DC Scout: Pretty Gift Ideas; Invest to Impress

ACCESSORIES Investment dressing You know all the catch-phrases – "quality over quantity," "less is more." When it comes to the season's accessories, both of those adages apply. While retail giants stock piles of identical, yawn-worthy pendants and cocktail rings, local boutiques are focusing on the elusive One Great Piece. Among our picks for splurge-worthy baubles? Marquis & Camus's offbeat-yet-elegant Victorian Rebel necklace ($285, www.marquiscamus.com) and a chunky ring of deep plum amethyst designed by Glamourai blogger Kelly Framel ($150, www.shrimptoncouture.com). Trend Report » Read More What's on sale right now? Add DC Scout on Twitter to see up-to-the-minute deals! DEALS Fabric finds G Street Fabrics is holding its annual holiday sale at its stores in Centreville and Falls Church and at its new flagship location in Rockville. Sewing machines, including Berninas, are 30 to 40 percent off; fabrics for quilts and clothing are 25 percent off; trims, buttons and tools such as scissors and thimbles are also 25 percent off. Custom labor services are 50 percent off with purchase. For locations, visit www.gstreetfabrics.com. Local Living » Read More   HOLIDAY GIFTS Pretty and practical Presents for the home can be both stylish and useful for your giftee. We like these vases from Middle Kingdom. A single piece is perfect; a set of three, even better. Best of all – the fabric-covered packaging is included ($16 each at Periwinkle, 3815 Livingston St. NW., 202-364-3076). Got a parent of a small child on your list? Wrap up an Open It! package opener, a five-in-one tool will help open any packaging. Have you ever tried opening a packaged toy? Trust us, they'll thank you ($10 at Bed, Bath and Beyond, www.bedbathandbeyond.com). Local Living » Read More FASHION RX Can I buck the trend? Arlington, Va.: Am I officially passe for not owning skinny or even straight-legged jeans? I'm on the thin side but I just think they don't look good on the vast majority of people wearing them. Why can't we stick to a narrow bootcut leg? Am I missing something with the skinny jeans? Holly Thomas: You're certainly not passe! If you've experimented with a trend, decided it didn't work, and moved on to something that flatters your body, you're actually being smart AND stylish. You should certainly invest in narrow bootcut jeans if that's what suits your figure. But some people look great in skinny jeans -- note "skinny," not "so tight it's hard to breathe" -- so let's not eliminate them from the scene just yet. Fashion Discussion » Read More SEND US A TIP l ADVERTISE l UNSUBSCRIBE l PRIVACY POLICY l NEWSLETTER CENTER © 2009 Washington Post Media c/o E-mail Customer Care 1515 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington, VA 22201