Some say Hanukkah’s giftiness was created as a response to the retail-heavy festivities of Christmas – it doesn’t have the same religious significance as Yom Kippur or Passover.

But regardless, ever since I was a little kid I’ve loved everything that comes with the eight-day celebration. Crisp golden latkes heaped with applesauce. That sweet little box of multicolored candles. The simple act of taking the menorahs (yes, plural!) out of the hall closet. And – of course – the presents.

This year, Hanukkah comes early – sundown on December 8 – so I’m already well into checking off my gift lists. Below, peek at eight day’s worth of go-to gifts (including two DIYs that cost under $10…. shh).

Day One 
Cookie mix in a mason jar. I plan on gifting this perfectly buttery sugar cookie mix – complete with Star of David cookie cutters – to the family friend who’s hosting this year’s annual Hanukkah party.

Day Two 
Cozy cashmere throw. Paired with a box of spiced hot cocoa and a New York Times bestseller, this luxe blanket is the ultimate cozy-day gift for Mom.

Continue reading “Hello, Hanukkah: Gifts for Every Night” »

From boots fit for a good old fashioned New England snowdrift to an “heirloom” watch (for girls who don’t like waiting around), here’s a look at all the lovely things I’ll be snapping up off of Rue this week.

From left to right:

Rotary men’s watch. The heirloom-watch look? With a classic leather band and old-school Roman numerals, this timeless ticker is how I plan to achieve it (and without that whole waiting-around-to-inherit part). Our Arm Candy: Stackable Bracelets & Watches Boutique opens Tuesday, November 27, at 11AM ET.

French Connection dress. Hello, holiday party (or New Years party… or any party) no-brainer. Our French Connection Women Boutique opens Tuesday, November 27, at 11AM ET.

Sorel boot. A New England snowdrift? In these take-no-prisoners lace-ups, bring it on. Our Sorel Men & Women Boutique opens Monday, November 26, at 11AM ET.

By Sarah Stanley, Staff Writer

Looking forward to something next week? Let us know in the comments below, or tweet us @ruelala.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Sure, we love gifts of luxury. We love thoughtful gifts that speak to a need (finally, a decent coffee machine!). But there’s something about a present that packs an emotional punch. Here are five tips to getting – stylishly – heartfelt for the holidays.

1. Time for a photo op. Too often, old pictures end up piled in shoe boxes. Choose a photo that’s curling at the corners and give it the frame it deserves. We’re partial to silver and leather.

2. Charmed, we’re sure.  We’ve long been fans of the charm bracelet, and we’ve fallen hard for gifting PANDORA’s modern bracelets and necklaces. The right charm (say, a baby carriage with a pink or blue accent stone) commemorates a moment perfectly. And there’s nothing like starting someone out with a cord and her first charms.

3. Engrave – to raves. There’s something magical about a gift that carries a personal message (literally). Whether it’s a watch case or the border of a picture frame, adding a quote or even just “XO” and your name takes it to another level.

4.  Get the news. We love giving a newspaper from the day you met, or the day the giftee was born.  For a fun, bonus add-on, pick up a pair of luxe slippers or a chic welcome mat.

5. Make it happen. You have to love a handmade gift. But for those less-crafty types (guilty!), why not handcraft the card? It can be as easy as printing out an iPhone snap of the two of you, pasting it onto a simple notecard, and adding a sweet message with a Sharpie.

Our PANDORA Boutique opens on Saturday, November 24, at 11AM ET.

By Rachel Solomon, Associate Creative Director

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John Varvatos Star USA Leather Duffel Bag. The boyfriend. Decidedly the most difficult person to buy for – until now. With buttery, calfskin leather, a convenient crossbody strap, and enough room for a weekend’s worth of essentials, this rugged duffel couldn’t be more perfect for that mid-winter getaway you have (secretly) planned.

The Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique is now open.

They were nice enough to invite you over (and during the hectic holiday season, no less), so as Emily Post has taught us, it’s only appropriate we thank them with a thoughtful gift for their hospitality.

The 12 Days of Merry: Kate’s Verbena Hostess Gifts Boutique opened Tuesday, November 20 at 11AM ET.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Every year those holiday check lists get bigger and bigger. And knowing what to get for each person on the list? It’s a challenge in itself. (Never mind actually scoring the right things before they sell out.) That’s where our Brookstone® Boutique steps in. From movie buffs and wine connoisseurs to the iPad® obsessed and anyone who’s ever lost their keys (guilty), stock up on these high-tech extras for a season’s worth of go-to gifts. Promise: you’ll get total gift-giving glee from watching the lucky recipients’ faces when they unwrap these oh-so-fitting gadgets.

Our Brookstone Boutique opens Sunday, November 18, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

Tory Burch “Alice” Nylon Hobo. From the rich navy nylon exterior and gleaming black accents to the roomy interior and space-saving compartments, this handbag has “gift for Mom” written all over it. All that’s left? Stuffing it with a few of her favorites (like a new planner for all her organizing tendencies).

The Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique is now open.

In honor of Father’s Day, we asked our colleagues around the office about their favorite passed-down-from-papa pieces and were moved (almost) to tears.

Ira M., EVP & Chief Merchandising Officer
“My grandfather gave me his father’s silver pocket watch. I wore it on my wedding day, and even though neither my grandfather nor great grandfather were there, in some way, it felt as if they were sharing the day with me. I keep it in a safe place and look forward to passing it on to my son one day.”

Rachel S., Copy Director
“My father gave me his prep school letter sweater. It’s now about 65 years old. I love the thick navy wool, classic boat neck shape, and giant maroon “B” – in high school I wore it with jeans and felt so cool. Today, it’s on a display ledge in my closet. I loved the nostalgic look of it, but more than that, I love knowing that my dad was once a kid, and that he wanted me to have this. It’s like he’s sharing his dreams with me.”
Continue reading “Things Our Father Gave Us” »

THE MUST-HAVE HOMEWARE BRAND’S PRESIDENT AND NAMESAKE ON HER PERSONAL STYLE

We’re in love with Rosanna’s whimsical, upbeat, and perfectly modern pieces. Here, we sit down with Rosanna herself for an insider take on home and entertainment style.

Rue La La: We are just dipping into the world of mixing prints in fashion. What are some rules of thumb for print-mixing at home?
Rosanna: There are no rules anymore. You can make anything your own. Be creative, do what you like, mix old and new. The La Vie Boho is a mixed pattern – it’s a combination of six different periods of design, and they each complement the next.

Rue La La: What’s a home trend right now that makes you say “It’s about time”?
Rosanna: I’m glad to find that many families are again eating together at the table. We need to focus on our home and remember it as the center of everything good. Families should unplug from their email, computers, and electronic devices and focus on each other.
Continue reading “Five-Minute Pow-Wow: Rosanna Talks Home, Style, and Entertaining” »