Combat the winter chill with a faux fur cape. Wow the party with a crowd-pleasing, jewel-toned dress. Sled in the snow with knee-high boots over jeggings.
And the best way to maximize the joy of fashion this holiday season? Share it with friends and family. Reference our holiday gift guide for the perfect present for the special people in your life.
For the Child in Your Life:
Use textures and colors to keep the child in your life stylish while staying age-appropriate. Nicky Nicole, located in Hudson, Crocker Park and Eton Chagrin Boulevard, is a paradise of bright colors and textures.
Chunky knits with faux fur, like this Piece of Cake Faux Fur vest with Plaid ($89.99) paired with Truly Me Jean with White Stitch in Indigo ($49.99), Peace of Cake Reconstructed Hat with Ear Flaps ($29.99) and Bungalow 360 Penguin Messenger Bag ($29.99), will keep any girl warm and fashionable. If apparel is not the answer, fashion design kits, tie-dye kits and create-your-own-lotions, lip glosses and bracelets are other options to keep the creativity alive.
For the Shoe Lover in Your Life:
Amy’s Shoes, in Rocky River and Eton Chagrin Boulevard, carries an abundance of unique styles not normally found in department stores. Owner Amy Puchowicz sees neutral colors for the holiday season with an emphsis on hardware, such as zippers, buckles and studs, and texture, such as distressed or buttery leather. Gift the Claudia Ciuti Helga Red Bootie ($439) to the sister who loves the spotlight. For the busy mom, any one of these versatile boots’ function and flair will last from day to evening: Manas Design Cananidaigua ($379), Manas Design Beacon ($269), Manas Design Batavia ($299), Manas Design Base ($345), Manas Design Amsterdam ($339), Manas Design Nairobi ($289).
For the Fitness Fanatic in Your Life:
Yoga is on the rise and is popular for both men and women. Evolution Yoga Studio at Eton Chagrin Boulevard offers classes, workshops and all yoga-related apparel. It is also the only store in the area to carry Second Mid Rise Boot Cut Yoga Jeans ($129). This stretchy pant can be worn during yoga class, as the name suggests, or for day-to-day comfort. For the gift of mind, body and soul, also consider Quinn Top in Large Black Mosaic ($51), Goddis Leona Wrap with Hood in Cookies & Cream ($230), Prana Embroidered Wool Belt ($45), hat.a.girl Polka Dot Aviator Hat ($26) and Jezebel Paisley Pashmina in Red ($39).
With winter comes winter sports. Geiger’s Clothing and Sports, located in Rocky River, Lakewood and Chagrin Falls, carries a variety of outerwear. These stylish utility and everyday jackets are sure to delight the young, the old, the active and the just plain cold. Within this category, you can’t go wrong choosing bright colors and bold plaids. The North Face Men’s Harper Fleece Jacket ($99), Burton Women’s Credence Plaid Jacket ($194.95), Salomon 900° Men’s Zipper Hoodie ($125), Burton Women’s Scoop Hoodie ($74.95), Burton Men’s Technical Flannel Shirt ($74.95), The North Face Women’s Destiny Down Ski Jacket ($229) and Nomis Men’s Essential OG Plaid Hoodie in Charcoal ($70).
For the Man in Your Life:
For the young or young at heart, prep is hip with Play Cloths Voltage Sweater in Navy ($142), Play Cloths Uniformist Shirt in Red ($94), Edwin Selvage Dark Dry Shave Jeans ($288), Play Cloths Alumni Belt ($32) and Red Wing Boots Style 875 ($205). The bold colors and easy fit will suit a variety of taste preferences and shapes.
For a more traditional look, Geiger’s Store for Men in Lakewood has a variety of jackets, pants and shirts that work for both before and after five o’clock. According to Chas Geiger, wardrobe consultant for the men’s store, texture sets apart the fashion this season. Jackets and pants should have a depth to the weave and a softness to the touch. Sneak a peek in the recipient’s closet to get the right size and consider the Enro Micro Pima Herringbone Shirt ($45), Enro High V Neck Sweater in Maroon ($65) and Hart Schaffner Marx Olive Check Sport Coat ($495). Gifting pants are for the brave and the confident. If you choose to do so, select a pair that is tailor-friendly, such as these Austin Reed Fine Gaberdine Slacks in Olive Drab ($115). Accessorize with a Brighton Camden With Fabric Belt ($39), Bugatti Premium Tie ($59.50) and Gold Toe All Day Comfort AquaFX in Truman Triangle (3/$21).
For the BFF in Your Life:
“This season is all about layering,” says Latrice Neal, store manager of Next in Beachwood, Cleveland Heights and North Randall. “The key is transitional pieces that can update or take the look from day to evening.” Neal points out that the oversize and draped trends of this season make excellent gifts since precise fit is not an issue.
National Jean Co Vintage Havana Silk Print Zip Back Pocket Top ($78), Luce Cowl Neck Jacket ($98), Paul NYC Sequence Leggings ($48), United Nude Studded Booties ($165), Rothco Vintage Helmet Shoulder Bag ($50), Free Spirit Multichain Necklace ($32) and Wide Leather Bracelet with Crystal ($46).
For another spin on women’s casual wear, Girl Next Door in Rock River brings a SoCal aesthetic to the blustery winters of Northeast Ohio. Check out these looks for a sartorial vacation to the land of sun and surf.
Joie Motorcycle Jacket ($698), Monrow Botanical Print Tee ($88), Joe’s Sexy Plaid Skirt ($98), Aude.LA Sleeveless Cardigan ($98), J Brand KRYS Low Rise Slouchy Skinny ($339), Jersey Stripe Scarf ($34), Wide Belt With Grommets ($132) and Moyna Mini Zebra Purse with Strap ($82).
Rebecca Taylor Mix & Mingle Tank ($225), Leifsdottir Ruffle Collar Cardigan ($198), Leifsdottir Radiating Cable Cardigan ($248), J Brand Houlihan Low Rise Skinny Cargo($231), G&S Big Braid Belt ($129), Vintage Bobble Bracelet ($110), San Diego Hat Co Chunky Knit Jockey Cap ($38) and Cleobella Wallet ($154).
For the Sophisticated Lady in Your Life:
Nothing beats versatility and comfort for the modern woman on the go. Give her a wardrobe staple that is classic with a modern twist, and she will be grateful to you every time she wears it. Sweaters and capes with a soft texture and understated embellishments are sure to impress. And don’t forget about clutches, necklaces and headbands. A girl can never have enough accessories!
Figwood Cowl Neck Sweater with Button on Sleeve ($68), Anoname Paris Skinny Pant Jeggings ($88), Skunk Funk Florentizia Reversible Jacket ($207), Katiana Clutch ($20), Miz Mooz Black Boots ($180), Beaded Necklace ($32) and Ludmilla Scarf ($40).
Ryu Faux Fur Cape ($148), Knitted Dove Beverly Shift Dress ($92), OTBT Elkhart Boots ($125), Printed Tights: ($15), Tullette Hand Warmer Leopard Purse ($25) and Pearl Bracelet: ($16).
If this holiday season’s fashion can be summarized in one word, it is “versatility.” Items that can be layered and dressed up or down are surefire hits. When shopping, keep the recipient’s aesthetic and lifestyle in mind. In case of sizing uncertainty, items like bags, ties, jewelry, socks and oversize cardigans are one size fit all.
And remember, like our mothers always say, it’s the thought that counts. A thoughtful gift speaks for itself and is sure to be appreciated by any true friend.
