Christmas Day Outfit

It is hard to believe Christmas is just two days away. I do not know about you, but I have been so busy that I have not had a moment to stop and take in all the holiday spirit and cheer. I took a moment this morning to think about what I want to wear on the big day. Nothing says Christmas quite like a little tartan and suede. I will pull the outfit together with classic loafers and a few accessories. This outfit is easy and comfortable making it great whether you are crawling around the floor with your little relatives or helping mother in the kitchen.

Loafers: Ralph Lauren // Bracelet: Hermes // Card Case: Goyard // Fragrance: Tom Ford // Shirt: Ralph Lauren Purple Label

What will you be wearing to celebrate the holidays? Wishing you and yours a very merry!!

For Women: Mini Bag Trend + Gift Idea

I recently posted a photo on the Skimbaco Fashion Instagram page featuring the Ralph Lauren Mini Ricky Bag which made me realize- the "mini bag" has become quite a trend in the world of women's accessories and would be a great Christmas gift. We have seen all the fashion "it" girls carrying mini version of some designers most iconic silhouettes. The Mini Ricky bag is one of my favorites, incorporating all the elements of the brand's iconic Ricky  Bag into a petite version. 

The mini bags usually take a classic silhouette and offer all the details of that bag in a smaller version with fun choices in color and fabric. Whether its a felt Celine Nano Tote or a bright studded Valentino Crossbody, you will be right on trend with any mini bag. In addition to my top gift picks for women, a mini bag is a great gift for the favorite lady on your list. 

Below are a few of my favorite mini version of some of the "it" bags in the fashion world right now:

1. Philip Lim Mini Zip Satchel- $695

2. Valentino Micro Rockstud Tote- $1875

3 Celine Mini Luggage Tote- $2730

4. Prada Flap-Top Mini Bag- $990

5. Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini- $1675

Holiday Party Season

December is the start of party season whether its your office holiday party or your own open house, looking good at all these festive functions is a necessity. A lot of great option exist to make a standout outfit so you do not simply blend into the crowd. I have created a simple outfit that would be perfect for any holiday party on the calendar.

For me tartan is a must when it comes to holiday party attire. I started this look with a blackwatch blazer . The tartan is very festive and preppy, and the black/green plaid colorway is a bit more subtle than some other plaid combinations. Make the blazer your statement piece by pairing only simplistic pieces is with. Layer a simple black turtleneck underneath for an understated look and pair refined wool trousers on the bottom. Finish the look with a great shoe such as a suede tassel loafer and accessorize with a seasonal pocket square- in this instance I chose red to compliment the green in the blazer.

However you may be partying this holiday season, remember, you can never be too overdressed!

Blazer: Club Monaco // Trousers: Dolce & Gabbana // Sweater: John Smedley // Shoes: Alexander McQueen // Pocket Square: Ferragamo 

Top Holiday Gift Picks for Women

I have always found it easier to shop for women rather than men....maybe because there is something out there that a woman will always want. Other the other hand, men have the famous line of "I don't need anything!"

As a follow up to my gift selections for men I have curated a list of my selections for women. I have included some of the top brands on their radar from Kate Spade and Tory Burch to Jo Malone. These gifts span an array of price ranges and tastes/styles.

From the wine lover to the fashionista, hover over the image below to shop my favorite gifts for women this holiday season!

Holiday Gift Selections for Men

With the biggest shopping weekend of the year behind us and in the middle of Cyber Monday, many have started their holiday shopping for the season. If you are like me, you find yourself scrambling at the last minute to check everyone off of your list. This year, I made a vow to get my shopping done a little bit ahead of schedule (hopefully).

To get a jump start on holiday shopping, I have curated a list of a few of my personal favorite items of the year spanning many price points and ranging from a classic wool sweater to modern timepieces and fragrance. Whether you are shopping for a boyfriend, brother, dad, or friend there is sure to be something for every man on your list.

Hover over the image below to shop my holiday selections for 2014:


Post-Shave Lotion- In an effort to elevate my shaving routine, I tried some new products from American Crew, one being this post-shave soothing lotion. I instantly fell in love with the product which has now become a staple in my routine. This would be a great stocking stuffer for that college student that is always running late and in rush, sometimes neglecting their shaving routine.

Personalized Toasting Box- This toasting set from Orvis is the perfect match for that true gentleman on your list. Crafted from wood, this toasting set which has room for 10 shot glasses and your favorite liquor makes a handsome addition to any celebratory event. I personally own the set and have thoroughly enjoyed, opting for the available personalization option. This set is sure to make a memorable gift!

Miansai Cuff- I have enjoyed the bracelet trend which has gained popularity in men's fashion and accessories. My go-to brand for modern, well made pieces has been Miansai. The screw bracelet has become their iconic piece, and my new favorite is the addition of the "Noir" collection to the lineup. These cuffs are a great pick for the guy who loves fashion and is on top of trends.

Diptyque Fragrance- Fragrance always makes a great gift, and the selections from Diptyque are simply amazing. This Paris based perfumer makes unique scents which are not available from other houses. I was exposed to their scent, Tam Dao, and have fallen in love with it. It is a mix of sandalwood, rosewood, cypress, and ambergris. It is sure to become his new favorite!

Breil Timepieces-  A timepiece always makes a memorable gift for any man. Breil offers modern, sophisticated timepieces at a reasonable price. This season, the Dome collection is very popular. The Dome collection for men is also exquisitely designed in Italy and is inspired by the city of Milan, celebrating the history and architecture of the Milan Dome — one of the city's main attractions. With its sapphire crystal dome shape, this collection offers a unique structural design for men this holiday season. Italian craftsmanship is honored with a patented new crown as well.

Irish Wool Sweater- You can never go wrong with something as classic as shawl collar sweater. This season, Orvis is offering an option crafted in Ireland from pure wool. This piece is part of my collection, and I personally love how classic the design and silhouette are. The quality shines throw in this genuine piece which is quite warm!