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Archive for the ‘Gift Guides’ Category

Fashionista Gift Guide 2014

Gifts for those who live and breathe fashion – your style savvy, best dressed, go-to gal for advice on what to wear and how to score the most coveted style finds.

TOMS for Target T-Shirt

Give a gift that gives back this holiday season! Socially responsible brand TOMS has teamed up with mega-retailer Target for a limited edition collection of gifts that help those less fortunate around the world, One for One. For every purchase of this laidback, boho-inspired tee, one week of meals will be provided to a family in need.

(3)toms for target tshirt $16

Target, $16

Leopard Spot Scarf

Leopard is the new black, but your fave fashionista already knows that! The classic print goes with everything and brings a refined sophistication to any look. This lightweight, ethereal scarf is perfect for accessorizing with its classic color combo and hints of metallic.

loft_leopard scarf $34.50

Loft, $34.50

Floral Sleep Mask

Every fashionista needs a good night’s sleep, and there’s no better way to achieve one than with a luxurious sleep mask! This 100% silk sleep mask features a bold, tropical floral design which will inspire dreams of an island beach escape. The black velvet, adjustable strap assures a comfortable fit so style savvy sisters can sleep soundly and awake rested!

Elizabeth W_Sleep Mask $22

elizabethW, $22

Baggu Duffle Bag

Well-traveled fashionistas will appreciate this go-to duffle bag, ideal for weekend getaways and last minute trips. This durable bag is perfect for all the necessities and also happens to fit just right in overhead bins. Available in black or nautical stripes, this simple and stylish carryall can also be monogrammed for an extra personal touch.

West Elm_Baggu Duffle Bag $89   $8.50 Monogrammed

West Elm, $89

Samsung Gear S SmartWatch

Gone are the days when a watch could only tell time! Wearable tech is all the rage and these super smart devices are the epitome of functional fashion. The Samsung Gear S connects fashionistas to their phones so they don’t even have to carry it with them anymore. Take phone calls, send texts, listen to music, track footsteps while exercising and more, right from your ultra-sleek smartwatch!

samsung gear s $249.99 w2yr contract

Verizon Wireless, $249.99 (with 2-Year Contract)

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Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Best Gifts for Foodies

Gifts for the ultimate food lover — from the novice cook to the master chef — these culinary inspired items are fit for every kitchen.

Oulesa olive oil

Made from the rare Palomar olive from the Catalonia region of Spain, Oulesa is quickly becoming the most sought after olive oil among foodies. This aromatic oil is deep green, with a sweet yet light flavor amid tones of artichoke, grass and fruit. With a distinct aroma and bountiful flavor, Oulesa is best used for dipping, brushed atop a fresh baguette or drizzled over your favorite soups, salads and specialty dishes. Imported exclusively by Tia Conchita Brands in the U.S., you’re guaranteed a unique and exceptional gift as only 5000 bottles are made every year.

Oulesa Olive Oil2_TiaConchitaBrands32 (2)

Oulesa Olive Oil, $32 , available at TiaConchitaBrands.com

For more Foodie gifts, click here.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Best Gifts for Fashionistas

Need to find a gift for the fashionista in your life? Here are great ideas for the style savvy, best dressed, go-to gal on your shopping list.

Custom jewelry

There’s not a woman alive who doesn’t swoon for a pretty piece of jewelry, especially when it’s handmade just for them. Delicate pendants and rings with initials and monograms make an extra special gift for discerning fashionistas. These simple yet elegant baubles are timeless and will never go out of style.

CustomJewely_Ring69Necklace109

Initial rings, $69 SarahChloe.com, Disc Necklace, $109 MarkandGraham.com

For more Fashionista gifts, click here.

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Mother’s Day Gifts Under $100

This Mother’s Day, a memorable gift doesn’t have to cost a fortune. No matter if you’re shopping for your mom, wife, or female role model in your life, the following gifts will surely bring a smile to her face! Show her the love and respect that she deserves with these thoughtful gifts under $100!

Unique Fashion

Unique fashion finds are hard to come by, but with the new Rotem Gear LE collection, you’ll find handcrafted artisan items that mom will absolutely adore! LA based designer Jean Roth has expanded her eclectic assortment of graphic tees to launch this limited edition line of tops, cardigans, and scarves that are inspired by the beauty of nature.

Rotem Gear LE Scarf v3

This Burgundy Scarf ($32) is made of soft, silky pima cotton, and the delicate Agapanthus design is derived from Roth’s own botanical photography.

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What also makes this a GAL find? This luxurious scarf (in green) was recently gifted to the most stylish celeb mom on the planet, Sarah Jessica Parker! Use my exclusive coupon code GALKARA to save 10% through May 13th!

Natural Beauty

Give mom the gift of natural beauty that gives back, with Josie Maran’s 100% Pure Argan Oil Model Citizen Editions ($52). The eco-conscious beauty mogul has teamed up with her closest model friends to create three limited edition versions of her most popular product.

JosieMaranModelCitizen3

Maran’s revolutionary Argan Oil is luxurious, lightweight, and 100% organic, and can be used to moisturize, heal and condition everything from your face and body, to cuticles and spilt ends. Maran, along with supermodels Petra Nemcova and Angela Lindvall, designed special artwork for bottles of her 100% Pure Argan Oil.

JosieMaranModelCitizenModels

For every bottle purchased, 10% of the proceeds go to organizations in need, including Women for Women International, Happy Hearts Fund, and Healthy Child Healthy World. Each Model Citizen purchase also comes with a bonus gift from the Josie Maran Cosmetics collection!

Heart Healthy Chef

The American Heart Association’s “Go Red For Women” campaign has been raising much needed awareness of heart disease in women since 2004. Empower mom to take charge of her heart health with a gift from the Go Red shop!

GR Rhinestud Apron 29 GR Eco Utensil Set 25

The Go Red Rhinestud Apron ($29) and Eco Utensil Set ($25) would be perfect for the master chef in your life. While she cooks up a storm, she’ll be reminded to put her cardiovascular health first! The “Go Red For Women” campaign will continue to educate mom and give her the tools she needs to lead a heart healthy life. To save an extra 10% off your purchase, like the “Go Red For Women” Facebook page!

Feel Good Footwear

Every woman likes a great pair of shoes, but mom will really love that her gift of TOMS Shoes will also help a child in need. Continuing on with their world renowned efforts and brand mission of One for One, TOMS Shoes is now available in chic wedges and ballet flats.

TOMS Blk Wedges v2

These Black Canvas Wedges ($69) are the perfect combination of style and versatility. Mom will surely appreciate the comfort of the medium heel and soft, suede insole.

TOMS Burlap Ballet Flats

If she’d prefer a flat, these two tone Burlap Ballet Flats ($79) will be her new go to shoe. The classic colors and blend of natural fabrics can be worn with everything from jeans to a dress!

TOMS Hearts MOMS White 54 v2

For a limited time, TOMS is also offering an online exclusive version of their classic style with a loving message for Mother’s Day! The TOMS Hearts MOMS shoe ($54) is available in navy and white, and for every purchase, TOMS will give the same pair to a mom in need across the globe.

Spa Scents

If mom can’t get to the spa, the soothing scent of this SoHo Living Bamboo Candle ($9) will instantly take her there from the comfort of her home! There’s nothing like a warm, flickering candle to help you relax and feel rejuvenated.  513614

The clean and tranquil fragrance of this affordable candle rivals those that cost five times the price. And since they’re made of a long-lasting paraffin wax, mom won’t have to worry about being left in the dark as these beauties burn for up to 60 hours (really!).

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Fashionista Gift Guide 2011

Buying a gift for the fashionista who has everything is a daunting task! Gift givers often rack their brains trying to figure out sizes and styles to find the perfect present, which often end up in heavy returns after the holidays. As a savvy fashionista, friends and family are always asking me what I’d consider to be the ideal gift. And my answer is simple…something that I can use! Give the gift of functional fashion, items that are practical, classic and maybe even a little inspirational!

100 Shoes ($16.30, Amazon)

100 Shoes is the perfect book for the footwear obsessed, a beautiful collection of shoes from the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The book paints a vivid picture of how shoes have changed over the years, and how many trends have remained. For the fashionista who appreciates the history of footwear, as well as the renowned designers who have become household names, 100 Shoes offers an in depth look in to this essential fashion accessory. Style icon Sarah Jessica Parker, contributes to the Introduction, making this is a must have for every woman who has a love affair with her shoes!

100 Shoes 3

Citizen Gold Tone Watch ($90, Macy’s)

Jewelry is a difficult, not to mention pricey item to buy for trend setting fashionistas. However, a classic gold watch is a wardrobe staple, and a much needed item in every woman’s jewelry box. This Citizen Gold Tone Watch is a traditional menswear inspired style that would look great on anyone! Even if the fashionista in your life already has a collection of watches, this reasonably priced find is timeless and will never go out of style. And those are qualities that truly savvy ladies will appreciate!

Citizen Gold Tone Watch

Footzyrolls ($19.99 & Up, Online)

There’s nothing like the gift of comfort, especially for busy fashionistas who are constantly strutting down the runway that they call life! Rollable flats are one of the best new inventions in the fashion industry, and a definite must have for active women who long for relief from their high heels and stilettos. Footzyrolls are the latest brand to make a statement, with celeb fans like Oprah Winfrey and Blake Lively. These foldable, compact shoes are soft and comfortable, and roll up into a convenient purse sized pouch. They’re perfect for toting to the office or for a night on the town! Available in ballet flats, flip flops and oxfords, as well as in a huge assortment of colors, Footzyrolls are the ultimate in affordable, functional fashion!

Footzyrolls2 Footzyrolls1

Joyrich Weekend Bag ($154, Revolve Clothing)

For the jet setting fashionista, a chic and versatile travel bag makes a wonderful gift! Busy gals on the go are always moving, whether to an appointment, the gym, or for a quick weekend getaway. And since we all know that nothing is less stylish than a clunky, boring piece of luggage, the Joyrich Leopard Fur Boston Weekend Bag is just right! This super sophisticated tote is sleek in black leather, with faux leopard accents and gold hardware. The bag comes with handles and a detachable shoulder strap, and is the perfect size to fit all your essential items. The Joyrich Weekend Bag is a luxurious find that will add some refined flair to any fashionista’s handbag collection!

Joyrich Weekend Bag2

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Last Minute Holiday Gifts 2010

No matter how far in advance we start our holiday shopping, there always seems to be someone else on your list to shop for! Whether it’s your pet-sitting teenage neighbor, your foodie coworker, or the ultimate fashionista in your life, it’s difficult to know which gifts are best. With the help of the Internet and some amazing last minute deals, you can easily find a gift for even the most discerning person on your list, without breaking the bank!

The Fashionista

What fashionista doesn’t appreciate a fabulous pair (or two) of shoes? If you’re in need of a great gift for the style savvy set in your life, you can’t go wrong with the gift of shoes. DSW Shoes is your one stop shop for all the hottest designer shoes at incredible prices. Great for men, women and teens, a DSW Gift Card is the perfect present for those that love fantastic footwear! When you purchase a $50 DSW Gift Card this holiday season, you’ll receive a $10 gift card in return – so you can share the shoe love and get something for yourself too! Order a DSW Gift Card by December 22nd or an e-Gift Card by midnight on December 24th for Christmas delivery.

dsw gift card

The Traveler

Beautiful luggage and chic travel accessories make a wonderful gift, but they can be costly and difficult to select. For an affordable and useful gift for the jet setters in your life, try the Ultraviolet Sanitizing Wand. At just $12.99, this must have travel accessory kills 99.9% of surface germs, bacteria, molds, and fungus. Recent reports have proven that the knobs and switches on airplanes carry the highest levels of bacteria, not to mention the remote controls in hotel rooms! Ideal for travel, home and office, the compact wand will fit into your carry on or handbag so it’s readily available whenever you need it. No traveler should be without this ingenious item!

Travelon-Ultraviolet-Sanitizing-Wand-in-White

The Foodie

Igourmet.com brings the best of international gourmet products right to your kitchen at affordable prices. If you want to delight your foodie friends, give the gift of an igourmet gift basket, with products ranging from fine cheeses and condiments, delectable desserts, and wine from all around the world. As an added bonus, promotionalcodes.com is offering a $10 off coupon for any order. Combine that with any of the wonderful assortments available on igourmet (many for under $100) and you’ll be sure to impress any culinary extraordinaire!

igourmet intl gift basket

The Teen

Teens are so difficult to shop for, particularly when it comes to buying clothes. But when it comes to teen style, one item stands out above the rest – the graphic tee. From vintage inspired to modern pop culture designs, teenagers live in graphic tees, perfect with everything from jeans and shorts to leggings and skirts. Rotemgear.com is an eclectic website with a fantastic selection of ethnic, retro, and pop culture tees and products that are super reasonable. The Kitty and Dog crossbones collection ($18.99 and up) is a fun, quirky, and rocker-chic style that both teen guys and girls will adore. No matter what the teen’s taste, remember that a cool graphic tee is an easy and affordable gift that would put a smile on anybody’s face!Kitty Crossbones

The Luxury Lover

To satisfy the sweet tooth of the luxury lovers in your life, give the gift of pure decadence – a collection of delicious Champagne Petit Fours from Valerie Confections ($55). The luxurious mini confections are made of rich butter cake layered with Champagne ganache, then hand dipped in dark chocolate. As an exquisite finishing touch, each cake is topped with an edible piece of 23 karat gold. The twelve piece gift set comes beautifully packaged with an elegant gold satin ribbon. Your friends will be so impressed with this lavish gift, and you can rest easy knowing that it didn’t set you back a fortune!

CHAMPAGNE%20PF%20B

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Father’s Day is just a week away – do you have a gift for Daddy Dearest?  It seems like we’re always looking to find Dad that special gift, that WOW present that will really knock his socks off!  In honor of our Proud Papas, here’s a list of Unique Father’s Day gifts that will not only impress Dear Old Dad, but also won’t break our budgets – all these gifts are under $50! 

The Cocktail Loving Dad

No matter if your Dad enjoys beer in a frosty mug or a stiff martini, the following gifts will definitely add some zest to his cocktail repertoire. 

For the Dad who loves to entertain behind the bar, Peterson’s Happy Hour ($11.56, Amazon.com) is a collection of classic cocktail recipes with a sarcastic twist.  With simple instructions for making more than fifty tasty libations, an equipment glossary, and loads of hilarious vintage photographs, Peterson’s Happy Hour will give Dad some new and inventive ideas for Cocktail Hour.  Clever concoctions like the Tech Tonic and En-Gin Trouble are perfect antidotes for the bombardment of social networking and frustrating auto troubles that Dad faces on a daily basis!

For a great conversation starter at Dad’s next soiree, give the gift of BevShots, uniquely posh prints of beers, wines, and cocktails that have been photographed under a microscope and magnified in to fine art.  On their user friendly website, you can custom create a print for Dad by selecting his favorite alcoholic beverage, or browse by color theme.  Select from Fine Art Prints starting at $24.99 on canvas, or Metallic Prints starting at $37.99.  The vibrant colors and intoxicating designs will add a modern edge to any room, from Dad’s bar to his office or den.  Dad will surely be mesmerized by the beauty of BevShots!  (For rush shipping requests, please email BevShots at media@bevshots.com and mention Your GAL Kara.)

BevShots Print - Tequila

The Fashionable Father

For the Dad that loves to discover the newest and most fabulous finds in fashion, the following gifts will surely excite!

Cuff links, ties and slippers…oh my!  Fortunately, there’s a glam new accessory available for Dad that will set him fashionably apart from the rest!  The G-Tie is a beautifully crafted accessory for men that perfectly envelopes the knot of a tie.  When worn, the G-Tie brings a sleek and polished accent to the classic suit and tie ensemble.  The affordable and environmentally friendly ECO Collection features three finishes: shiny chrome, brushed aluminum and brushed charcoal.  With prices starting at $45.00 for the skinny version and $49.00 for the regular size, Dad can look striking and confident in one of the hottest accessories on the market!

If your Dad hates the bulk of traditional wallets, the Jimi Wallet is the perfect gift!  Made from 100% recyclable materials, the Jimi is the first wallet of its kind that is compact, water resistant, and attachable.  Available in 14 colors, this must have accessory is both fashionable and affordable starting at just $14.95.  The lightweight Jimi is perfect for all Dads, from the suit and tie businessman to the outdoor adventurer.  It also makes for a handy I.D. holder as most Jimis are translucent and can be worn around your neck on a lanyard (clever idea for busy travelers).  Dad will also be proud to know that proceeds from the US made Jimi go back to the environment, through the 1% For The Planet initiative.

Jimi Wallet in Clear

The Gadget Guy

You might think finding a cool tech gift for Dad under $50 would be impossible?  Well, with all the accessories and Apps available today, all you need is a little creativity!

If Dad recently invested in an iPad, he’ll definitely love and appreciate the Neoprene Sleeve for iPad from Built ($30, Builtny.com).  This slim sleeve will protect Dad’s investment without bulk, so it’s easy to carry to business meetings or while traveling.  Available in basic black or fiery orange, Dad can rest assured that his precious iPad will be safe from the bumps and scratches of everyday life!

If Dad enjoys travelling or is in the military, Jibbigo is the ideal gift!  Jibbigo ($24.99 -$27.99, iTunes Store) is a new speech to speech translation application for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch (Android and Droid support coming soon).  All Dad has to do is speak a sentence in to his device, and the App instantly speaks the sentence aloud in the other language – like your very own personal interpreter!  The App also shows the translation on the screen so Dad can be sure everything is accurate.  Available in Spanish-English, Chinese-English, Japanese-English, and new Iraqi-English, Jibbigo is the perfect companion for the Dad who travels for business or pleasure, or who is in the military.  The newest Iragi-English App was created specifically for service personnel in the armed forces, so Dad can overcome frustrating language barriers.  (Update 6/16/10 – Sorry friends, but the redemption code is no longer valid.)

Jibbigo - English to Spanish

The Grill Master

For the Dad that lives to grill, the following gifts are a necessity – no BBQ aficionado should start their Summer without these essentials! 

The ultimate guide to all things BBQ is Steven Raichlen’s latest book, Planet Barbecue ($15.61, Amazon.com).  The award winning grill expert will inspire Dad with his extensive collection of recipes – Raichlen visited 60 counties and rounded up 309 of the tastiest, most tantalizing, easy-to-make, and guaranteed-to-wow recipes from every corner of the globe.  Raichlen opens the world’s doors and showcases inventive international recipes, unique grilling methods, and mouth watering full color photographs – enough to make Dad salivate! 

Grill Charms are the coolest new BBQ accessory since the branding iron, and a must have for any serious Grill Master!  Grill Charms ($19.99, Grillcharms.com) are dime sized solid stainless steel charms that are placed in food before grilling.  The charms distinguish spices and flavors, steak temperatures and avoid health or allergy issues.  With the Steak Collection (with MR for Medium Rare, etc.), Dad no longer has to cut into each piece of meat to find out how each is cooked.  With the Spicy Collection, Dad can now offer his guests Mild, Medium, or Spicy sauces and rubs without any confusion.  Other collections include the Charmed Life and the Pink Collection.  (For a limited time, Grill Charms is offering a $5 discount, just type “grilling” in the coupon code section at checkout.  Order by Wednesday, June 16th for arrival by Father’s Day!)

Grill Charms - Steak Collection

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With Mother’s Day just around the corner, many of us will be shopping to find the perfect gift for Mom.  Looking for a unique and meaningful gift used to mean flowers and chocolates.  While these gifts are thoughtful, this year you might consider giving Mom a gift that gives back.  A quick search on the Internet for charitable gifts will bring up a huge assortment of non-profits and organizations to support, with many offering beautiful crafts, jewelry, or other keepsakes as a token of appreciation.  Here are a few that really caught my eye:

1.      Trees for a Change

         Personalized Tree Gift – $35

Trees for a Change is an organization that plants trees as gifts in U.S. National Forests that have been destroyed by wildfire.  With the Personalized Tree Gift, a tree will be planted by the U.S. Forest Service in an area that is desperate for reforestation.  Mom will receive a personalized tree planting certificate, a gift card with your personal message, her name recorded on the Tree Gift Registry, and online access to photos and information where the tree was planted.   


2.      Project Mother’s Day

         “Inner Strength” Necklace – $45

Founded by Solstice Designs, Project Mother’s Day creates hand crafted necklaces to give to children in the care of domestic abuse shelters across the country.  The children in turn give the necklaces as THEIR gift to Mom on Mother’s Day.  Solely funded by donations from friends, clients, and the community, Project Mother’s Day is now in its fifth year.  In 2009, Solstice Designs handcrafted 400 necklaces that were provided to 13 shelters across the country.  $5 from the sale of each piece is donated to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).  The 18 inch sterling box chain necklace holds a handcrafted trio of silver rings. The inner ring is etched with the word Strength, and gently protected by two delicately hand-textured silver rounds. The “Inner Strength” Necklaces  are shipped wrapped and ready for Mom, with an enclosure card describing the donation.

3.      Give Love Foundation & Satya Jewelry

          Hope Love & Healing Necklace for Haiti – $38

Actress Patricia Arquette (NBC’s Medium) has partnered up with the Give Love Foundation and Satya Jewelry to create the Hope, Love, & Healing Necklace for Haiti.  Designed to raise money for the children and families of Haiti, the founders’ hopes are to rebuild the communities, homes and livelihoods of those displaced in the earthquake.  Turquoise, soothing blue and natural, is the stone of healing. Paired with sterling silver hand-cast charms, the necklace bring hope and love to all that wear it, especially Mom!  The Satya Foundation donates 100% of the proceeds from this necklace to the Give Love Foundation. 

4.      ECPAT-USA

          Soft Hands Kind Heart Hand Cream – $10

          Tassa Tag – $12

ECPAT, which stands for End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children, is an international organization working to eliminate the commercial sexual exploitation of children around the world.  By purchasing their Soft Hands Kind Heart Hand Cream, sold exclusively at The Body Shop, Mom will support the many children suffering across the globe from sex trafficking.  $6 from every purchase of this limited edition hand cream will be donated directly to ECPAT-USA.  They have also created the Tassa Tag, which stands for Travelers Take Action Against Sex Slavery and Trafficking.  These colorful, handmade luggage tags (5 color options) are the perfect way for Mom to support this cause and be a responsible traveler. 

5.      SOS Children’s Villages

          Donations Start at $20

Give Mom the “gift of love” through SOS Children’s Villages, an organization that has been providing family-based care for children without parental care and social services for families at risk. Through their Children’s Villages, Family Strengthening Programs, and other initiatives, SOS impacts the lives of over 1 million people each year.  Purchase a socially conscious donation for as little as $20 for an SOS Mother living in places like India, Haiti, Bangladesh, South Africa, Chile, Mexico, and Gambia.  In exchange for your generous donation, SOS will send a warm, heartfelt card to Mom explaining the gift.  For donations of $150 or more, Mom will receive a scarf by Love Quotes.

Angelina Jolie visited an SOS Village in Haiti in 2009.

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