Gift This: Cashmere Sweaters for Every Budget

There are few gifts that have the universal appeal of cashmere. It’s a great gift for anyone who appreciates having something nice to wear. And, thanks to innovations in sourcing and manufacturing, you can find cozy cashmere at a range of price points. Check out this roundup to find giftable cashmere sweaters no matter what your budget.

Japanese label Uniqlo has been the fashionista’s go-to source for low price cashmere for a while now, but up until this year purchasing the goods first hand required a trip to NYC or one of Uniqlo’s many locations throughout Asia. Thankfully, Uniqlo started offering ecommerce for US residents this year, just in time for holiday shopping. Their super affordable cashmere sweaters are a great value, and are available in 25 colors.




→ Buy the Uniqlo V-Neck Cashmere Sweater, $69.90 (was $89.90), at uniqlo.com.


Another great source of affordable cashmere is the Nordstrom house label, Nordstrom Collection. They offer many different styles including both classic and trendy options, all in several colors.




→ Buy the Nordstrom Collection V-Neck Cashmere Cardigan, $118.80 (was $198.00), at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.

Gift This: 10 Beauty Stocking Stuffers Under $10

A luxe gift for your favorite beauty buff doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. These chic beauty finds are all sure to make both you and the beauty product lover on your list super happy. What's not to love-- they're from some of the biggest and best beauty labels in the business, and they're all priced under $10! That's right, stocking stuffer-sized luxe beauty for less than the cost of a latte and a bagel.

Almost all of the products below are available at Amazon.com, so you can stock up on stocking stuffers and then check out all in one bag. Gotta love one-stop shopping. Check out these picks, and click through for more information:

1. Blax Hair Elastics - $3.50
These stylist-approved hair bands won't snag or rip even the finest hair strands.

2. Smith's Original Rosebud Salve - $6.30
Cult-favorite Rosebud Salve has a following for a reason: it smoothes everything from lips to cuticles in a flash, is never sticky, and has a light floral fragrance that's addictive.

3. Sex Bomb Bath Bomb by LUSH - $6.65
Gift the bath bomb that started the craze-- the name alone is enough to bring a smile to your giftee's face.

4. Philosophy Amazing Grace 3-in-1 Shampoo / Body Wash / Bubble Bath (2 oz.) - $10.00
This mini-size of the best-selling Philosophy 3-in-1 is sure to get your giftee stuck on these bath treats.

5. LoLLIA Petite Treat Shea Butter Handcreme in Wish (.33 oz) - $9.99
This Oprah Favorite will keep winter hands from roughing up.

Gift This: UGG Australia Dakota Slipper

I'm a firm believer that one of the best gifts you can give anyone is the gift of comfort and coziness. Consequently, my favorite gifts to give include cashmere of all kinds (cardigans and blankets are my favorites, though), luxe body creams and shower products, and UGG house slippers.

Unlike their mid-calf, boot-shaped cousins -- you know, the ones LA girls like to wear with miniskirts for some unknown reason -- UGG Australia house slippers are clearly meant to be worn indoors, while relaxing and padding around the home. I've given UGG slippers to many people on my gifts lists over the years, both men and women. Without fail, every giftee has praised the addition of UGG slippers to their loungewear wardrobe as nothing short of brilliant.

For women, I really like the UGG Australia Dakota Slipper pictured here. It's a classic house slipper shape, but with the addition of that super comfy UGG sheepskin lining. It comes in 5 colors, of which Pewter and Tobacco are favorites, in sizes from 5 to 12. Everyone from your little sister, to your mom, to your grandma would appreciate this house shoe. Isn't it great when you find a go-to gift with that huge range of possible recipients?

→ Buy the UGG Australia Dakota Slipper, $99.95, at nordstrom.com; shipping and returns are free.


Editor's Note: This post originally appeared on December 15, 2011. It has since been updated.

Gifts For Her Under $50 From Cable and Gauge

5 Unique and Fun Father's Day Gifts

--Guest Post By Adam B.

Most people would agree that the most difficult person in the family to buy a gift for is your father. It seems like dads pride themselves on having everything, which makes finding a gift that they don’t have even more challenging. Unlike Mother’s Day, you can’t get away with just sending flowers and a card.

I usually find myself struggling to find something at the last minute for my dad, so I started my gift search early this year and came up with a bunch of unique gift ideas. Below are 5 suggestions for gifts that you can get for the dad that seems to have everything:

1. Magnetic drill bits set
While almost every dad has a complete set of tools, chances are he doesn’t have a nice set of magnetic bits for his drill. One of the biggest hassles of using a drill is changing out the bits and make sure it’s lined up straight. With this magnetic drill bit set, all your dad will need to do is point the drill at the bit he wants and it will snap into place. This is a nifty gift for the dad who is the self claimed “repairman” of the family!



→ Buy the DEWALT 35-Piece Magnetic Compact Rapid Load Drill Bit Set, $24.97, at lowes.com.


2. Noise cancelling headphones
My dad always complains that he never gets enough quiet time, so let’s help fix that problem! These noise cancelling headphones are perfect for Dad when he wants to kick back and block out the distractions going on in the house. They’ll also come in handy while traveling, as they block out the noise on planes as well!



→ Buy the Bose QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones, $299.00, at amazon.com.

What to Get Your Guy for Valentine's Day: 6 Top Ideas

--Guest Post By Adam B.

One of the hardest gifts to get a guy is a Valentine's gift. On Valentine's Day, you want to get the man in your life a great gift that shows how well you know him. At the same time, you are probably on a limited budget after spending a lot of money over the holidays. This doesn't mean you can't find him the perfect gift that says I love you and know you well.

Writing from a guy's perspective, it really is the thought that matters the most. We don't care how much you spend on a gift; rather we look for gifts that show you put some thought into. With this in mind, I can offer these suggestions for gifts that will not leave your boyfriend/fiancé/husband disappointed:

Watches - While some men choose to limit the amount of jewelry they wear, almost every man loves a good watch. Not only will he wear your watch often, but you can find a nice watch that fits into any budget.



→ Buy the Stuhrling Original Men's Targa 24 Pro Chronograph Watch, $134.99 (was $675.00 -- save 80%!), at overstock.com.


Sunglasses - With spring right around the corner, it's likely that your man can use a new pair of sunglasses that encompass the spring's fashion trends. You can even get him a pair that matches his personality, such as aviators for his "bad boy" side. This will show you truly know him and his personality. This is also a gift that he will wear frequently, possibly every day sunny day!



→ Buy the Sunglass Warehouse SW Mirrored Aviator Style #1690, $14.95, at sunglasswarehouse.com

5 Pretty, Perfect Valentine's Gifts for Your BFFs

--Guest Post By Danae Matthews

Valentine's Day can be one of the most celebrated and dreaded holidays dependent upon your current Facebook status. No matter who you're dating (or not dating) you should remember Valentine's Day is about L.O.V.E.! Take it as an opportunity to remind your best girl-friends how much you appreciate them. The perfect gift? Beauty products to get them ready for their next date of course! These fun and flirty products are sure to send the message of your admiration as well as get your BFF ready for a new year of love.

This new product by Maybelline comes in 6 delicious and delicate colors and will leave a pucker softer than a baby's bottom. Just in time for an unexpected Valentine's Day kiss!



→ Buy Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm, $3.99, at walgreens.com.


Nothing is more fierce and feminine than a perfectly painted matte manicure. This Sephora by OPI Matte top coat will transform any of fabulous color into matte polish. So economical and sexy!



→ Buy the Sephora by OPI Matte Top Coat, $9.50, at sephora.com.

Best Seller: Sephora by OPI 18-Piece Nail Polish Set

When I found out that this new Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland 18-Piece Mini Nail Polish Set is a current best seller at the Sephora online store, I immediately got it. Really, can you think of a more fun gift for the nail color lover in your life (even if that person happens to be you)? Me neither.

This multi-color gift, which has a value of $81.00, features a nice range of Sephora by OPI nail polishes in mini size. The colors range from everyday, work-appropriate neutrals, to super glam, glittery party options. The bottles are mini-sized, which I love because, really, who ever actually uses a full bottle of nail polish before it starts to separate and get all icky? These mini sizes are really just-right sized. It's a total nail color Goldilocks moment.

At just $48.00, this set is perfectly priced for giving to your best friend or sister. It's also a great value purchase for yourself, particularly because the color range is so versatile. All of the reviewers on Sephora.com rave about what great reception this value set got as a gift, and how they wished they'd picked one up for themselves. Um, I think that means you need two.

→ Buy the Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland Nail Polish Set, $48.00, at sephora.com.

5 Favorite Fashionable Stocking Stuffers

--By Kim Moshtaghi

I found some new favorite products that are worth investigating and purchasing. Whether you need these items for yourself, or you want to gift them, you won't be disappointed. Since these products are small, they make perfect and affordable stocking stuffers.

I always keep multiple brands of mascara just in case one acts up and this recent discovery is worth sharing. Benefit Cosmetics created some flirty lashes that are worth batting around town. This brand creates dramatic length and thickens lashes to create an extra va-voom effect. Your friends and coworkers will appreciate this product as a gift, and it doesn't smudge like most of my other favorite mascaras.



→ Buy the Benefit BadGal Lash Mascara, $9.00-$19.00, at sephora.com.

7 Little Beauty Gifts Under $10

Maybe you are searching for the little treat to tie to the top of a package? Or a small, yet perfect gift to give a co-worker or acquaintance? Or maybe just some fun stocking stuffers? These finds fit all three needs just right. Culled from the depths of the bargain section at Sephora, each of these items can stand on its own as a small token of holiday cheer, or be added to a larger gift as an appetizer of sorts. The best part? Each of these designer label beauty items will set you back a mere $10 or less!

Fresh's Fresh Eyes Lash Loving Duo has a mini size of their fabulous Supernova Mascara and a mini of their Soy Face Cleanser -- my personal favorite daily cleanser, which effortlessly removes eye makeup while cleansing.



→ Buy the Fresh Fresh Eyes Lash Loving Duo, $10.00, at sephora.com.


This little ornament-style pack will look adorable perched on top of a nicely wrapped package.



→ Buy Philosophy Purity Made Simple Ornament, $10.00, at sephora.com.

Top Online Cyber Monday Deals for 2011

Fellow shoppers, I say it's time we just call it: Cyber Monday is the new Black Friday in every way. It's so much easier (and less dangerous) than trying to hit the stores on Friday, and the deals are better. Sure, you don't get all of the doorbuster deals, but the sitewide sales on Cyber Monday are so much more inclusive than those limited quantity doorbusters. Which brings me to my point... let's get our Cyber Monday shopping on.

There are a ton of deals to be had, but we thought we'd edit, edit, edit for you. Below are some of the top online Cyber Monday deals for 2011. What makes a deal list-worthy? High percent off or a really great deal, plus a selection that covers a lot of people on your gift list -- from men and women, to kids and teens, to your crazy aunt Mabel -- and a dose of reality-based gift giving (let's face it, not everyone on your gift list is getting something from Saks). There's a wide range of affordable gifts to be had here. Enjoy!

Clothing and Accessories

• Save 20% off at Piperlime.com and 30% at Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy & Athleta. Enter HUGECYBER at checkout. Online only.
• Save 20% off Women's sitewide (including Sale) at ASOS.com with code HAPPYBLACKFRIDAY at Checkout.
• ENJOY 30% OFF YOUR PURCHASE at Karen Millen! Offer valid on full price merchandise only.
• Take 50% Off Original Ticket Prices plus free shipping at The Limited! Use code CYBER.
• Spend $275, receive $75 gift card. Plus complimentary 2 day express shipping if ordered by 12 noon PT at J Brand.
• 40% OFF Sitewide at DJPremium (*Some Exclusions Apply) with code 40THX.
• 50% Off Everything + Free Shipping (No Minimum) at New York & Company with Code 2129.
• Avenue plus sizes Cyber Monday Offer 50% off 3 or more items + free shipping with code AV111322.
• Save 30% off Everything PLUS Free Shipping at Express.
• Nine West Cyber Monday: 60% Off Party Shoes + FREE Shipping.
• 40% Off Rachel Rachel Roy + Free Shipping on All Orders.
• 40% Off Everything at Anne Klein + Free Shipping!
• Save 75% On Suiting & Coats at Jones New York + FREE Shipping on Everything.
• 42% off entire site at C&C California with code CCCYBER42.

Beauty, Bath and Body

• Get 20% savings on all Bliss, Remede and Elemis product purchases at Bliss. Excludes gift card and e-card purchases. Use code THANKS20.
• FREE SHIPPING and 3 for $30 on all products at The Body Shop.
• Receive 20% off plus FREE shipping on every order, and spend $100 or more & get a free gift, at YSL Beauty. Use Code MONDAY at checkout.

Did you score an especially good deal this year? Or did you find a crazy good Cyber Monday deal that we didn't list? Leave a comment so we can all take advantage of your great find... it's good shopping karma!

Gift This: Memorable Men's Colognes

--By Kim Moshtaghi

Our sense of smell can trigger the fondest memories. Just like my grandmother's perfume reminds me of her, and just like my mom's perfume reminds me to call her, the right cologne can trigger the fonder memories you've shared with that special man in your life. So, keep your man well-equipped in the smell department. No one loves the man who thinks he can attract a knockout with cheap after-shave or deodorant, but we do love the man who wears irresistible cologne that makes the right impression. Since the holidays are right around the corner, it's a great time to update your man's cologne. Whether it's for your father, best male friend, or significant other, if they shared fond memories with you, then continue that fondness and keep the happy memories alive.

Jean Paul Gaultier knows scents, trust me. I love both his male and female scents because they are aggressive, yet gentle. These scents linger as opposed to suffocate. This particular bottle is an oversized (6.7 oz) bottle that appears exclusively online and makes a wonderful gift because its bigger than the average bottle and smells awesome. The Tonka bean, vanilla, amber and cinnamon blend will seduce and attract. It's not too spicy and not too sweet -- it's complicated. The opposing smells work wonderfully. They will take you to a great place once you get a whiff.



→ Buy Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Maxi, $100.00, at sephora.com; shipping is free on this item.

Shop This: Olive & Cocoa for Fashionable Gift Giving

When it comes to gift giving, those one-stop services have their plusses. Lots of gifts for lots of different types of people, all in one place and all arranged in a handy way. But, among the flower arrangements, treat baskets and gift assortments, I always have trouble finding gifts that reflect my taste as a gift giver.

Therein lies the gift service conundrum: do you sacrifice your personal gift-giving style for convenience, or do you give up hours of your precious time to find a gift that fits with your personal gifting standards? With Olive & Cocoa, that trade off no longer exists.

Olive & Cocoa, which produces both an ecommerce website and a lovely mail-order catalogue, offers a wide assortment of truly high-fashion gifts for all sorts of potential giftees and gift-giving occasions. I first learned about Olive & Cocoa via their catalogue, which is so lush and gorgeous that I immediately sat down and read it cover-to-cover after spotting it in my mail pile. Some of my favorite finds, which I feel set them apart from other gift catalogues:

• Designer-style flower arrangements full of garden roses, hyacinth, peonies, orchids, cabbage roses and more. Not a filler flower in sight.
• Sophisticated spa gift boxes full of high-end labels like Voluspa, Olivina and MOR.
• Foodie-approved gift boxes stuffed with fine olive oils and vinegars, nuts, salamis, sweet treats and all types of beautifully packaged yummy stuff.
• Posh baskets of candy (e.g., this "Pinkalicious" box) that manage to evoke the feeling of a glamorous penny candy store for adults.

Additionally, Olive & Cocoa offers a wide range of singular gifts for all occasions, ranging from wine glasses, to jewelry, to home items, to pretty office accessories. Each item in their selection looks like it was picked by the most thoughtful fashionista. Plus, Olive & Cocoa offers free gift wrap/ gift packaging on every order and reasonable delivery charges, which are tiered by order size.

Just in time for last-minute Mother's Day giving, Olive & Cocoa has a great selection of gifts for mom that they've dubbed the Bella Madre collection. It's definitely worth checking out if you haven't found the just right thing for mom yet.

→ Browse Olive & Cocoa gifts online.

4 All-Natural Beauty Finds for Moms to Be

Baby fever has official hit Hollywood. Many of the celebs whose sartorial choices we diligently track -- including Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, and Natalie Portman -- are now expecting. With this baby craze in full-swing, it probably goes without saying that we've started receiving more and more information about hot new fashion and beauty indulgences for moms-to-be.

I'm usually wary of suggestions for soon-to-be moms because pregnancy is such a unique and individual experience. But, I recently saw some suggestions of all-natural beauty indulgences from LUSH, maker of fresh handmade cosmetics, that sounded like such fabulous gifts for expecting friends that I had to pass them along. Helen Ambrosen, LUSH product creator and mother of two, personally recommends these pre-natal products. I'd snag them all, wrap them up in a cute box or basket, and gift them to the expecting moms in your life.

Helen suggests that expecting moms massage Therapy certified organic moisturizing bar on their bump to help prevent stretch marks. The cocoa and shea butter mix with neroli oil to moisturize dry skin and improve its flexibility and elasticity.



→ Buy LUSH Therapy Massage Bar, $9.59, at lushusa.com.


A big celeb favorite, the Butterball bath bomb, is loaded with creamy cocoa butter to moisturize and calming ylang ylang.



→ Buy LUSH Butterball Bath Bomb, $4.95, at lushusa.com.


With pregnancy comes hormones... and lots of them. Moms-to-be can attack acne (one side effect) by using this Herbalism Facial Cleanser made with kaolin clay, ground almonds, stimulating rosemary, dirty defying nettle powder, and soothing chamomile.



→ Buy LUSH Herbalism Cleanser, $11.50, at lushusa.com.


Since hair cannot be chemically colored during the first trimester, grab one of LUSH’s hair hennas for the expecting moms in your life. With four colors to choose from, LUSH henna (sourced from Iran) is mixed with other natural ingredients like coffee and fresh lemon juice to naturally add color to hair.



→ Buy LUSH Caca Brun Mama Hair Henna, $22.95, at lushusa.com.

Fashion Cents: 5 Gifts for Your Girls

--By Kimberly Turner

Okay, Christmas is just days away and if you have run out of ideas for what to get your girlfriends...or mom...or sister...or sister-in-law...okay, you get it - the women in your life - I have 5 great ideas for you:

5. Jewelry -- Diamonds are a girl's best friend so if you've got cash to burn she will love studs or a friendship bracelet.

4. Electronics -- Why not an e-reader? This is a great way to get her in your book club.

3. Toys -- I will let you leave that to your own imagination but here in Chicago we've got a spot called G Boutique that has perfect gifts.

2. Clothing -- You love it that's why you visit Stiletto Jungle and they love it too. So give them one of their great and unique picks like A.L.C. Trouser Sweatpants.

1. Gift Cards -- No! This does not give you an excuse to be lazy. Get her a gift card somewhere she would love but would never splurge for herself.

Now, you've still got a couple of more days to wrap it up.

Happy Holidays!

_____

Kimberly Turner, your personal style guru, is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. Kimberly has an MBA from the University of Michigan and an Image Consulting Certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Kimberly lives in the Windy city of Chicago and is the host of FashionCents.tv.

Gift This: Kiehl's Ultimate Man Collection

Who: The man who likes to look (and feel) good

What: Kiehl's Ultimate Man Collection

Why: Unlike many skincare kits made for men, the Kiehl's Ultimate Man Collection actually looks and feels quite manly. Bonus points to Kiehl's. That makes this skincare kit perfect for the guy who likes to look and feel his best, and get a little sink-side pampering, but doesn't buy into that oh-so-10-years-ago "metrosexual" thing.

The Kiehl's Ultimate Man Collection features a sampler of Kiehl's best man-approved skincare items: Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream White Eagle, Facial Fuel, Lip Balm #1, Ultimate Man Scrub Soap deluxe, and Ultimate Strength Hand Salve deluxe. Plus, it's pretty much already wrapped for you, thanks to the stylishly simple Kiehl's red box with bow. Even more bonus points to Kiehl's.

→ Buy the Kiehl's Ultimate Man Collection, $50.00, at bloomingdales.com; use code MERRY to receive free shipping on $100+ through 12/16/10.

Gift This: Jo Malone Candle Collection

Who: The business traveler

What: Jo Malone Candle Collection

Why: There are few things as unglamorous as a businessperson's hotel. If you often travel for work, you know what I mean. Almost invariably these hotels have the word "suites" in their name, which generally just means there's a kitchenette so that you can pretend that you are not living out of a suitcase. It never works. These dark, stale hotel rooms are enough to make you reconsider your profession. But, oddly, the who experience is made dramatically better with the addition of a travel candle.

I'm sure you've heard or read about starlets traveling with their favorite overpriced candle. There is a reason: it helps. And this 6-piece Jo Malone Candle Collection can serve the same purpose for the business traveller on your gift list. Featuring travel-perfect 1.05 oz. versions of Jo Malone's best-loved candle scents -- Lime Basil and Mandarin, Grapefruit, Pomegranate Noir, Nectarine Blossom and Honey, Orange Blossom Cologne, and Wild Fig and Cassis -- this set is all that is needed for a dramatically better business travel experience.

→ Buy the Jo Malone Candle Collection, $85.00, at nordstrom.com; use code HOLIDAY10 for free shipping on orders of $100+.

Gift This: Tory Burch Reva Flats

Who: The urbanista on the go who walks everywhere

What: Tory Burch "Reva" Ballet Flats

Why: There are at least a half a dozen reasons why these cute flats make for a perfect gift. Not only are they super chic (despite their heel-less silhouette), they are a huge best seller, an Oprah Favorite, and they're from the popular Tory Burch label. But, beyond all of this, these flats have the one claim to fame that really sets them apart -- they're damn comfortable. And, at the end of the day, isn't that the best selling point of all?

The Tory Burch Reva Flat comes in a ton of colors, including metallics and both fabric and leather versions. But, if you are gifting a first-time Reva owner, you can't miss with a pair of basic black with gold accent.

→ Buy the Tory Burch Reva Flat, $195.00, at nordstrom.com; use code HOLIDAY10 to get free shipping on orders of $100+.

Gift This: Nordstrom Solid Cashmere Muffler

Who: Any cold climate dweller on your gift list

What: Nordstrom Solid Cashmere Muffler

Why: Four days in NYC during a colder-than-normal December has clued me in to the value of a really good scarf. Strangely, a scarf does add a significant amount of warmth, by simply bridging the gap between the coat and the chin. It sounds odd to those of us from more temperate climates, but I’ve learned that covering as much skin as humanly possible is a key to surviving on-foot transportation in below freezing temperatures. And, if you are going to surround your neck in fabric every time you step out the door, it helps if that fabric is warm, soft and fashionable.

This Nordstrom Solid Cashmere Muffler is ideal for gifting. It is crafted from 100% cashmere, comes in 13 colors and is reasonably priced for the quality. Although it is pictured in the women's section, I see no reason why this couldn't be a unisex gift. I suggest Grey Flannel or Natural for ladies, as those colors are versatile and tend not to show accidental makeup transfer. For the men, a basic Black, Grey Flannel or Winter White are simple options that are most likely to get actual wear.

If you are feeling generous, coordinating gloves and/or a hat are nice additions. Remember, in the wise words of Clinton and Stacy, it doesn’t need to match, it just needs to go.

→ Buy the Nordstrom Solid Cashmere Muffler, $59.90 (was $78-- save 20%), at nordstrom.com.

Gift This: Old Navy Fleece Ballet Slipper

Who: Any female on your gift list

What: Old Navy Fleece Ballet Slipper

Why: This much-loved, and quick to sell out, indoor slipper is one of those little presents that everyone will use. Really, no one wants cold feet during the winter, and socks are so boring.

The Old Navy Fleece Ballet Slipper comes in 5 cute colors, and is sized using the easy-to-guess S, M, L trifecta -- perfect for giving to those whose actual shoe size you don't know. Also, at just $7.50 a pair, this slipper is a fabulous stocking stuffer -- much more useful than all that candy!

→ Buy the Old Navy Fleece Ballet Slipper, $7.50, at oldnavy.com; shipping is free on orders of $50+.