Category Archives: Buying the perfect gift

Gifting Radiance: Why the Ari Heart Pendant from Kendra Scott is Valentine’s Day Perfection

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As Valentine’s Day approaches, the hunt for the perfect gift intensifies. Whether it’s for your significant other, best friend, or even yourself (because self-love matters too!), nothing captures the essence of love and admiration quite like jewelry. And when it comes to striking the perfect balance between elegance and personality, the Ari Heart Pendant from Kendra Scott emerges as an unbeatable choice.

Picture this: a heart-shaped pendant adorned with Black Drusy and Dichronic Glass, exuding an aura of sophistication and charm. It’s not just a piece of jewelry; it’s a symbol of affection, crafted to celebrate the bonds that matter most in our lives.

What makes the Ari Heart Pendant truly special is its versatility. Whether your style leans towards classic sophistication or trendy chic, this pendant seamlessly fits into any wardrobe, adding a touch of glamour to every outfit. It’s the kind of accessory that effortlessly transitions from day to night, making it a wardrobe staple for any fashion-forward individual.

But what sets this pendant apart from the rest? It’s the craftsmanship and attention to detail that Kendra Scott is renowned for. Each piece is meticulously crafted with love and care, ensuring not just beauty, but also durability. It’s a gift that not only sparkles on Valentine’s Day but continues to dazzle for years to come, serving as a cherished reminder of the love and appreciation shared between two hearts.

Now, you might be wondering where to find this exquisite piece of jewelry to make your Valentine’s Day dreams come true. Look no further than Fashion Crossroads, nestled in the heart of downtown Casper, Wyoming. Located at 228 East 2nd Street, Fashion Crossroads is more than just a store; it’s a treasure trove of style and elegance.

If you’re in the area, step into Fashion Crossroads and let their expert staff guide you through their curated collection of Kendra Scott jewelry. Feel the weight of the pendant in your hand, admire its intricate details, and envision the smile it will bring to your loved one’s face.

Can’t make it to the store? Fret not! Fashion Crossroads has you covered with their online Kendra Scott Collection. Simply visit their website at Fashion Crossroads Kendra Scott Collection and explore their range of exquisite pieces from the comfort of your home. With just a few clicks, you can have the perfect Valentine’s Day gift on its way to your doorstep.

This Valentine’s Day, go beyond the ordinary and gift radiance with the Ari Heart Pendant from Kendra Scott. Whether you’re professing your love, celebrating a cherished friendship, or simply treating yourself, this pendant is more than just jewelry—it’s a symbol of love, appreciation, and everlasting elegance.

Gift Guides: Safe Gifts For The Acquaintance

Posted in Buying the perfect gift, clothing, clothing, quality, value, fashion, Gift Guide, how to, tips and tricks, value, women's clothing tips by

My fourth and final gift guide to finish off this month’s series is Safe Gifts For the Acquaintance. After covering Sentimental Gifts For The Tenderhearted, Bougie Gifts For the Diva, and Practical Gifts For the Pragmatic, I have saved this one for last because, honestly, it is the hardest.

Buying for someone you barely know is probably the most head scratching, self doubting, truly difficult gift to buy. There are just so many land mines to avoid. If you are considering buying clothing and/or accessories, here are my top six tips:

  1. GET THE RIGHT SIZE: Make sure that you quiz either the person you plan to buy a gift for or someone that knows them well, so you know their size. The answer will likely be a size range such as a small to medium or a size 10 to 12. Shop at a store where the person helping you knows how the items in the store fit. Do they run big or small, for example, so you have the best chance of choosing the correct item. For example, if the person you are buying for is a small/medium, I would likely choose something that runs big in a size small or small in a size medium.
  2. CHOOSE A FAN FAVE: There are a few clothing items that have widespread appeal, but one that does is sweater cardigans. I know very few women who don’t like them. They are ideal for an extra layer in winter but can still be removed if needed. They work very well to change up a wardrobe, allowing women to wear an older top and bottom. By adding a new cardigan over the top, it refreshes and updates an older look. Additionally they are forgiving in fit and are more likely to work for a variety of women and sizes.
  3. PRINTS ARE PERSONAL: I love prints and am in no way dissuading you from choosing a printed item, but be very aware that prints are quite personal. I usually recommending paying attention to whether the person wears prints, and if she does, what types of prints she wears. Typical prints are floral, paisley, southwestern, plaid, Camouflage, geometric, animal, and abstract. If you can categorize the prints she wears into a few of these categories, it will really help in choosing a print she will like.
  4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOR: Research shows that most women choose an item by color first and then look at fabric, style and price. Getting the right color is essential. Again, this can be made easier by some careful observation. What colors does the woman you are buying for seem to gravitate to. Look at the last few years of pictures or check out her Facebook and see what she posts and what colors she wears. Generally, if you stay in the same color family, you will be fine.
  5. CHOOSE VERSATILITY: Especially for someone you don’t know very well, it is always better to go with something that is toned down and easy to pair with many things. Mixed metal accessories are a great example here. Because these necklaces and earrings combine gold, silver, copper, and bronze, you naturally cover all of your bases so you don’t find yourself having to choose gold OR silver.
  6. MAKE SURE IT IS RETURNABLE: Even the most conscientious gift giver gets it wrong sometimes. Get a gift receipt, and be sure the item is returnable after Christmas. With a gift receipt, the recipient of your gift will know the store you purchased it from and how to return or exchange it.

Giving clothing as a gift is thoughtful. It takes time and effort to choose the right item, and this effort communicates “you matter to me.” Yes, it is easier to give a gift card, but it is so much more personal to give an item that required you to really consider the person and what she might like.

You can get more information on this topic as well as see examples when you watch my live video tonight at 6 p.m. MST. You can catch that video here: https://www.facebook.com/FashionCrossroads.

Gift Guides: Practical Gifts For The Pragmatist

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So far this month, I have covered Sentimental Gifts For The Tenderhearted and Bougie Gifts For The Diva. This week is all about those practical people in your life. They are not fussy; they like gifts that make sense; and they need to see the value in the gift. Here are my top 6 suggestions for buying for the pragmatist.

  1. FOCUS ON THE BASICS: When thinking of buying clothing for a practical person, I think focusing on basics that can be mixed and matched with other things is one of the smartest ways to shop for them. Whether you are buying a dressed up casual style that she can wear to go have breakfast with her friends or a business casual look that she can wear to work, get basics like blouses, slacks and sweaters. Consider the three images above. Each look is made up of classics that can be paired with other things. Black slacks, colored denim, blouses, cardigans and a denim jacket are all work horse pieces that will go a long way in any wardrobe.
  2. STICK WITH NEUTRALS: A pragmatic woman will never ask for a lime green purse. Instead, her accessories will be focused on some basic neutrals like tan, brown, black and grey that can be mixed and matched with many things. She will be the one who chooses an accessory for its ability to work with just about any outfit (solid gold or silver) rather than the pop of color accessory that works with only a few looks. Thus, when buying for a practical woman, choose neutral colors and basic styles.
  3. CHOOSE SOLIDS OVER PRINTS: Prints are more limiting because you have fewer items you can match them back to (the colors that are included in the print, for example). A pragmatist wants the most bang for her buck, so she will likely choose solids over prints. This goes for blouses, sweater cardigans, handbags, and accessories. When buying for a pragmatist, buy something that has universal appeal.
  4. KEEP IT SIMPLE: Practical women are generally not fussy. They are not the Diva who is comfortable having attention drawn to herself. They usually prefer to blend in rather than stand out. For that reason, choose simple designs. The classic button down blouse, for example, is an excellent choice. It is versatile, functional, and simple. The classic work cardigan is another great choice. It does not have zippers, ruffles, trim, embroidery, etc. It is a basic sweater that can be used over many things.
  5. MAKE IT EASY TO CARE FOR: In as much as the practical women appreciates simplicity in her clothing style, she appreciates it in her life as well. When buying clothing for this type of person, be sure it can be easily laundered at home and has the quality to last over a long time. This is not the hand wash and lay flat to dry girl. The pragmatist might lay flat to dry, but she doesn’t want to have to hand wash it TOO! Push the EASY button for this person! She will appreciate it.
  6. BUNDLE YOUR GIFT WITH USEFUL ACCESSORIES: To round out a clothing gift for the pragmatist, you might add a journal, a planner and a pen, a book mark, etc. In the same way you should choose clothing that is useful, choose other gifts with the same three words in mind: versatile, functional, and simple.

For more ideas on buying for the pragmatist on your list, you can watch my LIVE Wednesday Wardrobing Video tonight at 6 p.m. MST. I will be showing examples of clothing, handbags and gift items that would be appreciated by the practical people in your life.

Gifts for a Grinch: Easy Gift Ideas When You Don’t Know What To Buy

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Sometimes, the struggle of not knowing what to buy someone makes us a little Grinch like. It isn’t that we don’t want to spoil someone or we are cheap, it may just be that we have no idea what to buy and hate the idea of having our gifts just returned after the holidays are over. As a business owner of a women’s clothing store for the last twenty-two years, I have some experience with helping men at Christmas time! Here are my top 5 suggestions for making a great gift choice and getting you out of your Grinchish mindset.

  1. Dressy Jewelry: Most women that I know love beautiful things, like sparkly earrings or, even better, a whole necklace set. The downside with buying precious gem jewelry is that not only is it expensive, but it limits you. That’s why I love our convertible jewelry line called Myka from Canada. This jewelry line offers lovely detachable pendants, chains and matching earrings so your special gal can add to it over time and build her collection. All of the crystals, pearls and elements are genuine Swarovski, which is unsurpassed for quality and sparkle. All of the chains, pendants and earrings are plated in Rhodium that won’t ever tarnish or fade or needs polishing. Additionally, I love jewelry as a gift because every time she wears it, she will think of you!
These Myka pendant, earring and necklaces are available in store or online: https://fashioncrossroadsinc.com/collections/accessories-1

2. Jewelry with a story: A gift is also special when it has a story, and buying it makes us feel like we are doing something good for the planet and to help those in need. For this reason, I also like our Tagua jewelry. It is much more earthy than the Myka pictured above because it is made from the Tagua fruit, which is found primarily in the Ecuadorian forest. The fruit falls from the tree and hardens into a Tagua nut that is very similar in look and feel to ivory. In fact, the Tagua nut is sometimes referred to as vegetable ivory. These nuts are carved, died, tumbled an assembled by Ecuadorian artisans. It is fair trade and sustainable. The other thing I love about this line is that each of the necklaces are adjustable so they can be worn at various lengths.

These Tagua necklaces are available in store or online: https://fashioncrossroadsinc.com/collections/accessories-1

3. Exquisite Leather Goods: Women love their handbags, and they love them to not only be functional but also to make a statement. If she is a leather lover and appreciates quality, may I suggest a HOBO handbag. This third generation handbag maker uses premium leather produced in their own tanneries. This means that you will never see the leather on any other handbag besides a HOBO handbag. The quality of the leather is apparent immediately by the feel and smell of the bag. A HOBO handbag owner myself, I can tell you these bags are well designed and very user friendly. They are also always on trend with the latest handbag colors and style trends.

Check out our lovely Hobo Handbags in store or online here: https://fashioncrossroadsinc.com/collections/hobo-handbags

4. Limited Edition Leather Goods: We women love to have something unique that we know will some day be a collectors item so that when someone asks us where we got it, we can say, “Oh, this isn’t available any more.” So sad for you! This is why I love our Anuschka handbag line that is hand painted by artisans in India. Anuschka develops copyrighted art work each season for their handbags and then retires that artwork after a year of so of use. Since the art is never repeated, her handbag becomes a collectors item. It is truly a special gift. The high quality leather just gets softer and softer with use, and Anuschka puts a lot of thought into the design of their bags, always including handy pockets for the gal who likes to be organized. Each bag is hand signed by a member of the family.

Check out our lovely Anushka collection in store or online here: https://fashioncrossroadsinc.com/collections/anuschka-hand-painted-leather-handbags

5. Items That Connect To Lifestyle: Another sure fire way to make a great gift choice is to choose an item that supports or highlights a lifestyle. An example of this is our Vintage Addiction crossbody bags that are made from recycled military tent canvas. These handbags have repaired tears and stains that tell the story of the canvas that was used to shelter a member of the military. The art work on the front is all original, and the utilitarian and casual style makes them a great choice for every day use. These bags will be loved by anyone with a military connection.

See our great collection of Vintage Addiction crossbody handbags in store or online here: https://fashioncrossroadsinc.com/collections/vintage-addiction