Geekery Gifts

We all know and love at least one geek. I happen to know too many. Here are some ideas I have added to my X-Mas shopping list for my nerds.

Left Laptop Screens: Since laptops are the new accessory, you can't let your geek be without their laptop skins, why that would just make their laptops naked. Laptop skins come in all types of designs and can be purchased all over the internet now. No more ghetto bumper stickers on the precious laptop.

Right Retro Webcam: This ultra fun webcam is a great gift for anyone but especially those computer nerds. Perfect for photos, online chatting and even (for some) online dating. I don't consider myself a computer nerd but I am adding this to my wishlist.

Left USB fan: Maybe I just love this because it's cute and little. This small actual working fan is perfect for those long and hot days in the cubicle. I am not so sure how powerful the fan is but I like it anyway. Just stocking stuffer or filler gift.

Right Oprah's Favorite Things, The Kindle: I saw this on Oprah today and now I can't stop thinking about it. It is a digital book, but not your typical book. Selling points: completely wireless allowing book downloads anywhere, store up to 200 books on one memory card, includes dictionary to look up words, no more carrying heavy books around, even allows newspapers and magazines to be downloaded and lifetime backup storage on amazon.com. Not quiet stocking stuffer price but totally worth the money.

Gifts To Always Keep On Hand

I hate it when I have the impromtu birthday invitation or housewarming party. I like to keep items on hand for when those last minute parties come up and you should too.

Left: One idea is the handy dandy notebook. Everyone needs a notebook and it can be very uni-sex and can be for most occassions. I like to purchase handmade notebooks from local artists when I travel and they I have a story of where they came from to my recipient.

Right: Purchase in bulk! You can buy gifts in bulk (example- olive oil) then create custom gift tags to say "With Love from Henry and Sandie" and use them all year long as gifts. These are truly personalized and who knows your recipient just may steal your gift idea.

Left: Candles for all occassions. The picture I have is a candle made to look like beer, but you could go more traditional. Candles are good because they last forever in your closet (for those who don't get too many party invites) and can be given to men or women and are a great warm thoughtful gift.

Right: Pampering gifts can never go wrong. Keep a goody basket of lotions, soaps, oils, body scrubs, and other bath essentials on hand to give as a gift for a female in need of relaxing. Side note: If you need to relax you can gift it to yourself (I have never done that :).

Books Make Great Gifts

LEFT: All About Us By Phillip Keel

This is the perfect book for any two-some. The book asks questions and allows the couple to each answer their perspective of the question. All About Us will help you and your partner discover more about yourselves and each other than you ever imagined possible. Great for road trips or just a night at home.

RIGHT: Love is a Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield

What is the best way to describe your feelings towards someone? But of course... a mix tape. This book is a tribute to love and the correlation to the infamous mix tape. The good, the bad, and the ones you never want to hear again. Not your typical gift, this gift is love...

LEFT: Too old for myspace, too young for Medicare by Alan Corcoran

I think the title pretty much describes the book. Please do not give to anyone easily offended.

RIGHT: The Three-Martini Playdate: A Practical Guide to Happy Parenting by C.S. Mellor

I have purchased this book for a few new parents and they raved how great this book is. New parents would rather die then get another "parenting book" but this one is the exception.

LEFT: I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence by Amy Sedaris

Amy Sedaris has finally perfected the ultimate entertaining book. This is a must have gift for newly weds, house warming and pick one up for yourself. Her photos, recipes, craft ideas and comments will have you laughing on the floor.

The Hard To Shop For Male

Everyone always has at least one hard to shop for male on their shopping list. Over the years I come to love shopping for those because that usually means you need to give them the absolute best or the unique gifts. Try some of these on for size.

Left: Every man has a pen but not every man has a Mercedez Benz pen. This luxury pen could be the only Mercedez most men will get for Christmas.

Right: Every woman wants to cuddle up with her man when he's wearing this 100% cashmere stripped scarf. Scarves are just as much for men as they are for females. Trust me.
Left: Statistics show that most men don't read, but we hope with a subscription to ESPN they can prove that still can read. It's a gift no man can resist.

Right: This stunning and sleek silver tie is for every man. It doesn't even matter if they wear a tie everyday or not, this will make them want too. A few staple high-quality ties belongs in every man's wardrobe.

Left: This gift is my favorite! This is a USB-port miniture guitar and amp. This gift is perfect for the high-tech, rock stars, workaholics and music lovers. Forget boring conference calls when you have this to play with. You can also play your computer music and ipod from the amplifer. Perfect gift they didn't even know they wanted.

For assistance finding any of these items please e-mail me at DressKnoxville@gmail.com. Your favorite blogging personal shopper.

Fall Fashion Must-Haves

Feminine Professional (Right): Bright colors are hot this Fall and really sprung up boring suits. Gray suits work great with color accessories and tops and don't forget to purchase the vest with your suit, it offers a lot of great versatility to your wardrobe. I would pair her outfit with a great black breifcase.

Fall Office Wear (Left): I absolutely love the big sunglasses from Summer incorporated into Fall. It's a perfect transition. Patterned and plain scarves are a must and an easy way to still wear some Summer blouses. The wide-leg pant easily goes from office to dinner. Simple black flats are a must-have this Fall!

Office Flirty Alert (Right): You may need to check up on your office dating policy because this office will attract some extra attention. Once again, it's the colorful feminine top that makes a boring day at the office the perfect opportunity to show your fashion style. I would add one chunky banglet or a vintage ring.

Fall Trench (Left): You must add a good trench to your Fall coat collection. This wool one will last you through Winter as well. A high-quality coat is always worth the investment.

Shoppper Q & A

Q & A:

What's your name? My name is Danielle Kriger and I am a part-time personal and corporate shopper?

Why did you become a shopper? I don't know if I ever "became" a shopper, I have always been a shopper. It also helped that I was raised in a mall while my mother worked two full-time retail jobs as a child. I love shopping, bottom line. I love hunting and finding that perfect gift for someone (or myself). I like to think of it as my sport or hobby and I never lose.

What type of shopping do you do? My clients vary; some are business professionals that need someone to do their holiday shopping and last minute gifts. Some clients want a whole new wardrobe and some just need something here and there. I do it all! Gifts for your office, wife, husband, milkman or assist you in finding that perfect skirt that makes all of your friends jealous.

Where do you shop? I get this question a lot... the question should be where don't I shop. I travel a lot and always make time for the shopping trips. Atlanta (IKEA is worth the drive), New York (always a reason to go), Denver (where my family is), and even Europe (I used to live in London). Knoxville does have decent shopping, it gives me more of a challenge. I love discount stores to appointment only, there isn't a store I won't shop at.

Are you taking new clients? Yes, I am currently taking new clients. Call or e-mail me if you are interested in setting up job. (303) 921-6188 or DressKnoxville@gmail.com