Give Style: 5 ideas for political gentlemen

And now some ideas for the men on your list. Because I can't resist, we'll have 4 ideas in pictures, and one by video.

Give Style: 5 ideas for political gentlemen by styleofpolitics

1. US Mail tote. This reproduction of an American classic makes a great laundry bag, and there's little chance of confusing it with another one in the laundry room. $24

2. Bright socks from Richer Poorer. Your feet are a much more creative (and subtle!) place to show some personality with a suit than a knot under your chin. $12

3. Monocle magazine. With a unique blend of politics, style and design coverage, this thick periodical always brings a unique, forthright perspective. $15.65/issue

4. Lucky Tiger grooming products. These classics from heritage American purveyor Caswell Massey not only look cool, they feel cool too. $71.50

5. Kings County Beef Jerky. I know what you're thinking. Jerky? Is this a gift, or provisions for the car ride home? But trust me. This is the best, most flavorful jerky you'll ever have. $26.95 for 3

Skeptical? Watch this:


And don't forget: The Style of Politics can do your shopping for you! You give us your shopping list (my religious aunt, my teenage cousin, my 20-something assistant) and your price range, and we deliver to you links to a hand-selected gift for each one. It's just $80 for up to 12 gifts.

For more details, email us or call 908-642-2745.

Give Style: 5 ideas for political ladies

Tis the season for gift guides! Since I believe you can never have quite enough "guidance" until you've found just the right thing, we'll take a brief detour from our usual format. Today, the ladies. Tomorrow, the gentlemen.

Ladies Gift Guide 2011 by styleofpolitics on polyvore.com

1. Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. Yes, my evangelizing for lipstick extends to the gift guide! This shade is almost universally flattering, while the formulation is sheer enough to apply even with a shiny surface as a makeshift mirror ten seconds before camera. $14.50

2. I would have been a Suffragette t-shirt. This is cheeky enough to wear to play touch football, but sincere enough to appear in a campaign slideshow. Perfect combination. $24

3. The Ace flag tote. This one of a kind tote is made from a recycled American flag with straps made from an old leather jacket. It's green, durable, and unique. $225

4. The Gentlewoman magazine subscription. This is one of the coolest titles I've come across in a long time. Imagine that Vogue was rewritten by Arianna Huffington, Tina Fey, and Ann Patchett. $43.54/year

5. Lollihop subscription. An assortment of healthy organic snacks delivered monthly to your home or office. Good food means good decisions. $18.95/month

Still don't see what you're looking for? Let the Style of Politics do your shopping for you! New this year: you give us your shopping list (my 40-ish bachelor cousin, my neighbor who picks up my mail, 3 nephews ages 2/5/7) and your price range, and we deliver to you links to a hand-selected gift for each one. It's just $80 for up to 12 gifts.

For more details, email us or call 908-642-2745.

Haley shines on

Gov. Nikki Haley visited a Bridgestone tire plant last week. She wore black and white: (http://youtu.be/gSguCfO4HF8)

This much shine is very difficult to pull off in the daytime, and I don't think it works here.

She made a valiant attempt at dressing down the blazer with a plain black top and her customary cross, but all we see is the sheen on the blazer. In fact, the sharp color contrast between the black and the white makes the jacket stand out even more than it otherwise would. If you're incorporating a shiny or sparkly piece into your outfit, a tone-on-tone color palette will do a better job of balancing it out.