Oh, how I adore the holidays. I love the music, the decorations, and the movies. I love Christmas lists and Christmas lights. The other day I was walking downtown, window shopping (because, quite frankly, that is all my college budget allows), and I noticed a common theme: sparkly lights, decorated trees, and faux snow. Whether it's July or December, nothing brightens my day like a hint of Christmas spirit.Since then, all I can think about is holiday festivities. I am listening to Christmas music non-stop. I am brainstorming clever ways to decorate my dorm (my roommate and I will be having our own Christmukkah). I am counting down the minutes until the Macy's day parade... and Thanksgiving break (five more days, two papers, one test).Since holiday mania has taken over my favorite boutique windows, I just knew my favorite e-boutiques' websites would be "decked" out as well. Here are the best of the best...Anthropologie Holiday HelperYear after year, I'm always scrambling for last-minute gifts for a hard-to-shop-for friend. Anthropologie has gifts by themes, such as The Globetrotter (worldly jewelry, travel books), The Snowbunny (cozy scarves, fair isle mukluks), and The Girl Who Has It All (party dresses, fashion designer books).Wishingfish Holiday Gift GuideShop by your lifestyle... or one of them, anyway. With everything from fashionista (what I'd like to be) to stress case (what I actually am) to martha wannabe (what I'll never be), Wishingfish has gifts for every person on your list - including yourself, of course.Urban Outfitters Gift CenterSure, they have a kicking gift guide. But my favorite part about Urban's Christmas selection is the petite metallic trees and offbeat ornaments to accessorize. No tree is complete without ornaments like the mini diet coke can, multicolored disco balls, and stuffed Hello Kitty.American Eagle Get GiftedShop - for gifts or yourself - by the most wished for (quilted ballet flats, striped thermal), the season's best trends, AE stylist picks, or outfit theme. Check out their excellent outerwear selection, including fur-collared jackets, plaid peacoats, and sherpa trimmed vests... you know, in case of a white Christmas.Fred Flare Holiday '06You can always count on Fred Flare for original, slightly off-the-beaten-path gifts. Who wouldn't want a mini toy sewing machine, a Marie Antoinette action figure, pocket-sizeHeatherette dolls, or an 80's themed charm necklace? Do you feel that? The holidays are almost here!-tf [...]
