Charlie (Photo by Phoebe)
Every year without fail it takes me a minute to get into the holiday giving spirit. I Scrooge it up until it really hits me that the holidays are coming fast and furious and I’ve got to step on it to make things happen. This year is no exception. I am more likely to sit at a computer and “add to cart” than I am to brave the crowds in search of the perfect gift. Well, that was until it came to choosing an important gift for someone I love… my dog, Charlie (pictured above). No, I am not a crazy dog person (and yes, he’s a rescue)… and no, he doesn’t go everywhere with me. But we do have a mutual respect for one another and bring joy into each other’s lives on a daily basis.
I run with Charlie every morning regardless of the weather. But as the years pass, every winter I’m noticing he and I are not loving the pre-dawn adventures as much. Quite frankly – we are cold! But at least I am bundled… he is not. We used to sort of snub our noses at the little dogs that were geared up in their little outfits. Charlie is big and sturdy… does he really need a dog-semble? Well… he does now… and I’ve found the perfect one.
I searched the brick and mortars, but found one that fits our needs best in the old-school LL Bean catalog. They’ve got some great stuff in there. More choices from their catalog – for humans – coming in a later post. (Get ready – I’m bringing back the flannel nightgown!)
FIELD COAT FOR DOGS $29.95 (sizes small to extra large)
I really love the look of this parka… too bad my dog is too big. They only seem to have it in small – it’s a great color and a GREAT BUY. http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/83822?feat=sr&term=dog+parka Holiday Treats:
I’ll probably pop down to Petco and get Charlie some of his favorite cookies, or maybe a couple of doggy cupcakes from Sprinkles… he deserves a little extra snack this season, too! Lesa Lakin and Charlie
Lesa Lakin
I’m not one of those types of people who can stay in Target for hours combing through everything. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Target, but shopping there for me is always purposeful. I go early when nobody is there. Pass on the crowds, the parking hustle… “in and out” is my motto. But on the rare occasion when my daughter is home and suggests going to Target, I suck it up and go for the “bonding” time. But it’s usually only ten minutes before she wants to stay and I want to leave.
The other day we ventured out and I’ve got to say, she was relatively quick. She’d only tried to stick a few extra things in my basket (deodorant, razors, toothpaste, a random pair of Little Mermaid pajamas)… okay you’re a college kid… my treat. But then we chose to separate. I went to the travel section and she to electronics. I grabbed my travel accessories in two seconds and she was NOT in the electronics section when I went to find her. The frantic, ignored “Where are you?” texts started poppin’.
Okay, okay, I know… I was with one of those professional Target shoppers and I let her loose. Who can blame her… they’ve got everything. But come on, she has to scour every little inch of the store until I pop and give her the old, ”I’m getting in line and leaving in five minutes with or without you!”? Really? Every time? But this time, I actually got a little sidetracked when I saw a flash of leopard out of the corner of my eye. It called me.
I knew whatever I was seeing was going to be perfect for my mother, the collector of leopard apparel. Eureka! It was a robe… who doesn’t need a leopard robe? (I imagined her saying that after opening her present). And I was thrilled to see that it was in plus size… in fact, I had ventured into the plus-size section and was LOVING what I was seeing. Jackpot! Not only had I nailed the perfect gift for my mother… the robe also came in sizes XS – 3X! I had flashes of being in it on a cold morning with a cup of whatever doing whatever. Thanks for covering all bases, Target. I needed the robe, too. It was somehow chic and I had to have it.
By the time my daughter found me, I had the robe over my clothes looking completely nuts, admiring myself in a column that wasn’t exactly a mirror. But that’s the beauty of Target – nobody really questions or cares. We are all on our individual adventures. I guess it was my turn to be dragged out of Target… but not before seeing some great plus-size finds (and giving my daughter a lecture about driving herself next time)…
WOMEN’S PLUS SIZE COZY ROBE – Gilligan & O’Malley® $27.99
WOMEN’S PLUS SIZE FLANNEL PAJAMA SET – Nick & Nora® $32.99
Every year, I ask for a new pair of pajamas and I make it super easy. “Please get me Nick & Nora p.j.’s from Target.” But without fail, I amend my list because I really don’t like being cold and I get my own way before Christmas rolls around. Great buy and they last a long time. They come in sizes XS – 3X. Highly recommend. Great gift. http://www.target.com/p/women-s-plus-size-flannel-pajama-set-nick-nora/-/A-46796401
WOMEN’S PLUS SIZE FAUX LEATHER SWEATER JACKET – U-Knit $63.00
Lesa Lakin
It’s holiday party season and we found a few reasonably-priced items from a store I hadn’t been in for quite some time. No reason in particular… Banana Republic has just never really been my speed (a little conservative – or so I thought). But when I walked in, I was surprised by how far Banana Republic had come.
Full disclosure – I was in there trying to exchange a birthday gift. And after my no-nonsense return haggle… I really looked around and boy, was I pleasantly impressed. Yes, you can still find and always will find classic and conservative pieces, but there are also edgier, fun pieces throughout the store.
First, I have to commend Banana Republic on the store lighting. It looked great in there. Good enough for the woman “on day five” of her facial peel to take her glasses off and sit next to me to try on shoes. She’d made the assumption I was staring at her face. I wasn’t – I was looking at the shoes in her hand – but I was happy she was comfortable enough to sit with me and explain what the big black spots on her cheeks were. Banana Republic actually felt very warm and friendly.
I was shown the following pieces and I gotta say… I bought myself a few things. Sales are going on now and there are some serious on-line and in-store bargains to be had:
A young saleswoman looked at me and in whisper tones she said, “I have something you will appreciate. Not everyone gets it, but I know you will.” Even if it was a hustle, I bought it. She had me because she liked my style. She was right… I got it and I like it! Look, sometimes I like to save my faux fur for my Vegas trips… but other days I’m in my faux fur, T-shirts and jeans and shopping at Whole Foods. This piece isn’t your average vest… it’s different and special! http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=724045002
DAPHNE LACE-UP BOOTIE$148.00 (Check in-store I got these for 60% off)
While these camo booties may not be the most practical choice, they are certainly a fun wardrobe addition. I have no idea where or when I am wearing them, but I know it will be a good fashion moment. http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=33942&vid=1&pid=722248012 #GBN #goodblacknews.org #giftideas #holidaygiftideas #women’sfashion #bananarepublic
Lesa Lakin
Today we are going back to the GAP in search of the perfect gift for GIRLS. There is just so much to choose from, and so many deals to be had. We’ve found some good ones.
Take it from me, it’s not always easy to pick for a girl with her own very distinct sense of style… but cute is cute… PERIOD. We’ve taken a stab at finding some things she may enjoy.
Here are a few of our affordable finds…
HAPPY FACE POM-POM BEANIE $13.56 (on sale)
It’s cheeky, fun, and we LOVE it. It’s the fun-colored beanie for the youngster that likes a smile.
Lesa Lakin
This year give the gift of peace and love with the cozy beanies we found at the GAP. Affordable and practical these hats make for great gifts. I LOVE the LOVE hat!
Also we found sweaters on sale now. Have you checked out the GAP lately? There seems to be a sale every time I blink. They’ve got great things right now, so don’t miss out. Here are a few of our finds….
Lesa Lakin
This holiday season, awaken the force with Star Wars-themed gifts. Star Wars opens midnight December 17th, so why not give the gift of Galactic-themed products.
I remember loving Star Wars back in the day. My mom took my sister and I, and it was more than magical. Admittedly, I went kicking and screaming and had no interest in seeing the film, but by the time we got to the parking lot when it was over, I was begging to see it again and acting out every part I could remember. No doubt all generations will love Episode VII.
We’ve found a few items that the child and sci-fi fanatic in all of us might enjoy.
STAR WARS THE BLACK SERIES 6 INCH FINN (JAKKU) $14.95
Lesa Lakin Jo Malone is known for its unique fragrances for bath, body and home. Jo Malone’s origins are often told to have began when founder Jo Malone first blended oils in her kitchen.
Her first scent was nutmeg and ginger – created as a bath oil gift for a small group of skin care clients. The response was overwhelming.
Today, Jo Malone is a global luxury lifestyle brand. It’s always a safe bet during this holiday season.
Lesa Lakin Superdry is an exciting brand that offers high-quality products that fuse vintage Americana and Japanese-inspired graphics with a British style.
The pieces are unique, fun and super comfy. Here are a couple of gift picks for him.
Lesa Lakin
This holiday season, why not do some good and purchase (RED) products. (RED) was founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 with a simple mission to fight AIDS and an ultimate goal of an AIDS-free generation. Through the years, companies have partnered with (RED) to offer great products. When we buy these products, 100% of the money goes directly to work in the fight against AIDS.
Throughout the past decade, (RED) has raised $320 million… but more can be raised and hopefully an AIDS-free generation is coming… This year why not give the gift that helps save a life.
SUGA (RED) LIP TREATMENT SPF 22.50
Gimme some suga! A limited-edition Sugar Lip Treatment wrapped in red to support the fight against AIDS. Can’t think of a better stocking stuffer.
