Thursday, March 8, 2007

Lois Loves - More Spring Bags

Bags, Bags, and More Bags. Here are some more great bags that are perfect Spring gifts.

The Michael Kors
Joplin Tiger Tote is perfect for that woman who wants to show a little bit of her wild side. $298.


The dainty Kenneth Cole Weave It Be Small Straw Flap Bag is perfect for ladies who lunch. $298.

Why not celebrate the advent of spring with some floral adornment? Pick up the Elliott Luca
Floral Dr. Satchel for someone who loves bright and vivid colors. $298.

The Elliott Lucca Frida Bucket bag is perfect for the bohemian chic. $168.




Who says orange should only be worn in October? Get noticed with the orange, patent leather Kate Spade
Pasadena Julia bag. $645.



The Maxx New York Bridle Oversize Triple Zip Satchel is sure to bring a little sunshine into any girl's life. $148.



Don't you just love the nautical colors of the Kate Spade, Cape Cod Maya bag? $495.






















Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Lois Loves - Watch Cases

Nowadays, men own multiple watches and use them to accessorize outfits, just like women use handbags to accessorize outfits. Men who own multiple watches will certainly need something to protect, display, and store their watches. Red Envelope offers some great watch cases that are great looking and priced for different budgets.


The Monogrammed Leather Watch Case offers a a more traditional look in black pebbled leather or brown pebbled leather. $60.






I love the sleek, sophistication of the Brushed Nickel Watch Case. The case holds up to nine watches and is engravable. $78.





The Milano Leather Watch Case stores seven watches and also has a drawer that can store cuff links. $125.


Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Lois Loves - Zodiac Watches

Today, I'm focusing on gifts for men. Generally, I think men are easier to shop for because there is less choice. You can't go wrong with a watch, clothing, gadget, or tools. Its usually best to keep it simple. However, in this age of the Metrosexual, men are taking more interest in their appearance and companies are starting to cater more to those men who want to present a put-together, stylish image to the world. Zodiac Watches definitely caters to these men, but the brand also has a wide selection of watches that any man would appreciate. Check out these great watch styles.

This stainless steel style is perfect for the old school guy who wants to jazz up his look just a little.
Style Z02258 , Sea Dragon Collection, $275.





I love the casual elegance of the ZO21055, V-Series Collection, $395.




The versatility of the ZO3700, Sea Dragon Collection, $275, makes it a perfect watch for an athlete or college student.

Monday, March 5, 2007

GiftRx - Dose 2 - Set a Budget

Now that you've compiled a list of all your gift recipients and set up your reminder service, See GiftRx-Dose 1, its time to start thinking about a budget. Today, many people unfortunately buy into the idea that the more expensive the gift, the more appreciative the gift recipient. This faulty logic is why many people overspend and buy inappropriate gifts. In reality, the people who really care about you and love you will appreciate any gift regardless of its cost.

In order to avoid the temptation to overspend, you absolutely MUST set a budget BEFORE you go shopping for a gift. First, look at your finances and determine how much you can spend on the gift. Second, determine whether the occasion you are buying the gift for warrants an inexpensive gift, moderately priced gift or a more expensive gift. Third, ask yourself, who am I buying this gift for? Most likely, you will want to spend more money on a close friend or a family member than on an acquaintance or a co-worker. Once you've completed this exercise, you are ready to set your budget. Remember, the budget should be realistic, and must include the cost of the gift, taxes, shipping costs, gift wrap and card.

Initially it will be difficult to set a budget and stick to it. Don't give up. If you consistently set a budget prior to purchasing a gift, eventually it will become habit and you'll never buy a gift beyond your financial means again. Remember, gifts should be given in joy. Gift giving is a means to express love, appreciation, and gratitude. If you regret purchasing a gift because of the financial strain the purchase put on your pocket, the meaning behind the gift becomes inauthentic.

Sunday, March 4, 2007

Lois Loves - Spring Bags

I love the Spring. I'm looking forward to packing up my winter gear and revamping my wardrobe. Its also a time to find new handbags to accessorize my new Springtime outfits. A girl can never have to many handbags! Guys, if you are ever at a loss at what to get your ladies, you can never go wrong with a new handbag. Here are some perfect handbags for Springtime gifts.



I love the off-white color and the red stripe of the King Pin Strike Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Every girl needs a white bag to welcome spring. eluxury ,$368.00.



The Via Spiga Emily bag is perfect for both work and play. Via Spiga, $295.



This adorable, girly clutch is perfect for Spring brunch. J.Crew's St. Barth bag, J.Crew, $58.



Saturday, March 3, 2007

Lois Loves - Witty Totes

I love a great tote bag and I'm always on the hunt for really unique totes. When I came across the Angry Little Girls totes, I couldn't help but burst out laughing. Based on a weekly comic strip by Lela Lee, the Angry Little Girls totes feature clever expressions, bound to get your bag noticed. These witty totes are perfect for that quirky friend who likes to stand out. And, when you are picking up a tote for your friend, why not pick one up for yourself? Choose which bag you want to tote, based on the mood you are in. Here are my favorites.

For days when you feel like nothing is going your way, the Crazy Maria tote, $9.99, reminds you to take time to smell the flowers.


For friends who can't get enough of themselves, the Disenchanted Deborah tote, $9.99, is the perfect accessory.


Keep envy at bay with the Get Your Own Bag Bitch tote, $24.99.


The, I Hate People Filmstrip tote, $24.99, is perfect for days when you are angry at the world.




Because we all sometimes get tired of our own bitching, the Sometimes I Get Tired Of My Own Bitching tote, $24.99, will keep you honest.


Feeling down in the dumps and need some attention? The Gloomy Xyla tote, $9.99, is sure to get you noticed.


Thursday, March 1, 2007

Lois Loves - Gift Certificates

Many people dislike giving gift certificates because they think they are thoughtless and impersonal. I, however, disagree. Nowadays, gift certificates offer recipients some really imaginative and unique opportunities. A gift certificate can allow someone to shop guilt-free at a favorite store, get pampered with a spa treatment, or pursue a hobby by taking a class. I'm particularly fond of gift certificates that encourage pursuit of a hobby. I consider myself a cooking enthusiast and I would be ecstatic if I received a gift certificate for a cooking class. A gift certificate for a cooking class is perfect for an aspiring chef, a food enthusiast, or even someone who has a cooking phobia. If someone in your life fits any of these categories, contact your area culinary schools and restaurants and inquire about purchasing a gift certificate for a cooking class. If you live in the NYC area here are a few great options.

  • The Institute of Culinary Education(50 W.23rd Street, 212-847-0770) has the most extensive recreational division in the City. The Art of Cevice - Plus a Great Mojito, Super Soup Suppers, All about Risotto, Sushi and More, and Doughnuts, Beignets, and Fritters are just a few of the interesting classes offered at the ICE. The ICE offers gift certificates redeemable for $75 or more. See ICE gift certificates for more information. To learn more about ICE recreational classes go to
    ICE recreational classes.

  • Miette Culinary Studio(109 MacDougal Street, Suite 2, 212-460-9322) offers Adult Classes and Children Classes. The culinary studio's adult classes include an Indian Cooking Class and Saveur cooking classes for Italian, American and French Classics. Miette offers gift certificates in any dollar amount. For more information about Miette's Gift Certificates go to Miette Certificate.

  • If you think your gift recipient would prefer to learn to cook in their own kitchen; home cooking new york(718-282-8866) is a great option. Home cooking new york offers in-home cooking classes where students create their own customized lesson plans. A cooking class for 2 is $250 and can be held in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens. Contact home cooking for more information about classes and gift certificates.