Christmas presents for wife type people
OK
The spouse has even worse fashion sense than I do. Probably why she even went on our first date, but that's another story.
She cannot get it together to buy herself clothes, I'm sure there is something behind all of that, but she's not into therapy either. She does like to go to thrift shops and come home with truly appalling garments that don't fit and don't coordinate with anything she owns.
I am suggesting to her that she internet shops. (my reasoning is too lengthy to go into now, but if yo are curious I will explain later)
Does anyone have suggestions for clothing websites analogous to zappos for shoes?
:3_eyes:
She might hit you. and your boss probably wouldn't appreciate it if you shop while at work. In other words NSFW.
Mrs L shops online all the time for normal stuff like Old Navy and stuff like that... but your wife might want to find someone for a consultation - a personal shopper maybe.
I'm not clear from your post.... does she see this whole fashion disaster thing as a problem? If so, good luck. If not... well, a person won't fix a problem when they think it's not really a problem. And while it may be your duty as husband to convince her otherwise, my advice is that the Christmas gift isn't your best shot to do that.
OK
The spouse has even worse fashion sense than I do. Probably why she even went on our first date, but that's another story.
:3_eyes:
Um...does this mean she was wearing a pair of Daisy Dukes and a tube top when you first saw her?
It might be helpful if we could get an idea of her stature, her hair, and her general stylistic preferences...if she had any.
Most web based clothing sources tend toward certain genres, as it were. Does she want to look like Stevie Nicks or Barbara Walters?
How 'bout a pic of her in her usual attire? Or without...
There was a bathing suit pic posted recently wasn't there? No idea what thread, but she was looking pretty darn hot though.
Bluefly.com would be like zappos I guess.
www.piperlime.com for shoes
Piperlime, old navy, gap and banana republic are connected, so four stores, one transaction.
Some of the online sites have an option to "get the look" makes outfits for you.
So for Christmas you plan to pay for her to go online to do something that she doesn't enjoy in a situation where she can't properly see what she's buying to replace stuff the inexpensive, individual and cheap recycled products she bought?
or did i miss something?
some of us just aren't into clothes.
literally, when practical.
Nope, I wouldn't go Internet shopping for clothes. But that's just me, because I'm not an easy size to fit - I am short and um...curvy, yeah, that's the word. ;)
Might be nice to "shop" online just to get an idea of what's out there and what she likes, but I need to try stuff on.
Why doesn't she like to shop? I don't like it either, but I like having decent clothes to wear. For me, it's the money - I hate spending money. I also tend to like styles that are made for women at least 30 pounds lighter than I am, which gets depressing after a while. I REFUSE to shop in the plus department. I'm not there yet. But I go in some stores and try on a Large, and it's just laughable. Large? Large what?
LL Bean is the only online clothing place my wife shops. She seems to like it. YMMV.
LL Bean is the only online clothing place my wife shops. She seems to like it. YMMV.
if you shop LLBean online, check out if there;s a school or charity near you that does the Scrip Fundraiser. if so, you can buy LLbean gift cards from them at face value, and the organization will get between 13 and 19% of your spend.
Land's End is even better.
zappos sells clothes. So does Amazon. Depending on her tastes,
QVC
HSN
Hot Topic (well, I did say depending on her tastes!)
Spiegel
Old Navy
Coldwater Creek
She cannot get it together to buy herself clothes,
You lucky bastard... don't mess with a good thing. ;)
Call What Not To Wear and see if they will do a show on her!
How about you buying something for her if your fashion sense is better than hers? There are bargains everywhere, even at department stores. I know this woman once boasted she got several nice shirts at Macy's for under $10. She said they were so cheap, it was a sin not to buy them! lol....You can even find nice clothes at places like Ross or Marshall's. My aunt bought several jeans for under $15 recently. I saw them, and they look really nice too.
I sure wouldn't mind if my husband buy me some nice clothes for a good price.
a subscription to a good fashion magazine that might appeal to her.
While a great deal of the content in such magazines is ridiculous, ("bargain" shoes for only $300, etc.) it does help a woman to peruse them once in a while so her look doesn't "freeze" a decade or two in the past. It may be unfortunate, but looking like you live in the real world does help in social and business interactions.
Really don't know you or your wife, so it's hard to make recommendations. Maybe a good book or two on style? Lucky magazine has a good one; Linda Dano put a good book out years ago on how to build a basic wardrobe. I'm sure there are others.
Another idea would be to hire someone; an image consultant, who could help clear out the closet of duds, and organize a basic wardrobe based on your wife's interests and lifestyle. Now that would be a present!
I still don't get why everyone is one the "help her fashion sense" theme. If she doesn't care for it, why try to force it on her?
Get her something she will like. Maybe a powerdrill or chainsaw or something.
Here is a gift I gave my wife about 2 years ago. It is still going strong and no evidence of wear. A very nice addition to any kitchen.
https://www.gelpro.com/?source=gelmat.combecause that's what he asked for, Zen
The merc probably hit the nail on the head as far as the best gift to get her. Sehr praktische.
I've decided to not get involved in the whole clothes shopping drama and I will revert to my fight or flight response of "Mmm hmm. I see what you mean. You're right."
How about a present that doesn't surround one of her perceived deficits?
Please don't get her a smack in the face for christmas. Get her something she enjoys.
How about a present that doesn't surround one of her perceived deficits?
Please don't get her a smack in the face for christmas. Get her something she enjoys.
no, no, no! DON'T get her anything relating to houseworkslavery as her main present. Cic has a point, but that's just as bad. No vacuum cleaner, or anything like that.
Cic and Cloud have delved to a fundamental point. "Get her something she enjoys." The problem is that she enjoys, or at least claims to, practical things. Like a gel floor mat. She is rather miserly with herself when it comes to fun or anything approaching luxury. For example she's been given a number of "Spas" or pamper-fests or whatever it is that you women are always mooning about. She's never done one she gives them away or just never goes. Getting your nails done doesn't make any sense. She still prefers $15. haircuts. I'm not complaining at all, I'm just saying she's not into luxury or anything like that.
how about a practical item with luxury added? Like a practical overshirt or robe in a luxury fabric, like cashmere. Or splurge on a practical item which is top of the line?
Or, if you want clothes--get her something that you like, that you think will look good on her. It doesn't have to be anything fancy.
no, no, no! DON'T get her anything relating to houseworkslavery as her main present. Cic has a point, but that's just as bad. No vacuum cleaner, or anything like that.
Bought my wife a Dyson Vacuum cleaner one year. But I did ask her permission first. She loves that thing. I may get her an upgrade this year. She likes a really clean house and works hard to make it that way. So in effect it gives her pleasure.
Maybe it's time for an upgrade to a riding vacuum.
She already has one.
It's time for a toy.
A remote control car, UFO or dragonfly.
We've been playing with ours all day :D
The problem is that she enjoys, or at least claims to, practical things. Like a gel floor mat. She is rather miserly with herself when it comes to fun or anything approaching luxury. For example she's been given a number of "Spas" or pamper-fests or whatever it is that you women are always mooning about. She's never done one she gives them away or just never goes. Getting your nails done doesn't make any sense. She still prefers $15. haircuts. I'm not complaining at all, I'm just saying she's not into luxury or anything like that.
This is the chief complaint about me from Mr. Clod. I am the kind of person that would love a new vacuum cleaner as a present, because I'm just a practical person. But to answer your original question, in my opinion, not liking
clothing and not liking to
shop are two different things. What would happen if you bought her some clothing directly? Sizing isn't too hard, and everything's returnable anyway. Maybe it's the browsing that she has no patience for, in which case doing it online won't make it any better.
Does she have a hobby? Buy her something for that.
Like, for me, I'd enjoy a jumbo-sized pack of Fat Quarters (it's a bunch of quilt fabric). Practical, but not TOO practical, just fun.
How about a present that doesn't surround one of her perceived deficits?
Please don't get her a smack in the face for christmas. Get her something she enjoys.
Hence, my suggestion of corsets. What sexy woman wouldn't want a real corset for christmas? :D
Hence, my suggestion of corsets. What sexy woman wouldn't want a real corset for christmas? :D
I'm not sure.... we'd need some photos to make sure.
Okay, how about this....
I actually lack fashion sense too, so honestly, I would love someone to dress me...please!!!!!! So, why not get your wife a nice outfit? You have better fashion sense, you know her size(if not look into her clothes), and you know her taste. But, get something she can wear often and not too expensive. If she's miserly on herself, she won't wear anything ridiculously expensive. AND take her out to pamper her. She deserves it. Perhaps a nice movie and dinner. Take her dancing. Take her to the amusement park. Make a picnic basket and have a picnic in the park. Take her to play go cart. Take her on a cruise. Go on a trip. Rent a beach house for the weekend. Just take her somewhere she will get a chance to relax and enjoy herself. You get the picture. Often times, it doesn't take much to make a woman happy. Just show her you care and love her. :D
But Tulip, then she'll expect him to be considerate every year. ;)
Yes, at least once or perhaps twice a year? Let's add the birthday! :D
See! It's getting out of hand already. :eek:
Here's a suggestion any woman in their right mind would LOVE. Decorate the house like a Temple, with lots of sheer, flowy fabric, candles, incense. Make it very exotic and romantic. Draw a HOT bath for her, with lavender oil and epsom salts. Have some exotic music playing, like Indian music, or Middle Eastern, (perhaps VAS) something like that, relaxing, but spiritual. (or use Pink Floyd if you like. the point is to create a mood.) After her bath, blindfold her and lead her to bed full of flower petals. Feed her some strawberries dipped in dark chocolate with champagne, wine or whatever she likes to drink on special occassions. Have a few of her girlfriends come in and dress her in different outfits that express her beauty, both inside and out. (they should also be dressed appropriately for this task.) After she is dressed in something she adores, have all the ladies sprawl out on the bed with her, and have some of your/her male friends come in, dressed like slaves, and have them take care of the ladies, washing and massaging their feet with lavender oil, and working their way up. have the manslaves feed the women, strawberries, grapes, cheese, wine, bread. The point is, make it a Goddess worshipping ceremony. Show her how special she is. Make her feel special, and this way you can get her into other clothes and make her feel sexy and special about it, not awkward. As far as the ceremony goes, I don't know you, so I would take it only as far as you want as long as everyone feels safe. Sex, or no sex. The sex isn't the point. The sensuality is the point. And sensuality really has nothing to do with sex. It's more about feeling powerful, and special and unique. Make her feel like the Goddess she IS. (You can do this without all the other people, I just think that would make it more fun and playful.
:::Shudders::::
clearly I am not in my right mind.... oh wait.....
OK
She cannot get it together to buy herself clothes, I'm sure there is something behind all of that, but she's not into therapy either. She does like to go to thrift shops and come home with truly appalling garments that don't fit and don't coordinate with anything she owns.
I am suggesting to her that she internet shops.
:3_eyes:
I resemble that I'm afraid... with lingering maternity clothing that is literally falling of my hips ample as they are... personally I'd LOVE a new outfit... or wardrobe... but have no time without kids to try things on and am equally frustrated with the overwhelming amout of clothing made to flatter the flat chested and slim hipped... am not plus size... just very petite and curvy... with a very short waist... lowrise leaves half my arse hanging out and baby doll shirts... the seem that should be under the clevage hts right at my nipples. Needless to say no one dares buy me clothing. Though it would be nice... they'd have their work cut out for them. I generally stick to broomstick skirts or goucho pants, lounging pants and t-shirts... with a hoodie... am very tired of them all... just want a nice comfortable stylish outfit that doesn't make me look pregnant, obese or like a an old frumpy lady.
Am very interested to know how this turns out....
Does she have a hubby? Buy her something for that.
fixed that for you. So you're suggesting lingerie, then?
I suggest one of these places...
http://www.darkgarden.net/corsets_women.asp
http://www.nightshadecorsets.com/
http://www.vollers-corsets.com/
(hey, you asked...) :p
I always recommend
Delicious Corsets for those who appreciate them and want quality. I know the maker and he puts a lot of love into his products.
I once tried to buy clothing for a girl. Not my best idea ever. I thought a few sweaters in her size would be safe, right? Nope. They were the wrong color/size/style/whatever. Never again.
I am also guilty of buying a vacuum cleaner for Xmas. BEFORE I was told not to buy such things. But she asked for one! Still, should have made that an aside present on an ordinary day.
Live and learn, but I still dread shopping for gifts. I'm not good at it.
Here's a suggestion any woman in their right mind would LOVE...
Wow. I'm even less of a chick than I thought I was. I'm really tempted to put up a poll to find out how many women here would want anything even
remotely like that.
Wow. I'm even less of a chick than I thought I was. I'm really tempted to put up a poll to find out how many women here would want anything even remotely like that.
I'll save you the time. Two. Sugarpop and prolly ducksnuts.
get her a steak and a BJ!
I don't even think Ducks would go in for that.
I think someone's been reading far too many erotic novels lately. lol
Personally I'd go in for about half of it, but the whole goddess thing isn't realistic imo.
I always recommend Delicious Corsets for those who appreciate them and want quality. I know the maker and he puts a lot of love into his products.
When you say love, do you mean it in a DNA sort of way?
:p
Wow. I'm even less of a chick than I thought I was. I'm really tempted to put up a poll to find out how many women here would want anything even remotely like that.
Lets just think about the clean-up/ putting the house back in order for a moment. Who do we think is gonna do all that? :headshake
Haven't read any of this, but offhand, hiring a cleaning service for the day as part of the package of presents comes to mind.
:::Shudders::::
clearly I am not in my right mind.... oh wait.....
Check your smallclothes, Monster -- that may have been a small orgasm... :3eye:
I once tried to buy . . . Never again. . . Live and learn, but I still dread shopping for gifts. I'm not good at it.
Most people eat solid food. That's where I come in, selling Cutco knives, most of which are for the kitchen. Not cheap, but better than absolutely anybody else's. The only thing better than Cutco is Cutco you've already got. Shoot me a PM -- quick.
Sure, I'm a guy -->guys like tools -->guys like good tools. And creation happens. The stereotype is a given -- but the gals don't sneeze at good equipment either.
I prefer good knives in the kitchen. Chef quality. Hold an edge forever and I don't mean Ginsu.
Henkels or Wustof for me, but thanks. I've had my set over 20 years.
Wow. I'm even less of a chick than I thought I was. I'm really tempted to put up a poll to find out how many women here would want anything even remotely like that.
Ditto.
Worshipped by my man, yeah.
Sorry guys, but my fantasy doesn't involve ANY other chicks.
Henkels or Wustof for me, but thanks. I've had my set over 20 years.
JA Henckels and Wusthof are both damned good -- good knives last. I go up against these every working day of my life. Know what? 80% of the time I win -- not because I'm such a silvertongued Esso Bee, but because Cutco is just that good. Henckels is among the best you can get in a store; Cutco is the best you can get
anywhere.HA ha ha ha - Cutco is the best in your mind and thats about it - My set rocks and has been for over 20 years. My rib knife is still sharp enough to take your arm off. The french knife which I use all the time is outstanding and has put up with much abuse. My moms bread knife which she left in the oven was replaced without even being returned to them. Quality and service have been unbelievable.
I go up against these every working day of my life.
My immediate reaction . . .. "WTF? Is he having knife fights at work??"
HA ha ha ha - Cutco is the best in your mind and thats about it - My set rocks and has been for over 20 years. My rib knife is still sharp enough to take your arm off. The french knife which I use all the time is outstanding and has put up with much abuse. My moms bread knife which she left in the oven was replaced without even being returned to them. Quality and service have been unbelievable.
actually, we saw a show on tv where they were talking about samurai swords and other really sharp blades. They did a whole segment on cutco knives. IIRC They were the best commercially available knives in their opinion.
I looove the ones we have. need moar.
80% of people who listen to UG; 0% of professional chefs.
need moar.
I need Moar, too. Oh. You meant more knives. Sorry.
Compared to Global, Henckles, Wusthof etc... Cutco knives rock. I'm not a chef, I don't take care of my knives like a chef... I have a shit ton of dull ass Henckels in my knife drawer... and I always grab a Cutco first.
I have a pair of cutco scissors that were my mom's from back when I was small child. They can still cut a penny into thin strips.
you buy me a kitchen knife as a present... well just call me Lorena as I try it out....
Cleaning service could be awesome, depends on personality of recipient. Might be taken as an insult if they're pretty houseproud, or might cause them more stres as they "prepare" for it if they're utter slobs like me. If they're middle ground, it has a chance...
Getting a regular cleaning service was one of the best things I've ever done. Now my house stays "reasonable" no matter what. If someone's coming over, it takes less than 10 minutes to "pick up" and be ready for guests.
A+++++ would recommend!
Well, just keep this in mind, whatever you choose.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twivg7GkYtsCompared to Global, Henckles, Wusthof etc... Cutco knives rock. I'm not a chef, I don't take care of my knives like a chef... I have a shit ton of dull ass Henckels in my knife drawer... and I always grab a Cutco first.
I have a pair of cutco scissors that were my mom's from back when I was small child. They can still cut a penny into thin strips.
Cutco does rock. We have a set I bought for my wife at least 10 years ago and they cut like the day we got them. If they do dull you can send them back to the company and they re-sharpen them for you.
Or you can call a salesguy like me to come out and do a field resharpening for you. Even the fancy DD edges. The factory in Olean NY is still the ultimate at this, but either service call in your home or refurbish job at the factory is free of charge. All running it back to the factory will cost is insured postage. A service call, not even that.
Just serviced my mom's set in Lakewood CO last weekend, and after about 18 years one of her knives really needs the factory to rejuvenate it. Somehow her #1728W Petite Carver has taken more of a pounding than any other knife in her set, which I sold her back in 1991 or so.
UT: Oh really? -- wanna try me by PM? I am quite certain I can bring your cutlery knowledge well up. I'm already talking with BrianR about a purchase. He definitely indicates he knows a lot about operating cutlery in a professional kitchen.
... and I always grab a Cutco first.
I have a pair of Cutco scissors that were my mom's from back when I was small child. They can still cut a penny into thin strips.
Silver-colored handles? Those would be the old shears.
In 1991 we launched the #77 Super Shears. We demonstrate them by cutting pennies into corkscrews with them. I'm not ambidextrous, but the #77s are -- and sometimes I switch hands
just for fun. I love finding lefthanded customers. Now the shears come in black handles, white ones, and for a limited time only, red handles, for the (red) charity.
I can perfectly sharpen and/or remove any nicks from my forged high carbon stainless blades in minutes, whenever it's necessary.
I can put an edge on them too.
Cutco took an awful long time to come up with similar, but inferior knives for people who know what a proper knife is. Meanwhile, you take your stamped, serrated bullshit and get the fuck off my porch. Guess what, I have never needed to cut through a penny or saw through a rope in my kitchen.
I prefer carbon steel to stainless and I have a few Henckels which I bought by the pound from a sales rep who had hundreds of returns from people who put them in the dishwasher and had the alu rivets dissolve.
At $1.00 a pound they were a great deal, I put new handles on them and gave them as Xmas presents for years.
Stainless is great at keeping a mediocre edge for a long long time. High carbon will take a sharper edge quicker.
There is a reason woodworkers don't use stainless steel chisels and saws, the stainless aspect is for convenience in the kitchen. Acidic foods, salty foods, etc.
But who cooks any more? I mean really cooks?
(The cellar is not representative of the population)
I'm still confused as to when exactly, wives becamame "people". Carry On. ;)
Damn woman, you're right. Now where's my martini? <smack on the rump as you head off to the kitchen>
Just serviced my mom's set .
:eek:
mmmm.... I have a few suggestions:
First, if clothing is what she really need/wants... take her favorite outfit to a store in the mall, have them check the size and the.. ahem style... have them write it down on the back of a gift card, and get her a gift card... she will go into the store, with her size and style already set out, and will not be embarrassed when needing help., better yet... get her a mall gift certificate, but still go into a clothing store, and get her "suggestions" written down. sometimes its just we do not know what looks good on us, or do not want to spend that kind of money, especially when we have kids. Also, if clothes are your thing and not hers... she can get a toaster if she wants.......
Is luxury really not her thing, or is it really the money/time away from kidlets guilt what bugs her? Perhaps a day at the spa would do her a world of good... or maybe a day for all of you??
I once got a great gift..... a $200 anything you want card: It had several choices on it:
- dinner and a movie, with babysittting included
- dinner in, with kids, and a purchased movie, candles after bedtime, a massage and 2 hours of hubby/wife time alone
- a spa day
- a shopping spree for clothes
- kitchen gadgets ( my favorite )
- chocolates, flowers and no kids for 4 hours
- one full day without housework/kids/hubby/work
- a course at the college (cooking/photography/continuing education) <<--- the one I took
- maid service for 3 hours per week for 6 months <--- should have taken!
Some times just a choice is a good present.... and anything personal is always best.
Wow. I'm even less of a chick than I thought I was. I'm really tempted to put up a poll to find out how many women here would want anything even remotely like that.
To each their own. It's a role playing game. Nothing more. I happen to be very adventurous that way. But I know I am not the norm, so oh well. Carry on.
Gosh sugarpop, it sounds kind of off beat but I'm open minded, so perhaps if you were to demonstrate for/on me just what you're describing, I could embrace your recommendation. :D
You sir, are a cheeky cheeky monkey.
Yeah, but I'm consistent.:blush:
So, foot, what did you end up getting the spousespousespouse?
I will take pictures and post them.
I will take pictures and post them.
Excellent!