gift ideas

Psssst....

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and I'm really hoping that Spring is not far behind that.  I love to create gift guides to help a special someone find the special gift, which I still may post.  In the meantime, though, I did want to suggest (some would say self-promote) to my local friends perhaps it's time to receive the gift of a wardrobe service.  If you live outside the West Michigan area we can get creative and do some virtual style/shopping boards or even a Skype style call.   If you live in West Michigan I do want to spend just a bit of time letting you know more about 2 of the possibilities/packages for you to add to your wishlist.  

 Spring is so close and it's that time in the current season where you are getting tired of your Winter wardrobe.  Area consignment stores will soon be accepting Spring goods which is a sure sign it's almost time for the season closet change over.  As I mention often, now is the time to at least purge the items you currently own that you know you won't wear next Winter.  If all of this feels overwhelming I would love to work with you in a Closet Restyle package.  The best part of this is making new outfits from clothes you already own.  Here are a couple of pics of the Restyle "in progress":

Creating new options !!  A girl needs options!

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Making outfits from clothes already in a client's closet!  

The Closet Restyle package allows us to spend 3 hours pulling everything out of your closet, purging what will not go back in, and then creating new outfits from what remains.  In addition you will receive a photo lookbook of all the outfits we created along with a shopping list for some things you still need.  This is probably my favorite service that I offer.  

Another idea, which is really a combo of a couple of options, is something I recently did as a surprise for a client's wife. They were going on vacation and he contacted me to put together (and shop for) several outfits for their trip!  This.  Was.  So.  Fun!  I created virtual styling boards, sent each to him for approval, and once approved I purchased the items.  Next, I put the outfits together and wrapped them in "daily outfit packages".  In each box I included some styling tips for different ways to wear each item beyond the vacation.  I think she really loved it all!  How thoughtful was he to do this????  

Wrapped and numbered.  The gift giver has a "cheat sheet" that describes what's in each box.

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The styling card give some tips...

If you're ready to get started on a new season or just a new closet and live in the West Michigan area, I would love to work with you.  Comment below or contact me directly and let's set a custom package for you.  If your Valentine needs a little help with the perfect gift give them my info and we can do that as well.  Here is a quick link to my services page http://bit.ly/2qW5odj  

 

12 Days of Gift Ideas - Day 2 - The Book Lover

Today's gift ideas are all about the book lover or I guess you could also say the "one who loves to read".  I love giving gifts and what I love more than the giving is choosing something that the person quite possibly wouldn't buy for themselves.  I also love to do the unexpected when I can.  For the book lover it would be so easy to either buy them books or buy them a gift card for books but not today.  Here are some great ideas that go beyond the book ...

Starting from the top right and going clockwise - 

Personal Library Kit - it includes everything the book lover needs for their own library. Included in the kit are adhesive pockets for the front of each book along with "check out " cards and a date stamp.   Many lovers of books like to share their collection with fellow readers but don't always get the item returned to them.  This helps to ensure the book will come back to its owner.  

Next up is a reading journal.  Much like the foodie journal from yesterday's list, this is a journal for a reader to track all the different books they read.  It's a great way not only to document what they've read but a better way for them to share the love of the books as well.  

The third item may be slightly controversial - it's an e-reader. In this case, the Kindle.  I know I know, some true book lovers think the e-reader is just plain wrong.  Others would argue the e-reader is easier for travel, reading at night, and for preserving the condition of the book lover's collection.  Either way - here it is.

Speaking of reading in bed, next is the book light.  If you are going to read in bed, on a train, in a car, anywhere in the dark, really, you will need a book light.  A true book light like the one pictured will focus on the book and not be annoying or distracting to others, hopefully. 

Want to gift something different for the book lover?  How about the next couple of ideas?  First, hand crafted coasters for the book lover direct from Etsy.  Again, something different but still shows the person you know they love books. 

Along with the coasters, is a candle.  This one said to have the scent of old books.  What true book lover wouldn't love that.  I might suggest the candle with the Kindle - similar to burning a spruce scented candle while admiring your artificial tree I say!  

Lastly is a book tote.  Whether your book lover travels to the library or travels in general, with books a tote is always a good idea.  Bonus on this tote? - It's a collab with Sarah Jessica Parker so if your book lover is also a fashionista - well you've struck gold!

All these ideas are easy to purchase, available in a variety of price ranges and go beyond the ordinary for gifting to the book lover.  Have fun choosing what's just right!  

Happy Shopping!