5 Gift Ideas Under $25

Gifts for Everyone! by fleur-d-elise featuring home decor

You know what drives me nuts? When magazines and websites are like "Are you on a budget? We've got gift ideas under $100!" Excuse me, but what kind of "budget" are you guys working with? Like, maybe, I'll spend more on my mom than anyone else, but there is no way everyone in my life is getting a $95 clutch for Christmas. Lets be real, my budget is more like $20. $25 tops.

I'm lucky to have a lot of amazing people in my life that I want to buy presents for (all the time), but I've got to be realistic. Sometimes it takes a little more creativity, but you really can find nice things for less than $25. Here are a few of my picks. Cool fact: they are all either made here in Seattle or are sold by local companies!

1. Grey Pom Beanie from Zumiez $19.95. Who doesn't love a new hat? How cute would it be to buy the whole family matching hats and then force everyone to take a holiday photo together? Holiday sap at its finest.

2. Big Dipper Wax Works Candle. These candles are made from pure beeswax and are poured just miles from my house. My favorite scent is "Enlightenment" and is a combination of peppermint & bergamot oils. It's a light, happy scent. The pillars range from $13 to $33, or, at just $3.75, a votive would make a nice stocking stuffer.

3. Brush Stripe Tea Towel by Such Sweet Tierney $18. These 100% cotton tea towels are hand-printed here in Seattle. They would make the perfect hostess gift, or use it to wrap up the Holiday baked goods you bring to your favorite neighbors!

4. Theo Chocolate Holiday Bars $4. The local drug store here sometimes has these on sale for $1.99, so I stock up. Even at $4, these are an affordable and delicious way to let someone know you appreciate them.

5. Moon Phases Calendar from Moorea Seal $22. This calendar is kinda metal; kinda hippy. Perfect for all the cool people in your life. It's from one of Seattle's coolest new stores, Moorea Seal. It's like all my favorite Pinterest boards in one store.

Speaking of which, Moorea Seal has a Pin-to-Win going on. Create a wishlist pinboard and you could win a $250 to spend on awesome stuff!

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Out & About: Beats & Bohos Grand Opening

I'm a lucky girl! I can now call Beats & Bohos my neighbor! They just moved to Greenwood from Ballard, which is most excellent as Greenwood was in desperate need of a cool, vintage clothing store. Really, Beats & Bohos is the epitome of cool, seeing as they also carry vintage records.

Here's a recap of their grand opening.

 Vintage maven and amazing blogger, Bella of The Citizen Rosebud chats with Jean of All Trades and her husband.

 The place was packed with fashionable Seattleites (the girl in polka dots is one of the buyers)

 Photo taken by my sis!

Come have a look around the store, which is located at 7200 Greenwood Ave North. Or, if you're not in Seattle, you can browse their racks via Etsy!

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Look of the Day: Orchid Maxi Dress + Vintage Denim

Here are a few of my latest thrift store spoils. I found the Levi's denim jacket in the kid's section. Really, I should thank my sister-in-law for pointing it out. It's quite a find! It has a big 'E' on the red tab instead of a lowercase 'e'. Based on the size of the tag inside, the design of the buttons, and the absence of handwarmer pockets we think it was made sometime in the year 1969. I still need to take it to Insurrection in Greenwood to confirm everything, but I'm fairly confident it is that old! Kinda wish it had pockets, though...

The dress is from the 1970s, I believe. I wore it, and the jacket, to the fashion show at the SAM. If you're interested in the dress, it's available through my Etsy shop.

I'm a little sad to see this dress go. It's so pretty, both in print and fit. I have so many floral maxis, though, that I figured I should share. The empire waist is probably my favorite part.

 It has a back vent so you can actually walk in it. It makes it all the prettier, too.

Oasap Sugar Linked Necklace - Vintage Maxi Dress - Vintage Levi's Denim Jacket - MIA flats

Out & About: Seattle Fashion at the SAM

It's hard to tell, since you most likely only know me in blog form, but I'm actually kind of shy. Or awkward. Maybe both. I've been trying really hard to get myself out there more. I really do love fashion and the social side of it and sitting on a computer can only take you so far! Luckily, there have been some fun events happening in Seattle that have gotten me off my seat and out socializing with real, live humans!

At the beginning of the month, I went to the community night held at the Seattle Art Museum to celebrate the final days of the Future Beauty exhibit. The exhibit featured the incredible works of Japanese fashion designers, such as Junya Watanabe, Issey Miyake, and Commes des Garcons. The museum also hosted a special fashion show featuring the works of teachers and students from the New York Fashion Academy. I went specifically to see my friend Camille debut her amazing designs from her line Millie Vixen. 

Taking inspiration from both Japanese design and Japanese folklore, Camille created dresses that are as beautiful as they are creepy!

Candace Cantaloupe designs both clothes and fabulous headpieces!

Designed by Gwen Stubbs of Lekkerlife

 Kristie Metcalf's designs were quite possibly the most wearable of all the creations. If you've ever been to any sort of fashion show, you'll know the feeling; when something just clicks and you can see yourself wearing it in real life. The clothes are not just beautiful, but also achievable! It's no wonder she's been chosen to compete on the Style Network's new show Styled to Rock.

This dress had been abandoned at the school by a former student. The academy's director, Terry Horlamus rescued it. I think it was my favorite of the night. 

Model Marisa Rocket killed it in this gown by Erin Roby.

I was just floored by the detailing in these dresses by Rachel Farquharson. They were all absolutely perfect and stunningly gorgeous.

Her final dress had something like 12 different colors of tulle!

P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway!!

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Steals & Deals at Romwomen

Chic under $100 by fleur-d-elise featuring a crossbody purse

This week, I'm partnering with Romwomen to spread the word about a great promotion they're having. When you spend $85+ you get $10 worth of free jewelry! 

You could get an entirely new outfit for that much! My picks are this color-blocked jacket, a blue sequined dress that could be dressed up or down, and this cute, little heart purse. To finish off the look, I'd probably go for these bright pink chain earrings. What's better than free jewelry??
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6 Un-boring Coats for Fall

Summer is almost over and, as always, I'm a little bummed. The colder months can seem so monotonous. The picnics are over, the warm weather is gone, and everyone gets back to the grind. Your wardrobe doesn't have to be that way, though, and you shouldn't ever feel like you're having to cover up your outfit just to stay warm. Your coat should be a part of the look! If you're tired of your cold weather outerwear, it's time to freshen things up. Here are six great pieces that will keep you both warm and chic.

1. Sleek & Minimalist

Photo: Elizabeth Lippman for New York Times

A collarless coat looks crisp and grown-up when paired with a preppy oxford. Think how much simpler wrapping a scarf will be as well! This wool coat from H&M is a steal at $79.95

2. Fall Colored

Photo: Candice Lake

On those dark days when you're just tired of the dreary weather, or your dreary outerwear, brighten up your outfit with a coat in orange, burgundy, or even mustard yellow. Try this orange blazer.

3. Oversized & Textured

Photo: Stockholm Street Style

Probably my favorite look for Fall is the oversized coat, especially in marled textures. It's subtly ridiculous and looks so good with other black and white patterns! The one shown above is available at Oasap.

4. Quirky & Detailed

Photos: Candice Lake and Vanessa Jackman

If your outerwear boredom hasn't been solved, then experiment with crazy patterns and interesting details. A motojacket with contrasting sleeves might be the fix, or try one in banana print from Top Shop. If the banana pattern is a little too wild, go for something more abstract in black and white. It will be easier to coordinate. Zara has a gorgeous jaquard print coat for $119.

5. Relaxed in a cinch

Photo: Happy, Honey & Lark

If you live in a climate similar to Seattle's, you probably won't need a heavy coat till November or so. Until then, a curve-accentuating anorak will do just fine. This one has the cutest little polka dots both inside and out! It's only $53 at Romwomen!

6. Cape Flattery

I've been wanting a cape for years. I had trouble finding the right fit, though. They always make me look huge or like I'm drowning (I'm not exactly that tall). One trick is to find the right length, or you can try a cape, like this sleek little number from Oasap, that has long lines and angles. Coupled with the gathered waist, these features mean you won't lose your shape.

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Beauty: Back to Basics

My skin has gotten more sensitive as I've gotten older. Even in the past year I've noticed a big change in the way my skin reacts, so I've decided it's time to simplify things. I've been avoiding any makeup or skincare products with perfumes and have started using unscented laundry detergent. I even have to be careful about the lip balm I use! Just in the knick of time, I received this free sample of Hydrating Serum from Lucky Magazine and Seventh Generation.

The new line of Seventh Generation's skin-boosting serums is so natural you could practically eat them! Seriously, there are 12 ingredients in the hydrating serum! It's hypoallergenic, won't clog my pores and contains absolutely no parabens, phthalates or synthetic fragrances.

I apply it after I wash my face in the evening, since it's mostly oil-based. That way it has time to soak in and I don't have to walk around all shiney faced! In the winter, I'll probably mix it in with my lotion to avoid the crazy-dry skin I get in cold weather.

Simplifying your beauty regimen doesn't have to be drastic, and if you're not having problems with rashes, like I am, it doesn't mean you have to throw away everything in your bathroom. Use up the products you have, then invest in some high-quality, earth- and skin-friendly products from Seventh Generation's new line. 

Here are some of my #AllNaturalStyleSecrets :

- Skip lip balms that contain peppermint oil. This is really irritating and can make chapped lips worse!

- Get soft skin with this gentle face scrub

- Having trouble getting smells out of your clothes? Switch to natural fabrics! Polyester and synthetics tend to stay smelly, even after several washes. Plus, they usually make you sweat, and we all know what that leads to!

- Remove heavy makeup by applying a few drops of olive or jojoba oil to your face. Let it soak in, wipe with a tissue, then wash as usual.

Frida's gettin' back to basics, too.