V-Style

Best Mother's Day Gift Ideas

My mother made it her duty for us to dream, create and invent. I have memories upon memories of fabric stores, crafts shops, and art supplies. Everyone of us children always had a drawing pad at our disposal, though I was a terrible artist. Unlike my brothers who could draw X-Men characters with their eyes closed and went through sketch paper like water; I drew tables, chairs, awkward faces, and dresses in barely used notebooks.

Despite my inept rendering skills, my mother's arty enabling was infectious. I barely noticed my lack of genius. I even remember standing in the backyard with my dog, wondering if I was going to be the next Picasso. I was that young and that adored by my mother, the possibilities of who I could be and what I could do seemed endless. It was more out of boredom, then realizing I had no talent, that had me drop the pencil and pick up Vogue and Instyle. The moment I saw my mother tear out sheets of beautiful images from the Condé Nast pages, I wanted part. I only had to ask once before she started giving me most of her fashion and decór magazines, and eventually my own subscription. Once the magazine was in my hands, I followed suit and tore out the images I found interesting or beautiful. My drawing pads were no longer empty. Soon they were filled with stylish collages.

I have only realized recently the moment I began tearing up Instyle, I began my path as a stylist. As a stylist, you curate, not create. Sifting through the magazines, finding the best images, then putting them together to form an attractive and balanced collage was practice for what I do today. Realizing how powerful this practice was, at such a young age no less, made me realize my mother's influence on my career. It was my mother that provided me the prerequisite tools to becoming a stylist... Mom deserves some recognition. In fact, let's give her a day. Let's give her May 12th. Let's give all mothers May 12th to thank them for all they have done for us. I shall call it Mother's Day. Let's talk gifts. 

1) Miss Fisher's Murder Myseteries

This is what my mom gets this year. Not to worry, I am not publicly spoiling her gift as she has already received it. Since I am in London most of May, I gave it to her early. She watched it every day until the last episode and now awaits the next season. She is wild about the 20's decadent fashion as well as the fiery heroin of the series.

2) Kindle 

I love holding and smelling a good book, but with all the traveling I've been doing, books have become a weighty nuisance. I just bought the e-reader Kindle and am really impressed with the light weight reading. All those books on one little thing? Seems like magic. If your mother travels a lot for work, retirement or other reasons, a kindle is divine. Particularly now that a new ergonomic Kindle case is coming out, your mom will love it.

3) Scarf

A go-to gift, I love a beautiful scarf, especially a colorful one like Jonathan Adler's retro floral. The navy tones will wake up her skin, while the yellow says fun. A bonus, have her watch Nordstrom's "4 Ways to Tie A Scarf" series. I am sure she will learn something new.

4) Sentimental Jewelry

There is something so beautiful about jewelry. It can become an everyday piece - a constant reminder of someone's affections, in this case, yours. Or it can be a special occasion piece that makes the evening or event that much more memorable. Tiffany's Paloma Picasso olive leaf collection has caught my eye as a perfect gift that will last for years. From the earrings to the necklaces, they are stylish yet subtle pieces your mother could wear often. I also love Argento Vivo jewelry as a gift, especially the Chalcedony's pendant necklace. 

5) Shoes

An odd choice, especially if you don't know her size, but I have fallen in love with Zoe + Luca flats at Macy's. Oddly, they are not available on Macy's website and literally cannot be found on the internet. But in San Diego's Fashion Valley Macy's there they sit: weaved, comfortable (!), stylish and available in various colors. I am putting them on so many clients, including myself, and I can't emphasize enough their everyday-fabulousity. Plus, who gives a shoe? It's a unique gift. Pop into Macy's or give their shoe section a call and ask if they have Zoe + Luca flats.

What are you planning on getting Mom? Please share in a comment below.

Under $20 Fashionable Gift Guide For Girlfriends

Stephanie & Co Teardrop cluster necklace ($18) 

It would be great if we could give gifts without thinking of the price, but there are little parties, smaller budgets, too many friends, stocking stuffers, and toppers for bigger presents, that call for inexpensive gifts. For these ocassions, we want to save on money without skimping on style....

 1) Statement Necklace 

The statement necklace can be quite pricey, so when I saw this inexpensive gem at Nordstrom, it had to be added to the budget conscience gift guide. Side note, it doesn't look cheap in person.  

2) Nude Skinny Belt ($12)

I adore the nude skinny belt from Target. I have passed this find onto numerous clients and have acquired two for myself. With numerous belt holes, it is difficult to buy the wrong size and can be worn at high or low waist. Anyone size 12 and below can use this versatile waist accessory.

4) Printed Umbrella ($18)

There are those that love rain and those that do not. Technically speaking I love rain, but I hate cold and overcast, which always seem to come with rain and bum me out. The best way to cheer up, is to face the rain and cold with a fabulous umbrella. Whoever gets this gift will now look forward to the rain, as I do.

3) Boot Shapers ($10)

Who puts the effort into finding boot shapers? No one. It look ten years to finally get boot shapers in my closet and I love them. It may seem like an odd gift at first, but it will be appreciated. 

5) Printed Nail Wraps ($16)

Statistically speaking, very few have tried the printed nail wrap, making it an innovative and creative gift. When giving this gift, mention the tutorial on NCLA's website for easier application. 

$60 Fashionable Gift Ideas for Women

I adore gift giving. I'm one of those who would rather give a gift then receive one. Don't get me wrong, I am a selfish 'ol bum in lots of ways, but I do love to give gifts. I like giving gifts so much that I give presents to my brothers every year even though they have barely reciprocated the gesture in a decade. I love giving gifts so much that I am getting a gift for my New Year's Eve date, even though we are not actually dating and it will probably scare him. I love gift giving so much that all year long I scout out the best gifts to give my best girlfriends on our annual Christmas party. It is barely December and already I have all their stylish presents sitting in my office, begging to be wrapped.

For those that cannot imagine being as prepared as I, I offer my services as a personal shopper. For those of you that cannot imagine being as prepared as I, in combination with not having access to me, I offer you this list of gift ideas for the fabulous women on your shopping list.

Topshop Necklace $70

1) Unique Earrings 

The earrings pictured above are from the San Diego boutique, Mog + Rue. Earrings can be bought anywhere, but I find the most unique earrings are made by independent designers and sold at your local boutique. Before getting this gift, double check that your friend has pierced ears and see if the boutique has an exchange policy. Most local boutiques do not accept refunds, but they often have store credit available in case the receiver of the gift may be intimidated by the style you have chosen.

2) Casual Blazer

Outerwear can be such a treat. So many of my girlfriends and clients have so little stylish outerwear, a casual blazer would be an amazing gift.

3) Statement Necklace

Loads of people don't take the time or have the guts to get a statement necklace for themselves. It's time for you to step in with this fashion forward present.

4) Bold Colored Handbag

Poppie Jones makes such delightful leather handbags, any girl would swoon.

5) Gift Certificate for Manicure/Pedicure At your Favorite Nail Salon

This works best for those that never or rarely tend to their tootsies and digits. The key to this gift is that you already know and trust an amazing spa or nail technician. Most nail salons are terrible, making this gift one that keeps on giving now that you have introduced your gal pal to a wonderful service person and/or location. In San Diego, my hands and feet belong to Essential Nails. Although their mani/pedi is under $30, this made the $60 list because whenever I buy a gift certificate for a friend, I treat myself to one as well. .

Book Review: Dressing Marilyn

Quentin Tarantino's Mia Wallace said, "There are only two kinds of people in the world, Beatles people and Elvis people." Yes, you can like them both, Mia says, but no one likes them equally. Playing in the limited confines of this kind of statement, I suggest there are Audrey Hepburn people and Mariyln Monroe people. Although I am an Audrey Hepburn kind of gal, I am loving Dressing Marilyn: How a Hollywood Icon Was Styled by William Travilla by Andrew Hansford.

Available in time for the fiftieth anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's death, Dressing Marilyn devles into the costumes William Travilla created for Marilyn Monroe and the relationship between the designer and the icon. Including never before seen material, the hardcover book is filled with detailed photos, sketches, stories and quotes that flush out even more of the Marilyn Monroe story.

The sections of the book are divided by each of the famous dresses Travilla designed. My favorite part of each section is the inclusion of construction details. Of course, I enjoyed learning the back story, and seeing the outfit that was almost worn for this scene or that, but I adored reading about the materials used for each garment, the techniques involved and why everything was done the way it was done. For example, in reference to Marilyn's purple dress in How To Marry A Millionaire (not pictured in this post), Hansford explains...

"When you first look at [the dress] the bodice appears to be straight across the bust line, but it is not. In fact, it is considerably lower on the right side, which is where the sequin strap starts, and higher on the left side. This is because of the strap coming diagonally across the neckline... if it had actually been cut straight across the bodice, the sequin detail would have made it appear lopsided." 

When dressing yourself and others, it is vital to understand how and why a garment fits the way it does. I can never get enough of  this kind of knowledge when it is packaged in such an attractive and tantalizing manner, as this book has done. If you're a Marilyn Monroe fan, enjoy old school Hollywood glamour or know someone who does, this book is perfect to get or give.

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for product reviews although I am given the sample to keep. If I am sent something that is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

Stylish & Comfortable Pajamas & Sleepwear

Pajama Pants and Racerback Tank

You took the time to get the perfect bed frame. You bought that plush mattress. You have the chic bed linens. Do you have the stylish pajamas to match? There is nothing sexier, and more fashionable than slipping into bed wearing sweet somethings. I know that disgusting t-shirt you wear is womb like with its comfort, but pretty things can be comfortable too! Don't do it for your man, don't do it in case your house catches fire and you have to run out into the streets, pajama clad. Do it for you. 

Graphic Tee

For those that need that cotton Tee, get a cute one! Take a moment to toss out every ugly T-shirt you have. I recently had a client get rid of all her ugly clothes. Before she did it, she looked at me and asked, "Well, than what do I wear to bed?" I picked up one of her cute Tees, one too casual for her lifestyle. Puzzled she looked at the shirt and said, "But that's too cute for bed."  She and I had a talk... unless we are talking work appropriate, or wearing a formal floor length gown to lunch, there is no occasion a garment can be too attractive. Obviously you don't want to wear clothing to bed that you want to last - the rubbing of blankets can wear and tear cotton very quickly - but, you can always go out a buy a cute Tee for the purpose of sleeping. If it is that cute, get two.

When shopping for stylish bedwear, keep in mind that this is truly for you and whoever you share your bed with. Indulge in that ridiculous pattern! Get that overly girly look. Get that neon green you can't wear in public. Have fun!  

Striped Teddy and Shorts

Teddy and Matching Short

Top Five Holiday Gift Ideas For Mom

 

Hands down, moms are my favorite person on my shopping list. There is nothing more rewarding than giving a gift to someone who gives so much. In celebration of Mama, here are five fabulous gift ideas for the mothers  in your life that deserve a lovely treat...

1) Spa Breaks

A massage, facial or any kind of pampering is absolutely, hands down, the best gift idea for a woman who has given birth.

2) Kendara Scott 'Danielle' oval earrings - $58

They are elegant, timeless and ageless. Jewelry is never a bad idea for gift giving. Just be sure of her pierced ears.

3) Custom Made T-Shirt Memory Quilt

I recently worked with a mom who had a full section of "memory" and sentimental tops. This is what she wore for every year to her daughter's horse riding competition, this is from a past job, this is from a grand event, her youngest daughter gave her this and so on. We all have the "sentimental" section in our wardrobe, but when it takes up a hefty amount in the closet, maybe its time to put it somewhere else... like on a quilt! A custom made memory quilt is a wonderful way to hold onto memories without wasting precious closet or drawer space. Also, now that they have a real use, you can relive the moments far more often.

4) Maid Service

I don't care what kind of mother you have, she is either cleaning right now or has cleaned in the past. Give the woman some much needed help and hire a monthly, weekly or one time maid service.

5) Personal Stylist

Most businesses are jam packed in the holiday season and then slow in January and February. As a personal stylist, mine is the opposite. Even if I didn't refuse shopping appointments after mid December, I would not be as booked as you would imagine. It is January, February and March that become insane because people are buying up my services via gift certificate in December to be used in the new year. Every other day this month, someone contacts me to purchase a gift certificate for their mom and I got to tell you, mothers LOVE it. This is one of the few times they get to look at themselves and really think about what they want.

Top Ten Affordable & Stylish Holiday Gift Ideas

My girlfriends and I just drew our names for who gets who the big gift. You see, the six of us have been doing a gift giving Christmas party for twenty-one years. To save money, we draw names. Whoever we pick, we get a large/pricier gift for them. Then we get little gifts for the rest of the girls. It is so much fun and such a treat. Everyone puts a lot of thought into both categories of the gifts, large and small. Of course, I put a lot of stylish thought into the gifts for my ladies. For the stylish women in your life, here are some fashionable gift ideas...

1) Banana Republic Saffiano Leather Skinny Belt $24.50

Any metallic skinny belt is a great gift idea, but this BR belt is the best. It is designed to fit the high waist as well as the hip. This takes out the stress of wondering where your friends wear their belts.

2) Book: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty (Metropolitan Museum of Art) $27

Although the cover is mildly disturbing, the images and words inside put pretty butterflies in your stomach. I could pour over these pages again and again. 

3) Turban Headband $28 (Discounted)

How much fun is this?! Absolutely a stylish and unique gift choice.

4) Kenneth Jay Lane Enamel Bean Black Earrings $40

It is so difficult to find chic black earrings, any gal will appreciate this gift. It comes in other colors, but did I mention how scarce awesome black earrings are? These will look best on blonds, as black can get lost in dark hair; though, brunettes could their wear their hair up...

5) Sporty Echo Touch Glove $42

For the stylish and chilly techie in your life. Now your girly doesn't have to take off her fabulous gloves to tip tap on her touch screen devices. The gloves pointer and thumb finger can be felt by touch screen technology.

6) BCBGMAXAZRIA Knuckle Clutch $160.99 (Dsicounted)

You know something is ahead of the game style wise, when there is only one decently priced version available for sale. Unless you want to spend $2000 on the Alexander McQueen version, BCBG is your knuckle clutch shop.

7) Mimi and Lu Soul Ring $30 (Discounted)

Choose the corresonding initials for your girlfriends names to give a personal touch.

8) Gap Printed Shortsleeve Tee $19.99 (Discounted)

The artistic print will wow a style maven, and its softness (50% cotton, 50% modal) will turn it into their everyday favorite Tee. 

9) Sex and the City: The Complete Series (Collector's Gift Set) $85.99

This fashionable show will always be fabulous. If she doesn't already have it, get it for her.

10) Shewants.com

This is not exactly a gift, but bear with me. Let's say you are absolutely clueless and want someone to just tell you what they want, but you still desire some sort of surprise. Have them sign up for a free profile on SheWants.com. Its a gift registry for one person. Side note, its geared towards women and this is a woman's blog, but it could very well work for men too. You just insert the links to a gift you want. The site is free and doesn't try to sell you anything throughout its process. I personally like authentic surprises, but if you don't want to waste money or fake a happy gift face, this is the way to go.

Product Review - T-Post T-Shirt

I return from New York after a long journey and find numerous packages at my front door from companies and PR firms as well as on line orders I made before I left. It's midnight my time, 3am New York time. Exhausted and excited, I kick the boxes in the door and throw my suitcase inside. It's like Christmas! I am delighted as I work my way through each parcel. The last one is in a plastic bag with no identifying marks beyond it being addressed to V-Style. I open it and find no paperwork, just a folded white t-shirt with splashes of color. I unfold it to reveal the most disturbing images on it. Maybe because I am tired, but I drop it on the ground and feel as if someone has threatened my life. I look down on it and see the shadow of typed words inside the t-shirt. I pick up the Tee and turn its soft fabric inside out so I can read the first sentence of the 480 words located on the back of the shirt..."Prescription medication advertising in the US is out of control."

I recall now the press release that was sent to me and the e-mail confirming a product being shipped for me to review. The t-shirt was sent to me from T-Post. They call it a wearable magazine, but you might call it subscription fashion. You can't just buy one T-shirt, you have to buy a subscription to X amount of Tees at 27 euros ($37) a month. Once you sign up, each subscriber receives a new t-shirt in the mail. The t-shirt has a news story on the inside of the back and then a graphic interpretation of that story on the front. Like a magazine subscription, you have no idea what you are going to get until it arrives. 

The news story on the shirt sent to me was about pharmaceutical companies' advertising dollars and the risks of prescription drugs. The disturbing images inspired by that article included a creepy man with half a body, vomiting, and a child that appeared to have its organs coming out of its butt. On closer inspection, I realize it is diarrhea, not organs - which is much less horrifying, but gross nonetheless. I richly dislike this t-shirt and absolutely would never wear it, but I adore the idea and love many of the other graphic Tees from their archives.

T-post begins its process by going through news stories submitted by fans and T-post subscribers. The T-post team then chooses one topic to feature each month. Once the story is chosen, they select an artist to translate the news story into an image, graphic or drawing. Each t-shirt is created by a different artist to keep T-Post fresh.

The cons of this amazing idea is the price of the surprise. If I had this subscription and I had paid $37 for the grotesque pharmaceutical Tee, I would be bummed. I wouldn't want to spend that many bones on a shirt that frightened me. My Vogue subscription costs half that for the whole year - then again I can't wear that without some major creativity and some glue. 

The other con is the fit. For men the standard boxy fit is great, but for ladies I recommend Tees with some shape. I think as soon as they add the option of a shirt better suited for the female form, we'd be in business.

All and all, the garment is an awesome use of fashion and the t-shirts are wildly unique if not attractive and cool. I always welcome clothing that can start a conversation, especially when that conversation can shine some light on a topic worthy of an audience.

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for product reviews although I am given the sample to keep. If I am sent something that is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

Stylish Skinny Belt Gift Wrapping Idea

My clients often come to me for presents. Sometimes my services are given as a gift or they want me to pick up a gift for their husband, wife, friend, children etc. 

Last week, my favorite client requested I get a cute present for a girlfriend's birthday. I decided on a printed Bar 111 top that could go to work or play along with subtle earrings and an orange Banana Republic skinny belt that could be paired with the top. The combination was stylish, thoughtful and under $100. The extra touch was how my client wrapped the gift, using the belt as the bow. I recommend adding this $24 Banana Republic Leather Skinny Belt to the next gift you give...to a woman. 

Product Review: Zedena Designs Necklaces

A couple weeks ago, I met with  Melissa Williams, the local designer behind Zedena Designs, to check out her adorable pendant necklaces and sparkily goods. Beyond her being adorably delightful, her pieces are such a fun light weight additions to an accessory collection. 

She is most famous for her Wax Seal Necklace. These necklaces are handcrafted out of bronze, stamped with an initial and come on 18" hand antiqued brass chains. She vouches that the brass chains are antiqued in a 100% eco friendly manner, and the chain will change color over time as it naturally ages, but don't think that means it will turn color like a Forever 21 piece of jewelry. (A hint to keep the ancient look of the piece to avoid putting jewelry cleaner, perfumes, hairsprays, or other chemicals on the piece.) These make fabulous gifts.

Her other collections are the Stella-Filigrana and Enamel Picture Songbird. The first are magical looking stones, while the other reminds me of a piece of Anthropologie goodness. Also, great gift ideas, especially if you want something custom made, which she does for free if you are buying a bunch for group gifts, like a bridal party.

She began the line in 2007 when her husband was on a deployment. With all the time on her hands, she put her hands to work, enjoying the craft making that she used to do with her Grandmother, which is who the line is named after. When her husband came home to find all these hundreds pieces of jewelry, he gently suggested she start selling them. When she was telling me this story, I laughed picturing the scene... him walking in the door to find his wife covered in jewels.   

If you are going to order online, put in code VStyle15 to get 15% off. Valid through June 15th.

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for product reviews although I am given the sample to keep. If I am sent something that is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.