Charting the style of daily life...with the mouth of a sailor.
For me...
Pretty hats + little girls in white gloves + nibbles of chocolate + sips of champagne + my family's {intense} game of Pic-A-Me = the perfect celebration of Spring!
I'll be missing my sweet Nan this year, who was always the most beautiful, most elegant person to sit at our family table. I'll be wearing her signature Lily of the Valley scent in her honor...
xoxo
JDF
Whether yo man is a sports bro, a DIY dandy, a rocker, a fine fella or a man's man, I've got you covered with gifts $85 and under!
RIFD-blocking Steel Herringbone Wallet $75 | Whiskey and Rum Making Kit $75 | Beard Pack $40
Baseball Game $48 | Ticket Stub Diary $12 | Stalk Tiebar $85
Miss the previous editions of this year's gift guides? Fear not: Part 1, For the Glamour Girls | Part 2, For the Kiddos
I love giving (and getting) presents. I shop year round for my family and friends and use an excel spreadsheet to track my gifting from year to year - it's quite handy to see what I've previously given. But I realize many people labor over holiday shopping. If you're one of those, I'll be serving up gift ideas for every recipient on your list each Monday morning from now through Christmas (for you last minute Scrooges). Oh, and everything's under $100. This week it's all about the glamorous girls in your life.
Nordstrom Foil Paint Accent Pillow $38 | Kate Spade Bow Beanie $98 | Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Palette $75 | Rebecca Minkoff Molly Metro Wallet $75 | Ugg Andi Slipper $90 | Ban.do Keychain $14
Want to thank me? Send me something from this list. I want it all.
Once upon a time, I dreamed of owning a spa when I grew up. I was (and still am) obsessed with the spa industry and the business of beauty. I became enthralled with a marvelous and enterprising woman named Marcia Kilgore and ripped out magazine articles about her famed Bliss spa, a modern and youthful, fun-loving spa, an alternative to the traditional (and perhaps sometimes stuffy) business model I was always reading about. When I finally got my hands on my first Bliss products some years later I was hooked.
Bliss' signature lemon + sage scent is divine (reminds me of my first post-college apartment in Boston) and their product packaging and cheeky presentation is cheerful and bright. The Bliss spas (now owned by Starwood) are known for playing upbeat music in bright, clean yet still serene environments. Their delicious complementary brownies aren't too shabby, either. I've loved every single minute I've ever spent inside a Bliss location. My only sadness is that it doesn't happen nearly enough.
Here's how I create a little Bliss for myself at home:
Fabulous Foaming Face Wash $24 | The Youth As We Know It Serum $70 | Triple Oxygen Eye Gel $50
For today only, shop Bliss and take advantage of their incredible Cyber Monday deal!
Click the link below and use code BLISSFRIDAY at checkout.
You're either into Black Friday shopping or you aren't. I know not every participant gets punched while trying to scoop this year's must have item but I much prefer to the spend the day after Thanksgiving at home, decorating for the holidays and lounging with my family. That's not to say I don't do a little shopping of my own. I just happen to take advantage of the online version rather than the brick and mortar kind. I'm so thankful e-tailers cater to passive shoppers like me.
I'm particularly excited about Tarte's Black Friday sale! Tarte is fabulously eco chic with effective and luxurious products that manage to do the trick without the harmful ingredients still used by many beauty brands. Take advantage of today's online sale and stock up on favorites or try something new. If you're looking for a great introduction to the brand, you can't go wrong with their legendary Cheek Stains or uber moisturizing LipSurgence lip crayons.
Everyone has a gift guide --- why shouldn't I? I brought some of my faves to INsight on Indiana's News Center.
As for tech accessories, there's so much more than just cases like headphones, speakers and cool docking stations. Here are a few ideas to get you going:
Sublte sheen and targeted sparkle is all you need to transform your everyday makeup into holiday worthy looks.
BECCA's Shimmering Skin Perfector is a hydrating illuminator that imparts a subtle, pearly glow and comes in a six different shades. Use over or under foundation all over the face or highlight one area such as the bridge of the nose, the orbital bone or under the brow. If your complexion is glowing, avoid sparkling lipstick and glitter eyeshadow to avoid overload (it can happen before you know it)!
If you usually keep your eyeliner pretty tame, now is the time to bust out a winged cat eye. Too Faced's 3*Way Lash Lining Tool makes achieving said wings super simple. The three pronged tool can also be pushed into the lash line for a natural, full lash look.
Feeling extra festive? LORAC's 3D Liquid Lustre is a shimmering liquid top coat for eyeshadow but can also be used to highlight cheeks. In silver or gold, this product offers mega watt sparkle!
I believe it's terribly important to shop small and local - not just during the holidays but over the entire year. I admit to being an online shopper but only when I can't find the desired item in my city. There are many benefits to shopping small biz --- see for yourself by clicking here.
This year I suggest challenging yourself to shop small and local by using the following ideas for stocking stuffers, gifts and holiday trimmings:
* Patronize local boutiques, holiday markets and pop up shops.
* Shop local farm markets not only for your fruits and veggies but also small batch soaps and baked goods for fab hostess gifts.
* Check etsy for sellers in your area for unique handmade or vintage items which will allow you to take advantage of all the greatness of the site without shipping fees or wait time. Even if what you want on etsy is not in your local area, rest assured you're still supporting an independent seller.
* Buy gift memberships to local CSA's for the gourmand in your life.
* Local restaurant gift cards are always much appreciated gifts, especially when paired with an IOU for babysitting, if appropriate.
* Buy gift certificates for local experiences like winery tastings and tours, independent movie house tickets or a membership to a local museum.
* Small Business Saturday is November 24th - check out the website for shops in your zip code and surrounding areas.
* American Design Club is an online shop dedicated to promoting independent artisans and crafters with an inventory of really rad items.
* Indie Collective is a "showcase of independent artists, artisans and designers."
