Holiday Gift Guide: $30 and Under

With only 11 short days left until Christmas, I've already spent countless hours scouring stores for the perfect gifts, leaving my holiday budget nearly depleted. For the last-minute gifts on your shopping list (yourself included), consider any of these budget-friendly items - all ringing in at under $30.

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Urban Outfitters, Anchor Charm Necklace with Gift Envelope, $16
Thomas Glenn, Black Ornament with White Stripes, $28.99
J.Crew, Beaded-Antler Tissue Tee, $24.99* (on sale)
Philosophy, Not the Pits Cherry Cola Shower Gel, $16
Uncommon Goods, Coal Bubble Gum, $5
Anthropologie, Decimal Point Tights, $20
Crate & Barrel, Kado Rice Bowl, $5.95
Banana Republic, All-Season Sparkle Bobby Pins, $18
Shu Uemura, 24k Gold Eye Lash Curler, $24

Snow Daze

Fifteen inches of snow blanketed the Madison area over the last 24 hours. It's a heavy, wet snow that's even causing snow plows to get stuck in ditches - not exactly something my Honda Civic can handle. The upside? My coworkers and I have the luxury of enjoying a snow day when the local school district cancels classes.

While I'm stuck inside, I'm using Mother Nature's white wonderland as inspiration for a cozy winter ensemble.

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Arden B., Asymmetrical Drape Cardigan Sweater, $48
Ann Taylor Loft, Faux Fur Neck Warmer, $29.50
Forever21, Feathered Pendant Necklace, $5.80
J.Crew, Wool Duffle Coat, $298
Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Hammered Hoop Earrings, $32
Sorel, Joan Of Arctic Winter Boot, $129.95
Lori's, Fingerless Knit Gloves with Mitten Flap, $24
J Brand, Pencil Leg Jeans, $200

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Wisconsin winters mean one thing: snow. And lots of it. (In fact, our local weatherman called tonight's impending blizzard "epic.") But as much as I disdain the fluffy white stuff, I just adore bundling up in a wool coat. Here's what I wore to brave the elements this morning:

Earrings: J.Crew (Thanks, Anjali!); Fur Scarf: Adrienne Landau; Coat: Banana Republic; Dress: Diane von Furstenberg; Tights: Banana Republic; Suede Booties: Nine West

In other news, I'm thrilled the gift guides are going over so well! I had originally intended to only post five, but I'd love to do more. Stay tuned!

Holiday Gift Guide: The Fashionista

Christian Louboutin's Cat Burglar Barbie reportedly sold out on Net-a-Porter the day of its debut, leaving many holiday shoppers without the perfect gift for the fashionistas in their lives. No worries. I have a few ideas for the fashion-loving recipients on your list.

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Hermes, Tout en Carré Twilly, $125
Kate Spade, Bourgeois Bow Key Fob, $50
Alexis Bittar, Small Teardrop Necklace, $155
J.Crew, Sequined Starland Tank, $138
Missoni Home, Dalia Rectangular Outdoor Cushion, $165
CC Skye, Pave Knuckle Ring, $175
Lauren Merkin, Card Case, $35
St. Germain, Elderflower Liqueur, $25.98
Marc Jacobs for Waterford, David Wine Glass, $65
Forever21, Feather Pouf Comb, $9.80
Marimekko, Piccolo Umbrella, $40
Banana Republic, Confetti Hoop Earrings, $36
Estee Lauder, Golden Alligator Compact, $33

Holiday Gift Guide: The Next CEO

Don't try to tell your workaholic friend to take time off to relax and pamper herself. She's not going to. Instead encourage her goal to be her company's next CEO and treat her to unique desk accessories she can enjoy while working those late nights, kept company by the glow of the computer screen.

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Tibor Kalman/M&Co., Legal Paper Paperweight, $28
Kate Spade, 1-2-3-4 Post-It Pads, $9
Webster's, Fashion Color Dictionary, $180
Jayson Home & Garden, Modern Quill Pen, $32
Blue Tree NYC, Star Handle Magnifying Glass, $65
Page Goolrick, Page 1 Pencil Cup, $35
Anya Hindmarch, Miami Hard Back Business Card Holder, $87.45 (on sale)

Design Within Reach, Heavy-Weight Tape Dispenser, $60
Barnes & Noble, Metal @ Paperweight Zinc Alloy, $12.95
Acco, Gold Tone Paper Clips, $1.99
Lauren Ralph Lauren, Perry Industrial Desk Lamp, $275 (on sale)
The Container Store, Hardwood Pushpins, $2.99

Holiday Gift Guide: The Hostess

Do you have a social director in your circle of friends? She's the person who loves to host cocktail hour, invites guests over for Sunday morning brunch, and makes new acquaintances feel like old friends. For the hostess in your life, try classic gifts with a quirky twist.

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Kate Spade, Classic Kate Playing Cards, $15
Emily Elizabeth Jewelry, Shiny Good Fortunes Necklace, $88
MoMA Store, Half-Pint Creamer, $14
UniFlame, Solid Brass Match Holder, $27.73
Macy's, The Cellar Selene Cake Dome, $29.99
Urban Outfitters, Cupcake Ornament, $10
Kate Spade, Larabee Dot Tidbit Plates, $80
Crate & Barrel, Clio Martini Glass, $9.95
Michael Aram, Bark Ice Bucket, $199
Michael Aram, Twig Tongs, $45
Claus Porto, Citron Verbena Bath Soap, $16
Jonathan Adler, Penguin Salt and Pepper Set, $44.99

Holiday Gift Guide: The Romantic

Everybody has at least one hopelessly romantic friend who still watches Cinderella, cherishes albums of photos, and keeps each love letter she's received. Here are some pretty present ideas for the sentimental one in your life:

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Forever21, Side Jewel Drape Necklace, $7.80
Banana Republic, Ballerina Bracelet, $32
Michael Aram, Twig Photo Frame, $109
La Compagnie de Provence, Rose Body Lotion, $26
French Connection, Siouxie Top, $89.99 (on sale)
Tiffany & Co., Tiffany Blue Box Charm, $150
Uncommon Goods, Gold Forget Me Not Ring, $198 (also available in silver for $48)
MoMA Store, Prismatic Bowls, $70
Kate Spade, Pickney Street Rose Bowl, $150
Michael Aram, Bellflower Ornament, $29
Pierre Deux French Country, Moineau Silver Birds, $38