Gift Guide: 7 Awesome Ideas for the Stylish Woman in Your Life
Stumped on what to get the gal in your life? Whether you’re looking for your wife/girlfriend/not-quite-girlfriend-but-not-quite-friend, mom, sister, friend or mother-in-law, we’ve got you covered with seven superb gift ideas (if we do say so ourselves), with options for every budget out there.
1. A spa or beauty treatment.
Go big: Book her the Rittenhouse massage ($130 for 60 minutes) at the Rittenhouse Spa. She’ll also get all-day access to the indoor pool, open until 10 p.m., for a total day of pampering.
Start small: Get her a classic mani ($30) and/or pedi ($38) at Lacquer Lounge, which has locations in Queen Village and Rittenhouse. Or get her a blowout ($40) at Blo/Out Blow Dry Bar, with locations in Washington Square and Rittenhouse. She’ll get gorgeous hair … and unlimited mimosas.
Hey, why don’t you: Rope in one of her friends to go, too? Pampering is always more fun with company.
2. Jewelry (duh).
Go big: Egan Day in Rittenhouse has arguably the city’s best selection of delicate, swoon-worthy jewelry. Go there, get anything, and we promise she’ll love it. Or head to Ella’s Grove in Haverford and get her a Rene Escobar bangle, studded with diamonds and available in silver or gold (from $825).
Start small: Costume jewelry is just as nice. The Geisha House in Old City has a stellar selection, with options like this sweet white topaz ring ($65) and bangle ($115).
Hey, why don’t you: Get her these earrings? Explain to her that can wear ’em two different ways, both of which look awesome. You’ll seem so fashion-savvy!
3. Tech accessories (the not-boring kind).
Go big: For many of us, our cell phone case is just another accessory, and it’s nice to have options. This Stella McCartney gold shark case ($145) has us swooning.
Start small: Head to J.Crew. They’ve got great options for less than $50. This one by French fashion illustrator/blogger/author Garance Doré is particularly cute ($36).
Hey, why don’t you: Get her Garance’s new book to go with it ($18.29)?
4. Makeup.
Go big: Can’t swing a pair of Louboutins? Get her the next best thing: Christian Louboutin lipstick, which a) comes in great colors and b) looks great displayed on a vanity. It comes in a super-fancy box, too, so your investment (er, $90) won’t be in vain. Tip: Go for a classic red.
Start small: Urban Decay’s Naked eyeshadow palette ($54). I’ve yet to meet a girl who doesn’t love this.
Hey, why don’t you: Get her a makeup bag to tote it around? This one at Target ($9.99) sort of reminds me of Valentino’s moody butterflies.
5. One gorgeous notebook.
Go big: Everyone we know has at least one pretty notebook hanging around at work or at home. For this, you can’t beat a Smythson version, especially this simple black one ($110), etched with the cities that have the biggest fashion weeks. She’ll think of you every time she writes in it!
Start small: Local illustrator Melissa Noucas creates to-die-for paper goods, including notebooks both classic (this simple striped one, $32) and fashion-centric (this ‘Vogue and Coffee’ book, also $32).
Hey, why don’t you: Get her a fancy pen to write in them? Omoi Zakka Shop in Rittenhouse has great picks.
6. A trés fancy scarf.
Go big: Head to Burberry‘s King of Prussia location, pick out a cashmere scarf ($475) and then look through the brand’s newly launched custom monogram options (an additional $75). Pick an embroidery color, they’ll send it out, and within seven business days, you’ll have the perfect present.
Start small: This super-chunky knit scarf at Urban Outfitters is equally cozy ($44, plus 30 percent off!).
Hey, why don’t you: Also take her out on an ice-skating date at the rink at Dilworth Park? She can bundle up in her new gear.
7. A wear-forever bag.
Go big: Thalé Blanc’s mini tote ($1,395 at Boyds, Rittenhouse), with its impossibly elegant double swan-neck handle, is an elegant collector’s item she’ll always want on her arm.
Start small: Vince’s lizard-embossed saddle bag ($345) is a classic, ever-wearable shape; in navy, it’s perfection.
