Accessory Council Father’s Day Top Pics 2011 a homerun for the man in your life

Father’s Day is just a few weeks away and while you may be knee-deep in your wedding plans, these ideas can cross over from your dad, to father in law (to be) and groomsmen.

The Accessories Council annual Father’s Day top picks offered several options for the man in your life.  From a stylish pair of super cool shades, to a beautiful winter Cashmere scarf, there are gift options for now and year-round giving.

Cuff-Links are one of the most popular gifts to give to your father or your groom especially on your wedding day.  You know a little something that will be a keepsake for them to remember the day.  Swarovski cufflinks are from Swarovski’s first line for men.  They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to match the personality and style of any type of dad. From the ‘industrial crown’, round to rectangular, these cuff links are the perfect gift. These cuff links retail between $70 and $90 per pair, and are available at select Swarovski stores nationwide.

With the dog-days of summer already here, guys need to break out the most stylish pair of sunglasses to shield their eyes from the sun.  These Lacoste sunglasses are unconventionally chic yet classic.  With several shapes/styles there is one for every face-type. They feature the iconic crocodile logo, and can be purchased for $120.  For store locations, visit www.marchon.com

Even with the best pair of sunglasses, a Woolrich Hat by Dorfman Pacific is great way to keep the sun out of his eyes and for those that are…follicular-challenged, it will keep their head from sunburn. The mesh lining has a coolmax sweat-bank to wick away forehead perspiration. This hat retails for $38. Visit www.dorfman-pacific.com for stores.

Let’s face it, when the guys go for a cigar smoke, someone is always looking for a cigar cutter. Well, look no further. This set from Colibri is perfect gift to give the cigar connoisseur in your life. Love the triple-flame, refillable butane cigar lighter, as well as a double-guillotine cigar cutter with a 60 ring gauge aperture to snip the tip of today’s popular large cigars. This luxurious set is sold for $165 at Davidoff NYC, Nat Sherman and local tobacconists nationwide.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

If your dad is cool like mine, then he will absolutely adore a watch from Phosphor.  These watches utilize a revolutionary E Ink electronic paper display (similar to what’s found in products like the Kindle), a standard numeric digital display in one mode, a graphic hour clock display in another and the ability to switch between white-on-black to black-on-white time display give this digital watch a style all its own.  It has cool all over it. These stylish watches start at $175, and can be found on amazon.com.

With a chic key fob and wallet set like this one from Calvin Klein, he is sure to never lose it.  This smooth matte leather combo retails for $45.  Found at shops like Macy’s and Bon Ton, you’ll be able to find it nationwide and he will love it.

Nothing finishes off a great pair of pants like the perfect belt. Not only is this Lacoste belt eye-catching, it is practical as well because it is reversible with both a black and brown side. Retails for $85 at Macys.com, Lacoste stores, and on zappos.com.

Ok, so we do know that after summer, winter will be right around the corner and if it’s anything like last winter, your guy will love this beautiful Heritage Cashmere scarf by Roy Chinnici International Collections. It’s 100% cashmere and is true luxury. Colors ranging from cool plaids to rich solids, for $150 it is truly an investment piece that will last for years. This will be available in the US Q3 just in time for winter.

Finally don’t you hate when guys put everything in their pockets? With a bag like Yak Pak, it is practical and fun at the same time. At only $16, this is a fabulous but wallet-friendly gift.  Yak Pak is a New York-based bag company that manufactures fashionable, innovative, high quality backpacks, messenger bags and other related products. Yak Pak bags are available at college bookstores nationwide and on their website.

So I realize these are for Father’s Day but these are great gift ideas for your dad, father of the bride or groom, your groomsmen and I think the Yak Pak, at $16 is a great gift for your entire bridal party.

Happy Father’s Day and Happy Shopping!

Valentine’s Day Accessory Council Gifts: Top 10 ideas for your honey

Recently I attended a showing at the Accessories Council and had the opportunity to review some of their Top Valentine’s Picks.

Here are some of my favorites:

The “Mr. Postman” handbag by Kathy Van Zeeland is simply too cute. This hand-held satchel also has a detachable shoulder strap that converts this whimsical bag and provides both a feminine and fashionable statement.  As someone who is waiting for spring, the lively print pattern will brighten up any winter’s day.  You’ll be traveling in fun style with this one. $89, www.qvc.com

If you are looking for something just a bit more ‘subdued’, the Faux Lizard print bag from B. Makowsky is the answer.  This is a great bag that can take you from day to evening.  The cross body strap allows for hand free movement as he slips that beautiful ring on your finger. $138, www.qvc.com

The Belgian-Moroccan sisters Leona and Hasna Erziak, have created the ultimate series of handbags.   These are for the woman who wants to have a bag that is luxurious and elegant.  Made from various skins and leather, these are truly a bag-lover’s dream.  If you want superior quality, you should put Lena Erziak on your wish list.  Already with a cult following this is the “it” bag of 2011. $626-$1,829

How about a little something extra special for yourself or your special someone? Cosabella is calling you. The new ‘Never Say Never Shapewear’ floral lace collection by provides the comfort and color of Cosabella and the function and support of shape wear.  Where have you been all my life?  I think I hear a collective sigh of woman everywhere.  $65

Not your mother’s slippers anymore. With over 60 years of experience, you can still turn to Dearfoams for an exceptional slipper.  I love that they have updated their styles (to include some cute blinged-out slippers) and guys; they have some for you too.  Comfort and reliability is what I look for and Dearform comes through.  $ 32-$50

Avon has long been a brand that people have turned to for everything from skin care to makeup.  Now, they have a jewelry line that will be the buzz.  You can find ‘pearlesque’ necklaces, CZ shapes on rings and beautiful multi-colored stones on necklaces and bracelets.   If you’re looking for playful jewelry from a brand you can trust, why not check out Avon.

We all know that honeysuckle is the new haute color of 2011.  Armitron knows it too. This Hot Pink Resin Watch by Armitron, features a silvertone case with 41 genuine crystals in bezel. The dial is glossy white and has matching silver numeral and index markers. The watch also has a second-hand sweep and is water-resistant to 100 ft.  This is a great way to keep in time with the latest trend.  $50 at Armitron and JC Penny’s nationwide.

There are so many great finds at HSN and this is no exception.  The Joan Boyce collection is simply fun.  Not only has she bedazzled shoes she has a new jewelry line that is playful, chic, and reasonably priced.  I’m a big fan of her cuffs and bracelets.  $79.95 

What is the concept of boyfriend? Women want one, have one, broke up with one; everyone has a story to tell. This is the basis of and why Kate Walsh (who I love from The Practice), developed the ‘Boyfriend’ fragrance.  Let’s face it, we’ve all stolen a bit of their cologne or simply found that the more musk/woodsy fragrances appeal to our senses.  The Boyfriend is a floral scent, with night-blooming jasmine, and dries to woody amber, vanilla and musk.  It is just yummy and warm.  I love a woman who is secure, sexy and having fun wearing your man’s jacket, watch or shirt.  I love it more that even if you don’t have a man in your life (right now) you can still enjoy this perfume. $44.95

Ladies, I’m going to take the guys side for a moment.  It’s almost Valentine’s Day and I think THEY should get a little something special too.  Olympus stylus 3000 is too HAUTE.  This camera is so sleek, records HD movie and if your guy happens to…drop things often, don’t worry.  He can drop it in the pool, on the ground, snow and it bounces right back.  This Tough Love Camera will melt his heart.  $199.99

If you’re looking for a camera that has the lens change capability, then the Olympus Pen E-PLI may be the one for you. This camera provides superior optics and multimedia capabilities — combining the creative freedom of a advanced digital SLR with the simple controls and small size of a point-and-shoot. $499.99

Oh Calvin!  If you’re guy is like mine, he wanted to see Tron in 3-D.  Going to a 3D movie, well the 3-D glasses they give you are…well, not the best to say the least.  Calvin Klein is pure genius because he has created  (Marchon3D Patent-Pending3D Technology and RealD Certification) sunglasses that are cool to wear and you can use them at the movies. The curved lens matches the contour of the eye, improves and maximizes your 3D viewing experience, allowing for greater image immersion. The photocromic (transitioning from indoor to outdoor) lens technology allows for wear indoors and outdoors. Offers full UVA/UVB/UVC protection. Available in Men’s, Women’s and Unisex styles. $180 at Calvin Klein stores.

Show your hair some love with ‘hair rules’ quench conditioner. Formulated with it helps to nourish hair that is parched from winter dryness and heat. Love how you look with a blow out service at the Hair Rules salon. Each service includes a texture evaluation, designed to show you how to best care for your hair, and receive a texture specific styling product to get the look you want, be it straight or curly. $24Any and or all of these are great for Valentine’s Day or any day you think deserves a little something special.

DesignerChatter.com Calvin Klein Shopper Bag giveaway

Do you know DesignerChatter.com?  This is a company that is really spreading the holiday cheer.  Just for you lovely bride-to-be, DesignerChatter.com knows that you are fashionable already and during this time of planning is no exception. They have graciously offered a Python Shopper Bags from Calvin Klein (retailed for $118) for me to giveaway to you.  Did I hear you say “WOW”?  I know, this is the perfect bag to carry all your bridal magazines, your notebook and/or iPad as you fashionable find the dress, venue and everything else of your dreams.  You have the perfect guy, how about the perfect bag?

I am giving this bag away on Christmas Day….that’s right, a special gift from DesignerChatter.com and yours truly.  Do you want to start the New Year with this beautiful Calvin Klein bag, send your entry to: lisa [@] yoursinbridal.com.  It’s really simple.

This particular contest is only for US residents.

Good luck.