Gift Ideas for the Fashionably Green

'Tis better to give than to receive. I've found that sometimes when it comes to giving clothes, however, it can be difficult to assess the tastes, styles, and fit of the receiver. I offer up two solutions: Annie Greenabelle and the Headshop.

In doing Altered Couture recruiting, I came across Annie Greenabelle's delicious line (http://www.anniegreenabelle.com/). With soft color palettes and understated cuts and shapes, these clothes are a good fit for any type of lass. What's more is that they are easy pieces to pair and play with when it comes to jewelry, shoes, and accessories. So consider these frocks for party girls, tomboys, goth grrrls, or anyone in between. Allow the receiver to truly make these dresses her own. Bonus: these pieces are all made with Fairtrade materials and reclaimed clothing items.

And if you are looking for that perfect accessory or T-shirt (who doesnt need a cool tee?) you needn't look further than my good friends at the Headshop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheHeadShop). With the faces of the most inpiring people gracing totes, aprons, pins, and T-shirts for both men and women this is the perfect gift for the artsy folk or cool college kid in your life, there's even something for vegan feminists everywhere. I own the Oh Yoko shirt in petal pink. Needless to say, I heart it. Extra credit for those who couple their Headshop totes with Annie Greenabelle dresses. Go, shop, give, and be happy. It's good karma.

Wisdom From Tuvalu

My heart belongs to Laguna Beach. Im so blessed to live where I do, 15 minutes from these beautiful shores, great art, the best coffee, and cuteset boutiques. One of my favorite stores is Tuvalu (http://www.tuvaluhome.com/lbp/) a home decor treasure trove. And while I love Laguna, I love finding wisdom in unexpected places even more. These two pieces were in the store begging to be read. One of my New Year's resolutions will be to adhere to the ABCs of life ... well except for packing lightly.

In Honor of Bethday

Here are a few of my favorite things ... Hope they make you smile as much as they do for me. Enjoy!

The Next Chapter of the Story

Birthdays are like new chapters. With 3.5 hours until the quarter century mark I started thinking about the next leap I will be making in the next 12 months ...

"You must know yourself that this story is full of big jumps. Leaps. When you first went to bed, Ithought to myself that I ought to wake up everyone in the house and throw a party for our marvelous jumping brother. What am I that I that I didnt wake everybody up? I wish I knew. A worrier at the very best. I worry about big jumps that I can measure off with my eyes. I think I dream of you daring to jump right out of my sight ... I think this new story is the one you've been waiting for ... Give me a story that just makes me unreasonably vigilant. Keep me up till five only because all your stars are out and for no other reason ..."

-J.D. Salinger

I'm off now to kick off the birthday celebrations. Hopefully all my stars are out.

Birthday's Past

A recollection of birthdays past ... my 22nd was spent in London, my 23rd at D-land with some of my besties ... and last year my office was deckec out in my favorite color, pink, by my awesome coworkers. Can't wait to see what the coming years will bring ...

While I Was Out ...

Shopping at the Nordstrom Private Holiday Party ... cranberry martinis, champagne, cupcakes, appetizers, and shoes ... Hopefully I'll find some gifts ... and some deals ...

Mum's the Word

This is a love letter long overdue. As my birthday approaches I realize it is not only my day, but a day I can truly share with my parents. I'm so thankful for them as they are the best gift I have been given. It's completely out of your hands who your parents are chosen to be and I'm still not sure how I found myself lucky enough to have the mum and dad I have had for 25 years.

One of my most cherished gifts is the pearls my mother gave me. They were given to her from my father. Over the summer we got them re-strung. I love wearing them, layering them, and learning about caring for them - one of the most valauble lessons my mother has passed down to me. She also taught me that every woman should have one pair of pearls and looks elegant wearing them. Needless to say, I follow her advice every chance I get. I even wore these at my college graduation. The fact that they are from my dad makes them sweeter, as this strand has passed through the hands of both of them and on to me.

My mother's other jewelry favorite is Black Hills gold. These drop earrings were hers and my grandmother passed them on to me. I'm very picky when it comes to anything that's not studs. But I love the simplicity of these.

My mum's true hobby is jewelry making nowadays. She has always been creative, but she loves making jewelry and gifting it to others. This was a passion I didn't understand at first but after working at Stampington, it becomes more clear. And like writing for me, I'm glad my mum has something she loves to carry her through every storm, day, night, and ounce of free time. And it's yet another way in which she leaves her imprint on my tastes and styles. She made these necklaces for me (which I love to layer), and these bracelets and earrings too. Thanks mum and dad for passing your wisdom, friendship and love onto me. Without these things I wouldnt be the person I am today, 25 (almost) years in the making.