TO CUPID OR NOT TO CUPID?

How do you guys feel about Valentine's Day?

I'm pretty ambivalent. We don't go all out for it around here. I much prefer just-because flowers. We usually cook a nice dinner at home...something a little more luxe than our everyday meals, like lobster and eat our weight in dessert.

But if I can use a holiday to treat myself to a new candle or a little Tibi, why not? I love this little arrow bracelet too, for wearing daily well after the holiday.

MaryJohn Garnet Rings  |  Smock Lucky To Have You Card  |  NARS Easy Lover Lip Gloss  |  Madewell Sidewalk Skimmers  |  Stella & Dot Gilded Arrow Bangle  |  Tibi Scattered Heart Cami  |  Very Kiki Girl's Heart Tee  |  Archipelago Botanicals Red Amaryllis Candle

WHAT TO GET GIRLS

Alright, yesterday we gave a lot of heat to the guys for being hard to shop for. Now that you have some great ideas for them, we have to admit that girls aren't so easy to shop for either. If you're a guy looking for something for your girlfriend, wife, sister, or mother, might we recommend some of these?

This necklace is both edgy and classic - a great piece that she'll have for years that defies trends as they come and go.

I own these booties in a taupe suede, but I've got my eye on this black pair after getting so much wear out of my first pair. These look great with jeans, leggings, or skirts.

The ultimate bag in the perfect shade of grey - she can use this every single season with any outfit.

If a shiny new iPhone is at the top of her Christmas list, make sure she's got a case to keep that precious new possession protected.

Every girl needs a leather jacket in her closet. This one's budget friendly but not lacking in the style department.

And for the girl who has it all, stationary is always a safe bet. We love this black and gold set that comes packaged in a gift ready box - for all you wrapping challenged men out there.

PS - Don't forget to listen to the Seventeenth and Irving Very Merry Holidays playlist while wrapping up your gifts!

WHAT TO GET GUYS

Aren't guys always the hardest to shop for? They usually don't want much, or they buy what they want, leaving you with no good ideas. If you have an athletic guy in your life, do I have the suggestions for you. I asked the most stylish and athletic male I know, Joel Corpus, to help us out. Here are his selections:

Every guy loves a basic tee. Why not tell him what you would really like to do with this awesome tee?

Help him stay warm on his way to the gym, hiking, or biking with the basic yet stylish jacket from Patagonia.

If he's in to running or just cool sneakers, these minimal barefoot running kicks from Inov-8 are not only lightweight but comfortable too - he'll never wear anything else.

For those bookworms, he'll enjoy learning life lessons with the book "Lone Survivor," a true story about Marcus Luttrell, a former US Navy SEAL that goes into a reconnaissance mission and ends up being the only one to make it out alive.

For the guy with a heart of gold, get him these Tom's Classic 101 sunglasses. Every purchase sends prescription eye glasses to someone in need.

If finding peace and tranquility is on the top of his list for the new year, help him out with a cool yoga mat and carrying strap from lululemon.

FESTIVE DETAILS

Okay, I confess....my favorite part of gift giving is actually in the packaging. I live for the moment each year when stores put out their paper, ribbons, and bows. I might have a bit too much of it in our hallway closet. But it's gorgeous! What's not to love about the endless combinations and beautiful creations you can make with paper and ribbon? Here are my favorite picks, including some pre-printed gift boxes that look "wrapped" for my male readers that might be, ahem, wrapping challenged.

Ever wished you could tie the perfect bow? Here's a great step by step tutorial. And don't forget to turn on the festive tunes while you're wrapping the gifts!

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HOLIDAY JINGLES

It's suddenly December and it seems as this year flew by faster than the rest. I'm definitely in the holiday spirit so I created a Very Merry Holidays Playlist for you on Spotify, full of old and new favorites. Hope you enjoy listening to it while trimming your tree, wrapping your gifts, or gathering with friends.

Image from Nicole Jenkins Photography

MERRY MERRY

We've trimmed the tree, hung the wreath, and the holidays are in full swing here. I'm inspired by the simplest displays of greenery - whether it's lush greenery with seasonal fruit on the mantel or a gathered branch in a vase.

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