Holiday. Celebrate.

Hermes Boxes - source: Pinterest

Originally posted in The CLOSET

When it comes to gifting, practicality becomes a bit of a bad word around my house.  I could definitely use a new blender and we definitely need laundry detergent - but you see, those things remind me of work and at Christmas, for just one short time during the year, I kind of just feel like not working.  Are you with me?  Can I get a 'woot, woot' for that?  I remember once when my dad got my mom a microwave for Christmas.  She hated microwaves.  And of course, the time when my husband bought his poor mom a new power drill.  Guess who ended up using it?

Now, 'wishes' and 'wants' on the other hand are definitely top of mind.  The best gifts?  The ones that make your sister, wife, husband our bestie feel super special.  These ultra-stylish presents will do exactly that, and although they all technically serve a 'purpose', their raison d'être is really just to make your favourites look and feel fabulous.  Love!  Check back soon for more great gift ideas, including ideas for the athlete, the classic beauty, the kid (and kid-at-heart) and even your dog.  Oh he's going to get so spoiled this year...

1. Twill Parka, $168, Gap; 2. iPhone 5 32GB, $279.99, The Source; 3. Skull Loafers, $120, ZiGi at Town Shoes; 4. Lana Del Rey: Born to Die, $11.99, Sunrise Records; 5. Tory Burch Cat-Eye Glasses, $149,Sunglass Hut; 6. Eva Lace Skirt, $189.50, Club Monaco; 7. Two-Tone Leather iPad Case, $54.95, Gap; 8. Jewel-Encrusted Ring, $15.98, ALDO Accessories; 9. Jonathan Adler All-Occasion Card Set, $15, The Bay; 10. Laser-Cut Barrel Bag, $55, ALDO Accessories; 11. Isabelle Double-Breasted Coat, $369, Club Monaco; 12. Distressed Denim Shirt, $29.95, H&M; 13. Pushlock Crossbody Bag, $25, American Eagle Outfitters; 14. Metallic Sequin Blazer, $150, RW&CO.; 15. Mohair-Blend Cardigan with Sequins, $49.95,H&M; 16. NARS Lipstick in Schiap, $30, Sephora; 17. Delsey Aero-Lite 18" Carry On Spinner, $99.99, The Bay

1. Nixon 51-30 Watch, $599.99, Boathouse; 2. Native Union Soft Touch Pop Phone, $39.99, The Bay; 3. Bowery Quilted Jacket, $448, Coach; 4. Reversible Cotton Belt, $24.95, Gap; 5. Davis Slim-Fit Chino, $69.50, Club Monaco; 6. Soundgarden: King Animal, $14.99, Sunrise Records; 7. Sunglasses, $12, ALDO Accessories; 8. Bleecker Letter Opener, $98, Coach; 9. Mixed Media Camo Bag, $74.95, Gap; 10. Fitted Herringbone Shirt, $69, RW&CO.; 11. Tweed Tie, $34.95, Gap; 12. iPod Nano 16GB, $169.99, The Source; 13. Cable-Knit Sweater, $49.95, Gap; 14. Monster Beats by Dr. Dre Solo HD Headphones, $219.99, The Source 

Call Me Lazy

  

1. On the Dot iPhone 4 Cover, $35 US, Kate Spade; 2. Rissani Bamboo iPhone Case, $15, Indigo; 3. Whipsnake iPhone 4 Case, $35.50, J.Crew; 4. Tortoise iPhone 5 Case, $35.50, J.Crew; 5. Customizable Photo iPhone Case, $34.95, Casetagram (also available for Samsung Galaxy & iPads); 6. Moustache iPhone Case, $16, Urban Outfitters

Blackberry Curve Commuter Series Strength Case, $34.95, Otterbox (10% of proceeds go towards the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade)

Harper Gray Monogrammed iPhone 5 Cases, Etsy (ps - she also makes amazing stationery and business cards)

Ted Baker London 'Bird Branch' Galaxy S3 Cover, $46.33, Nordstrom

I'll admit that I'm embarassingly slow when it comes to adopting new technology.  Case in point: I just got an iPhone 4S. Call me lazy but I already had an iPhone 3 & couldn't be bothered to figure out a whole new phone, especially now that I've gotten so good(ish) at texting.  And I would have waited for the 5 but I have so many plugs/ports that it felt wasteful to have to buy all new ones.  But you say the Samsung Galaxy is where it's at?  Fine, the phone-tapping, file-sharing thing is super cool, especially if you have friends with great playlists. And their new ads are super compelling.  I want to watch videos while I text, too! Though I question if they're actually trying to create more accidents. Oh, but you over there?  BBM is so amazing, right? I know, I know...you could never give that up.  And sorry, what's an Android? 

I'm confused.   All I know is that I love a pretty phone case since they're an inexpensive way to convey your style while protecting your precious.  I'm not a big fan of overt insignia so my current keeper is made of simple, clear lucite.  These fun little cases are quite fetching, though, esp. that whipsnake number (LOVE), and will protect my poor smartie from the school of hard knocks that is my toddler-filled house. It's a miracle that my phone has survived it all.  The iPad on the other hand....