5 Fun Illustrated Gifts You Wont Find Anywhere Else

The holidays are an amazing and exciting time but lets face it—shopping for gifts can be totally stressful!

In the spirit of “More cheer - less stress” I’m sharing 5 of my favorite giftable items that are ‘Fashion and Function’ —because the only thing better than a gift that looks great is one that’s actually useful too! (Don’t you agree?)

You can click any of the images below for more details!

Ready to take a look? Lets go!





Gift Number 1: For the friend who’s always digging through their purse..

There’s at least one (or maybe 10) of your friends who can never seem to find their keys,phone, wallet..something! —Well here’s a quick fix for that: A Canvas organizer Pouch.

—Perfect for keeping all the lose items in a giant purse in check! It also doubles as a makeup bag or a pencil case too! (I recommend the medium size option for that.) Another great perk is that they’re also machine washable!

I personally use a ton of these when I’m out. I like to carry one for coupons and cards, one for my to-go cosmetics, and another for my art supplies, phone charger, wallet and keys. I toss them all in my bag and never have any trouble finding what I’m looking for!

The illustration featured here is for the year-round Fall lover! (You know, the “Pumpkin everything” girl/guy.) I tried to capture the warm tones of a New England park during Autumn and added in a few pets for fun.

If fall isn’t your friend’s favorite season, check out some of my other illustrated pouches here.









Gift Number 2: For your friend who’s all about the ‘Gram…

Always on their phone? Help them deck it out!

A super chic phone case is the most functional accessory!

This case is available in a bunch of different sizes and models. If you’re gifting someone who’s like me and drops their phone frequently the ‘Tough Case’ option is perfect! It provides maximum protection without looking like a utility box like some of the other heavy duty cases do. (I have one of these in the ‘Tough Case’ option myself and you should see how many drops its survived!) —If they never drop their phone there’s a light case option too!

A red satin gown with ostrich feathered shoulders is the perfect amount of extra. This illustration was inspired by traditional 5th avenue glam with the intent of reminding you (and everyone who sees it) to be your own fabulous self!

*If glam isn’t your thing and you’re looking for a phone case that’s a little more ‘street’, check out some of my other available designs.








Gift Number 3: For the friend with the tres-chic apartment…

Every time you walk into their home you’re hit with a fresh burst of room-envy. They don’t need their perfect space cluttered up so instead how about something that’s cute but also brings extra comfort to the room?

Decorative throw pillows are the perfect accent to any setting!

This illustration is inspired by my favorite yearly New York scene: Ice Skating on a winter’s day, a warm cup of cocoa in hand —in a cute outfit of course —while the Bryant Park Library, and the holiday market shops glow in the back ground.


Click here to see some other pillow options










Gift Number 4: For the Stylish but Eco-Conscious friend…

Reusable tote bags are the prefect way to reduce plastic consumption while shopping. A great tote is perfect for a trip to the market, or even to Target (Drop all your purchases right into your tote and say ‘No’ to all those plastic bags).

They’re light weight and spacious and these totes come in multiple sizes . (My favorite is the 16” x 16” size because it fits quite a lot without being too big for every day use. I recommend using a zip pouch to keep things organized inside a tote! )

This illustration is of my favorite little, sometimes snow covered, bridge in Central Park and of a happy, stylish pair walking with their puppy in arm. (Perfect holiday movie scene, right?)



Gift Number 5: For the Coffee-lover…


Do you have a coffee lover in your life? (I have at least ten! You probably do too!) A cute reusable travel mug is always a good gift option!

These stainless steel mugs come with a spill proof lid and double walled body to keep coffee hot (or iced tea cold!)

This black rose graphic is a illustration/photo manipulation I actually worked on for an anti-valentines day prompt but it’s become one of my best selling designs. I like to think it has an elegance about it that leaves the message behind it up to interpretation so that everyone can find their own meaning.













So There you have it! 5 Fun unique gift ideas for your friends with illustrations you won’t find anywhere else! Hopefully this guide was helpful! At the very least I hope I gave you some ideas! When you’re stuck on choosing the perfect gift, sometimes instead of wondering “What would they like” its better to think “What could they use?” —because everyone loves a useful gift!

Check out my entire Holiday Gift Collection here

(Not pictured in this guide but also included: Coasters, Serving Trays, Mugs, Cutting Boards, Clocks and more!)

(Not pictured in this guide but also included: Coasters, Serving Trays, Mugs, Cutting Boards, Clocks and more!)

Do you have an amazing gift suggestion that you think could help someone else out? Share it with us in the comments below!


























3 Fall Fashion Looks to get you out of your Jean rut!

Fresh Fall Styling Tips and Inspiration

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The season of Pumpkin Spice and Apple everything might have you thinking ‘blue jeans and flannel shirts’ but here are 3 simple, cute, non-denim outfits that you can put together quickly for instant style! (Bonus points for following along with the September NY Runway show trend points!)~ Ready? Here we go!

*All 3 Looks refer back to emerging trends on the September 19 New York Runways, and to Pantone’s F/W 19/20 top 12 Color Trends!

Look 1

This season’s Pantone color report named Eden (the dark green) as one of the top 12 colors for Fall 19. It’s accented beautifully here with black and a neutral beige.

Tucking in a light weight a sweatshirt/sweater into a clean a-line skirt adds a new level to an otherwise basic top. A heavier sweatshirt will create too much bulk but you can opt for a cropped top as an alternative if you hate to tuck in.

For a bonus stye point: add a belt to the waist! (*The NYFW September19 runway was full of belted waist silhouettes).

Pair this look with black suede ankle booties and top it off with a fringed scarf! (Fringe was another trend on the September NY Runway).

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Look 2

There’s no such thing as a fall color pallet without some form of orange, right?! (This season’s rust tone in the jumper below is actually named ‘Sugar Almond’ by Pantone. What a cute name!)

For this fun layered look, pair a printed chiffon blouse under a button front corduroy jumper. Make sure to select a print that doesn’t have too many colors. When combining a print with a textured fabric like corduroy, the outfit’s balance is very delicate and can easily be swayed. If you’re unsure, you can safely go with a solid.

The top here has a peasant sleeve with a gathered cuff. (Voluminous sleeves are another key trend point for this season!)

When you choose your accessories, go back to your color pallet of reds and rust tones, and of course black. The hanging chain feathers and the leaf pendant included here play up the fall theme!

Adding a black belt to the waist, not only cinches the look, but ties back into the black top (and refers back to our runway trend!)

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Close up on the floral print. Notice how it doesn’t fight with with the texture of the jumper — Also, how cute is the print this invisible girl is holding ;)

Close up on the floral print. Notice how it doesn’t fight with with the texture of the jumper — Also, how cute is the print this invisible girl is holding ;)

 

Look 3

It’s gotta be plaid for Fall! This season is drawing inspiration from the woven suiting plaids of menswear.

(Pantone’s deep red for F19 is named ‘Biking Red’. ) In this third look, its incorporated as a pop of color in the plaid dress and appears again less prominently in the plaid infinity scarf topper.

The black suede jacket is preferable to a bulkier leather here because its got a slimmer, more sleek hand and doesn’t add extra weight to the look. It has a soft sheen. The shine fabric is another S19 runway trend and doesn’t overpower the brushed texture of the plaid dress here.

Keeping this look strict to its minimal color pallet of black, red and white, the metal hardware adds the final touch.

Wearing the jacket open shows off the metal zipper for some added shine. This leaves a great opportunity to match a pendant and some boot hardware to tie the outfit together even more.

Adding a harsh moto bootie here helps to toughen up the look. This boot has a very styled pointed toe! (and remember that belted trend?—well in this outfit, its on the shoe!)

 

Now you’re totally ready to put together your own looks! Keep in mind color, silhouette, texture, print and balance! — and most of all, have fun!!

 
Behind the scenes: In the photo studio with Photographer: Meg Zano — and yes, that’s a bag of real apples!

Behind the scenes: In the photo studio with Photographer: Meg Zano — and yes, that’s a bag of real apples!

Fall Fashion Photo Shoot Credits:

Stylist: Deanna Kei + Photographer: Meg Zano

[Never heard of Pantone before? Pantone Color Institute releases seasonal color trend reports that set the industry standards. Designers and factories often use Pantone color standard chips/codes as a means to manage color values during the dyeing and printing processes. ]

Which of the three looks was your favorite? Would you like to see more outfit inspiration in the future? Leave a comment below and let me know!!

How NY's Most Vibrant Fashion Blogger Does Fashion Week..

You've probably already heard of Caroline Vazzana, author of best selling book Making it in Manhattan, and of her site with the same name, MakingitinManhattan.com, which shares style, career and fashion tips, and more. If you haven't yet, you'll want to! This 'Stylist/Writer/Editor/Influencer' also happens to be the most vibrantly dressed Fashion Blogger in New York!! In a city that's famous unofficial uniform is black, she's bringing something fun and fresh to the streets!


Inspired by her rainbow of style, and designer aesthetic, I felt she'd be the perfect woman to feature for my NY Fashion Week Illustrated Style Profile!


.....Okay! Are you ready to see what she wore to the September 2019 New York Spring Shows?

Look 1

Dress: Leaf Xia

Contrast plaid midi dress with a ruched bodice and flared skirt.

Shoes: Celine

Ribbed flat wedge sandal with ankle strap.

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Look 2

Entire Outfit: Laurence and Chico

Denim and lace collared vest with ostrich feather fringe.

Draped asymmetric cropped textured denim pant.

Crochet bag with ostrich feather trim

Matching lace and denim trim pumps

Look 3

Dress: Tadashi Shoji

Multi colored floral dress with sheer lace inserts

Clutch: St Xavier

Handcrafted fuchsia clutch embellished with red roses

Shoes: Cecelia New York

Beaded, heeled sandals with bold red flowers

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Look 4

Dress: Asos

Slit front belted dress with keyhole neckline and placement floral

Shoes: Charles Keith

Cyan buckled heel

Look 5

Outfit: Cinq A Sept

All over sparkle sequin set with draped peplum and wide leg pant

Bag: Louis Vuitton

Vintage Contrast Logo Bag

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Look 6

Caroline and her mother

Outfits: Nicole Miller NY

Polka dot printed midi dress with front neckline twist and flutter sleeve

Floral printed midi dress with smocked bodice and tall cuffed sleeve

Yellow Bag: Lutz Morris

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik , Carel Paris

Look 7

Top: YSL Pants: Sachin and Babi

Printed contrast top with peasant sleeve tucked into a wide leg fuchsia pant

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

Printed flats with a pointed toe

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look 8

Outfit: Farfetch

Floral dress with a v neck, flutter sleeve, and sashed waist

Shoes: Balenciaga

Square toed, squared heels with a golden emblem

look 9

Outfit: Anna Sui

Fuchsia and Plum Skirt suit with matching handbag and square toed fuchsia cut out pumps

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look 10

Top and Skirt: Noon By Noor

Wide ribbed sweater with cuffed sleeves, tucked into sheer, layered flared skirt with tiered trims

Bag: Ming Ray

Double buckled handbag

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

Red kitten heels with a pointed toe

look 11

Top and Pant: Sally La Pointe

Brushed sweater with fur cuffs and a turtle neck, tucked into a wide leg pant

Shoes: Kenneth Cole:

Silver metallic sneakers

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look 12

Dress: Cynthia Rowley

Combo placement printed maxi dress with slit

Handbag: Koree Loo

Shoes: Sophia Webster

Look 13

Dress: M Missoni

Marled knit dress with long sleeve and side slit

Fanny Pack: Lutz Morris

Contrast snakeskin box bag

Shoe: Sophia Webster

Black and White loafer

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and that’s a wrap on NYFW! Follow Caroline on instagram to continue her style journey through Milan Fashion Week!

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Do you have a favorite look here?! Which outfit would you totally wear?! Let me know ~ Leave a comment below!!! <3

Deanna Kei is a NY based Fashion and Beauty Illustrator. She works with brands to create unique and engaging content featuring their products and collections. To commission illustrations for your brand please write to deannakei@gmail.com