Gifts for Girls

In many cases coming up with a gift is rather difficult. Fortunately for you, girls don't want to be disappointed so they can be quite sneaky and drop many subtle hints in the lead up to an 'occasion.' Don't worry though, you shouldn't get into trouble if you get her something that she 'wants.' However, if you want to really see her smile, consider the following possibilities.

1. Shoes

Did you think I'd start with anything else? Every girl loves her shoes so why not get yourself some major brownie points by getting a nice pair of shoes. I'm thinking you should get something that can be 'displayed' and stand out among her collection. A pair of louboutin's or manolo's are nice but I advise against this unless its a major, major occasion or you're a rich person from the Emirates who owns 10 ferraris. As such, you could also consider the Night Envi (shown above) or the Night Lita from Jeffery Campbell.

2. Leather Pouch

For those couples that enjoy his and her gifts, I'm going to follow the pattern from the guys post, and recommend something personalised for number 2. This takes the form of the personalised leather pouches from the Daily edited. They can emboss up to 3 initials on any item from their catalogue. The leather is great quality and the inside lining is also up to scratch. You might also want to consider the card holders as well.

3. Make Up

This is often a tricky area to buy gifts in. However, one thing you can bet is a safe gift is mascara. As such, consider one of the original pioneers in the mascara game; Helena Rubinstein. I'm told the mascaras from this brand are nothing short of amazing albeit they are subjected to value-based pricing. Obviously this then makes them an extra special gift for a lucky girl.

4. Watch

These days watches are just as interchangeable as bracelets. As such, a girl can't have too many watches. If the timeless colours for guys are grey, navy and black, then the timeless colours for girls would have to be whites, silver and rose gold. As such, consider the following watches.

White

This watch should be the most casual; one that is worn during sunny days and casual nights. My recommendation is the Amy Watch from Marc Jacobs in white leather.

Silver

Every professional needs a watch. However, keep in mind the working world will always be a bit 'old fashioned.' As such go conservation and get something simple and classy like a silver watch to accessorise you work attire. The watch you could consider is the SXDF55P1 from Seiko.

Rose Gold

This colour is all the rage at the moment. A well chosen rose gold watch can actually transcend across all three uses; casual, professional and formal. As such if she doesn't have one already, this should be the first one you consider. My choice here is another one from Marc Jacobs; the Baker Bracelet or the Henry Glossy Pop.

5. Camera

If guys like cameras, then girls must love them. All because of one word - 'Selfie.' Girls also like seem to love vintage photos. Thus, you should consider the following cameras:

Polaroid Camera

The Fujifilm instax is a fan favourite when it comes to taking polaroids.

Selfie Camera

When it comes to selfie cameras, two things are very important. The ease of taking them and the quality of the picture.

As such, consider the Samsung ST550 for 'getting white girl drunk' occasions. I don't think selfie's can be any easier than this. However, if you really want to impress you should go after the mecca, the abraham, the second coming of Jesus, the Casio EX-TR150. Be warned you may never see your girl again as she becomes so enamored with it that evolution may accelerate and it becomes part of her hand. 

If you got as excited as me about this 3 part series you'll probably be a bit sad that this is now the conclusion. Don't worry thought I'll be back next week with more thoughts about this crazy game called life. Speak soon.

#Hanbaobao

Follow me to stay up to date:

Instagram: @the_over_correction

Facebook: facebook.com/theovercorrection

Alternatively, any sharing of a post using the share bar below would be greatly appreciated and would be greeted with multiple imaginary high 5's.

Gifts for Guys

I'm not really sure what is harder; buying gifts for guys or girls. However, there are probably greater consequences for not getting the right gift for a girl (let me know if you disagree), so I should probably spend a bit more time writing the 'gifts for girls.'

You can't argue with that kind of logic, so let's begin with 'gifts for guys.'

1. Clothes

Buying something that someone would actually wear has to be one of life's great joys. As such, a gift list should include items of clothing. However, everyone has their own fashion sense so it's extremely hard to undertake a one size fits all approach. As a general rule, good quality, simplistic designs with timeless potential will always be the most successful gifts. Focus on colours such as colours such as greys, navys and blacks. Leave the more out there colours and designs to the individual (note: a grey kenzo tiger is not a timeless piece). For basic ideas, you could consult my essentials posts (links here - Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3) or for more significant occasions you could also consider the items on my Wishlist (link here - Part 1). If after all this, you still have no idea, perhaps you could consider these two items.

Sport coat

A 'timeless' sport coat is a wardrobe staple for any male. Something in the timeless colours (grey, navy and black) will always be a great gift. Even if the guy loves his street fashion and you just can't picture him in a blazer, just remember that everyone will have to attend a 'fancy' occasion at some point in time. It will be times like this that he'll be thankful for your thoughtful gift. Good quality sport coats can get pricey very quickly. So as a general rule, get something in wool such as this navy jacket from Zara.

Lounge Pants

Comfort is everything these days. This makes comfortable lounge or jersey pants one of the new essential items. Once again, get something tasteful in timeless colours such as these ones from Ralph Lauren or Calvin Klein and you'll have purchased a great gift.

2. Storage

I think it's quite safe to say that guys like to 'collect' things just as much as girls. This means they are going to need a place to store these things. For the young professional, this will most likely consist of watches, cufflinks and tie pins. As such, I recommend getting a personalised valet box. Sure you could get an accessory box from Smythson but if you're like me, a tasteful personalised gift will win out every time. 

Also, the valet box will likely be a centre piece item. This means you'll be in the centre of their thoughts, if that's a priority...

3. Document Holder

Most guys that would use a messenger bag will either have one or have one on their radar. Similar to a 'significant watch', the messenger bag is an item that should be chosen by the individual as they form their professional identity.

However, one item that might not be on their radar is a document holder. Every guy should have one of these. Great for meetings or when travelling short distances, the document holder is a must. The messenger bag is better for a commute but if you need quick access with a 'less is more' vibe, a document holder wins out every time. This is something that he'll use for years to come so try to get something timeless like this document holder from Mulberry.

4. Camera

Buying the 'right' camera can often be very difficult because there are many people that think they are 'professionals' when it come to photography (think of the person that has a $2500 DSLR but probably couldn't shoot your face in focus from 3 feet away). 

Even if they do know how to use their DSLR, unless it's a wedding etc they are going to look like a tool if they bring it out. As such, perhaps consider the following cameras to 'compliment' their prized possession. I'm not an expert on cameras but I've never been disappointed when using these cameras.

Compact Camera

Everyone needs a good compact camera. As such, why not consider the Sony WX350 or the pricier Sony RX100M2. Both are great for what they offer and I'd be surprised if you can find a better camera in their class.

Action Camera

You've seen the videos of the dog running to the beach and you've probably seen countless live action snow videos. That's the beauty of the Go Pro Hero 4+. There's so many uses for it. You just gotta get creative.

5. Speakers

Lets face it, everyone likes to listen to music. However, many people do not have a good quality portable speaker (myself included). I don't know how many times I've been somewhere and I've thought it would be great to have some tunes. Thus, as we are trying to find 'quality' items that people wouldn't buy themselves, why not consider the SoundLink® Colour Bluetooth® speaker from Bose. I've been seriously tempted to get one of these for a while. Don't take my word for it though. Have a look at the review on CNET and make up your own mind.

So there you have it. 5 Items to think about. Just remember the best gifts are ones that the recipient would like but probably wouldn't pay for. Stay tuned for Gifts for Girls.

#Hanbaobao

Follow me to stay up to date:

Instagram: @the_over_correction

Facebook: facebook.com/theovercorrection

Alternatively, any sharing of a post using the share bar below would be greatly appreciated and would be greeted with multiple imaginary high 5's.

The Wishlist

It's funny that something which began as bit of fun and a place to put some thoughts, is becoming a source of information and entertainment. In lieu of my sarcastic 'Favourite Luxury Items,' I've now been asked what Luxury Items are actually on my Wishlist.

I'm not going to lie when I say I'm a bit reluctant to post this. The items are still on the 'Wishlist' for a reason; I would have bought them already if I was sure I wanted them. I guess though, there would have to be some that I am further along in the decision process. I've picked 5 to share that I'll probably be buying over the next month or so. Here we go.

1. Balenciaga T-Shirt

Balenciaga Short Sleeve Top

This t-shirt has been on my radar for a short while now. I quite like the non-in your face design that separates it from other luxury brands. I also like that the design is inverted from traditional t-shirts. Instead of the design being in the centre of the t-shirt, the centre is left blank for you to fill in. To me this says, your life is a blank canvas. Yes there are other things around  (the leather look paintbrush stroke in the surroundings), but you can choose what you want to project. A lot for a t-shirt to say but what's the point of clothing if you can't use it to express yourself.

2. Paul Smith Cuff links

To be perfectly honest, I'm not the biggest fan of Paul Smith. I don't really identify with the brand and their designs don't do a lot for me. However, I quite like these Robot Copper Cuff links. I'm always on the hunt for some fun, good quality, no so common cuff links. These seem to tick all the right boxes. I know they are mass produced but I don't think I'll come across too many people with them.

3. Ralph Lauren Braided Leather Belt

Ralph Lauren Braided Leather Belt

Once you have your essential single piece leather belts, I encourage you to add some diversity to your casual wardrobe. Currently I have my eye on this braided belt from Ralph Lauren (I also have my eye on the one from TOD'S). I'm quite pedantic when it comes to belts, so this is my preference due to the square buckle shape. 

4. Chanel De Bleu Soap

Bleu de Chanel Prestige Soap

There's no point having a wish list without having at least one guilty pleasure. For me, this item is the Bleu de Chanel Prestige Soap. It's a lot to pay for a bar of soap but as I like to collect things (I have the Bleu de Chanel cologne), I think this would match quite nicely. I haven't tried it yet so maybe I'll review it in a post called 'Skincare for the Modern Man.'

5. Balenciaga White High Sneakers

Balenciaga Monochrome High Sneakers

If you can't tell, Balenciaga is my brand of the month. I really like the designs coming out of this French fashion house. With my sneaker collection needing a little bit of an overhaul, this pair of hi-tops have risen to the top of my wish list. Can't say much more about them now other than I always enjoy single colour designs.

It would be great to hear your thoughts on these. Stay tuned for The Wishlist Part 2.

#Hanbaobao

To stay up to date with all the latest posts follow me on:
Instagram: @the_over_correction
Facebook: facebook.com/theovercorrection

Alternatively, any sharing of a post using the share bar below would be greatly appreciated and would be greeted with multiple imaginary high 5's.