Ask A Woman: What Women Want…
If you’ve got a question that needs the female treatment, chances are you’re not the only one who wants to ask it. Beth is our source for the answers. From opinions on men’s style to decoding the sometimes mysterious ways of women, she’ll take on a different question every Thursday. She also might provide an answer without waiting to be asked. That happens from time to time too. Click here to get to know Beth, then get in touch with her by sending your question to: askawoman@dappered.com..
In case the commercials and department store music and pounds of junk mail advertising sales hadn’t alerted you to this fact yet…’TIS THE SEASON FOR HOLIDAY CHEER. That means gift-giving. Yes, it can be stressful, finding the right gift, spending your hard-earned pennies, but hopefully we’re making it a little easier here at Dappered. Remember, you don’t need to buy your lady one huge gift every year. You can give her an assortment of smaller, really personalized items and she’ll be just as happy. Here are suggestions for gifts and stocking stuffers for the women in your life, from the ladies at The Pretty Guinea Pig (formerly full clutch).
Anthropologie Lotus Layered Necklace – $148
Got a faithful yoga nut in your life? This gold-plated and freshwater pearl necklace features a charm with the imprint of a lotus flower on it–a symbol meaningful for yogis (the lotus position is one of the basic postures, and the lotus flower is important in Buddhism, which is a sister practice to yoga). Even for someone who just loves delicate jewelry, this would be a lovely gift. *Update: Popular necklace! It’s sold out. Not to worry, there are lots of pretty necklaces to choose from at Anthroplogie.
Honey rose & K Turquoise Medallion Bracelet – $55
If the lotus necklace doesn’t fit your lady’s tastes, this turquoise and gold bracelet is a stunner. Easily layered with other bracelets (a big trend in women’s style right now), but perfect on its own, it’s a great everyday piece that will get a lot of wear.
Thomas Paul Jackie Sunglass Case – $34
This brand makes sunglasses cases, based on the frames of female icons. The case above references Jackie O‘s famous enormous sunglasses. There’s also the Iris case which was inspired by fashion icon and businesswoman Iris Apfel, as well as the Thelma case, named after Susan Sarandon’s character in Thelma & Louise. Cute and modern.
Bose QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones – $269
Have you tried these? They’re pretty incredible. They have amazing Bose sound for use with music and movies, but the real clincher is their noise cancelling capability. If you’re buying for a woman who flies a lot (or a tech geek), these would be a great gift. You don’t realize that hearing the din on an airplane for hours on end is completely exhausting. These allow the wearer to tune everything out, making it much easier to sleep, get work done, or simply concentrate on the book she’s reading.
Thymes Filigree Hand Cream – $17
Thymes is my favorite bath/body/home fragrance brand. They make complex, beautiful scents, then stick them in luxurious creams, soaps, and candles. This particular scent, Filigree, is just elegant. Unfortunately they’ve pretty much discontinued products with this scent, except during the holidays–win!
Dean & Deluca Truffle Salt – $28
If you have a foodie in your life, a great gift is an assortment of rare or gourmet food stuffs. Items she’s not going to find next to the oregano at the local grocery store. For the past couple years, exotic flavored salts have been a big trend which is why I singled out the truffle salt above, but check out the rest of Dean & Deluca’s website–lavender vinegar, citrus ginger spice rub, Tasmanian Manuka honey! Or, find the local gourmet shops near you and go browse. You can buy one or two small things to put in her stocking, or you can ask the shop to make a gift basket filled with goodies as her main present.
J. Crew Smartphone Leather Gloves – $118
Warm, and smartphone enabled. As in, you can track on your smartphone screen without taking these gloves off. Perfect for a girl, because girls don’t like to be cold (my husband is very aware of this, it’s a topic every winter). Plus they come in 4 different colors, and three different sizes. The price is steep, but knowing J. Crew, there should be a sale code that will discount these gloves in the near future.
Steve Madden Judithh Bootie – $127.45 ($149.95)
Are you supposed to say the name of this shoe like Daffy Duck? Anyhow, This is a pretty safe bootie to buy for many a lady. Styling is classic, heel’s not too high, and the arrow tips at the end of the laces bring in just enough trend (thanks Katniss!). Leather upper, but everything else is man-made. Also available in black. Price shown above utilizes code SMDEC1, which takes 15% off orders of $100+, and activates free shipping. For orders heading north of $150, use code SMDEC8 for 20% off + free shipping. I would say add something cheap to tip that $150 threshold, but there’s nothing cheap enough on the Steve Madden site to make it worth it.
Kate Spade Studs – $48 or Michael Kors Pav© Hoops – $95
Most girls appreciate some sparkle around Christmas time, especially with New Year’s right around the corner. Here are two designer pieces that won’t break the bank. Both earrings come in multiple metal choices, and the hoops even come in a cobalt blue pav©.
LOFT Beaded Bow Stripe Cotton Tee – $49.50
A feminine take on the humble t-shirt. With bows and beading, this tee moves into the realm of dressy-casual. It can be paired with jeans, but it wouldn’t look out of place with black slacks. Also available in petite. One piece of advice about LOFT, never pay full price. They are ALWAYS running sale codes or just marking things down, like our friends over at J. Crew.
New Dawn Plaid Jacket – $68.99
This jacket is a cotton/poly blend, so it won’t be the best during the frigid days of winter. But it’s a perfect transitional coat when days creep back up into the 40’s and continue to warm bit by bit into spring. If the plaid isn’t quite the style the woman you’re shopping for would usually wear, no worries. Ruche has a wide variety of stylish coats for any taste. If you’re just looking to gift a basic peacoat, Target makes a great affordable version. And right now at Target, clothing is buy one get one 50% off, so you can pick a coat up for her, and an Ultimate Dress Shirt for yourself.
Shot From A Cannon Bookends – $65
For the whimsical bookworm on your list that actually still reads honest to goodness books made of paper, or at least has some on a shelf. These bookends are handmade by artist Eric Gross in Kentucky, and sold by Uncommon Goods.
Caudalie Vine Body Luxury Set – $28
Gift her some lux at a really inexpensive price. Caudalie is know for high quality products, and a set like this is perfect for winter skin. Plus, you get to look at the sexy picture on the front of the body butter tube. Hiyoo!
If none of the items on this list tickle your fancy, don’t despair. Check out gift site Lulu & Georgia which has a lot of fun items; another option is Adele, a recently launched jewelry (and gift) site with unique pieces by independent designers; ModCloth is always a good bet for kitschy home decor items (and clothing); and Etsy has an endless assortment of handmade and original trinkets. Good luck and happy holidays!