Some say you're never completely dressed without a smile. While that's important, a girl's also gotta have a killer bag, plenty of bling and some sassy, feet-friendly shoes (5-inch heels are out when you do more than sit!).
That's why I love these 16 fab finishing touches. Besides being right on trend, these gift-worthy favorites can take an outfit from blah to BLOCKBUSTER in a flash. Even better, they're all under $150 so, while thinking of others this Christmas, you just might be tempted to treat yourself!
A cute coat tops the list for many. It's the first thing seen when she steps out in the cold so, for a real hit, go with an eye-catcher like:
Pink Lady Pleated Hem Coat - This military-inspired, fit-and-flare number from LightintheBox.com is guaranteed to make an impression. The double-breasted style has scored high marks with both my girlfriends, who admired the double skirt, and random strangers. The cashiers at Homegoods were so enthused they had to know where I got it, how it fit and what colors it came in before letting me check out. What a reaction!
This lighter-weight jacket is perfect for mild days when you don't need anything heavy as well as for hot-flash-prone Boomers like me who often take unexpected trips to the tropics. Sizes range from S to XL and seem to be standard since a small leaves me room for a sweater underneath. I had to have the of-the-moment, bold blue hue but it also comes in black and red. ($59.99 at LightintheBox.com)
Jessica Simpson Jacquard Wool Coat - Another oh-so-pretty option, this glam Jessica Simpson design will delight fashionistas of any age.
The luxe look reminds 
me of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Holly Golightly would have been absolutely mad about this coat's slimming cut as well as the gold buttons, wide lapels and creamy, embossed fabric accented with flecks of gold.
Ooh la la! Whether bound for a walk in the park or a New Year's Eve party, it'll steal the show.
I stumbled on this warm, ladylike option online at Zappos and it was love at first sight. The next day, this gorgeous piece de resistance was hanging in my closet thanks to the website's 24-hour shipping service. It's free on all orders year round plus you get free returns. Now, that's a present! ($130 with free shipping both ways at Zappos.com)
Think sis deserves a special treat? Bijuju's elegant Ode to Glamour handbag (shown above and on the right) could be her excuse to step out. Destined to turn heads, this ivory knockout simply cries "date night!"
Plush tufting on the flap; antique gold hardware, and a rich, red interior give this vegan leather deal a real designer feel (can you say Chanel?) at an amazingly affordable price. ($46 Bijuju stores and/or Bijuju.com; $1.95 standard shipping)
Dasein's smart Marion briefcase belongs on any career girl's wish list. Ideal for the office, this sleek, structured tote has room for her cell, wallet, touch-up cosmetics even a tablet computer. Although suited for business, this chic, crocodile-patterned-patent piece says she has serious style.
I'm wild about this bag's shape as well as its size. Since there's no bulk, it works really well when you're petite like me. It comes in six collectible colors, including my fave cobalt blue. ($72.50 at ThePerfectClutch.com, where shipping is free on $75 orders. Sign up for their newsletter to get a 40% off coupon code that you can use anytime.)
Sexy SecretaryTry Flutter Eyewear's super-flattering Angela readers in Kyoto Crimson for another work-friendly winner. Whether worn in the board room or the best restaurant, these glam glasses are sensational.
Far from your grandmother's spectacles, they combine sexy tortoise-shell fronts with red ear pieces for a fun pop of color. The smaller, rectangular frames compliment anyone with a round- or oval-shaped face.
And, like all Flutter readers, they come packaged in a striking red gift box (at no extra charge) with a handy, red protective case. Add a Christmas bow and you've got a gorgeous gift sure to catch any Boomer's eye. ($85 at FultterEyewear.com with free ground shipping both ways)
We all crave arm candy but Lisa Hoffman's Tunisian Neroli bracelet has two-in-one charm. In addition to looking great, this stretchy magenta-and-gold darling boasts a lovely, light floral, ylang ylang and golden amber scent. To enjoy the smell, you just open the bracelet's gold filigreed drop and tuck in tiny fragrance beads. That's a breeze thanks to the included card that simplifies unsealing the bauble and a jar of refills. The scent never touches your skin and can last for weeks. ($65 at LisaHoffmanBeauty.com)
Pearl JamIf she's into stacking bangles, she'll also be obsessed with Bijuju's Delicate Flower bracelet. Sure to add to her sparkle, this pretty, pearl-, rhinestone- and gold-packed accent rocks. Since the flexible style doesn't interfere with the keyboard, it's wonderful for anyone who spends her days at a computer (guilty!). And has special appeal to those with smaller wrists like me because the lobster clasp makes it adjustable. ($16 Bijuju stores and/or Bijuju.com with $1.95 standard shipping)
Flatout FabulousAny fellow accessory addict who appreciates art will adore these stained-glass-inspired showpieces from Sylca Designs. You may have seen this new line at hot spots like Anthropologie and Francesca's.
The hip lilac, oyster and yellow color combination and simple styling lend a trendy tribal feel that sets the mood to summer vacation no matter what the season. Designed by a mother-and-daughter team, these two-inch, eco-chic treasures are a pleasure to wear thanks to super lightweight materials. ($24 at SylcaDesigns.com with free standard shipping; Enter TY2013 at checkout for a 20% discount.)
Dazzling Danglers BFFs for the season's rich jewel tones, Bijuju's alluring Gravitating to Me drops are a girls' night out favorite. Forget the necklace because all she needs is glittery bangles or a cocktail ring to complete the pretty picture.
As a bonus, although loaded with attention-grabbing, purple-and-pink stones, these 2 1/4-inch standouts feel so light she just might party all night. ($14 Bijuju stores and/or Bijuju.com with $1.95 standard shipping)
Bijuju's alluring Gravitating to Me drops are a girls' night out favorite.Chico's glitzy Stella pendant makes an enchanting gift. Certain to turn heads, this lavish antique gold, pearl and rhinestone stunner adds a touch of drama to simple T's, turtlenecks, sweater dresses and more. This outfit-maker includes three strands of beaded chains and a show-stopping, 3" x 3" chain-and-rhinestone-encrusted charm. WOW!
If mom's a fashion fanatic, you can sweeten the deal by adding Chico's chic new coffee-table book. Compiled to honor the brand's 30th anniversary, Chico's: A Love Story is packed with fascinating color photos of their original prints and iconic styles.
This fascinating, 174-page pictorial memoir focuses on the heritage, beliefs, inspirations and passions behind this Boomerlicious brand. ($89 pendant; $49 coffee-table book at Chico's boutiques and Chicos.com where $100 orders are shipped free)
Working today's menswear trend is easy in Hush Puppies' Georgette Oxford heels with their stylish wingtip design. I've been longing for lace-ups like these since touring Italy last year. After falling hard for our guide's classy heels, my girlfriends and I began a search for something similar. I struck gold when surfing Kohls.com. Yes!
I liked these Oxfords instantly because they have just enough height. With a 1 3/4-inch heel, arch support and padded footbed, you can wear these comfy, round-toe classics all day and then some. Though they have a vintage vibe straight from the set of Downton Abbey, the thoroughly modern blend of suede and faux-patent leather looks wonderful with everything from tweed skirts to slacks. ($59 at Kohls and Kohls.com where you get free shipping with $50 orders)
When the weather cools, every girl NEEDS several pairs of boots in her closet. I'm addicted to these two because they up your style factor while keeping your feet nice and warm:
Apt. 9 Ta
ll Riding Boots - Great for work and play, these sassy, round-toe kicks have adorable buckle details and high heels that make them more polished than your average riding boot. They hit just under your knee and have a side zipper so it's simple to slide them on over skinny jeans.
Since they hug your legs, they also go with casual dresses and fit my on-the-skinny-side calves like a charm. A buckle near the knee means they also can be adjusted for wider sizes. (How thoughtful!)
Although these closet staples have a very nice lift, the chunky heel design and easy-to-manage 2 1/4" height, combined with a lightly padded inner sole, provide protection from foot pain. That's quite a relief when when you run errands, climb stairs and keep moving all day.
I got them in a delicious reddish-brown but they also come in black. ($89.99 at Kohls and Kohls.com where you get free shipping with $50 orders)
Sanuk Horizon Primo - If toasty tootsies top her wish list, she'll be thrilled with Sanuk's funky Horizon Primo mid-height boots. Although I originally planned to order some Uggs, I decided to try these cozy suede cuties after discovering they were about half the price. What a steal!
Practically booties, the nine-inch-tall Sanuk's are more attractive and less bulky than many Uggs. Toggle closures add to the fun without making life more complicated because they can stay fastened while you slip into these babies. A faux-shearling lining lends a warm, silky feel while Sanuk's special Yoga Mat footbed keeps things ever-so cushy.
I enjoy wearing my Sanuks both around the house and outdoors. They're a dream when I do lots of walking and special sealing helps keep water out. You can choose black like me or a cool chestnut color. Sizes range from 5 - 11. ($140 at Sanuk.com where you get free shipping on orders over $45 and free returns)
A must for any gal who enjoys entertaining, Hen House Linens cocktail apron is a one-size-fits-all pleaser. It has a wide, black ribbon that wraps around and ties in front (pretty!), hits above the knee and includes a nice pocket for hiding tools, a cell or helpful reminders like "His new girlfriend's name is Lisa!"
I'm lovin' this Holiday Chevron pattern but it comes in more than 30 designs. Plus, you can toss it in the washer with no ironing required. ($25 at HenHouseLinens.com
)
It's hard to go wrong with a big, bold bag that has room for essentials as well as nice-to-haves like a sweater, umbrella or, in my case, countless coupons.
Pair it with a coordinating wallet for a gift sure to impress any girl on the go.
She'll love these irresistible finds from Bijuju:
Navy Studded Handbag and Bossy Wallet - Simply stunning, this go-with-everything, deep blue bag boasts trendy gold studs interspersed with dazzling gems and an enviable, leopard-on-ivory-patterned interior.
It comes with a dressy gold chain strap that has a padded handle for easy carrying as well as a navy shoulder strap. Ideal for organization buffs, this gotta-have-it includes lots of pockets and, BONUS, a surprisingly large, matching cosmetics case. That's right, you get two bags for the price of one!
Besides being a perfect counterpart to the tote, the Bossy wallet has slots for her id, credit cards and checks plus a large, zippered pocket that works for change, keys and the like. There's also a handy wrist strap so you can toss this one in your handbag or take it solo when dashing out on quick errands.
Navy Studded Tote $66; Bossy Wallet $20 at Bijuju stores and/or Bijuju.com with $1.95 standard shipping
Amina Handbag and Something Else Wallet - Another winner, this spacious, black vegan leather bag is anything but basic. A padded handle with chain details plus fun tassel and leather charms accented with gleaming gold give it an edge.
It comes with a shoulder strap so you can choose whether to wear it over your shoulder or as a cross-body. Inside, this versatile, go-to accessory is deep brown with black trim and there're pockets galore.
A natural companion, the Something Else wallet continues the black-and-gold theme. Larger than the Bossy, this sleek, zippered case has bill compartments, card slots and a center zipper pouch that keep everything in its place.
Bag $52; Wallet $24 at Bijuju stores and/or Bijuju.com with $1.95 standard shipping
We'd like to shout out a big "Thank You" to the brands in this post for providing free samples for review and testing.
You might also enjoy:
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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