I’m on the brink of inspiration, but post-work-week exhaustion has left me a little lackluster in the word department. So instead of trying to string together sentences worth reading, I figured I’d channel my energy in a less literary (but equally consuming) project: creating a curated Christmas gift guide for the last-minute holiday shopper. Apparently I’m a rare breed that shops for loved ones throughout the year (and collects the presents in the annex of my very tiny condo), so here I am, utilizing my free time to help you make the most of yours before Christmas Eve rolls around.
So, to whoever still visits this little corner of cyberspace, take a gander, treat yourself, or start adding-to-cart to get your gifts in time for the 25th. Take heed from my lips to your ears. (Or, more apropos: from my fingertips to your eyeballs): You can do no wrong with books, beautiful lingerie, and thoughtful jewels. Here are a few things I’d love to see under the tree—and I’m sure she would, too:
1. Jenny Holzer x Virgil Abloh Abuse of Flower Comes As No Surprise T-shirt. Nothing like a powerful play on one of Holzer’s most quoted one-liners (the original was “Abuse of Power Comes as no Surprise”), where “flower” subbed in means femininity, girlhood, womanhood, vulnerability, beauty, etc. It’s not just a quippy shirt or a collaboration with one of fashion’s hottest designers, either: 100% of proceeds (except S&H) go to Planned Parenthood’s LA chapter.
2. Agent Provocateur Essie Set. Few things can top that iconic pink box wrapped in a black bow. Even better? A complete set—I’m talking bra, her favorite type of bottom (is she a brief or thong kind of girl?), waspie (suspenders), and if you really want to nail it, include a pair of thigh-high stockings, too.
3-5. Maria Tash Diamond Earrings. Diamonds are a girl’s best friends—especially when they’re dainty little Maria Tash jewels. Her designs are delicate but modern, which means your special someone can mix and match an earful of diamonds, day to night, for years to come. (Shown: row of diamonds, three-point stud, mini hoops)
6. Leuchtturm1917 Red A5 Hardcover Notebook, Dotted. Her thoughts, plans, and words are deserving of a beautiful home. Leuchtturm makes simple but beautiful journals; I’ve gone through two in the past year (the dotted pages are a personal preference) and recently treated myself to a red one. The red is game-changing, it’s glorious.
7. Virginia Woolf’s A Writer’s Diary, 1st Edition. Inspire and encourage the validity of her thoughts with a beautiful first-edition copy of Virginia Woolf’s A Writer’s Diary, complete with its original Vanessa Bell dust jacket. (Dreaming of adding this to my bookshelf, by the way; as soon as I hit publish on this post, I’m ordering one for myself.) Equally lovely: a set of Anais Nin’s diaries (mind is a prized possession in my collection), anything by Vivian Gornick, and if you really want to win her over, a first edition copy of Witness to my Life (edited by Simone de Beauvoir). My boyfriend gifted me a copy when he told me he loved me and it’s one of the most special presents I’ve ever received.
8-9. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Cheat Lip Liner + M.I.KISS (previously called Bond Girl) Matte Revolution Lipstick. Charlotte Tilbury makes beautiful lip products, end of story.
10. Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil. And Sunday Riley makes beautiful skincare, end of story. I’m currently loyal to Good Genes, but I can personally attest to just how luxe (and effective) this blue tansy-infused oil is.
11. GFranco Mystique Latin Dance Heels. Gift her a beautiful pair of dance stilettos and tell her you’ve signed the both of you up dance classes. (You’re welcome in advance for this one.)
12. Nespresso by De’Longhi CitiZ Espresso Maker. This is a gorgeous piece of machinery that produces productivity-inducing sorcery. Espresso is chic, sexy, and luxe, and she’ll be reminded of you with every cup.
13. Fornasetti Burlesque Candle. It’s more than just a candle; it’s a work of art that, once burnt through, takes centerpiece.
. . .
Happy Holidays!
xx
Your turn. Thoughts?