Christmas gift ideas: Crafter

The problem is with some crafty types that sometimes they stick to their niche and don't really stray from that. There are stacks of crafty activities; knitting, sewing clothing, scrap-booking, card making, crochet, quilting, pottery, even glass-work. So I'll try to come up with ideas that will cross a wide variety, but even then, you may end up poking them into something they love with a gift a bit to the left of what they're already into.

Under $30:
One major problem that I find that comes with being crafty is that it is damn messy! and I never have enough space to put everything, looking into what sort of craft they do and finding a suitable storage solution to what they already do will be infinitely appreciated. Little plastic sets of drawers are great for papercrafts, while storage portable suitcases are good for sewing, Even tackle baskets are awesome for sewing bits and pieces.

Under $50:
Updating your friends stock of tools she uses is another good idea. as I often don't even realize that the needle I've had in my machine is about 5 projects old, and I didn't even realize that I shouldn't use the same pair of scissors to cut both fabric and paper for a long time. Buying them a new set of scissors, a new crochet hook set (and roll to keep them in!) can prove invaluable.
Another idea is to book them into lessons in a craft that they have mentioned in the past, but this is a tricky one, you need to have listened really carefully, and maybe even stalked their google history!

Under $100:
This present can seem a bit nana-ish, totally get that but so can half of crafty activities when you think about it, I still get called a babushka for my willingness to sew my nieces and nephews presents (FFS! it's cheap and chips and really personal, what's wrong with that??) So I'm going to suggest a Cuttlebug machine, or if they already have one, some  stencils for it. It's worth hunting on the internet as they come in a wide variety of sizes, big shot are sturdy and can cut more materials, Cuttlebugs are your go to user friendly machine, there are other ones and if you're really confused, find yourself a shop assistant or online forum to see what other people think.

Cuttlebug 2

Pre Christmas Warehouse and Sample Sale Brisbane

Just a heads up before it finishes. This sale is at 101 Jane street West End, and features labels such as Ben Sherman, Miss Sixty, Energie, Scotch & Soda, Havaianas and Maison Scotch.
Friday it is open from 7 to 7, Saturday from 7 to 5, and Sunday 9 to 4.
Personally I'm eager to check out the Maison Scotch!

The cost per wear theory

Ever needed to justify that immense amount of money you dropped on something spectacular? I get that sounds completely insane but listen to me for a minute.
Imagine you have found the perfect handbag, you can use it everyday for work, the perfect go with anything colour and it fits everything you need. The only problem is that it comes with a not so perfect price-tag, in fact it's reaching up into almost a grand. (Or more, could always be more!)
How often do you think you would use the bag, possibly you would use it 4 times a week, for three years? That would calculate into 624 wears. You divide the full price by the amount off times you predict you will wear it, so $1000 divided by 624 means it will cost $1.60 for each time you wear it!
Suddenly that classic supple leather is justified right? It can get a little hazy but if you stick to classic styles and items that will be worn often it can help your wardrobe acquire some truly special pieces.

Christmas gift ideas: Fashion fiend

The ultimate for this and for all price ranges is to buy them a gift card for their favorite store, you let them choose, you know it will get used, and even better, they'll put it to good use during the sales! It's what I ask for every year.

Under $30:
A good accessory can make an outfit, and even better is when you get an item that looks expensive, without the redic price tag. Diva can be a little hit and miss, but if you have a sharp eye you can find some excellent buys, take this Diva cuff, it's perfect for summer, it will work for beachy, boho and ethnic looks and that's just off the top of my head.

Diva Cuff $16.99

Under $50:
What I love about this jewellery box is hat the clear perspex you can see exactly what is in there before you get into it, helping you plan your outfit in a quicker time.

Jewellery Box by ASOS roughly $50 AU

Under $100:
Magazines subscriptions are a great option when you're not sure if someone you are buying for will like what you buy them. Choose wisely, but luckily for fashionistas there is a wide variety, I would recommend Shop til you Drop in Aus, one of my favourites!

Oh god no!

Office ladies out there, you know the ones, in their perfectly pressed crisp shirts, chic and professional tailored dresses and their chunky, garish sneakers ... Wait a minute!
I don't get it, I just don't. I get that you are doing it for comfort while you get to and from work, but that is when you will be seen by the most people. Do you really want to potentially meet new clients, bosses or boyfriends like this? No matter how groomed your hair is, perfectly applied your make up is, how immaculate your suit is, No one with an iota of fashion sense is going to think you're a well presented person. You might as well wear uggs!
I just can't understand why you don't just wear some cute ballet flats instead. At least that way you still maintain that professional edge while you trapse about town in comfort. A pair of leather flats can look just as chic as heels, and when you feel like that added boost of heels you can still switch them!