Gift Guide: Valentine's Day Gifts

1. Ruby Red Cuff Links
2. For that old fashion kind of Shave
3. So he'll always be on time for your dates
4. Who doesn't love a man in a pink shirt
5. A manly sketch book/journal
6. A gorgeous tie for a gorgeous man

Gift Guide: Valentine's Day Gifts

1. Perfect for the Espresso Lover
2. Heart Punchout skinny belt to add a little love to your jeans
3. Draw your sweetheart a relaxing bath using Jo Malone's Red Roses Bath Oil
4. Lovely flats in a sweet pink color
5. A simple and sweet handmade knot ring to express your love
6. I adore the red of these
7. Keep things personal with a diamond initial necklace

Holiday Gift Guide: For Around the Home

I'm not saying that things make a home, but you don't hear me complaining about such gorgeous things.

1. Happy Chic Set of 2 Pop Canisters from Jonathan Adler, 2. Chinoiserie Green Teacup from Mydeco, 3. Oval Ikat Lampshade from Etsy, 4. Elf Candleholder from Cb2, 5. Cast Iron Apple Pot from terrain, 6. Sparrow Clips from MoMA. 

7. High Tea Baking Cups from Confectionery House, 8. Fine Dining Placemats from Anthropologie, 

9. Selenite Brass Box from Kelly Wearstler, 10. Midas Glassware Collection from Design Within Reach, 

11. Queue Vase from Z Gallarie, 12. Nixon Throw from Jonathan Adler.

13. Kelly Wearstler's Grodian Weave Cushion from Plum Cushion, 14. Tapestry Collection Plate from French Bull, 15. Guppy Barware from Z Gallerie, 16. Sticky Teaspoons from Anthropologie, 17. Lacey Tray from Chiasso, 18. Cheese Knives from Decor Craft.

19. MOR Cosmetics Soap Opera Gift Set, 20. Agate Pedra Coasters from MoMA, 21. Ikat Bowls from Anthropologie, 22. 3 Mini Candles Diptyque from Space NK, 23. Five Nesting Ranunculus Rose Bowls from Etsy. 

Holiday Gift Guide: Rocker Chic

For the rebel in all of us.

1. Starry Eye Liquid Liner from Too Faced, 2. Adrien Shiny Chelsea Boots from TopShop, 3. Super Skinny Printed Stretch Jean from Tory Burch, 4.Club Master Wayfarer Sunglasses from Ray-Ban, 5. Rhinestone Triple Finger Rings from Urban Outfitters.

6. Hand Painted Silk Skull Scarf from Etsy, 7. Tab Sleeve Plaid Shirt from Mall-LA, 8. Spiked Bib Necklace from Madewell, 9. Leather Cut Away Fingerless Flat Stud Gloves from ASOS, 10. Studded Denim Vest from Nasty Gal. 

11. Small Enamel Skull Bracelet from Alexander McQueen, 12. MIA Marion Shoes, 13. Leather Biker from TopShop, 14.Shashi Single Strand Gold Nugget Bracelet, 15. Tokdidoki Cromatico Eyeshadow, 16. Leopard Tail Blouse from Nasty Gal, 17. Moto Acid Wash Denim Hotpants from TopShop, 18. Double Row Mixed Metal Crosses Necklace from TopShop.

Holiday Gift Guide: Ladylike Classic

Because classics never go out of style!

1. Parker Loose Long Sleeve from ShopBop, 2. Ted Baker Bobble Kisslock Leather Clutch, 3. Rhinestone Elastic Bracelet from Forever 21, 4. Houndstooth Jacquard Woven Jacket from American Apparel.

5. Faux Fur Jacket by Love from Topshop, 6. Charles by Charles David Black Pumps, 7. Hand Held Zip Around Patent Bag from ASOS, 8. Alphabet Rings from Catbird.

9. Crushed Roses Mini Skirt from Banana Republic, 10. Into the Midst Set from Anthropologie, 11. Hyacinth Nico Cluster Studs from Rachel Leigh, 12. Movie Heart Trim Lace Pumps from TopShop.

13. Bruce II Pleated Trouser from La Garçonne, 14. Ice Cluster Bib Necklace from Madewell, 15. Max Mara Atelier "Eleonor" Coat from MazMara, 16. YSL Rouge Pur Couture SPF 15, 17. Plaid Mini from Old Navy.

18. Dream Alexie Sweater from Jcrew, 19. Unique Pink Quarts Silver Earrings from Antique Style Collection, 20. Leather Belt from Zara, 21. Gold Frame Clasp Piped Handbag from TopShop, 22. Twirl Bow Cuff from Kate Spade.

Holiday Gift Guide: Bohemian

For the girl that has a little bohemian chic in her.

1. Winter Kate Jasmine Winter Cardy in Purple, 2. Feather Trim Floppy Hat from TopShop, 3. Peacock Feather Pendent by Forever 21, 4. Lincoln Park After Dark From OPI, 5.Sadie Faux Fur Coat by Nasty Gal.

6. Turquoise Cuff Bracelet, 7. Sequined Fringed Leather Bag from TopShop, 8. Jeffery Campbell Wedge, 9. The Bohemian Dress from Planet Blue.

10. Brixton Gain Fedora from Revolve Clothing, 11. Floral Batwing Sleeve Kimono from TopShop, 12. Type Z Panema Shoes, 13. Abstract Stone Ring from TopShop.

14. Peacock Feather Earrings from Ron Herman, 15. Victorie Long Dress from Winter Kate, 16. Gold Aviator Sunglasses from ASOS, 17. Green Quartz Cabachon Necklace from Robindira Unsworth,
18. Printed Wellington Boots from Missoni, 19. Silver Seraphina Headband from Eugenia Kim.

Holiday Gift Guide: Preppy

Because you always pop your collar.

 1. Bright Argyle Socks from GAP, 2. Satin Bow Headband from Forever 21, 3. Essie Nail Polish in Chubby Cheeks, 4. Kate Spade Umbrella, 5. Mardi Gras Glass Studs from Kate Spade, 6. Boutonniere Blazer from Jcrew.

7. Stacy Shirt from Abercrombie & Fitch, 8. The Quality Mending Co. Duffel Bag from Madewell, 9. Kacy Fringed Loafers from TopShop, 10. Small Idiom Bangle from Kate Spade, 11. Lilybeth Bow Front Bag from Forever 21.

12. Horizontal Stripped Scarf from Meg Cohen, 13. Bow On Pearl Bracelet from TopShop, 14. Stretch Piqué Polo from Lacoste, 15. Coral Me Crazy Thermal Mug from Lily Pulitzer, 16. Leather Flats with Metal Trim from Sam Edelman, 17. Be Dazzled Elizabeth Cardigan from Kate Spade.

18. Ruffle Collar Wool-Blend Jacket from Old Navy, 19. Everest Overnight bag from Rag & Bone, 20. Taffeta Bow Headband from Forever 21, 21. Tristan Yacht Cardigan from Delia's, 22. The Archive Leather Boot from Madewell.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Kids

Because you love them to pieces!

1. Like a Rainbow Clatter from Land of Nod, 2. Dancing Alligator Pull Toy from Giggle, 3. P'kolino Triangle Pencils from Black Wago, 4. Blossom Red Shoes from Livie & Luca.

5. Mix it up Kids Toy Kitchen from Land of Nod, 6. Little Society Wolf Thermal Set, 7. Suede Tracks from Trumpette, 8. Flower Power Ballet Flats from JCrew, 9. Monkey Mittens from Uncommon Goods.

10. Pink Chicken Reese Bird Print Dress from Chi Chi Bean, 11. Converse Kids Chuck Taylor, 12. Owl & Friends Ball Trio from Skip Hop, 13. Petite Fleur Dress from JCrew, 14. 14 Piece Vegetable Set from Ikea, 15. Felted Princess Crown and Bracelets from Garnet Hill.

16. Paint your Own Large Wood Family from Etsy, 17. Broken-In Critter Chino from JCrew, 18. 3D Puzzle Globe from MoMA Store, 19. Tristan Knight from Nova Natural, 20. Domestic Diva Lemondrop Apron from Etsy, 21. Ladybug Backpack from Forest & Zoe.

Holiday Gift Guide: Cards and Wrap

Gorgeous cards for penning holiday sentiments and festive trinkets for adorning Christmas gifts. After all, presentation is half the battle.

1. Gift tags- Jolly Jingle Bells. $6 for 6 from seasonaldelights 2. Card:Gift-giving face off. $13.50 from afavorite 3. Holiday Stationary Set of 4. $11.95 for 4 from LBC Paper

4. Merry Christmas- Vintage Style Luxury Gift Tags. $9.25 from craftypagan 5. Wool Felted Acorn Ornament. $12 for 5 from angeldogdesigns  6. Under the Mistletoe- Round Gift Tags. $7.49 for 15 from momentinthesun 7. Bakers Twine red/white. $5 for 10 meters from ballee.

8. Joy to All Gnomes. $16 for pack of 6 from Egg Press. 9. Peppermint Stripe Lillipop. $22 for 14" Lollipop from In the Pink. 10. Gold Crown Ornament. $8 from Plum Party 11. Gleam Christmas Ribbon. Starting at $8.25 from Karaboo Ribbons.

 12. Oy Vey Cards. $16 for 8 from Fresh Frances 13. Merry Christmas Note Cards. $8.50 for set of 5 from Whimsywhimsical 14. Shabby Cottage Christmas Ribbon. $3 from Sewcutedesigns1 15. Christmas Cupcake Wrappers. $12 for set of 12 from SweetTalkDesigns.

Holiday Gift Guide: Sparkles

For the friend who you secretly suspect is a magpie.

1. Kate Spade Charm Sandal, 2. Juicy Couture Pavé Bow Ring, 3. Sequin Embellished Dress from ASOS, 4. Sparkle Earings by Dori Csengeri from Charm & Chain.

5. Alva Gloves from Anthropologie, 6. Nanette Necklace from Gema Reduex, 7. Sephora for O.P.I in (from left to right) Flurry Up, Only Gold For Me and Sparkle Me Silver.

8. Dune Lantique Allover Beaded Clutch from ASOS, 9.Giuseppe Zanotti Glitter Sandals, 10. Marc by Marc Jacobs Pinked & Perforated Patent Oxfords, 11. S Headband from Ban.do.

 12. Sequin Skirt from GAP, 13. Three Tiered Beaded Necklace from Forever 21, 14. Stack of 4 Rings from Forever 21, 15. Jeweled Foldover Clutch from Banana Republic.

16. Debbi Sequined Tweed Mini Bag from Marc Jacobs, 17. Butter Chuchu Peep Toe Pump, 18. Bolly Disco from Vanessa Arizaga, 19. Rhinestone Candles from Z Gallerie, 20. Sequin Animals from West Elm, 21. Lindsay Bracelet from Archive Jewelry.

Holiday Cheer: Christmas Traditions

Happy Monday everyone! Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone. It's finally time to switch our focus to Christmas- by far, hands down, no contest here, my favorite holiday of the year!

There is something about those twinkling lights on the tree, the Christmas carols that I know by heart, the shopping for the perfect gift, the wrapping of said perfect gift, the build up and preparation for the big day, and the coming together of friends and loved ones that makes my heart fill with glee.

Growing up in Singapore, my holiday memories did not center around the cold weather, snow days or hot chocolate.

Instead, we celebrated our warm weather Christmas with traditions of our own: Putting up the fake Christmas tree and decorations as a family (well to be honest, more like we started as a family but by the end of the day, it was just poor ole Mama T finishing up), Mama T taking us kiddies to go buy our Holiday gift wrap for the year (we usually chose 2 or 3 different rolls of wrapping paper in complimentary colors and found the matching ribbons for it), spending the afternoon wrapping gifts with Christmas carols blaring in the background, spending evenings listening to Christmas carols as we watched the twinkling of the Christmas tree lights... I could go on and on.

With the passing years some traditions have remained exactly the same, while others have grown and changed with time. But no matter the tradition, Christmas is still my favorite holiday ever and I can hardly wait for the 2010 festivities to start!

What are you looking forward to this holiday season? What are the traditions that you keep?

Coming Soon... Holiday Gift Guide 2010

Hello Friends! I hope you had a good weekend.

I had a great but maybe a little too busy weekend. Weekend activities included running stadiums, brunching, deciding it was just about the right time to allow Christmas to explode all over my apartment (aka putting up the Christmas decorations), Christmas shopping, a  night out on the town, watching the latest Harry Potter movie and baking a chocolate cake. PHEW!

As such, I didn't really have the time to put together a real blog post for today. However, I thought a little sneak peak into what's to come will suffice. Just so you know, I've been busy browsing the blogs, online shopping sites and shops to put together my little Holiday Gift Guide, just for you!

Stay tuned!

Merci

Being a foreign student in college was not always the easiest thing. I was always the "kid" without family at all of our swim meets and functions. I always felt silly during our team's parents weekend when we did the whole stand-up-in-front-of-everyone-and-introduce-yourself-and-your-family bit. "I'm Nicolette, I'm from Singapore and I here alone."

That being said, I was always very fortunate to have many friends whose families "adopted" me and took me in, whether for a home-cooked meal, or hosting me over spring/Christmas break. As such, I am always on the search for the perfect hostess gift to show my gratitude to my "current" adoptive family. Flowers were great when it was a local dinner, but sometimes I had to board planes to get to my adoptive destination and flowers don't last. Household ware was always cute but hard to hit the nail on the head if you don't know the adoptive home's decoration theme. Cards after the fact were always a must, but I hated (and still do) showing up empty handed. So like I said, I am always on the hunt for the perfect hostess gift.

This set of vintage wooden blocks that spell out "Merci" are right on the money and a great way to say thanks! I love the mix of the shiny gilded letters and the bold pop of blue. The company that makes the blocks also offers personalized blocks, so you could also spell out the last name of your host family. Which ever route you choose, these charming wooden blocks would make a sweet addition to a desk, table or dresser of any hostess with the mostest.

Details:
Merci Set of Gilded Blocks
Cabin 7
$31.00

Father's Day Gift Ideas

1. steam punk FLYBACK OCTAGONE handmade watch, 2. Safe in my Father's hands sepia toned photograph, 3. Jatoba Inlay Cufflinks, 4. Softcover Warm Brown Leather Sketchbook.

Father's Day is a little under a month away and while some say it's too early for Father's Day to be on their radar, I beg to disagree. After all, I'm nothing if not prepared!