Gift giving to discerning men in your life

Although I've not had a lot of time to browse the mall this holiday shopping season, I will not pass up the opportunity to give gifts to my loved ones. Thank goodness we live in the era of digital shopping so that I am able to be ready for the holidays while spending the vast majority of my time at home with my newborn! Not everything has arrived just yet, but I am almost finished.

Of course, some people are easier to buy for than others. And in my life, the men in particular can be tough gift nuts to crack. Chris has very discerning tastes so while I know him well and enjoy the challenge of coming up with ideas, I also toil over what to buy for him. My dad and brother are the other two people in my life that give me the most gift giving block. Thankfully my brother usually gives me an idea directly. My dad always says he doesn't need or want anything (and he means it!) but I still like finding something small.

One gift idea I had a few years ago for Chris was to upgrade the tools and products he uses for shaving. So when P&G and Blogher recruited bloggers to write about the deals being offered on The Art of Shaving website, I was happy to oblige.

There are a number of coupon codes available to make their very fancy shaving gift sets a bit more affordable!

Free Ground shipping and $15 off your purchase of any The Art of Shaving Full Size Kit, until 12/30/12 with Promo Code: 15offFSK.

20% off your purchase of The Perfect Shave Solution.  Valid unitl 12/30 No code needed.  Discount automatically applied at checkout when you purchase a full size Pre Shave, a full size Shaving Cream or soap and bowl, Shaving Brush, Razor and After Shave.

Free Ground Shipping and 10% off ProGlide Power Save Set, through 12/30/12 Promo code: 10PowerShave.

Happy gifting! 

Quick snaps from my locavore Valentine's Day

Pretty flowers and cookies from Enrico Biscotti thanks to my valentine

Although I don't have an outfit photo uploaded yet, trust that as a schoolteacher's daughter I wore something festive. I'll show you as soon as I can. In the meanwhile, I wanted to share some other Valentine cheer. Chris and I don't really celebrate Valentine's Day. But he still had some flowers and sweets for me this morning. My favorite cookies in the city are the chocolate covered macaroons at Enrico's in the Strip District. One is plenty so four is ridiculous. But they'll find a good home I'm sure.  The flowers weren't local but a friend who does arranging at Whole Foods always makes the prettiest bouquets full of purple flowers (my favorite color).

I also wanted to share my most recent purchase. I bought this beautiful bib necklace directly from Amy, the designer and artist behind Redraven Studios (who's pieces are sold at Anthropologie as well as Pavement and other boutiques around the country). We met up at the Bloomfield Crazy Mocha so that we could talk about her work for an interview. I didn't realize we had already met through a mutual friend until she arrived. It was a good reminder that Pittsburgh can be such a small town in the best way! I was excited to buy a piece of jewelry directly from her. It was my self-present in honor of Galentine's Day.

Redraven Studios Candy Apple bib necklace

I am also eager to share what I learned from the interview once it is ready. In the meanwhile, I hope you had great Galentine's and Valentine's Days!

Christmas came early

I was so excited to see a surprise package among my mail when I retrieved it from the post office this morning. Plenty of gratitude is due to my Fashionism Secret Santa Elf, Cece who did a fantastic job finding presents that suit my tastes.

She bought me a beautiful vintage initial necklace, a bluray copy of Fellini's glorious aesthetic masterpiece, 8 1/2 (Criterion Collection!), a pretty paisley print zip pouch, some chocolate covered pretzels from Dylan's Candy Bar, and some Cadbury chocolate ornaments. I feel truly spoiled and truly lucky!!

Now to share some holiday cheer, I have been enjoying a soulful Christmas music mix assembled by a friend and fell in love with this one by the great Solomon Burke.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays to you and yours! 

A happy weekend of gift giving!

This weekend, not only did I celebrate Father's Day (like so many here in the US), but my parents were celebrating their 34th wedding anniversary! Like many married couples, they were together for years before that. And regardless, 34 years of marriage is nothing to sneeze at. Next year they plan to finally take a long-overdue trip to Hawaii to mark their 35th. I hope to figure out something special my siblings and I can do for them to honor the occasion. Hawaii is a place they've wanted to see for ... well 34+ years! But my parents have never been big travelers. They still live in my father's boyhood home, in the area where they both grew up. After they had kids they rarely left town without us (occasional business trips were the only times). And it wasn't financially realistic to take vacations that required plane tickets for the entire clan. My folks were more interested in saving the money to help with the cost of three college educations (not to mention all the other parental expenses they were generous enough to assume). I really hope they do something indulgent and for themselves after all these years!

To celebrate 34 years, we kids gave them a gift that was very inexpensive but that moved them both. At home, I had an 8 by 10 frame that was from the cookie table decor of my own wedding. It was matted to display two 4 by 6 photos, side by side. To turn it into an appropriate anniversary gift, I picked two photo prints of my parents: one from their wedding day and one from mine.

They loved it and it was such a simple, inexpensive idea! In this era of photographic post-materiality, it is a gift just to save someone from the task of ordering and framing tangible prints. And the photographic aftermath of our wedding has yielded many gift opportunities for all three sets of parents.

Chris and his brother also came up with a clever, sentimental, and inexpensive father's day gift that made a bigger splash than the other, more costly gifts they gave. They compiled a list of songs that their dad sang to them when they were kids and turned it into a mixed cd. The entire family was so excited to gather around and listen when they learned what it was. And Chris's dad was clearly moved by the gesture. One of the really interesting things I noticed as a relative newcomer to the family was the excitement his baby sister (who is 20 years younger than Chris but really no longer a baby at age 11) exhibited when she also was able to recognize so many of the songs from her own childhood. 

I'll post some outfits and a review or two this week. I've been wearing some version of my Drawing Parallels skirt with a striped or basic top, as though it is my uniform. Later today I'm also going to post a less-than-flattering Tippi-dress-in-action photo. Happy (belated) Father's Day!

Mother's Day Planning

A set of ideas for Mother Day Gifts.

Eating my words re: "inspired" pieces

For my birthday Chris got me many cute things. One of those things happened to be a cute bracelet that looked suspiciously like the Hermes Collier de Chien cuff. I feel sort of guilty about directing him to the independent jeweler who sold it. Especially because I try to avoid blatantly "inspired" items (as discussed here). But it is purple leather (not a color offered by Hermes), very obviously not trying to be Hermes (i.e. it doesn't say "Hernes" or anything else knock-off-y, plus it lacks an additional set of studded hardware featured on the real deal), the clasp is quite different, and this one is pretty in its own right. The real deal:

What do you think? If someone makes an "inspired" item do you avoid at all costs? Does it change if you would never be willing to spend the large sum of cash required to get the real deal (even if you had it)? Does it matter if the person selling the inspired piece is independent versus mass market? Do you think I am a hypocrite? It is ok if the answer is yes! I will still wear the bracelet. :) After all, I still wear Anthropologie's Burberry knock off, the Two Paths trench!

ETA: In the comments you will find the link to the website where it was purchased. It looks like the site is sold out but maybe they will restock? I also know that Target has a CdC-like bracelet right now but I haven't seen it in person. 

Pittsburgh Shopping Event: Handmade Arcade!

I meant to post this earlier in the week but the busy time of the nearly-wrapped semester forced the blog to take a back seat. Anyway, if you are in the Pittsburgh area today, I highly recommend checking out the Handmade Arcade. The Handmade Arcade is an annual event for local and national indie crafters and artisans. They set up booths and sell amazing, cool, unique items directly to the public (think Renegade Craft Fair but specific to the 'Burgh). If you like browsing Etsy, you'll love this event! And it is occurring on Record Store Day so I know plenty of people will be in the mood to shop because of that!

Normally the Handmade Arcade is scheduled to correspond with the lead up to the December holiday gift giving season but this year it is timed nicely for buying gifts to give on Mother's Day and during graduation and wedding seasons. Be sure to check it out if you can! And bring cash because most of the booths don't take cards. Happy shopping!

Customer Service Rave: Rogan NYC

Sweater by Rogan

Plaid shirt by Acne

Stitch's jeans

Adidas

Bonus Speck Dog

I bought Chris the above heather-brown, linen-alpaca, henley sweater from Barneys when we were visiting New York in January. Although he picked it out, it was a birthday gift! So I held onto it for a few weeks. After his birthday, when he finally wore it, he noticed that a hole was developing where the garment tag attached to the knit. Knowing that Barneys would offer a return brought little comfort, as Chris REALLY wanted this sweater. But by now Barneys had cleared out any leftover discounted stock for the Warehouse Sale. So I contacted Rogan NYC with relatively low expectations. After all, I hadn't purchased the sweater 1. at full price or 2. directly from Rogan. Much to my surprise, Vivienne of customer relations responded to my email immediately, saying that she would have a replacement shipped to us if we sent the defective one to the warehouse for evaluation. The replacement sweater arrived today, making Chris a very happy (belated) birthday boy and both of us BIG fans of Rogan.

I have long admired Rogan's draped cardigans and chic separates. They've demonstrated their commitments to environmental and social justice many times over. I have a deep respect for ethical companies. And it is just great to learn that some brands absolutely stand behind their products! Thank you, Vivienne and Rogan NYC!

Whiskey/Brown Accessories

Above you see two of my favorite new accessories. On the left is a cute little quilted leather bag with a chain strap by Deux Lux. It was a gift from some good friends of mine and is the perfect size for an evening out! On the right is what I might consider to be a thrifty find of the decade.

I was consigning clothes last Saturday at the Mt. Lebanon Avalon Exchange (like Buffalo Exchange but in Pittsburgh). While waiting for my clothes to be evaluated, I browsed the racks and was impressed by the higher quality items for sale. A gorgeous deconstructed Marni coat was (thankfully) too small for me. Kate Spade wedges, Marc Jacobs flats, Prada and Cole Haan pumps, all in excellent condition! Still I wasn't wowed enough by anything and anticipated taking cash like normal. That was until I spotted them. In a glass case near the front of the store they were unmistakable.

The Fall 2006 Silverado Oxford Pump in Whiskey! (or was it Cognac? I can't remember the leather color names for that season)... I was thrilled! They were my size AND they were incredibly comfortable for such high heels. The covered platform definitely helped. And they were priced within reason! I took the store credit for the first time ever and went home feeling victorious.

I realize it will seem like I have no imagination but (after the weather thaws) I hope to style them with my similarly blousey See by Chloé dress worn here.

Red, Black, and Blue OOTD

For Christmas, my mother-in-law gave me this very cute nautical Marc by Marc Jacobs top (in another colorway here). She actually gave it to me in two sizes and said I should return one or both to Saks for a gift card. I did just that with one of them and found a great deal on a Michael Kors bag the day after Christmas! I've been wearing the one I kept with everything. I wore it with the APC skirt and Rosegold booties you see above. And also with cords, jeans, other skirts. You can't see it but there are antiqued gold bubble buttons on the left shoulder. I love the unique details of this brand.

From Rio to Pittsburgh OOTNight to Day

Although this entry means I will be blogging Brazil in reverse, I wore a new green dress I bought in Buzios on my 15+ hours of flying/connecting back to Pittsburgh from Rio. It managed to still look pretty cute by the time I was home and able to winterize it (see below). I'm wearing a pair of leather  zipper trimmed captoe flats I bought in Ipanema, and sporting quite a holiday tan on our balcony in Santa Theresa (right before we checked out and headed to the airport). I cannot rave enough about the kind staff at the Hotel Santa Theresa. Because our flight wasn't til 11pm (Rio time) they allowed us a very late check out which meant we could spend the entire last day relaxing and exploring the neighborhood. Here's Chris enjoying his last look at the city at dusk.

And here we are together (unflattering angle and all, since we took it on a chair with a timer):

By the time I got home and could winterize my green dress, I was a little wrinkly but I had two new necklaces to wear!

One from Chris who bought me the longer necklace in St. Barths and one from my Fashionism.org secret santa, who got me a beautiful wax stamp initial necklace. I've wanted one for so long!

She also got me all sorts of other goodies like the beautiful Orla Kiely tote bag and the tarte lip stain. Chris and I took the quiet time at home to exchange our gifts.

 Chris loved his Fiori's T-shirt.

It feels a little bittersweet to be in a place where a white Christmas is a reality rather than the stuff of fiction. I became such a sun worshiper in Brazil and already feel vitamin D deprived. But it will be great to see family tonight for the Feast of the Seven Fishes! And I am sure I will soon find comfort again in layering winter clothes. Feliz Natal and Happy Holidays to you and yours!!

Scenes from a Wedding Themed Benefit

On Saturday, one week prior to the wedding, Chris and I organized a benefit for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. We wish to thank the organization for the work that they do for people and families in need, in western PA. Specifically, Josh was integral to the event's success. He brought literature and collected/delivered the donated food. He also spoke convincingly about the good this organization does. Their overhead is very minimal and because they can purchase food whole sale, a $5 donation can provide an amount of food that costs three-four times that in a grocery store. That morning he distributed 2000 pounds of food to over 300 families in Braddock, PA.

Thanks to our friends' talent and generosity, we had a number of bands play: Onodrim, Slices, and Allies. Thanks to the kindness of a few local businesses, Spak Brothers Pizza, Dreaming Ant, Mind Cure Records, Sirocco Designs Jewelry, Alicia Fronczek Yoga, and The Works Printing/Lynn Nelson, we had a number of prizes toward the raffle. And our friend Jenny of Modern Formations Gallery donated her beautiful space to host the event! It was successful in raising money and food donations for a charity we really believe in.

And Chris and I are matching the funds raised at the benefit, in lieu of buying elaborate favors for our guests. We hope the cookie table, the jordan almonds, and chocolates will suffice as material symbols of our gratitude.

I wore a repeat outfit. The dress is from the BCBG outlet and it was also my engagement dinner dress. Something about the ivory and gold threading make me think "bridal."

Dressed to Register

 

I wore this silk See by Chloé dress to do some wedding errand running with Chris. In truth, we were registering for wedding/shower gifts to assist our relatives. A nagging inner Emily Post wishes this practice was less standard wedding fare. And I do I have a few friends who have forgone the (relatively) traditional registry entirely in favor of a few more modern approaches. 

These ran the gamut from 'donations to a charity in the name of,' to 'honeymoon activities websites,' to even more directly suggestive 'wedding paypal' accounts. But my parents claimed that family members would have been dissatisfied with any of those. My parents argued for practicality over risking quite a few miffed familial guests. It is standard fare in the wedding decorum of my family to give material gifts for a shower and monetary gifts for a wedding. Breeching such decorum, and forgoing the department store registry could have been interpreted as asking for money. Somehow suggesting the specific gifts we would like sits easier. Of those of you who had wedding celebrations, what did you do?

Mother's Day Gifting: Inspirations and Ideas

Cookware Sets by Le Creuset
Totes by Kate Spade

Because Mother's Day creeps up quickly, I figured I would assemble an inspiration gifting board. 

I am fortunate to have many women to celebrate on Mother's Day, annually. Although my grandmothers have since passed, I have a number of strong women who have been maternal figures in my life. My mother and Chris's mother and step-mother support, love, and advise me regularly and demonstrate to me their wisdom. We also have many aunts who have shown us love and support. And we know a number of moms with whom we are dear friends. 

Although my budget is constrained because of the wedding, I have been thinking carefully about how to honor our three immediate figures of maternity in addition to the cards I plan to send to aunts. On Mother's Day morning, I will be participating in the Pittsburgh chapter of the Komen Foundation's Annual Race and Walk benefiting the fight against breast cancer with Chris and his mom. After that I will spend the afternoon with my mom. And the evening we will spend with Jane. The time we spend together making memories is of course far more valuable than anything material. But for better or worse, most occasions of celebration include the presentation of some type of memento or good. I don't yet know what I will gift to them, but I am excited to come up with some things that are hopefully thoughtful and personal to each of them.