Holiday Gift Guide 07: Fashion Fanatic

Posted by The Daily Obsession

on December 18, 2007

For the ultimate fashionista, the key to finding the perfect present is to find an item that is unique, luxurious and trendsetting. We found a handful of gifts that will be worthy of the stylish lady in your life:

ONE. Treat a lucky friend (or yourself!) to a piece of handbag candy, specifically the Rachael bag ($650) by LA-based designer, Onna Ehrlich. This roomy bag is her twist on the hobo. Featuring two hand-stitched straps (one is removable), “the main compartment folds over to reveal a zipper closure with an elegant zipper tassel.” The leather is so buttery soft that you will crave to touch it all day long. On her shoulder, this divine bag will instantly transform a simple outfit, like a cashmere tee and jeans, into a fabulous outfit! Bonus: You’ll be staying ahead of the trend, since Cameron Diaz will be carrying this in her upcoming film called What Happens in Vegas; get it before it’s sold out this spring. (One of our editors already owns it and is obsessed.)

TWO. For the fashion diva who really does have everything (or if not a single one of our fabulous ideas is right for your fashion-forward friend), we love the idea of booking her some time with a personal shopping consultant. If she’s in the San Francisco area, you can book her some in-person time with our very own ShoppingsMyCardio for as little as $100. She’ll let your friend in on some of the amazing hidden shopping gems in the city by the bay — all custom tailored to her tastes (trust us, it’s a tour well worth taking!). Outside the Bay Area, ShoppingsMyCardio can still help with wardrobe revamps, specific style conundrums or just take advantage of her knack for shopping off the beaten path by having her find that perfect gift for your most impossible-to-buy-for friend. To enlist her skills or to pick up a gift certificate, drop a line to shoppingsmycardio@gmail.com.

THREE. Jeweled necklines are hot, hot, hot for the holiday season (which your fashionista friend probably already knows). Dazzle her decolletage with this jeweled necklace ($25) by Madewell 1937. With stones that are stitched onto jersey, this gorgeous piece can be used to dress up any solid-hued satin shift or chiffon frock…taking it from tired to new in less than a minute! (Bonus: it’s not a pricey bauble that will clean out your bank account.)

FOUR. There are few things that women (fashionista or not) love more than shoes. Why not make her year by presenting her with a pair of fabulous Christian Louboutin heels? The Joli Noeud Dorcet 957 Sandal ($550) is a black patent leather peep-toe d’Orsay pump that receives a dose of femininity with a sweet bow at the toe. These heels are so timeless that she’ll be able to party in it forever. If you’re looking for an everyday shoe, we recommend the patent loafer pump, which is just as pretty and versatile. Whichever shoe you choose, we guarantee that it will make her squeal with delight.

FIVE. Valentino is the epitome of elegance and decadence in fashion – and what fashion fanatic doesn’t love that? That’s why we think the book, Valentino Garavani by Matt Tyrnauer, would make a wonderful gift. The limited edition book (only 2,000 copies were made) pays homage to Valentino’s career – including interviews, magazine shoots, sketches, ads, portraits and much more! Retailing for $1,000 at Vivre, each copy is signed personally by Valentino – so your recipient will have a piece of fashion forever.

SIX. A fashion-forward dress is never a wrong choice for this trendy gal. The House of Yes Dress ($88) at Urban Outfitters definitely will fall under that category. This dress has a black sheer silk chiffon body with a sweetheart neckline and adorable cap sleeves. We like the nude inset at the neckline, which provides a strapless illusion. (Does it also remind of you slightly of a Project Runway Season 4 challenge?) She’ll find at least a dozen different ways to wear it!