Cool Gifts for Dads and Grads
June 8, 2011 in On style
Celebrate the cool Dads and Grads in your life with some super techie, ultra-modern, not to mention mucho useful gifts. Need some ideas? Check out some of our favorite picks.
For the Dad or Grad that has almost everything, now they will when you give them the Wenger EvoGrip Swiss Army Knife. With 15 features including a double-cut wood saw, can opener, and a Phillips head screwdriver, they’ll be equipped to handle any situation that may confront them on their upcoming adventures – whether it be opening up that imported beer that Dad enjoys while relaxing in the hammock – or the new Grad’s camping trip across the country. Read the rest of this entry →
We recently spoke with Ruth Domber – owner of 10/10 Optics in NYC – to get the scoop on what to consider when buying new sunglasses this season. Combining style and safety is definitely the ticket. Even though many of us use our sunglasses to make a fashion statement, they function as our eyes’ line of defense from the sun’s damaging rays.
I love the American Express tagline, “Don’t leave home without it.” But, beyond the requisite credit card, what is ‘it’? And, is it possible to carry all of ‘it’ in a bag that won’t give you a lower back ache? The short answer is yes – and to think in terms of ‘travel’ sizes. Not knowing what surprises your day holds in store, here is a list of are some of the items (aside from the obvious: cell phone, cosmetic essentials, keys, sunglasses, and wallet) you’ll want to make sure leave the house with you. 
Even though she’ll probably say that she doesn’t “need” a thing, that doesn’t mean she won’t appreciate the gesture! What follows are a few items for your consideration, all under $100. Don’t forget to add a personalized note, which will probably mean more to her than the gift. Let’s face it…that’s just the kind of gal she is…and why you love her so much.
Now that spring has officially sprung, it’s not only a great time to change your wardrobe, but to also change your beauty products. Before you run off to the makeup counter to purchase some of the season’s ‘must have’ cosmetics, you will want to look through your products and selectively edit. I can completely appreciate that many of us have at least a little (if not a lot) of trouble letting go of things, even makeup. However painful it may seem, you will want to edit your stash at least twice a year because cosmetics do expire. The not-so glam truth is that once you open a product and start to use it, it becomes exposed to the air and elements, not to mention bacteria, which can prove problematic for your skin. 
We thought it would never come…a new season, warm weather, and a fresh start. Nature will soon do its thing as buds bloom, bulbs sprout, and green abounds. However, nothing happens without a little help from Mother Nature – and a lot of moisture! Those rainy days don’t have to be dreary. In fact, there’s no better way to welcome a few of April’s showers than to celebrate with color, texture and shine. 
If we’re talking spring trends, it’s probably time to go through our closets and pack away our winter items. It’s also a good time to weed out the clothing you haven’t worn for longer than you care to admit. (My general rule of thumb is if you haven’t worn it in two years, there’s a good chance you never will. BTW, if you need help determining whether something is a keeper or weeper, I can help!) 
Most of us are now ready to step into spring in style. There are 7 great trends to look out for this season. Bright colors can be a fabulous mood-booster in the sunny weather, but it’s all about wearing the “right” bright. There is something for everyone! I know we’ve all done the stripe bit time and time again, but this spring, a nautical twist is in! Consider wearing a blue and white striped belt, shoe or purse if the widening effect cautions you. 
Ok, Fall fashions are in stores. Admittedly, I’m tempted. But, in NYC we’re experiencing the hottest summer in over 10 years. I can’t go there yet. In fact, it’s so hot, I (along with most of NYC) have given up the uniform of choice—the color black—in lieu of white. It’s not an old wives’ tale. Color does play a key role in beating the heat. The darker values attract high temperatures, so it makes sense to opt for the lighter ones, which actually deflect the sun and are more relevant to the season. And, let’s face it—most of us won’t wear it after Labor Day. So if not now, when? And as we all know, dark shades also show perspiration stains…As the famous old Dry Idea commercial said, “Never let them see you sweat!”
I completely agree—especially when it comes to clothing. My mission has always been to help clients create more outfits with fewer pieces (mix, match, and multiply). Now, the rest of the world seems to on board with this idea, given the current economy. In fact, I recently read about the web challenge encouraging a “shopping diet” – the premise being that you can only wear six pieces of clothing—that you already own—for an entire month. (Thankfully, accessories are exempt from the six items.) Many have tried this. Some have succeeded, but more have failed. I like the idea, but find it hard to believe that only six pieces will give you the range of options needed, given our complex lives and all of the places we are expected to ‘show up.’ That said, I do think there should be a core of items in everyone’s closet that can be dressed up or down, and used for almost any situation that may come up. However, I believe a more realistic number to hover somewhere around 12-15 pieces. How does that compare to the number of pieces in your closet? Food for thought…
There’s no question that looking good puts a spring in our step and shifts the way we see ourselves, others, and the world. And, of course it colors other peoples’ perceptions of us (and does it, BTW, in a virtual nano-second). That said, last weekend I had the opportunity to take a few precious days and participate in self-development class. What an amazing journey in self-discovery…I came away feeling g-r-e-a-t! Why I share this is not to tout the merits of the class, but rather to share the surprising by-product that came as a result. Since taking this class, random people have been commenting – completely unsolicited – about how much younger and more vibrant I look. It gave me cause to pause. My life’s work is almost entirely focused on the visual. But, it occurred to me that, while no one can minimize the importance of looking good on the outside, how you feel on the inside (emotionally, spiritually, and physically) also plays a significant role in how we are seen. Of course I’m not minimizing the importance of the right colors, styles and silhouettes. What I am suggesting, however, is that how we appear to others is the sum total of the outside and the inside. So, in addition to the clothes and accessories, don’t forget to nurture the rest of you. Take from this whatever it means to you – eating better, sleeping better, exercising more, journaling, connecting with those you love – whatever. Do what it is you need to do to make sure the magnificent look on the outside mirrors a magnificent feeling on the inside.
If you’re looking for warm weather items and your budget is tight, the time is now! Summer clothing and accessories are currently in stores at 40, 50 even 60 percent off of original prices! It’s a great time of year to add a few more summer staples—T’s, dresses, sandals – and replace some of those summer whites that may have gone dingy. Truth be told, I’m a big proponent of shopping the sales, but I’m not a big fan of shopping them exclusively. My shopping philosophy is to shop twice a retail season: in the beginning of the season for pieces you must have to fill major wardrobe gaps (like that great pair of dress ‘em up, dress ‘em down black trousers or a classic trench) or items that are needed to complete an outfit. Those should be purchased at the beginning of the season—when the selection is best. Then, at the end of the retail season, I recommend adding those pieces that are the ‘nice to haves’—items that are not critical to your wardrobe but rather add spice and variety your existing pieces. They may also be repeat purchases (aka ‘back stock’) to items that you love and wear now. Tip: no matter how inexpensive an item is, the key question to ask yourself before walking out of the store with it is, “Would I have paid full price for it?” If the answer is a resounding ‘yes!’ consider it a find and bring your prize home!