Gifts for the girls: fashion and pampering
are appropriate
By
Melissa Muro
That time of shorter days has come again. The time of darkness before dinner, running to and from your car to limit your time outside (and truly understanding the necessity for paying more for garage space), and savoring burning hot coffee. Yes, it is our infamous Chicago winter.
While the winter may force us to notice and appreciate things that bring us warmth, it also brings holiday cheer, street decorations, an excuse for hibernation, and The List―that good old holiday gift list, which can bring both great satisfaction and horrid frustration at the same time.
To help limit your frustration and enhance your sense of accomplishment, here are a few gift ideas to impress even your pickiest recipients, while keeping in mind fashion trends, budget, and practicality.
For fashion-conscious women and teens, accessories are the perfect gift at any price point. In the diverse world of accessories the sky is the limit. Accessories are special because they represent the time and thought that went into choosing the perfect items. Look for purses, belts, earrings, hats, and scarves with feminine details, velvet or another luxurious fabric trimming, metallic finishes, wooden accouchements, and hardware accents. This season, the more costume jewelry the better.
Some specifics include:
Bangles (multiple bracelets) and cuffs (wide bracelets);
Clutch purses;
Thin belts with a bowTights and stockings―look for prints, color, stripes, textures, thick knits, and piping (not all together); or wooden or metallic details;
Wide stretchy belts;
Spa treatments, a manicure and pedicure, and a massage or facial, preferably somewhere that also serves a cappuccino while the recipient is being pampered;
Candles that stand as a centerpiece and enhance the overall mood of the room;
Tee-shirts with personality―a throwback to childhood;
Picture frames—think of the recipient’s personality and go with smaller and brighter frames for teens to showcase their friends and crazy times, a striking glass or metal frame for your special someone to flaunt her wedding dress and one love, and for a mother, a frame with multiple spaces for her children and other close family members, classic wood or art deco;
Stationery―keep things old school and personal;
Long or hoop earrings; keep to the metals―gold or silver are good, but platinum and diamonds never hurt;
Fuzzy bulky sweaters―black or winter white is safe;
Fur trimmed boots―tall lace-ups or pull-ons, so long as the fur trim shows at the top;
Gift certificate to her favorite shoe store. Warning to men: do not attempt shoe purchasing for your woman. Women cannot fake their happiness when it comes to bad shoes;
Movie passes―have you noticed the cost of movies these days?
Romantic and classic DVD must-haves. Women can watch a convincing love story over and over again. A few good ones are The Notebook, The Way We Were, How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Gone With The Wind, Along Came Polly, and the 1930 original Love Affair.
For the women under 12 in your life, there are two words: American Girl.Melissa Muro is president of Fashion In Chicago, www.fashioninchicago.com.
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