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Sneak peek at some new fashions & accessories for Holiday/Winter and Spring

It's been a definite beauty and fashion week for me, Advice Sister Alison. During the week I went to the Bourjois mini party, then to Shecky's Beauty Night Out, and to LUCKY SHOPS. I Also also visited Industry Publicity, to see some of the new fashions and accessories that a number of designers you'll want to know about are featuring for now, holiday/winter, and Spring (it isn't even Winter yet, but in the world of fashion, it's nearly time for the leaves to bud on the trees)!

When editors visit for a preview of collections, it is like being in a "by invitation only" shopping event, although the items you see are generally still not for sale. The first thing rack that caught my eyes was this one of handbags from designer Alexis Hudson . The four on the left are Spring '08 handbags. A trend I saw earlier at Accessories, the Show at the Javits Center was played out here, in handbags that were beautifully designed and roomy, with plenty of color and shine from metallic leather and shiny metal chains and hardware.The black leather handbag on the right is called Petite Amour" $395.00 and is available now. It is large enough to hold essentials during the daytime, but wouldn't look out of place in the evening or a club. I'm in love with this bag! Rachelle Copeland and Emily Ironi, the brains behind the beautiful Alexis Hudson Handbag collection, bring over 15 years of industry experience to this brand.

Next on my "must-have" is some of Wendy Culpepper's jewelry. The group on the left is part of the Flower of Life Collection and the large pendant on the right is the Akasha Pendant $105.00 (14K vermeil/ $85.00 sterling silver). Wouldn't this look pretty on just about everything you own this holiday season? This collection is from her Fall/Holiday collection and it's available now (visit her web site to get store locations). The designs are simple and delicate, yet substantial enough to hold their own. The prices are modest, ranging around $65.00 for a sterling silver ring or earrings, to $130-$155.00 for pendants and bracelets.

I also checked out some Spring shoes from Lovely People. The designer, Patty Kerrigan, is part of the Jebara family who own Paco jeans, Pepe Jeans London, and a number of other lines. Her first collection of Lovely People shoes just launched this Fall. For Spring, Patty has taken non-stiletto wearing women into her heart, as well as those who adore sky-high heels. There are 30 styles, mostly in multi and bright colors of fabric or leather, in wedges, flats, platforms and pumps, ranging from $90 for a pair of leather flats, to $250 for boots. Most of these shoes will give your friend's shoe envy, but still let you walk around town without pain!

Ah Spring! There will be much joy for shoppers who want something truly unique! Some standouts for me were the green" fashions from Stewart & Brown featuring super-soft organic cotton, cashmere and knits in casual and romantic dresses and tops and super-sexy beaded bikinis from Sugarwater. If you are like me and have a love affair with beads, you can now wear bead "jewelery" to the beach simply by wearing one of these bikinis that feature mother-of-pearl, braided beads, and even sequins to hold the bottoms and/or the straps on your body! The high-quality lycra suits come in small, medium and large.

These military style caps from A. Kurtz are part of their Spring line and represent just a few of the really cool hats and messenger-type bags that work well for the guys as well as the girls. Wage war on dull baseball caps and share a Kurtz logo cap (in the middle) with your sweetie for just $42.00, or indulge your sense of style with the navy blue cap festooned with chevrons and a star for $32.00. I didn't get a picture of the bags, but a beige military-style canvas messenger tote/backpack runs $88.00--not bad for a bag that can carry all of your urban "artillery!"

Before I left, I also got a chance to indulge my sweet tooth with a taste of an amazing fudge from Bella's Confections. I'd been dying to try it, and wasn't surprised to discover that this gourmet fudge was some of the creamiest I'd ever tasted. The company packs it's fudge for sale in cute tins with colorfully-striped labels. They offer a variety of flavors in classic nuts or no-nuts varieties, from chocolate and peanut butter, and vanilla-caramel-pecan, to seasonable treats such as pumpkin pecan spice, peppermint stick bark, and holiday jubilee (with candied fruits and walnuts--a fruitcake without the cake)! Eric Dehoff, creator of Bella’s Confections, named his company Bella ("beautiful" in Italian) in homage to his fondest memories of his grandmother making her own, home-made fudge. Buy online or visit the web site to see what stores sell this amazing fudge in your area. At $10.95-$14.95 you can afford to indulge!

Lucky Magazine's Lucky Shops = Lucky, HAPPY Shoppers

Lucky Magazine is known for it's amazing reviews of trendy fashions, accesories and lifestyle items. This entertaining and informative print publication has introduced legions of women to designers, and retail and online shops readers might never have discovered on their own. I didn't make it to the press preview event on Thursday night (hopefully, next time) but on Friday, I joined the first group of eager shoppers from across the country for LUCKY SHOPS. The venue was the Metropolitan Pavilion on 18th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues in Manhattan--the "it" space for sample sales and fashion week runway shows. On Friday and Saturday, October 26th and October 27th until 7pm, it's the place to be to score amazing bargains on everything from fragrance to famous designer frocks.
This mammoth shop-fest, literally brings the pages of Lucky Magazine to life, with a veritable Fashion Week Designer display of clothes and accessories discounted into the realm of reason to purchase. There is a fee to attend ($75 on Friday in advance and $85.00 at the door/ $45.00 on Saturday in advance, $40.00 at the door) but the events can easily sell out fast.

Why spend money to spend money? Because the fee is really minimal when you consider the value of what's for sale. The designers are mostly high end, with names you can't help but recognize, such as Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Catherine Malandrino, Chloe, Cynthia Rowley, just to name a few. Everything is at least 50% off, with many items more 60-70% off. Even the online discounter, Bluefly featured high-end Prada, Gucci and more at even steeper discounts than the site usually offers. I spied a sterling and crystal ring from Lee Angel, for example, that was selling for a mere $24.00--that's less than wholesale! New and luxe, Botkier bags in perfect condition worth over $700 (some from Spring, some current) could be had for just $150--$375.00! Women were snapping them up at a rapid rate, and some had arms literally ringed with bags (well, the holidays are coming soon). Other features were a Lycra denim bar with designer jeans and an on-the-spot hemming service (jeans pickup in 30 minutes)! The Ultimate Closet and The Love, Recycled Boutique offers unique items from a variety of designers all in one place. I wish I had time to really check out the re-sale shop, apparently filled with collectible pieces from names like Balenciaga and Blahnick, from well-dressed and well-known women.


A nice touch (besides the great bargains) at Lucky Shops is the way shoppers purchase items. You select your item or items, someone at that booth puts them right into one of these re-useable, canvas, Lucky Shops tote bags. You get a slip with a number and your name on it. You take your "chit" to the cashier, pay for your item(s) and come back to pick up your purchase(s) already packed and ready to go in a LUCKY SHOPS tote. Although you have only one hour to complete the entire process, it, leaves your hands free to continue shopping, and to consider whether or not you really want that particular item. If you don't pay and return with your receipt, the item is put back into circulation for another LUCKY shopper. Just in case anyone was feeling a bit guilty about spending, spending, and spending: this season, a portion of proceeds from tickets and select merchandise sales will benefit Jessica Seinfeld's charity, Baby Buggy. This non-profit organization is dedicated to providing NY families in need with essentials for their infants and young children.


The show was only open an hour when I began to see women amassing impressive collections of LUCKY SHOPS bags. But the totes were not the only bonus. Most of the designers had contests to enter, and Sunsilk was giving away full-sized bottles of their Sunsilk shampoos, conditioners and styling treatments for free, with a colorful fabric hairband (your choice of color). York offered full-sized tins of mints. Pom tea, Starbucks, Figi Water kept shoppers hydrated (it's pretty active work being in a bargain shopping environment and it does get hot, especially if you're carrying lots of bags). Free lounge area--priceless! On the way out, shoppers receive another bonus-- a Lucky Magazine goody bag featuring a bright orange, re-useable, LUCKY SHOPS tote. I'm assuming that each bag is slightly different but the offerings in my bag were a bit skimpy: another re-useable tote bag, socks from 9 West, nail polish, a nail file, a variety of fragrance and skincare samples including a small spray vial of "Covet" fragrance by Sarah Jessica Parker and a generous helping of discount coupons for future shopping. Then again, the tote is just an additional bonus...the awesome discount shopping is the real reason to attend.


Shopping in this type of environment is fun, but here are some tips: wear slim fitting clothes so you can try items on over them, carry a light purse and only what you need. Come early for the best selection, and bring credit cards. Sit down in the lounge areas and take a break, if only for a few minutes. Stay hydrated. Set an approximate budget before you go, and don't overspend what you can afford, no matter how great the price! There were plenty of groups of "girls" working the booths, together, and a fair number of what appeared to be mothers and daughters bonding through shopping. Single or in a group, this is an event that is not only fun, but a great way to save on items from designers you otherwise might only dream about owning.

Just in case you are wondering whether or not you want to attend the next LUCKY SHOPS event, here's a more complete list of designers --and remember--you'll get at least 50% off any probably, much more: Acne Jeans, Alexis Bittar, Alice Ritter ,Balenciaga ,BELLE by Sigerson Morrison , Bing Bang , Bluefly.com , Botkier , C.H.A.R.M , Catherine Malandrino , Charlotte Ronson , Chloé , Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker , Cynthia Rowley , Daryl K , Derek Lam , Designed To Shine Ring Collection , Devi Kroell , Diane von Furstenburg , Erickson Beamon
Fifi Tee , Foley + Corinna , Geren Ford , Giambattista Valli , Hanii Y , Havaianas , Helen Ficalora , Inca Girl , Inhabit , Innies ‘n outies , J Brand , James Colarusso , Jill Stuart , Kipepeo
Kipling , Kooba , Lacoste , Lauren Wolf , Lee Angel , Lela Rose , Lenny Swimwear , Levi's Capital , Lolli by Reincarnation , London Sole m Love, Recycled® , Lucky Brand , Marc by Marc Jacobs , Marc Jacobs Accessories , Matthew Williamson , Mblem , Michael Kors , Miguel Ases , MINT Jodi Arnold , MNG by Mango , Mulberry , Narciso Rodriguez , Nicholas K , Nine West , Onitsuka Tiger , Origins , Peter Som , Pierre Hardy , Rafe , Rafe for Chevy Malibu , Rebecca Taylor , Sari Gueron , Sass & Bide , See by Chloé , Serfontaine , Siwy , Stella McCartney , Sydney Evan , Tevrow + Chase , Theory , Theory Accessories , The Ultimate Closet , Thread Social , Timex® , Timi & Leslie , Tory Burch Accessories , Tracy Reese , Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent , Twinkle , Velvet , Vena Cava ---- visit http://www.luckyshops.com/ for information on the next event!

Shecky's Beauty Night Out Fall 2007--Simply Smashing

When you put a bunch of girlfriends together at a shopping event that features give-aways, a killer goody bag worth over $125 in a re-usable tote, adorable, polite guys serving alcoholic drinks, plus the opportunity to sample and purchase dozens and dozens of beauty items, accessories and fashions at deep discounts, you get the recipe for the incredibly successful Shecky's Girls and Beauty nights out. In fact, these seasonal events are always sold out and the search term "Sheckys Night Out" is one of the most popular queries the AdviceSisters receive. Here, eager women wait on a line that moved quickly, but stretched nearly from one end of the block to the other!




Other Shecky's events I've attended were at the Puck building, but this beauty-oriented event was held on several floors of a building on West 37th street. The check-in was on one floor, the other floors held the exhibitors, several bars including a Korbel bar, a Midori bar, and a Bud Light Bar/Lounge area. Trays of drinks were also circulated, adding to the clubby atmosphere and general energy of the rooms filled with girl's night out "eye candy." What's not to like? If you go with friends, you're sure to pick up something special and save some money, but it's a real bonding experience, too. I heard plenty of animated discussions featuring several enthusiastic women cooing: "ooh, that looks so good on you!" Shopping, laughter, drinks, polite, cute guys who are helpful but don't hit on you makes for a great time.......sigh!




One of the nicest things about these events is the opportunity to learn what's new, and often, to meet with the actual designers or entrepreneurs. Here, a representative from NuSkin is demonstrating a device that uses a small current to firm up sagging skin and reduce wrinkles. Her skin was nearly perfect --the Long Island mom says she does use this device. Lots of women gathered around to see her demonstrate the device and a some got a free sample of the treatment.

Shecky's also gives me a chance to meet some of my beauty colleagues in person instead of just by email. This is always the highlight for me. I met some of my colleagues from Bourjois, Coty, Conair, and some of the major public relations agencies. In this photo, the multi-talented Yana Chupenko (fomerly the product developer of the wonderful Tony & Tina Cosmetics and creator of the new, Shiny Mama cosmetics --great glittery first collection, by the way) poses with her partner and fiance!

So many people are curious about the famous, Shecky's gift bags. For starters, they are distributed in laminated tote bags with a snap closure that are perfect for toting everything home, and then for just about anything else. They're large enough to tote a bunch of books, or everything you need for a day at the beach. Of course, they are filled with products . I believe each is a little bit different, but the total of products are supposed to be worth about $125.00 Mine had quite a few haircare products from Redken, Nexus and Sunsilk, along with skincare products from St. Ives, and SkinMilk, plus lip balm, a really cute hipster panty from Jenni, some ponytail holders, a generous sample of Marc Jacob's new "Daisy" fragrance, and a huge (and unfortunately, heavy) beauty magazine I was excited to discover, and two very nice, laminated maps (one of NYC, one showing more than 200 fashion retail haunts). All these beauty products, most completely full-sized, could send you into fashion heaven!!! My only complaint is that they are so full of goodies to begin with, the bags are too heavy and full to add that much more. My tip? Take a small handbag but bring an additional, lightweight tote. You'll be getting free samples, brochures, and buying other items (trust me, no one will force you but you are going to drop some cash...it's so enticing you simply can't help it).

I can't wait for the NEXT Shecky's event, be it the more general girl's night out or the beauty night out. Shecky's holds beauty, fashion, and social events in New York City Atlanta Boston Chicago Los Angeles San Francisco --be sure to check them all out at http://www.sheckys.com/

Fashionable Minis from Bourjois-coming soon!

The exclusive, clubby setting of the Beatrice Inn on West 12th Street in NYC was the site of the Bourjois Paris mini launch party on Tuesday, October 23rd. Inside the club, lined with banquettes and tables filled with records (yes, real disks...remember those?) serving as trays for the hottest new products from Bourjois. Coming soon to "beautistas" and "fashionistas" everywhere are new, non clumping, waterproof mascaras with a metallic-y sheen that you can even admire in the dark, and metallic-y eye liners and pencils in gorgeous colors light bright blue, green, and of course, grey, black and brown.

There was an entire room at the Beatrice Inn devoted to Bourjois products with maxi appeal -- their mini-sized cosmetic items! These have always been a huge hit with Bourjois fans, and they are some of my personal favorites. The newest, soon to be released, feature a series of 10 mini lipsticks that can attach to a cell phone or Ipod, tiny tubs of colorful loose powder, and mini mascaras and lip glosses

Bourjois's Celine Kaplan shows one of the lipsticks to some beauty editors.

Enthusiastic beauty editors ("Beautistas") sipped wine and soaked in the clubby atmosphere. I posed here with Geoff Weiss, a makeup artist and writer for Cosmetics World magazine. We shared our favorite products...can you guess one of mine? (hint: it starts with a "B")!

The minis and new eye products will be on the market in the not too distant future. Check our What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion reviews --Bourjois is sure to be in it!



* Paul Sevigny (Chloë's brother); Andre (artist); and Matt Abramcyk (part-owner of Employees Only) are the masterminds of the Beatrice Inn. On a regular night, dress the part and expect to "pass muster" with the men guarding the door. Once inside, lounge, dance, drink, etc. It's a really cute place to sit, sip, and people watch with a fashionable crowd.

Spa Magazine's 9th Annual Fall Media Event - reasons to say "Ahhhhh!"

Today I had the pleasure to attend the 9th Annual Fall Media Event, presented by Spa Magazine, at the Pierre in NYC. I attended Spa Magazine's 10th Anniversary event last year and it was so fabulous, I was eagerly anticipating this one. It didn't disappoint, either.

You might think that a spa-oriented event would be completely relaxing, but these events are action-packed. More than 30 different spas, resorts, and related services and product lines were represented in the large ballroom. Getting to see, experience, and speak to everyone is actually, a bit stressful (but in a good way, of course).

One of the things that is so great about the Spa Magazine "showcase" is that it gives editors new ways of thinking about a product or service. Although most of us think of spas as a place to be pampered and massaged into oblivion, what would a spa experience be without healthy and delicious food? On hand to share a tidbit with us was Chef Jesus Gonzalez, of the Rancho La Puerta Fitness Resort & Spa Cooking School and Culinary Center. I learned that spa-goers can attend hands-on classes with Chef Gonzalez and other guest chef/teachers Set with the kitchen set in the spa's organic farm. This type of activity is a great souvenir you can take home, and use every day and it also reinforces all the good dietary habits that you have acquired during your stay.

The event space was so large, I couldn't get a good shot of even a reasonable portion of it. Here is the Lakeway Resort and Spa booth. The resort is on beautiful Lake Travis in Austin, Texas and it features the San Saba Spa, a full-service spa that was opened just this year. There are classes in water aerobics, Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, fitness walks, fitness assessments, training and nutrition consultations (in January). Of course, if you want to slow down and just relax, you can do that, too!



One of the things I really like about spas is that you can do a little, or do a lot, and if it's in a beautiful location (e.g. Bermuda) it is a wonderful way for singles and couples to unwind, de-stress, and focus on each other. Bermuda has traditionally been a favorite of honeymooners, of course. Zeudi K. Hinds, in this photo, told me that The Mandarin Oriental Spa at awesome Elbow Beach, Bermuda has two treatments that use elements from the Bermudian environment in their unique, Ocean Wave Ritual. The treatment uses marine extracts and Bermuda's famed pink sand from the property's own 1/2 miles (I've been there and it's the most beautiful sand I've ever seen) in a full-body treatment, enjoyed to the sound of ocean waves (played to induce alpha waves of relaxation). The powder-soft, pink sand has got to be a fabulous exfoliator. I'm ready to fly to Bermuda right now and experience this! The Mandarin Oriental Spas in Miami and in NYC were also represented. Both made the list of Favorite Resort & Hotel Spas in the United States on Spa Magazine's 2007 Silver Sage Reader's Choice Awards (readers cast more than 25,000 votes this Summer for the magazine's first annual award). The November/December Issue of SPA Magazine will highlight these note-able spas. It's on sale at newstands and bookstores nationwide on Octber 23rd. I spoke to Susan Rimer-Torn about the upcoming Wellness Series Workshop at the Mandarin Oriental in NYC on November 6th and about Scentient Beings aromatherapy enhalers. Fantastic!

One new resort that's definitely on my list to visit, is the St. Regis Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It's the first really luxe spa/resort in the area, and it's right on the ocean. There are 10 treatment rooms, a private couples treatment suite, all sort of unique treatments, Jacuzzis on a tropical pool deck, a spa boutique and a fitness center with Technogym equipment and yoga, spinning, and aerobics studios---whew!

There are so many unusual and enticing options for spa-goers, I can't mention them all. But if you can't get to a spa right now, you can still try a lot of spa products that will help you create a more relaxing environment in your own home. On display were products from some of the AdviceSisters favorite beauty and spa lines, including Elemis, June Jacobs, SkinCeuticals, Creative Nail Design, and Pevonia Botanica. I also got a chance to check out celebrity favorite Kate Somerville, and discover some new brands I wasn't familiar with, including Aromatherapy Associates, Being TRUE, Spa Revolutions self-heating LavaShells, and Anakiri Bioenergetic Skin Care. I hope to be able to review some of these lines in our upcoming January/February What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column focusing on Skin/Body/Wellness--the first column of 2008! Check the AdviceSisters FEATURES page regularly to see what's new, and when this column is available.

National Jean Company Debuts first location in NYC

It was a gloomy day, with drizzle and overcast skies, but anyone entering the bright, brand new, National Jean Company store at 1375 Third Avenue (between 78th and 79th Streets) on Manhattan's chic, Upper East Side could easily forget the world outside for a while.

The first thing you'll sense when you enter this space in the company's first Manhattan store, is that it is quite spacious. Cleverly designed to emulate a woman's dream closet, your eyes immediately want to scan the loft-like space atomosphere, divided into sections so you can shop logically. At the front of the store, you'll see a riot of color, contemporary tops and dresses and novelty denim items. The more casual clothes and jeans are in the back. Even thought it's the busy, crowded, Upper East Side, you'll feel like you're enjoying a leisurly shopping trip in Soho. There is plenty of room between the racks,, and groupings that make it easy to figure out where to start browsing. I loved the modern, sily, brightly-printed tunics, and the more elegant (and pricey) tops in silk, cashmere, and sparkly materials. Any of these, plus one of the many cute, cropped jackets on sale, will take you through the holidays with style and ease.

The back portion of the store is a casual girl's dream, a mecca of jeans, jeans, jeans and more jeans, plus casual T-shirts, turtlenecks, and hoodie-type items. In fact, there are up to 3,000 pairs of jeans at any given time in the store. This photo shows less than a third of the shelves lining the back wall, and there are also tables stacked high with high end jeans from high waisted, to skinny, to classic. Coveted designer jeans aficionados will know at a glance. With so many types to choose from, you might just find yourself falling for something new, or blowing your budget on more than two.

If you're not familiar with National Jeans Company, be prepared to save up because you'll want everything you see, and it's not a "bargain store." This Manhattan store is located in an area where "modern moms," and young professionals, proliferate. Most of the jeans are modestly priced by high end designer standards, but paln to spend a couple of hundred dollars. You do get something special for your money, however. Attentive service, and an incredibly appealing mix of wearable and hip styles from tons of great designers means you'll get something special. There really is something for just about every personality and body type. . For me, trying on jeans is like trying on swimsuits-something to be avoided, but at least you can see your fashion hits and misses in comfortable, private dressing rooms with interior mirrors, located in the back on the side of the jeans area

National Jean Company has four stores on Long Island, a store in Brooklyn New York, and stores in Massachusetts, Maryland, Ohio and Indiana. More are planned to open in West Hartford Ct. and Wellesley Mass before years' end.

Esther Nash's Party at CAIN Nightclub

Last night, beauty editors, stylists, models, photographers, family and friends attended a party for Esther Nash at the CAIN nightclub on 27th Street and the West Side. This super-hot nightclub has an African safari theme, akin to an African game lodge. You'll get the idea when you spot the amazing, zebra hide bar and large wood pillars draped in imported African beads. The "wildest animals" you'll see here are likely to be of the fashionable kind, well-dressed celebrities, looking to dance the night away in an exclusive atmosphere, without being "shot" at (unless that's what they want).

Multi-talented Esther Nash is a fashion and jewelry designer, stylist, commentator and actress/model. Here, Esther models two of her own jewelery designs, jade necklaces with sterling accents. The AdviceSisters will be reviewing a number of Esther Nash jewelry designs in our November and December What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns *watch for them the first week of each month. Esther Nash designs are investment pieces that will work with everything in your wardrobe, and they're all one-of-a-kind.

I am in the middle of this photo, flanked by the hosts of the party: Esther's talented sister, Shelly Nash, is on the left, and on the right, Esther Nash is wearing her own beautiful, triple-strand amethyst necklace.

In this photo, you just about make out my unique red and black jet earrings --they are also Esther Nash originals.

The action doesn't really get started at Cain until after midnight, but soon, the dance floor heated up. Everyone had a great time chatting and dancing!

Talk Show Host TV Personality Cognac Wellerlane is sharing a laugh with Esther Nash. Cognac is famous for her upswept hairstyle and sparkling personality. You can view Cognac's television show, “Cognac’s Corner” on Manhattan Time Warner Cable Channel 34.

Esther and Model Janine Hill

(from left to right): Businessman Michael Forem, Esther Nash, and former NFL Football Player and Personal Trainer, Carl Ditmars

Boss's day is October 16th--what should you give?

Although some people think that every day is Boss's day, National Boss’ Day is, October 16th.

If you want to show appreciation for your manager(s), give your boss(s) a gift for this special day. Expect your thoughtfullness to bring a smile (although not necessarily a raise or promotion). Your gift is a personal reflection of you – so to be sure you do it right, the AdviceSisters are sharing some advice from author of The Purple Book (and gift-giving expert)Hillary Mendelsohn. She teamed up with Office Depot to provide advice on office-friendly gifts.
Here is what Hillary shared with us:

Show your appreciation. You do not need to spend a lot for the gesture to make an impact. Set a realistic budget of no more than $20 if you’re giving a gift on your own. For a department gift, have everyone contribute money for one present costing $75-$100.

Personalize the gift and be creative. Does your boss love old movies? Or is there a running joke in the office everyone shares that can be translated into a gift option? For example, if your boss is hard to reach, think about giving him or her a Bluetooth headset along with a funny card.

Men and women like different things. If your boss is a woman, style and color count. So, gifts like stylish pens or desk accessories are good choices. For a male boss, think technology. Both would also probably enjoy a family-oriented present like a digital photo frame.

*the AdviceSisters also suggest relaxation-type gifts (e.g. spa or aromatherapy) or pampering products. Make sure your boss is into these types of items before you splurge, however. Is your boss a brown-bagger or does s/he never have time to eat lunch? Get hini/her a gift certificate for food delivery through a reputable online or local service.

Never give your boss an intimate gift (e.g. lingerie, personal photos, etc.) it sends the wrong message and is unprofessional. If you have more than one senior boss, make sure you gift them all equally If the cost will break your budget, how about sending a card to each one with your personal note of thanks in it?