For The Guys: A Few New Luxury Favorites

This one is for the guys and for those who wonder what they may need.  Ok... what they may want.  There are a few luxury pieces I can't seem to get out of my mind, some more attainable than others.  I hope you enjoy these findings, on your Pinterest boards if not in your actual closet.

First up is a preview of Spring- this awesome pair of slim fitting corduroy shorts from Slowear.  Priced at $295 on Mr. Porter, these aren't cheap but certainly aren't outrageous.  The pink color and corduroy texture both are very preppy, also modern.  This is a great length for guys- a few inches above the knee without being too short.  I love the stone colored shirt with this, juxtaposing a solid neutral with this loud short.  

Next is the perfect scent- Green Irish Tweed.  I've sung the praises of my favorite cologne brand Creed many times and will continue to do so.  No collection of fragrances has ever been so memorable or easily recognizable in my experience.  This particular scent has base notes of sandalwood, topped off with French verbena and Florentine iris.  Be sure to check this out for yourself or as a gift at Creed's online site or locally at Nordstrom in Nashville for $315.  

Alright, how much fun is this shoe?  It's available on pre-order from Saks for $895.  Gucci took a risk with this one, a studded leather cute-yet-tough shoe.  I'm a big fan of it, although I will be the first to admit there's a time and a place for this shoe- not an everyday look.  Would be great with jeans or shorts, slacks not so much unless they were very structured/slim/tailored and ankle length.

Something a bit more classic- this leather jacket by Rag & Bone.  Available at ssense for $1,395, this green color is a great masculine option to throw on with almost anything.  Quilted panels add great detail and the updated bomber style with slimmer lines helps to really stretch this piece from casual to a bit more dressy if desired.  

Holiday Gift Ideas

I can't believe how quickly the holidays have arrived.  To kickstart the shopping season, I wanted to share a few items that could make excellent gifts for yourself or your loved ones.  

For The Wall...

Art is always a great gift, especially when the proceeds go to a great cause.  Pictured below is one of many beautiful paintings by local artist Martha Case Nemer named It's Pear-fect.  This 16x20 oil for $275 makes a lovely addition to any wall.  Sold exclusively at The Cotton Mill during the holidays, 100% of the sale goes directly to The Melvin Case Christmas For Kids Foundation which has supplied over 10,000 toys and stuffed animals to needy children in the Nashville and Upper Cumberland areas of Tennessee through United Way, Upper Cumberland Region, Renewal House, Green Hills Rotary, Martha O'Bryan Center and McNeilly Center for Children. 

 The Cotton Mill   |   4009 Hillsboro Pike   |   Nashville, TN 37215   |   (615) 298-2188

For The Doll...

How many of you have a long list of girlfriends, cousins, sisters or coworkers to shop for, yet have no clue what to buy as a fun little item or where to start looking?  There is always a need for gifts in the $10-$30 range and you'd be surprised how many great online sites make it easy to find unique, high quality items at a great value.  My fabulous friend Linda introduced me to Neiman Marcus' online outlet site www.lastcall.com  Check that out for great discounts on designer items.  Tons of options at each click.  

Another great site is www.GILT.com  I LOVE this site.  Free to join, after a quick registration you receive a daily list of the sales they offer. From super high end to cute and affordable, you can find something at a great value that you love every single day.  I can always find great pieces for the women in my life without breaking the bank. Take for example the ring pictured below.  By designer Kendra Scott, this would normally sell for around $75 or $100 but on Gilt it's only $35.  Cute, right?  

Register and start the fun: Click Here To Join GILT!

For The Tall...

At 6 foot 3, I know how hard it is to shop for tall guys.  You can't imagine my frustration each time I fall in love with a shirt on the hanger, only to discover that the proportions are completely wrong for me.  I'm comfortable with the idea of alterations, as I have many of my things tailored to fit, but this can really only be done if the length is ok.  Usually if the length is good, that means that I've had to up the size so many times that the shoulder seams are down to my elbows.  It can be very frustrating.  That is why I am thrilled beyond belief when I find things that fit perfectly off the rack, but usually that means it's off either a Dolce & Gabbana or Marc Jacobs rack.  The most amazing sales specialist at Saks in New York introduced me to the shirt pictured below.  It's a soft, long, slim-fitting Marc Jacobs oxford with contrasting buttons. Could I ask for anything more?  I think not.  If you have a man in your life who needs a great shirt or any killer Marc Jacobs piece, call up Jesse at Saks and order one (or tons) asap. 

Jesse Whiting   |   Saks Fifth Avenue   |   611 5th Avenue   |   New York, NY   |   212.940.2082

For the Belles of the Ball...

It's no secret that my favorite and the best fragrance line I've ever discovered is CREED.  As CREED celebrates its 250th year in 2010, it is opening its archives to reveal historically significant letters, client orders and royal warrants from two and a half centuries of service.  Napoleon III granted CREED a royal warrant in 1855.  For Napoleon III, CREED made the fragrance Cuir de Russie, which means “Russian leather.”  While CREED Cuir de Russie is no longer available in the U.S., the fragrance Jasmin Imperatrice Eugenie, made for the wife of Napoleon III, is offered today.  I'll bet you can think of quite a few ladies in your life who would enjoy this special product. 

And to complete the royal treatment this season, as always, they offer complimentary gift wrapping with every purchase at www.creedboutique.com.