As a child, getting the Christmas tree was a thrilling event each. Together with my father and siblings, I would go out in the glittering snow covered forest with my horse and sledge (bells and all) and find our very own Xmas tree.

These days, I live in a tropical zone with no snow or pine trees, and my beloved horse is just happy memories, which leaves me to get my holiday tree in a different fashion. Since deforestation is threatening the earth’s ecobalance, and I really can’t stand plastic plants, I have been looking for alternatives to the traditional Xmas tree. Below are some of the options I’ve found.

Wooden trees bring a piece of nature into your home. They can be reused and painted and decorated to fit any style. X’mas tree from Sandra Lindner and Green X-mas Tree from Buro North.

Live potted Xmas trees will make your home fragrant. Get a live rosemary tree or start a tradition by growing your own Xmas tree from scratch.

Get the whole scoop »

Unless you know exactly what pair she wants, shopping for a shoe addict can be tricky! Shoe sizes vary from brand to brand, and sometimes, what you think she might like might be a little off. Luckily, there are tons of other shoe- and feet-related gifts that she’ll be sure to enjoy.

SpareSoles are perfect for fashionistas who forgo comfort for style and sport killer heels (emphasis on “killer”) on party nights. (We all do it!) Light and portable, they’re easy to tuck away into an evening bag or clutch. While they don’t provide much support, they’re sure to relieve achy feet from four and five-inch heels during formal events and functions.

Help your pal make the most of the shoe collection she already has by giving her a pair of shoe clips. Shoe clips are an easy way to add new life and flair to a plain pair of shoes. Try Absolutely Audrey or Shoeworthy – some are even made out of vintage brooches and pendants!

Get the whole scoop »

Put your holiday gift anxieties to rest. Yes, the economy sucks, but there are plenty of things you can treat your loved ones to that won’t break the bank. Think items that can be used regularly, and easily incorporated into your loved one’s wardrobe or lifestyle.

1. Wine glasses

They’re the perfect gift for just about anyone, whether they drink wine or not. Sparkling cider or white wine alike can be enjoyed in this set of stemless Chardonnay tumblers (just $15)!

2. A Cozy Winter Accessory

Berets are totally on trend this winter, so I don’t think anyone on your gift list would be mad to unwrap this 100% cashmere topper. It comes in black and chocolate brown as well. At $25, you might wanna treat yourself to one as well.

Get the whole scoop »

Halloween is possibly the holiday with the tackiest decorations there is, and I mean that in the best possible way! Surrounded by fake spider webs, rattling plastic skeletons, trembling paper ghosts, inflatable haunted houses, molding jack-o-lanterns, and skulls with glowing eyes it is hard to not get pulled in and surrender to the season of somewhat-bad-taste.

Here are some of my picks for this Halloween, trying to walk the fine line of wacky, tacky, and tasty. If it’s too late for this year’s party, you might be able to pick up end-of-season bargains for next year’s bash!

Trick or treat?

From top left: skull candles, Murano Alzate deep black glassware, Skull cocktail shaker and glass, bleeding candles, skeleton yard flamingos, and bone soaps.

From top left: Haunted Chocolate Castle, Bat-suckers with glow sticks, Costume Kid Cookies, Chocolate Skulls, and Chocolate Coffins.

That’s THF and I. We both look kinda tired…I remember some Ikea trips and errand-running that weekend. In fact, most weekends we are too exhausted to do anything more exotic than sit around and watch movies with a bowl of popcorn. Wild, spontaneous dates and exuberant gift-giving aren’t an option when you have limited time and resources.

But, naturally, Valentine’s Day presents an opportunity to make all the romantic gestures you missed out on the rest of the year become a reality, if only for one day/night. And, although the holiday may be cliched and commercialized, you still can’t help but get caught up in it.

For THF and I, it’s the perfect excuse to relax, do something we don’t usually do and give each other meaningful gifts.

Like these for her (or buy them for yourself!):

Can’t find the right words to write to your sweetheart? Need some inspiration to jump-start your romantic mood? This book is filled with actual love letters, so there’s bound to be something useful. It’s only $22.50.

Get the whole scoop »

Pulling the stockings off of the chimney on Christmas morning is one of my favorite holiday traditions…in fact, I can’t start shopping TOO early for perfect pint-sized gifts, or I can’t restrain myself. There’s only so much even a Sasquatch-sized sock can hold.

If you’re having trouble getting inspired to stuff footwear, here are a few creative ideas culled from the StyleFeeder community.

If you’re a practical gift giver, you might like these shredding scissors. Because how often do you really use that hulking paper shredder hiding in the recesses of your office?

Here’s a stocking stuffer you can also benefit from. Why not gift a set of Topics to Go? These conversation starters with provocative questions will make the road trip home from Grandma’s house seem just a little bit shorter.

Get the whole scoop »

I mentioned in my last blog about the capsule collection by Hollywould for Target. Yes, Target.

Target has proven itself to be a veritable holygrail of cheap chic clothing, and I have to hold myself back from going shopping-cart-crazy more than once. Well, I must admit, sometimes it’s the fiance (i.e. Brandon) holding me back, saying, “Leave it! Walk away! Be strong!”

In times such as these, it’s important to have a back-up plan. Mine is to discourage Brandon’s presence by using a Target trip as an excuse to buy the most boring things possible. Toilet paper, dish soap, toothbrush, make-up, fashion magazines, pens & pencils…you do what you can to keep the male presence to a minimum.

But I digress.

The Hollywould for Target collection is one example where I’ll need to ignore Brandon’s conscience speaking in my ear.

For instance:

I put these glossy black heels on my StyleFeed and I haven’t been able to get them out of my head. A similar pair of heels from the actual Hollywould collection runs, oh, in the $500 range. These are $30.

This clutch is the perfect marriage of quirkiness and style, and naturally, would go great with the shoes.

As the holidays are coming up, I am feeling the need to stockpile party essentials: pretty heels, clutches, cocktail dresses, etc. Between myriad parties and a number of Christmas concerts coming up, I’ll need to streamline my holiday wardrobe to consist mostly of black items (it’s a requirement for concert attire).

Since the Hollywould for Target collection won’t be a permanent fixture, I would snap up these items as soon as possible, especially before the holiday shopping rush takes off.

What’s your favorite item from the new Hollywould collection?