five more days...

so we're down to the last five days before christmas, and the one person you've neglected on your recent shopping frenzy is you. 'tis the season to give a little and get a little (for yourself). don't worry--everyone does it. there's no shame in rewarding yourself for making it through another year. while you're out there, skip past the tempting discounts on winter wear (do you really need another cardigan?) and look forward to a new year and a new season with some color and cheer. poole shop happens to have a "pre-spring" shipment in from tucker, and we're loving this new style:

wrap it up and put it under your tree or, better yet, don't wrap it and wear it tomorrow under one of those cardigans cluttering your closet. trust us, it's amazing what a little color can do to brighten your mood and get you through these last hurried days.

clothes comfort

she's your mom's younger (baby) sister, but she's always been a mentor to you. she's the life of the party and the one who can talk her way out of any sticky situation. her style is minimal and cool, so what should you get your aunt for christmas this year? just in at poole shop: this cute, comfortable yet stylish sweatshirt tunic (or is it a dress?) from organic. she can wear it solo with boots in the spring or layer it up this winter with leggings, a cardigan and a funky scarf. let her go wild by taking something simple and making it all her own.

it's sunnier there...

it's always sunny in california, right? at least that's what your best friend over there tells you. in a land of lattes, smoothies and vegan desserts, you need a gift that fits the laid-back easygoing lifestyle of the left coast. once again, it's calypso to the rescue. we love this embroidered chambray tunic, which goes from sunny beach to sunset boulevard without a hitch. she can wear it over a swimsuit or her jeans or even by itself while lounging on the deck sipping afternoon cocktails.

what are the kids wearing these days?

you want to show your kid brother that you're still cool and know what's happenin' (does saying what's happenin' age you?), so you've made a pact with yourself to get his girlfriend the perfect gift this year. the only problem is, you're not sure what is the perfect gift for today's teenagers. relax. poole shop can help. check out this little number from organic:

part tee shirt, part sweatshirt, a little cropped and a lot of style (plus the organic factor!) make this the perfect little gift for your brother's gal. it says you know what's going on but you're not trying too hard to show it.

go big or go home

she's your mom. there's no gift too great to honor the woman who's been by your side--albeit sometimes a little too close to your side--through bad breakups, even worse hair days and everything in between. this year, don't be shy about showing her how much you care with a little sparkle and shine courtesy of deux filles.

diamonds, pearls, mixed metals and leather give this jewelry line an edge: casual for every day yet sophisticated for church with enough sparkle for any nightime soiree. put it in the bottom of her stocking for a nice little surprise after she's waded through the starbucks gift card, tic-tacs and christmas-themed candies.

work it

'twas the night before the company holiday party and all through the cubicles not a creature was stirring...

that's because everyone was too preoccupied with trying to figure out what to give the boss this year. it's the ultimate dilemma: you want to make a gesture but don't want to go over-the-top or end up picking out the same gift as all your coworkers a la clark w. griswold. keep it simple and fresh with a candle from calypso. if your boss is girl, she'll love the st. barth-inspired colors and fragrances to dress up a powder room; if your boss is a guy, then he'll just give it to his wife anyway. trust us on this one. and just like the jelly of the month club, it's the gift that keeps on giving.

banded together

when a broken-heart "best friends" necklace seems too juvenile and a friendship bracelet too fragile, give your best girl pals this elastic band bracelet from lizzie fortunato. it has style and staying power--literally and figuratively--and is a great way to stay bonded with your buds. it's also a great gift option for your babysitter, dog walker, hairdresser or any other fabulous young thing you'd like to say "thanks" to this holiday season.

lounge in style

you love her in a she-drives-me-crazy-but-gave-birth-to-my-husband kind of way, and every year you stress over this gift more than any other (will she like it? will she think i'm trying to tell her something?). this year let poole shop push your anxiety aside with a gift that any mother-in-law would love: the brochu walker shawl collar cardigan in a chic winter white. besides being 100% cashmere and totally cozy, it's the perfect update to her overused "house sweater." whether her style is hippie, conservative or just plain comfortable, this sweater will fit seamlessly into her wardrobe. and the best news? it's now 40% off--who can resist such a deal?

working girl

she's a working girl who can never find the right combination of function and style. this year show your sister which one of you (really) knows everything by delighting her with this useful carryall from meredith wendell. it's an easy, practical color (for her) with a bright accent that makes it not too boring (for you). she can easily fit her laptop, clipboard, lunch bag, cosmetic case, phone charger and whatever else it is that she carries around all day inside, so no more ugly work bags!

on the first day of december...

welcome to december and the poole shop annual holiday gift guide. follow our advice this year to wow your friends, acquaintances and off-the-wall family members with gifts that are thoughtful and (sometimes) entertaining. first on our list this year: your old college roommate! you lived in extremely close quarters, knew way too much about each other, and you still expect to see her when you walk through a department store and catch a whiff of the perfume she used to bathe herself in. why not bring her up to date with a scent that is always pleasing but never easy to find...

way before oprah named it one of her favorite things, we at poole shop knew the secret of kai. this subtle fragrance--a perfect combination of honeysuckle and gardenia--is a perennial favorite as a stocking stuffer or just because. we have yet to meet someone who isn't drawn to this scent, so gift away.