Gift Guide for the Yogi

Gift giving at Christmas often has an unsavory whiff of the obligatory about it. Why do we exchange gifts? At it's worst, it's a mandatory financial remuneration. You gave me something worth this much, therefore, I'll give you something worth that much. At it's best, it's an expression of love and affection. A thoughtful gift says, "Hey, I know you, I've thought about you, here's a little something you probably wouldn't have done for yourself." This year, I'm putting together gift guides in that spirit.

The yogi likes to keep things simple, so don't weigh her down. Here are five ideas she'll love.

Beautiful Yoga clothes from Athleta

Have you had the pleasure of walking into Athleta yet? It's a beautifully curated selection of sportswear that still manages to feel polished and feminine. Their yoga clothes are spendy, but beautifully made with interesting details that never lose their function. I love the pairing of pink and plum in this shot. 

Namaste card from One Fine Day Press

Every yogini knows that "Namaste" means "the spirit in me honors the spirit in you". That seems like a perfect sentiment to emblazon on stationery. What better way to honor a friend than with a hand written note? 

B.K.S. Iyengar wrote the book on yoga. wrote the book on yoga, and is largely responsible for popularizing it in the United States. She should definitely have this in her personal library.  

Thirsty Yoga towel

If she practices hot yoga, there's a good chance she could use an extra thirsty yoga towel. All those downward dogs work up a sweat and leave towels funky, so it's nice to have several. I love the citrusy colors available at Target. If you're feeling handy, you could mix up a bottle of mat cleaner at home, add a pretty tag and include it with the towel. Otherwise, pass along the vinegar trick; soak those yucky towels and clothes in the sink with 1/2 cup of white vinegar, then launder as usual. Fresh as a daisy! 

Image from Sarah Brumgart, yoga teacher and dancer based in Austin, Texas.

Sometimes the best gift is a change of scenery. If she already has a favorite studio, offer a pass to one she hasn't tired yet. Better still, buy a pass for two and enjoy a class together. (Groupon has lots of fun and inexpensive options in many cities!) Sharing a search for inner stillness will be a gift for both of you, especially amid the hustle of the holidays. 

See my Etsy picks for the yogi right over here! 

Valentine's Day Gifts She Isn't Expecting!

Rare is the dude who reads this blog. But this post is dedicated to dudes anyway. Valentine's Day is the most cliched holiday of all. Satin Heart Shaped Box of Chocolates, Flowers, Fondue Restaurant reservations and you're done. And your lady will be delighted. But why not go the extra mile and really surprise her with something frivolous and unexpected? After all, that's what Romance is all about; the passion that comes from veering off the beaten path. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Sparkly, neutral and ladylike all at once, these heels would be a killer addition to any wardrobe. Don't these remind you of Britney at the VMA's all those years ago?

I've heard that this is the best blush money can buy. (It better be at $30 a pop!) Are they charging extra for that cheeky name?


Lingerie gifts are tricky. They can easily end up feeling cheap and tawdry. These silk tap shorts from HoneyCoolerHandmade strike just the right note- luxurious, pretty and sexy too.

Love the way these Valentine's Day flowers avoid cliche by mixing hard and soft, modern and romantic. They are anything but the usual tired dozen red roses.

This Gil Elvgren Book is full of old fashioned paintings of pin up girls that have gone from racy to amusing in the last 50 years. I'd love to add it to my collection of beautifully printed Taschen coffee table books.

What is the most romantic surprise you've ever gotten? (In the unlikely case that you are a dude, what's the most romantic surprise you've ever executed?)

Christmas Shopping For Little Old Moi!

I've been busy playing Elf on the internet this weekend, getting lots of Christmas orders in and wrapping up and packing things I've bought already. It's been lots of fun, but of course, I always get a little distracted with wishes of my own! Of course, tis better to give and all of that, but here are the things I noticed for little old me...


Cheery Cherry Candy Canes from Hammond's Candies. Butterscotch sounds delicious too.

These Vintage Birds Nest Earrings perfectly suit my new penchant for eccentric earrings. I love their tiny red eyes! Such detail in plastic is rare indeed.


I like the way this lumberjack plaid shirt is softened with a ruffle and feminine colors. The pink is my favorite. I'd pair it with super skinny dark jeans and a metallic blazer like this one. What do you think?
I love the fair-isle trend going on now, but the only way to follow suit in Hawaii is cute lounge shorts like these. I also love the unexpectedness of this pattern for bottoms. (And who can resist pom poms?)
For more fun with juxtapositions, this sweet ballet flat has a toe full of punk rock spikes to remind us that sweet girls aren't always nice. My mum snagged the grey pair, but I think this blush pink pair would work better with my wardrobe. (And then we can share, right Mum?)




Then, to put it all in, the splurgiest splurge of all. A sequined duffel bag that will add a little sparkle and shine to a long holiday weekend mini break. On sale, but not on sale enough I'm afraid. (This Jasper bag might be however! I especially love the white one, it reminds me of a Ludwig Bemelmens illustration.)

What are you wishing for this Christmas?