Valentine's Day Gift Selections for Men

With all the other craziness going on called life, are you aware that Valentine's Day is only a few days away. While flowers are nice, why not get him a gift that he will actually use for time to come. I have talked to some of my male friends to see what they are liking the best, or what types of products they are using. Below is a list of curated gifts that will not only last longer than a bouquet of roses, but are also stylish at the same time. A mix of personal recommendations (such as the Master & Dynamic headphones) and popular/trending items in the world of men's fashion, this list includes a few things that could make his Valentine's Day special. From a great facial cleanser to a popular cologne, select something that will make him happy and from which he will remember you for years to come. 

1. Master & Dynamic MH40 Headphones- Mr. Porter

2. Lab Series Daily Renewal Cleanser- Lab Series

3. Nest Fragrances Matchbox Set- Nest

4. hook + ALBERT Leather Weekend Bag- PORTMANTOS

5. Blue Calf Leather Loafer- Suitsupply

6. Apple Watch- Apple

7. Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb- Nordstrom

Holiday Gift Guide: Selections for the Stylish Guy

Eleven shopping days left until the big day- are you ready? In my series of gift guides, I am presenting a few selections for the stylish guy on your list. He may be at the cutting edge of fashion, seen sporting the most recent trends and modern silhouettes. He may not have a dress down moment, always running around town looking dapper. 

Below find selections that may fit into any aspect of his wardrobe from cold weather accessories to cufflinks for his cocktail soirées. These selections include on-trend items that are both classic (camel overcoat) and trendy (Fendi Monster Gloves) so you can tailor your selections to his unique preferences. Finally, every stylish guy has a signature scent, and I highly recommend Royal Oud from Creed...it is absolutely one of my favorites so I have included it with this curation.

1. J.Crew Ludlow Slim-Fit Wool and Cashmere Overcoat - $450 Mr. Porter 

2. Fendi Monster Knit Gloves- $250 Bergdorf Goodman

3. Givenchy Embroidered Bouclé Blazer- $1,650 Mr. Porter

4. Ralph Lauren Mother-of-Pearl Cufflinks- $395 Ralph Lauren

5. Creed Royal Oud- $385 Creed

6. Club Monaco Jacquard Knit Sweater- $150 Mr. Porter

7. Burberry Cashmere Check Scarf- $575 Saks Fifth Avenue

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES:

Wine + Travel Lover | For the Well-Groomed Man | Eleven James + The Macallan

Holiday Gift Idea: Glassware that Wine + Travel Lovers will Adore

It is hard to believe it is the holiday season already. Yes, I am one of those people that says this every year, however, it seems like just a bit ago we were wearing shorts and complaining about the extreme heat. With that being said, as soon as the calendar turns to December, it is always a great time to start checking people off your list for holiday shopping...you simply cannot start too early.

I have curated a few gift lists at Skimbaco, such as selections for the well-groomed man as well as the new Eleven James Holiday Collaboration. I am excited to share with you some of my favorite finds this season here as well. To start out my selections at Life Through Preppy Glasses, I thought what goes along with the holiday season hand-in-hand? Wine!

The folks at The Uncommon Green have created a beautiful line of glassware that is truly like works of art as the collections feature etched maps of U.S. and global cities. The unique aspect of these glasses make it the perfect gift for the person on your list that loves wine and that loves to travel. Personally, I find that traveling and wine go hand-in-hand as you can always experience new wines that are indigenous to the area of your travels.

I had to opt for the Paris Map traditional wine glass as it is one of my favorite cities in the world. Additionally, if you are looking for more contemporary silhouettes, stemless options do exist. It is fun to select cities that the person you are gifting has been to or loves. I can see the glasses being a great conversation piece over a nice bottle of wine, sharing stories of travels near and far. 

Be sure to browse all the different cities that are available from The Uncommon Green. If the person on your list is not a wine lover, there is a full line of bakeware styles available to match whatever libation they might prefer from whiskey to beer. 

Diptyque Fragrances for Personal and Home

While I do wear colognes throughout the entire year, I find myself consistently wearing fragrance throughout the fall and winter months. Perhaps this is because I'm attracted to more musky, woodsy scents that are nice compliments to these seasons. I also find myself burning candles regularly starting around this time of the year as well. 

With recent additions to my home and personal fragrance collections from one of my favorite perfumers, Diptyque, it is needless to say that good scents are on my mind! You probably will not open a magazine and see an ad for Diptyque or even glance up at a billboard with their name, however, this iconic French perfumer has been crafting quality fragrances since its inception in 1961. The brand has evolved to include a large olfactory range and products for both personal and the home. It is quite popular among the fashionable crowd as the highly recognizable "oval", unique to the brand" mixes well with an minimal interior designs.

Philosykos Eau de Toilette // Feuille de Lavande Candle - Barneys

As the fall season is underway and we will begin to slowly enter winter, seasonal scents come to mind such as the small of a warming, wood fire. I love the scent of a woodsy candle burning in the home on a chilly fall day. Needless to say, Diptyque makes one of the best fragrances of this nature. You can find their classic "Feu de Bois" burning in my house throughout the season. One of my reasons for loving Diptyque is the sheer array of fragrances that they offer. From relaxing "Feuille de Lavande" to the Feu de Bois described above, there really is something for any personality to love.

Feu de Bois Candle- Barneys

Fragrances make a great gift as the holiday season approaches as well. Do you find yourself burning more candles during the fall and winter seasons? What are your favorites?

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is quickly approaching...have you remembered a gift for the man of the house? It can be challenging finding the perfect gifts for dad. When asking for suggestions, it seems like the classic response is always, "I don't need anything." If you are still looking for a Father's Day gift for this upcoming sunday, I have curated a simple list with some ideas if you are struggling. From simple fragrances that are refreshing and masculine, to items for the traveling dad, my simple list incorporates a variety of interests.

Think outside the box when it comes to gift giving- perhaps dad does not really need another tie as he had told you. Perhaps new skincare products, or a Youngliving membership will not only surprise him but will make gifts that he can use daily. Scroll over the image to shop my gift selections below:

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

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!

Father's Day Gift Picks

Father's Day is quickly approaching on June 15th. Whether you are honoring dad, brother, uncle, or step dad, it is definitely a day to celebrate the men in our lives. If your father is anything like mine, shopping for a gift is nearly impossible. Here are a few of my favorite picks that are simple yet show that you care.

1. Dopp Kit- The Dopp Kit is a must for any sort of travel, whether an overnight stay or a week long trip. This rustic option in olive and neutrals by Jack + Mulligan is handmade in the USA and has the perfect aesthetic for Dad.

2. Driving Loafers - If you are looking to splurge, nothing says classic and stylish like a pair of TODS driving loafers. They will never go out of style, and Dad will find himself wearing them all the time. Get a brighter color as a great option for summer.

3. Nespresso Vertuoline- For the coffee lover, I cannot express how great the Nespresso machine is for the home. Known for their quality at home espressos, the new Vertuoline by Nespresso gives the option to brew both coffees and espressos right in the home. The perfect compliment to the morning paper!

4. Custom Made Shirt- John Byron offers a myriad of options to customize the perfect shirt for Dad. Replace that old shirt that seems to never go away with a new shirt that will fit him well. Linen options are great for the upcoming summer season.

5. Rogue Ducati iPhone Case- An iPhone case is always necessary, and sometime finding the right one can be difficult. The new Ducati series from Element Case offers the protection for which Element Case in known mixed with sleek, edgy designs inspired by Ducati. 

6. Cologne- Cologne always makes a great gift. I am loving the new fragrance from Vince Camuto, Vince Camuto Homme. The fragrance is fresh with a mixture of wood (cedar and pine) and sweet notes of lavender and juniper. 

7. Wine Cellar Sign- For the wine-lover, this gift is whimsical and fun with options to customize to your name. Let Dad claim his wine cellar or bar as his own!

Valentine's Day Gift Picks

Hard to believe Valentine's Day is only 2 days away. Here are a few of my top picks for gifts. Some for men and some that can be shared. A lot of sites are running promos on shipping right now for those last minute shoppers! 

What was on your wish list?

1. Amore Champagne Flute Set- I have been obsessing over this champagne flute set since I saw it on Red Envelope. I think they are very unique, and not to mention perfect for the occasion. This is a great gift to use and share with your loved one.

2. Dom Perignon- I am a champagne lover so it comes as no surprise that Dom Perignon would be on my top picks. Usually regarded as for special occasions, Dom would make the perfect bottle to enjoy with your loved one on Valentine's Day....in the amore champagne flutes perhaps!

3. Ralph Lauren Heraldic Crown Tie- I felt cliché selecting a tie, but there is always the type of guy that likes to stick to the "traditional" gifts so to speak one it comes to holidays. Ties are always a great option for the business type man. I love this one with crowns by Ralph Lauren Black Label.

4. Randolph Engineering Concorde Sunglasses- I love Randolph sunglasses, and this model is featured in a new tone- rose gold. The quality of their products is amazing and you cannot go wrong with the rose gold tone as it has become quite the trendy shade of metal. These glasses are actually plated in 23K gold! Available directly from Randolph Engineering.

5. Prada Card Holder- A cardholder is the perfect accessory for the man about town, especially in today's world of card based transactions. They are sleek and less bulky than wallets, yet very functional. I love the preppy undertone of houndstooth of this Prada option available from Bergdorf Goodman.

6. His & Hers Philip Stein Watches- A true luxury gift that two can share is this his&hers Philip Stein Watch set.  Made specially for Valentine's Day, the male version features a black calf strap while the female version features a diamond bezel. Both watches incorporate the natural frequency technology for which the brand is known. Available from Philip Stein.

Holiday Gift Selections for Women

It is hard to believe it is only 12 days until Christmas! A few weeks ago I made some selections for gifts for men, and now I have a few picks for the girls on your list. This list is simple and covers an array of categories, yet includes some classic choices such as fragrance and jewelry. 

Happy shopping!

1. Tory Burch Robinson Triangle Tote- This makes a great gift for the business woman or the college student about to enter the working world, and what girl isn't loving Tory Burch right now? The robinson leather is durable and sophisticated, and this tote will be able to fit all her daily essentials.

2. Kate Spade On the Town Necklace- Give a gift that sparkles with this necklace from Kate Spade. A go-to for good costume jewelry, this necklace will be a hit. Not to mention, it will pair well with upcoming New Year's Eve parties and festivities. 

3. Silver Vines Cuff- Give two gifts with this one, one for your loved one and one to charity. With the purchase of the handmade artisan cuff made in Indian, you purchase will go towards the fight against poverty. This cuff is available from the World Vision Gift Catalog, a non-profit that helps to fight children in poverty. Remember, it is the season of giving and what better way to give?

4. Nest Grapefruit Candle- I cannot get enough of Nest Fragrances recently. They truly do make the perfect holiday gift whether it is for the hostess, a family member, or friend, it will be sure to fill their space with a lovely aroma. I happen to love the grapefruit scent- very vibrant and refreshing.

5. Jo Malone Peony & Blush- English brand Jo Malone is renowned for her perfumes and fragrances. Give this gift, and she will always remember you with the scent. The Peony & Blush scent, featuring hints of peony, red apple, and jasmine with a touch of suede, is very popular. Even more, it comes in a gift box with signature black ribbon, ready to give!

6. Christian Louboutin Simple Pump- What woman does not want a pair of red soles this holiday season? The perfect gift for any fashion loving girl, the pump is a classic that she will be able to wear over and over again. Not to mention she will be eye-catching in them as well. 

Holiday Gift Selections For Men

Buying gifts for men can be very hard sometimes. The go-to options are always a tie, tech gadget, and maybe cufflinks. Below, I have curated some of my top picks for gifts that cover everything from the traditional to the very stylish man. With a week less of shopping between Thanksgiving and the Christmas holiday, it is time to start thinking about gifts! Links for products can be found in the blurb below. 

1. Ralph Lauren Cashmere Throw- A nice throw is perfect for the bachelor in an apartment or dad's mountain house. You can never go wrong with the comfort of cashmere and this classic from Ralph Lauren. Available in an array of colors with monogramming available as well.

2. Beau Ties Bow Ties- A bow tie should be in every gentleman's closet. I am loving the very preppy choices available from Beau Ties. Discovering smaller, local brands is always fun, and this company is no exception. All ties are handmade in Vermont!

3. Personalized Wine Bucket- Personalization always adds a special touch, and this wine bucket is no exception. Great for holiday parties and summer entertaining on the deck or terrace. Available from Red Envelope Gifts

4. Balmain HighTop Sneakers- Sneakers and High Top sneakers have made a big come back in men's fashion. This pair is sure to impress any fashionable guy on your list. The famous french house of Balmain makes some great pairs of shoes!

5. Randolph Engineering Limited Edition Aviators- This limited edition pair (100 available worldwide) will be available for purchase starting December 1st. I love the quality and great optics of Randolph aviators, and this pair is even more special. It features platinum coating and lizard wrapped temples. 

6. UNTICKit & RumbaTime Gift Set- Men's shirting brand UNTUCKit and watch brand RumbaTime are teaming up to offer a special gift set. A select combination of shirts and timepieces will be available for purchase for $150 from the UNTUCKit website. I love the UNTUCKit shirts, and this deal makes it even more appealing! 

If you are looking for even more holiday gift ideas, check out the array of curated gifts at Skimbaco Lifestyle selected by my colleagues and myself. 

A Gift List for Him

After spending 20+ hours in the library this weekend, I needed a little study break so I came up with what I think is the perfect gift list. I would take one or everything on this list. It includes a mix of classic pieces as well as some things that are currently "in" right now. Either way, theres something to fit everyone. That person that loves a tie every year, a great sweater, or some awesome utility boots

Barbour
barbour.com

Barbour Men'S Classic Waxed Olive Barbour Jacket
£220 - julesb.co.uk

Moncler Jacquard Sweater
$600 - barneys.com

Moncler Shearling-Lined Work Boot
$695 - neimanmarcus.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors Men's Matte Gunmetal Watch, 45mm
$250 - bloomingdales.com

Burberry Woven Silk Tie
$145 - nordstrom.com

Smathers and Branson
$25 - smathersandbranson.com

IPAD CASE - Ghurka
ghurka.com