All You Need is LOVE - And Houndstooth

I'm serious...this houndstooth wrapping paper is insane.  Not only is it pretty, but it's the most versatile print I've ever used!  Check out how awesome the yellow version looks for both a two-year old's birthday present (left) and a college girls Easter gift (right):




And I can't say enough about the gray houndstooth also featured above.  If you were going to buy just one roll of wrapping paper, the gray houndstooth is all you need, the possibilities are endless!  Think ahead to the next couple of months and all of the events you have to shop and wrap for: Mother's Day = pair with pink, mint or yellow decor.  Father's Day = navy or royal blue and gold.  June wedding = Tiffany, turquoise or pale blue.  Teen birthday = anything neon.  Baby shower/welcome gift = pastels....I think coordinating with the nursery colors is always thoughtful.  

See?  Endless.  And of course, if you need help or just don't have the time to shop and wrap but want to look like a total rockstar...email me at giftedbyamy@gmail.com and I can make that happen!

Time to Get Naked!

   

NAKED PALETTE, $50 AT SEPHORA

Cosmetically, of course... minds out of gutters, please.  After a somewhat lengthy hiatus, I'm totally back and totally obsessed with The Naked Palette from Urban Decay.  Trust me, the beauty lover on your gift list will be too.  

Not only are the shades flattering on all skin tones, but the deeper colors allow you to do waaaaay more than a natural look if you and/or your recipient are, like me, "that girl" wearing all the eye makeup.

NAKED BASICS, $27 AT SEPHORA

Working within a gift budget or spending limit?  Try Naked Basics, six matte, all neutral colors.  This palette makes a perfect addition if your recipient already owns the original!

Now, DO NOT throw these palettes in a bag with tissue paper!  The shape is super easy to wrap, even if your skill level is (like my yoga abilities) beginner at best.  Check back later for some recent, fashion-inspired wrapping ideas!

On a Budget: What to Gift the Beauty Lover on Your List!

So, my day-job involves a lot of waiting in offices.  And when I say "a lot" I mean anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour and a half.  And inevitably, someone always attempts to strike up a conversation with me.  Today, despite my best attempt to appear super-busy, a stranger started chatting me up.  Under normal circumstances I'd end the conversation asap, but we got on the topic of Christmas gifts and, being Gifted, I took the road less traveled and continued the conversation.

She shared with me that she has yet to begin her gift shopping and that she's on a super-tight budget this year.  While last minute shopping is literally panic-inducing for me, I completely understand the importance of sticking to your planned budget.  With a $25-$30 max allowance, these are the items I suggested:

1. Garnier Fructis 3-Minute Undo Hair Mask  - this product rivals Kiehl's in my opinion and is only $6.50
2. St. Ives Apricot Scrub - every year this scrub makes every beauty must-have list!  $5.00
3. Wet & Wild lipgloss in Bronze Berry - this color is a duplicate (or as I like to say "dupe") for the Chanel Glossimer in Blizzard and is $2.00
4. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Navy Baby or Wine Not - the best long lasting formula for the DIY mani/pedi; these colors are good for any skin tone and are only $6.00
5. Fun cosmetic bag - this will also serve as the wrapping for the gift, let's maximize this budget! $10.00

All of these products are available at drugstore.com and qualify for free shipping!  This woman literally wrote everything down and thanked me a million times, which made me feel really good.  Hopefully, her friend feels the same when she opens, or rather, unzips her gift!

Harajuku Mini: A Not-So-Mini Review

I was so, so, so excited for the debut of Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Mini line at Target!  Having sustained injuries from the now infamous Missoni launch, I was pleased that stores weren't that crazy.  I prefer to see collections in person prior to purchasing; it let's me assess quality/sizing so I can make honest recommendations and purchases for my clients.  And let's be real, there's something about a $13 designer tee that should make everyone raise an eyebrow in disbelief.  

Overall, the line is super-fun, trendy and totally unique!  The colors are bright and it's a great mix of punk and preppy styles.  Two things to be consider before I dive into my must-haves:

1. Don't expect the screen print pieces to be of higher quality than any other Target label.  They are certainly adorable, but sadly, I don't see the tees staying in good shape after a couple of washes.  One exception: the screen print on the motorcycle hoodie is dramatically better and well worth $20!
2. Don't waste time looking for anything in boy's sizes, it's only available for infant and toddlers.  I know, I'm disappointed too.  I mean, come on, Gwen!  You have two boys, you know how hard it is to find trendy, stylish clothes for them!  I expected more from you.  But I still love you...I'm sure you were worried for a second.  

My must-haves for the infant LittleMan you're shopping for:  LOVE these one piece suits!  The stitching makes the quality better than their screen print counterparts.

For the infant Punk Princess on your gift list, these tutu outfits are adorable!  The center isn't cream, despite how it appears in the advertisements.  It has little rosebuds scattered throughout the tulle.  So cute!!

 Only two of the Toddler boy pieces made my cut, I envision this little tux ensemble with jeans!

Toddler and little girl Punk Princesses had a much better selection.  The absolute BEST deal is this plaid dress and the gray leopard version: beautiful, very flouncy and $24.  Yes, correct.  Twenty-four dollars.

My Princess and LittleMan are oblivious to the fact that when I can, I dress them in coordinating ensembles.  If you're shopping for a brother/sister gift, snatch up the motorcycle hoodie jackets.  I'm envisioning my daughter wearing hers with her hot pink/zebra Popatu tutu and my son pairing his with his dark wash True Religion jeans.

So if you're feeling funky, punky or just want to gift something different, these Harajuku Mini pieces are the way to go!                                                                                                                                                                                                      

With the holidays just around the corner, it's safe to assume you'll be attending a soiree or two or three.  My Golden Rule when it comes to being a good guest?  Never arrive empty-handed.  But what exactly should you arrive with?  My top five:

1. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE homemade baked goods as hostess gifts!  Not a baker?  Not a problem!  Send Foiled Cupcakes  http://www.foiledcupcakes.com/; delicious, gourmet cupcakes will arrive at your host/hostess's home by noon
2. Wine is a classic; or add some sparkle with a Champagne!  Veuve Clicquot is a personal fav; for an all-girls event, try the Rose.
3. Monogrammed bar accessories are timeless and will get tons of use this time of year!  http://www.potterybarn.com/shop/dinnerware-entertaining/glassware/bar-accessories/
4. Anything L'Occitane Lavander!
5. Make a kit!  Par exemple: Pasta + marinara sauce + block or Parmesan cheese + recipe; present in a reusable basket or stainless steel bowl decorated with ribbon.  This idea is easily customized to not only your hostesses tastes and interests, but your budget.  I love the "Film Buff" example from Real Simple

Real Simple "Film Buff" Hostess Gift

Until I began hosting events in my own home, I never understood how much effort goes into the entertaining process!  So trust me when I say no matter what you gift your host or hostess, your thought and effort will be sincerely appreciated!

Put it in Neutral: Layettes for Patient Parents

My most recent neutral baby gift

It is soooo en vogue right now to wait and find out if Baby is a Prince or Princess.  Personally, I don't have the patience and would most likely be thrown into an anxiety attack.  But as luck would have it, the majority of baby showers I've attended or been hired to shop for lately have been neutral.  Good thing I'm gifted.

What to do when shopping for bouncy and Bumbo seats isn't as appealing as shopping for teeny, tiny clothes?  My advice is go with white, gray or animal print layettes.  Kissy Kissy brand has been my neutral go-to of late.  Love the lightweight, breathable cotton and their gowns also snap as pants.  Another option? A super luxurious Little Giraffe blanket!  Try the silver or cream color versus the standard neutral green or yellow; if those patient parents plan on picking pink or blue bedding once Baby arrives, either will coordinate beautifully.

Little Giraffe blanket in cream

Sophie la Girafe teether

 Most important: stick with a theme!  Par exemple: layette set with lambs on it + a stuffed lamb; froggie hooded towel + froggie bath toy; Little Giraffe blanket + Sophie la Girafe teether.  Be creative, not random.  Speaking of random, how awesome is that Little Giraffe + Sophie combo?  I just thought of that as I was typing!  Next neutral gift?  Done.

Have a Super Orgasm, NARS Style!

No matter what your personal glamour style happens to be, odds are you enjoy a Super Orgasm...of the NARS variety.  This pretty, peachy-pink palette flatters all skin tones and is literally a legend in cosmetic lore.  Interested in a ménage à trois?  Check out the Tempting Trio; a combination set for your lips, cheeks and nails. 



Tempting Trio in Super Orgasm, $39


Generally, I would advise that unless you know your recipients specific makeup brand/color preference, don't opt for blush and lipgloss as a gift.  But honestly, you can't go wrong with this color.  I love this for a birthday present, stocking stuffer, girls gift exchange or flirty addition to a bachelorette present!

NARS is partnering with Sephora inside JCPenny; now through 11-29-11, get a NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base free with an online purchase of $25 (code JCPNARS).  If you go in the store, there's no purchase necessary. 



Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base



They're serious, you really don't have to buy anything if you go in the store!  I know...I tried.  And before you judge me, after I saw they were going to hand over the goods, I told them I was kidding! In addition to The Tempting Trio, I picked up The Multiple in G-Spot , the latest color addition in their line of multitaskers.   



The Multiple in G-Spot, $39



While these products are available at all NARS counters, the promo is exclusive to Sephora inside JCPenney, which are popping up everywhere!  Par exemple, in my great state of Illinois, 14 of the 25 total Sephora boutiques are located in a JCPenney's, five within a 20 mile radius de moi!  So odds are, you live closer to a Sephora inside JCPenny than a freestanding Sephora boutique.  Super gift, easy O!