{ gift guide } last-minute luxe list

Christmas is less than a week away, but there's still time to rush gifts under the tree. Here are a few irresistible last-minute indulgences:

1. Sunglasses, Tiffany & Co., $290
2. 14k Pyramid Stud Earrings, Sophie Blake, $165
3. Fireplace Matches, Thomas Paul, $12.50
4. Leather Pouch, Rebecca Minkoff, $55
5. "I Love You" Ring, Tiffany & Co., $125 (ask your loved one for this - it'll be darling layered with other rings)
6. Gold Wishbone, Jayson Home & Garden, $48
7. Polka Dot Scarf, Topshop, $28
8. Tortoise Watch, Michael Kors, $195
9. Mint Pumps, Kate Spade, $298 (I have these and absolutely love them.)
   

Additional Gift Guides

• Luxe Gifts Under $50
• The Traveler
• The Beach Babe
• The Elegant Entertainer
• The Whimsical Woman
• The Outdoorsman
• The Geeky Guy
  

{ gifts under $50 }

1. Lanvin by Elisabeth Barille, $35
2. Curling Ribbon Earrings, Kate Spade, $48
3. Midas Sphere Bib, Bauble Bar, $36
4. Edge Flute, Crate & Barrel, $12.95
5. Glitter Purse, J.Crew, $49.50
6. Lights the Night Top, ModCloth, $39.99
7. Pink Stud Earrings, Betsey Johnson, $22.99
8. Gold Playing Cards, Idea International, $15
9. Nail Polish, Essie, $8
   

{ gift guides }

This year's gift guides have started at Bedknobs & Baubles. Who's on your hard-to-shop-for list? Let me know and I'll see what I can do to help you out! Check out the guides for:

• The Traveler
• The Beach Babe
• The Elegant Entertainer
• The Whimsical Woman
  

Truth be told, I've fallen for the earrings above. What's topping your own holiday wish list?

{ valentine's day } Gifts for You

No guy? No problem. I'm joining the ranks of the single ladies this year and splurging on a pretty gift for myself. Why should gals in relationships have all of the fun?

1. Long Single Crystal in Gold/Topaz, Tiger Lily, $100
2. Driving Gloves, Modcloth, $49.99
3. Westerly Stud Earrings, Gorjana, $35
4. Ruffle Strap Mini Dress, Thread Social, $545 $218
5. Chiffon Pouchette, J.Crew, $98
6. Karolina Pumps, Kate Spade, $298
7. Arty Ovale Ring, Yves Saint Laurent, $195
8. Heart-Shaped Paperclips, Modcloth, $8.99
   

{ valentine's day } Gifts for Him

He'll never ask for an indulgent gift on his own, which is exactly why you should treat your man to something unexpectedly luxe this Valentine's Day. But if he doesn't go for that sort of thing - or if you just started dating - The Zombie Survival Guide is sure to make him smile. For you long-term love birds, slip a note inside the Filson duffle detailing the plans of a romantic weekend together at a campground.

1. Wallet, Ben Minkoff, $135
2. Fulton Leather Shoehorn, Coach, $48
3. Leather Belt, Will Leather Goods, $125
4. Memo Pads, Field Notes, $9.95
5. Madras Pocket Square, J.Crew, $39.50
6. Cuff Links, Alexander McQueen, $255 $99
7. The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks, $13.99
8. Wool Duffle Bag, Filson, $250
   

{ valentine's day } Gifts for Her

Everyone can use a little bit of sweetness on February 14. After all, no boy can resist a girl batting her eyelashes in a pretty frock. And for you lovely ladies in relationships this year, go ahead and leave this window strategically open on your boyfriend's computer. There's nothing more effective than a "subtle" hint.

1. Heart Mug, Reiko Kaneko, £14.95
2. Franklin "I Love You" Necklace, Jess LC, $58
3. Glitter Heart Clutch, Urban Expressions, $55 $46.75
4. Rose Gold Love Knot Ring, Avanessi, $275
5. Icing Atop the Cake Dress, Modcloth, $89.99
6. Studded Chain Bracelet, Wendy Mink, $160
7. Lace Pillow, Comfort & Samuel, £60 £48 (with code STYLOBS)

Deck the Mantel

Digging into a stocking on Christmas morning has been one of my favorite traditions for one reason: immediate gratification. Growing up, my brother and I had to patiently take turns unwrapping one gift at a time to allow for ample photo ops. It's great for family photo albums. It's torture on a child.

This year, I'm yearning for a stocking filled with luxe indulgences.

See what's in my dream stocking at La Vie ... J'aime.

{ gift guide } Under $50

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Vintage Book, Jayson Home & Garden, $48
Rhinestone Key Chain, Kate Spade, $50
Pyramid Stud Earrings, Juicy Couture, $48
Dress, ModCloth, $47.99
Brooch, Forever21, $5.80
Peanut Key Chain, Carl Auböck, $29.75 (on sale)
Hand Warmers, Juicy Couture, $36 (on sale)
Horn Serving Set, Jayson Home & Garden, $35*
Polka Dot Pillow, West Elm, $34 (free shipping today)
Black Truffle Almonds, The Squirrel Brand Co., $26
Lotus Candle Holder, CB2, $14.95
Bud Vase, CB2, $8.84/set of 3

*After I completed this list, I realized that the serving set is only $15 on Gilt today! Totally worth it. Sign up here if you need an invite.

Have you completed your holiday shopping?

{ gift guide } My Wish List

I was thisclose to be disowned by my mother last week. Despite weeks of inquiries, I still hadn't decided what to include on my own holiday wish list. Many coveted items I'd just buy for myself because I'd feel too guilty asking for an indulgent item. After all, what parent really wants to spend $200 on a cocktail ring that's made from base metal? Here are the more reasonable gifts I hope to find under the tree. (And I'm sure I'll regret not even asking for those Miu Miu's after the new year.)

• Square Plates: I've been using my parents' old dinnerware since college. Definitely time for an upgrade. (However, I won't opt for the square bowls - those feel too pompous.)
• Cozy Cardigan: The zipper on this one makes me especially happy; it can go as high or as low as you'd like.
• YSL Arty Flower Ring: This might be my tax return splurge.
  
• Culinary Torch: New Year's resolution: learn to make creme brulee.
• Flap Mittens: I finally caved and purchased an iPhone after my Razr met an untimely demise. I'm addicted. And tired of taking my gloves off each time I want to play with it.
• Luxe Bottle Opener: Making beer classier one bottle cap at a time.
• Glam Coin Purse: Truth be told, I already ordered this for myself.
• Christmas Ornament: A new bauble bedecks the tree each year.
• Quirky Dessert Plates: Let them eat cake!
• Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses: I asked my brother for these since he's the only one I know who splurges on eyewear.
• Rhinestone Bracelet: I'm transitioning from statement necklaces to statement bracelets ... even if they make typing obnoxious.
  
• Beijing Travel Guide: There's a 85% chance I'm visiting China in June. More on that later.
• Mad Men on DVD: I just finished watching Weeds on DVD and I'm in desperate need of another show to obsess over in the off season (even if I caught most of the shows when they aired).
  

But, most of all, I'm wishing for Christmas greetings from loved ones - and enough sweets to send me down a diabetic path.

What's on your holiday wish list?

{ gift guide } The Glam Gal

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Passport Cover, Graphic Image, $65
Black & White Cookie Ornament, Landmark Creations, $45
Peacock Ornament, Gump's, $16.99 (on sale)
Art Deco Ring, Elizabeth and James, $135
Cocktail Ring, Forever21, $5.80
Martini Glasses, BAR Collection, $54/set of two

Pencils with Rhinestone Detail, DiVoga, $14.99/set of 9
Candle, Annick Goutal, $65
Bird Skull Ring, Rachel Roy, $48
Feather Paperweight, Match, $37
Sequin Clutch, Kate Spade, $97 (on sale)
Makeup Brush Set, Bobbi Brown, $90
iPhone Cover, Kate Spade, $40*
Pineapple Bowl, Jayson Home & Garden, $32
Earrings, Janna Conner, $65

*Unfortunately, this cover is now sold out on the Kate Spade site. A few options come up via the Google shopping search.

{ gift guide } The Homebody

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Pillow Cover, John Robshaw Textiles, $75
Drawer Knob, Anthropologie, $8
Lambswool Blanket, Design Within Reach, $150
Vase, Kate Spade, $75
Match Holder, Eddie Bauer, $29.50
Desk Lamp, Ethan Allen, $299
Calendar, Jack and Lulu, $48
Agate Cheese Plates, Jayson Home & Garden, $60 - $75
Books, Penguin Classics, $13.60
Teacup and Saucer, welovekaru, $35
Antique French Key, Jayson Home & Garden, $8
Shea Orchard Daily Duo, L'Occitane, $25
Pie Plate, Emile Henry, $34.95
Sea Glass Earrings, Coldwater Creek, $9.99 (on sale)

{ gift guide } The Snow Bunny

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Icicle Ornaments, Jayson Home & Garden, $36/set of 15
Tuxedo Pearls Graduated Necklace, Kate Spade, $245
Cool Jewels Ice Tray, Perpetual Kid, $6.99
Snowflake Brooch, Dillard's, $25
Cake Pan, Wilton, $30.95
Snow in a Can, Bibelot, $4.50
Shea Butter Nail & Cuticle Cream, L'Occitane, $18
King Penguin Chicks, Schleich, $3.99
Apatite Green Drops, Wendy Mink Jewelry, $69
Metallic Cosmetic Case, Kate Spade, $70
Snowflake Ring, Betsey Johnson, $55
Faux Fur Wrap, Dillard's, $34
Boots, Sorel, $130
Mittens, Kate Spade, $65
Bracelets, Alexis Bittar, $295 each

{ gift guide } The Gardener

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Floral Cami, Ella Moss, $87.99 (on sale)
Watering Can, Gardman, $16.39 (on sale)
Birdcage Necklace, Kate Spade, $125
Trowel Ornament, Sears, $6.99
Bird Feeder, Eva Solo, $50.99
Bird Stud Earrings, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $48
Lotus Serving Set, Michael Aram, $59
Twig Pencils, Amazon, $1.99 each
Garden Stool, Gump's, $295
Gardenia Soap, Fresh, $12
Floral Earrings, Tinley Road, $24
Lattice Cuff, Lilly Pulitzer, $68
Leaf Tray, Michael Aram, $32-85

{ gift guide } The Seafarer

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Crab Necklace, Alex Woo, $158
Hand Towels, Thomas Paul, $48
Bikini Top and Bottom, Diane von Furstenberg, $135 and $125
Shorebird, Brass Binnacle, $18.95
Knot Doorstop, Jayson Home & Garden, $35
Swimwear Care, The Laundress, $8
Piper Bobby Pins, Kate Spade, $45
Piper Cosmetic Case, Kate Spade, $60
Beach Fragrance, Bobbi Brown, $55
Straw Tote, J.Crew, $42.50
Anchor Key Chain, Pelican Bay Nautical Gifts, $17.95
Shell Dish, Jayson Home & Garden, $44
Shell Ornaments (set of 4), Wisteria, $49
Starfish Pendant, Target, $24.99

{ gift guide } The Label Lover

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Umbrella, Diane von Furstenberg, $45
Eye Shadow Duo, MAC, $19.50
Alexander McQueen by Kristin Knox, $29
Buckle Gem Bracelet, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $88
Twirl Rollerball Fragrance, Kate Spade, $18
Cami and Short Set, Juicy Couture, $52.50 (on sale)
Coin Purse, Rebecca Minkoff, $48
Jingle Bell Earrings, Kate Spade, $45
Mini Bag, Rebecca Minkoff, $125
Picture Frame, Kate Spade, $35
Cocktail Ring, Rachel Leigh, $80
Silk Twilly, Hermes, $130

{ gift guide } The Chic Chef

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Chocolate Mousse Mix, Crate & Barrel, $9.95
French Grey Sea Salt, Williams-Sonoma, $7.95
Fortune Cookie Necklace, Jessica Elliot, $75
Moroccan Olive Oil, Crate & Barrel, $10.95
Toile Cupcake Liners, Fancy Flours, $4.50
Chopping Board, Crate & Barrel, $44.95
Leather Bottle Opener, Jayson Home & Garden, $16
Cake Stand, Julia Knight, $90
Bakers Twine, Crate & Barrel, $7.95
Jingle Bell Picks, Crate & Barrel, $9.95
Pear Salt Cellar, Jayson Home & Garden, $45
Wine Bottle Coaster and Stopper, Michael Aram, $89.99

{ gift guide } The Wanderlust

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
World Traveler Mug, Kate Spade, $20
World Map Pillow, Ferm Living, $110
World Traveler Calendar, Anthropologie, $21.95
Jewelry Case, Lauren Merkin, $85
Patent Luggage Tag, Coach, $42
Paris Magnets, ModCloth, $11.99
Giselle Suitcase, Diane von Furstenberg, $121.99
Cartographer's Cultured Knob, Anthropologie, $10
Matryoshkas Measuring Cups, ModCloth, $14.99
Newbury Passport Cover, Lauren By Ralph Lauren, $48
Travel Tin Candle, Votivo, $11

My Funny Valentine

I've unceremoniously made my way through four bags of conversation hearts. (And with two more weeks until Valentine's Day, I guarantee that another bag will meet its demise.) As an added bonus, the hearts have become real conversation fodder for my coworker and I as we form sentences with the candies. He came up with my favorite:

"Call Me - Love Bug - Wink Wink"
a.k.a. a cute way to tell someone you have an STD

Love bugs aside, conversation hearts always get me in the mood for the pink-hued glory of Valentine's Day. I hope for a delivered bouquet of flowers to make my coworkers jealous. I yearn for a candlelit dinner that I didn't have to make. Even a heart-shaped box of chocolates makes me swoon (expanding waistline be damned!).

But even us romantic traditionalists wish for something special on Valentine's Day. If your loved one needs a little help this year, here are my picks for holiday-appropriate gifts you'll appreciate throughout the year. Go ahead, "forget" to close this window when you leave the computer - blatant hints work.


(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Tracy Reese, Scalloped-Trim Dress, $155 (on sale)
Gorjana, Petal Drop Earrings, $65
Chasing Fireflies, Giant Heart Lollipop, $24
François Dallegret, Art Breaker Paperweight, $65
Kate Spade, Kellis Pump, $285
Tory Burch, Valentine's Day Cosmetic Case, $75
Museumize, Love Paperweight, $68
J.Crew, Flutter-Flower Clutch, $128
Banana Republic, Promise Knot Ring, $25
Jess L.C., Lucky in Bed Necklace, $40

Santa Came Early

Last night my boyfriend and I exchanged Christmas presents. Partly because we won't see each other on Christmas day, and partly because we're just too darn excited about seeing each other open gifts.

He did incredibly well this year and I'm thrilled with the thought he put into each gift. But I just have to share my glee over one particular item:

It's a buffalo bone and malachite bracelet from Bougainvillea Boutique. I'll post proper outfits with it soon!