With the shopping craze about to begin, I thought I might make it personal & be your little elf for those that matter most. Thank you to each of you who sent me the amazing letters that I’ll be sharing below! (for the sake of privacy, I’ve swapped out the original names with some of my favorite movie titles.) I appreciate you for keeping up with my crazy life, hope these responses and gift guides help you with yours.

With love,
Caila

OUTFIT DETAILS

SHOPPING SALE GUIDE

P.S. Check out some of my favorite sales that are starting today for Black Friday so you can start your shopping game-plan & peek ahead online 🙂

Madewell
25% off your entire purchase – code: THATSALE

Ann Taylor
50% off Sitewide and In Store – CODE: celebrate

Century 21
$30 off $150 or $40 off $200

French Connection
40% Off Everything In Store and Sitewide + Free Shipping – code: F40BLF

INTERMIX
$150 off every $750 spent with code: THANKS

Moda Operandi
Sale items up to 65% off

Mouth.com
25% off The Holiday Collection – code: SECRET25
20% off site-wide – code: THANKS20

NYLON 
15% Off site-wide – code: PREGRAME15

Shopbop
Spend $200+, get 15% off
Spend $500+, get 20% off
Spend $800+, get 25% off
code: GOBIG16

Show Me Your Mumu 
40% off dresses and rompers

TOPSHOP
Up to 50% off select items

Trina Turk
30% Off Sitewide

Urban Outfitters
Buy one get one 50% Off ALL apparel

 

 

LADIES.
WOMEN.
GIRLYS.
THIS ONE’s FOR YOU.

THE COLLEGE GIRLFRIEND & SHARK LOVER

Hi! What kind of gift would you get for my best friend at college? She is a marine bio major, loves the outdoors and sharks.

Response: What a fun friend you must have!! Honestly, no matter how quirky the friend and their hobby – I love gifting an artistic representation or vintage poster that they will keep forever. But I added a few other ideas for you to take a bite out of…

A THOUGHTFUL GIFT FOR MOM

Hello Caila,

My mom is such a sweet and loving lady, who has taught me so much! She loves thoughtful gifts and is very faithful. I want to give her something that she will fall in love with and she enjoys! Thank you so much for your help! Love, The Princess Bride ❤️

Response: I have this same thought every year around this time – I’m with you girly. For a mom that has a big family, personalized gifts – like custom stationary with a boarder made of all of her childrens’ names – always touches the heart. I’m also a big fan of the script tortoise shell nameplate, because mom’s don’t get to celebrate their personal identity often… usually they are defined by “mom” instead of their own name. I couldn’t tag them below, but some of my favorite gifts are experiences… like tickets to a Broadway show, overnight girls trip to an Airbnb getaway, or even a movie or paint night to look forward to with you. Hope these spark an idea – mom’s are the best!

ANYTHING BUT A NECKLACE FOR YOUR SISTER

Trying to think of a gift to get my sister. She’s 19 really into field hockey, jewelry, and shoes. I just don’t want to get her another necklace like I do every year. Thanks!

Response: Let’s help you find one! I actually played field hockey in High School too – similar to your sister I often traded in my stick on the field for a fresh tube of lipstick. Since your sister is 19 I picked out a few gifts that you guys might have fun trying together? The Melted Ultimate Liquified lipstick set of 4 gives a wide variety to play with as it has a chocolate and deep red tone, but the classic Matte Fig and Chihuahua are shades I use everyday.

 

 

Photographer: Nicole Marie Photography

 

MEN.
MEN.
MEN.
MAnly MEN.

A BRIEFCASE FOR YOUR BUSINESS MAN

Hi Caila! My name is Mary Poppins. First off, I love the blog and look forward to your future posts! We actually have a bit in common as I’m from Boston and just moved to NY. I hope you’re loving the city. Have you tried Levain up by Central Park? You have to if not! Blake Lively even just instagrammed their cookies. Anyway, I really like the holiday shop pages on your blog. I’ve been dating my boyfriend for about 4 and a half years. We just got out of college and he just got his first real job, one where he has to wear a suit and tie every day type thing. I was wondering if you had more ideas for the business man for Christmas? Specifically, I’ve been searching for the perfect briefcase for him, one that’s not crazy expensive and is durable, a bit formal as well. If you have any recommendations I would love to hear them! Thanks in advance and keep being you Caila!

Response: Hey girly, personally the Jack Spade briefcase below is my favorite, but I tend to splurge on one big gift.

YOUR SPORTS GUY

Hi Caila😊, I am a hugeee fan of yours and I love reading your blog! Your gift ideas and dresses inspiration was very helpful❤️. I saw your recent post and I’m looking for a gift for my boyfriend who is really into sports and is very athletic! Was wondering if you had any ideas 😋 Thank youu❤️❤️

Response: Thank you love! For the athlete – they usually want to feel comfortable when they aren’t working on their fitness. You can never go wrong with Nike sweats or some classic Bose headphones.

THE VERY NEW BOYFRIEND WATCH

Hi Caila!! I just saw your post and I’ve been struggling with trying to figure out what to get my new boyfriend for Christmas! It will be the first gift we give each other and we’ve only been dating for a couple of months. Do you have any ideas? Ideally I’d like something that shows I was thinking about him but nothing too over the top if that makes sense? haha Hope you can help!!

Response: This one was tricky for me.. no matter how long I’m dating a guy I usually gift them a watch for Christmas… usually Nixon to be honest. I feel like it usually is sporty & dressy at the same time… noncommittal yet practical… and they get to think of me when they wear it around. Plus if you like him and want the relationship to lead to something serious, he won’t be scared away by a serious gift.