GIFT GUIDES: THE PHILANTHROPIST

Receiving a ton of gifts at once is fun and all, but it can sometimes make you feel a bit greedy. The holidays are all about spreading cheer to those you love, but doesn't it feel good to give to someone you may not even know? This holiday gift guide is dedicated for the person who wants to give, and give back.

31 BITS

PHOTO VIA 31 BITS

PHOTO VIA 31 BITS

Minimalist jewelry is all anyone is wearing these days. A simple metallic necklace is a statement all its own, but it's much more meaningful when it serves a real life purpose. 31 Bits is dedicated to providing Ugandan artisan women with a market for their beautiful craftsmanship skills, and has an ever-growing jewelry collection with something for everyone.

LOVE WITH FOOD

PHOTO VIA INSTAGRAM

PHOTO VIA INSTAGRAM

If subscription boxes are more your style, Love With Food may be your gift of choice. These monthly packages of organic snacks give back by passing a portion of sales to charities devoted to fighting childhood hunger. These packages are a definite way to win to your loved ones' hearts (and tummies).

S'WELL

PHOTO VIA S'WELL

PHOTO VIA S'WELL

We all get thirsty, and S'well water bottles are here for more than keeping your hydration stylish. These on-trend, stainless steel hot & cold bottles are partnered with UNICEF to help ensure the recipient isn't the only one hydrating. They donate a portion of their sales to the charity to ensure that kids around the world are getting access to clean, drinkable water.

WARBY PARKER

PHOTO VIA WARBY PARKER

PHOTO VIA WARBY PARKER

While some choose glasses purely as a fashion statement, many have them as a necessity. Warby Parker has acquired quite a following as of late, and for good reason. Their glasses are stylish and practical (and don't worry 20/20s, they offer equally great sunglasses too), and they serve a great cause. The company is partnered with VisionSpring, who helps them follow through on their promise to provide someone in need with a pair of glasses whenever they make a sale.

GIVING KEYS

PHOTO VIA GIVING KEYS

PHOTO VIA GIVING KEYS

Who says your house key can't be a fashion statement? Giving Keys took it to the next level by engraving inspiring words on each of their variety of accessories, inspired by two of the co-founders who were homeless before starting the company. The company aims to transition people out of homelessness, much like two of the three founders were able to do.

SHOPPING FOR A CHANGE

PHOTO VIA SHOPPING FOR A CHANGE

PHOTO VIA SHOPPING FOR A CHANGE

If you aren't sure exactly what to get someone this Christmas, Shopping for a Change just may be your ideal place to start. Bringing together the work of a variety of undiscovered artisans from all around the world is what makes this shop so diverse, covering everything from fashion to home goods. 

SSEKO SANDALS

PHOTO VIA SSEKO SANDALS

PHOTO VIA SSEKO SANDALS

You simply can't go wrong with a pair of sandals as versatile as Sseko Sandals. If you're not sure exactly what type of shoes your recipient loves, leave it up to them to decide! With so many unique ways to tie the sandals, it's hard to believe that it gets better. This charity is devoted to working for women, and sending them to college. Is that a respectable shoe or what?

NOONDAY COLLECTION

PHOTO VIA NOONDAY COLLECTION

PHOTO VIA NOONDAY COLLECTION

If you're looking to give something a little more authentically global, Noonday Collection is the place. This shop provides a market for artisans around the world to display and sell their unique, culturally influenced work to markets they would normally have a hard time getting into, and the recipient gets an amazing piece of a far away land because of it!

WORLD WILDLIFE FUND: ADOPTING AN ELEPHANT

PHOTO VIA WORLD WILDLIFE FUND

PHOTO VIA WORLD WILDLIFE FUND

If you're telling me you've never wanted to have a pet elephant, I'm probably going to assume you're lying. With World Wildlife Fund's Adopt an Elephant package, you have a chance to do your part to keep these babies around. When you symbolically adopt an elephant, they'll use your payment to ensure that an elephant is taken care of with food and water. They even send a plush elephant so you never forget about your friend on the other side of the world.

DRIVEN COFFEE

PHOTO VIA SO MUNCH LOVE

PHOTO VIA SO MUNCH LOVE

It's hard to live in the modern day without knowing at least one coffee snob. It's okay to be a coffee snob, especially if that mean's you're supporting an ethical coffee business like Driven Coffee. The brand donates a portion of its sales to a variety of charities, and has an incredible selection of coffee to boot.

GIFT GUIDES: THE CUSTOMIZER

It's officially gift giving season. The time to think of the perfect something for the perfect someone can bring on stress, but why complicate it? I know how much most people hate giving out gift cards, so I put together this gift guide to help you choose goodies perfectly tailored to everyone on your shopping list.

CUSTOM MINIMALIST JEWELRY

PHOTO VIA CAITYLNMINIMALIST

PHOTO VIA CAITYLNMINIMALIST

With it becoming more and more of a trend to have jewelry to be kept on consistently, minimalist jewelry doesn't seem to be going anywhere. It's easy, beautiful, and adds a delicate and feminine twist to any look. CaitlynMinimalist on Etsy has found a way to make the minimalist jewelry trend even more personal with this gorgeous bracelet. Just send her a note with what you want included on the bracelet (or a variety of other jewelry offered in her shop), and she'll make the handwritten note into a beautiful piece of jewelry.

BEAUTY SUBSCRIPTION BOX

PHOTO VIA BIRCHBOX

PHOTO VIA BIRCHBOX

If you have a friend or relative who's really into makeup and beauty (or wants to get into makeup and beauty), a beauty box subscription like Birchbox just might be exactly what you're looking for. If the person you're buying for is on the picky side, all you have to do is answer a few questions about them, and Birchbox will ship a variety of goodies to their door to pick and choose from.

EMBOSSED ACCESSORIES

PHOTO VIA FOSSIL

PHOTO VIA FOSSIL

Fossil is a brand we all know and love, serving up trendy (practical) leather goods at a variety of price ranges. If you're looking to treat the accessories lover in your life, give Fossil's free embossing service a try over the holidays. The recipient is definitely going to feel stylish with their new tote in hand, and all the more special with the extra thought of customizing.

ENGRAVED TECH

PHOTO VIA UNIQFIND

PHOTO VIA UNIQFIND

If you're really looking to treat someone in your life with the newest piece of tech, Apple offers an engraving service for both their iPads and iPods. Whether you want to write lyrics of a special song on the back of your husband's iPod, or simply engrave your mom's name into her new iPad, the extra detail makes a meaningful gift even more thoughtful.

ENGRAVED HOME GOODS

PHOTO VIA POTTERY BARN

PHOTO VIA POTTERY BARN

If you know someone who is constantly renovating their house (like me), what better investment than a personal home gift? This copper ice bucket by Pottery Barn is a great gift for the entertainer in your life, and the ability to engrave the gorgeous copper makes it all the more personal.

PERSONALIZED MAKEUP PALETTE

PHOTO VIA INSTAGRAM

PHOTO VIA INSTAGRAM

If you have a friend who just doesn't feel complete without a swipe of eyeshadow on her lids, why not allow her to make a palette with all of her favorite shades? MAC Cosmetics offers a gift card for the recipient to create her ideal combination of shadows (and if you're totally opposed to the gift card thing and are feeling gutsy, you can create it for her). Just in time for New Year's glam!

PERSONALIZED TEA SETS

PHOTO VIA BIG FAT BAKER

PHOTO VIA BIG FAT BAKER

If you're looking for a way to warm up a loved one's life, why not introduce them to the soothing art of tea? Teavana offers a variety of holiday sample sets for the tea-drinking newbie, and it's a heartwarming way to connect with someone you care about (after all, who doesn't want to chat over a cup of tea?). If you're not clicking with any of their holiday sets, why not just pick out a few flavors your friend will love, and maybe one you recommend?

CUSTOM SHADES

PHOTO VIA URBAN OUTFITTERS

PHOTO VIA URBAN OUTFITTERS

It's not just women who appreciate a good accessory. Sunglasses are a universal way to dazzle anyone in your life, regardless of their style. Ray-Ban gives customers the ability to create their own custom shades, a great way to add a unique spin on a classic style.

CUSTOM PLANNER

PHOTO VIA BUZZFEED

PHOTO VIA BUZZFEED

With the year coming to a close, your friends and family are going to be looking to get a start on next year's plans. A custom planner from Paper Source is an incredible way to excite the stationery lover in your life, while helping them get organized in the most fashion-forward way.

GENERAL SUBSCRIPTION BOX

PHOTO VIA BEST OF QUARTERLY

PHOTO VIA BEST OF QUARTERLY

Maybe you're really into this whole "gift that keeps on giving" idea that comes with a subscription box, but none of the people on your list are exactly beauty girls. Don't worry! Quarterly Co. has a variety of subscription boxes at diverse price range covering an even more diverse area of interests, so you're bound to find something the recipient will love!

*This post contains affiliate links. 

ROCKING SHEER FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

ROCKING SHEER FOR THE HOLIDAYS.jpg

A thin, see-through blouse may not be the first thing you think of when the winter holidays roll around, but there's few things that can instantly elevate an outfit in the way that something sheer can. With the underwear as outerwear movement that's happening in fashion right now (think slip dresses, bralettes, etc.), it's a great time to experiment with layering and showing some skin. Wearing a thin, gauzy top or dress doesn't have to be risqué, especially with the amount of options available now that sheer is a definite trend. Let the runways be your guide. Push the envelope this holiday season.

THE SHEER TOP

PHOTO VIA MIISHKA

PHOTO VIA MIISHKA

Showing your bra may seem a bit taboo to you, but when done right, it's just plain chic. Even if you aren't comfortable showing quite that much, who says you can't wear a cami instead? Or a cool tee? The sheer layer is just meant to add interest, how you style it is up to you.

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THE SHEER PANT/SKIRT

PHOTO VIA SPOOK MAGAZINE

PHOTO VIA SPOOK MAGAZINE

The thin nature of sheer fabric allows it to move in a beautiful way, adding instant elegance to your look. Just because your pants are sheer doesn't mean you have to show everyone all you've got, either. Most maxi skirts come with a slip, and it's easy to add shorts (even spandex ones) under a pair of mesh pants you happen to fall in love with.

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THE SHEER DRESS

PHOTO VIA WWD

PHOTO VIA WWD

Whether you choose to wear a sheer dress over a full turtleneck and jeans ensemble, or something less complete, you know you're going to look good doing it. Sheer dresses speak volumes as an accent piece, and they stand alone just fine too. If you just want to give the whole see-through thing a test drive, try a regular dress with a sheer overlay.  

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THE SHEER ACCESSORY

PHOTO VIA WHOWHATWEAR

PHOTO VIA WHOWHATWEAR

If all this bare skin seems a bit intimidating to you, don't be discouraged. The sheer trend isn't limited to clothing. Sheer socks are a great way to add some extra flair to your outfit (and stay on trend) without a ton of commitment. 

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STYLE INSPIRATION: THE ANKLE SCARF

The silk scarf has made a bit of a comeback in the last few seasons. We've rediscovered the fashion utility of bandanas, chokers, and essentially anything else wrapped around our necks, and the silk scarf is the polished, cool girl equivalent. While creating a turtleneck effect is the go-to for most fashion girls, some don't stop there. The silk scarf has opened up a world of accessory versatility, being knotted around wrists, through belt loops, and my personal favorite, around ankles.

Photo via Lisa Says Gah

Photo via Lisa Says Gah

I love the timelessness, class, and French inspiration brought about by the neck scarf. It instantly pulls together any outfit, and makes a sleek yet creative accessory. And who doesn't want to look like an artist off duty? 

Photo via They All Hate Us

Photo via They All Hate Us

Another way to incorporate this creative accessory is by tying a uniquely-patterned scarf around the wrist. If your outfit is feeling bare, this is a great way to mix things up by still avoiding the clunkiness of a bracelet.

Photo via The Zoe Report

Photo via The Zoe Report

The same outfit formula can get old after awhile, so try breaking it up by substituting your belt with a printed scarf. It adds a bohemian vibe to a very put together look, and makes your look instantly more laid back.

Photo via Bloglovin'

Photo via Bloglovin'

Photo via The Zoe Report

Photo via The Zoe Report

Ah, the ankle scarf. Plain old pants get old sometimes, and silk scarves add all sorts of flair to your bottom half. If you're looking for a way to draw attention to your fantastic shoes, tie a scarf around your ankle to draw the eye down your entire outfit and create visual balance.

NOW GET SCARF SHOPPING!

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THE COOLEST COATS TO KEEP WARM

There's a lot to look forward to when fall and winter come around. The holidays are on their way, temperatures are falling, and of course, the opportunity to play up our personal style with layers. Cold weather dressing can be a bit intimidating with so many layers to work with, so let's make it one step easier with some fabulous (affordable) coats.

THE MILITARY JACKET

Photo via WhoWhatWear

Photo via WhoWhatWear

Military-style jackets have been trending for a while, but with the growth of the trend comes a growth in variations. There's always the classic cropped military jacket, but why not venture out into a long, drape-y style? The coats below are the definition of fashionable, but have subtle details that help to distinguish your style from anyone else's.

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THE PUFFER JACKET

Photo via They All Hate Us

Photo via They All Hate Us

Puffers are just about the cutest thing to happen to winter. For awhile, many people associated them strictly with outdoorsmen, but they've proven their versatility by an emergence in the street style scene. Not only are they ridiculously chic with some flared trousers, but they offer top-notch warmth, so you can feel good about doing something practical for your wardrobe. 

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THE LEATHER JACKET

Photo via Harper's Bazaar

Photo via Harper's Bazaar

Leather jackets are universally accepted as the go-to piece of fall fashion, since they radiate cool. Classics are great, but who says you can't add a little flair to your basics? You'll never go wrong seeking out a black leather jacket, but maybe this season is the season to experiment with color, texture, and shape.

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THE DUSTER COAT

Photo via Bloglovin'

Photo via Bloglovin'

Duster coats are the ultimate statement piece in a cool weather closet. Their length adds drama to any look, and the sleek silhouette adds instant polish. Being that the shape is so basic, seek out unique details (texture, embellishments, etc.) that make your coat uniquely you.

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THE FUR COAT

Photo via Style Du Monde

Photo via Style Du Monde

A fur coat is a good benchmark for the makings of a luxurious and elegant wardrobe. With the variation in patterns and colors, fur coats have lost a lot of their stuffiness, and have become a playful winter accessory in the closets of industry insiders. Whether you prefer real fur or faux fur is up to you, but both add a unique element of texture and interest to a plain t-shirt and jeans.

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