2008 Christmas

Bella

BellaSugar's Gift Guide: The Classic Gent

Don't go name-calling the classic gentleman boring.

Don't go name-calling the classic gentleman boring. Just because he likes the oldies but goodies, doesn't make him lame, it makes him traditional (well ok, maybe it also makes him a little bit set in his ways)! Personally, I find that some of the basic beauty products still are the best.

For guys, this includes everything from a best-selling fragrance range like Aramis to a well-structured and long-lasting Fekkai hairbrush. Take a look below for gift suggestions for your classy special gentleman friend.


Online Sale Alert

Online Sale Alert: Up to 50% off at Warehouse

If you still haven't decided what to wear for your festive parties then it seems that your indecisiveness might have paid off!

If you still haven't decided what to wear for your festive parties then it seems that your indecisiveness might have paid off! Warehouse are offering up to 50% off their Christmas collection which includes prom dresses, sequined shrugs and cami tops.

This Grecian prom dress (pictured, now £60) is half price and perfect for making you feel like a Princess! If that's too dressy for your party then how about a black bow front dress (£30), add a chain clutch for a classic party style. Alternatively, stay on trend with a Prada inspired lace dress (£40).

Some of the accessories would make great gifts, for example a sequin wrap (£17) or a bead applique cami (£15).

Check out all of the sale items here.

2008 Christmas

Fab Gift Guide: Indie Boy

If the man in your life looks like he could be in a rock band and regularly gets mistaken for a member The Peth then buying for him doesn't have to mean a trip to a record store.
Ben Sherman at ShopStyle

If the man in your life looks like he could be in a rock band and regularly gets mistaken for a member The Peth then buying for him doesn't have to mean a trip to a record store. Lets be honest, buying CDs can be a risky game anyway as you can never be sure what he's got and you're sure to pick a controverisal album unwittingly.

Looking the part is just as important as listening to the right band these days so instead of adding to his CD rack why not improve his wardrobe? It's easier than you might think, essentially pick something a bit edgy or that looks a bit vintage without looking like you made too much effort. Think plaid shirts, skinny jeans and cardigans with Converse All stars (quite Johnny Borrell) or biker boots (more Justin Bobby's style).
See below for some gift suggestions from just £10.

PopUK Gift Guide: Heroic Him

Today I'm bringing you gift ideas for any comic book or superhero lover in your life.

Today I'm bringing you gift ideas for any comic book or superhero lover in your life. I've got a selection of hero-related books and DVDs for any brothers, boyfriends, cousins and friends who may be interested.

First up are the DVDs — now, we've already seen Hancock, The Dark Knight, Hellboy 2 and Iron Man in our action aficionado list, so definitely don't forget about any of those fab recent superhero movies. Going back into the recent past there's also the Spiderman trilogy and Superman Returns, as well as many more Hollywood adaptations.

If you're looking for something a little spoofier or more playful then why not try Superhero Movie! for any Leslie Nielsen or parody fans out there. Persepolis — an animated film based on Marjane Satrapi's autobiographical graphic novel of the same name — has a very different tone. The story follows a young girl as she comes of age against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution and is an absolutely fantastic film that I'm sure he'll be interested in if he reads comic books.

In terms of TV series', there's Heroes — which has two seasons currently out on DVD — or you can go with something that plays on the comic element of superheroism with The Tick, a fantastic funny live action American TV show starring Patrick Warburton.

Watchmen by Alan Moore or Y: The Last Man by Brian K Vaughan are well-known as great starts for any collector of graphic novels and each have film adaptations due to open in the next couple of years. Another series with a slightly lighter touch is the fabulous Scott Pilgrim series, which is filled with pop culture references — and you'll see Michael Cera playing Scott himself when the movie adaptation eventually hits cinemas. Also, while he's relaxing and reading all these graphic novels, perhaps he could listen to David Bowie's Heroes, for the full on heroic theme!

Simply Fab

Simply Fab: Lanvin Dolls

If the Sonia Rykiel snowglobe didn't take your fancy then maybe you'll be more impressed by these Lanvin porcelain figures.

If the Sonia Rykiel snowglobe didn't take your fancy then maybe you'll be more impressed by these Lanvin porcelain figures. Representing the best of Summer 2008 the seven hand painted figures were designed by Alber Elbaz and are a nod to the post-war Theâtre de la Mode show which couturiers used to use to show off their collections. This is the second collection to be released and feature the Summer collection '08 and also highlights from the bridal line. They are limited edition with only 800 being available and are presented in a pale blue Lanvin box.

They are available at Browns stores.

Source

Bella

BellaSugar's Gift Guide: The Edgy Hipster

Get ready to have some fun shopping for your metro man!

Get ready to have some fun shopping for your metro man! If you're a beauty product junkie, then this bloke is just as much into grooming as you are — if not more. Whether is style is long-hair and rocker or he's got more of a slick city guy style going on, finding an indulgent and eccentric beauty inspired gift is a cinch.

Choose between a sinfully scented all in one John Varvatos Shampoo and Body Wash or this Urban for Men Body Spray (£3) out of my choices below. Or, leave a comment and let me know the about any new cool new grooming products on your radar.

2008 Christmas

Fab Gift Guide: Sporty Bloke

If one of the men in your life has made you sit through one too many sports games wasting valuable hours of your free time then he probably falls in to this category.
Topman at ShopStyle

If one of the men in your life has made you sit through one too many sports games wasting valuable hours of your free time then he probably falls in to this category. Buying for Sports fans doesn't mean getting a book full of facts and figures, you could also get something for him to wear.

There is a retro sportswear revival right now and it doesn't just involve vintage items. Brands such as Nike and Puma are taking advantage of their history by introducing classically styled pieces such as these zip-up jackets; retro track (£21.53) and wind runner (£60).

If you're looking to spend more then there are several puffa jackets on offer including a Prada Sport style (£430). How about Fake Football Boot Socks (£3) as a stocking filler! See below for more gift ideas.





PopUK Gift Guide: Sucker For Sports

Today I'm bringing you gift ideas for the sports fanatic in your life.

Today I'm bringing you gift ideas for the sports fanatic in your life. I've got a selection of sport-related books, DVDs, video games, equipment and subscriptions for sport-loving brothers, boyfriends, cousins and friends.

First up are sports books: Marcus Trescothick and Eric Bristow have autobiographies out in time for the gift-giving season, and there's a new celebration edition of Lewis Hamilton's My Story. Olympics and cycling enthusiasts will enjoy Heroes, Villains and Velodromes, boxing fans will love The Treasures of Muhammad Ali, and those with an interest in the historical impact of sport will savour Playing the Enemy.

Next up I've got a selection of sports DVDs, from cheap-as-chips Tim Lovejoy's Football Managers Uncut to American Football Legends and Top Gear: The Challenges. If he likes to get involved (from the comfort of his sofa!) you could buy a video game, like Topspin 3 for the tennis fan, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 for the golfer, or Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 for the guy who fancies himself a footballer.

If you're looking to push the boat out, you could even buy him a games console on which to play the games: the XBox 360 and Nintendo Wii consoles are both available for less than £200, whereas an 80Gb Playstation 3 will set you back nearer £300.

If your pal likes to get involved in sports, you can help his fitness by buying him some gym equipment, from stocking-filler-appropriate toning bands and pedometers to a more pricely exercise bike. You could even purchase a trial gym membership for your man. If that sounds too energetic for him, you could always get him a subscription to Men's Health magazine or the Setanta Sports TV channels.

Poll

Pop Poll: Do You Love Festive Movies?

Now it's December, we've officially entered the festive season and Christmas movies are starting to become prominent in the TV schedules.

Now it's December, we've officially entered the festive season and Christmas movies are starting to become prominent in the TV schedules. Now Four Christmases is number one at the box office, with Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn bringing a little holiday spirit to cinema audiences. But do you love Christmas movies? Or do you find them too schmaltzy and sweet?

Source

2008 Christmas

BellaSugar's Gift Guide: The Sporty Bloke

Shopping during Christmas-time is tough on everyone, especially if you're looking for something fabulous for the special sportsman in your life.

Shopping during Christmas-time is tough on everyone, especially if you're looking for something fabulous for the special sportsman in your life.

Since his type is likely the real stick-to-the basics kind of bloke, choosing a simple beauty-related product for him is the way to go. You'll be sure to score a winning gift with any of these picks below including one of my favourites, a clean yet relaxing scented Musclease Herbal Bath Synergy Sachets from Elemis (£52). He'll be putty in your hands after a long and tiring active day!