Luxe Or Less Gift Guide: Sequins

It's the day before Christmas Eve, which means today's post is also the last installment of my Luxe Or Less Gift Guide! I hope you've enjoyed perusing my gift picks as much as I enjoyed choosing them.

Item: Sequined goodies
Good for: Party girls and fashionable folks
Why sequins: Like the clutches, sequined clothes and accessories would be excellent for social butterflies and will get plenty of wear at New Year's Eve parties and well into 2010. Avid trend watchers would also appreciate a sparkly addition to their wardrobe, whether it's a little something to dress up a daytime look or a showstopping frock for the evening.



Go luxe: This Hervé Léger sequined bandage dress ($1,250) is admittedly not for everybody. But if your gift recipient has the figure to pull off a tight body-con silhouette, crisscross sequin detailing, and winter white, this dress will look absolutely stunning--and leave more than a few admirers picking up their jaws off the ground as she saunters past them.



Spend less: Add some sparkle to casual everyday ensembles with these gray jersey sequined fingerless gloves ($4.80) from Forever 21. Can you imagine how cute they'd be with a boyfriend blazer, skinny jeans, and tall leather riding boots? Pick up a pair as a stocking stuffer for your girlfriend and maybe a pair for yourself while you're at it!

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Luxe Or Less Gift Guide: For The Jet Set

Today's Luxe Or Less Gift Guide deviates from all the other installments by focusing on a specific type of recipient rather than an item! Here are my top picks for the frequent traveler in your life.



Go luxe: My passport is slightly warped, and I think it was because I put it in my bag with a wet umbrella at some point in time. Save your gift recipient's passport from a similarly sad fate with the Coach metallic leather passport holder ($98). I love the sleek and luxurious look of the trompe l'oeil detailing and silver against the black leather.



Spend less: Cut down on baggage carousel confusion with a bright, quirky luggage tag that will make their generic black suitcase stand out from all the others. This Avian Carrier luggage tag ($13.99) from ModCloth should do the trick.

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Luxe Or Less Gift Guide: Makeup Palettes

Item: Makeup palettes
Good for: Beauty product junkies, makeup newbies
Why makeup palettes: Guys are often astonished to learn that even "no makeup, looks completely natural" girls wear makeup (surprise!). I myself used to go bare-faced and fare just fine, but in the last couple of years I started applying concealer, mascara, and blush before I leave the house. It makes a huge difference in making me look refreshed and energetic when I'm feeling less than stellar!

Makeup palettes are easy to tote for on-the-go touch-ups or travel. Beauty product junkies will appreciate having new colours and products to try, while makeup newbies will love a palette for providing them with some necessary basics all in one place. Everyone has their own preferences, but I look for the following characteristics in my perfect palette:

• Small and sleek so I can put it into a handbag or makeup case
• Flattering colours that can be blended or used on their own
• Hues suitable for daytime or nighttime looks
• Eye, lip, and cheek colours
  

For makeup newbies, I highly recommend buying a set of brushes to complement the palette as well. I swear by the Ecotools bamboo handle makeup brushes--decent quality, affordable, and available at most drugstores.



Go luxe: I'm salivating over the NARS Wild At Heart Anniversary Palette ($75). The eyeshadows can be used to create a soft neutral look for day or a smokey eye at night, and the lip colours are varied and blendable. To top it all off, this palette also includes two of NARS's legendary products, The Multiple (available here in South Beach, a shimmery apricot hue) and Orgasm blush. The compact itself is smooth, sleek, and sturdy enough to withstand being toted everywhere, while the mirror inside makes touch-ups a breeze.



Spend less: The Sephora Brand Makeup Palette To Go ($15) would make a great affordable stocking stuffer. This palette is available in cool and warm tones and features a solid selection of neutral shades that can be layered or worn on their own.

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Luxe Or Less Gift Guide: Pajamas

Item: Pajamas
Good for: People who like to wear clothes when they go to sleep. Seriously, if the recipient you're thinking of prefers to slumber in the buff, this gift idea will probably go unappreciated.
Why pajamas: There are all sorts of reasons why PJs make a great gift at this time of year. They keep the recipient warm and comfy on cold winter nights. They make awesome loungewear for those days when you stay at home fighting off a cold or the flu. You can roll out of bed on Christmas morning in cute PJs, open your presents, and have a late pancake-and-waffle breakfast--all the while feeling equal parts adorable and cozy. For winter pajamas, I prefer loose-fitting, classic cotton or flannel matching sets with an all-over print for that extra cozy feeling. Although Christmas-y options abound at this type of year, I recommend getting a season-neutral print that can be worn beyond the festive season.



Go luxe: The navy/white colour combo, piping detail, and pocket embroidery make these Lauren by Ralph Lauren classic pajamas ($98.14 Cdn) from Nordstrom the epitome of preppy chic. Slip them on, have a mimosa with your Christmas brunch, and pretend you're on the set of Gossip Girl.



Spend less: La Senza has always been a reliable standby for affordable bras and sleepwear. Their tailored flannel PJ ($19.50) comes in a variety of prints and is sure to bring the wearer sweet dreams without bringing you nightmares of the post-holiday credit card bill.

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Luxe Or Less Gift Guide: Statement Necklaces

Item: Statement necklaces
Good for: Fashionistas, whether they've had to be frugal this year and therefore haven't tried this trend yet, or they're head over heels in love with this look already and on the lookout for another necklace to add to their growing collection.
Why statement necklaces: Saying statement necklaces are a huge trend this season is a bit of an (ironic) understatement. High- and low-end options are plentiful. My favourite looks for this trend include multiple strands of chains, beads, and pearls woven together; oversized chain links; floral embellishments, interwoven silk ribbons, grosgrain bows, and other textile-based embellishments (they soften metallic elements and add a feminine vibe); bib necklaces featuring sequins, rhinestones, and large gems; and vintage-inspired pendants on long chains. The sort of necklace you decide to give the fashionista in your life is entirely up to you and her style.



Go luxe: The Sachin + Babi 'Bowery' necklace ($325) is handmade and features a luxe-looking juxtaposition of many different elements: grosgrain bow, feathery chiffon pieces, distressed silver beads, a chunky polished chain. From any angle, the necklace has interesting visual details and strikes a balance between feminine chic and edgy attitude. Shopbop styled this number as a mid-length necklace, but can you imagine how good it would look tied a little tighter on the neck and worn as a choker? Wear it with a tee, boyfriend blazer, and skinny jeans, or with your favourite LBD.



Spend less: This segment rhinestone necklace ($14.80) from Forever 21 reminds me of Cleopatra and ancient Egypt with its polished black stones and elaborate beads and chains. Like the Sachin + Babi necklace, this one would pair well with a casual outfit for a bit of added polish or with an LBD for a night on the town.

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Luxe Or Less Gift Guide: For The Hopeless Internet Addict

She's a social media junkie who camps out at the local cafe (the one with the free wi-fi and great lattes), reading her RSS feeds and working on her blog. Or she loves checking her email and tweeting on the go. Sure, these are things that she can do on her smartphone, but would she really want to hardcode HTML with her thumbs alone? Keep these gifts in mind for the stylish techie gal in your life.



Go luxe: My HP Mini 10.1" netbook ($329.99) has ventured where my more unwieldy laptop fears to go, and after having used it for a couple of months, I think this would make a terrific gift for an Internet addict who needs a smaller computer for on-the-fly work. Although it tends to struggle with loading HD videos, it more than suffices for blogging, email, Twitter, Facebook, and instant messaging--basically the things I use my regular laptop for anyway. Weighing in at 1.31 kg, this little machine is super portable and perfect for overnight stays, lengthy voyages, jaunts to the local cafe, meetings on the go, and mobile blogging. For the university students among my readers, think about what a godsend this would be for notetaking in lectures and word processing as you're cranking out the term papers in the library. Although there are smaller models and pricier ones, the larger keyboard on this model makes it ideal for those who expect to do a lot of typing.



Spend less: If you don't have the funds to supply your hopeless Internet addict with a shiny new netbook, shell out for something to keep her current laptop/netbook safe, sound, and stylish when it's being transported. The SlingTravel purse ($46) by BorsaBella uses thick foam and fleece to cushion the netbook from scratches and blows, and features a detachable strap so she can use it as a purse or a netbook sleeve. Check out BorsaBella's Etsy store for more beautiful handmade bags to stow your electronics in.

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Luxe Or Less Gift Guide: Fashionable Reading

Item: Fashion books, tomes, and magazines
Good for: The sartorially obsessed
Why fashionable reads: This gift idea combines two great loves of my life, fashion and books. Plus, there's nothing quite like the feeling of snuggling up under a blanket or throw with some hot tea within reach and a good book!



Go luxe: Chosen as one of Time magazine's top 100 design influences, The Sartorialist's Scott Schuman released his much anticipated book this year. It's one thing to see his photos flood my Google Reader everyday, but quite another to see them all in this volume which showcases his impeccable eye for style. Splurge and get that special someone the "bespoke" hardcover edition for $110.25 from Amazon.com.



Spend less: Although I haven't been able to get my hands on a copy yet, I have no qualms recommending Closet Confidential: Style Secrets Learned the Hard Way ($18.99) by Winona Dimeo-Ediger as a gift. After all, how can you go wrong with a book written by the hilarious blogger behind Daddy Likey?! I've been following her blog for years and, well, I should probably stop talking before this post dribbles away into a random string of superlatives...

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Luxe Or Less Gift Guide: Clutches

Item: Clutches
Good for: The social butterfly and the girl who's always the life of the party
Why clutches: When I go out in the evening, I like to travel light and be as unemcumbered as possible. Clutches are useful for stowing your lipstick and cell phone, and they add a glam touch to your party outfit. Give this gift before the holiday party circuit goes into full swing, and you can be sure it'll be appreciated on New Year's Eve and beyond.



Go luxe: Chanel's wallet on a chain is my Holy Grail of clutches. Open it up and you'll find smartly designed pockets for cards, cash, and blotting papers. An accordion compartment in the centre expands and accomodates my cell phone, digital camera, keys, and lip gloss with ease. There's also a hidden zipper compartment just under the flap that extends down the flap and the back of the clutch. With a delicate yet strong chain strap that can be rearranged and worn different ways, this clutch is the ultimate marriage of practicality, versatility, style, and elegance. It's available in different materials and styles; the one I bought myself for my champagne birthday had camellia petal-embossed lambskin pattern and silver hardware.



Spend less: Kitson's round studded clutch ($48) is a stud lover's dream and can be held in your hand or worn on your shoulder with the detachable strap. The lining features a zip pocket and a cell phone-sized pocket to keep your essentials organized and accessible.

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Luxe Or Less Gift Guide: Cufflinks

Another year, another round-up of holiday gift ideas! From now until my year-end hiatus, I'll be highlighting one gift idea each day with stylish picks for different budgets. If you're still stumped about what to get someone, you might find your answer here in the days leading up to Christmas!

Item: Cufflinks
For: A brother, a guy friend, a significant other, a father with a sense of humour
Why cufflinks: The right cufflink can add sass, style, whimsy, and humour to even the most staid of business and formal wear ensembles. Dapper dressing on popular TV shows such as Mad Men (the camera loves close-up shots of crisp French cuffs) and Gossip Girl (think Chuck Bass) have made cufflinks even more covetable among the young and trendy.



Go luxe: I've had my eye on Wendy Brandes's sterling silver memento mori cufflinks ($1,000) for as long as I can remember, and coming from a girl who's not really into skulls, that's really saying something. The intricate shading and detail lend depth, sensuality, and a unique character to a design motif I'm otherwise rather indifferent to. If you can afford to drop the dough, these are an excellent option.



Spend less: Looking for a quirky choice that won't break the bank? Etsy has cufflinks with everything from Lego storm troopers to vintage clockwork mechanisms; most are under $60. The ones that caught my eye and won my heart are these silver-plated Transformers cufflinks ($20) from Sydney-based Fink Studio. Featuring carved Autobots and Decepticon faces, they'll appeal to the recipient's inner nerd and garner a laugh of astonished delight.

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Luxe Or Less Gift Guide: Luscious Lashes

Item: Luscious lashes
Good for: Mascara addicts and adventurous beauty junkies
Why lashes: For myself and many other girls, mascara is a daily beauty essential. I appreciate how it defines my lashes, widens my eyes, and makes me look awake and alert--and as weird as this sounds, looking awake actually makes me feel more energetic in the morning. A mental boost and a jolt of confidence--not bad for something "artificial" and "cosmetic."



Go luxe: A gift certificate for Noir Lash Lounge, one of the premiere lash extension destinations in Vancouver, will guarantee the mascara addict in your life a set of long, fluttery lashes for weeks on end. If the recipient is no stranger to lash extensions, she'll definitely appreciate your gift on her next visit to Noir.



Spend less: The Sephora Brand Lash Stretcher mascara ($16) is the only mascara from my Lash Stash sampler that I'm truly crazy about so far. The formula contains fibres intended to build up your lashes while the brush defines, lengthens, and curls without ever clumping. The medium-sized curved brush also helps me reach every last lash without getting any mascara on my eyelid. Best of all, the formula stays put and relatively smudge-free but washes off easily with warm water and facial cleanser.

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Luxe Or Less Gift Guide: Jewelry Boxes

Item: Jewelry boxes
Good for: Well, lots of girls, but especially those who love to stay neat and organized.
Why jewelry boxes: I love the idea of keeping your jewelry in a beautifully designed, thoughtfully organized case that protects your baubles and complements your decor. Choose a jewelry box with compartments that suit the recipient's needs. For example, if she loves cocktail rings and doesn't wear necklaces very much, get a case that has lots of little compartments and cushiony ring slots so she has her favourite jewels at the ready.



Go luxe: I stumbled across the ingenious Wolf Designs jewelry cases ($175-435) at Fine Finds in Yaletown, and every time I go into the store for a quick browse, I'm mesmerized by the sight of them. With sectioned drawers, a built-in mirror, a travel-size case that pops out of one compartment, and patented technology that keeps silver from tarnishing for up to 35 years, Wolf jewelry boxes are truly the cream of the crop. These are sizable cases with enough storage capacity to keep every treasured piece of jewelry safe and sound.



Spend less: The Mirror, mirror jewelbox ($38) from Urban Outfitters features small sectioned compartments on the top tier and unsectioned drawers on the bottom for larger items. It also has lined interiors and a gorgeous etched mirror facade, and is sure to make a lovely addition to any dresser top.

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