Valentine's Day: An Etsy Gift Guide for Him and Her

Today is the day the chocolate companies, lingerie companies, and Hallmark all get a little bit richer off our desire to tell the one we love just how much we do, in fact, love them. The old saying "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways" has been replaced with "How much do you love me? Let me count the gifts". It's a sad but true state of affairs yet, there is light at the end of this love tunnel. It's called personalized gifts. All you have to do is peruse Etsy for a bit and you'll find some great little gems. After all, the BEST gifts are those that stand for a moment in time, an anniversary, an inside joke. A standard heart-shaped box of chocolates and flowers just ain't going to cut it anymore because everyone has done that and everyone expects that, even the fellas! I encourage you all to think outside the box and take some of the gifts below into consideration when shopping for your lover. They'll be so thankful, your Valentine's Day dessert will be more than just a chocolate soufflé, if you know what I mean...;) ;)

For the guys: Every guy wants to feel loved and wanted and with these gifts, you'll hit both sqare on the head.

If your bloke loves music more than most, this sweet keychain should tickle his inner rock star and sensitivity.

The rustic leather and sweet detail of latitudes and longitudes would melt any manly man. Personalize the lat. and long. with where you met, where you got married, where he was born, etc. It'll mean so much.

Yes, those are space invaders from the back-in-the-day video game. Yes, your man will love it, even if he's "too big" to play video games anymore.

Piggy backing off the previous image, these awesome Ninento cufflinks are perfect for the man boy in your life, or even for the reformed gamer turned professional. Everybody needs to be reminded of their childhood now and then.

Because why not? What guy doesn't dream of being so badass, that he punches out a bear?!

I think this one is more gender neutral (I want one!) but I also think it just looks cool and a guy would like the sentiment and design.

For the ladies: Almost every woman I know wants something NOT typical or expected for Valentine's Day (hell, any celebratory-type day!) but that shouldn't deter you from spending a little time thinking about it. Sometimes, the simplest things are the most treasured.

This one is an easy win for V-day gift giving: your intial + their initial + heart= extreme lovey-dovey mushy cuteness (but also will match everything in her closet, bonus point! ;)

There is so much you can do with this: silly picture of you, the two of you, your baby, pet, etc. The options are limitless and this particular seller gives you the option of applying a filter for a desired effect. The result is antique looking, black and white, you name it.

I sense a keychain theme here...I love this because if you have a special someone who tends to forget your anniversary, now there's no excuse!

A non-jewelry item. Ideal for the gal who loves herself some beauty/bath products. Always be mindful of the scent if the items (for both your sakes). A safe bet is sticking to a scent she already wears and that you like.

A non love-themed gift. Bonus- will look good on anybody and will go with everything. Word of caution: this is a high-contrast piece so rethink this as an option if your lady is more like a shy violet.

For the woman in your life who's a bit of a blinged-out beauty. You can never have too many flashy accessories.

 

Last but not least, the perfect card. Good for either a laddy or a lass.

Too. Much. Cuteness! Who wouldn't want to open this?!

Happy V-Day Lovebirds!

Image(s) courtesy of various Etsy.com vendors. Click the pictures to visit that particular item, as well as the rest of the seller's shop.

Holiday Parties with Ugly Sweaters and Ties

It's officially December. I can't believe it. The turkey and stuffing and ham and mashed potatoes are still fresh on my tongue! But, December has its moments. One of the best- and possibly worst- reasons why this month can be fun is it's the official start to holiday parties. Sometimes the prospect of what to wear can be daunting. Is it office appropriate? Where do I find an "ugly" Christmas sweater? Should I wear a suit? It's like you've just come from seeing all your family, which can be overwhelming enough, and now you have to figure out how to dress for all the parties you'll have to attend. Luckily, you have me- perpetual shopper!

A great online source, if you've got time to wait for a package, is uglyxmasparty.com. The name says it all. There are so many cute and yet somehow still ugly sweaters, you're bound to find one you (secretly) like. Plus, they're also an Etsy store!

Uglyxmassweater.com, $24

If you need something now, hit up the always reliable Nordstrom. A cute cardigan with a festive theme will suffice for most Christmas sweater parties. You don't always have to go ugly.

Fair Isle cardi, $38.

Guys, if you have that hipster-style, then include this sweater in your daily rotation for winter. If not, just wear it as a gag. Either way, it passes as a holiday sweater. And if you have a girl like me, she's probably going to steal it from you when you're done anyway.

Urban Outfitters, $74

Last but not least guys, if you have to wear a suit this year do so with a novelty tie. The suit makes you look good but the tie shows you're fun. I could show you where to go to find a tie but you know where they are. Any clothing store worth its sand is going to have festive ties this time of year. Instead, I'll show you how to TIE that fabulous tie once you've purchased one. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Isn't that what this time of year is all about?

ABCNeckties is the go-to resource for anything you ever wanted to know about neckties, including a history of them! Over 15 different types of tie knots exist (who knew!?) with great names like Balthus Knot, Cavendish Knot, and Half Windsor knot. There's also a video accompanying each type with a step-by-step process for how to get the job done. Gentlemen, prepare to be fit to be tied.

abcneckties.com, $10

 











Image(s) courtesy of Google Image Search
 

How To Tie A Sash: My obsession with the obi waist belt

Nothing adds outfit impact like the prefect waist belt.  You can belt dresses, tunics, over sweaters, under sweaters, and the list goes on and on.  I love the look, and there are so many styles to choose from.  Personally, I've been on the hunt for the perfect obi sash style belt for this fall.

When on the hunt for unique items, one of the places I always check first is Etsy.com.  Top of the search list, I found one seller, nanafosu, with this super cool leather version.

This Etsy store not only sells these cool belts in various colors, all leather, but they also post great examples of how to tie them.  I am buying this one ASAP, and figured the pictures were worth passing along to you guys.

This is going to look so cute with my new boots I purchased at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale!

Image(s) courtesy of Etsy seller nanafosu

--UPDATED-- Aqua Brand Clear Beaded Necklace- A MUST HAVE

Behold the gloriousness that is this Aqua clear beaded necklace!!!!  This is a MUST BUY piece.  Why?

-I get compliments on it every time I wear it
-It's spot on for the lucite trend for Spring
-It looks like the $695 Michael Kors version for only $48
-It has a nice bulky size
-Because it's clear, it goes with everything
-It can be purchased only from Bloomingdale's on sale during their "friends & family" event

--UPDATE--
Bloomingdale's SOLD OUT of this necklace so fast it made my head spin.  Had multiple requests for it from clients, and doing my best, could not get my hands on another one... until now (July 2010)!  Found on Etsy, for only $20!!! {click to purchase}








Image(s) courtesy of Bloomingdales.com and MichaelKors.com

Chanel Inspired for Every Budget on Etsy

I don't know about you, but I sure can't afford authentic Chanel anything these days (well, except the Chanel beauty products). I surfed etsy like usual, and here are some Chanel inspired items I found that will satisfy your need for designer duds at a fraction of the price!

This beautiful necklace would also double as a great belt. $40








This necklace would look great paired with a white blouse. $48











This Necklace is that statement maker you have been looking for. $129











Chain straps are all the rage right now. Keep it simple with this necklace. $45











This necklace is attached to a very cute black tank. $78











A basic necklace, but one that will never go out of style. $18









All images from Etsy.com

Bib Necklace on Etsy.com

I love shopping etsy for one-of-a-kind versions of trendy items. In fact, I even found many of the accessories for my own wedding on etsy.com.


Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that bib necklaces are all the rage right now. I found this truly beautiful take on the trend from Flora Bond's etsy shop.

UPDATE- Flora Bond is offering free shipping to all of my readers....

Image courtesy of Flora Bond