The Gift Corner

Sale at Bella Figura USA

Yes, it finally happened.  We told you several weeks ago that we knew the stunning Shu Juan Lu wraps were going to be on sale.

Well, the boutique's Birthday Bash Sale starts today.  And - the sale includes the fab couture wraps, along with some pieces from the Barbara SilverStein Collection, the flirty straw bags from Bahay Bags, plus a number of other items.

Check it all out on the Bella Figura USA Birthday Bash Sale page.

Psst: those wraps are 30% off!  Big savings, as the Circle Wrap II is normally priced at $1550.  During the sale, you can pick up the beauty for $1085.  Now, that's a good deal!

Gifts for the Fashionista - Revisited

We've just heard whispers that the evening wraps we wrote about in Wednesday's post are going to be on sale this month.

Ooh, beauty at a reduced price.

We like that very much; so stay tuned.

Gifts for the Fashionista: The Ultimate Evening Wrap

Yeah, the economic news is still lousy right now; but we've noticed that there are still a number of ladies acquiring all sorts of lovely high-end fashions.

And with Mother's Day, graduation days, and always birthdays and anniversaries going on, here's our pick for a high style - and yes, fairly high priced - fashion gift.

From the Bella Figura USA Boutique: the (Circle) Evening Wraps.

Now these evening wraps (or daytime wraps) are completely unique.

The Circle Wrap I is made of flowing, soft wool jersey.  It's designated as "1" because it has one opening in which you slip both your arms.

The Circle Wrap II is constructed of the finest wool felt.  And, you guessed it, it has two openings - one for each arm - therefore, the "2" designation.

And why are these wraps so unique?  You can get countless looks with just one wrap.  The genius is in the design: you slip them on for a long, luxurious cloak look, and then you flip them upside down for a shorter shawl/jacket look.

And besides the flipping, the wraps are made to drape and fold around you.  So, there are numerous ways you can position the folds.  For example, with the Circle Wrap I, if you're wearing a halter dress or top and want to show off your back - you simply pull the fabric up to sexily drape around your neck.But if you feel chilly, then you let the folds slide down and cover your back.

Additionally, if it starts to rain, or the wind suddenly picks up, you simply take the draped back and pull it over your head.  Voila!  You now have a cape with a hood.

The (Circle II) Evening Wrap - shown flipped long:

 

The (Circle II) Evening Wrap - shown in three variations:

 

For all the details: Wrap I(wool jersey) - Wrap II ( wool felt)

 

A Gift For the Stylish Traveler, and Shopper!

We do so, love to travel.  And we do so, love to shop when we travel.  And therein lies the dilemma: what to do with all the wonderful purchases you make during your journey.

Now, some people will take an empty suitcase with them, just for this purpose.  But in this day and age of airlines charging you for every little thing (including those empty bags) we don't think this is the best choice.

Our preference has always been to pack one of the little fold-up bags in our suitcase; and then when the need arises, we add our purchases to the now-opened bag, and check it in with the rest of the luggage at journey's end.  (Still have to pay a fee, but at least it's just one way.)

And we have given our friends and fellow travelers numerous little fold-ups over the years.

But there's always been a drawback to these bags; especially when giving them as a gift.  That drawback?  Style.  Yes, most of the little fold-ups are perfectly functional, but not particularly attractive.

And when you want to give one as a gift...  Well, let's just say it's nice to be handsome too.

But now, we've found one that is chic (so chic we're putting it in our Fashion Gifts category,) colorful (makes it easy to find if you have to check it) and functional: Longchamps' Le Pliage  fold up travel bags made of canvas and leather.  We like these two sizes:

• Duffel - 15 3/4"H x 21 3/4"W x 9"D
• Shopper - 13"H x 13"W x 7 1/2"D

And while the Duffel is roomy; it's not too big to go on the plane with you as carry-on.  Always a plus!

 

We found the Shoppers and Duffels (in fantastic colors: bright pink, orange, green and blue) at Neiman Marcus.

Also, check the Longchamps site, for the complete line of Le Pliage handbags and accessories.

Great style - great functionality - great gifts!

Another Great "Green" Handbag

We've written before about why handbags are a great gift, and some of our favorite eco-chic green bags.

And now, we've found another, completely different in style, that we're wild about: a hand embroidered organic cotton bag, made in Mexico.

Made by a women's cooperative in San Pueblito, the 100% organic cotton bags feature a "leaping bunny" design and leather handles, and a decorative fringed sash.

But just look at how good looking they are!  And at $239 a bag, they're not inexpensive, but definitely not exorbitant.

For more details, check them out on the Viva Terra site.

Bahay Bags: Fashionable & Eco-Chic Gifts

Michelle Medeiros, founder of Bahay Bags, says her handbags are "a symbol of what the Philippines is - natural splendor of a Pacific Island chain, rich in texture and color."

We agree.  They are organic, stunning and functional.  The perfect gift for the woman who loves unique, beautiful handbags.

And why a perfect gift?   For a fashion forward, free-thinking lady,  handbags are ALWAYS a good idea, since you never have to worry about "the fit," and women can always use another bag.  Especially when the bags are not only eco-chic, but very reasonably priced (from $100 - $160.)

Click here for all the beautiful styles and details.