#060: Either a very late or perfectly timed gift guide
Because no one is above liking things.
It makes me so unbelievably happy that so many of you loved, reacted to and shopped my shopping guide I posted over Thanksgiving weekend on how to be devastatingly cool and hot. Here it is again if you’d like to revisit it:
In that same spirit, I am back with another guide, but not so much directed at you but for hopefully everyone in your life you’d like to get a gift for. I really love giving gifts but it wasn’t always this way. (Gift giving is veryyy hot girl coded by the way) Gift giving as a love language began when 1) I actually started making my own money 2) I really got to know the people in my life and what makes them elated, giddy, sentimental about things. It’s like… ok how can I further extend the love and gratitude I feel towards this person in the form of a *thing*?! Because we all love things, no one is above liking things! And I looove seeing their reaction to said thing!
I know this guide comes a bit late but if you’re like me and mad dashing before the holidays, I think you’ll actually find that it’s coming at the most perfect time.
$50ish
Diptyque Figuier Candle, $74 - this is the candle that got me into candles… and one that I keep going back to over and over again—a beautiful fig scent that both men and women will love
Material Kitchen Cutting Board, $35 - A really good, bare-bones cutting board in cute colors to make anyone’s home that much cuter
Susanne Kaufman Bath Oil, 70 - Susanne Kaufman is one of those elusive brands that only the true beauty fanatics know about and for good reason. Everything is made in the Austrian alps and inspired by the surroundings. This bath oil is as divine and luxurious as that sounds and perfect for your homebody friend who indulges in self care
Sabre Green Bistro Flatware Set, $55 - The Sabre flatware is always a foolproof gift for the ones who take their dining in seriously
All About Love by bell hooks, $11 - This book singlehanded changed my life and everything I knew or thought about love. A sweet little collection of essays by the highly distinguished bell hooks. This is a great gift for literally anyone you love in your life
Set of 12 Small Bistro Wine Glasses, $45 - I loooove these little wine glasses that are reminiscent of the ones you find in the coolest little natural wine bars. Super affordable and the perfect size for all kinds of occasions
Zalto Wine Glass $78 $66, - Or you can get the Rolls Royce of wine glasses. A single glass sets you back $75 but for oenophiles, this glass makes the wine drinking experience that much more elevated
Special Projects Espresso Set, $45 - A chic, industrial espresso set for all the espresso drinkers (aka serious coffee drinkers) in your life. Similar to my beloved Sergio Asti for ICM stainless steel espresso cups, for a fraction of the price and with a spoon to match
Nekohama Ceremonial Grade Matcha, $60 - approachable matcha from a founder with Japanese heritage
Slip Silk Sleep Mask, $50 - I panic if I don’t have this with me on my travels
Cozyland PJ Shorts, $58 - PJ shorts that dwon’t make you look or feel frumpy at home
Jenni Kayne Ribbed Cashmere Socks, $75 - finally, a pair of cashmere socks that won’t break the bank and are as cute as they are functional
Kate McLeod Daily Stone Moisturizing Bar, $45 - I love a very niche self care item that makes its way into cult status. This is a body bar that glides onto the skin like silk and can be used as a moisturizer or massage oil. Love that it comes in a container for easy storage and travel.
Gohar World Host Gloves, $55 - Dish gloves that are cute!!!
Crown Affair Microfiber Towel, 55 - For anyone who takes their hair care routine seriously. A microfiber waffle towel that absorbs fast and protects the hair in the process
Leset Margo Tee, $78 - There are a lot of good, basic boxy tees out there but this seems to be the one that capture my heart the most recently. The perfect length with a fitted cap sleeve that is just the right amount of flattering and cool
Personalized extra virgin olive oil bottle by Flamingo Estate, $85 - there’s something so precious about anything personalized especially when it’s on a bottle of gorgeous EVOO you’ll use everyday
Binu Binu Incense Holder, $90 - This beautiful floral-embossed tile incense holder combines scent and home decor in one
$100-200ish
Assouline Travel Books, $105 - these travel books by Assouline really are as special and beautiful as they are ubiquitous, a quintessential gift
Georg Jensen Candle Holder Set, $185 - beautiful, sculptural stainless steel candlestick holders for your favorite host.. or homebody
Chan Luu Pearl Necklace, $125 - buying jewelry as a gift is really personal but if it’s something that’s very wearable and stylable like this pearl necklace, you really can’t go wrong
Naturopathica Facial, $210 - I’ve been obsessed with Naturopathica’s products for several years now. Their facials combine aromatherapy, massage therapy and real results in the improvement of your skin, which is why I would be delighted if anyone gifted me a treatment. Their elusive Chelsea location has since closed down but they have a spa in the Nexxus Club in Tribeca or the Chatwal Hotel in midtown.
Solid & Striped Simple Triangle Bikini, $78 + $78 for bottoms - Every girl needs a simple triangle black bikini that will stand the test of time. Solid & Striped makes my favorite one and it’s just cut so, so perfectly
Aesop Gift Kit, $115 - who doesn’t want an Aesop hand wash and hand cream set?! Aesop always does such a good job with their holiday gift sets
Frame x Ritz Paris Hat, $148 - This was one of the most talked-about collaborations this year for good reason. So simple, so good. For all the francophiles in your life, this is it.
Comme Si Merino Wool Sock Set, $160 - Comme Si makes the socks that remind me that I really do need to invest in good socks
Damson Madder PJ Set, $140 - Those who take their nightwear a bit more seriously
Vintner’s Daughter Botanical Serum, $195 - I once called this “the face oil to end all other face oils” and it still rings true. Make someone happy this year by giving them the glowiest skin of all
Clare V Leopard Evening Bag, $395 - this cute little leopard print calf hair bag is the perfect evening bag for any season
Belvedere 10 Vodka, $140 - 2024 was the year of the martini… I mean, the martini has always been in, but this was the year I really realized it’s the default drink order of the coolest people I know. I wish I liked them more… I do need to find my order, but until then, may I suggest this premium, remastered remastered recipe of the beloved Belvedere that is housed in the chicest bottle ever? It reminds me of an Ingo Maurer lamp, IYKYK.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Eyeliner Set, $176 - Victoria Beckham’s makeup is very, very good. These eyeliners are very, very good.
Henry Holland Check Mug, $100 - a special mug that’ll make anyone’s morning coffee routine that much better
Tekla Bathrobe, $230 - all of Tekla’s super plush robes make the perfect gift but I love this color way the most
Doen Henri Top, $218 - This sweet little top that is available year-round but never goes on sale so it may be the time to gift to someone who wants it
Madhappy NY Yankees Sweatpants, $160 - Madhappy’s sweats are some of the most durable, high-quality sweats on the market and I love the embroidered NY Yankees logo on these ones
Under $1000
Cesta Collective x Mila, $650 - A collab of two of my favorites! Éliou added an artisanal beaded touch to Cesta’s best-selling suede clutch to create an accessory that is equal parts playful and chic
isshī Infinite Earrings, $375 - My friend Rolly, who is definitively the most fabulous person in my life, designs the most otherworldly, beautiful jewelry! While his most extravagant, jaw-dropping pieces are in the thousands-range, there are plenty of pieces under $500 like these earrings that look like a mini mobile! Or might I suggest these?
&DAUGHER Wool Cardigan, $480 - Have you seen this meme? That’s all.
The Conran Shop Green & White Chess Board, $480 - Any game/object that doubles as home decor is a win
Leset Long Sleeve Dress, $220 - Can attest that is is made out of the softest jersey fabric but looks elevated enough to dress up
Loewe Ribbed Dress, $780 - A perfect black occasion dress, Loewe no less, for 30% off retail! Can see myself wearing this over and over again
Frame x Ritz Paris Cashmere Sweater, $798 - I imagine Princess Diana owning this
Vintage Clip-on Chanel Earrings, $395 - these are really good and timeless and surprisingly under $500 for such a classic style of vintage Chanel earrings
Bode Striped Mohair Cardigan, $980 - For some reason, the price seems really good for a Bode mohair cardigan
Dries van Noten Embellished Bag - A fun party bag that is most definitely a statement piece but also reads like a neutral???
*The price is not an issue*
Bottega Veneta Parachute Bag, 30% off retail (!!) at $3375 - The Parachute bag is the cooler, spunkier sister to the Andiamo and for that, we love her
Alaia Teckel Clutch, $2350 - Alaia just came out with the clutch top handle version of their famous Teckel bag and I think it’s even better…..
Khaite Sapera Coat, $3800 - Drooling at everything about this coat/dress that is all you ever need to wear
Loewe Puzzle Large, $4100 - A bag for him, or her. It doesn’t matter because maybe you can share it with whomever you gift it to
Louis Vuitton Capucines Bag in Baby Blue, 22% off retail at $6195 - The LV Capucines bag may be the most underrated designer bag in my rolodex of bags on my radar. It’s the perfect shape to fit a shit ton of things in (I mean, look at it! It’s basically a better-shaped bucket) with so many different color ways. This baby blue is that shade of baby blue and actually quite timeless
Nordic Knots Rugs - Someone in your life wants to upgrade their living space