From private jet trips to cross-continental adventures, our Ready-to-Give Gifts Boutique has the last-minute presents of a lifetime. The only problem? Plain old white envelopes are no fun under the tree. Choose one of these fun and festive wrapping solutions and strike awe in every giftee even before they discover what’s inside.

1. Bury it in a jar of candy or in a tray of chocolates.
Place the voucher in an envelope, hold it upright inside a Mason jar, and pour your giftee’s favorite candy (jelly beans, Skittles®, chocolate kisses, etc.) over it. Seal the jar, wrap the lid with ribbon, and put it under the tree. Similarly, pick up a gourmet tray of chocolates and place the voucher inside the box (or tape it to the bottom). They’ll never see it coming.

2. Attach it to a helium balloon.
Nothing will catch their attention like a bundle of floating balloons. Use a hole punch at the office and swing by the party store on your way home.

3. Frame it.
If this last-minute gift is a trip across continents, put the voucher in a colorful frame and wrap it up. The frame will be waiting on the mantel for the perfect picture when they return.

4. Create a DIY bow or envelope.
If you’re feeling especially crafty, or you have a knack for origami.

5. Hang it from the tree.
Put the voucher in a gift box or envelope, tie it with ribbon, and either tuck it cozily in the branches or hang it with the ornaments. Tell your giftee there’s something waiting for them in the tree – they just have to find it.

Our Ready-to-Give Gifts: Just Print & Add a Bow Boutique opens Friday, December 21, at 11AM ET.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

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Today, the leather jacket is pretty much cultural shorthand for cool – put it on and your outfit instantly exudes an edgy, bad-boy quality. Here, a look at how the outerwear icon evolved from protective gear to a modern-day style must-have.

Early 1900s
Brown leather flight jackets are worn by aviators and members of the military. During WWII they become known as “bomber jackets,” prized for their heavy insulation and warmth.

1928
Irving Schott designs the first motorcycle jacket and sells it for $5.50 (yes, you read that right) at the Harley Davidson store in NYC.

1953
Here’s where the Hollywood years come in. Marlon Brando wears a leather bomber jacket and schools everywhere ban “the Brando look,” fearing it symbolizes a rebellious youth culture.

1955
Rebel-without-a-cause (and movie star heartthrob) James Dean is hardly ever seen without his leather jacket, further perpetuating its rebellious reputation.

1963
Paired with his signature aviators, Steve McQueen single-handedly makes the leather jacket the epitome of cool.

1974
“The Fonz” debuts his leather jacket on the popular TV show Happy Days. This very jacket remains on display today in the Smithsonian Institution.

Early 1980s
Punk rockers (see Blondie and Billy Idol) give the leather jacket their own spin, adding studs, safety pins, and of course, plenty of attitude.

Today
The leather jacket is an outerwear staple seen on a slew of celebrities. Purchase your own in our Giorgio Armani Men Boutique.

Our Giorgio Armani Men Boutique opens Wednesday, December 19, at 3PM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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From velvet minidresses (1990s-inspired, of course) to velvet leggings (in a bevy of hues), this rich fabric is on my holiday must list. But even if you’re not quite ready to go all-out with velvet, it’s easy to incorporate this plush, seasonal fabric in a subtler way – just check out the Ciaté “Berry Poncho” manicure below.

The polish is available at Sephora and includes step-by-step directions. But, if you ask me, this tutorial on Ciaté’s website is even better.

A few tips:

1. Paint each nail with two coats of polish. Immediately after adding the second coat, powder on the
velvet – it will hold to the polish much longer.
2. Put some velvet powder in the “catch-all” tray provided and roll each nail in it, making sure to coat the nail completely.
3. Place some paper towels underneath your manicure station, because that velvet dust will wander.
4. DO NOT DO YOUR MANI NEAR A FAN! (See wandering velvet dust, above.)
5. Get used to friends asking to pet your nails – it’s going to happen more than you’d think.

By Carolyn Schultz, Staff Writer

What’s your go-to holiday manicure? Share it in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala.

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You finally booked that dream British vacation – first class flight and everything. Now, all that’s left between you and Great Britain (well, besides an ocean) is that empty suitcase.  Luckily, we’ve taken a look at your itinerary (and even included a few insider tips) and answered all your what-to-wear woes.

Edinburgh, Scotland
Hit the pub scene (try out Bow Bar for the best whiskey) with a cozy-looking clutch and a pair of sleek-but-not-too-dressy leather booties.

Manchester, England
Give a nod to Manchester’s punk-rock roots (it’s home to Piccadilly Records) with an edgy chain-link bag and biker boots.

Cardiff, Wales
When shopping in Cardiff, A.K.A. the city of arcades, look to smart flats and a crossbody bag (you’ll want both hands free for all those to-die-for finds).

St. Albans, England
Take a day trip from London and explore the scenic city of St. Albans. Just remember to pack comfy flats and a large bag you can fill with water, maps, and snacks.

For more British fashion and flights to these locales (and beyond), check our In High-Flying Fashion: British Airways & VisitBritain Boutique, opening Monday, December 17 at 3PM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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Continue reading “Hopping the Pond? Time to Get Packing” »

This may come as a shock, but fashion steals and exquisite fine jewelry aren’t mutually exclusive. The key to pulling it off? It’s all about balance:

Statement Necklace
When you’re rocking a look-at-me statement necklace like this 18-karat gold, sterling, and Swarovski® marcasite piece, rest assured that all eyes with be on you. Rather than opt for an equally extravagant earring, keep things simple with small CZ studs or gold vermeil drop. With all the attention on your finer gems, you have the freedom to skimp on the other duds.

All About Arm Candy
If a heavy arm party is your look, feel free to mix cheaper metals with your best gems. On their own, gem-studded gold, silver, and pearl bracelets can look too formal, but bunched with a feisty wrap watch and a stack of noisy bangles (yes, the ones you regret to admit you spent less than $5 on), these more expensive pieces of your arsenal become much more wearable.

Delicate Earrings
Like me, you probably don’t leave the house without earrings. Usually, real gemstone varieties are enough on their own and have sparkle to spare, but when pairing with other accessories, forgo the necklace and stick with rings and bracelets only. Though I’m normally a fan of mixing metals, in this instance I suggest matching these extra duds to the metal of the earring (whether they’re precious or not).

Our Gifts That Shine: Watches & Jewelry for Him & Her Boutique opening Saturday, December 15 at 11AM ET.

By Abigail Kuzia, Editor

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Hurricane Sandy may have delayed the Calvin Klein Spring 2013 Preview by a few weeks, but the show (make that presentation) went on as planned at the end of November and was – as always – an event to remember.

Last year marked the debut of the ck one color cosmetics line. This time around, the focus was squarely on the clothes, denim, accessories, and underwear.

Models posed prettily amid a structure billed as “a modernist house constructed of black frames,” which was “filtering light and casting shadows within a pure, all-white setting” while guests walked around enjoying tumblers of OJ and breakfast nibbles. The black frames reminded me of very chic prison cells, especially in conjunction with the bunker-like benches and graphic, black-and-white stripes (a huge trend for spring) worn by many of the models.

There were also a lot of 007-worthy pale grey suits and short-sleeved button-downs (for the gents), as well as colorblocked trousers and painterly print separates (for the ladies). Pale denim; sleek swimwear; chunky, heeled sandals; and handheld, fold-over bags completed the picture.

Worn beneath everything, of course, was Calvin Klein’s famous underwear, including the new Calvin Klein Concept line constructed from seamless, high-tech performance fabric.

On the way out, instead of the usual goodie bag, guests were offered their choice of a cropped denim jacket or a pair of sunglasses. Calvin Klein for everyone!

I’m a firm believer that you can never have too many boots (just ask my closet). But if you have to choose just a few, these are the three styles no winter wardrobe should go without.

Snow Boots
A must-have for après-ski activities (just pair with leggings and a chunky knit sweater), these boots are also lifesavers on snowy New England commutes.

Riding Boots
A horseback riding staple, you don’t have to be an equestrienne to rock these classic English-style boots. For best results, opt for a pair in rich camel or black patent leather.

Booties
Say hello to your new best friend. From skinny jeans and tights to cocktail dresses with bare legs, booties literally go with everything. Tip: For a casual look, try rocking them with scrunched-up socks.

Our Time to Reboot: The Men’s & Women’s Sale Boutique opens Friday, December 14, at 11AM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

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Prepsters, rejoice. Rugby Ralph Lauren is almost here, and with it, the answer to your Ivy-inspired apparel dreams. While you may already know Rugby’s look – old-school gone edgy – quite well, a rundown on the brand’s background can only intensify the love, right? (Right.)

The brand launched in 2004, as a younger, edgier take on that American-style prep its parent company, Polo Ralph Lauren, is known for.

Not sure if it’s Rugby Ralph Lauren? If the rich materials, delicious structures, and ubiquitous plaids aren’t a dead giveaway, then look for a skull and crossbones motif, or “R.L.F.C.” – two of the brand’s most recognizable logos.

Rugby Ralph Lauren’s staple product is – you guessed it – the rugby shirt. Originally, the shirts were produced in the school colors of the college towns in which Rugby stores resided.

Taylor Swift is a fan. Need we say more?

Our Rugby Ralph Lauren Women Boutique opens Wednesday, December 12, at 11AM ET.

By Sarah Stanley, Staff Writer

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Winter brings gloomier weather, and as you look around, people tend to wear more somber colors like grey and black. This winter, don’t fall in to that habit. Instead, include a subtle yet eye-catching pattern to add some interest to your outfit.

As shown above, you can wear a solid-colored shirt and use a combination of classic fall patterns, like herringbone and plaid, which can be incorporated by use of outerwear accessories and, of course, sport coats. By adding small doses of these rich patterns, you’ll keep dismal weather from getting your style down. For more pattern (and layering) help, check out the step-by-step guide below.

Step 1. Start with a simple (and comfy) crewneck tee.
Step 2. Add a classic button-front (I recommend chambray).
Step 3. Throw on a soft v-neck sweater.
Step 4. Incorporate some texture. A herringbone sport coat will work wonders for this step.
Step 5. Look to patterned outerwear accessories. A plaid scarf in dark hues is the perfect neutral eye candy.

Welcome: Tom and Giselle’s newest bundle of joy, Vivian Lake. Looks like the world just got a little more beautiful.

Know: Pantone just unveiled its 2013 color of the year. We bet a lot of hues are green with envy out there.

Watch: A little something to hold you over until season 2 of Girls premieres in January.

Check out: Burberry Prorsum’s Year in Review by Trevor Undi. Obsessed? Yeah, us too.

Tell us what you’re buzzing about this week or tweet us at @ruelala.

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