Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide

Here is a round up of things you can gift directly online, get delivered in the next couple of days, or pick up at your local Target. I tried to compile a list that'd have some options for all of your loved ones (and in various price ranges), so if you're really in a bind, I hope you find some help here!

The Complete Harry Potter Series with Newly Illustrated Covers ($55 on Walmart's website (with delivery before Christmas) or $70 in store at Target): I don't feel like I even need to write an explanation for this purchase, but I will say that the newly illustrated covers are so cool and the set would look gorgeous on any bibliophile's bookshelf.

Guitar wall mounts ($10): Turn any guitar into an instant work of art. These would make great stocking stuffers, especially for someone who's just moved and is trying to decorate a new space.

Paper Source Personalized Notepad Kit ($40): This set allows the gift-receiver to get online and design a custom set of notepads in minutes.

Corksicle Copper Canteen ($33): The largest size of this canteen can fit an entire bottle of wine. Sooooooo I can really just stop typing there, right? It also keeps hot beverages hot for 12 hours, and cold ones cold for 24 hours. I was recently gifted the S'well version of this canteen, and it's incredible. But this one can be delivered with free two-day Amazon Prime shipping. (There are many more colors available if your gift-ee is a guy and/or doesn't want a sparkly metallic water bottle to lug around.)

NARS Steven Klein One Shocking Moment Cheek Palette ($69): This has everything a girl needs: a bronzer, under eye brightener, contour powder and four beautiful blushes. And it's a $165 value(!).

Cards Against Humanity ($25, with $10 expansion packs): If you want to know who the most f*cked up person in your friend group or family is, buy this game. My favorite card is "A Sad Fat Dragon with No Friends." I belly laugh every.time.

iPhone Keychain Charger ($20): I talked about a tassel version here, but this one has a larger hook that you could clip directly onto a handbag or suitcase handle, which I love. This version comes in a few different colors, so it could be gifted without leaning either too feminine or masculine.

Star Wars: The Digital Movie Collection ($90): With everything moving away from physical copies and into the cloud, gifting the Star Wars nerd in your life the entire digital collection would be a pretty awesome and thoughtful gift. Plus, there's no need to worry about shipping or delivery, since you can buy this straight from the comfort of your couch (pants optional).

Black & White Truffle Oils ($35): I love drizzling white truffle oil over fried eggs or tossing piping hot french fries with a little. It never hurts to top with some freshly grated parmesan, too.

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac (about $200, but some colors are heavily discounted right now): I have a couple of Rebecca Minkoff bags, the Mini Mac being one of them, and they are just so incredibly beautiful, well made and durable. This black one with rose gold detailing is killing me.

November Favorites

November went by very fast and very slowly simultaneously. I threw a party, celebrated friends' birthdays and popped over to L.A. for the Thanksgiving holiday. But I also spent days napping on the couch with the kittens or lazily reading books and listening to James Taylor on vinyl. Through all the craziness of this past month (and through the days where I didn't even get out of my leggings the whole entire day), these are the few products that really stand out.

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips (in Warm Nude) ($14): The shades in the top left corner make the perfect face highlight when blended together (I always pop some on the tip of my nose) and the palette as a whole is great for a one-stop eye look.

Jessica Jones: In an age where it's imperative to capture your audience right out of the gate, Jessica Jones succeeds so, so well. It's a Marvel show on Netflix following Jessica Jones, a sort of anti-hero hero, as she battles her demons, both in real life and internally. The acting is incredible, which isn't always the case with Netflix Originals, and the dialogue is equal parts terrifying and hilarious. Even if you're not a fan of the super hero craze, I highly recommend giving this show a go.

Cuyana Tote ($150): I have this tote in both blush and stone, and it's just the all around perfect bag. If you're traveling, you can load it to the brim without worrying the straps will snap, or you can throw in just the bare necessities for on-the-go. The leather is extremely soft and luxurious, and it's the only bag I consistently get complimented on in public. (One time a lady asked me under the bathroom stall at the movies where I got my purse. I had to spell the "Cuyana" name out to her. It was awkward, but I hope she bought one!)

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara ($32): The spindly brush on this mascara makes it incredibly easy to get length and volume, and the formula lasts all day with no flaking or smudging. 

The Happy Planner ($25): One-size-fits-all doesn't work in practically any form or fashion, and planners are no exception to that rule. The Happy Planner has removable pages and kits you can add in. I've customized mine by changing the cover, inserting to-do lists and meal planners, and removing the months that have already passed. It's sold at Hobby Lobby & Michaels, and there are a ton of customizable options available on Etsy, too.

NYX Contour Kit ($25): This is only $25 and has everything you need to correct, highlight, bronze and contour. The powders blend seamlessly and last all day, and the shades are guaranteed to work for a pretty large variety of skin tones.

Belkin Tassel Charger Keyring ($25): This is a chic key ring that has an iPhone 5 charger tucked inside of it. I can't think of anything better for traveling, ever. 

High & Low: Fall's Most Coveted Black Shoes

High: Stuart Weitzman The Lowland Boot: $875 | Low: Dolce Vita Neeley Slouch Boot: $260 (with code "20BOOTUP")

High: Loeffler Randall Ambra Lace Up Flats: $295 | Low: TopShop KINGDOM Ghillie Pointed Shoes: $95

High: Tory Burch Maya Peep Toe Mules: $350 | Low: ShoeMint Miller Peep Toe Mules: $60

High: Chloé Scalloped Leather Ballet Flats: $475 | Low: LC Lauren Conrad Scalloped Ballet Flats: $30

Not only are the bargain shoes on this list dead ringers for their pricier counterparts, but with the exception of the Lauren Conrad scalloped ballet flats, all of the less expensive options are also real leather. I've already purchased the Dolce Vita & TopShop pairs and can't wait to add the last two to my collection for fall, too!

everyday sparkle

I got this idea after reading Cup of Jo's "Beauty Uniform" series. A few weeks back, she featured the incredible, effortlessly beautiful Anne Serrano-McClain who is the founder of MCMC, a fragrance company she started in Brooklyn. Anne talked about her favorite hair, make up, skincare and fragrance products, and then went on to describe the jewelry she never takes off. Since I don't have a beauty uniform (my makeup and skin care change daily), I thought we could talk about the sparkly little joys in life. Here are the six pieces that go everywhere with me...

Minoux Tiny Bar Necklace ($49): There is no necklace quite like this. I've seen imitations, but if you're looking for a strong yet dainty bar necklace, this is the only one you should spend your money on. I wear this in the shower and to bed every night, and it's easily held its shape and maintained its shine.

Nadine Jewelry Smooth Stacking Rings (starting at $17): I have both a rose gold and a yellow gold midi ring stacked on my ring finger, and a silver ring slipped onto my thumb. I purchased these rings with my Tiny Bar Necklace in June of 2014, and I've never taken them off. Like the Tiny Bar Necklace, they've maintained their integrity through countless showers and hand washings.

David Yurman 11 mm Onyx & Diamond Albion Ring ($900): My parents bought this for me as a college graduation present, and I remember to slip it on every single morning. While I absolutely adore this, if you're in the market for a Yurman ring, I suggest getting the smaller 7mm Albion ring as this is extremely unforgiving if/when your fingers swell.

Michael Kors MK5410 Bel Air Chronograph Blue Dial Watch (on sale!): This was an impulse buy one afternoon while I was studying for the Bar exam, but I don't regret it at all. It made me feel better then (retail therapy, ftw) and its still an every day staple almost two years later, even if its poor little face is beat to hell.


I'm always in the market for dainty pieces to layer together, so please leave links to your favorite sellers or jewelers in the comments!