The Nevada Sagebrush

The holiday season is a time for giving and caring, right? There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit and rack up some good points with Santa than by helping your friends update their plain winter styles. You can gift them with some of the season’s newest trends. This guide of affordable fashion gift options is quick and painless, much like the fashion intervention that will ensue once you gift your friends with these pieces.

Studded leather alternative boots

Unfortunately, we all have that one friend who loves schlepping around in disgusting, bulky Ugg boots like it’s 2004.  No matter how many times you hint to your friend that her Uggs make her feet look like a yeti’s, she will not give up her horrid footwear unless you show her the fashion light. Show this friend you love and care for her and her fashion well-being by giving her studded leather alternative boots — a very trendy and fashionable, yet functional alternative to Uggs.

Gold studs are back and bigger than ever this year and serve as a great way to add edge and flair to even the drabbest of winter outfits. In order to avoid breaking the bank, look for leather alternative boots.

Forever 21 carries a wide selection of affordable, studded leather alternative boots. Check out the Edgy Biker Boot, a calf-length boot adorned with buckles and studs ($30).

Like any intervention, it may be tough in the beginning, but your friend will thank you in the end.

Faux fur snood

Faux fur made a huge comeback this season, particularly in the form of fur vests (I blame you, Rachel Zoe). While adding a faux fur vest or coat is a great way to keep warm during the freezing Reno winter, those who rock the trend run the risk of looking like Chewbacca.

Get your friend a faux fur snood instead, which is worn like an infinity scarf around the neck and keeps fur in moderation. The snood will not only keep your friend warm during even the coldest of days, it will leave her looking effortlessly stylish.

Check out ASOS’s (asos.com) collection of faux fur snoods, including the Long Fantasy fur snood for $35.

Felted wool cloche hat

Cloche hats, which are bell shaped felt hats that were very popular in the 1920s, have made a huge comeback this year. Help your friend help herself and switch up her usual boring, plain wool winter beanie by gifting her with this vintage, throwback-inspired hat.

The cloche will not only have your friend looking polished and sophisticated in no time, the felted wool will also keep her head comfortably warm throughout the coldest of months. It is the perfect winter accessory.

Check out Urban Outfitters (urbanoutfitters.com) for an array of cloches, especially the Brixton Portman Felt Cloche for $38.

Enjolie Esteve can be reached at eesteve@nevadasagebrush.com.

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