Gift Guide: Women Shopping For Men

Today's gift guide is the opposite of Monday's round-up: a collection of gifts for women shopping for the men in their lives.  I'm perhaps not the expert here, but I have a lot of guy friends and a huge practical streak that keeps me from suggesting luxury tee shirts or yet another $40 bottle opener for a person who happily uses one he got for free in college and always will.

I've tried to include a variety of price ranges and items to appeal to young city guys or even my own southern cowboy dad:

2013 gifts for guys by cardiganjunkie featuring j crew

Clockwise from top left:
Plastic Flask - Will not set off metal detectors at sporting events.  Under $8.  Enough said.
Company K- This book is an amazing account of World War I that I enjoyed reading myself, and the men I've convinced to read it gave it their stamp of approval
Eddie Bauer Jacket - So classic, wear-it-forever style.  A bit of an investment, but worth it if your guy will wear it often.
Logitech Harmony Remote - So wonderful, I included it last year too!  This universal remote combines up to 8 devices into one and makes a 5-step Blu-ray watching procedure as easy as  pressing the "watch a movie" button.
Diesel Duffel Bag - I think every guy needs a proper duffel bag that will keep him looking respectable in airports and in front of your family and friends.
Wood Grain iPhone Case - I love the look of this rubber case from J.Crew, and it will work as well for dad as for your brother
Breaking Bad Blu-Ray - Best show ever.  If your guy hasn't gotten hooked yet, it's time.
Craft Beer of the Month Club - $38 per month for 12 craft beers from indie breweries across the country

What are your go-to gifts for the men in your life?

Inside The Male Mind - Fashion Observations

One of the fun things about having a husband, many male friends, and coworkers is hearing unfiltered commentary on my outfits and those of the women we see around town.  I know I'm probably not alone in my opinion that guys can be downright catty!

That said, some of their observations are quite entertaining or serve as food for thought when creating an outfit.  Here are some of my favorite gems from recent conversations, which I've been keeping saved in the notepad app on my phone.

"Dress for where we're going, please.  I am not paying for a cab."
One of the top complaints I've heard (which I may or may not have been guilty of in the past) is when ladies are so dead set on wearing the outfit we planned that we forget that it's not exactly practical.  For example, wearing uncomfortable heels on a night out when we'll be walking many blocks or, god forbid, to a concert.  (For the record, I have never been that delusional)

male minds by cardiganjunkie featuring peep toe heels

"Of course I like to look at boobs, but I don't want anyone looking at my girlfriend like that."
This one made me laugh because it seems like such a hypocritical statement, though I do see his point a little bit.  Thin, low cut tops are all over the racks, and provide everyone with a pretty good look at what you've been blessed with.  Some guys would rather keep that a private show. 

male minds 2 by cardiganjunkie featuring a silk camisole

"Pink Cowboys jerseys are a travesty, and those shirts with the Rangers logo cut off look trashy."
To many Texas guys, thou shalt never mess around with the red/white/blue of the sports team logos.  While people watching at a recent Rangers game, I learned from my companions that a basic fitted tee that does not look like it was attacked with scissors or a bedazzler is by far the best choice for attracting positive attention in your section.

male minds 3 by cardiganjunkie on polyvore.com

And a few more that I don't have time to illustrate, but made me giggle:

"Not everyone has thigh tops fit to be seen."

"This not matching that you do... is that a thing?"

"Why do you wear leopard shoes all the time?  Is that style?"


"Do they think that we have never seen skin before?  I know that humans are not naturally orange."

"If her skirt is so short that I'm waiting to catch a glimpse of ass, I remind myself that she wants more attention than I could ever provide."

"If there was time to put on a pound of makeup and curl her hair, the 'I rolled out of bed like this' charade is over.  That means there was time to put on real pants to ride the airplane and she chose not to."

Have the rest of you heard some great observations lately?  Share them in the comments!

P.S. For the record, I think women should wear whatever the heck they want without trying to impress men, but I'm sharing this because I find it funny.  Hopefully you do, too.

Dream Decorating: For the Boys

I have a friend who bought a house and his taste skews more toward college frat house than professional man.  Also he is cheap.  I made him a mood board, because that's the kind of thing I do for my friends, and thought I'd share it with the internet in case you (or your man) are in need of some inspiration for a decidedly non-girlie space on a budget.

I think a bold abstract piece of art will wake up the room, and some touches of both modern and industrial will keep the space looking manly, but not so much that girls won't want to hang out there.  I know he'll hate the rug, but I couldn't resist the touch of yellow to jazz things up.

 Rug, Paint, Art, Side Table, Chair, Lamp, Coffee Table, Pillow, Pouf

Do any of you struggle to decorate for men?  I most often have to to convince my husband that something like wall art or a rug is even necessary before I even broach the topic of price.  However, if our house is any indicator, I think I'm winning.  :)

Reader Request: New Year's Eve Party Outfits for Couples

It's crazy how quickly December goes by - it's not even Christmas and it's almost too late to get an outfit for New Year's Eve!  I got a request from my friend Julie that's very timely since New Year's Eve is already 2 weeks away and those going to parties will be looking for outfits when malls are crowded and picked over.  Thank goodness for the internet!  Here's the situation:

I need a New Year’s Eve outfit.  My husband and I are taking a trip to New York City to visit friends for New Year’s, so I need an appropriate party outfit to ring in the new year.  Something dressy, festive and fun.  The “dark jeans and going-out-top” ensemble that is my usual Saturday night uniform just isn’t going to cut it in NYC!  Also, my husband is willing to give up his jeans for the night to dress up and complement my outfit, but we aren’t sure where to start with him beyond black slacks.  Help!

And here are my picks for a night of partying when it's cold outside...


Cheap and Chic Basics
I think a basic drapey dress from Gap paired with a fun gold belt and peacock blue peacoat from Forever 21 will keep you from blending into a sea of black.  A fancy, cross body purse is more practical than a clutch (and can be worn under your coat for safety) and fun chandelier earrings won't get covered up with the coat.   Add black tights if you'd like, and walkable black pumps.  For guys, there's a fine line between being dressed up and looking like you're going to work.  Basic black slacks from Gap and a striped shirt from Express is pretty foolproof, and add a black trench if it's really cold.

Standing out a little
Purple tights are not for the faint of heart, but I think they're really cool paired with a little black dress with jeweled neckline (Banana Republic) and fun shoes (Kohl's).  Add some fun jewelry and a clutch and you're good to go.  You can also wear the whole outfit, sans tights, for weddings and parties the rest of the year.  For the guys, a jewel tone sweater and blazer are a bit less expected than the striped shirt, but not too crazy.

Standing out a lot
A bright yellow skirt and blue velvet blazer is not likely to be worn by anyone else in the bar, but it's not so crazy that you'll be mistaken for Lady Gaga.  Add cobalt pumps and a basic gold clutch and you're ready to party and not freeze.  If your guy is brave enough, he can wear his own velvet blazer with a skinny tie and basic slacks and shirt.

Gift Idea #2 - For the Boys

Buying gifts for guys can be really frustrating for me because I put so much thought into it and am so excited to give every present I buy that I get disappointed when they end up sitting in the gift bag for 2 months.   My husband wants a 3 terabyte hard drive for Christmas, so I won't be shopping for many men this year.  But if I were, here are some things I'd be buying:

WOLF iPad case 
The Pacific on Blu-Ray
Fossil Marcus Reversible Belt
Banana Republic Morgan Aviator Glasses
Bieber Macbook Decal   (For white elephant exchanges)
Timbuktu Messenger Bag
Eastbound and Down Season 2
Logitech Harmony Remote   (It's awesome - we went from 6 remotes to 1)

The end is nigh...

As you may have heard, my beloved Martin & Osa is going out of business.  I still think American Eagle Outfitters is making a stupid decision that they'll regret when we all take our money to Lands End Canvas and buy their overpriced tank tops instead.

That said, it looks like things are winding down over at martinandosa.com because now everything is 50% off.  I wasn't a big fan of their summer collection, but are still some bargains to be had if you're the right shape to wear what's left.

The best items left for women:

And for men:

Goodbye M+O, I'll miss my lunchtime visits to your sale rack.  *sniffle

Jeans for men, not college students

My first post about shopping for men... 

No offense college students, but when a man reaches the point in his life where he works full time and is in charge of things (or is 25) it's time to put away the ripped up, pre-faded jeans.   Most guys I know (mine included) buy the same jeans they've always gotten when their old ones wear out and call it a day.  However, if those same jeans make you look like you're trying to be 19 it's time to consider a change.

My friend Chris and I searched for adult jeans a couple of years ago and it was not easy.  Luckily, darker washes are in this year and you don't even need to switch stores to find something new.  Here are a couple of pairs from American Eagle that are under $50 and will still look appropriate on someone who is out of college.


For work on Friday...
AE Bootcut Jean - Dark tinted wash

For the weekend...
AE Low Loose Jean - Dark Indigo Wash

For high schoolers...