Sweet n’Raws X-mas Shopping Guide: THE FRANCOPHILE

Hello, hello my sweet readers! December is finally here and it’s definitely starting to feel like Christmas (or like Winter, temperature has really dropped today): the big and bright tree in Piazza Duomo, the lights inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the beautifully decorated windows at the shops in Via Montenapoleone (even if the cold is almost deadly, Milano sure knows how to suit up for the Holidays). As the first parties and dinners start to happen (the one thing I miss about Mexico during this time was the booze-fest me and my friends used to organize every year), so does the shopping. As I told you on Saturday, Sweet n’Raw is armed and ready with a bunch of gift ideas that can help you sort out what to give who. In my Holiday shopping guide you will find that there is everything for every budget: from a $2,000 Chanel vintage bag to a $4.00 lip gloss.

As I mentioned before, Sweet n’Raw’s Christmas shopping guide is personality-inspired. This year, I wanted to think a little bit out of the box, not your usual “rocker chick” “boho chic” kind of guide. I have prepared two selections per personality: the splurge (if you are going all out) and the steal (if you are smart shopping). To get things started, a personality I really identify with: the francophile.

Us francophiles know exactly what “francophile” means. For the rest of you, don’t panic, it’s not a disease (but it is an addiction). A francophile is a non-french individual obsessed with all things gallic. There are many of us out there, we know we are not alone. In fact, I bet you have a friend who dreams about Paris even when she is awake. A friend who dreams of a house in the French countryside. A friend who has read every single expat memoir for sale on Amazon. A friend who, if she had the money and the speediest metabolism in the world, would live on Laduree macarons. In case you wondered, I am all of the above. If you have a sister or a colleague that goes crazy with la France and all that it has to offer, this is the list you need when shopping for her gift. Let’s get started!

1. Sea green stone Arty Ring, YSL
2. Fuchsia gloves, Miu Miu
3. Pink nail polish selection (Tendresse, May, Ballerina and Rose Exuberant), Chanel Le Vernis
4. Powder blue vintage bag, Chanel
5. Mint snakeskin flats, J. Crew
6. Lace dress, Oscar de la Renta
7. Detailed jumper, Moschino Cheap & Chic
8. Glitter sunglasses, Miu Miu
9. Stripe pajama shirt, Bodas
10. Santal Blush perfume, Tom Ford
11. Statement necklace, Erickson Beamon
12. Pom pom sandals, Charlotte Olympia

1. Ballerina flats, ASOS
2. Essie nail polish selection (Like to be bad, Love and acceptance, Who’s the boss), ASOS
3. Baby pink satchel, Zatchels
4. An Extraordinary Theory of Objects book, Stephanie LaCava
5. Cream dress, Topshop
6. Ruffle jumper, Romwe
7. Vanity mirror, Urban Outfitters
8. Petit Cherie eau de toilette, Annick Goutal
9. Kitten ring, Modcloth
10. Ankle-strap heels, Zara

Ready to shop for your wannabe French girlfriend? If you are my friend (or my boyfriend) and you are getting me a Christmas present, this is the post you should be looking at. Need more ideas? A lot more personality-inspired gifts coming your way!

Happy shopping and sweet kisses…

20 days till X-mas!

Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis

 

 

 

Sweet n’raw’s Christmas Shopping Guide 2012

I woke up today with just one thought, of December is here (God, time really flies by so quickly) and you know what that means, right? Christmas is just around the corner! As presents to buy begin to pile up and Holiday parties begin to fill almost every slot in our calendar, a couple (or a lot) of gift ideas are always welcome. Last year, Sweet n’raw posted a four part guide based on personality: for the hopeless romantic, for the city girl, for the party princess and more. This year, we are going all out, a personality inspired gift guide with three options: the splurge, the spend and the save (even if we wanted, not everyone can get a $2000 Antigona bag from Givenchy). So if you are still pondering what to give to your perky colleague for your office’s Secret Santa, if you have run out of ideas on what to give to your picky sister, if your friend asked you not to spend so much this year and you need something cheap yet beautiful, I have just what you need.

The perfect dress for New Year’s Eve? The nail polish combo that doesn’t cost much but will definitely make someone happy? The statement necklace that looks like a million bucks even though you only payed a couple? I’ve got all of that and more.

Check back during the next few days, before you head out the door, armed and ready, with your credit cards in hand!

Happy Saturday!

Sweet kisses…

Illustration: Ana Sofia Alanis

All texts, illustrations and collages are made by me, it’s forbidden to re-post without previous request (sweetnrawme@gmail.com) and images must link back to this site.