The Feminine Giftique: A Holiday Gift Guide

The cardinal rule of holiday shopping is to buy things the recipient wouldn't normally splurge on—a philosophy that's all the more pertinent this year, when everyone's closely guarding their wallets. Whether you're putting together your own list or ticking off items on someone else's, our womenswear gift suggestions are a good place to start—and if you browse the online boutiques where we found them, you'll be supporting the best indie website while finding a few unique ideas of your own:

FOR THE AVANT-GARDE ARTISTE
If she's the artistic type, she'll be able to flex her creative muscle with Rose's "Chase Me" coat, a convertible bolero and vest that can be styled either together or separately. For those who truly want to stand out from the crowd, try artist Bruno Levy's hand-illustrated Converse sneakers, which come in myriad one-of-a-kind designs, or Hannah Martin's punky single earrings shaped like shackles, sickles and eagle heads, which we're tipping to be a trend in the making.

FOR THE ECO-CRUSADER
Avid recyclers will love Erica Weiner's vintage-inspired shoe clips, which give a fresh look to the shoes they've had forever. Unlike much eco-friendly fashion with its dull, neutral-hued cottons, Mociun's Southwestern-patterned blouses, skirts and dresses combine sustainable fabrics, vibrant colors and mannish tailoring to truly unique effect. If she's really fashion forward, she'll die over Ka Pow Wow's ruffle neckpieces, statement-making ruffs made from reclaimed textiles.

FOR THE MENSWEAR MAVEN
Even the jewelry-averse are sure to go for Unearthen's Bullet Necklaces, which feature a rough-edged healing crystal protruding from a used bullet casing. This season's biker vibe is perfect for androgynous types, making Current / Elliott's denim motorcycle jacket and Keerstin Wintrup's braided leather belt with bronze snake head ends are two no-fail options.

FOR THE LOUNGE LOVER
During the dark winter months, there's nothing more luxurious than lounging at home, made even more so with T-Luxury's cashmere leggings and tees. Hansel from Basel's knee-high socks are a whimsical foot-warming substitute in the absence of a roaring fire, while Lola Haze's shimmering Whisper Slip offer a sultry alternative when hibernating a deux.

FOR THE SOCIAL QUEEN
No party girl is complete without a set of false eyelashes, and thanks to Stephanie Simek's eyelash-and-pearl necklace, she never has to leave home without them. Help her avoid double-dressing mishaps with a one-of-a-kind vintage frock from Nasty Gal, or give a pair of psychedelic floral tights from Celeste Stein to help make that LBD just a little more festive.

—Erin Magner