THE RED PANDA PURVEYOR: retail therapy

Showing posts with label retail therapy. Show all posts

Friday, January 17, 2014

Valentine's Day Gifts

I know that it is a little early to be posting about Valentines Day but if you want to avoid having to buy the last battered heart shaped box of chocolates and give a gift with meaning and thought it takes some preparation. Not to worry, your favorite brand's websites will offer endless gift idea lists and then there are bloggers like me who are here to help you out.

Trust me. I'm a pro. I online shop every single day, regardless of whether I actually purchase the things that I shop for or not. Some may call it an addiction. I just call it a way to stay on top of whats out there and in times like these compile a nice little list of gift ideas for your special someone!

1. Watch
You really can't go wrong with a nice watch. It's the perfect Valentine's gift because you can find a large variety of nice watches at any price point you are comfortable. For those of us that have a hard time shelling out some dough to buy a gift so soon after Christmas, a watch is a good idea.

For Her:

Get: Klassik Three Hand Leather Watch by Skagen

$115
It also comes in three other colors but I particularly like the coral.

Splurge: The Monarch by Nixon Watches

At $300 this watch is a little more pricey but it certainly is stunning and the classic material combo will never go out of style.

For Him:

Get: Classic St. Andrews by Daniel Wellington

$229

Splurge: The Runwell 47mm by Shinola

At $550 this watch isn't cheap but coming from Shinola at least you know it is quality.

2. Sunglasses

For Her:
Get:Shawna Sunglasses by Kate Spade

$138
The gold metal accents on the side really make these sunglasses.

Splurge: Panama Sunglasses by Tor Burch

$195
Actually not that much of a splurge, especially as far as Tory prices generally go.

For Him:

Get: The Clubmaster by Ray Ban

$145

Splurge: Canby Stone Blake Slate Grey Polarized by Shwood

$350
These are without a doubt some of the coolest sunglasses around. Go to the site and watch the crafting process. It's worth it.

3. Perfume/Cologne
Since cologne or perfume rarely goes on sale there is really no need to differentiate between steal and splurge prices. You have to get what appeals to you.

For Her:

Get: Chance Eau Fraiche by Chanel

starting at $90
Go classy and get her Chanel. This one is light and fresh but still soft and romantic, perfect for day to date night.

For Him:

Get: L'Homme Eau de Toilette by YSL

starting at $48
This smells clean and warm and definitely makes you want to get close enough to get another whiff.

This one might seem cliche but never underestimate the power of scent to rev up those lovey feelings.

For Either/Both

4. Bose 'QuietComfort® 15' Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Headphones (Limited Edition)

$299
Love doesn't always have to be loud.

5. Fixx Chocolate Bar Sampler

$34
Doesn't this look better than your average heart shaped box of chocolate? Flavors include caramel sea salt, peanut butter nougat, cashew and caramel, pretzels and coconut, maple bacon, praline and passion fruit. mmmm

6. Gilded Cable Throw

$59

7. Leica M-E

Starting at around $5000 this is going to set you back quite a piece but seriously what better to capture memories than with the best of the best.

Sometimes gifts don't have to be so material in nature. In fact Valentine's Day is one of the more appropriate and honestly almost demanding holidays/occasions when it comes to sentimental gifts. Personalized gifts are always thoughtful and romantic.

Personalized Gifts

8. Personalized Prints
Love is Blinding by the Red Panda Purveyor

$25

Squirrels in Love by The Red Panda Purveyor

$29
Now don't get me wrong. I don't write this blog for personal promotion but I do think that this is a great Valentine's Day gift. Both can be highly personalized and everything from anniversary dates to sweet sentiments in Macedonian has been "written" in the tree.

9. Spoons by Jessica N Designs

$18

$20

10. Embroidered Cards from the Minted Fig Card Co.

$4.50 each
Hallmark doesn't have anything on these cute cards!

11. Leather Journal/Sketchbook by Badger and Chirp

Go ahead and get some wine, write some love poems, and give a gift that is the pinnacle of thoughtful and sweet.

At only $25, this proves you don't need money to buy happiness.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Current Obsession: Felt Hats

You know how it is, once you get into your head a certain item of clothing or accessory you can't help but help scour every internet shopping site/fashion blog/Pinterest page you know looking for that perfect item and how/when to wear it. Here lately I can't stop obsessing over felt hats. I wish I could more accurately describe the hat, for example say, Panama, fedoras, pork pie, etc. but honestly I think it's more of the feeling behind the hat and the attitude it conveys that interests me rather than the specific style of hat.

It all started when I came across pics of Saint Laurent's Spring/Summer 2013 Ready to Wear collection. The clothes themselves were amazing, stylish and sophisticated with a bit of edge. However, it was the addition of felt hats that for me really made the looks stand out.

Of course, as fashion generally goes I went from runway to retail to street style.

Only look with short sleeves (see quandary below).

Now this leads me to my current quandary. I have said it before and I will say it again, how does one wear hats? No one around me ever wears hats and I'm pretty sure if I did people would tap me on the shoulder and ask, "Are you aware that you are inside? You can take your hat off now." So there's that.

But that's not it. All these hats are felt and most of the looks that I'm seeing involve cool weather clothing. But what if I want to use a hat to convey a cool girl attitude when it isn't cool outside? I know that a straw hat is the obvious answer but while I do love the straw hat, I want to somehow make this look transcend to summer as well.

Do you say, screw the rules and do whatever you want or only wear felt hats in weather where a light jacket is required?

As always I would love to hear your comments and ideas. Help a girl out!

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Gearing up for Cyber Monday

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, ate lots of delicious food (diets don't exist on holidays), and survived Black Friday if you were brave enough to venture out! As for myself, I had a wonderful Thanksgiving and it isn't even over quite yet! It was great getting to catch up with loved ones that I don't often get to see and spending some much needed quality time with some of my favorite people on earth. Oh, and the food wasn't bad either. I somehow managed to eat three different kinds of pie (including a much lauded family peanut butter pie) and still have one more T-day dinner to go!

I'm pretty happy with my decision to stay in on Black Friday (but I am certainly not judging those that shopped, way to go out and get those amazing deals!), mostly due to the fact that I'm waiting for the deals that are sure to come on Cyber Monday! I know that I often post about totally beautiful but for many (myself included) unattainable due to lavish prices. So for those of us out there that are addicted to internet shopping I'm compiling a list of some of my favorite items (and many I have been eyeing for myself) that won't leave you crying into your wallet. Now lets get ready for Monday!

1. Jewel Scent

As the name suggests, there is a ring valued anytwhere from $10-$7500 inside of each candle, soap, or aromatic beads. While most rings are worth $10, the chance of being a lucky one and scoring a $500+ ring definitely makes me want to buy! Also, who can resist a great smelling candle or soap?

2. Brooks Brothers Bow Tie

You really can't go wrong with a classic bow tie from BB and with many color and pattern combinations available you are sure to find a tie to suit every man on your list! $55-65

3. Y'all Sweatshirt

I think the product description says it all when it says, "Yale doesn't like people that say Y'all. We showed them...." Even though the site sells Kentucky based products I think everyone can appreciate this fun and cozy sweatshirt. $50

4. Philosophy Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath

While you really can't go wrong with anything Philosophy makes, I really love the shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath combos, especially for the price right now ($10 regularly $16). I haven't tried the Snow Angel scent but like everything they have I'm sure it smells divine and puts me in the holiday spirit! I am addicted to the Mimosa scent and I love that they put a totally delicious sounding recipe for mimosas right on the bottle. If the recipe is as good as the sudsy stuff smells then I might have just found my new favorite drink.

5. J. W. Hulme Co Woolrich Stocking

While the $95 price tag is a little pricier than many of the items on this list the quality construction and handsome look make this stocking worth it. Imagine all the memories that will be made when this stocking is opened year after year and J.W. Hulme Co is dedicated to the making that happen as they offer a lifetime guarantee on the item.

6. Dot by Marc Jacobs

With notes of jasmine, coconut water, and orange blossom this scent makes the wearer feel instantly happier. A fresh and fun fragrance plus cute and whimsical packaging? It's not too good to be true.

7. The Unofficial Downton Abbey Cookbook

This is definitely one the items on my list that I really want myself. Not only have I been to England and really enjoyed the food but I also am a huge fan of the show. Give this to anyone (or yourself) who regularly quotes Dowager Countess Grantham or has professed love for Mathew Crawley. $15.96

8. Box Wood Tree Glass Terrarium

This handmade terrarium would be the perfect gift for anyone you know with a green thumb. The sleek glass and copper design adds artsy sophistication to any decor and you can feel good knowing you are purchasing from a small artisan shop. $55

9. Louise Cloche

This hat would be the perfect way to stay warm and stylish with its cute bow and vintage shape. How very Great Gatsby of you. $68

10. Pop Fizz IPhone 5 Case

As someone who just had to replace my iphone due to a shattered screen I can vouch for the value of keeping one in a case. This cute cover from Kate Spade allows you to keep your phone protected without sacrificing style. $40

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Pinterest Finds: Anthropologie

Well besides following the The Red Panda Purveyor's fabulous Pinterest account, does anyone else follow Anthropologie? First off, yes that Anthropologie and second, if you don't you should. As expected their boards showcase their amazing merchandise but also takes a step away from catalog and becomes more of a curated blog (which they also have) of amazing things, often from other blogs, that embody the lifestyle that you imagine the "perfect Anthropologie girl" to have. While all of their pins are great, here are a few of my faves.