Gift Guide: For the Guys

It is gift guide time. In need of a special something for someone on your list? I'm hoping that this series might help. I find shopping for the guys in my life are always tough. You can't get them something sparkly and be done. It takes thought and effort. Here are some unique and awesome things they are sure to love.

left to right
First row: one, two, three
Second row: one, two, three
Third row: one, two, three

Say My Name

Let's get personal. When I say monogram do you think jewelry or towels? Ok, I'm about to blow your mind. Here are some gorgeous monogram pieces that aren't your standard accessory.

LandsEnd, Supima Short Sleeve Print Sweater, $29

What did I tell you? Add your personal touch to this stunner or a top for just $6!

Marley Lilly, Monogrammed Pullover Sweatshirt, $36

Love a simple pullover for when spring comes (when, not if) and this sweatshirt comes in four other colors.

JCrew, Parker Crossbody Bag, $98

This bag is classic. Add your monogram and it's your go to forever bag.

Mark & Graham, Wool Initial Ball Cap, $49

How adorable is this cap for winter? For him or her, I love this hat!

Monogramming your closet is always fun, especially when it's a piece that you will have forever. A beautiful leather bag, a simple initial on a sleeve, it just makes things personal.

Be fabulous today!

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Plaiding Ahead

It's almost November, which means it's almost full on winter, which means it's time to think plaid. Yep, I'm not holding back, I'm thinking ahead and getting my picks in now for plaid cropped pants. Not your wide leg or bootcut black and white plaid, and not your standard windowpane. I'm talking colorful, fitted, plaid.

LandsEnd, Fit 2 Twill Tartan Slim Leg Pant, $89

I'm going to need these pants. Styled perfectly with a casual chambray as seen above, or add a navy silk blouse for your company holiday party.

Macy's, Tommy Hilfiger Plaid Cropped Pant, $79

I don't love the shoe pairing but this could very easily be swapped out with suede stilettos (PS going to need these shoes).

Anthropologie, Plaid Ponte Leggings, $89

Ok, these are technically leggings, but they have back pockets so they count. Plus leggings at holiday eating time? Don't hate that.

Gap, Tailored Crop Plaid Wool Pant, $59

Wool with a touch of spandex? Yep and yep.

Are you brave enough for a plaid pant this winter? I can promise you the compliments will be abundant. 

Be fabulous today!

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V is for Cardigan

I'm a big believer in cardigans. I keep one at the office when they decide to turn us into popsicles, I have a small collection (as The Bf says) at home, and I just think they are the most versatile, four season piece you can own. Today we're looking at the v-neck option because it is great for layering.

Ann Taylor, Ribbed V-Neck Cardigan, $79

Two words: Dark pine. This color is my new favorite of the season. 

Gap, Eversoft V-Neck Cardigan, $44

Have you tried the Gap eversoft line? It's the feel of cashmere without the price.

JCrew, Merino Wool Double Knit Long Cardigan, $78 with code TGIFALL

JCrew's merino does not go on sale often. Scoop up this do it all neutral, you won't regret it.

LandsEnd, Cotton Cable V-Neck Cardigan, $59

The look of Ralph Lauren with the utility and reliability of LandsEnd, and in a gorgeous violet.

The v-neck cardigan is a classic piece that you can wear buttoned up with a tie neck blouse or wear open with a striped tee for a casual look. It's your do it all piece.

Be fabulous today!

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Vesting Ceremony

Let's talk fall outerwear. It can be difficult to judge whether to go with the trench, the denim jacket, or something entirely different: the vest. Today we're looking at the ultra-versatile puffer or quilted vest and it's a fantastic investment for fall.

JCrew Factory, Quilted Puffer Vest, $98

I really love this oatmeal color, it's a perfect base for a colorful cotton scarf.

Old Navy, Quilted Zip-front Vests, $34

The truly classic forest green. It's equestrian in color and style and so chic with flat brown boots.

Loft, Polka Dot Quilted Puffer Vest, $79

This pattern is adorable and a statement for outerwear.

LandsEnd, Women's Down Vest, $59

How great is this pattern with chambray? And you know LandsEnd is quality when it comes to outerwear.

Before you grab the cotton coat or the trench, give the vest a try. It's easily layered and easily packed for weekend trips.

Be fabulous today!

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On the Trellis

One print that I am loving right now is the trellis print. It works for anyone. Pick the size of the print, color and style it just for you. The trellis print is something different to mix in with your stripes and dots.

Sole Society, Gold Metal Brushed Trellis Hoops, $24

These lightweight earrings are great with a suit or for a fall wedding.

J Jill, Garden Trellis Scarf, $69

I love a fall scarf and this wool silk blend is no exception.

LandsEnd, Print Coated Canvas Small Shopper, $49

A great carryall bag that you can swing over your shoulder.

BonTon, Notations Trellis Pant, $24

A smaller trellis print is perfect for these loose pants.

The trellis print is unexpected and doesn't scream preppy. I like it for accessories and clothing. 

Be fabulous today!

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Ikat Got Your Tongue

We've made it to humpday of a week of prints. Monday we did chevron and yesterday was paisley. Today let's have some fun with ikat.

C Wonder, Paisley Ikat Georgette Halter Top, $98

This is such a beautiful top. Great colors and a jeweled neckline.

Lands End, Ikat Triangle Scarf, $18

A triangle scarf is such a versatile one because you can tie it in so many ways. I love the tassel detail on this.

Macy's, American Rag Spaghetti Strap Ikat Jumpsuit, $34

If you're feeling adventurous, this jumpsuit is just stunning. And for under 40 bucks, it's also a steal.

J Crew, Popover in Watercolor Ikat, $89

There's not much better in life than a beautiful cotton top. This is versatile, it's machine washable and it's a beauty.

Ikat is always a fun print no matter what season it is. It's a pattern that hasn't been corrupted and labeled as preppy or goth, it is what it is.

Be fabulous today!

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Fruit Salad

It's Monday. I am so sorry guys. I know, I know, I tried to talk to someone about it but came up empty. Speaking of empty, let's fill up on some fruit. Yes, fruit. Some punchy, flirty, fruit that will cheer up any Monday.

Asos, Sugarhill Boutique Fruit Cocktail Wrap, $57

Half off, this simple yet adorable dress is a steal for work or play. Throw on a black blazer and patent leather belt for 9-5 and add some colorful heeled sandals for a night out.

Modcloth, Fashion Hungry Bracelet, $22

Grapes, apples, pineapples and citrus, oh my!

Delia's, Pineapple Intarsia Sweater, $34

How about this sweet slub sweater for a cooler summer night? With some white denim? Oh yes.

Lands End, Women's Fit 1 Pattern 5" Chino Short, $45

Hello citrus! How adorable would this be with a simple tee or a white eyelet blouse?

Cheer up lovebugs, it may be Monday but let's make it a sweet one.

Be fabulous today!

The World is Flat

I'm not sure what has gotten into me lately but I am all about trying out these weird/edgy trends this week. Yesterday we looked at cinched ankle pants and today we're going to look at flatforms. Stay with me guys, it's going to be ok. We're going to look at some feminine, non-Frankenstein options.

Asos, Johnny Flatform, $22

See? It's going to be fine. I like this option because you do not usually see a darker floral. This style also comes in cork.

Topshop, Ware Two Part Flatform, $70

Speaking of cork, how about these summer sweethearts? I love this with a patterned maxi. Also available in metallic.

LandsEnd, Sydney Flatform Sandals, $84

If LandsEnd can do flatforms, we can totally do flatforms. I love this raffia wedge.

Saks Off Fifth, DV Cairy Cork Wedge Sandals, $31

A great two tone option with a sassy metallic toe detail.

So how are we feeling? Is this doable? I think it is. Get yourself a sassy neon pedicure going and you'll feel like you can take on the world. In flatforms.

Be fabulous today!

A Bouquet for Me?

Yesterday we looked at some spring skirts. Today, let's continue the trend and hope for warmer weather. Let's look at some watercolor inspired florals that are perfect for right now. They're graphic and colorful and they are just what we need on this hump day.

Lord and Taylor, Dual Print Cardigan, $55

I'd pair this sweet print with leather pants, because I'm wild like that. And check out the back of this cardigan, didn't see that coming did you?

New York & Company, Floral Soft Pant, $59

I love this mix of black and blue here and the pops of white just freshen it up.

JCPenny, Bisou Bisou Convertible Pencil Skirt, $30

How about a big graphic print? I love the bright colors and midi length of this pencil.

Lands End, Fit 2 Floral Chino Crop Pants, $65

Guys if you need me, I'll be over at Landsend.com because this floral is just perfect. 

Florals aren't just for the middle of spring and summer, try them now with your closed toe shoes and a cardigan. Bright colors will make spring come faster, promise.

Be fabulous today!

Blue's Clues

We all know that radiant orchid is the color of 2014, but I'm not quite over this beautiful blue. I'm talking about cobalt. It's so rich and eye catching and I can't get enough of it. It pairs beautifully with yellows, plums, and even black.

Bluefly, Wyatt cobalt and white color block blouse, $51

This strong blouse commands attention. The black lines are cut perfectly, and yet, the shirt is a sheer lightweight material making the top feel airy and feminine.

Neiman Marcus, Kendra Scott Dayla small drop earring, $65

This statement earring is all you need to complete the perfect lbd look or maybe throw on some jeans and loose blouse with these beauties.

Banana Republic, Lightweight Wool Pencil Skirt, $89

Ok, here's something I will spend on. This is a well constructed pencil skirt in a material that is four seasons. It's fully lined, double vented, and a beautiful alternative to navy.

LandsEnd, Fit 1 Corduroy Ankle Pants, $18

Ankle pant cords are perfect for this time of year and into early spring. Throw on heels show some ankle and get going.

Cobalt is that perfect shade of blue for all four seasons. You can find it on bags, shoes, clothes, jewelry you name it. Why is it so popular? Because this vibrant color looks great on everyone.

Be fabulous today!

Quite Quilted

It's my favorite time of year. Fall. It's tights, light coats, and corduroys weather. One of my go to coats this time of year is the quilted jacket. You don't have to be super preppy to pull this off, it comes in a variety of styles. Of course the ultimate is this one. The Burberry Hertiage Jacket. I'm not sure if you have $600 lying around, but I don't so here are some other great options.

Dorothy Perkins, Petite Navy Quilted Jacket, $69

A nice zipper and a faux-sheep skin collar make this jacket stand out from the crowd.

Jessica Simpson, Double breasted quilted puffer, $74

How about this emerald green? Also comes in burgundy.

Old Navy, Quilted Barn Jacket, $59

I like the diamond pattern quilt on this coat. Also available in white and navy.

Lands End, Quilted insulator jacket, $89

I saved my favorite for last. This beautiful orange lightweight jacket is also water resistant and has PolarThin technology.

Quilted doesn't have to mean monograms and pearls, find a color and a style that best represents you!

Be fabulous today!