Holiday Gift Guide Archives - Economy of Style

economyofstyle February 14, 2020

Practicing Self-Love With 3 Black Woman-Owned Brands

Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope that wherever you are, you are feeling love (and warmth…because it’s freezing in St. Louis). I thought I’d do a fun post in honor of Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, and women making boss moves in general. I’m sharing three amazing gifts by black woman-owned Brands that always make me feel loved on Valentine’s Day and every day.

Black Woman-Owned Brands That Are Perfect For Gifting (To Yourself or Others)

1. Golden Grocer Golden Box (Monthly Subscription, $25/month)

I was recently in Golden Grocer where I visit often to get my Adina’s Vegan Cuisine fix. Golden Grocer is a natural food, supplements, and beauty store based in St. Louis. I ran into the new owner, Jamila Owens-Todd, and she told me all about the new monthly subscription box. Of course, I had to try it. The image below literally captures my reaction when I unboxed the January box and saw that it was filled with vegan goodies that I already love or always wanted to try. The subscription is only $25/month or $20/month with a 6-month subscription.

2. Soaplife360 Skincare Products

I attended a life-changing women’s wellness event last year. I met Coco Kennell, owner and founder of Soaplife360, a natural beauty and skincare line. Y’all know my sensitive, dry skin woes. I bought a butter and soap that night, and my skin thanked me for it. So, I’ve been so excited to explore other products in the line.

I’m in the process of checking out the line, but I had to check in and shout-out the Rose and Aloe Hydrating Toner. I’ve used it EVERY day since receiving it, as a hydrating mist, as a toner in my skincare routine, and as a setting spray for my makeup. I’m also currently using the brand’s 360 Cleansing Ritual Beauty Set. It’s a perfect way to try top products from the line, and it’s TSA-approved for airplane travel. I’ll be sharing more about my favorite products and a coupon code from the brand soon.

3. Pat McGrath Lippies

No surprise, I found my PERFECT red lip in the MatteTrance lipstick collection by Pat McGrath. If you’ve been curious to try the line but not quite sure about forking over $40 for one lipstick, the minis below might be for you. You get to try 3 MatteTrance lippies for $25! The set below is my favorite and includes my go-to red lipstick.

I’m wearing Elson from Mini MatteTrance Lipstick Colour Blitz V2 set. There are 3 sets of the minis to satisfy everyone, even the neutral lovers.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

economyofstyle December 18, 2019

A Must-Stop For Your Last-Minute Holiday Shopping

This post is sponsored by the St. Louis Premium Outlets.

It’s official. There are only 7 days until Christmas. If you’re still holiday shopping, you’re in luck because The Ultimate Holiday Outlet Sale at the St. Louis Premium Outlets is in full swing. It ends on December 24. I had to see for myself how good the deals were, so I visited my outlets yesterday. Y’all, it’s a must-shop sale. Grab the entire deal guide here. Then, check out some of my favorite finds below.

Kate Spade fan? The sale there is so good that these pajamas are now under $25!

The Michael Kors store has sale on sale on sale. I was especially drawn to the coats there.

The small leather goods are also the perfect stocking stuffers. I grabbed a travel-sized jewelry case that’s exactly what I needed for my trips.

And, when I got to the register, everything I purchased was even less than I expected. Gotta love a consumer surplus!

This Coach leather travel bag has been on my wish list forever. You simply have to see how steep the discounts in Coach are. Check out the guide here.

I’m a fitness junkie, so the adidas sale had my name all over it. From caps to hoodies to leggings, everything you need to jumpstart those 2020 fitness goals is on sale.

If you’re near the St. Louis Premium Outlets, now is the time to plan your next visit. Stop by my Instagram page to view my entire holiday outlet sale shopping trip.

economyofstyle December 20, 2018

10 Thoughtful, Fabulous Gifts For Your Traveling Friend

Exploring the world this holiday season? Know a friend who’s traveling? The travel gifts in this holiday gift guide were carefully selected to make life on the road easier, all while being super stylish. They’d make any jet-setting gal happy while on the move.

Travel Gifts

1. S’well water bottle

Can you tell I really like S’well bottles? In addition to keeping cold beverages cold for 24 hours and hot ones hot for 12 hours, the triple insulated walls never condense. So, it won’t mess up your bag while traveling.

2. Passport holder

This holder will keep any passport protected. As an added bonus, it’s super artsy with its floral motif. How gorgeous is the watercolor design?

3. Compact Umbrella

As someone who grew up in the tropics, I expect rain at any moment. This compact umbrella makes it easy to be ready for rain no matter where you are in the world.

4. Wireless earphones

Powerbeats are great for training. They’re perfect for travel as well because they’re compact, noise reducing, and can stand up to all kinds of conditions (from sweat to snow).

5. Cosmetic bags

Help her keep her essentials, from makeup to toiletries, organized while traveling with this stylish set of bags.

6. Luggage tags

These luggage tags are bright, personalized (choose her initial), and flexible. They’ll make it easy for her to spot her luggage on any baggage carousel.

7. Travel jewelry case

This small travel jewelry box makes it easy and safe to travel with your favorite fine jewelry. It’ll fit right in your carryon luggage or personal item when flying.

8. Tech Case

This pricey little number is a favorite by Meghan Markle. I totally understand why, though, because it combines a hand-crafted leather wallet with a sleek and powerful power bank with multi-cable and a 32GB memory stick. It’ll keep your devices powered and your travel essentials organized.

9. Packing cubes

Think you’re a packing genius? Packing cubes will take your luggage organization skills to the next level. This set of 3 makes it easy to get started.

10. Scarf

A scarf is a must while traveling because it can be multifunctional. This gorgeous DVF style will take functional to new fashion heights.

economyofstyle December 18, 2018

10 Genius Gift Ideas All Under $40

In a major rush to get a gift but want it to impress? I got you covered, girl. The genius gift ideas in this holiday gift guide are just that–genius. From top notch products we would use everyday but would rarely buy for ourselves to the sample sets that allow us to try the products everyone raged about this year, there’s something here for every woman in your life. And, the best part? Nothing is over $40.

10 Genius Gift Ideas:

1. S’well water bottle ($35)

S’well bottles combine fashion and function. They keep cold beverages cold for 24 hours and hot beverages hot for 12 hours. And, the bottles come in some jazzy designs. Would you expect anything less than fabulous from a woman-owned company? I use mine EVERY DAY.

2. Pat McGrath mini lipstick trio ($25)

Pat McGrath is one of the most influential makeup artists in the world. This set provides the perfect opportunity to try 3 of her top selling lipstick colors.

3. Google Home Mini (on sale $29)

Been thinking about getting a smart speaker? This is the one. It’s compact but powerful. With a simple, “Hey Google,” you can have hands-free help in any room.

4. Perfume sampler ($25)

Don’t know her favorite scent? No problem. This Sephora sample set includes 7 of its most popular fragrances.

5. Urban Decay mini 24/7 eye pencil set ($29)

Do her a favor and gift her these 5 travel-sized eye pencils. They’re the softest, smoothest eye pencils ever. They glide on and blend like a dream. Don’t ask me how many I own.

6. Day Designer daily planner ($14.99)

2019 plans have to be made! And, Day Designer makes the most user-friendly, practical, stylish daily planner I’ve ever used. This particular style, Day Designer for Blue Sky, makes the Day Designer system available for under $15 at Target. I already got mine. What are you waiting for?

7. Moleskine notebook ($19.95)

Know a notebook/journal snob, someone who desires great paper quality and little ink bleed-through on their pages? Impress her with one of these.

8. Candle ($12 plus 30% off right now)

If you haven’t smelled the Mini Capri Blue Volcano candle yet, do yourself a favor and get it for yourself. It’ll have your room smelling like a tropical paradise.

9. Monogram DOF glass

For that spirited friend who enjoys sipping on an aged rum or cognac from time to time, give her a glass with her initial on it.

10. Suede shearling slippers/glitter slippers ($24.50 on sale)

Want to know what it feels like to walk on clouds? Slip your feet into these. I finally replaced my 4-year old pair from J.Crew with this J.Crew Factory version of the popular style. They’re perfect. P.S.: I get them one size larger (i.e. I wear a size 8 but wear a 9 in these).

economyofstyle December 6, 2018

The Best Fine Jewelry To Give and Get

This post is sponsored by Nakturnal.

It’s difficult to get it wrong when diamonds and precious metals are involved. Am I right? I’ve been especially excited about fine jewelry in recent years because jewelry designers are making modern, fashionable pieces that’ll last forever more accessible. Beautiful pieces that are long lasting and fair-priced? I’m so here for that. Today, I’m rounding up some of my favorite fine jewelry that’ll make the perfect wow gifts this season.

Fine Jewelry Gifts:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

What I love about the pieces in this gift guide is that they’re fashion-forward yet timeless. From dainty but edgy necklaces that are perfect for layering to IT earrings that can be mixed and matched, these pieces are just right for the fashionable gal who likes her jewelry fine but doesn’t want to compromise her style.

I’m also a huge fan of these pieces because they’re so versatile. I actually own the diamond initial necklace featured above, and I wear it EVERY day. Seriously, I wear it to the gym, to the pool on vacation, and even to cocktail parties. It always provides the right amount of sparkle, no matter the occasion. And, since it’s set in 14K gold, I don’t have to worry about its shine ever being dimmed due to tarnishing. Fine jewelry gifts are like the gifts that keep on giving.

All of the pieces in this gift guide are fair-priced. No doubt, precious metals and precious stones are valuable, but many of the prices on the market reflect steep markups, some as high as 10x the cost. There’s been a movement in the jewelry world, with more and more designers choosing to sell directly to customers to ensure the fairest prices possible. That movement has seemingly forced prices down in the market. Every piece in this guide is value priced.

Want some inspiration for styling fine jewelry? See how I’ve been wearing my favorite layered necklaces here (and here), tiny but standout studs here, the perfect oversized hoops here, and edgy bar earrings here.