Fashion
The Gifts Your Most Stylish Friend Actually Wants
It can be hard to shop for the fashion obsessed lady in your life, especially if she has every designer purse and It clothing item under the sun. I've been a total clothes horse for as long as I can remember, and while certain people, like my parents, always killed it on the fashion gifts front, others... not so much. Growing up I received my fair share of useless objects shaped like high-heeled pumps and rhinestone-studded jewelry that fell apart in two days.
I definitely don't mean to sound ungrateful — it's the thought that counts, after all — but no one wants to buy someone a present they're just not that into. It's a waste of your own time and money. So before you stock up on picture frames that say "Shopping is the new black" or whatever, why not consider what a fashion lover would really want? Stylish gifts aren't necessarily expensive or extravagant. There are plenty of affordable little treats out there to dazzle the fashionistas on your gift list. If you don't want your thoughtfully selected present to take a trip to the donation bin this holiday season, consider these alternatives to the items your endlessly chic loved one definitely doesn't want.
She doesn't want... anything that says "Shopping is my cardio"
Shopping is My Cardio T-Shirt, $20, etsy.com
This slogan is definitely not as funny as the people making these shirts seem to think it is.
Buy this instead: the perfect layering tee
Draped Palette Top, $68, anthropologie.com
Skip the cheeky phrases and opt for something actually wearable, like this sophisticated paint-splatter blouse that's great for layering under jackets and sweaters.
She doesn't want... a high-heel photo album
Photo Album, $12, etsy.com
Cheesy illustrations of high-heels combined with leopard print and rhinestones doesn't exactly equal "fashion." Besides, does anyone even use photo albums any more?
Buy this instead: Andy Warhol "Diamond Dust Shoes" print
Diamond Dust Shoes by Andy Warhol, $33.70, etsy.com
This re-print of an Andy Warhol classic would go perfectly in any fashionista's well-curated home.
She doesn't want... an ugly Christmas sweater
Women's Bells Are Ringing Sweater, $64.95, tipsyelves.com
Nope, nope, NOPE. She may adventurous with her sartorial decisions, but not this adventurous.
Buy this instead: snowflake necklace
Dogeared 'Tis The Season Snowflake Necklace, $48, bloomingdales.com
A seriously charming seasonally appropriate gift that she'll actually wear.
She doesn't want... a logo-bedecked wristlet
L-Zip Wristlet, $65, coach.com
Completely logo-covered wallets and purses are so 2003.
Buy this instead: a chic clutch
Printed Clutch, $59.90, zara.com
Opt for a go-with-anything clutch with a sleek design instead.
She doesn't want... Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella, $9.74, amazon.com
If she hasn't already read this, she probably doesn't ever want to.
Buy this instead: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty by Andrew Bolton
Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty by Andrew Bolton, $29, amazon.com
This gorgeous coffee table book commemorates the life and work of the late Lee Alexander McQueen.
She doesn't want... an ill-conceived Chanel quote mug
Chanel Quote Mug, $24, etsy.com
Quote mugs can be sweet gifts, but not when they have a million hard-to-read phrases scattered on them in all different fonts.
Buy instead: Chanel pencils
Coco Chanel Pencils (set of 6), $12.04, etsy.com
These pencils with classic Coco Chanel sayings are an adorable way to show some appreciation for the legendary designer.
She doesn't want... a magnetic picture frame
Hot Lips Magnetic Picture Frame, $20.95, zazzle.com
Not even the biggest beauty lover need this on her fridge.
Buy this instead: Troi Ollivierre lipstick
Troi Ollivierre Lipstick in Parker, $28, jcrew.com
Help your fashion-conscious friend get that J. Crew model look with this unique lipstick designed by the brand's makeup artist.
Images: beornbjorn/Fotolia; Courtesy Brands