Get a gift for. . .the GIRLFRIEND

Here's some ideas for your other half...

Instead of heading over to Vicki's for lingerie this year (if that's your style), check out Free People's slips and jammys. The Flower Patch Slip is pretty enough to make her feel sexy, but comfortable enough that she'll want to wear it again and again. Sounds like a win-win to me. ($78.00)

A girl can never have too many jackets (just ask my closet). This year the jacket of my affections is this Cropped Tartan Trench from J. Crew. The pattern is absolutely brilliant and it passes my two rules of thumb: must have pockets and a liner. ($350.00)

I love the idea of gifting a journal. And if you can make it somehow more personal and private - all the better. There are a few Etsy sellers who are currently selling journals made from vintage books, which I think is really unique. Check out Nightjar Books - they have great styles to choose from (some pictured above). Bonus: write a romantic "entry" on the first page. (Prices start around $25.00)

And if she can't have a new coat, then how about a new tote? QueenBee Creations are all handmade and totally unique. The Vine Tote is a perfect carryall for books, weekend clothes, or whatever else her heart desires. ($86.00)

Do you and your significant other enjoy cuddling up on the couch and watching many, many hours of Food Network? If Iron Chef is one that you regularly watch, then consider picking her up this Iron Chef Gift Set. It includes a wok, stir fry tea oil, Kishibori Shoyu, an AUTOGRAPHED cookbook by none other than Chef Morimoto, and a kitchen timer to perform your own version of the show at home. No pressure! ($99.95, available at Sur La Table)

Finally, if all she really wants is jewelry, here are a couple of options that will stand out from all the rest.


Hollie Ten makes really cool pieces that may appear subtle, but they definitely make a statement. You can pick up some of her stuff through her website, but I found that Tobi has some awesome stuff of hers, too. Prices range around the $100.00 mark.

Wanna give your girlfriend some bling? Get her a mini silhouette ring pendant from Carrie Weston. Available in silver for $90.00.

New Orleans Baby!

In case anyone was wondering, the gift giver went to New Orleans on a three-day excursion. If you've never been, or if you haven't been post-Katrina, I highly recommend it. The city is really getting back on it's feet and the people there are all about having a great time. If you're in the area and looking for possible souvenirs/gifts here are some hot spots I found.

The New Orleans School of Cooking and Louisiana General Store in the French Quarter offers daily cooking classes, plus a store where you can get traditional New Orleans seasonings. I picked up some Joe's seasoning for stocking stuffers (also available in their online shop). The staff there is very friendly and willing to help with whatever you are looking for.

I'm not necessarily a sweet person, but it's had to go to New Orleans without passing a praline shop. Many claim to be the "original," and while that is an argument I wouldn't want to touch, I had a chance to sample Aunt Sally's at the French Market, and they are delish! Pick up a box for grandma.

If you head over to Magazine Street, you must hit up Pied Nu. It is a cute little boutique with all sorts of gifts, I especially love their jewelry (warning...they aren't cheap)! You may also want to check out Hazelnut, which has the "exclusive" New Orleans Toile. When I first moved to CT, I turned into a toile freak, and although I have since calmed down, my heart went pitter-patter at the thought of a New Orleans toile accordion file.

So, there you have it! Anyone else have good gift recommendations for the NOLA area?

Charming

Design*Sponge posted a link to Bethan Lloyd Worthington's creations. Her one-of-a-kind works are equally as impressive as her name (or is that just my transference of an early high school obsession with Oscar Wilde?). Commission one of these charming bracelets for £20-£25.

Handmade Jewelry is a Girl's Best Friend

Handmade jewelry is more accessible to the average Internet shopper than ever, and I could not be more thrilled. Jewelry is obviously a great gift for multiple occasions. Here are some of my favorite homemade jewelry sites:

Anne Maa Designs (via Modish)

I love the wire-wrapping and simple stone creations. This jewelry has a little more weight to it, so it's perfect for fall.

Space Mermaid

Space Mermaid was one of the first handmade jewelry designers I saw on the net. The creations are simple, light, and magical. The packaging is also perfection!

Handmade Julz

These are design-your-own bracelets, necklaces, and rings. You pick they type of jewelery, the image, and the wire, and then Julz makes it and sends it to you. The results are great, and one-of-a-kind!