Doesn’t dear old Santa have it nice — you know, with everyone sending him a list of exactly what they want most? If only everyone were so forthcoming with their wishes when it comes to sharing them with friends and family. Still, there is no reason to feel forlorn! We’ve surveyed area retailers and explored store after store all over the Internet to bring you gift ideas for everyone on your list that are practically a sure bet!
Presenting Saint Nick’s Sweet 16!
Day One: Something Stylish
Coco Rae Holiday Collection Nail Polish
If looking for something small that will make a big impact, we can’t think of a more stylish and inexpensive gift than some fabulous nail polish. While many gift sets this time of year are enticing, local gal Coco Rae steals our hearts, yet again, with her new holiday collection. While it doesn’t hit stores until Dec. 13, we’ve snagged you a sneak peek and special deal on it to make up for the waiting. Use the code NOVA10 to save 10 percent sitewide.
Six beautiful new nail colors from local company Coco Rae, available Dec. 13, $10 each or $45 per set; lovecocorae.com (Photo courtesy of Coco Rae)
Sara Silvio Handcrafted Earrings
Another small but sweet gift that is sure to impress many a boho babe are these handcrafted glass bead earrings from Sara Silvio, available at Leesburg’s Madisonbelle.
Sara Silvio Earrings: Green Dots ($75); Ice Blue ($95); Blue Etch ($85); Mint ($85); Leesburg's Madisonbelle, madisonbelle.com (Photo courtesy of Madisonbelle)
Bra Travel Bag
One sure thing that comes with the holiday season is travel. And all that travel reminds us of how important clever packing tips and tools are. One of the latter that also makes a great gift: this bra travel bag available at Bloomers in Alexandria, Shirlington and at Merrifield’s Mosaic District.
Bra travel bag, two sizes available (A-C cup or D-DDD cup), $22-$24; Bloomers, multiple NoVA locations, shopbloomers.com (Photo courtesy of Bloomers)
PJ Salvage PJs
Another item that comes in handy this time of year are some comfy, cozy PJs. Bonus points if they exude timeless style, like this PJ Salvage set, also from Bloomers.
PJ Salvage Luxe Pajama Set, available in taupe or black, $99; Bloomers, multiple NoVA locations, shopbloomers.com (Photo courtesy of Bloomers)
Fleece-Lined Leggings
Speaking of comfort and style, ladies tend to agree: Leggings are where it’s at, am I right? No wonder these extra-warm fleece-lined leggings are a huge hit at Fairfax Corner’s Undeniable Boutique. Owner Alicia Russman tells me they can’t keep them in stock–though, the good news is that they just got a new shipment over the weekend. What’s more, Russman says shoppers have reported having worn them several days straight. If that doesn’t speak to the leggings’ comfort, what does?
Fleece-lined leggings, available in black, brown or charcoal, $34; Fairfax Corner's Undeniable Boutique, undeniableboutique.com (Photo courtesy of Undeniable Boutique)
Ingenue Wrap Dress
Another perennial winner? The wrap dress. We’re absolutely smitten with this Ingenue beauty from Middleburg’s Betsey. The London-based line is lovely on many a figure; and the dresses, which come in super-luxe fabric, are also available in various prints. What an easy, chic, timeless way to make a grand entrance at a holiday party, the office and beyond!
Ingenue wrap dress, $150; Middleburg's Betsey, betseyshop.com (Photo courtesy of Betsey)
Maternal America Maternity Tunic
Let’s not forget the expectant set, who also wants to look fab (trust me!). Instead of purchasing a top that practically shouts maternity wear, why not go with a top that could easily pass for a standard-issue designer darling?! One fine example, this Maternal America tunic from Alexandria’s Apple Seed. Other great options abound at A Pea in the Pod.
Maiden America Pleated Shoulder Maternity Tunic Top, $88; Old Town Alexandria's Apple Seed, appleseedboutique.com (Photo courtesy of Apple Seed)
Hyla DeWitt Statement Necklace
Jewelry … what woman can ever have enough bling? While Bishop Boutique in Old Town is perhaps best known for its killer shoe collection, we’re dying over this gorgeous statement necklace and other gorgeous jewels there.
Hyla DeWitt "Cate" Necklace, $300; Old Town Alexandria's Bishop, bishopboutique.com (Photo courtesy of Bishop)
Milly iPhone Case
And when it comes to accessories, we can’t forget our beloved tech. How fun is this Milly iPhone case?! You’ll also find this stylin’ gift at Old Town’s Bishop.
Milly Diamond Zig Zag iPhone Case, $40; Old Town Alexandria's Bishop, bishopboutique.com (Photo courtesy of Bishop)
Thomas Paul Camera Bag
As for the stylish and quirky, look no further than Fairfax Corner’s The Nest Egg and these amazing Thomas Paul accessories. Talk about conversation pieces. There’s no way your gift recipient can sport something like this without people asking where he/she got it.
Thomas Paul Camera Case, $26.95; Fairfax Corner's The Nest Egg, shopthenestegg.com (Photo courtesy of The Nest Egg)
Electric Blue Clutch
Of course, speaking of bags, when doesn’t a cool clutch come in handy? You know, they’re kind of clutch. And how fantastic is this blue baby from Current Boutique (with locations in Old Town, Clarendon and Maryland)?! Not to mention, it’s a bargain.
Electric Blue W// Chrome Detail Clutch, $58.95; Current, multiple NoVA locations, currentboutique.com (Photo courtesy of Current)
Men’s Merino Wool Sweater
And don’t be thinking we forgot about the fellas. Although, like women, the testosterone-fueled tend to have their favorite denim and everyday pants, you can always breathe new air into their wardrobe by adding a few brilliant toppers. Delight your favorite dudes with a little luxury à la this super-soft merino wool sweater (improve your cuddling!) from Wolf vs. Goat, a local company that specializes in men’s looks that ooze sophistication sans pretention. By the way, all Wolf vs. Goat apparel is made in the U.S.A.
Charcoal Grey V-Neck Merino Wool Sweater, $250; wolfvsgoat.com (Photo courtesy of Wolf vs. Goat)
Another local standout in terms of luxurious men’s apparel is Richmond’s Ledbury, which just debuted a new tie collection. But when it comes to Ledbury, it all starts with stellar-fitting shirting, like this classic.
Ledbury Red Starks Gingham Twill Shirt, $135; ledbury.com (Photo courtesy of Ledbury)
Yet this is just the beginning of the super-stylish bounty at area stores. Here’s wishing we could include a lot more items!
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s next installment of Saint Nick’s Sweet 16: Something Crafty!
Happy shopping! And Happy Holidays!
–Natalie Kaar