2015 Gift Guide: For the Fashionista

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The List that Will Please Any Fashionista

Ah, the most wonderful time of the year is upon us again! This means it is time to cue all the Grinches out there who wants to talk about materialism and spending too much money, blah, blah, and blah. Clearly, in the fashion world, it’s easy to spend a chunk of change, drive up the debt and prove those Grinches right. On the other hand, with a little thoughtful planning and modest restraint, I can help make your fashionista’s Christmas wishes come true.

When shopping for that fashionista, it is easy to become distracted by baubles and pretty, shiny things. If you’re not that into fashion, it’s tempting to by the first thing that catches your eye. If you’re like me and love fashion, you want one of everything. I find it easiest to shop for a fashionista by focusing on accessories—that, and concentrating on sites that collect popular designers, keeping that distraction to a minimum while offering multiple points of view. Shopbop, for example, is like a finely curated boutique and it’s where I found several items on my list.

Now when I say to focus on accessories, I don’t mean the staples. Every fashionista already has a great tan or black shoulder bag and perfect black pumps. With accessories of any sort, you can go big and spend a lot of dough, or you can find great affordable pieces. This is my list, complete with spendy items, and some thrifty ones.

1. Eartha Micro Accordion Cross Body Bag. While I did say that your fashionista is likely to have invested in the basics, she seriously and secretly wishes to have those more colorful and equally as stylish handbags as well. Resist the urge to go for black – I adore this ZAC Zac Posen one in Raisin. This mini version of a ZAC Zac Posen bag can be found on Shopbop for a relatively affordable $195.

2. City Slicker Handbag Raincoat
If you can’t afford to buy the whole bag, why not get your fashionista this practical little raincoat for the amazingly expensive ones she probably already owns? In any climate where rain, snow, slush and salt are a part of winter, handbags follow only behind shoes in suffering. Exposed to the elements, a big investment can get ugly fast. How thoughtful of you to protect your fashionista’s investments! I found this, too, on Shopbop for just $25.

3. Animal Print Scarf
Blanket scarves are my absolute new favorite things. They act as a scarf, a shawl or a blanket! I got a leopard print one on my recent trip to NYC where I was unprepared for a blast of unseasonable chill, and I haven’t looked back. I drape it across my shoulders and belt it. I throw it over a sweater or jacket. I drape it across my shoulders as a shawl. I cuddle with it sitting on my porch at night, or in front of my TV in my pj’s. It’s instant style, and total comfort. I like this leopard print version from Zara for $39.90, but there are great versions out there in many patterns and price points.

4. Versace Cat Eye Sunglasses
Some might call this a staple. Some might suggest never buying eyewear without seeing what it will look like on the wearer’s face. Some might say I’m breaking my own rule. While I tend to agree, I also think that one can never have too many pairs of black rimmed, oversized sunglasses. Calling all Audreys, this Versace pair with the gorg earpiece is too amazing to be believed. Shopbop has these for a cool $230.

5. Fringe Bootie
Fringe is such a big deal right now and these high-heeled suede booties are just the way to wear it. These can go anywhere and with anything, from bar hopping in jeans and flannel, to a fancy dinner in a fancy dress. This is a trend I’d wear for a decade. I found this version by Kristin Cavallari at Nordstrom for $168.95.

6. MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Dangerous
Seriously, the perfect red lipstick is the one thing that no fashionista worth her salt would be without. Some may argue, but I find this tomato-y shade classically beautiful and perfect for most any skin tone. Also, the creamy, longwearing matte finish is super-luxe. This is instant style for a mere $17.

So there you have it. I’ll be submitting this list to friends and family in a timely fashion (wink, wink…nudge, nudge). Fellow fashionistas, what’s on your list?