Grab a Gift Idea
The Chicago Tribune
December 5, 2007
By Kristine Blenkhorn Rodriguez
Special To The Tribune
The guilty among us have a drawer. In that drawer, we place the well-intentioned fashion mistakes we are given each holiday season.
The guiltiest among us regift these items (the mustard paisley scarf knitted by Aunt Esther, the orange fishnet stockings from the ex) to our least favorite associates, hoping they will assume color blindness or a momentary lapse in judgment. Tsk, tsk.
Avoid perpetrating these crimes of fashion on your loved ones this season. Sherri Athay, gift consultant and author of “Present Perfect: Unforgettable Gifts for Every Occasion” (Mobius Pres, 2001) offers some words of advice before you buy a gift of fashion or beauty:
Listen. “Women are always chattering about what they like,” Athay says. Buying on a whim usually means unused or returned items.
Obeserve. Know what makes a loved one feel pampered or attractive, Athay advises. Observe how she likes to be seen by others and buy accordingly. Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti, founder and CEO of luxury site vivre.com, encourages gift givers to take the time to “explore another’s passions, interests and personal style. Making the effort is an acknowledgement if our love, friendship or esteem, and can only result in gifts that are more memorable and cherished.”
Put it in writing. Athay also suggests writing down gift ideas as they occur to you.
Shop together. Not for the gift itself, but for a sense of what your friend or loved one is drawn to.
Exchange wish lists. Athay advises this option only if all else fails. “If you must shop for a very specific item from an even more specific wish list, package it in a unique wat,” Athay urges.
Even if you follow all of the above steps, mishaps can occur. Amy Sallinger, a fashion consultant sees it every year: “Buying clothing is something that someone with great taste who knows you incredibly well can probably do. But for anyone else its like walking in to a trap.”
Chicago wardrobe consultant Julie Watson agrees. “Accessories are the way to go when buying for others.”
Before you claim to be pressed for time and purchase a rather generic gift card, take a moment to peruse the following gift suggestions. Most of us have a friend or loved one in at least one of these categories.
The Diva (a la Catherine Zeta-Jones)
You know she is diva if:
- She thinks gold is a primary color
- She refuses to call anything less than 4 inches a heel
- She would rather be seen nude than sans lipstick
Julie Watson: “She’s all about the sparkle. Get her a statement cocktail ring. Or spring for a gold or silver handbag.
Amy Salinger: “This season it’s patent leather for the diva. Find her a great patent clutch, wallet or tote.”
Green Girl (a la Cameron Diaz)
You know she’s a green girl if:
- Leather is a no-no
- Her house is a chemical free zone
- Bamboo is her fabric of choice
Amy Salinger: “Stay away from bling, of course. Think eco-friendly materials. No leather.”
Julie Watson: “Being eco-conscious does not exclude being fashion conscious. Think sustainable fabrics, fair trade or recycled and reclaimed items.”
Wild Thing (a la Angelina Jolie)
You know she is a wild thing if:
- She regularly shows more skin on a night out than you do in a bathing suit
- Black leather abounds
- She thinks real women forgo pink
Julie Watson: “Think tough, biker chic, but posh.”
Amy Salinger: “She’s a little more body conscious and likes to show off her curves. So, if you can pull off buying her clothing make sure it shows off her sexuality.”
Copyright © 2008 juliewatsonstyle. All rights reserved.
