affordable gifts | for your bestie

the hubs and i are on a pretty tight budget this year, so i've been scouring the internet to find quality, stylish gifts that won't break the bank.  i was surprised to find a lot of great options!  over the next couple of weeks, i'll share what i find here with you.

first up, some modern, colorful options for your best gals:

 
dip-dye pendant :: snug studio / mossimo satchel :: target / owl mug :: west elm / striped cowl :: fournier /  foldover clutch :: this loves that / dipped wood box :: urban outfitters / pyramid studs :: stella & dot / monogram pendant :: anthropologie / kitty wallet :: alison rose

nye 2011

basically my new year's ensemble...

elephants

$16.99 target

$32 etsy

svenskt tenn

$148 anthropologie

BHLDN | sneek peak part 2

i've mentioned this before - i love my wedding dress.  really, i do.  and i couldn't afford the BHLDN line anyway.  but...wow.  what lovelies!

BHLDN | Sneak Peek

although their full store won't be available until valentine's day, BHLDN's looks are all over the internet.  i have to say that so far it looks like they're living up to the expectations.  here's a look at some of the bridesmaid sneaks (word is, party dresses will range from $200-400).

weddings | brought to you by anthro!

i love the wedding dress i bought.  i really do.  it was in my budget and it has many of the qualities i was looking for when i went shopping and i think it will look gorgeous in the sun for our ceremony and just as gorgous in the candlelight for our reception.  that said, i can't believe anthropologie/urban outfitters is launching their own wedding shop after i've already purchased my dress!  for all of you upcoming brides who are still looking, go to their site and sign up for their mailing list! the brand is bhldn - does anyone have a clue what that might stand for?

holiday swag

i hope everyone has been making rather merry this holiday!  between parties, good food, and gift giving, we at the twirling round household have been feeling very blessed.  and while the holidays aren't just about materialistic goods...it doesn't mean we can't obsess over the fun stuff we got, right?  so without further adieu, these were my favorite gifts from Christmas 2010!

philosophy state of grace mini fragrance set

have we talked about how much i love philosophy?  because i do.  i love their skincare products (the vitamin c peel is amazing) and i love their fragrances.  i prefer amazing grace to the rest, but each of the graces has something to be said for it.  i even like the baby grace and i usually despise "baby" scented items for grownups. 


essie sew psyched nail polish

okay.  so this was technically a gift for myself.  i picked it up while buying some philosophy products for my mom (she's a big fan, too).  but i have coveted this polish color for many moons and it was just sitting there at my local ulta waiting to be taken home.  i l-o-v-e this color.  i'm contemplating buying another 4 or 5 bottles so that i'll always have it once it's phased out.


verabel color study locket

















perhaps you remember this locket?  i featured it a month ago along with every other style blog in the country.  little did i know that just a few days after i posted it here, my future mr. was ordering it for under the tree.  what a swell guy.  just reason 28349729 why i'm marrying him next year.


anthropologie monogram mug

i don't have much in the way of monogrammed things, but i sure do have a lot in the way of anthropologie.  now i have a pretty little mug that's mine all mine for sipping tea.  even better that the mug came with an anthro gift card inside!


simple times : crafts for poor people

this was a complete surprise because i didn't even know amy sedaris had a new book out.  a perfect mix of cute, humorous and a little bit disturbing.  but what else would you expect of amy sedaris?

there were lots of other great gifts i was fortunate enough to receive from friends and family, but these were my favorites.  what was your favorite gift this holiday season?