gift ideas :The Fashionable Gal

Votre Vu Pour Homme Tie One Off Father’s Day Kit

June 17th, 2010 by Laney

Votre Vu is releasing a specialty men’s set called Tie One Off just in time for Father’s Day! It includes the following convenient, travel-sized products:

· Formule 1 Men’s 3-in-1 Hair, Face and Body Wash

· Habitude Men’s Daily Face Crème (SPF 15)

· Beau Baume Organic Shave Balm

· Ten Gauge Health & Energy Slam (Five 2.5 oz. bottles)

It’s available online from Votre Vu for $63 ($93 value) through June 24th. I love this kit, as it’s much better than the usual tie or golf balls a lot of dads are probably a bit tired of receiving. The Energy Slam shots are a great way to really make this gift a home run, especially for younger fathers!

Posted in gift ideas Related Topics: father's day 2010, father's day gift ideas, votre vu, votre vu for father's day, votre vu pour homme, votre vu tie one off father's day kit

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Friendgiftr: America’s Favorite Gift Cards

June 16th, 2010 by Laney

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This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of FriendGiftr. All opinions are 100% mine.

FriendGiftr is one of the coolest sites I’ve come across lately. I’ve had an extensive amount of birthdays pop up on my calendars lately, but a lack of ideas and time to hunt for just the right gift. In the past, this has resulted in the occasional sub par gifts, and gift cards that may or may not be what the recipient was lusting after. I try, but there are some people that just don’t lend themselves to receiving gifts! Especially that typical “friend who has everything” type. I wish I’d known about this site last Christmas!

FriendGiftr allows users to buy and send digital or physical gift cards to loved ones. They feature over 120 favorite retailers and restaurants, including stars like Sephora, H&M, Barnes & Noble, and TJ Maxx. The gift cards are in denominations of $10, $20, $25, $35, $50, $75, and $100. I see pretty much all of my favorite businesses on the list, and really appreciate that the gift cards start at $10, versus the $20 or $25 of many sites (sometimes $10 is all I have!).

So, now, what makes FriendGiftr really special? FriendGiftr gives the gift card recipient total choice and control. While you get to pick what gift card you send them, if your choice isn’t the one they’d make – they can switch! There’s no fee for gift card recipients to exchange their gift card for one to another FriendGiftr merchant. They can even spread out the value, so a $100 to Barnes & Noble can become $50 to Sephora and $50 to P.F. Chang’s. And if that’s not cool enough, the giver never needs to know the receiver swapped their gift (so no feelings get hurt).

Another fab feature? You can use FriendGiftr online, or from Facebook, iPhones, Blackberrys, and Androids. That means if you arrive at the party empty handed, that doesn’t mean you can’t give the birthday boy or gal a gift by the end of the night! FriendGiftr is all about amazing ease and convenience, which is pretty much my motto. You’re gonna want to bookmark this site!

Posted in gift ideas Related Topics: best place to buy gift cards, friendgiftr, friendgiftr gift cards, gift card exchange, gift card purchasing, gift ideas

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Victorinox Swiss Army for Father’s Day + a Sweepstakes!

June 15th, 2010 by Laney

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This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Victorinox Swiss Army. All opinions are 100% mine.

Not many people wear watches anymore. Instead, everyone is constantly checking their phone or computer for the time (and date). These technological items are disposable, and generally replaced every few years. Watches, on the other hand, are generally special items… Family heirlooms, even, that are passed down from generation to generation. This makes them valuable, meaningful gifts – think Carrie giving one to Mr. Big in SATC 2!

Victorinox Swiss Army carries a selection of handsome watches for any and all of the men in your life. The Chrono Classic Guilloche (pictured at left) is one of my favorites. The design is sleek and sexy, and the chrome finish is very modern. I would definitely give this as a gift, perhaps for my father to wear to important meetings. There are also watches on the site that I could see myself giving to a boyfriend or my brother on a special occasion as well.

As Father’s Day is this Sunday, I imagine some of you are scrambling for a gift. I highly recommend you visit Victorinox Swiss Army and check out their selection. You should also “like” them on Facebook in order to participate in their newest sweepstakes. It’s called “I Wear a Watch,” and for 30 days, Victorinox Swiss Army will be giving away 30 watches! Facebook IWAW sweepstakes page.

Posted in gift ideas Related Topics: classic wrist watches, father's day gift ideas, father's day gifts, father's day watches, swiss army watch, victorinox father's day watches, victorinox swiss army, victorinox watches, watches for day

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Father’s Day Idea: The “Rolls Royce” of Popcorn

June 11th, 2010 by Laney

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Give Your Father the “Rolls Royce” of Popcorn with Dale and Thomas

(-Kathie Lee Gifford, The Today Show)

Ties, tools, and trinkets: been there, given that. It’s hard to think “outside the box” for the perfect gift to give your father. Thankfully Dale and Thomas popcorn makes Father’s Day gifting easy with gourmet popcorn gifts! Whether your dad likes salty, sweet, chocolate or caramel, these sets are guaranteed to satisfy his every craving.

The healthy ingredients and delectable tastes will undoubtedly be a gift your father will love and remember forever. Plus…Dale and Thomas Popcorn is popped daily, so it’s always delivered fresh and ready to eat!

Father’s Day Six-Bag Sampler

Show your dad how much you love him by sending the Six Bag Sampler and he will love you right back!

Four different flavor combinations were created to please every palate! Discover why everyone says Dale and Thomas has reinvented popcorn.
Combination choices include:

-          Dale’s Caramel
-          Hall of Fame Kettle Corn
-          Blazing Buffalo
-          Southwest Cheddar Chipotle
-          Rodeo Ranch
-          North Country Cheddar

Price: $29.95

Father’s Day Gift Crate

Stumped between salty and sweet, dark or milk chocolate? The reusable crates are a great way to discover why everyone says that Dale and Thomas has reinvented popcorn.
Available in six delicious combinations created to please every palate!

Combinations include:
-          Dale’s Caramel (2)
-          Hall of Fame Kettle Corn (2)
-          Blazing Buffalo (2)
-          Southwest Cheddar Chipotle (2)
-          Rodeo Ranch (2)
-          North Country Cheddar (2)

Price: $49.95

Both of these options and more are available from Dale & Thomas online.

Posted in gift ideas Related Topics: dale & thomas, dale & thomas for father's day, dale & thomas gift sets, dale & thomas popcorn, Father's Day, father's day 2010, father's day gift ideas, father's day gifts, father's day ideas, gifts for dads, popcorn gift sets

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Graduation Gift Idea: Bee Inspired Buzz Box

May 22nd, 2010 by Laney

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Consider a great inspiration gift for graduates from Bee Inspired! Each Bee Inspired box contains a year’s worth of daily Buzz, meant to uplift and inspire, ideal for all those fresh graduates out there who could use some motivation and inspiration on the road to finding their perfect job! Each day gives you something to read, do and share with others. Eco-friendly and fun — Bee good to the Earth! Retails for $35.95. Available online.

Posted in gift ideas Related Topics: 2010 graduation gifts, bee inspired, bee inspired buzz box, gifts for graduates, graduation 2010, Graduation Gifts

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Mother’s Day Idea: Rance Imperial Collection & Luxury Soap

May 6th, 2010 by Laney

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The Rance legacy began in the early 1600s with the production of perfumed gloves for French aristocracy in Grasse, France. A little over a century later, Francois Rance’s innovative spirit led him to create extremely refined and modern perfumes that would make him Emperor Napoleon’s favorite perfumer. Napoleon, in fact, as such a devotee of Rance that he eventually become apprentice to Francois Rance himself.

Rance‘s extraordinary perfumes, soaps and bath & body care products are a first-hand account of an age of delightful elegance and great creativity.

If your mom is one of the many that neglects self-pampering for endless chores, now’s the chance to give her a chance to indulge. Rance’s beautiful collection of products will be sure to brighten her day, and maybe even make up for a few of those dirty diapers. Since we’re close to the big day, I’ll save you the time of hunting through their selection – here are some of my favorite items.

Francois Alexandre Rance, Francois’ grandson, confirmed the devotion of the Rance family to the Imperial Family. He dedicated a new and refined fragrance to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III.

Top Notes: Bergamot, Mandarin, Lily of the Valley, White Flower accord, Melon, Passionfruit

Middle Notes: Jasmine, Rose, Violet leaves, Peach

Base Notes: Iris, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Oakmoss, Vanilla

Purchase the Eugenie collection ($68 – $135)

Triple-milled and handmade, Rance soaps are produced in Italy where the Rance family now resides, making them an exquisite marriage of fine French essences and Italian soap making tradition. Rance sops are based on centuries old formula created by Francois Rance himself. The soaps are cooked for a total of 6 days, allowing for 3 separate siftings when impurities filter to the bottom and drain.

Rance Soap is so pure that no preservatives are required and the fragrance is so infused in the soap that it lasts the entire lifetime of the soap. Rance soaps are available in luxury sets containing six magnificent sculpted soaps, in each of the four Rance Imperial Collection Fragrances as well as a wide range of over 15 scents – including Acacia, Gardenia, and Freesia.

I received a box of the tuberose scent for review. I haven’t had a chance to use these soaps yet, but the fragrance is amazing. I can smell it through the packaging, which blows me away. My mom suggested putting bars of soap in a sock or lingerie bar to add a little scent, if you’re not a big bar soap user (like me). What a fabulous idea!

Prices on the soap box sets range from $44 to $82, 4 to 6 bars per set. Shop Rance Soaps.

I love that Rance has a rich history, and more important, a family history. What an appropriate background for Mother’s Day; how neat is a gift with a fabulous back story? So treat Mom like a Queen with these Empress approved products and get her Rance.

Posted in Beauty Products, gift ideas Related Topics: celebrity approved products, french soap, mother's day, mother's day gift ideas, mother's day gifts, mother's day ideas, mother's day suggestions, rance, rance body products, rance fragrance, rance soaps

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Gorjana Mother’s Day 24 Hour Sale!

April 29th, 2010 by Laney

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Shop Gorjana now!

Posted in Deals & Steals, Jewelry, gift ideas Related Topics: gorjana, gorjana discount, gorjana discount code, gorjana jewelry, gorjana mother's day, gorjana mother's day sale, mother's day gift ideas, mother's day gifts, mother's day ideas

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Mother’s Day Idea: Mum’s The Word at Blow

April 27th, 2010 by Laney

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Mother’s Day is just around the corner, not sure what to get the lady in your life? Give her a day of pampering at Blow … now with the purchase of a gift card, Blow is throwing in a complementary manicure, what more could a gal ask for? From NOW until Mother’s Day purchase a giftcard at BlowNY online for $50 and she’ll receive a complimentary manicure.

While you’re there, you might want to check out Blow’s hair care line, as an extra treat for Mom – or yourself!

Posted in Hair Care, gift ideas Related Topics: blow, blow hair care line, blow ny, blow ny mother's day special, blow salon, mother's day gift ideas, mother's day gifts, mother's day specials

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Mother’s Day Idea: Urban Rituelle Sweet Treats Collection!

April 19th, 2010 by Laney

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Indulge your sweet side with this bounty of beauty delights for the body & soul. Sumptuously scented and abundant in goodness, this range of heavenly products is a feast for your senses that your body will love you for. Utterly enticing, these Sweet Treats have all of the yummy & none of the naughty!

The Sweet Treats collection is available in five fragrances, including: Ginger Apple, Cotton Candy, Peach Blossom, Pomegranate (pictured above), and Vanilla. Each scent is available in multiple products, such as lip balm, butter cream, parfum, soap, candles, and gift sets. The packaging for each item is exquisite, with beautiful designs and sweet colors.

I received three pieces from the Pomegranate collection: creamy vegetable soap, lip balm, and butter cream. I haven’t even wanted to open or use the products because the packaging is so gorgeous I feel like I should just be happy to look at them!

Lip Balm ($8): Soothe & hydrate lips with our nourishing Lip Balms. Enriched with natural Beeswax, Sweet Almond oil, Olive oil, Shea Butter and the added benefit of Vitamin E to keep lips soft & glossy. Also includes sunscreen for extra lip smackin’ protection. The tin this balm comes in (top left) is a treat in itself, and looks beautiful on my nightstand. The balm smells amazing, just like fresh pomegranate with a bit of sugar. It feels great on my lips and provides hours of hydration.

Butter Cream ($20/3.5 oz): This rich, buttery body cream is infused with a playful blend of sweet fragrances that are good enough to eat. A skin nourishing recipe of emollient rich Shea Butter is mixed with a generous blend. Once again, the experience is amazing beginning to end – beautiful packaging, high performing product! And of course, I love the smell! It’s not overwhelming or artificial, which is a big plus.

Creamy Vegetable Soap ($6/3.5 oz, $9/7.1 oz): This creamy vegetable soap is blended with a nourishing formula of vegetable oils and moisturising Cocoa Butter for a super rich and creamy layer of bubbles. Skin conditioning Glycerin & Vitamin E are added to help promote soft & supple skin. This divine bar will not only leave you clean, it will leave your skin feeling softer and you’ll smell delicious all day! Each bar soap is lovingly hand wrapped with our unique gift paper and is ready for gift giving. I don’t use bar soap, so I passed this onto a friend who does. I could smell the scent through the packaging (which was gorgeous, of course) and love the ingredients it features!

Urban Rituelle products are a perfect idea for Mother’s Day, as moms often take care of everyone but themselves! These products are also great for friends with Spring & Summer birthdays, or just a treat that you surely deserve!

Posted in Perfume, Skin Care, gift ideas Related Topics: mother's day 2010, mother's day gift ideas, mother's day gifts, mother's day ideas, pomegranate body products, pomegranate lip balm, pomegranate perfume, sweet treats, urban rituelle, urban rituelle body products, urban rituelle sweet treats collection

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Mother’s Day Idea: Mistral Eau de Parfum Collection

April 15th, 2010 by Laney

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Destined to become a modern classic, our original blend of lychee fruit and majestic rose is a soft, yet complex blend of flowers, fruits, woods and spices. Lychee Rose perfectly captures the essence of femininity.

Bewitching and harmonious, Mistral Eu de Parfum captures Mistral’s most treasured scents in their purset form. Highly coveted botanicals, exotic woods and spices, rare flowers, and essences of ripe fruit contribute the many notes of these fine fragrances. Each composition tells a timeless, intricate story that unfolds through your senses. The very spirit of Mistral is found within these elegant bottles, hand-touched with feminine accents.

Mistral Eau de Parfum is housed in a beautiful hand blown glass bottle featuring a convenient spray atomizer and packaged in an exquisite box featuring Mistral’s signature wreath. Ideal for gift giving or treating yourself to a lovely new scent experience.

I know a lot of you ladies are contemplating what to get for Mother’s Day (it’s May 15th!) so I have a series of articles coming up on my top suggestions. When Mistral sent me their fabulous Lychee Rose Perfume for review, I knew that it was perfect for the occasion!

The bottle itself is absolutely beautiful. It’s sweet and elegant – so much so that it’s been sitting on my nightstand for me to admire, rather than joining the rest of my perfume collection. As mentioned above, the bottle is made of hand blown glass, which makes its a luxury in itself. The little bow is a nice touch as well!

The bottle is (just about) forgotten when I spray on the actual perfume. “Destined to become a modern classic, our original blend of lychee fruit and majestic rose is a soft, yet complex blend of flowers, fruits, woods and spices. Lychee Rose perfectly captures the essence of femininity.” This is such a beautiful, soft scent that isn’t overpowering, but definitely noticeable. I wore it on a date last week and immediately received compliments on how “pretty” I smelled.

I’m not a frequent perfume reviewer or purchaser, so I can only give my impression on the perfume and not a review from a technical standpoint. What I know is that the bottle is beautiful, the perfume makes me smell wonderful, and it lasts a very long time. I think it’s a great gift idea for the loving mother in your life, or girlfriends with Spring and Summer birthdays!

Other scents include Verbena, Wild Blackberry, Grapefruit Red Currant, Balinese Vanilla, South Seas, and Gardenia. A 1.7 oz bottle retails for $52; the fragrance is available online via the Mistral website. Free gift wrap is available with purchase, too! You can also use their Boutique Finder to find a store near you!