Holiday Gift Guide: 11 Gift Ideas for Your Fashionista

This holiday shopping guide was crafted with the fashionista in mind. I'm talking about couture-obsessed, in vogue femmes who follow trends like a cute puppy follows an interesting trail.

Whether that woman is your mom, sister, daughter, in-law, co-worker or -- let's be honest here -- yourself, you'll at least jump start your shopping list by perusing this fashionista gift guide.

From fashion-forward, on trend handbags to chic accessories to innovative products that'll simplify your fashionista's life (and earn you brownie points), I've covered all the bases. Rest assured knowing I've thoroughly investigated all the guide recommendations below.


Nicole Lee Handbags
The term "fashionista" doesn't apply to someone until she's the proud owner of a chic, high-quality handbag. And it doesn't have to be a $2,000 hand bag, either. Plenty of affordable options -- that are just as, if not more -- chic are available for purchase. Take Nicole Lee handbags, for example. The line boasts handbag after chic handbag priced between $40 to $130, making them the perfect holiday gift for the fashionista in your life.

Nicole Lee bags I'm digging in particular include the AVA ($83), a leather-meets-faux wool hobo bag featuring dual top handles, a button and zipper closure and interior wall pocket with zipper. It's the type of bag that'll earn your fashionista compliments on the street for its sophisticated, but eye-catching design.

A second Nicole Lee handbag favorite is the Fifi ($89), another hobo-style bag featuring a faux fur exterior with four buckle embellishments and dual top handles. And FYI: buckles are totally trending.

We can pretty much guarantee that your fashionista doesn't want wear just any hooded sweatshirt. Nope, she wants a hoodie with style, like the fabulous creations designed by Elana Brynes of Kings of Cole.

The Kings of Cole Pull-Over Hooded Sweatshirt is ridiculously soft/comfortable and screams "casual chic." Even fashion mavens like Lauren Conrad, Kim and Khloe Kardashian and Gwyneth Paltrow have been spotted in the brand.

Though a bit of a splurge at $144 per sweatshirt, the price is justified by the fact that this one'll likely be worn every day for the duration of the cold months. Plus, it comes with ultra hip features like rose-hued hardware detailing and a secret pocket within the pouch. If you love the hooded sweatshirt, consider gifting (or purchasing for yourself) the equally hip Kings of Cole sweatpants ($138).

Nobis Winter Hats
Every fashionista needs a stylish, cozy winter hat. That's not a suggestion -- it's a requirement! Let our friends at Nobis help you out with that one. From trapper-style hats lined with faux fur to cable hand knit toques to irresistible berets, you can't go wrong with one of Nobis' fine creations.

I'm particularly digging the "Eve," hat -- their top seller -- a luxurious faux fur lined knit hat ($68). It features tree-shaped stitching and an adorable leafy button applique for that woodland-chic vibe. Another favorite is their "Madison" hat, a hand knit peaked toque with three flirty buttons ($48).

These trendy winter hats make the perfect gift for any fashionista living in cool weather climate and will likely be worn everyday until the temps rise again.

Any fashionista has her fair share of wardrobe-related laments. One such woe is the boots and tights conundrums. Tights on their own don't provide enough support and do a poor job of insulating during the chilly months.

Bootights to the rescue!

Bootights combine an opaque tight -- in classic shades like black, gray and brown -- with a cozy sock from the calf down. Each retails for around $30 and is constructed out of a high quality, durable material. Your fashionista will thank you for introducing her to this fierce and fabulous fashion must-have!


Echo Gloves
You know you live in a tech-savvy era when fashionable winter gloves are created specifically with technology in mind. Echo gloves allow its wearer to use touch-sensitive devices, including the iPhone and iPod, without taking the gloves off first. They do so with special "Echo Touch" technology built into the thumb and forefinger tips. And it actually does work. You can check mail, answer the phone and sift through your playlist just the same as you would sans-gloves. That means your hands stay warm and fashionable. Double win!

Echo Touch gloves come in a variety of styles and price points. I love their buttery leather gloves, complete with ultra soft knit lining, priced at a very affordable $48. Another option is Echo's Wool Blend Tech Touch Gloves, crafted from wool and nylon and available in splashy colors like red, pink, purple and light olive ($32).

Jane Marvel Vegan Handbags
In today's ecologically-concerned world, it's wise to both look good and treat the Earth well. Thanks to the savvy style geniuses as Jane Marvel, you can let your fashionista do just that via their Guilt Free Fashion Fix handbag line!

We're smitten over Jane Marvel's Chelsea bag, an oversized hobo bag in a distressed, metallic vegan leather ($103). If you're a staunch believer in all thing leather, don't let the word "faux" turn you off. You and your giftee will be hard pressed to tell the difference between this and the real deal. The interior's a dream, as well: spacious with three zipper-enclosed compartments. Buy it in metallic gold, pewter, navy or black.

BONUS: Jane Marvel currently has a special where if you buy one bag, you'll receive a gift voucher to send to anyone else for a bag that's equal value. That means one for you, too!

Pure Handknit
Looking for affordable, hand knitted quality apparel and accessories to gift your fashionista? Let Pure Handknit be your go-to source this holiday season. With quality, fashion-forward knitwear a top priority, each Pure Handknit piece is skillfully and masterfully completed.

Let your fashionista stay toasty warm via one of their many cardigans, including this splashy blue Drawstring Front Cardigan ($50) and this silver studded studio wrap ($43).

If your giftee is a hat fanatic, consider this summery, large brimmed hat in forrest green ($12) or this vintage inspired chapeau with blossoming floral detail ($10).



Phosphor Appear Watch
The Phosphor Appear is easily the coolest watch ever invented. Especially if you're a fashionista and especially if you love anything that sparkles. It's driven by something called "micro-magnetic mechanical digital technology," but don't let the tech-talk turn you off.

Phosphor Appear gets its name because the numbers appear (via that mouthful of technology) within a sea of Swarovski crystals. For every minute and hour that passes, the crystals revolve to reveal the time, creating a soft, distinct clicking noise as the time changes.

The watch itself is chic-looking with a wide face and leather band and will undoubtedly earn a ceaseless string of "oohs" and "aahs" by anyone who sees it in action. And, because it's such a cool watch, lots of people are going to notice this one.

Though a bit of a splurge at $200 to $249, the Phosphor Appear makes the perfect timeless gift for the fashionista who already has it all.

Hadaki Totes and Clutches
Give her something that'll catch both her eye and the eyes of whomever she passes on the street: a Hadaki tote or clutch! These eclectic, bold-hued bags are eco friendly, playful and ultrachic. And if there's one thing that Hadaki truly specializes in, it's print. I'm talking feisty, asian-inspired florals, adventurous, faux animal skin, spirited paisleys and bodacious polka dots that'd make the '50s jealous.

The Hadaki Cool Tote, priced reasonably at $70, comes in various prints and color combinations. The tote provides its owner with a heaping dose of space, making it ideal for beach days, the gym, travel and overnight stays. In addition to its spacious interior, the exterior is water repellant.

If you think your recipient would appreciate something smaller, opt for their ultra hip, ultra sassy leopard-print clutch ($50). It's literally one of the coolest clutches I've ever had the privilege of knowing. The water-resistant interior and exterior is still soft to the touch and gives off a leather-like shine. The clutch also comes with a removable, over-the-shoulder strap and a magnetic strip to keep your possessions where they belong. If you don't buy this clutch for your fashionista, please do so for yourself.

Bonus: Hadaki merchandise is eco-friendly. Fashion forward never felt so fabulous.

Eighteenth NYC
Eighteenth NYC makes T-shirts, but they aren't just any basic, generic tee's. Nope - these fabric babies are of a different breed. A breed that whispers confidently, "I'm the chic-est of them all."

The brand prides itself on its peculiar, off-the-cuff designs. In fact, their motto is: "Basic is boring and asymmetry is more interesting." Eighteenth NYC 's shirts aren't only visually stimulating, though. They're downright comfortable and surprisingly flattering. You know that feeling you get when you put something on, hoping it works, and are completely overwhelmed by just how mind-blowingly good you look? That's what happens when you put on a tee designed by Eighteenth.

I'm loving their "203 Most Popular" tee (pictured). With it's striking V-neck and shoulder cutouts, it shows off the sexy collar bone and a hint of shoulder while covering the upper arm. Though $98 seems like a hefty price to pay for a t-shirt, the frequent rotation it'll have in your fashionista's closet makes it absolutely worth the dinero.

Annie Fink Leggings and Sleeves
If you're buying for an intrepid fashionista with an affinity for funky accessories, Annie Fink is your girl. Her products are nothing short of fearless. In fact, the wearer should expect a few extra head turns when donning Annie Fink's creations (in a good way, of course).

I'm particularly lusting over her velvet sleeves, which keep arms warm -- and snazzy -- during the cooler months. They retail for an affordable $22 - $24 each and come in myriad prints, including Black and Gray Stripes, Baby Blue Minky and Red Tartan Plaid. Solid hues are also available.

Annie Fink also sells leggings for $32 to $38 (the leopard velvet leggings are an absolute must for any fashionista) and headbands for $16 each.


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