Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Your Secret Santa

Mason jar filled with candy / Earrings / Disposable camera / iPhone case / Aloe infused socks / Candle / Starbucks gift basket / Scarf / Planner / Hair wand / Bath & Body Works gift card

Whether it's your friends at work or sorority girlfriends, the game of secret santa will most likely pop up somewhere during your holiday season. If you're unfamiliar, secret santa is a gift exchange among a group of people. Each person chooses a random name from a hat and they get that person a gift!

- Sara

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Your Boyfriend

Crewneck sweater ($59.50) / Moccasins ($69.95) / Jack Black Traveler Set ($25.00) / Plaid scarf ($49.50) / Billy Jealously exfoliator ($24.00) / Silk tie ($49.50) / Topman baseball tee ($24.00) / Mophie charging iPhone case ($79.95) / J. Crew wallet ($29.50) / Hugo Boss leather watch ($125.00) / Polo Ralph Lauren socks ($23.00) / Key fob ($25.00)

Shopping for your boyfriend can always be difficult. A good and general rule to go by is aim to buy gifts that he would never buy himself, like exfoliator or a key fob. Simply pay attention to what defines your guy. Is he really into sports, clothes, or techy things? Does he have a favorite television show or like particular artists? Perhaps get him concert tickets. Buy him things from his favorites stores whether that's Foot Locker, H&M, Dick's Sporting Goods, or J. Crew. Is he classy and refined or athletic and laid back? Brainstorm some ideas, create a budget, and enjoy shopping for who you care about most!

- Meghan

Holiday Nails

Trump Your North Face

In a time when Netflix and take-out food rule the world, there are the few individuals who trek into the great outdoors and dare to brave the terrifying weather. This entry is dedicated to those who look the snowmen in the face and say “it’s not that cold out here!” After all, if you have to go out into what feels like the North Pole, why not do it in style? All pictures are from fall and winter 2013-2014 collections.

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- Leah

Chinti and Parker

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I first came across Chinti and Parker, a label created between two cousins Anna Singh and Rachel Wood in 2009, because of my obsession with elbow pads. I am unclear as to if elbow pads have any legitimate purpose anymore, but they instantly transform every outfit into a masterpiece. How could anyone ask for anything more? I love them so much. Anyway, like I said, elbow pads were only the beginning of the beautiful friendship between Chinti and Parker and myself. Being the curious soul that I am, I  wanted to learn more about the product I was buying, also it was finals week and I was not about to start studying. Upon further inspection I discovered that the ladies behind Chinti and Parker make a point with all of their garments to have them be ethically made. On every piece of clothing, a tag is attached that declares the required credentials. Using only natural materials, Anna Singh and Rachel Wood continue to create absolutely magnificent pieces that stick to the brand’s blueprint to blend neutrals with fashionable prints. Every piece is timeless, well crafted, and so incredibly comfortable.

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With celebrity clients like Gwyneth Paltrow, Taylor Swift, Cameron Diaz, Cara Delevingne, Alexa Chung, Kate Bosworth, Cheryl Cole, and Olivia Palermo, it is incredibly transparent that the Chinti and Parker brand is a staple in many closets, as it should be.

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- Leah  

Prepster

I think it’s time we all admit it, hipsters are fascinating creatures. I find myself wanting to wear the same rad outfits that I see roaming around Chicago with an attitude that says, “Yeah, I just threw this together.” However, as much as I try to fight it, there’s a certain preppiness to my style that cannot be denied.

Recently I noticed a new type of style that has emerged. Said style is a combination of hipster and preppy; one in favor of this new collaboration is called a “prepster.” Very tailored, well-crafted clothes are paired with disheveled, miscellaneous items that counteract such structure. Perhaps it’s the whole mentality that a hipster is supposed to go against the norm that has brought together two very distinctively different types of fashion. Regardless of the subliminal messages that may or may not be in existence, I am in full support of this new hybrid style.

Take a look below and decide for yourself if you like it.

- Leah

Cyber Monday 2013

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Cyber Monday is the term used to describe the Monday after Thanksgiving, where companies offer deals and sales for consumers to take advantage of. Marketing companies created the term to encourage people to shop online. Along with Black Friday, Cyber Monday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

Sometimes Black Friday and Cyber Monday are criticized for being so close to Thanksgiving, a day when people give thanks to the things they already have in their life. From a company’s perspective, this is one of their busiest days of the year, and also offers a great time to purchase holiday gifts at an affordable price!

The advantage of Cyber Monday is that you can shop without having to leave the comfort of your own home, and deal with parking, or the crowds at malls. These deals are very accessible from computer, phone, tablet, and any other electronic device with Internet. It’s important to do your research before purchasing, and make sure that you are getting the best deals.

The two websites below can give you the scoop on what deals are where.

http://www.cybermonday2013.com

http://www.cybermonday.com

- Kirsten