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Great Gifts for Brides, Dads, and Grads

Isn't it funny how you can be 2,500 miles away from home, completely immersed in the here-and-now of a gorgeous dress displayed in a shop window, when suddenly you are slammed with an unexpected blast from the past? Which is what happened to me while on a business trip to Manhattan just last week. There I was, strolling down Fifth Avenue, gazing longingly into the window of Saks at the gorgeous display of cocktail gowns and thinking that the flirty little dress on the right would make a great wardrobe acquisition, especially with the strappy new sandals I had just picked up at Macy's, and in fact would be perfect for a dinner party that evening at Carmine's. Was just turning to head through the doors when I almost ran smack dab into a girl coming out of said store, arms laden with packages. I stopped to help her retrieve a couple of the smaller boxes which had fallen in our near collision, both of us apologizing laughingly, when who should walk out the door behind her but Scott, my old college beau! We hugged with surprised delight, then he introduced me to his new wife, Emily, who I had just nearly knocked over and who I was prepared to dislike on principle (you always dislike the girl your ex marries even if you did break up years before he even met her) but was completely won over when she exclaimed, "Oh She She! I am so glad to finally meet you! Scott just thinks the world of you!" Turns out they were in town for a family wedding and were doing a little bridal shower and wedding shopping (with very little luck since Scott is allergic to shopping, as I recall, and Emily didn't really know her way around the city.)

"We were just going to grab a quick lunch," Emily said. "Why don't you join us? Scott says that you are the one girl he knows who has made shopping into an art form, and I can see that you are incredibly stylish to boot! I would love to get some ideas from you about a clever bridal shower gift as well as wedding gift ideas, a graduation gift for my little brother and possibly something for the dads, with Father's Day just around the corner. Please say yes!" she implored.

Well, flattery will get you everywhere, so I immediately agreed and we headed to the Bryant Park Grill for an afternoon of food, fashion and fun (with the new wife of an old boyfriend! Go figure.) Emily and I hit it off immediately, bonding over grilled salmon and a shared love of Christian Louboutin heels and truly unique jewelry, then ditched Scott in Midtown when we headed out to do some serious shopping reconnaissance. The results of our afternoon tête-à-tête and retail rampage for your perusal and possible application in the near future:

Bridal Shower Gift Ideas:

• Lingerie. This is a given. Every bride needs new undies! In fact, Emily said that she threw out absolutely everything and bought all new lingerie for her new life as a newlywed. What a fabulous idea! (He does not need to know that you once wore giant granny panties and a ratty brassiere! Plenty of time for that later.) Be creative—fill a gorgeous lingerie bag with a new pair of Hanky Pankies for every day of the week. Or wrap up an exquisite lacy bra and matching panties—always welcome!
• Fabulous new perfume, Fiancée from L'Bel Paris. The name alone makes it the perfect gift and the scent is particularly lovely. I love the stylized bottle too. It looks great on my dressing table, and possibly even sends a subliminal message, no?
• Unique jewelry, particularly if it is hand made. I love the convertible necklaces from Twisted Silver. There are several styles that can be worn as a necklace, as a belt or wrapped around your wrist as a bracelet! Any bride-to-be would love a funky new piece of bling!

Wedding Gift Ideas:

• I always like to give a gift that will remind the happy couple of me (in a good way) every time they look at it! These matching sterling silver key rings are a great choice.
• A beautiful sterling silver, pewter, or crystal frame for their first photo as man and wife. I guarantee this gift will have pride of place on the mantle for years to come.
• A gorgeous vase or piece of original artwork that the couple will look at fondly and say, "Oh, our dear friend She She gave that to us at our wedding. We absolutely treasure it."

Graduation Gifts for Guys:

• Personalized cuff links. These will look fabulous with that first new business suit!
• Fun, retro t.v. trays. Face it, this may be the only actual furniture your new graduate owns, and it can work overtime as a desk, lamp table or goldfish bowl stand.
• A new iPod. You know the one he has is totally hammered, doesn't have enough memory and is pink because he bought it on sale (he was a student after all!)

Graduation Gifts for Girls:

Father's Day Gift Ideas:

• Designer pj's. I swear the only time my dad gets new pj's is on Father's Day, and then he wears them 365 times till he gets a new pair (from me). While you're at it, toss in a couple of pair of boxer briefs (he'll never remember to replace his dingy, grey, stretched out shorts!)
• The number one Father's Day gift, year after year, is a new watch. (Dad usually loses/breaks it within the first six months and therefore needs a new one each and every year.) A great timepiece in an elegant classic style will have him thinking of you whenever he checks the time, and this one by Swiss Army is sturdy enough to stay in one piece, and stylish enough for Dad to take extra care not to lose it!
• Sports Tickets. From football to horse racing to NASCAR, what dad wouldn't be thrilled with a couple of tickets to see his favorite team/horse/driver in action? Better yet, get the sibs to pitch in on season tickets, then wrap them up along with this great Ticket Stub Diary so he can keep track of the memories!
• The ultimate gift for the new dad: A dad gear diaper vest! Totally hands-free parenting! Pockets for diapers, wipes, bottles, even a secret baby changing pad hidden away in the back!

Rewards for a hard day's work:

• My tired feet, as well as the rest of me, loved this luscious new body cream from Orly. Rich Renewal is ultra hydrating and leaves no greasy residue. It also comes is scrumptious scents like Paradise, Peace, Passion and my particular favorite—Pucker (papaya and red grapefruit).
• These comfy little summer flips literally jumped into my shopping bag (I paid for them of course!) They are divinely perfect for every sporty summer occasion from an afternoon on the boardwalk to a day at the park.
• Discovered L'Bel Paris Libertage products and am a total convert! The day creme and the night creme work together to minimize the appearance of expression lines, otherwise known as nasty wrinkles. Makes your skin feel satin smooth and ten years younger!
• What can I say? I was in New York, the store was right there, I had to have them.

Enjoy the tasty tidbits of info dearest girls and remember, happy girls are the prettiest girls!

xoxo,

She She Me

p.s. Be sure to check out the homepage for updates from She She Me. Also, don't miss the great girly merchandise in our Chic Shop and the fabulous finds in the She She Mall!

Girls check out our new line of
matching "bridal" stationery products!

She She Me introduces 4 new bridal products including, "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!" thank you cards, "Bridal Shower invitations", "Notes for the big day" bridal notepad, and "Words of wisdom for a happy life" advice cards.