Give Style: Beauty Box 5

There's a lot of holiday shopping going on this weekend. Are you doing yours? Monthly subscription boxes have become all the rage, sending cosmetics, fragrances, even craft projects by mail. A monthly surprise can be a treat as a gift, but often I'm skeptical of paying upwards of $20 for samples of products that will run you four times as much to buy in full size, even if you find something you like.

But I got to try a box of samples this week that I actually like.

This is my Beauty Box 5 box from December.

The samples in my Beauty Box 5 box were a mix of brands that are familiar (Aveeno) and some that were new to me (Bellapierre cosmetics). Everything was useable, with the Every Beauty makeup remover pads being the most practical - I'll put those in my toiletry bag for Christmas travel - and the glittery eyeshadow being the most niche - a fun change of pace for evening holiday parties. If I want more of my favorite product from this box, the Nubar nail polish, it's only going to set me back $8.

Subscriptions to anything make great last-minute gifts because "it's in the mail" is part of the deal. Beauty Box 5 subscriptions come in varying lengths, and include a soap.com credit for you. Seems like a win-win.

Give Style: My Preppy Valentine

Valentine's Day conjures up all kinds of traditional gift ideas: restaurant meals, chocolates, lingerie, flowers, sports tickets and even plane tickets.

But consider perhaps something that will last beyond the day. What political ladies and gentlemen like best is something that fits into everyday life (or almost everyday). Consider perhaps a trip to Sterling & Burke in Georgetown for fine leathergoods and fragrances. The service is impeccable and many of the products can be customized.

For the gentlemen:

My Preppy Valentine, for Gentlemen by styleofpolitics featuring wallets

1. J.W. Hulme Bi-fold Wallet. Truly an everyday item, ensuring he'll think of you all the time. And it's crafted from American heritage leather.

2. Filson passport wallet. If you are going for plane tickets, present them in style. I mean really, a loose printout of your e-ticket confirmation is not exactly romantic.


3. Daines and Hathaway cufflink box. If he only has one or two pairs, this could be a nice way to encourage an expanded wardrobe.


4. Swaine Adeney travel bar. Indulgent? Sure. But it's hard to go wrong with indulgence that has this much class.


For the ladies:

My Preppy Valentine, for ladies by styleofpolitics featuring handbags

1. Halcyon Days bangle bracelets. Jewelry for when you're not ready for JEWELRY yet. These are hand enameled in England.


2. Daines and Hathaway heart shaped box. When you are ready for JEWELRY, it deserves to be presented in suede.


3. Penhaligon's eau de parfum. There's something just a little undignified about celebrity scents, no matter how good they smell. This beautiful line is the perfect alternative. 


4. Sterling & Burke Beatrice bag. These bags are custom made for Sterling & Burke by Swaine Adeney Briggs in England and come in five colors. The quality must be seen to be believed. This is truly a lifetime bag.

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.