Having worked in retail for a very long time I stopped counting the times when you see the guy and his girl shopping together and you can feel the drama  in the air ,  the contradiction of  what she thinks he should wear and what he ’s comfortable with.  Our brother site selectism with the help Ms. Fuller  conducted an insightful in interview of J.crew Stylist Jack O’Connor who sheds some light on the matter:

We’ve all received (and given) bad gifts.

A few months ago we put our lady on the street, Cary Randolph Fuller, to the task of producing a guide for girlfriends (or wives) buying for their men. After some discussion, Ms. Fuller decided that a chat with J. Crew men’s stylist Jack O’Connor would prove fruitful. Below are her words and an insightful (and demystifying) Q&A. Many thanks are due to Ms. Fuller.

Several years ago, to commemorate a special occasion, I bought the (now ex-) boyfriend a pink and navy Ralph Lauren repp tie. At the time I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t thrilled, but age and experience have exposed the error of my ways. (And that error is: Neckties are kind of boring.) These days I steer clear of presents with seams and sizes, preferring to bestow upon the men in my life gifts that cannot be worn. – Cary Randolph Fuller.

I’m not alone. Many women feel lost on the men’s floor. It can be hard to know what men want when a suit is not just a suit but a minefield of subtle intricacies. More often than not, we girls default to the necktie table or slink back to the women’s department with a gift card in hand. He can buy his own damn dress shirts.

Unless…I could enlist the help of Jack O’Connor, stylist for J. Crew’s men’s division and one of New York’s best-dressed. J. Crew has perfected the art of accessible fashion by marrying a well-edited selection of small heritage brands with its own collections. The results are always quirky and unique yet somehow instantly recognizable. To know J. Crew is to know the aesthetic and aspirations of the most stylish men and women. I recently sat down with Jack and his assistant Shawn Buchanan for a little primer on how to shop for the men in my life. Along the way I learned some valuable lessons for every woman who wants to give a gift that keeps on giving – the gift of great style.

Above is a picture of Jack O’Connor. Read Ms. Fuller’s Q&A after the jump.

With a great theme and presentation presentation take a look at the latest  Karen Walker Summer 2010 Eyewear  Collection titled ‘Sun Gods’. Highly covetable eyewear for men and women. More on the next page.

When was the last time you needed shampoo and found yourself , in a place  you can describe as intimate,  feminine ,  authentic and inspiring.  This was my experience when I entered the “ Georgia”  boutique  on the Bowery a few weeks ago. The tall ceiling  loft space with gritty walls and bronze accents won me over  as soon as I walked in and  was greeted by  owners Jodie Patterson and Kiara Ellozy’s inspiration wall (above) presenting all the women  who constantly provided the inspiration for the Georgia boutique , beauty “boudoir” concept. 

With an extensive selection of hard to find brands like Davines (which I adore!), Côte Bastide & Mixed Chicks to name a few, accompanied by an intimate hair salon,  a very unique selection of lingerie and accessories as well as their  signature G & Company  body products  Georgia , named after Jodie’s daughter, is not just a boutique or a salon ,  but an experience…

On the next page a look at G & Company products and the salon’s  heart-shaped hair washing area.

I ventured into the Sol de Ibiza boutique , this past week-end and found myself in awe of the most delicate lace apparel I had seen in a while. Charo Ruiz based in Spain designs, the kind of dreamy  delicately crafted apparel that  not only transports you to a sunny place by the ocean , but also looks like these hard to find lace pieces  that some of us were fortunate enough to have inherited, or found on a vintage hunt. I’m totally smitten! Detailed view on the next page of my fave tops from Charo Ruiz, available at soldeibiza.

 Coinciding with their celebration of California Music month, K-Swiss launches  the Vintage California c0llection  featuring a silhouette  that originates from  60’s , made in canvas. The army green low top  fits perfectly with the hints of army chic we are seeing this Spring. Dos mas on the flip.

 Designed by  Tara Williams ,  William Phillips handbags  are becoming a favorite with this feathered  clones bag available at mycatwalk. Detailed view on the flip.I never thought I’d lust after a feather bag…

Just last season Rich & Skinny like lots of other premium denim brands was mostly ripped to shreds. Not sure what transpired over this past winter, but like a sonic boom suddenly cargo pockets and khaki are all the rage. And just like JBrands sold-out Houlihan cargos, reps from Rich & Skinny, whose showroom we visited last week, say their hottest fall style is the khaki cargo featured above on the far right. Personally I am all over this trend like a 2009 teenager on Ugg boots. Are you getting on board, too?

 Name the activity or outing and my mind goes straight to the outfit.  I’m not talking about an excuse to shop but the real elaboration of a “look”.It’s like i’ve been dreaming of going fishing  for exmaple just to rock that cute hat with all the color baits pinned on it, the tall wellies ect.Recently the topic of boat riding came along and of course all I could think of was the perfect ” marine look” with the necessary accessories. Have not gone too far in my search but I can say I found the bag. L.L. Bean’s Signature ( Yes L.L. Bean!! ) Mariner tote  made of vegetable tanned leather.Sleek anough for the city  but would  for sure add another dimension to the Urban Nantucket look I’m putting together. Available at L.L.Bean.

ThreeAsFour Spring ‘10 was on of my favorite collections this Spring. The collaborative pieces  with Yoko Ono stayed  true to their unique aesthetic while her prints  gave  it a lighter/  ethereal quality. A very wearable  illustration  is  the asymetrical tank  via sevennewyork. Detailed view on the next page.

Showcasing their fashion genius the talented duo of Sass & Bide  designed  the Gathered  dress with an elasticiszed bodice giving you the option to wear it in various lenghts. The styling choice of a simple white tee  is flawless. A perfect travel piece. More views on the flip available at mycatwalk.