I'm not the most fashionable man, I admit it. I always stick with safe color schemes for my wardrobe. Ones that require minimal effort to coordinate like blues, grays, and browns. Sometimes, if I'm feeling adventurous, I throw in some red to liven things up. That's why this time of year is always rough for me. Finding the perfect gift for my girlfriend is a challenge because when the time comes to exchange gifts, I don't want to feel like one of those TV grandmas. You know the ones who buy ugly sweaters for the grandkids and wonder why they don't wear them when the family gets together for Christmas dinner.
The problem lies with my understanding of women's fashion. It is really beyond me. Sometimes I wonder if there are any real rules to abide by. I've had countless conversations with Lindsay about the state of the belt in the fashion world. Does it still hold up pants? Or does it merely offer a visual divide? Are multiple belts really necessary? And what is the deal with sneaker pumps?
That's why during the beginning of gift giving season, I usually start things off at Lake Ella. I get myself a hot cup of coffee and walk around for a bit. It sure beats the heck out of going to the mall. Who needs those crowds and all that hustle and bustle when you can, at any moment, just stop and enjoy the brisk winter air. It only makes sense to shop a little earlier and avoid all that unneeded confusion and frustration by steering clear of the mobs.
The quaint little shops that sit around the west side of the lake offer a nice variety of options. Quarter Moon has a lot of fashionable gifts for those wonderful women in your life. With merchandise ranging from jade wind chimes to knitted mittens that resemble googly eyed snakes, there are potential gifts for women with any interest. Next door is Remember When Vintage, and it has a great selection of antiques. Furniture, decorations, and interesting trinkets fill the store. Those friends who are into decorating their houses or apartments with pieces of Americana or other vintage artifacts would have a field day in the store.
Shopping locally adds something special to the gifts. The uniqueness creates a lasting memory that will definitely outlast that gift card you were thinking about getting. So stop by Lake Ella for some coffee and get through the rest of that shopping list.
Tags: Art, Gaines Street, Lake Ella, Local, Quarter Moon, Shopping, Tallahassee
Pedro SemperteguiPedro Sempértegui is a recent graduate of Florida State University's English department. After growing up in the quiet suburb of Coral Springs, Fl, he moved to the capital to pursue writing. Since Tallahassee's nightlife has introduced him to new music, awesome food, and delicious microbrews, it's only right that he tries to pass on that knowledge.
