Gift Guide » Top Ten Fashion Scout

1Bordelle's Angela Cage Dress£320

Bordelle's Angela Cage Dress


This is one of those gives-both-ways gifts. She gets a super-hot “dress” and he gets to stare at her in it (and, erm, somehow get her out of it). The panels of elastic are held solely together by the black cage structure, with a chunky gold zip down the back and fabric hooks at the bows with which you can attach a pair of gold suspenders that come with the ensemble. Who needs eggnog and whiskey when you have this little number from Bordelle to get temperatures rising? Get it here!


2Diamond Silhouette Ring by Alissia Melka-Teichroew$180

by AMT Diamond Silhouette Ring


Some girls have diamonds, some girls have a sense of humor. For the more adventurous and less bling-crazy, this unique & slick diamond silhouette ring by Alissia Melka-Teichroew still says “I adore you” without the “sorry, babe, no more money for food” side effects. Available in two widths (2mm or 9mm) and oodles of materials (silver, gold, and various colored acrylics), stack ‘em (acrylic pink & silver looks great) or wear them solo. How could she not say I do!? Get it here!


3George Gina & Lucy: Xciting Kanji Bag in Brigitte Bordeaux$245

George Gina & Lucy: Xciting Kanji Bag


I’m of the belief that a bag is only as good as its hardware and George, Gina & Lucy’s line is a shining example. I found my first GG&L bag while killing time in the Zurich airport and have been in love with the line ever since. My favorite item du moment? This Xciting Kanji duffle-ish handbag in Brigitte Bordeaux! The carabiner in the front unclips to serve as a keychain, the mix of brown canvas and moody wine-colored nylon accents has just the right dose of business & fun, and those pleats on the sides!! Currently I’ve only been able to find the Kanji bag in Blacky Chan but I will update with news regarding the availability of the color above ASAP! Get it here!


4Ugmonk's And Then I Woke Up Tee$24

Ugmonk's And Then I Woke Up Tee


Well, will you look at that! That’s what I’m wearing! Ugmonk’s line of super-soft tees has become an instant favorite in my closet. The typographic designs (ampersands, oversized Helvetica numerals, little quippy phrases) are subtle without being a bore. Buy one for you and one for your guy (and then steal his to snooze in). Aaand, to sweeten the deal, you get 10% off your purchase with this code (GIVEBACK09) and each tee you buy gives a hot meal to a needy child. What are you waiting for? Get it here!


5Carga's 03 Bag$345

Carga's 03 Bag


“The Carga collection is based on the desire to use construction techniques in unexpected ways. The nature of the materials along with the individually numbered disc emphasize the unique character of each bag.”

Carga’s line of industrial felted wool will make any proper bag fiend weak in the knees. Born out of chance when Mauro Bianucci, the Argentinean designer behind the brand, took a piece of felt meant for a blanket and ended up with his first Carga bag. Aluminum rivets serve as seam closures, a brown distressed leather strap contrasts the recycled Brazilian wool, and there’s even a wee pocket inside for your cell or iPod! Perfect for that stylish man about town… Get it here!


6Jemma Redux: Libby Bracelet$228

Jemma Redux: Libby Bracelet


“I like the contrast of industrial metals and high end jewelry, of thick chains and delicate natural stones, and the excess of massive pieces with too many stones, too massive on the neck or too long on the body… [These are] intentionally tough and complex designs made for the tough and complex girl – the GEMMA REDUX girl”

I’m tough! I’m complex! Gimmie one! So – I’m not super huge on wearing jewelry but Rachel Dooley’s chunky bracelets are making me drool with desire on my Ugmonk shirt! Made with industrial metals (vintage steel, vintage gold, and gunmetal chains are used in the Libby Bracelet seen above) and natural stones (green turquoise, howlite, and prehnite are just a few of the stones featured in her collection). My favorites: the Libby bracelet (above), Alex bracelet, and Erin necklace! Get it here!


7Set of 5 Saikai Porcelain Keys$40

Set of 5 Saikai Porcelain Keys


Ok, so they’re not quite jewelry, but imagine one of these delicate Japanese porcelain keys on a super-long silver chain or a brightly colored string around your neck. This set of five keys (ranging from 1.5″ to 2.75″ long) have so much potential – perfect for that teenager and her secret society, no!? Get it here!


8Terra Plana's Maplow Shoe$180

Terra Plana's Maplow Shoe


I wear Terra Plana. They’re green-minded and comfy to boot. My new favorites are these very Godard woman’s lace ups in black made with vegetable-tanned leather and recycled sole and sock inserts. There’s an itty bitty heel and lovely neon yellow stitching on the bottom arch. It’s a perfect geek chic match to a pair of skinny jeans and that cardigan knit by grandma! Get it here!


9Necklush Scarf$74

Necklush Scarf


My issue with most scarves is twofold: they’re either too itchy and hot, or too dinky and cold. Necklush’s designer duo, Stephano Diaz and Troy Mattison Hicks, kills two birds with one stone: made of multiple, seamless loops of hand-printed cotton, the scarf (especially the Ultra seen above with almost twice the amount of strands as the standard Necklush) sits high on your neck to really keep the biting winter wind at bay. Each piece is made to order so if you want it for Xmas, order by December 15th! Get it here!


10Happy Socks$10

Happy Socks


How did socks get such a bad rap in the gift-giving circuit? Who wouldn’t want a wacky pair of mismatched pink and maroon socks or teal and hot pink stripey Happy Socks? These eclectic toe-cozies are manufactured by a 30-year-strong family business in Turkey and made from combed cotton with a hint of elastane for stretch. All socks are 10 bucks a pop and get free shipping with an order of 4 pairs or more. Get it here!


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  1. Nice post…Thank you for sharing some good things!!

  2. Love the sock gift giving idea!!! Check out my unique over the knee sock designs http://www.sweetmarcel.com

  1. April 12th, 2010