House Beautiful

Archive for the 'Gift Guide' Category

Page 14 of 16

Dear Santa, It’s Me Again (Karrie, That Is…)

…Aka Sheep, Aka K Dubz, aka the one who probably coulda volunteered a wee bit more throughout the year, could’ve been less snarky with Stephanie on our 2-hour-long cackle fests, could’ve gone to church a wee bit more (sorry Mom!).

But in the spirit of the Holidays, I know you’re a forgiving chap, Santa; that’s why I’ve put together a list of goodies in case you still want to hook a sister up this year!  Mmmkay, here goes:

1. A dump truck pulled up to my front door filled with Dry Bar gift certificates.

Let me put it this way.  When I enter a Dry Bar, which is a Heaven-sent blow dry bar specializing in blowing out your hair to a silky, smooth masterpiece, I enter looking like a prison wife, and exit looking and feeling like a dignified lady:

2. A gift certificate to a spa for a yummy massageMaybe one of my favorite all-time gifts, which unless they’re a masochist and hate massages, is a perfect gift for any loved ones of yours. These gift vouchers for thai massages are the best.

3. This one size fits all cute geometric sweater to wear during this friggin cold! LA winter season:

4. Or THIS Asos chunky rib cardigan. I lurve the snuggliness and bright pop o’ color:

5. This dainty Double Lotus Yellow Gold Necklace:

6. OR either of these statement pieces from Bauble Bar (my fave website for bold, fun necklaces!):

(Left: Tortoise Constellation Bib | Right: Double Tortoise Link Collar)

7. A bright new suitcase to replace mine which looks like a pack of wolves tore into it.  And it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg!  TJ Maxx has a TON of luggage right now for wicked cheap – just ask Giuliana Rancic who posted this on Instagram the other day:

8. This perfect, slouchy, well-traveled-looking pair of boots by my fave shoe designer Jeffrey Campbell:

9.  A membership to a Wine of the Month Club, cause I’m real fancy:

10. Not sure how long wedge sneakers are gonna remain “in”, but these Adidas Wedge High-Tops, below, to me, are just.friggin.cool:

11. Some cozy – but CUTE! – pajamas which won’t cause my husband to cringe a bit whenever I put them on, like what’s in my current rotation (see below).  Poor, poor guy:

12. And finally, the latest book from Wally Lamb.  Usually I’d be all recessionista and shiz and check it out at the library, but right now I’m #47 on the wait list!

Thank you Santy, you really are the BEST.


xoxo,

Gift Guide: For the Guys

I’m going to get put on the naughty list for saying so, but every year, I look at the gift guides out there for dudes, and every year I scratch my head and wonder: Cufflinks in the shape of guns… hokey plaid everything… and things like soap that smells like charcoal.  Are those really what the guys we love want from Santa? Maybe they do…  What do I know?  I’m a chick, and I love doilies and things that are sparkly. So to make sure this list is on point for you guys, I enlisted the help of a few of my most discerning guy friends – the ones who have impeccable taste in everything, so nearly every gift idea below has been taken for a spin and gotten a serious stamp of approval.  Here goes!

1. Donegal Wool Cable Cardigan – Matt cannot get enough of these.  Nor can I. DILF sweaters (did I say that out loud?) like this one make *every* guy look a little more handsome.  I picture the men who wear them rocking cooing babies by the fire, sipping coffee at the kitchen table, or chopping wood in the front yard. Classic cold weather staple for any guy.

2. Bowl Tickets – Enter the Holy Grail of Christmas Gifts for Guys…  especially if they’re lunatics about college football like someone I know, who galloped around the room 18 times screaming last Saturday when Auburn turned Ray Finkle’s missed field goal into touchdown and history-making gold.  Even I shed a single tear.

3. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub – Matt loves using this to slough off dead skin in between shaves.  It’s also apparently “tingly and clean and smells really good.”

4. Moscow Mule Copper Mugs – I dare you to show me a guy who doesn’t wanna drink that delicious vodka / lime juice / ginger beer concoction out of these.

5. Go Pro – These are hi-def (1080p), waterproof, have built-in Wi Fi and are straight up AMAZING.  And at under $200, I feel like I’m straight up stealing. If you’re not familiar with GoPro, check out this YouTube video.

6. Marled Socks – Great for wearing under boots, or just lounging around the house.

7. Lululemon Post Gravity Pant – Buy these for him, then steal them every Saturday morning.  Everybody wins!

8. McLerran Leather & Flannel Boot – Matt got these earlier this fall, and they look KILLER with everything.  Classic with handsome details and a little edge.

9. Clary Sage Candle – you wouldn’t *normally* think to buy candles for the fellas, but this one is earthy and clean.  Email info@nathanturner.com to purchase.

10. Fit Bit – Definitely stuff yourself silly this Christmas, then after January 1st, wear this all day & all night to track your steps, distance, calories consumed, calories burned, etc.

11. Forage Haberdashery Handkerchiefs – or pocket squares…  whatever.  Here it is from the horse’s mouth:  “I wear my pocket square with my suit after I’ve taken my tie off but still have to meet clients out for dinners. It’s a little more dressed-down, but still kind of a classic cool look.”  Personally, I dig that there’s an old school, dapper, gentlemanly quality to them.  I loved the ones pictured from Nathan Turner‘s shop in LA. Email info@nathanturner.com to purchase.

12. Eco Heather 3/4 Sleeve Raglan Shirt – insanely comfortable (Matt and I both own one) and look H-O-T on dudes.  This one comes in a GREAT color combo and is on sale for $20.  BANG.

…Need more ideas?  Last year’s list is still full of solid picks…  especially the Big Green Egg, Ugg slippers, the Arcteryx jacket, and the Maps Rocks Glasses.

Happy Shopping!