Saturday, November 22, 2014

Cool Gifts Under $200

Here are some thoughtful (and very stylish) gifts for the special ladies in your life.  I know it's not even Thanksgiving, but COME on...gift giving is fun! Oh, and the list features items under $200. You're welcome:

The Hostess: she's entertainer extraordinaire! Don't mess around with flowers.  Give her the Kate Spade New York (set of 2) Notebooks to keep her to-do list looking chic:

















The Bundle: she rarely naps and screams a lot, but her smile makes the hearing loss worth it. Order a Land of Nod Executive Chair and choose from many colors. She can climb it, bite it and best of all, it's noise-free:





















The Grandma: she loves you and your family! Put special memories into a keepsake album for her to cherish. You will be her fave grandkiddo, guaranteed. Check out the Apple iPhoto book:














The BFF: imagine life without her loving support, got-your-back attitude and amazing humor--I can't. So opt for delicate jewelry that speaks volumes like the Dogeared Best.Friend.Ever. Necklace:




















The Sister: a joy, a friend, and the one who knows you best. Brighten her day with the Fragrance Collection White Tile-print Candle by Tory Burch. She can light this and think of her awesome sister:



















The Young Daughter: this cutie tootie loves to raid your closest. Oh dear. Give her some of her own sparkle with the Girls' Glitter and Leather Pochette from J.Crew:



The Mother: she gave you life and loves you forever. Wrap her in your love with the Tissue Weight Wool/Cashmere Pashmina from Nordstrom:























The Wife: "you don't need to get me anything" is a TEST. Do not flunk it.  Hello, Starburst Single-Station Cable Bracelet with Diamonds by David Yurman (P.S. this does not meet budget - nor should it):






















The Hipster Teen: probably the most difficult of the species. Thank goodness for the iLuv MobiTour Portable Bluetooth Speaker. Now she can jam out louder to whatever tunes the kids like these days:



















The Me to Me: 'tis better to give than receive (but a little pick-me-up never hurt). And a girl's gotta look good, so grab the Virtual Domination Cheek Palette by NARS:


















STYLINGSTAGE suggests GIVING! Merry shopping. Style on.


Thursday, October 2, 2014

Fall Feast - 10 Trends

Amazing to finally sit and talk happy things: like FALL style! My eyes are always bigger than my wallet (thus is life), but STYLINGSTAGE's “m.o.” is still in full effect. Here are 10 worthy trends and picks within a friendly budget:

1). PrintMANIA: look for long sleeve dresses and top coats in dark, graphic prints with lots of texture. Pair with more subtle options to balance out the crazy factor (unless you’re crazy). Booties, of course. I want this.

Print dress with long sleeves, Zara:


























2). CHUNKYmonkey: think cable knit, crew-neck sweaters in soft, neutral hues.  Looks chic when paired with skinny leather pants or skirt. Add rose gold jewelry for an unexpected touch. Any boot will do. The goal is beautiful-cozy.

Lucinda Sweater, Club Monaco:


























3). JewelLIGHT: light, airy necklaces, bracelets and thin stacking rings is the look du jour this season. Any shade of gold. Find them on the cheap or splurge a little. It’s a nice break from rocks on steroids.

Gorjana Mila Shimmer Rings, Piperlime.com:




4). RisingWAIST: the waistband is moving north on all styles and aged/distressed and some novelty are trending too.  But classic dark rinse cigarettes or black skinnies (my fave) are always in. Pair with almost anything.

Destructed High Waist Jeans by Joe's, Nordstrom:

























5). POINTer: the pointy toe has been back for a few seasons, but this time in gorgeous flats (missing the middle) and pumps with geometric cut-outs. Black or color or print. It’s all good.

Jaden Pointy Toe Pumps, Nine West:














6). theBLAZE: oversized blazers are IT.  Try a double-breasted glen plaid or a classic black in a bum-covering length.  Pair with distressed jeans and a cute top. Add delicate jewelry and pointy toe pumps with cut-outs to light it up.

Tuxedo-inspired Boyfriend Blazer, Forever 21:




7). SPORTYspice: Sportswear meets mainstream. Look for cool prints over black (give neon a break) in tights, hoodies or kicks. Remember, white only looks cool in Chuck Taylors.

Triangular Be Free Tight, Athleta.com:





















8). BAGthat: Shoulder straps, crossbodys and top handles are making headlines. But the most modern look this season is anything in COLOR (bold or pastel). Go for any shade that makes you giddy.

Bowling Bag with Knots, Zara:





9). LEATHERme: slim pants, perforated or pleated skirts (mini or midi), cropped moto jackets, take your pick.  Black still rules.  Mix with softer textures and pieces for a luxe feel. Hard core and ladylike all at once. Perfection.

Pleated Leather Skirt, Banana Republic:


























10). WRAPsody: the freshest take on coats is the wrap. Gorgeous, insanely chic, and fits all figures. Camel, winter white and black are always solid bets.  I love you.

Long Wrap Coat, Zara:
























STYLINGSTAGE suggests all of the above (or at least 1 new item!).

That's all folks. Style on.