STYLE
Sweater Stone & Soak (no-rinse soap)
It's normal (yet annoying) for sweaters to pill. Those little balls that accumulate under the arms, at the bust line or on the shoulder can easily be removed with a sweater stone (you can use a razor, but a sweater stone has a bigger surface area and is easier to use).
Just brush this sweater stone over your sweaters and it will collect all the pilling and yes, it's safe to use on cashmere. I've also used it on wool and cotton. It's safe, non-toxic and lasts forever. It's a great stocking stuffer! :)
Soak is a fragrance-free, biodegradable, phosphate-free no-rinse formula.
Just put a teaspoon in a gallon of water, soak for 15 minutes and then drain. No rinsing needed!
While this works great for items that soak up a lot of water like sweaters, I love to use it to wash my bras, tights, scarves and workout clothes. You can also use them for swimsuits and baby clothes. The fragrance-free formula is ideal!
This 12oz bottle is good for 75 washes and it can be used in high efficiency washing machines. I love it so much that I sell it on my site along with the sweater stone.
Mnologie
Mnologie - Majesty Collection
Aside from shoes, a clutch can instantly change up the look and vibe of an outfit. In fact, I never travel without one! If I have the option of stuffing another pair of shoes into my suitcase or a clutch, I'm going with a clutch.
I'm in love with Mnologie, which sells handmade, personalized perspex clutches.
Of course I love this personalized Mrs. Fabulous clutch, but they also have $90 ones that come with a colored inside pouch, which has a gold plated closure that can be personalized with your name (click on the Classic Clutch Collection).
All of their shapes are fun and something you can wear with jeans or a ballgown.
Furla Love Jewelry
Love is the fabric of life. As Rumi said, "Love is the bridge between you and everything." and what better way to remind you or someone else that we are love!
This long necklace can be worn with a sweater (yes, even a turtleneck), a blazer or a dress. Casual or at the office, this gold necklace is timeless because love is always in style. This is also available as a ring or with the word "Cool".
KITCHEN
Villa Gabriella Italian Organic Olive Oil
This is liquid gold. I wish I had this stuff on tap!
My good friend Consuelo quit her big corporate job to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. She started Villa Gabriella, which sells 100% certified Italian organic olive oil, organic balsamic vinegar and organic Italian white and red wine.
There are no fillers, carmels or artificial colors in the olive oil or balsamic vinegar.
As for the vino, no wine is free of sulfites, but chances are the red wine won't give you a headache because there are no pesticides or chemical residue ------ Did you know the soil in Italy has to be chemical fertilizer and pesticide free for 12 1/2 seasons (about 5 years) before you can plant anything, while in the States it's only 2 years??!
The olive oil is so fragrant, fresh and clean. I use it on EVERYTHING.
It's hand-harvested, which means sticks, twigs, bugs and all the bad olives are removed before being processed. I'd rather spend $25 on a bottle of olive oil that I'll be able to use on 20+ dishes versus buying the cheapest one on sale. And, at $10/bottle for her organic wine, I love to give both items as gifts (and I always buy a few bottles for myself :)
HEALTH
Chicago Luxury Beds
We spend a third of our life in bed, right? Well, it better be good... and non-toxic!
I first ran across Chicago Luxury Beds when I was searching for a mattress that wasn't filled with formaldehyde and not only did they sell several brands including Naturepedic (a 100% certified organic and non-toxic mattress made by the Amish in Ohio), ViSpring and Hästens (the best bed in the industry -- just ask the Queen of England!), but they also have a pillow bar!
While you can visit one of their 2 Chicago area locations and get "fitted" with a proper pillow for the way you sleep, you can also order an array of pillows from their website. Such a luxurious and unique gift!
FOR FUN
The Lust List Fashion Colouring Book
The Lust List is one of my favorite accounts to follow on Instagram.
Sally Spratt started drawing the things she coveted but couldn't afford (her motto is, "If I can't have them, I'll draw them."), and now she's put together a coloring book that is a collection of some of her favorite illustrations.
From Valentino shoes, to Diptyque candles and Gucci handbags, this coloring book is a fun gift for anyone who needs a bit of retail therapy (or relaxation - coloring is sooooo soothing). Young or old, I'm not afraid to admit that this is on my Christmas list! :)
Nothing is better than seeing the joy on someone's face when you can give them a thoughtful and unique gift. Hopefully this Stylish & Healthy Gift Guide will help bring joy to someone special.