'Tis the season for fashionable giving

By Lisa Gavin
NH Mirror Contributor

The holidays are quickly approaching, and if you are like most of us, you probably have at least one special person on your gift list who seems impossible to buy for. We’ve all been there; no matter how hard we try, we just can’t seem to find that perfect present.

If your special someone is a woman – or if you are a women who wants to treat herself to the latest styles – the perfect gift may already be close at hand. Of all the traditional holiday gifts, the two things that women love to receive most are clothing and jewelry. And this year’s holiday fashion trends are sure to put smiles on the faces of women who want outfits that are comfortable and functional, while still being stylish.

This year’s hottest – and perhaps most fun – gifts are tops and sweaters. Women’s tops feature bold colors, such as bright blues and reds. For women who are particularly daring, tops and dresses created with lurex, a soft contemporary fiber offering a bit of sparkle, will be very popular during the holidays.

Of course, sweaters are always popular gift choices. This year’s sweater designs are particularly exciting because they feature interesting yarns and creative embellishments. However, if a conservative look is more your style, cashmere is once again popular in sweaters and coats. Additionally, layering is very fashionable this year, and a combination of a three-quarter sleeve sweater over a turtleneck is a great choice.

Jackets also make excellent gifts, and there are plenty of new styles that are perfect for New Hampshire women. Down jackets are particularly hot this year, which is good news for those of us who live in the Northeast. However, these aren’t the puffymarshmallow-like coats that were popular in the 1980s. Today’s down jackets are fitted and shaped, and they provide a stylish solution that is perfect for wearing to work or for going out. “Shine” also is very big this year. Stylish down jackets can be found in metallic-look silver fabrics that are perfect for stepping out on the town.

Leather jackets are also in style again, but don’t buy the woman in your life an old-fashioned bomber-style coat. This year’s jackets feature sexy fitted styles, and soft buttery leather.

Finally, jewelry is always a nice gift choice for woman. Understated and elegant gold and silver pieces are again popular. These jewelry styles are hip without going overboard, and they are perfect accessories for both work and play.

This year’s fashions are particularly exciting. Designers are creating clothing that is more subtle and sophisticated than in recent years, and these designs will make this a very stylish holiday season.

Lisa Gavin is the owner of Alapage Boutique in Bedford. Visit the boutique online at www.alapageboutique.com.