Tomorrow marks the start of the holiday shopping frenzy, while I’m hear to hopefully make your job a bit easier. When is comes to buying gifts for guys my biggest advice would be to keep it simple. Buying clothes is not easy, so I like to stick to small accessories and unique pieces that show thought went into them, but can’t really be messed up.

1. Ties: I know it seems cliche to buy a guy a tie for Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate), but every guy needs them, and if it’s a good one it makes a great impression. Take for example this great Band Of Outsiders tie, it’s certainly not cheap, and it is unique enough that it looks like you put thought into the purchase (available at Opening Ceremony; $140).

2. Fragrance: Most guys own and where more than one scent It keeps girls on their toes, and they are often worn for different seasons, occasions, etc. A well thought out fragrance is always a good purchase. Don’t pick a particularly strong scent though, even some of the manliest of men don’t like an overpowering fragrance. I’ve become a huge fan of the Jeremy Scott for Six Scents fragrance (available at Oak NYC; $85.00).

3. Scarf: Every is wearing them, and they are a very useful item if you’re in a cold area. Be careful though, because buying the wrong scarf can end up the same way as buying an ugly shirt for someone. Keep is simple. Buy a versitile color or pattern, and ake sure it goes well with more than just their usual coat. I’ve been a huge fan of the American Apparel circle scarf I just picked up, it makes it really easy to bunch up around your neck and it doesn’t unravel and fall off (available at American Apparel; $28).

4. Work Bag: Think what you want, but just like women and their purses, a man can’t have too many work bags. I use mine all day everyday, to the point where the strap just breaks off. Show you put some thought into it though. Buy a higher end bag that has a little personality like this Billykirk x Opening Ceremony bag, rather than some shitty canvas one from The Gap (available at Opening Ceremony; $365)

5. A Weekender: Not to be confused with the previous work bag, a weekender is for someone who’s on the move a lot. A weekend here and weekend there, never more than about 3 days, but they have enough stuff that some packing is involved. A weekender is a must! Make sure you have a good one too, these will last just about a life time. I love this bag by Property Of just because of it’s size. You can really fit a good amount of stuff into a bag like this, and still be able to carry it around easily (available at Blackbird; $345).

6. Sunglasses: I wear mine all year around. Like many of the other pieces I’ve show you so far you want to get a pair that are practical yet have a little fun in them. I wouldn’t recommend getting to crazy either, stick to buying black or tortoise they go with everything. I’m a huge fan of everything Super has been doing, I actually have a pair on my Christmas list (available at Super.com; $244)

7. Cool Gadget Accessories: Gifting really unique accessories for (in this case) the person’s iPhone can be a great gift. Be warned though, make sure that you are 100% positive it is cool before you buy it, you don’t want to turn into that weird aunt who buys you stupid accessory things. I love this AnOther x Colette x Gareth Pugh iPhone case. Not too many people will have it, and it scores major scene points (available at Opening Ceremony; $95).

8. Rings: I knwo what you’re thinking, rings? But yeah rings! I’ve found most men wear atleast one ring at all times (even if it’s not their wedding band), so being able to find a really cool masculine ring makes for a great gift. Iona and Digby do an amazing job using old hunting and fishing motifs for their jewelry which make them perfect for gifting (available at DigbyandIona.com; $180)

9. Jewelry: Keeping in line with the previous pick, gifting jewelry (even to guys) is always a solid choice. Pick something simple and cool, none of this stupid “Jesus Piece” crap from a street vendor in Chinatown. I love the “Tar” collection from Alex and Chloe. The items are simple, and the black tar look gives them that additional edge (available at AlexandChloe.com; $64)

10. Books: A good book is never a bad gift. I recommend giving the “What A Man Should Know” Volume 1 book to any guy out there. Not only is it funny, but it’s pretty true too (available at J-Crew; $20)

Rachel Freire is a London based designer whose debut fashion collection was presented at London Fashion Week with On|Off in February 2009 at the Science Museum in London.  Already her work has been seen in publications such as Dazed and Confused, AnOther, Issue One, Timeout London, Juxtapoz, Illustrated Ape, Art Business Today and Metro London.

Educated at Central Saint Martins, her influences stem from her love of historical costume combined with futuristic imagery. Behind the dramatic silhouettes and decadent embellishments, the pieces are designed to be wearable, durable and flattering.

LINK LOVE

AnOther offered four covers for F/W ’09-10 BW were shot by Heidi Slimane, colors by Graig McDean. Honestly, the only cover that semi impressed me was Natalie Portman…I’m sorry, but Katie Holmes on the cover of a magazine? Why!

LINK LOVE: Fashion Copious