Holiday Gift Guide: $500+

As we come upon the last day of the Gift Guide, it marks 4 days left before Christmas. I'm hoping that almost everyone has at least started on their gift hunting by now, if not, hurry up! Christmas is just around the corner!

The last and final installment for this series is always a tough one for me since $500+ is not within my personal budget to get anyone as a gift. However, I know that some of my readers out there enjoy a good splurge every once and awhile and what better time than Christmas than to go all out?

1. NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 (Nikon) | $799.95
   This is for the photographer that you're shopping for. Most have access to a 50mm f/1.8 lens since it's relatively inexpensive. But for a beautifully bokeh'd photo, a f/1.2 is always a dream to own!
2. iPhone 6 Plus (Apple) | $859.00
   If you're jonesing for a larger screen, then you might as well go all out and get the Plus model of the new iPhone 6. Personally I love the gold case against the white piping, but the person you're shopping for may not, so make sure you know what their preferences are!
3. Alexander Wang Black Leather Lizard Embossed Anouk Boots (SSENSE) | $632.00
   If the person you're shopping for likes making a statement, grab them a pair of the Anouk Boots from Alexander Wang. A peek of hardware at the heel is always the perfect amount to grab the attention of others.
4. Pop Bracelet (Coordinates) | $3, 880.00
   I love the coordinates collections since you can engrave any place on Earth onto it. This beautiful solid 14K gold piece is embelished with sterling silver that pops open at diamond studded hinges.
5. 32mm Belt Kit (Hermes) | $880.00
   The iconic H belt from Hermes is both simple and classy. It elevates even the most simple outfits and is perfect for going to work or out with friends.

Best of luck to anybody and everybody out there who is still doing their Christmas shopping! Make sure to share what you've picked up, but only after your gifts have all been opened. We don't want any spoilers on here!

Holiday Gift Guide: $400-500

As we get closer and closer towards Christmas, I can feel the stress of shoppers settling in. My office is right next to a mall, so my lunch breaks are dedicated to window shopping. It affords me the time to deal stalk and make sure that I'm getting the best prices for my Christmas gifts. I thought that I was doing pretty well by getting almost 80% of my presents in November, but come one week before Christmas and I realized that I'm still a couple presents short. A couple is exact. I need two.

What do you get someone who has everything? In short I'm going to be practical. Something that everybody needs but always hates getting, gas cards. Trust me, as tacky as it sounds, the people who I've given them to seem to always be overjoyed. But if you don't want to get tack like me, here are some more last minute gift ideas that you can pick up to please the gifted in your life!

1. iPad Mini 3 (Apple) | $439
   Get that blogger/tech saavy friend of yours the latest iPad so that they can continously stay in touch with what's happening online at any time.
2. KENZO Tiger Embroidered Cotton Sweatshirt Dress (Net-A-Porter) | $410.00
   I love the sporty elegance of a KENZO sweatshirt and when lengthened into a dress, it an easily be translated into chic winterwear with a nice pair of leather leggings. I imagine myself styling this with a cap and Cambridge Satchel to complete the look.
3. Tory Burch Robinson Adjustable Mini Bag (Shopbop) | $440.76
   It's always nice to receive something that you can use immediately. Give someone this perfectly sized bag that's big enough to carry their accessories to their NYE party this year.
4. Tory Burch Sutton Pump (Shopbop) | $452.84
   These heels ooze femininity. With lace side-panelling and caged straps, the satin cap-toe  finish make these both elegant and sexiness.
5. Mercury Bar Cart (Anthropologie) | $498.00
   There's nothing worse than curating the perfect liquor collection and not being able to show it off. This simplistic bar car gives enough room to display all the necessary bottles for a party as well as space for cups and shakers.

Holiday Gift Guide: $300-400

1. Alexander Wang Burgundy Suede Slingback Lovisa Pumps (SSENSE) | $300.00
   This beautiful pair of burgundy suede heels is currently on sale for 50% off, so hurry up! What're you waiting for?
2. Babaton Bryan Wool Coat (Aritzia) | $350.00
   This stream lined wool coat is perfect when put together with a menswear inspired outfit. I fully plan to partner it up with my favorite collared sweater (you know which one I'm talking about).
3. ESSIE Gel Professional LED Lamp (Amazon) | $330.00
   One of my tricks for keeping my at home manicures lasting longer is to seal them off with a gel top coat. I'm already madly in love with Essie polishes due to their self levelling nature, and if I can get gel polishes with the same attributes that can stay on as long as 2 weeks then why not?
4. ix Eleven XANDIE BACKPACK (Aritzia) | $398.00
   Who says that backpacks have to be basic? Bring home a leather back pack that'll ooze sophistication in your next class. We also think that this backpack would pair well with coat in #2!
5. Baily Box (Tory Burch) | $395.00
   I think that I'm on a big home decor kick now that I've got my own place. I always seem to have random junk lying around and it's just straight up unsightly when everything isn't organized. So instead of buying plastic bins from Dollarama, I'd rather invest in some nice boxes that can double up as home decor. This beautiful mother-of-pearl box is modern and clean with its straight lines, and the black and white make it an easy addition to any home.

Holiday Gift Guide: $200-300

If you followed me from my Gift Guide's last year, then you'll be familiar wtih the Clarisonic Mia that I included. I completely swear by it and have been using it for almost 5 years now. Therefore I felt that it belonged back onto my Gift Guide this year since it's been by far one of these most functional electronics that I own.

1. Blake V Black Calf (Senso) | $259.00
   Be different and show off a flash of your ankle with these adorable booties from Senso. The piping along the side is done with the edges of a zipper as opposed to a waxed edge. If silver isn't your thing and you prefer something a little bit more neutral, these booties come in a titanium finish as well.
2. Bastille Multi-Way Stacklace (XEVANA) | $226.00
   Although it appears that this necklace is pricey, it comes apart into 4 separate ones that can be stacked back together or arranged in a variety of layers to achieve multiple different necklaces. If I'm counting right, there over 25 different ways which this necklace can be worn. Don't count on my math though, I haven't studied calculus in over 3 years.
3. Clarisonic Mia 3 Luxury Skincare Essentials Holiday Gift Set (Sephora) | $230.00
   First off, this set is $145 less than it's actual value, so what you're paying for is actually a steal. Packaged with a bunch of extra products, you're going to be able to thoroughly cleanse and hydrate your skin for at least a month before needing to go out and by more products.
4. Auxiliary Mini Bega Satchel Bag (Aritzia) | $298.00
   This structured side bag is the perfect size for throwing in all of the necessary things you'd need for the day without being excessively big like a tote. It's perfect for the minimalist and its jagged edges are in tune with the modern trends.
5. Lustrum Set (Nume) | $299.00
   Generally any hot tool starts at around $100. For the cost of $300, you get 5 different barrels, which equates out to about $60 per barrel. When you think about it, it isn't all that bad. You get to save space since you won't need 5 different wants since these heads are detachable.

Holiday Gift Guide: $100-200

How has your Christmas shopping been coming along so far? Have you already finished? If not, then please tell me that you've at least started. I'm lucky to have almost completed my gift shopping by around 90% this year. I still have yet to pick up a couple of my gifts for the year, provided that they're Secret Santa gifts, they shouldn't take me too long to find! If you'v yet to find your gifts then hopefully my Gift Guides so far have provided ideas within your price range to work twith.

1. Marc Jacobs Fragrance Daisy Eau So Fresh Gift Set (Sephora) | $125.00
   One of my favorite fragrances, this one is the easiest to wear since it's so light and the floral tones aren't over powering. If you're looking for a beautiful gift set that promises delight, then definitely take your chances on this one. The person receiving your gift can even reuse the box afterwards for jewelry storage (I know I would).
2. Cardigan 7098-CWGCM5 (OAK + FORT) | $128.00
   Everyone needs a snuggly cardigan that's both thick and soft. Choose this warm neutral beige shade for an easy match with the rest of your wardrobe.
3. Vegan Hide Rug (Urban Outfitters) | $129.00
   I love the modern look of a good hide rug and even better, this rug is completely faux fur. You'll never regret putting this on the floor of your house!
4. Short Tube Necklace (Shopbop) | $140.00
   Simple yet sleek, this dainty rod set onto a delicate chain is the perfect gift for someone who likes dainty yet statement jewelry.
5. Polished Steel / White Face with Rose Gold Indexing (The Horse) | $123.25
   I can't speak more highly of this brand. With such fresh and sleek yet minimalistic designs, the price that you're paying for these pieces is a steal! They also make for a beautiful gift so if I were you, I'd stock up on as many as possible.
6. Two-Tone Fur Throw (Zara Home) | $199.00
   A fur throw is always the perfect complement to a well made bed. I especially like the white tone of this one that gives it an elegant air (also perfect for reflecting against the cooler wniter weather).

Holiday Gift Guide: $50-100

As we move up the budget ladder, some new things are popping up on the gift guide. One of my favorite places to go with P in the winter is to visit our local outdoor spa, Nordik, and have a dip in their heated pools, sit in their saunas and have a relaxing massage. What's fantastic is that the spa also offers gift cards that can be redeemed at any value so you could essentially pay for a variety of services as a gift to a stressed out friend or significant other!

1. Spa Gift Certificate (Le Nordik) | $xx.xx
   I've often picked up gift certificates for friends just to enjoy the baths, which comes out to about $60-70. Considering that you can spend upwards of 2-3 hours there just at the bathes, the value is pretty good.
2. 2015 Desk Diary Coral French Goatskin Leather (Graphic Image) | $98.00
   Even after finishing my degree, life is so hectic that it's good to write down appointments and meetings. You can also look back at past agendas as a sort of memoir of your past to help jog your memory. This lovely leather bound 365 day diary serves well as both a planner and journal, and comes in a variety of beautiful shades as well.
3. Cedar Street Dot Passport Holder (Kate Spade) | $78.00
   Depending on what renewal plan you select, you only get a new passport every 5-10 years. If you travel a lot, then you know what a toll your passport takes being shoved in and out of bags. Protect its cover (okay just mask the ugly cover) with this adorably polka-dotted holder and you'll be the bell of the ball at customs.
4. Holiday Coffret (Diptyque) | $98.00
   Although I love candles and Diptyque, I could never justify spending this much on wax. Receiving as gifts though, I'd take them any day!
5. Tory Burch Eau de Parfum Spray 1.7 oz (Sephora) | $92.00
   This beautifully deep scent smells amazing on everyone. The rich scent emotes a luxurious feel and both calms and soothes your senses. 

How far into your gifting list have you made it?

Holiday Gift Guide: Under $50

It's that time of the year again where we've begun counting down the days until Christmas and we're left scrambling for last minute gifts. If you haven't already planned out who exactly you've got to shop for and made a list of gift ideas (not me!), then you're in luck as I bring to you my annual gift guide! I decided to switch it up this year and work upwards as opposed my usual decrease in value. Hopefully my gift guides will supply you with enough ideas to help you out with your shopping this year.

1. Candle Snuffer (Diptyque) | $38.00
   I dislike blowing out candles with a passion since it counteracts the nice smell that was just wafting through my room with the smell of burnt wicks. So to make it a little bit classier, instead of just blowing out the candle, I'd love to be able to put it out with a candle snuffer.
2. Hand Creams of Provence (L'Occitane) | $50.00
   Winter weather tends to dry out my hands, creating fragile skin that easily cracks and bleeds (is that TMI?). I tend to become OCD with moisturizing, but having oily hands is just not desirable either. I've found that L'Occitane hand creams leave my hands amazingly soft but without that oily residue, making it perfect for a girl who's constantly at a computer or camera all day long.
3. Confetti Dot iPhone Case (Kate Spade) | $40.00
   Make a statement with this adorably simple phone case that's adorned with reflective glitter. Less definitely is more when it comes to glitter!
4. Fireside Long Jane Pajama (Victoria's Secret) | $39.50
   One of my favorite things to get for Christmas besides fuzzy socks (no shame for wanting fuzzy socks) is receiving a pair of comfortable pajamas. There's nothing better than a new pair of PJ's, and with the recent jogger trend, you can definitely transition the bottoms into a pair of comfy joggers for day wear.

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?