A boyfriend’s guide to holiday shopping

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less.

Men seem to have trouble deciding on what to get their significant others. Unless they have a specific list, the only things that come to mind are gift certificates, perfume or electronics. Mind you: those things aren’t bad, just a little staid.

If your boyfriend seems stressed about gifts, show him this link. Most of these gifts are less than $20 and all are covetable in their own right.

  1. Stocking – This plastic to-go cup is environmentally friendly and budget-conscious too. You can save up to $30 a week making your own coffee at home, but still carry the familiar cup in your hand. $20.00
  2. Christmas Eve – The Night Before Christmas was originally titled A Visit from St. Nicholas. Find an early edition copy for a lovely and nostalgic Christmas Eve gift. $10-25
  3. Stocking – J.Crew makes lovely gloves, like this yellow fingerless pair. Slip the mittens over your fingers if you get chilly! $12.50
  4. Christmas Eve – Christmas Eve pajamas are a must-buy. Make them sexy, but with some holiday-ish print. Victoria’s Secret has great options. $39.50
  5. Under The Tree – Take tons of photos with this adorable pink fisheye camera. $48
  6. Under The Tree – More of a couple present, this wine accessories kit is a great deal, comes in a nice boxed set and is the perfect thing to bring along on a spring picnic. $12.50
  7. Stocking – Starbucks has this great gift set of holiday blend coffee featuring characters from A Charlie Brown Christmas. $40
  8. Under The Tree – With everyone so busy these days, it’s hard to find time to read a long, exhaustive novel. Try a collection of short stories for quick pick-me-ups. $12
  9. Under The Tree – To make perfume buying easy, get this collection of popular scent samples. $50
  10. Under The Tree – Every girl loves shoes. Just find the right size! $48
  11. Under The Tree – Turtlenecks are a wardrobe must-have, especially in the winter, as you can wear them over and over. Try them under summer dresses to extend your wardrobe when the snow flies. $10 each
  12. Stocking – Adorable gingham headbands at an amazing price. $2.80
  13. Under The Tree – Every woman loves flowers, but try these more earthy, elegant arrangements for something different. $50
  14. Christmas Eve – You must have slippers to go with your new Christmas pajamas. May I suggest these from Old Navy? I have them and adore them. $20
  15. Under The Tree – The entire series of Sex and the City is the kind of decadent gift every woman wants, but would never buy for herself. Wrap it pretty! $95
Posted December 1, 2008 in News

Bundle up in style for Winter 2008

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less.

You can get a lot of style for very little cash, and thank god, because with the current economy, thinking like a frugal fashionista is a big plus.

Check out these 14 hip and stylish winter coats.

My new shopping mantra is no more black, but I couldn’t resist this luxe coat from Target (1). Love the detachable fur collar. This classy wool jacket is also from Target, and is more appropriate for an evening date or for a working woman (2).

A bit more pricey, but exceedingly stylish is this mustard yellow bow-accented coat from J. Crew (3).

For a pop of color, this Forever 21 coat is great, but not too practical. I’d wear this for a date or with an evening dress (4).

DELiAs actually has exceptional coats this year, if you do a bit of digging. The military coat buttons on this navy jacket are what really drew me to it (5).

If you want a more feminine silhouette, try this pink Isaac Mizrahi for Target jacket (6).

This bright, bold fuschia jacket from DELiAs is warm and practical, but not boring (7).

Forever 21 has this genius, vintage-looking faux leopard coat. I’d wear this with very quirky and vintage-inspired pieces: dark/gray tights, a bright-colored dress and maybe high-heeled oxfords? (8). This shorter jacket from Forever 21 is good for a boots/jeans/scarf day, when it’s too cold to dress up (9).

ASOS’s Kylie Minogue-inspired jacket looks almost like a dress. So pretty (10).

I love plaid, and Nordstrom’s bomber jacket with a great black, gray and white print is chic and practical (11).

My absolute favorite coat of the bunch is this bold plaid version by Forever 21 (12).

The most inventive style here is this plaid coat from Urban Outfitters: see the drawstring hemline? (13).

Last but not least is this classic and sexy maroon coat from Urban Outfitters (14).

Take your pick: which coat is your favorite?

Posted October 20, 2008 in Fashion, apparel

Orange makes a splash in fashion and decor

While scouting on behalf of her clients everywhere from Pier 1 to High Point, Julieann of Jace Interiors has a birds-eye view of what’s new and different in home décor. You can also follow her on her blog CreateGirl.

J Crew’s children’s line, Crewcuts, is featuring the sweetest coat at the moment. Their September ‘08 catalog features a beautiful little girl wearing the Jacket. The model has fiery red hair and is posing with such an attitude, it reminds me of someone I used to know! Seeing her fabulous patterned orange coat sparked something in my memory.

Four months ago, I saved a swatch of fabric by Philip Gorrivan for Highland Court Fabrics, almost identical to the pattern in her coat.

For the last two seasons, orange has been everywhere and as one can see by my StyleFeed, I’ve been a wee bit obsessed. Now that the trend has calmed down a bit, I revisit the pattern and find I still enjoy it. This is a good indication I should have it in my home. This pattern would look smashing as pillows with a fat, corded welt to surround it, or even as a bed coverlet with a wide band of winter white border. This just goes to show once again, that fashion and home decor really do go hand in hand!

What have you saved to your StyleFeed that you may have forgotten about and fallen in love with again? Do you like the trend of orange in home decor?

Posted August 28, 2008 in Home