The Girlfriend Gift

Tiffany's was great when we were in high school; David Yurman is great if your boyfriend is an investment banker; but, where is the in-between when you want a classy piece of every day jewelry where you don't have to worry about a green tattoo (if you know what I mean). I came across a fantastic line of jewelry by Cecille et Jean. The style is very classic, but has that certain 'je ne sais quoi'. I love to linger over the storefront in San Francisco. Unfortunately their online site is rather sparse but worthwhile checking out to get a hint of the beauty of their pieces. So when the bf asks what kind of jewelry you like, steer him away from Tiffany and over to Cecille.

Disappearing Hotel Shampoo / Conditioner

When my dad comes to town, I get to live it up in fancy hotels. Since my own travels invariably have me staying in hostels / the Best Western, I always appreciate the experience. One of the best parts of inhabiting a 5 star hotel for a night is invariably the bedding, the bathroom and the shampoo / conditioner. I am always quick to hoard any bottles that come my way, and my dad and I are in a constant battle. The best by far in my book are the products offered by L'Occitane. Your hair truly smells divine and feels fantastic after each use. It is really worth fighting tooth and nail / sneakily taking a couple extra bottles from the maids' cart. One day I may get to use L'Occitane every day, but until then, I shall treasure every day I get to live in L'Occitane bliss thanks to the Dad.

Brand Loyalty Tactics

I have been a shopper for close to two decades now, and I am just now understanding the marketing tactics that retailers use to encourage brand loyalty e.g. store-branded credit cards, designer perfumes at non-designer prices to create knowledge of and loyalty to brands etc. I have been amazed that more luxury retailers haven't employed Marc Jacobs' special item tactic. Effectively, when you enter the MJ store you will see signs for $28 tote bags and $5 key chains while most of MJ's items are priced at $300 for a dress and $500 for a handbag e.g. pretty steep prices. What is interesting about MJ is that you see the tweens, teens and quite frankly myself browsing and buying accessories in the 'Special Items' section and then gazing longingly at the real MJ merchandise. The outcome: we check in regularly to check out Jacobs' low-end items and (theoretically) we will purchase the higher-end models when our budget permits. Ultimately, it makes the brand feel accessible to all ages; MJ gets their branded items out on the street improving brand awareness; and I get to feel cool when I pull out my MJ key chain. If only more brands would employ this brand loyalty tactic...

Summer Romance

There is nothing like the first couple weeks in a summer romance. The anticipation, the butterflies and... the need for a new wardrobe filled with date appropriate outfits. Along those lines, if in need of a new perfume (because Angel reminds you of the last boyfriend), Flowerbomb by Victor & Rolf is a lovely addition to your perfume library. A compilation of bergamot, jasmine, freesia, orchid, centiflora rose and patchouli -- this scent definitely packs quite a punch, but a punch in the feminine / floral genre. It comes with quite a heft price tag, but it is in the name of love.

Because Work Needs a Soundtrack

After a semester in Paris, my taste in music was forever changed. I developed a love for European house music -- not techno -- but house. I can't tell you why, but I can tell you where: YAB, which stands for 'You Are Beautiful' in Florence, Italy. Any trip to Florence should include David, the Uffizi, gelato and YAB -- only then is your trip complete, but I digress. The real reason for this post is to describe my first love in SF Energy 92.7. It makes any road trip, grocery store trip or even a dreaded drive to IKEA enjoyable. It puts some pep in your step and gets you in the mood to... do whatever you want. My greatest discovery is that you can stream Energy 92.7 to your computer -- that is correct my friends: when your day is going sideways, you are sleep deprived and your boss keeps asking why the numbers look wrong in the presentation, you can blast Energy 92.7 to your hearts contact. Screw Pandora, AOL Music or WinAmp... all you really need is a little Energy.

Creating the Adult Abode

You know those friends who have those perfectly appointed apartments. Somehow their bookshelves are never out of place, their closet is organized by color and their towels color coordinate with their soap which coordinates with their soap dish which coordinates with the Q-tip holder... Well now is your chance to fight back with posters and prints from All Posters. Choose from travel related art such as Paris sky lines to sailing-themed prints. The options are endless and offer you the opportunity to spice up your walls and create an 'adult' apartment-feel without putting too big of a dent in the wallet.

Save the Magazine Industry!

I seem to have a deep collection of friends who 'have it all.' While it makes for a lovely time when you need to borrow from their extensive wardrobe, it makes the Christmas / birthday present a real challenge. One of my favorite gifts to give is a magazine subscription so they can have a present every 30 days! For the travel-minded, there is Budget Travel or Travel & Leisure. For the homemaker, there is Matha Stewart's Living or Real Simple. For the cooks, there is Cooking Light. It really is hard to go wrong, and it provides months of enjoyment for a small price. 5 Gold Stars!