Guide featuring me!

Today is the final day of my holiday Gift Guide and it has been a wild and inspiring ride.  I hope you have enjoyed the gift guide as much as I have and have been inspired by my incredible guests and their creative, unique, and swoon worthy wish and give lists.  The downside to compiling this gift guide is that my wish list has tripled, but on the upside this shopping season has been relatively stress free.

Thank you so much to all of my amazing collaborators! This absolutely would not have been possible without you!  Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

MY WISH LIST

Evil Eye

Evil Eye Necklace (get it here)

I am incredibly superstitious and very rarely leave myself without an evil eye on.  I love layering necklaces and this gorgeous necklace with a sapphire center is the perfect every day staple.  I honestly can’t get enough of the evil eye, check this ring out too!

Gift Guide

Custom Stationery (get it here)

I must say, this is the most surprising and most practical item on my wish list.  I have handwritten many letters recently and would love to have custom stationery to write these letters and notes on.  Especially as “thank you note” season is approaching this would be perfect!  This stationery is gorgeous and affordable!

Leather Pants

Leather Pants (get them here and the faux & equally beautiful alternative here)

I have been lusting over a good pair of leather pants for years and this season I feel I simply must add them to my wardrobe! They are versatile and elevate any ensemble!  I just love leather (& faux leather) and love any alternative to jeans.

Gift Guide

Belt Bag (get it here)

The fanny pack is back and I couldn’t be happier! I love a good fanny or belt bag and this one from Blair Ritchey (a local designer) is absolute perfection!  I also love her keychains and messenger bag.

MY GIVE LIST

GIFT GUIDE

DC Artwork by Brooklyn Made Store (get it here)

I am absolutely in love with Brooklyn Made’s unique and DC-centric artwork.  I met Mina (the artist) at District Flea and it took everything in me not to buy all of her artwork!  I already have one of her pieces in my office and commissioned a custom piece as a gift.  Mina is at the Downtown Holiday Market during the week and will also be at Eastern Market.  You can also visit her Etsy page.

Gift Guide

SodaStream (get it here)

I am obsessed with fizzy water!  This is the perfect gift for anyone that loves sparkling water and will really be a huge money saver for them in the long run!  I use mine daily.

Gift Guide

Soapstone Whiskey Rocks (get it here)

Besides loving fizzy water, I love a cold drink.  These are the perfect gift, because they keep your drink chilled without diluting it.  They also look pretty awesome.

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Holiday Gift Guide (Day 9)

Day Nine of Garden of Glam’s Holiday Gift Guide featuring Zeba Rashid of HL Group

Zeba is a senior account manager for HL Group.  Zeba is a marketing dynamo who brings incredible energy, dedication and innovation to each project.  Zeba and I first connected when I interviewed Tadashi Shoji, which is still one of the most magical moments of my life.  We reconnected during fashion week and for a few fun and fabulous blog posts.  Zeba is not only thoughtful, but also has an impeccable sense of style making her a perfect collaborator for the Holiday Gift Guide.

ZEBA’S WISH LIST

GIFT GUIDE

Chanel Flap Bag (get the Chanel here & the Mark Cross here)

“I can never have enough shoes or handbags! I am obsessed with the Mark Cross Mini Scottie Flap Satchel with a Detachable Shoulder Strap in Plum and the Chanel Jersey and Lambskin Flap Bag.” – Zeba

Gift Guide

Christian Louboutin
Tounoir Flat Red Sole Knee Boot (get it here)

“Perfect boots for the winter!” – Zeba

ZEBA’S GIVE LIST

Gift Guide

Echo Design Plated Headphone Hat (get it here)

“This Echo Design Plated Headphone Hat is a gift I plan on giving- it is tech-savvy and will let my male friends enjoy their favorite music while staying warm!” – Zeba

Gift Guide

Drybar Gift Certificate (get it here)

“Drybar is one of my go to spots for the perfect blowout. I go here at least two times a week and it is always fun going with the girls.” – Zeba

Gift Guide

Burberry Kids’ Hat & Gloves Set (get it here)

“This is such a great gift for my nephew Mikayal. The Burberry Kids’ Knit Check-Trim Hat & Gloves Box Set is super-soft cashmere.” – Zeba

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Holiday Gift Guide (Day 8)

Day Eight of Garden of Glam’s Holiday Gift Guide featuring Ava Mutchler of Fornash

Ava is the incredibly talented Web and Marketing Manager for Fornash.  Fornash is a local jewelry and accessories line that I am in love it! They have perfect every day pieces and show stopping statement pieces all for a wildly affordable price!  Fornash is one of my favorite collaborators and if you have time on this lovely post-snow-day Wednesday scroll through old posts and you will notice I am wearing a Fornash piece in almost every picture!  My Fornash jewelry is a huge wardrobe staple for me and I love that they are local.  Ava’s creativity and fashion forward sense of style make her a perfect collaborator for the gift guide!

And stay tuned for a Fornash giveaway!

AVA’S WISH LIST

HUNTER RAG & BONE

Hunter + Rag & Bone Rain Boots (get it here)

“I need these boots. I love the buckle and exposed zipper detailing which make them different from every other pair of Hunter rain boots out there. These are so cute, I would definitely rock these even if it’s not raining or snowing out.” – Ava

Gift Guide

Battery Extender (get it here)

“My phone is always dying. I’m that person who has a charger at work, forgets to charge my phone all day and then I’m out and about and….it’s dead. This is the perfect solution. It’s compact so it will fit in my purse and it charges on your iPhone charger so I don’t need two different chargers! Absolutely perfect. ” – Ava

Gift Guide

Fleece Leggings (get it here)

‘Good tights are hard to find, especially a pair that will last and keep you warm! These are absolutely perfect because they have the slimming look of regular black tights but they are fleece lined! It’s rare when you can look fashionable and be toasty warm in the winter. Let it snow, let it snow.” – Ava

AVA’S WISH LIST

Gift Guide

Cowl Scarf (get it here)

“This is the perfect winter accessory. I have one similar from Gap from last year and get so many compliments whenever I wear it! It’s warm and cozy and the Fair Isle print is adorable. Perfect for any of my girlfriends and one size fits all, which makes it easy.” – Ava

Gift Guide

Apple TV (get it here)

“The perfect gift for under $100. I have mine in my bedroom and nothing is better than snuggling in bed and watching Netflix on a big screen. Hulu Plus is also a great subscription to buy because you can watch all the latest television shows without a cable box! So much cheaper and you don’t have to worry about recording anything. It’s all right there!” – Ava

Fornash

Fornash Cosmopolitan Bangle (get it here)

“I work for Fornash and whenever a customer calls and asks what they should buy for a friend, family member or co-worker, I always tell them about this bangle. It has just the right amount of holiday sparkle and is so pretty! Whether the lucky lady is 18 or 98, she will love this bracelet.” – Ava

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Holiday Gift Guide (Day 7)

Day Seven of Garden of Glam’s Holiday Gift Guide featuring Mari Rodela of DC Brau Brewing

Mari is the Community Liaison for DC Brau.  DC Brau is DC’s first packaging brewery since 1956 and brews its delicious beers in Northeast DC in a warehouse decorated with murals done by local artists.  I must be honest, I am not a beer person, but have loved every beer I have tried that was brewed by DC Brau.  I think DC Brau is turning me into a person and that really says something! DC Brau is unique, eclectic, innovative and enhances the DC beer and culinary scene with their forward-thinking attitude and approach to microbrewing.  And this is the very reason I knew Mari would be perfect for this Holiday collaboration!

MARI’S WISH LIST

Gift Guide

Bike Basket (get it here)

“A small but sturdy basket for my bike! This basket from public bikes is classy and very handy!” – Mari

Gift Guide

Subscription to Monocle (get it here)

“A one year gift subscription to Monocle. It’s really one of the best print magazines available; although they do have an incredible website. It’s an intelligent publication that delves into international politics, modern design, food, travel, and more. Worth checking out!” – Mari

Gift Guide

Pamela Love Pentagram Cuff (get it here)

“I’ve been wanting one of her pieces for a while. Her designs are really very macabre and stark. I love this as a serious statement piece.” – Mari

MARI’S GIVE LIST 

Gift Guide

Tieks (get it here)

“I love Tieks! Not only are these compact flats comfortable, they come in the most whimsical colors and patterns! I own a few pairs and know that any number of my girlfriends would love to receive a pair.” – Mari

Gift Guide

Junius Cold Brew Coffee (get it here)

“Cold brewed coffee is a new obsession of mine. The process of cold brewing coffee brings out the complexity of coffee beans. This would be great for any coffee lover on your shopping list. Junius Cold Brewed Coffee Company, a new DC-based company sells both subscription or one time gifts through their website. It also happens to be the best cold brewed coffee I’ve tried.” – Mari

Gift Guide

Comida Latina: An Illustrated Cookbook by Marcella Kriebel (get it here)

“Comida Latina: An Illustrated Cookbook by local artist and foodie Marcella Kriebel is a fantastic gift for anyone on your gift list. Marcella is a talented local illustrator and her book has some really delicious dishes that she’s discovered on her travels. I’m getting one for my mom.” – Mari

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Holiday Gift Guide (Day 6)

Day Six of Garden of Glam’s Holiday Gift Guide featuring Abby Jiu the Magnificent Photographer

Abby Jiu is the amazing photographer behind Abby Jiu Photography.  I had the absolute pleasure of working with Abby on my Alvin Ailey menswear post and to say it was a wonderful experience is a complete understatement!  Abby has the most incredible eye and is able to capture the perfect moment in the most unobtrusive way.  Abby’s finished product is always breathtaking and a true representation of beautiful moments.  Abby has been featured in Style Me Pretty, on the cover of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, The Knot and Refinery 29, just to name a few.

ABBY’S WISH LIST

Gift Guide

Midi Band Trio (get it here)

“I have been eyeing these midi rings.  They are a perfect compliment to any outfit.” – Abby

Gift Guide

Peplum Top (get it here)

“I love peplum and I really like how this top can be both dressy and casual.  I could see pairing it with some boyfriend jeans and nude pumps for day and then if I wanted to wear it to a holiday party wearing it with a metallic gray pencil skirt.  I love the versatility!” – Abby

Gift Guide

Designer Smart Phone Chargers (get it here)

“Because I am always running out of battery for my phone.  This will give me an extra charge when I’m out on the go, as well as help me look stylish at the same time.” – Abby

ABBY’S GIVE LIST

Gift Guide

Calligraphy Starter Kit (get it here)

“My Mom has always loved penmanship and writing notes to her friends and loved ones.  And she has always had a thing for calligraphy.  I love this starter kit from Laura Hooper.  It even comes with a calligraphed personalized notebook.  I know she will love it!” – Abby

gift guide

Artifact Uprising Calendar (get it here)

“To reminisce about our amazing year together and all that we have accomplished.  Planning to fill this with pictures from our Instagram shots throughout the year.  Taking it from our phones to print.” – Abby

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Holiday Gift Guide

Day Fourteen of Garden of Glam’s Holiday Gift Guide (Dena: Stylist)

Dena is an accomplished, innovative freelance stylist and reporter.  She has worked on projects for a wide variety of publications including W, Glamour, Teen Vogue, Vogue, Maxim, InStyle, and Rolling Stone and for many incredible brands including Victoria’s Secret, Nine West, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Anthropologie.  Dena is a part of the styling team for TV personality Andy Cohen and his show Watch What Happens Live, who was just listed as GQ‘s 25 Most Stylish Men of 2012 (way to go Dena).  Dena is currently a stylist for various original Yahoo! programs, including the fashion and style show The Thread hosted by Jessica Stam.  In addition, Dena also collaborates editorially on scripts for Yahoo! She also recently assisted Edward Enninful in styling W’s Collector’s Edition, 40th Anniversary Issue.  I mean really, what doesn’t she do!? Stayed tuned for a future collaboration with Dena and styling tips from a pro.

As a reminder, I have asked each contributor to share what’s on their wish list and give list this holiday season with the hope of making your holiday shopping a little easier.

DENA’S WISH LIST 

Found here

Found here

Rider Mixed-Media Top Handle Bag by Loeffler Randall.  I love the size of this bag and the python detail and neutral color-blocking.  No matter the size of my bag, I tend to fill it up which can get quite heavy.  This is the perfect size to hold my essentials, but isn’t cumbersome so it’s perfect for when I am out all day prepping shoots.

This bag is absolutely stunning!  I have the same problem as Dena and without fail always manage to over stuff my bag.  This is great for every day use and the internal dividers make it practical.  Perfect for a girlfriend, wife, fiancé, sister or mother.

Found here

Found here

Helmut Lang Stretch Leather Pants.  A great leather legging is at the top of my list.  I’ve worn mine ragged they’re such a staple in my wardrobe.  I love pairing them with a chunky sweater and boots for a cool weekend, or a silky blouse, statement necklace and pumps for a chic day to night look.

Literally obsessed with these pants! Leather is my absolute weakness and I am a firm believer that leggings ARE pants, it is truly an unbeatable combination!  Perfect for the fashion forward ladies in your life, such as a sister, girlfriend, fiancé or wife.

Found here

Found here

Jennifer Fisher Layering Cuffs.  Jennifer Fisher has me HOOKED on cuffs.  I love how they look stacked on my wrist and I LOVE mixing metals.  JF is totally architectural which I love.  My recent obsession is rose-gold and I’m working on my collection.

This piece is so beautiful because it is delicate yet edgy at the same time.  I am a true believer in layering jewelry and am always looking for more pieces to add to the arm party.  Layering bracelets are a great gift for a friend, roommate, girlfriend or sister.

DENA’S GIVE LIST

Found here

Found here

Vintage Edition Scrabble.  I bought this Scrabble board for my extremely adorable and recently married friends.  I love the presentation and that it is something that they will love but something that they would not splurge on for themselves–also great for the Words with Friends enthusiast.

I love giving board games as gifts, as well as receiving them.  I have a huge board game collection and play them as often as possible.  My personal favorite is Scattegories.  Board games are perfect for all ages and genders, such a wonderful and unexpected gift.

Found here

Found here

By Boe Tri Earring.  I bought these for my friend who is also a stylist.  We always give each other a little something each year but nothing too extravagant.  These earrings are perfect–SUPER cool and I was shocked at how reasonably priced they are!

These earrings are so fab and perfect for anyone with pierced ears.  They are subtle yet eye catching and unique, which is the best combination.  These would be a wonderful present for a sister, roommate, friend, girlfriend or cousin.

Found here

Found here

OPI gelshine at-home gel system.  Gel manicures are the best thing that ever happened to my nails.  Regular manicures only last a maximum of two days and with gel the polish stays nice for at least 10.  I’m getting my little sister, who is a freshman in college, this great gel mani set to use at school.

Such a thoughtful and practical gift–gel has completely revolutionized mani/pedis!  I am horrible at painting my nails so make sure you give this to someone that is ambidextrous!  Perfect for a friend, girlfriend, sister, cousin, aunt, or mom.

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