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Some say shopping gifts for women can be challenging. That, I have to agree. I'm not implying that they are picky or difficult, there is just much stuff to choose from. And this can be frustrating.

A friend of mine asked me for some suggestions on what to give her girlfriend for Christmas. He also told me, they (him and his girlfriend) agreed not to spend more than a $100. Sounds easy right? Well, knowing his girlfriend, she happens to love designer labels. And my friend for some reason thinks that $100 is not enough to buy his girlfriend anything. I was more than happy to help and enlighten my dear friend.

Long story short, with my help he found the perfect gift for his sweetie and another 'smart' shopper was born.

With a little bit of shopping around, you can find a lot of fabulous gifts under $100, $50 or less! One tip I can give you: if you have a budget per gift, get a couple or more items that fits your budget. Doing so will show how much thought you invested on your gift.

So, here are my top 10 gifts under $100 that your mom, sister, girlfriend and BFF would love!

Burberry Gent Leather Strap Watch $295.00, Salvatore Ferragamo Calf Wallet $270.00, Cole Haan 'Hamilton' Belt $75.00, Banana Republic Dress Shirt $79.00, Swarovski Crystal Cufflinks $81.00, Christian Dior Tie $148.00, Prada Double Bridge Sunglasses $275.00.

Father's Day is only a few days away and if you are still shopping for a gift, here a few gift ideas you might want to consider. True to fashion, gifts for dads are not as extensive compared to gifts for moms. Being an optimist, I figured no need to fret but see this as an opportunity to challenge myself on how can I make this Father's Day special for my dad.

So, the idea of upgrading and updating every man's essentials, i.e. wallet, tie, belt, etc. Was the easiest to go about on what to get dads for Father's Day! Believe it or not, sometimes dads are so busy with work and caring for their family. They don't realize they can use a new wallet or a new belt. And when you give them something that thoughtful, it just make the present more special. Also, you don't have to get dad the flashiest and hottest thing out there. Devote some time shopping around and I'm sure you can find the best gift for Father's Day. Like this pair of Forzieri Multi-colored Swarovski Crystal Cufflinks (shown above) for $81.00!

Mother's Day is only a few days away and perhaps most of you already have a gift for mom's special day. If you haven't (like me) here my top ten gifts under $100. I still haven't made up my mind on which to give my mom. Its either the Juicy Couture coin purse or 'Greta' glass bead necklace. But with the fabulous prices on these great finds, I can afford to give her both! I came across a site that has a lot of Mother's Day gift ideas while I was doing my shopping. Feel free to check it out, someonespoilme.com. Have a great day!
Juicy Couture Key / Coin Purse $47.00, Kenneth Jay Lane Center Key Ring $75.00, See by Chloe Small Shopping Bag $95.00, Miss Dior Cherie Eau de Parfum 3.4 Oz. $92.00.
Forzieri Rose Sterling Silver Pendant with Lace $95.00, Antica Murrina 'Greta' Glass Bead Necklace $99.00, Due Zeta Hand Decorated Murano Glass Perfume Spray Bottles $65.00

L' Occitane Shea Butter Body Set $88.00 SALE, Krups Combination Coffee / Espresso Maker $99.00 SALE, Jo Malone Candle Collection Set $85.00

Even at first glance you can tell that Alex and Ani jewelry is more than an accessory. I like to call it soul. If you haven't had the opportunity to know the philosophy behind Alex and Ani and it's founder, Carolyn Rafaelian. I suggest heading over alexandani.com. And perhaps you can agree with me when I say Carolyn is such an amazing and awe-inspiring woman. Make this coming Valentine's Day by expressing your love with an Alex and Ani Love Bangle set. Made out of 100% recycled metals.A gift like this will forever be cherished. Eco-fabulous!

Alex and Ani Expandable Love 5 Bangle Set $108.00 Shopbop.com

Alex and Ani Expandable 17 Bangle Set $300.00 Sak's Greenhouse Exclusive

Alex and Ani Love and Luck  12 Bangle Set $178.00 Sak's Greenhouse

PJ's are perhaps the one thing I don't mind receiving on my birthday, Christmas or any other occasion that involves giving me a present. Because it doesn't matter if its winter, spring, summer or fall, daytime or in the evening, you can find me in a pair of comfy pajamas. Specially when I'm at home. During this cold season, flannel and jersey sleepwear are best and cotton or other light fabric for warm months.

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, you know what that means Christmas is just around the corner. The spirit of giving is in the air and we will start shopping for gifts for people dear to our heart. So, I decided to create a series of smart gift ideas for guys and the ladies. Every week 'The Smart Stylist' will feature 3 smart gift ideas as part of '12 Smart Gifts for the Holidays'.

Modern, young and fun is always expected from Paul Smith. And it doesn't matter whom the gift is for. It can be your dad, brother or friend, Paul Smith transcends any age and never go out of style. 

Paul Smith Belts have a sense of humor and trendy styles. Great gifts for guys into music and arts. Like the guitar belt buckle for the rock n' roller in your life or a 'art noveau' inspired geometric belt for your aspiring artist. Paul Smith Multi-Color Cufflinks $130.00 Nowadays, ties and cufflinks are not just accessories for formal wear or the workplace. They add character and a finished refined look. For casual everyday look, fun and whimsical cufflinks and ties are the way to go. Have a dog lover on your list? Paul Smith has a pair of dog cufflinks ( $95.00 ) that are pretty cool. And as for ties, go for skinny ties. They are easy to pair with any shirt. Guys, ties you wear for work should be worn at work. If you're planning on giving neckwear to someone, pick one that is simple yet trendy and colors that are easy to wear.

Polka Dot Tie $135.00 Bluebee Skinny Tie $135.00

Most of you may have heard or perhaps, members of invitation-only shopping sites and communities. To be quite honest, I was disappointed with the sites that I was once a member of. Most of them were fluffed! The site features, like top designer brands, deep discounts, daily sales, giveaways, etc. that enticed me to become a member of their 'fabulous' and 'exclusive' community, were nowhere to be found. So, I've been apprehensive and mostly ignoring invitations to join such sites.



Ideeli is having it's Extravagant 4 Day Shopping Event! Starting today and ends on Sunday the 9th. Discounts of up to 90% off. Designers include Botkier, Christian Lacroix, Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, Nina Ricci, Prada and Sonia Rykiel to name a few.

As you all know, The Smart Stylist is also a featured contributor for the fabulous on-line magazine Chic Galleria. Just recently, the site has gone through a long awaited makeover. Now it's more fabulous than ever with the help of the creator of TheSmartStylist.com, Hoodlum Productions. Chic Galleria's editor-in-chief Beth Anderson is just excited to finally see her vision of creating a one-stop haven for shoppers. And the ever so popular and much anticipated giveaways you can win by simply signing up at ChicGalleria.com

Wishing you only the best and much luck to the Chic Galleria Team!

One of The Smart Stylist's fabulous friend, Chic Gal is having a fabulous 'Christmas in July' Sale. Here, you can find interesting and unique jewelry, bath soaps, handbags and much more! So, why don't we get our holiday shopping a start and head over MyChicThings! Have Fun!

Sunglasses from Designers Imports, $10 off $100 purchases through 7/31 on brands like Dior, Prada, and Versace with code "CJ10HEAT