Xmas 2013 Gift Guide: Fashion

I think it's foolish to buy someone clothes as a present, unless they've specifically told you what to buy. Honestly, in between sizing issues (yeah, I'd love to go exchange this present at the mall along with a million other people) and differences in taste, you're better off gifting straight cash yo.

That being said, if you absolutely have to buy fashion items, stick to a few basic rules: accessories are better than clothes, sweaters and other stretchy/loose items are better than structured items, chance on the side of too small if you're unsure of the recipient's size, and don't be offended if the person does return your gift (because she probably will).

The Weekly Gimme: Madewell Transport Tote

$168, Madewell

I have never been more miserable in my life. Seriously. Why is the bar exam during the summer, when people are probably making moving arrangements? It's absolutely awful. 

I like the simplicity of this tote. It doesn't have a zipper, which makes me uncomfortable, but as a shopper, it is elegant and sleek. 

The Weekly Gimme: Loeffler Randall Rider Bag

$495, Loeffler Randall

This photo does not do the bag justice. This bag has like ten different compartments! Nothing could possibly get lost in this purse. 

It's a pretty pinky-peachy-beige color, made of real leather, and has sleek and clean, but still classic lines. 

Obviously, it's not large enough for a work bag, but it would be a great choice for a casual weekend day. That pretty much sums up all of Loeffler Randall's goods--classic, casual, clean. I love these shoes and these shoes.

The Weekly Gimme: Lo and Sons O.M.G. Bag

$295/$275, Lo & Sons

I'm really susceptible to "in the know" items. These are pieces that aren't super famous (e.g., Longchamps) but a certain echelon of professionals are all aware of. The Lo and Sons O.G. and O.M.G. bags are popular among fashion bloggers for being roomy, sleek and pretty  much perfect.

Although I don't think I would carry this bag for day to day purposes, I would use it as a gym bag or as an overnight bag or as a larger carry-on for business trips (how profesh!). This is going to be a difficult decision though, should I go with the smaller O.M.G. or the larger O.G.? What color? (They have black, purple, and an army green). I recently purchased a new set of Tumi luggage, so I should probably choose a color that is complementary. 

The Weekly Gimme: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo

$428, Bloomingdale's

Uhhhhhhhh. I have been thinking about this bag for months. I have been waiting and waiting for Bloomy's Friends and Family sale and it is finally here! The only question is whether I want this color or a darker gray. Swoon.

The Daily Gimme: Sophie Printed Clutch

$129.59 70, Club Monaco

I'm back, baby! Two outlines, two exams and millions of brownies later, I am (sort of) done with my penultimate semester of schooling ever. It was pretty terrible, I was so pressed for time during my last outline I couldn't even online shop. It's okay though, because I have quite a few Gimmes backlogged in my life.

To be honest, I have never really carried a clutch in my life, outside of a wedding situation. They just seem like something I would set down and forget about. However, with a clutch as vibrant and beautiful as this one, I'm sure I wouldn't forget it. Also, it's made of silk, so I'm sure the color and pattern will pop even more in real life.

I also like how this could easily transition from day to night. It would look very cute with a LBD at a more casual party/evening out and also really cute with some jeans, a plain white shirt and some flats. It's already on sale, but I'm going to wait it out and see if the price drops some more.

The Daily Gimme: Prada Saffiano Lux Tote

$1,730, Neiman Marcus

Guys. This is it. This is the dream bag. This summer, when I was flush with cash, and surrounded by Richie Rich's in London, I thought of splurging on a bag. Then I remembered about income taxes and decided not to. If I had purchased a bag, this would be the one. I'm not saying that this will be the only bag in my life; I'm not sure I'll ever be bag-monogamous. (After all, there's YSL & Marc Jacobs & Miu Miu . . .) But if I had to pick--if I had to be buried with only one bag--it would be this one.

That being said, it feels a bit trite to put this as a Daily Gimme. Daily Gimme's are passing fancies--something shiny that catches my magpie eye. And THIS BAG is not that. I could write odes to this bag. If Dido had this bag, she wouldn't have needed Aeneas. If Heloise had this bag, Abelard would still have his junk. If Ophelia had this bag, she wouldn't have needed to be fished out of the river. I felt that I had to share this bag with everyone today, because I'm going to start studying for my second-to-last set of finals (ever) today. And this bag is what I'm outlining for.