27 Days/Nights of December Gift-Giving: Cozy & Warm

by Susan Cross | Posted: December 16th, 2009 | No Comments »

That’s 8 nights of Hanukah, 7 days of Kwanzaa and 12 days of Christmas! Phew!

The theme of this years gifts – are items high on luxury and beauty but low on cost. VIB’s list for the recession. Women are giving beings. Just because 2009 is a lean year does not mean that we have to hide out, trying not to run into our nearest and dearest. Don’t cut your gift list. Just cut your costs… Here are a few of our favorite things – whiskers on kittens were out of stock this year!

As you now know VIB loves fitness, wellness, beauty, luxury, reading and taking care of ones self. Here are some gift ideas that encompass all things Venus.

• Fit Flop Clogs/Boots: You know those cult hit flip-flops (FitFlops)? Well we love them, and they now have clogs and boots! Both are on our holiday lists. We get sad when we have to take ours off in September and now we can wear these fitness shoes all year long. Created in the UK by Bliss spa-entrepreneur Marcia Kilgore and Biomechanist Dr. David Cook, FitFlops were initially designed to help modern women squeeze a little more exercise into their increasingly hectic schedules. The shoes challenge your muscles more every time you step – to deliver a workout while you walk. Gogh (named after Vincent since the biochemist is Dutch – love that) are $80.00, and the boots are $140.00 for the short ones and $200 for the tall ones.
• Cashmere Socks: What goes with your new FitFlop boots and this cold weather? Cashmere socks. Once you experience cashmere socks you will never be able to wear wool again. Sorry but you won’t. Just put a pair on, and it is like nothing you have ever experienced before. They have gotten pricy but we found the deal of the year. Garnet Hill (the catalog company) is having a special – six pairs for $120.00!!! That’s right $120.00. Most cashmere socks are almost $100 a pair. I hope they still have some left. We’ve sent them to everyone on our list this year – shouldn’t the feet that hold up your amazing body and get you moving have the best? 1.800.622.6216.
• J. Crew sequin cardigan: There are so many parties this season. What to wear and how to look elegant and stay warm? We found the perfect solution. The  J. Crew sequin cardigan. It has a shrunken modern fit, a smattering of sequins on the lapels to give it a subtle dose of sparkle. Wear this over a sexy tank and a pencil skirt, or with fitted black velvet pants and no top under (just belt it) or with a t-shirt and jeans for a more casual party. For $138.00 this is a timeless modern piece that you will wear again and again. We were shocked at the low price tag!
• Patagonia’s Women’s Downtown Loft Jacket: $250.00. We love this jacket because it has a slim-fit and fashionable collar. A street-smart down jacket with a chic city attitude.
• Patagonia Women’s Down Sweater Full-Zip Hoody: $250.00. If you want MORE sport and less fashion, then this Patagonia Hoody is for you. This down sweater full-zip hoody is ultra-light with down insulation for cold mountain sports or just walking around cold city streets!
• Ralph Lauren Mitered Cashmere VNECK: Price $475.00 – certain colors ON SALE $299.00! This chic, modern cashmere sweater is the height of luxury. It is 100% high quality cashmere and has a deep-V for a more flattering look. So beautiful that you can wear it with a fitted sequin skirt to a holiday party, with slacks on Christmas Day, with skinny jeans on weekends; and if you buy it in winter white you can wear this all year long. This is an investment piece that you will have for years to come.
• Ralph Lauren suede-patch plaid camp shirt: Price: $198.00. We don’t usually recommend trendy pieces but this shirt is so fantastic we have to add it to our list. A tartan-plaid flannel shirt cut for a slim, sexy fit with a point collar and suede patches at the elbows! It is sexy yet elegant, sporty yet chic. You can wear this with winter white fitted pants on Christmas eve, with a black satin floor length skirt to a black tie affair (with sequin belt), with jeans on weekends. Did we mention we love this shirt?

Happy warming!

* VIB has no financial interest in promoting any of these products.