Fashion Bomb Holiday Gift Guide: 15 Under $50

Hey lovelies!

Your savvy Fashion Bomb elves have devised a fierce, recession-proof holiday gift guide for stylistas on a budget! We're repping the luxe (Shu Uemura, Calypso, Marc Jacobs), the fashionably low (Sigerson Morrison for Target, LeSportSac), and some gems in-between (the über-hip Timex Digital). Check it out!

1. Forever 21 Color Stripes Top, $18 2. Fred Flare Black Lace Gloves, $10 3. Patricia Field Faux Fur Jacket, $29. 4. Furla Silver Cosmetics Bag, $39 5. Assouline's The Fashion Questionnaire Book, $35 6. Marc by Marc Jacobs Stud Earrings, $38. 7. Tarte Holiday Cheek Set, $25 8. Sigerson Morrison for Target Glam Crystal Booties, $40 9. Bobi Supreme Jersey Turtlenck Dress, $33. 10. Calypso Obee Belt, $19 11. Retro Timex Digital Watch, $35 12. LeSportsac Kasey Bag, $34. 13. R.J. Graziano Patterned Cuff, $49 14. Shu Uemura Mini Khaki False Eyelashes, $18 15. Bliss's 'Spa'-velous Travel Spa Set, $46
And that's not all! Timex and The Fashion Bomb have teamed up to bring you our third contest of the holiday season:

With the return of 80s style, Timex has brought back some of their classic watches--like the above Digital--to the retro-loving fashion masses!
Tell us which celebrity stylist and Fashion Bomb friend featured the Timex Digital at an event during the Spring 2009 collections (here's a hint). First correct answer wins!!

WE HAVE A WINNER!!

Congrats to Fashion Bombshell Stephanie from New York, who correctly guessed Robert Verdi. And check out her sassy Real Style!Also check out Timex's new site, TimexStyle, to get the latest on fashion-forward watch trends!
~Adri

Fashionable Mother's Day Gifts under $100

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 11th.

If you're like me, you've developed a bad habit of waiting til the last minute to run to Hallmark to get whatever 'Mahogany' card is leftover.
After numerous guilt laced phone calls on the day in question, I decided: No More!
There are plenty of cool items you can give to mom without spending a ton. And hey, it's Wednesday, so if you order today, it should still reach Mom Dukes in time for the holiday.
I decided to help everyone out a bit, and give you 25 ideas for fashionable Mother's Day Gifts all under $100:
1. Jewelry: Moms wants to feel like sassy vixens, and nothing does that more than modern, funky jewels. Gift her the following affordable picks for a cool look:
1. Sundiata Design Multiple Hoop Earrings, $45, www.oohboutique.com 2. Diamond Pattern Bangle, $75, www.vivre.com 3. Sassy Earrings, $12, www.boutiquefinesse.com 4. Kenneth Jay Lane Giraffe Print Bangle, $99, shopbop.com
5. Fossil Women's White Strap Bracelet Watch, $75, www.macys.com 6. Milky Way Silver Necklace, $80, www.starletaccessories.com.
7. Large Enamel Flower Ring, $15, www.oohboutique.com. 8. Life Lines Ring, $95, www.ilovesisu.com 9. Enamel Ribbed Bangle, $58, www.activeendeavors.com
2. Cute Bag. Surprise Mom with an eye catching tote, evening clutch, or a weekend bag she can bring when she comes to visit.
1. Blanca Snake Tote, $79, www.bebe.com. 2. Sondra Roberts Metallic Clutch, $75, www.shopkitson.com. 3. Ombre Tote, $78, www.anthropologie.com. 4. Tignanello Tech Tote, $89, www.macys.com. 5. Melie Blanco Graphic Clutch, $68, www.shopkitson.com. 6. Bombe Tote, $99, www.anntaylor.com.
3. Leisure Looks. My mom favors her tennis track suits plus t-shirts to wear when she goes shopping (trust me, I've tried to steer her differently!). Give her a friendly nudge by offering her a few options she can wear to the mall, grocery store, or lunch with friends:
1. Pink Pony Hope Tee, $98, www.ralphlauren.com.2. Cotton Argyle Hoodie, $72, www.jcrew.com. 3. Juicy Couture Heather Long Sleeve Track Jacket, $98, shopbop.com
4. Magazine Subscriptions. They're affordable, and truly, one of the few gifts that keep on giving:
Check www.essence.com, www.elle.com, www.newyorker.com, and www.heartandsoul.com for subscription details.
5. Beautifying Gift Baskets. Shhhh, I'm getting my mom a gift basket from Carol's Daughter, but there are plenty sultry treatments you can offer for the mom who likes to look (and feel) good:
1. Best Tressed Hair Set, $58, www.carolsdaughter.com. 2. Bliss Vanilla + Bergamot Set, $84, www.blissworld.com. 3. Philosophy Amazing Grace Gift Set, $68, www.sephora.com.
Show your Mom some love!

Fashion, News, and What Nots

*Shout out to one of the greatest TV Moms:
...who happens to have one of the best names ever! Ha!
*Um, have y'all seen the pictures of Rihanna in Elle's June issue?
Homegirl is so frickin fierce! Check out the rest here.
*Log on to enter my girl Meghan's Sex & the City Shoe Contest. [Miss Meghan]

Gift Guide: Claire's Favorite Fashionable Things

Hey, hey,
So gift and sale season is fast approaching, and while I plan on procrastinating heavily, I know that some of you are getting a leg up during those Thanksgiving sales.
In the spirit of 'Oprah's favorite things,' I decided, why not give you Claire's Favorite Things? Below, the Fashion Bomb's Guide to Stylish Gifts.
First up, celeb inspired presents:
1. Bold Clutches
A bold clutch can brighten up any outfit, and looks smashingly dressy against the darker colors of winter.
My picks:
Top Row: Alfani Mercer Patent Clutch, $68,www.macys.com; Mint Handbags Madison, $53, www.ebags.com.
Bottom Row: Alfani Greenwich Croco Clutch, $98,www.macys.com; Silk Satin Claire Clutch, $60, www.jcrew.com.
2. Bangles & Long Necklaces
Long necklaces or bangles are a go-to gift: they're one size fits all, affordable, and upgrade any outfit:

Top Row: Tortoise Link Necklace, $68,www.oohboutique.com; Everday Bangles, $9, www.boutiquefinesse.com.
Bottom Row: Galaxy Starbust, $50,www.starletaccessories.com; Kenneth Jay Lane Coral Stone Long Necklace, $60, www.bluefly.com.
If you already have enough, you can always organize!

Left to Right: Little Burch Jewelry Stand, $28; Chirp Bracelet Stand, $18, both at www.urbn.com.
3. Berets
As you probably know, I love berets for their warm, stylish qualities. Plus, if you're having a bad hair day, they've got you covered! Pop on a traditional black or get bold with sequins. Either way, effortless chic:

Left to Right: Cableknit Beret, $38,www.anthropologie.com; Ready & Cable Beret, $38, www.kennethcole.com; Kokin Orchiila Beret, $125,www.bloomingdales.com.
4. Ray Bans
Aviators never go out of style, flatter most face shapes, and at about $100, won't break the bank:
Pop 'em on for a sunny winter day as the perfect finish to a sophisticated look. Get this pair at www.saks.com.
5. Black Wrap
Black wraps are a wardrobe staple for a good reason: they're a great topper for a chilly office, work well as a re-purposed scarf on a cold day, and provide oh so necessary warmth when donning backless numbers for club nights.
Get this one by Kashmere...

... for $100 at www.bluefly.com.
That does it for celeb inspired gifts! Now for Claire's more personal recommendations:
6. Fashion Books

Top Row:The End of Fashion by Teri Agins, $11; In Vogue: The Illustrated History of the World's Most Famous Fashion Magazine, $47.25.
Bottom Row:The Complete History of Costume & Fashion: From Ancient Egypt to the Present Day by Bronwyn Cosgrave, $25; Fashion (Oxford History of Art) by Christopher Breward, $15.
All at www.amazon.com
Need to brush up on your fashion history? Want to know who Claire McCardell is (or who pioneered the 'New Look')? Check out these books for reference. Begin your fashion education now!

7. Journals
Left to Right: Iris Journal, $10,www.mfashop.com; Cavallini Notebook, $15-$16, www.katespaperie.com; Blackberry Journal, $13, www.broadwaypaper.com.
I've kept journals since I was 12...there's nothing like looking back at how far you've come. Get one for personal use, and another to take notes during fashion shows!
8. Fashion DVD's

Left to Right: America's Next Top Model Season 1, $30; Zoolander, $11; Project Runway Complete Third Season, $20; all at www.amazon.com
Don't want to watch another rerun of I Love New York? These DVD's are a bit tongue and cheek, but fashion learning nonetheless.
9. Fuzzy Slippers

...I love high shoes, but my feet definitely don't! There's nothing like giving my tired dogs a rest in a pair of cozy ones. Get this pair for $29.50 at www.gap.com
10. Digital Camera

I got my dope camera 3 years ago as a birthday present. It still works, but with the proliferation of cute cameras at affordable prices, it only makes sense to upgrade this year (all the better to snap Real Style). You can get the the Kodak option on the left for a reasonable $90 or the Fujifilm Finepix on the right for $180 at www.bestbuy.com.
That does it!
Now get to shopping!
Smootches!
PS Need more ideas? Check out my Gift Guide from last year.
PSSS Happy Holidays! I'll try to update, but...no promises!

The Bomb Gift Guide for the Frugal and Fabulous

Holiday Time is here!
The lights are up, sales are on, and the weather's...mild.
Anyway, if you've been procrastinating (as I have) on buying holiday presents, don't despair. I've compiled a few frugal ($50 or less) and fabulous stocking stuffers for the fashionable people in your life. Find 'em online and order just in time!

First up: BFF/Sister
Show your girl some love with this $34 square buckle braided wide belt from Urban Outfitters:

It's trendy, hip, and will fit seamlessly into any divalicious wardrobe. Comes in brown, black, or ivory.

The next bomb item is this luminous leaf necklace from Urban Outfitters:

A veritable steal at $18, this necklace's cute yet simple design will deliver an understated accent to any outfit. Bonus: No worries about size!

No worries about size either with this 5-piece set of bangles by A.V. Max:

These "go-with-anything" bracelets are $41 at girlshop.com.

Lastly, for the friend who has it all (there are a few), try ordering some Personalized Princess Stationary...

...so she can send notes in high style. $50 for a set of 20 at www.thestationerystudio.com.

Next on the holiday list? Let's take care of your boyfriend/brother/guy friend.
Ask any guy what they want and it's like pulling teeth (trust me, I know).
Anything having to do with electronics is a 'go,' so I found these Fabrix Ipod Holders:


They come in cute styles for guys and gals, and are only $20 at www.fabrixcases.com.

Hoodies are also huge this season, and Dr. Jay's has a large selection. This Mecca hoody...

...is about $40.

And this Nylon Printed Hoody:

...is $50.

Lastly, for guys, I fancied this $40 hat by Diesel:

Get it at Urban Outfitters online.

Moms and Dads are a little tougher to buy for when the limit is $50, but the following items have potential.

For Mom, these $20 Ann Taylor tipped gloves are a good look:


And this matching scarf is $25...

...at www.anntaylor.com.

Still stumped? You can never go wrong with a magazine subscription.

Buy your fashionable mom a subscription to Vogue for $18.

Now for Dads.
Any business man can use a card case, and this one by Ennis....

is $39 at www.ExtraordinaryNy.com

This Blackberry holder is at Ann Taylor...

...but I think a man could get away with this $38 one.

And lastly, go ahead and get Dad a magazine subscription as well....

....he can get two years of GQ for only $20.

Finally, for anyone on your list, you can never go wrong with style centered books or DVD's!

At www.amazon.com you can buy...
1 complete season of Sex and the City....

...for $50.

Seasons 1-3 of fashion centered British Comedy Absolutely Fabulous....

...for $30.

Divalicious reads, like Dress your Best by Clinton and Stacy...

...for $19.

The Budget Fashionista by Kathryn Finney....

...for $13.

The Pocket Stylist by Kendall Farr...

...for $20.

Andre Leon Talley's memoir...

...for $35.

And of course, Fabulosity by Kimora Lee Simmons...

...for only $26.

Gifts that keep on giving:)
Smootches!