I have six aspiring fashionistas on my holiday list this year. Coincidence? Maybe. I've read encouraging a sense of style in young girls promotes a positive self-image and leads to enhanced self-esteem. Anecdotally, stylish gifts improve relationships between mothers and daughters and aunts and nieces. In this case, I am giving my favorite girls a taste of something I love and want to share with them. In return they trust me to provide counsel on important style topics such as: Is it OK to dress like a boy? Absolutely. What kind of nail polish is cool? Dark purple like OPI's Eiffel For This Color or Hard Candy's Trailer Trash if you are feeling extra sassy. Should I pierce my tongue when I turn sixteen? No. No. No! I like to think of myself as a good influence. Here are my picks for stylish gifts for budding fashionistas:
Marc by Marc Jacobs Fingerless Striped Gloves in Purple, Green, Red and Yellow. Available at Marc by Marc Jacobs for $5.
Fashion Angels Fashion Design Sketch Book comes with sketchpad, markers, mini color pencils and an inspirational guide with fashion styles and terms used by the pros. Available at Toys R Us for $14.99.
A book with Paris as a backdrop is always in style. This year I am giving my girls Everybody Bonjours!, This is Paris and Different like Coco. Available at Amazon.com for $15 or less.
Girls love Glitter. Sephora Glitter Spray can be worn on hair or skin. Glitter is a safe, mood lifting substance for girls of all ages. Available in Gold and Silver for $12.
Bumble and Bumble's Band Ball is stylish and utilitarian (rare indeed!) with 100 colorful hair bands tightly wound into a functional rubber ball. Find it at bumbleandbumble.com for $20.
Project Runway Postcard Design Set includes 32 pre-printed postcards with models and Parisian themes for fashion inspiration and colored pencils. $9.99 at Toys R Us.