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By CLOE CABRERA | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 20, 2007

TAMPA With the holidays just weeks away, you've probably already been thinking about gifts for the friends and loved ones on your list.

If you want to give something fabulous, how about the gift of fashion?

Now, before you roll your eyes and turn back to that electronics ad, listen up: We're not talking about homemade sweaters or puff-painted holiday sweatshirts. There are lots of ways to share the joy of fashion that don't involve Santa slippers for Mom or a mistletoe necktie for Dad. The options are practically endless.

Whether you're shopping for a bona fide fashion diva or looking to knock a little style sense into someone, wearable gifts are always a good choice.

In fact, 58 percent of all holiday gifts purchased this year will be in the apparel category, according to statistics from the National Retail Federation, a retail trade association.

From gorgeous cardigans to the hooks to hang them on, we've got the fashionista on your gift list covered (even if he's a guy).

Button Up — When the temperatures start to dip, she'll stay warm and stylish in this cardigan. The floral tapestry design gives it a sophisticated look for day or night. Wear it alone or belted. Cardigan, $69; quilted belt, $39. Both are available at Ann Taylor LOFT Loft stores and anntaylorloft.com.

Charm School — Pay it forward this holiday season with gifts that keep on giving. Proceeds from the sale of these silver novelty charms go to a charity of the buyer's choice. The charms, created from a charity's logo, make a statement and support a cause. Clip them onto a bracelet, purse or sweater zipper; $50 each at charitycharms.com.

Dazzle 'Em — She'll turn heads in this emerald-cut mini hermitage necklace with cut crystals and antique beads on a vintage chain. It's so hot, it was featured in the August issue of Vogue; $980 at Deborah Kent's in Tampa and deborahkents.com.

Tie One On — If there's a must-have gift for the person who loves sneakers, this is it. "Laces: 100s of Ways to Pimp Your Kicks" (Sterling Publishing, $14.95), by Ian Fieggen, not only gives you some fly ways to tie your dogs, you can practice on the front cover of the book. Several colored laces are included.

Cuban Comfort — Let's face it, guayaberas never go out of style; they're a must if you live in Tampa. And they're muy caliente right now. This Double Treble Camp shirt is Tommy Bahama's take on the popular style. It features embroidery and color-blocking to update the timeless silhouette; $128 at Tommy Bahama retail stores, Nordstrom and tommybahama.com.

Pump It Up — Make the season brighter for her with these lipstick-red satin peep-toe bow pumps and matching ruffle clutch. It's the perfect size to carry your MILK (money, identification, lipstick and keys). Hollywould for Target pumps, $29.99; clutch, $19.99. Available at Target and target.com.

Child's Play — Hey, kids want to be fashionable, too. The little tikes tykes on your list will sparkle in these two adorable looks. On her, Mudd Zip Hooded Sweater, $28; Sonoma Glitter Corduroys, $18; and Oshkosh Monikah boots, $34.99. On him, Sonoma Quarter-Zip Sweater, $26; twill cargo pants, $18; and Oshkosh Morris shoes, $24.99. Available at Kohl's stores and kohls.com.

Hook Me Up — If you've ever hung a cashmere sweater or jacket only to get it back with the dreaded hook hump, you'll appreciate the Bach garment holder, from the Art of Storage. This "kinder coat hook" prevents garments from being stretched and distorted. And it really looks cool on the wall. From $7 to $12 per hook at theartofstorage.com.

Haute Décor — Don't hide that little black dress in your closet. Put it on the tree! Hallmark's new "Little Black Dress Barbie," from its Keepsake Ornament collection, features a miniature version of that flashy little number. $15 at Hallmark stores and hallmark.com.

Flip Out — This Florida is the flip-flop capital of the world, and these dazzlers will speak to the "queen" on your gift list. You can customize the color, styles, straps and ornament. Available in children's and adult sizes up to 12. Prices start at $25 at fancyflops.net.

It's A Wrap — Give her the gift of warmth and style with a decadent cashmere wrap (she won't want to take it off until spring). A wrap goes from crisp days to cool evenings, and you can drape it different ways. Greek pattern, $248; solid red, $198. Available at Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com.

Reporter Cloe Cabrera can be reached at (813) 259-7656 or ccabrera@tampatrib.com.

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