gift giving

Psssst....

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and I'm really hoping that Spring is not far behind that.  I love to create gift guides to help a special someone find the special gift, which I still may post.  In the meantime, though, I did want to suggest (some would say self-promote) to my local friends perhaps it's time to receive the gift of a wardrobe service.  If you live outside the West Michigan area we can get creative and do some virtual style/shopping boards or even a Skype style call.   If you live in West Michigan I do want to spend just a bit of time letting you know more about 2 of the possibilities/packages for you to add to your wishlist.  

 Spring is so close and it's that time in the current season where you are getting tired of your Winter wardrobe.  Area consignment stores will soon be accepting Spring goods which is a sure sign it's almost time for the season closet change over.  As I mention often, now is the time to at least purge the items you currently own that you know you won't wear next Winter.  If all of this feels overwhelming I would love to work with you in a Closet Restyle package.  The best part of this is making new outfits from clothes you already own.  Here are a couple of pics of the Restyle "in progress":

Creating new options !!  A girl needs options!

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Making outfits from clothes already in a client's closet!  

The Closet Restyle package allows us to spend 3 hours pulling everything out of your closet, purging what will not go back in, and then creating new outfits from what remains.  In addition you will receive a photo lookbook of all the outfits we created along with a shopping list for some things you still need.  This is probably my favorite service that I offer.  

Another idea, which is really a combo of a couple of options, is something I recently did as a surprise for a client's wife. They were going on vacation and he contacted me to put together (and shop for) several outfits for their trip!  This.  Was.  So.  Fun!  I created virtual styling boards, sent each to him for approval, and once approved I purchased the items.  Next, I put the outfits together and wrapped them in "daily outfit packages".  In each box I included some styling tips for different ways to wear each item beyond the vacation.  I think she really loved it all!  How thoughtful was he to do this????  

Wrapped and numbered.  The gift giver has a "cheat sheet" that describes what's in each box.

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The styling card give some tips...

If you're ready to get started on a new season or just a new closet and live in the West Michigan area, I would love to work with you.  Comment below or contact me directly and let's set a custom package for you.  If your Valentine needs a little help with the perfect gift give them my info and we can do that as well.  Here is a quick link to my services page http://bit.ly/2qW5odj  

 

12 Days of Gift Ideas - Day 1 - The Foodie

It is December 13th and whether you are shopping for Christmas gifts or another holiday you are celebrating, I have some great ideas coming your way.  Today is all about the foodie in your life.  You know, that person who is all about the food.  The food you cook, where to eat, where to order out, etc. 

The usual gift cards don't have to be your only option for the foodie.  How about something special like a subscription to a favorite food of theirs, like say bacon?  Here is my short list:

From the top clockwise, here is a short description of each item.  (As you can see above, you can click directly on the description below the picture and be directed to the site of each gift. )

The first gift is from mouth.com.  You can choose either a preselected gift box similar to the box shown here, or you have the option of creating your own box.  There are some really unusual options on this site that you won't find everywhere, that's why this is one of my favs.  

Next - you create a gift basket.  This particular basket is from Cost Plus World Market.  I think it's fun to go to a store such as Cost Plus, grab what you want to use for the "basket" and fill it with unique items that you know your foodie will love.  When you create a basket like this you determine exactly what goes in the basket and how much it's going to cost.  The biggest difference I see between you doing it yourself and having someone like Mouth do it is the shipping.  If you order the basket you can ship directly to your foodie, no trips to the UPS or Post Office outlet for you!

I LOVE subscription services!  I think they are such a thoughtful gift.  Whether you do a year or a one-time gift, when it arrives your foodie will be reminded of how thoughtful you are.  This subscription is for the chocolate lover you know.  It's from chococurb.  You have many options for purchasing, I love options!!

Next up, another subscription...this one...bacon!!  Zingerman's (zingermans.com) is one of my favorite go to mail order companies for anything food.  I chose the bacon club for the foodie here, but there are many many options on the Zingerman's site you can choose from with many different pricing levels.  Zingerman's is based in Ann Arbor and I must say, their customer service is AWESOME!  

Last on the list are two boxes for perhaps the male foodie because they are from mancrate.com!  Shown here is the Morning Glory Crate and the Bacon Crate.  What I love about each of these crates is first - they are unique.  Second - they are so creatively packaged, and third you again have so many choices here.  

I think for the foodie you know it's so easy to "gift card out" because you aren't sure if you can meet their foodie standards but don't fall so quick!  Take a look at the fun options here and choose one just right for the foodie in your life!  Now, check them off your list and on to the next...

Happy Shopping !!

Gift Ideas for Some of your Favs

Here is your shopping weekend update:  you have only 5 weekends to shop for Christmas and  3 weekends until Hanukkah!  If you are anything like me, some of the most important people in your life are your friends, your besties, your posse.    If you have read any of my previous posts and know me at all, you know I love shopping.  I love gift giving!  I love thinking about the person and choosing the perfect gift for them regardless of the holiday or reason.  I would love to spend tons of money on all the people that mean so much to me but alas, reality sets in.   I have put together a short list of some of my favorite things to give.  The ideas can be seen as more of an "idea" or "theme" starter if you just need some inspiration.  Otherwise I also have the specific shopping information if you choose.  I am a fan of shopping local so for some of these ideas if you aren't in West Michigan you would need to source locally (*think macarons).  Let me also say, if you are a "crafty" person and make beautiful hand-made items - go for it - I think that always means so much to the receiver.  However, for me ....not an area I am even remotely talented in.  

Here we go:

1)  Give your besties jewelry.  But not just jewelry.  Add the personal touch to it.  A couple of my favs would be the engraveable collection from Stella & Dot and the whole buildable idea from Origami Owl.  First the Stella & Dot - you can spend a lot or a little - choose a chain and build it up with charms or go simple which affords you the opportunity to add to it in the future.  You can engrave special dates, ideas, words, etc on the pieces.  If there is a circle of girlfriends you are close to you could actually choose the same theme and gift to all.  I love the versatility in the pieces and the selection is amazing.  As a side note...the service and the packaging from Stella & Dot is amazing.  Along the same line is Origami Owl.  You choose lockets and add charms to the lockets.  Again, the colors, charms, overall selection is vast as is the styling.  There are more "edgy" choices in black metals or lighter silver styles.  The idea here is again personal and buildable for future gifts.  Again, packaging is adorable.  

2)  Do you have girlfriend that's a planner?  Loves to write personal notes?  Super organized...um or perhaps needs help getting organized?  Maybe she doesn't enjoy trying to do the calendar-on-the-phone thing (that's me).  I love the gift of a more personal and creative planner.  The Erin Condren Life Planner is A-mazing.  You can make it more personalized by adding a cover with her name on it - even her company name if you choose.  The planner craze is out there.  She can buy stickers galore from Etsy shops and truly plan like crazy.  I love it because it's got some fashion sense :)  *Tip - Order NOW - these take a bit to get to you. You can also order the planner now and order additional covers in the future.  Along with the planner idea/theme is personalized stationery.  I love to give a gift that the person would not normally buy for themselves but I know they would truly enjoy.  

3)  Every girl needs some pampering time.  I love the idea of bath products but what I love even more is the "out of the box" gift...again something she might not normally buy for herself.  We all visit our favorite bath and body store or department from time to time, come on ...I know you do.  But I think the products from Lush are a step beyond.  The packaging alone is beyond.  

4)  Who doesn't love tasty treats?  I love love love macarons.  I love Champagne.  I love the idea of combining the two.  The beautiful box of macarons from Le Bon Macaron  (www.lebonmacaron.com) here in Grand Rapids almost makes me giddy.  I think the idea of a "gift basket" of sorts with macarons, some champagne, and even some pretty glasses would be amazing and truly special.  Not a fan of the champagne idea?  Think latte or teas and pretty cups.  This is one of those unexpected gifts but so thoughtful.  Another of those treats she probably wouldn't put together for herself but would love to receive.

5)  The gift of beauty ...but what to give?  NOT a gift card...no not ever.  The idea of a short beauty subscription is awesome.  Birchbox subscriptions start at 3 months.  So for 3 months in a row your bestie will receive a box full of fun treasures (usually not full size I must tell you) from the beauty world to try for herself.  Again, love the packaging and the fact she will receive treats for 3 months - what a fun reminder of your friendship.

6)  It's not possible to have too many bags and too many choices of sizes in bags.  Handbags, totebags, coin purses, etc.  Love the idea of these little bags/pouches for your bestie.  I love the idea that you could choose the same style for each bestie in your circle and even from some merchants have the pouches monogrammed.  I think this another example of the unexpected and I love it for that reason.

Shop now so you are sure to not only get the best selection but just as important is getting the gift in time without any panic or stress.  You never know, something might end up in your "cart" that you can't live without either :)