Ms. Fabulous Mother's Day Gift Guide

I'm off to visit my family in Toronto. With me as always, I am bringing gifts to the wonderful women in my life. It will be Mother's Day, so my childhood friend, sister and actual Mom will be getting some of the goodies here.

Citizen watches are fast becoming a favorite of mine. This stainless steel Citizen Ladies' Diamond one is a posh treat for Mother's Day that I have decided to keep for myself, (sorry Mom!) I just fell in love with it. I am super picky with my watches. I like them sleek and dressy enough for the most formal occasion, but can look great with jeans too. I really groove on their Eco-Drive technology, not just for the eco-friendly aspect but because I am lazy and hate to change batteries. 

Mom loves color. MyWalit has a great collection of brightly colored wallets with beautiful leathers and color-block design straight from Italy. I thought she could use a compact wallet ($68) with lots of pockets to brighten her purse.

Those of you who follow me a lot know that I also moonlight as an embellishment designer for other brands. If you wanted a pretty accessory for yourself, I have been producing one-of-a-kind embellished headbands, cuff bracelets, necklaces and belts under the label Weng Meng Design Studio. Supermodel Carol Alt and actress Genevieve Rodriguez have worn them, why don't you take a look? 

I was introduced to DCL Skincare  by Ms. Fab contributor Geraldine. It was developed with serious science to treat your skin at multiple levels. One of the few drawbacks with looking young for your age (runs in the family, don't hate me) is you still get breakouts long after you should have stopped. The "Build Your Beauty" ritual function on the website is very helpful in finding the products for specific for your needs. Now that I have tried a few, I am a convert. I brought up the Spot Therapy ($32) product for my family to try.

I brought Modern Doll Cocktail Lab enhancements ($10) for the tired Moms this weekend to spike their coffees and teas with. Each variety was inspired by a strong woman in the arts of an earlier generation.  Cocoa Canelle is a chocolate and cinnamon bark infused liqueur with fashion icon Coco Chanel as the muse. The Vicious Purple was inspired by writer Dorothy Parker. The bitters are made from flowers like hibiscus, lavender and elder-flower.

I recently went a little crazy during the Bauble Bar sale. The dramatic crystal necklace is going to my Mom. She is going to look amazing in it. 

For my sister, she has more Minimalist taste. This delicate Ilana Ariel necklace is elegant and small enough not to get in the way of her hectic day.

The ladies in my family love our hair products. I was already a big fan of Strivectin skincare and jumped at the chance to try their haircare too. I already blazed through the shampoo and conditioner. Dry hair and annoying wispy little baby hairs run in my family, the Bodifying Radiance Serum is going to be our secret weapon. Since my family travels a lot, the UV protection helps too.

Mom is traveling to China, Lithuania and Russia this year. I got her this trio of Diane Von Furstenburg leather pouches ($70) for her toiletries, vitamins and jewelry. Three of them in super bright colors are nestled into one another like Russian Dolls (felt appropriate). They are very cute on their own as a clutch bag and easy to maneuver in a filled suitcase on a big trip. Hope she loves them!

Ok, what is everyone else getting the Moms in their life? If you're a Mom, treat YOURSELF. You more than deserve it. Happy Mother's Day!!!

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Father's Day Gift Guide

Happy Father's Day Weekend! Instead of pulling aspirational shopping guides from the web like everyone else, I wanted to show you what the men in my life will actually have in their hands. 

Father's Day Gifts Should Be Stylish and Practical

From the bottom left, is the The Describer's Dictionary. My Dad is trying to write more to accompany the beautiful photographs he takes. What he is struggling with (and me as well) is an expanded descriptive vocabulary worthy of the experiences he has. This is a great book with lists of descriptive terms for every occasion. It also has a section of literary quotations to set the tone for your writing as well.

Up from that are a pair of Nectar Sunglasses. I was happy to receive these for a trial as an alternative to the ones that Hubby keeps losing. They are lightweight and have poly-carbonate frames that are durable for travel. Instead of the pricey designer glasses, their shades are under $40 and the company offers to replace them for life for only $10. Both my Dad and Hubby are prone to losing stuff like this and it would give them piece of mind to know these do the job and won't stress if they get lost.

Hubby loves John Varvatos. Thought he should smell the part with their Artisan Cologne.

I finally got to try Google Cardboard. I was like a kid for the first 48 hours and so was Hubby. I'm getting this for my Dad too. He loves to play. You can get your Google Cardboard from a list of sources. Then download cool apps to your smartphone to experience the most reasonably priced, but impressive Virtual reality device I can imagine. (Try Sisters...SPOOKY!) 

A PR company sent me the Klhip for Hubby to try out. It is the manliest nail clipper I have seen in its rugged leather pouch and hardy matte metal fabrication. However, the innovative hinge handle does give more power and comfortable leverage for clipping the gnarliest of toes. He has no excuses now.

Both Hubby and my Dad lose wallets, camera bags, other high-value luggage on their many trips. Tile is a lightweight device you can either hook to your key chain or stick to your bag, laptop, camera, etc. If you lose it, it is tethered to your smartphone via Bluetooth with the Tile App. It can show you where you left it, and as you draw closer, the device will play a tune until you find it. As you can see, I bought four. One for each of them and two for me.

Lastly, what is it about UNIQLO that Asian Dads love? Comfy basics and a great price point? I guess it's not much of a mystery. This store inspired the only time I have ever seen my Dad choose fashion over a museum. Take the Dad in your life for a shopping spree. Their stuff fits Dadbods and DILFs. Right now, they are selling the winners of the Uniqlo Star Wars art contest on their t-shirts. Of course I got one for fanboy Hubby. 

To all of the Dads, Dads-to-be and father figures in your lives, Happy Father's Day!

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Holiday Guide: Gifts That Give Back

The holidays are for giving. As much as I like receiving gifts, I get more pleasure seeing the look on the faces of those who open my presents. You can double that pleasure with gifts with a charitable element.

Here are some of the best beauty and fashion ideas for men and women. Some are personal favorites; others were suggested by fellow influencers on Twitter:

Kiehl’s Greatest Hits Collection $45: Every year, I buy my sister a Kiehl’s product to discourage her from hanging onto old products from the year before. For the holidays, the brand’s Greatest Hits Collection has, obviously, everyone’s favorite products in one box. It’s a great value for diehard fans. Also, 100% of Kiehl’s net profits up to $100,000 from the American sales of the Limited Edition set will support Feeding America.

Bird & Stone Cleopatra Bracelet $26: This global chic bracelet has diamond cut brass beads and turquoise stone. You can actually choose the right size to suit your arm for stacking or wearing alone. A percentage of the net profits from their sales benefit the SISI Fund. They help widowed women in Kenya through microloans and financial training to become entrepreneurs.

Caudalie’s Premier Cru Anti-Aging set $99: Who doesn’t love champagne during the holidays? This gift set contains the two most popular products from the brand in travel friendly size. This company is against toxic ingredients and contains plant based anti-oxidants like Polyphenols and grape based resveratrol.

Each product purchased from Caudalie contributes to the “1% for the planet” movement to help the environment. This initiative supports projects like reforestation in the Amazon and building a sustainable, organic, and fair-trade Shea Butter industry cultivated by communities of women in Burkina Faso.

M.A.C. Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick $16: If you look at my makeup drawer, you will see that MAC lipstick by far is the dominating item. I have loved this brand’s lip color since high school. I request it every year for my stocking (and my family lovingly obliges). Instead of just a percentage of profits, every cent from the sale of their Viva Glam products goes towards helping people affected by HIV/AIDS via the MAC Aids Fund.

Warby Parker Windswept Shades $145: This company was an instant darling for their hipster eyewear at affordable prices. Let’s face it, in fashion; no product has a higher markup than eyewear. Warby Parker brought that percentage down AND manages to donate a pair of eyeglasses to a person in need with partnerships with organizations like Vision Spring. The Windswept shades above are part of their higher end Concentric collection. You can give a gift card so your recipient can choose their favorite style, fit and even prescription

.

Tom’s Men’s Paseos $59: These canvas shoes are one of Tom’s bestselling styles. Guys will love the comfort and color range. Similar to Warby Parker, the company has a One for One policy of donating a pair of shoes for every pair purchased.  In addition to shoes, they also have the same efforts for eyewear. Their coffee roasting company contributes to providing clean water to communities that lack it.

Anthony Perfect Shave Kit $65: Pamper your guy with a posh shave kit that includes the brand’s Glycolic Facial Cleanser, Shave Cream, Pre-Shave Oil, and After Shave Balm. A portion of every sale is also donated to support prostate cancer research.

Giving gifts that give back guarantee a smile on more than one face in the world. Isn’t that what the season is all about?

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DSW Gift Guide: Boots, Baubles & Bags Under $50

Gift shopping on a budget? Do you prefer your friends to receive something fun, fashionable or both? DSW is a great gift destination beyond being your source for wallet friendly heels. They have a huge selection of winter accessories, jewelry, boots, mittens; you name it at whatever price level you need.

Are you doing a Secret Santa exchange at the office? There are plenty of gifts under $25 like the quirky animal slippers or hipster chic striped infinity scarf. If you or your girlfriend needs a statement piece for the holiday party, the gemstone bib necklace glams up any outfit. The ornate drop earrings add an elegant touch with your updo for only $15.

Does your BFF love handbags as much as I do? There are lots of stylish choices under $50. My favorite for the season is the Emperia Rikki carry-all in a nice shade of burgundy marsala, the hottest color for 2015 (according to Pantone). If you need an edgier clutch for a girl’s night out, the multi-zippered Moda Luxe clutch is less than $15!

I spent the week getting my feet soaked in the early December rainstorms of New York City. I finally broke down and treated myself to some fun rain boots in a pretty print. DSW has a ton of stylish boots for keeping your toes from getting soggy for under $50 by everyone from Realtree to Madden Girl.

If you need more gifting and styling ideas, you should check out DSW’s Facebook page. They have great outfit inspiration and lots of posts for their legendary free shoes events. (These guys give away footwear like a beloved talk show host).

Whoever you are planning to surprise this holiday, DSW’s gift will have your covered. Your funny, quirky, fashionable, stylish friends will thank you!

This Post is Presented by DSW

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Blogger Love: Glam Giving and Global Beauty

We are firmly planted in the middle of gift shopping season.  My fellow fashion bloggers are clearly seasoned shoppers.  This edition of Blogger Love rounds up intensive shopping advice, some DIY posts on making stylish gifts yourself and a few articles (mine included) examining beauty from global cultures:

• Attire Club: The Guide To Christmas Gifts For Men

Beauty & Sass: 5 reasons to wear sunglasses year round

Daria Burkova: Gift Ideas: Best for Women

DressCode:HighFashion: Trend Colour Purple F/W 13/14

Gloss Glimmer: 5 Hot Holiday & New Years Eve Party Dresses

Kiri Yanchenko: Do It Yourself Fashionable Stripes

KJ: DIY Christmas Decorations: Fabric Hearts

Lara Lizard: What to do if an online store rips you off?

Lollie Shopping: Shoppers Deserve Better Than Black Friday Madness

Loser Girl Wins: A Sweatshirt Worth A Thousand Words

Kremb de la Kremb: My Five Hair Dos

ModaVracha's Spot: It's the season for giving, give a purposeful gift

Ms. Fabulous: Street Style Vietnam: Amazing Costumes of the Hmong People

On/Off Duty: How to do Cute as a Grown up

Racheeng: 3 Ways to Wear Boyfriend Jeans

Style Bizarre: Get the Style of Fiona Goode

Style Vanity: New Rose Gold Hair Color Trend & How to Get It?

The Undercover Princess: Royal Fashionistas: Letizia, Princess of Asturias

Wild Beauty World: Stealing Beauty: Fashion's Cultural Appropriation

Wings for Liberty: OFW: How to style a pair of shorts five times!

SPONSOR: East Dane, DV Sandals, Ferragamo Bags, Gant Rugger, Minkoff Flats, Rivieras, JPG, H by Hudson, Miansai, Demylee, Varvatos

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Gift Guide: Giving Back!

Get into the true spirit of the giving season.  You would never know it, but every gift purchased in today's chic gift guide also benefits charity.  Isn't it that much more fun to know when you give a gift, you are giving it twice?

This lovely gold rose ring from Cuyana ($95) is the perfect shiny thing you want for the holidays and benefits Charity:Water, an organization that brings safe, clean drinking water to third world nations.

The stunning wood frame purse is from Kayu Design ($295). A portion of the proceeds for their gifts go towards Unite for Site.  The organization helps fund sight-restoring surgeries to people in developing countries.

Sales of this cozy scarf from FEED helps provide 10 school meals to children in need.  The scarf was made by artisans in Kenya and features a hand beaded logo. Kenya Kikoy scarf $50.

100% of the profits from Laura Mercier's Hope lip gloss ($24) will go directly to the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund,

These party-ready lace print Tom's shoes ($68) are part of a collaboration with artist Gabriel Lacktman.  Every pair of Tom's Shoes that are purchased, another pair of shoes is donated to children in need.

Warby Parker has the most stylish eye wear in the market these days.  The fact that a pair is donated to people who need them every time another pair is purchased only adds to the cool factor.  Loving these Mabel style sunglasses this holiday. 

Who doesn't love candles during the holiday season?  Glass Baby has handcrafted pieces in beautiful colors and techniques.  The company has dedicated itself to benefit many charities since their inception.  This season, they are currently helping food banks around the country. Set of 3 hand-blown votives $132.

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Gift Guide: Style Finds $15 and Under

You know the challenge...How do you get a mystery co-worker something fabulous in your allotted teeny budget?  Those of us in the fashion industry have even more pressure, as you know everyone is judging you on your taste. Here is our round-up of the most stylish gifts under $15:

Add pop color to any outfit with a skinny leather belt from J. Crew which is on sale for $12.99.

The statement manicure is still going strong.  You cannot beat the E.L.F. Nail Cube of 14 cute colors for $10.

Find your inner vixen with pretty Elle Macpherson lace boyshort lingerie for $15.

Stay cozy in a Ruffle Infinity Scarf by Charlotte Russe for $12.50

This elegant ASOS stone and pearl bangle is only $14.


One of the biggest bargains?  Fashion magazine subscriptions.  You can a get a year's worth of Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire for only $5.  W Magazine is $15.

There you have it.  Please don't succumb to the cop-out gifts last minute. Those are always gift cards in the exact budget amount to Starbucks or iTunes.  Leave that option to the unimaginative dudes in the IT department.

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