Outfits Not Just Clothes

Last week I highlighted some unique and affordable gift options from Rituals in this post . Today I want to feature a new take on a more traditional gift--SOCKS! Particularly, fun and functional socks instead of the boring ones your Aunt Lucy used to crookedly knit for you each year.  I've recently discovered Bombas !   "Derived from the Latin word for bumblebee. Bees live in a hive and work together to make their world a better place. They're small, but their combined actions have a big impact on the world. We like that. That's why our mantra is bee better. We knit it on the inside of every pair of Bombas as a reminder that you helped someone in need with your purchase. And a reminder that little improvements can add up to make a big difference. Socks are the #1 most requested clothing item at homeless shelters. We started Bombas to make an impact on our community here in the U.S. For every pair you purchase, we donate a pair to someone in need." So, n...

It's always a pleasure to find a new company/brand/product/website especially at this time of year when searching for unique gifts. Thanks to a beauty article in the October issue of Glamour I came across Rituals -- Inspired by the wisdom and ancient traditions of Asian cultures, we created an extensive collection of luxurious yet affordable products for home and body. We hope to enrich your life using unique signature fragrances that are carefully designed and composed by the world’s finest perfumers. So far I have these items in my cart as potential gifts: Night Balm for Hands I'm thinking of picking up several bottles of this night balm for those "just in case" for when someone unexpected surprises with a present and you feel obligated to gift in return. Also, this will be great for daycare teachers, work friends, the neighbor lady who gets the mail when you're out of town, etc.   Mini Fragrance Sticks Hello, hostess gift! Especially f...

Each year around this time Nordstrom has their HUGE Anniversary Sale . And, unlike other sales in July/August that are reducing summer stock to make way for fall/winter appearal, Nordstom's has amazing deals on coats, boots, trousers etc. It's a great time to stock up on basics and splurge on a few luxury items.  It's also a strategic start to your Christmas shopping . I know, it's only July, but hey you've got to start sometime and why not take adavantage of the savings now?! You'll be grateful you did when December rolls around.  So here are my top gift giving pics from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale : Jute Tote A personalized gift, even one as simple as a monogramed bag, shows you've really thought about that person, and had them in mind for this particular item. It's tempting to stock up on these types of totes, especially at ($20 a piece), but be warned if you end up giving the same bag within your circle of family and friends. They'll...