Gift Guide: Day 5 - a.b.solutely fabulous

Here's the guide you've all been waiting for, my guide! For those of you familiar with my blog, you know my tastes are ecclectic and aaaalll over the place, so naturally my gift guide has a little bit of everything! Enjoy!

1. I am the girl who drinks iced coffee when it's 20 below zero. But I'm not too keen on paying for it at coffee shops, so this Bodum Bean Ice French Press ($33.30) is perfect for me, and naturally you need a quirky reusable tumbler ($11.95) to take it with you on the go. 

2. While my current apartment has no coffee table for me to display fancy books on, [or room for a coffee table, really] these two are top of my list anyway! I was beyond obsessed with the McQueen exhibit at the Met this summer, and drooled over this book  ($45) every time. I'm also a huge Gaga fan, and this collaboration ($50) between her and Terry Richardson is just gorgeous. 

3. I love a good headband, and this leather turban style from Ban.Do is perfect for casual or dressy occasions. ($65)

4. I've been obsessed with these Marc by Marc Jacobs zipper pull earrings for a couple years now, and they'd make a great stocking stuffer! ($58)

5. I love a fun USB flash drive, and I'm also love Pandas, so of course I'm all about this one. It would be great for my internship, because I'm always hopping around from computer to computer to work, and this would be so much easier than e-mailing myself everything. ($14)

6. I am *dying* for a more professional quality dress form. Once my sewing machine arrives in the city, this would come in handy for fitting and draping my projects. ($350)

7. This handmade journal would be great to keep my life organized. I'm not a typical day-planner person, but this would be more my speed. Plus, the journal is handcrafted by marginalized Muslim women in Northern India, made with 100% recycled cotton paper, and proceeds from this collection go to fund literacy programs for the women artisans and children in the community. Gifts that give back always make me feel extra happy. ($18)

8. For under $50, you can't beat this True Blood inspired Tarte Cosmetics lipstick. It's seriously the most perfect shade of red. ($24)

9. I'm a huge fan of Black Milk Clothing. This Australian label has some of the coolest and unique prints on their clothing. If I could only pick one piece to make mine, it would definitely be the Galaxy Leggings in Red, Purple, or Green. ($75.54)

10. Parks and Recreation is one of my favorite shows on television right now. It makes me cry with laughter every single week. Plus, I have a pretty big girl crush on Amy Poehler. Seasons 1, 2, and 3. ($20-$50)

Gift Guide: Day 4 - Undeclared Panache

Today's list comes from Lauren, over at Undeclared Panache! Lauren's blog is filled with a little bit of everything: glamorous & eclectic fashions, classic-yet-unique home decor, easy but chic DIYs, wedding planning tips and inspirations, the list goes on and on. 

Naturally her Holiday gift list embodies the same spirit. 

Enjoy!

Here is the "official" Undeclared Panache Holiday Wish List.

1. I'd love to hang this sweet flamingo print somewhere in my apt.  

2. A classic men's style watch.

3. Furniture making class at Makeville Studio.

4. I would love a few packs of Polaroid film to get my camera out of hibernation.  

5. Can't decide which book from my favorite decorating bloggers I'd rather to my library, Design*Sponge At Home or Decorate

6. A very special little bag to match some very special shoes, Kate Spade Sparkler Gia 

7. An adorable video camera to document my exciting year ahead!

8. It's been haunting me ever since I passed up a whole set of these lucite foliding chairs at the flea market.  Now, I just need one for some extra seating at the kitchen table.

9. Lulu Frost + J.Crew = arm candy I want to own.

10. A stylish leash upgrade for both Maggie and myself.

Gift Guide: Day 3 - byrdie

Today's wish list comes from the lovely Bryn, from Byrdie. Her list is full of sleek, elegant lady-like pieces, much like the content she posts on her blog. 

Enjoy!

1. this gold bird bowl would make such a pretty and interesting centerpiece

2. i've loved this calendar necklace ever seen i first saw it years ago. it's perfect to commemorate a special date

3. the cartier love bracelet is on my dream wish list. it's something i would wear everyday and have forever

4. baggu has awesome products in great colors. i love this pretty, metallic pouch 

5. a fun, bright coffee table book - great for kids and adults

6. i'm always a sucker for sequin. this party dress would be so fun for holiday parties

7. i could totally use an ipad or a macbook to easily jam in my handbag without weighing me down

8. i've always been a fan of this fun New York skyline dinnerware

9. this argan oil moisturizing stick is without any junk like parabens, fragrance, etc and perfect for multiple uses

10. a sleek, functional (and bright) suitcase to make travel easier

[Interested in seeing my list before Friday? Check out Desmitten!]

Gift Guide: Day 2 - CoCo Canal

Today's wish list comes from Melina, the savvy stylist over at CoCo Canal. Enjoy her luxurious and fashion forward, yet quirky/fun guide!

1:: I love to snuggle up on the couch with friends for a cozy night in and this Pendelton blanket I've been eyeing for a while. It doesn't hurt that I love the pattern and color combo. {$218}

2:: I'm really into hats right now and when Miu Miu sent wool caps down the runway I swooned.  Casual chic at its best! {$395}

3:: In a perfect world I would make enough money to take a week's vacation to this castle in the sky--well in a tree house in La Piantata, Italy at least.

4:: Sex and the City never gets old to me.  This book has an image of every ensemble worn by all four leading ladies and the designer name/description for each piece in the look. I mean! {$20}

5:: If I didn't work in fashion I would be a chef.  How adorable would a date be at The Brooklyn Kitchen for a couple's cooking class or for a pre-bachelorette party?! {prices vary on the type of class}

6:: Head over heels in love with these fringe boots by Isabel Marant.  I'm a sucker for anything with fringe and a wedge has proven to be my best friend for work and life walking the city. {$2,200}

7:: Last Christmas I signed up for an Instagram account and finally found something to do with all the images.  Head over to Casetagram and you can make a case with images from your account--Genius! {$35}

8:: Like I said before, I love to cook and this mortar and pestle works for anything from guacamole to dressings and spice rubs. {$50}

9:: I'm always looking for a special touch when it comes to accessories.  I would be over the moon to receive these collar clips in my stocking this year to add some pizzaz to any button down. {$18}

10:: The holidays can't always be about me.  I stumbled upon this wine company, Swanson Wine, and think the bottles are the cutest gift ever.  A congratulations, I'm sorry, Just Married...Thoughtful and adorable. {$25}

[PS - my boss has those boots, and they're amaaaazing. solid choice.]

[Can't wait til Friday to see my list? Check out Byrdie!]

Gift Guide: Day 1 - DeSmitten

This week, I was invited to participate in a Holiday Gift Guide round-robin of sorts, by some pretty fabulous bloggers. Each day I'll be sharing one of their wish lists, and reveal mine Friday! Although, if you just can't wait, I'll let you know which blog has mine up currently ;) [today? I'm over on Undeclared Panache.]

First up is the amazingly talented Christina, over at DeSmitten. She's always on the pulse of the latest trends, and has one of the most glamorous, chic blogs I know. Here's her amazing wishlist!

1. French Vogue's former editor, Carine Roitfeld came out with a book filled with her editorials, showcasing her eccentric styling. Irreverent  ($62) is inspiration for every fashionista!

2. I recently broke our digital camera, so we are in dire need of a new one! The Nikon Coolpix S8100 ($280) is small and has a great zoom lens.

3. I've been obsessed with Hugo Guinness's sketches for years! I would love either print, Briefs or Eyeglasses ($275 each)... Simple prints that make great conversational pieces.

4. Recently I am craving a warm throw to have on the sofa. I love this navy graphic throw ($195) from Haus Interior. Made from combed cotton, it is great for all seasons!

5. One to kill every living thing in our apartment (except the cat!), I have faith in this hanging cacti terrarium ($160), from Score and Solder...it is artistic and hopefully kill-proof!

6. On the search for an everyday face wash that isn't too harsh for my sensitive skin, this Fresh Soy Face Cleanser ($15) sounds perfect!

7. Always keeping my eye open for the perfect vintage silk robe to wear while getting ready, this 1950's Kimono ($85) is perfect!

8. This cashmere scarf ($340) from A Peach Treaty, creates employment for skilled artisans working in socio-political strife around the world. It is also a great accessory with neutral colors and prints to go with any winter coat you wear this year!

9. Our apartment has electric heat=very expensive, so we keep the apartment at a cool 58 degrees all winter long. These adorably warm Rachel Comey Bunny Slippers ($290) may be expensive, but are indeed built to last. And they are made from humanely found baby alpaca fur! Fun fact- Alpaca is one of the most sustainable fibers in the world!

10. After using a very cheap set of pots and pans for the past few years, it is time for an upgrade! Le Creuset set in Black Onyx ($580) would be the ultimate in Christmas gifts, or at least one piece would be a good start!

2010 gift guide - the uptown/downtown girl

Today's gift guide is for the most stylish ladies in your friends and family. This girl oozes cool and always looks great, always sophisticated with a bit of an edge. The guide features fun accessories in varied price points, a beautiful J.Crew coat, and a stylish new smell.

1. kate spade twirl 2. tights 3. alexander mcqueen scarf 4. jeffrey campbell booties 5. ring 6. hobo bag

 7. necklace 8. coat

2010 gift guide - the charitable one

This is my gift guide for the friend who likes to give back. Proceeds from all of these gifts are given to a variety of charities, or directly help those in under-developed/etc. countries, and when you give [or get!] a gift that gives back, it's hard to fight the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing you've helped someone else :) . 

TOMS shoes donates a pair of shoes to a child for every pair purchased. The candles from Pottery Barn help fund St. Jude's research. The FEED bear will ensure that 5 children under the age of 5 will receive a high protein paste to help them properly develop. The clutch was created in togo by a recipient of a microfinance loan through which the female artisans build a small business so they can move out of poverty and into self-sufficiency. The headphones benefit Project(RED), which benefits the Global Fund to Fight AIDS in Africa. The lipstick is through M.A.C. cosmetics VIVA Glam fund, which supports HIV/AIDS charities. The snowglobe benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, an organization in the NY area providing support and raising awareness for HIV/AIDS families. The bracelet benefits the NOH8 Campaign, a group assisting in the fight against Prop 8, and promoting tolerance and equality. 

1. toms shoes 2. bag 3. lidded candle 4. feed bear 5. headphones 6. lipstick 7. snowglobe 8. bracelet

2010 gift guide - the music lover

So, I am jumping on the gift guide bandwagon this year. :) Mostly so I can try to get myself a little more organized for the holidays in hopes it will make getting organized for my move a little easier.* 

My first gift guide is for the music lover in your life. Everyone has one. That person who knows the coolest bands before everyone else does, the concert junkie, the one who always has the music for the party covered. Here are some ideas for gifts** for your music lover:

1. record player 2. the suburbs 3. the fame monster 4. ear buds 5. decoded 6. beatles: trivial pursuit 7. woodstock: the concert, director's cut 8. festival tickets, various websites :)

*it is not, so far

**some of these are directly from my sisters personal christmas wish list.