Whether you’re trying to buy a gift for someone that’s young in age or just young at heart, picking the perfect present for a woman who’s on the cutting edge of fashion and trends can be a bit of a task. The style world moves quickly, and if you’re not paying attention to this particular sector all year long, dipping in for a few Christmas gifts might seem impossible. If you find yourself in need of some expert suggestions, we present the latest installment in our Gift Guides 2010 series, with options ranging from a mere $25 to over a grand.
As always, we have to start with a handbag. The Alexander Wang Isis Frame Clutch has charms so obvious that they shouldn’t need explicating, but I’ll do so anyway: the intricate quilting is light years more interesting than that of your average Chanel bag, the size is perfect to go from day to night, and the ultra-industrial closure gives the bag a hard edge that works perfectly against the florid design of the bag’s stitching. Plus, you don’t get much cooler than Alexander Wang. Buy through ShopBop for $1050.
The Yves Saint Laurent Leopard Wool-Cashmere Blend Scarf hits all the right notes. Not only are scarves an essential accessory, but leopard print is here to stay and neon and chartreuse are both big trends for spring. This piece blends all of those elements seamlessly, and of all of the things I’ve written about in the past few weeks, I can think of nothing that I want more. I defy you to find a better way to brighten up a black winter ensemble. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $995.
The Juicy Couture Fingerless Mini Gloves are the kind of accessory that I think would confuse my mom, and perhaps rightly so. I don’t know why these seem so cool, but they do. Maybe it’s because they remind me of retro driving gloves, but slightly more modern? Or maybe I just appreciate that I’d be able to text without taking them off, I’m not sure. Either way, I think I’d wear them inside as well as out. Buy through ShopBop for $75.
If you’re looking for more of a stocking stuffer or a small gift for an acquaintance, something like the Deborah Lippmann Layer Cake Nail Polish Trio is the way to go. Lippmann’s sparkly polishes are on everyone’s fingers right now, and this set lets you try three very current colors in slightly smaller versions for a significant discount – her regular-size polishes go for $20 apiece! Personally, I’m lusting after the dark one on the right. Buy through Nordstrom for $25.
I didn’t purposely include two things named “Isis” in this guide, but I think that the same girl who would love that Alexander Wang clutch would also be all over the J.Crew Isis Bangle. The combination of toughness and glamour is popular all over fashion right now, and sometimes you just need some not-too-expensive bling to boost your mood on a midwinter day. Buy through J.Crew for $78.
Rubber watches are having a moment right now, and the material renders stark color so well that I can’t resist the retro-modern lines of the Nixon Oversized Rubber Watch. Nixon’s designs tend to be minimal and sleek, so even if this specific piece doesn’t tickle your fancy – err, the fancy of the recipient, because we’re shopping for others, remember? – check out the brand’s other designs. They’re reasonably priced and incredibly chic, across the board. Buy through ShopBop for $150.
