Category: Gift Guide

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MY 2024 HOLIDAY GIFT WISHLIST

I’m fortunate enough to say I don’t *need* a thing on this list. That being said… I started making these personal wishlists each year after I stopped churning out ton’s of gift guides – purely because they’re fun and cause me no stress (unlike the latter). So why not dream a little, shall we?

  1. Waffle Knit Scarf: I have a love hate relationship with scarves. I love that they keep me warm, I hate that they generate so much static electricity that my hair could power most of Manhattan. This waffle knit option (unlike something like a brushed wool) seems like it may be an exception? Available in lots of colors, but I like this chocolate hue.
  2. Ski Trip to Mont-Tremblant: We said we were dreaming here, right? I’d love to take a trip to Montreal this winter and then head to nearby Mont-Tremblant for a couple of days skiing (or snowboarding in Adam’s case).
  3. No. 13 Poker Chip Pendant Necklace: Thirteen has always been my lucky number (just like my bestie Taylor) since it’s my birth date – and aside from the stacked custom bands I wear on my pinky, you don’t tend to see a lot of jewelry with these numbers. This poker chip pendant was said to have been inspired by a vintage one found in the South of France and the horse shoes that shape the ’13’ convey a message of making your own luck. How perfect?
  4. Didion & Babitz by Lili Anolik: A look at the crossover between Joan Didion and Eve Babitz – two of my favorite writers of the 1960s/70s.. sign me up. This is one of my most highly anticipated new non-fiction releases.
  5. Brooklyn Candle Studio Candle: They opened a pop-up in the complex where my office is and when I tell you that walking by smells like heaven. I’ve long been a fan of the brand and have my eye (or nose rather) set on Ginger Bread or Cardamon Spice scents for the holidays.
  6. The Met Sweatshirt: The liberal arts equivalent of a NY Yankees hat in this city. Touristy or not, 15 years living in New York and I’ll never stop swooning over The Met. This could come with a yearly membership if the gifter were feeling particularly generous.
  7. Oysters Ornament: So fun! Oysters signify a celebration to me – when I think of them, I picture being out somewhere, probably dressed up, maybe sipping champagne. And there’s been plenty to celebrate this year – so this ornament feels like a fun one to add to our tree.
  8. Cherry Print Pajamas: I like to pick up a new pair of pajamas around Christmas with the intention of hibernating in them all winter long. This smudged cherry print caught my eye this year.
  9. Tortoise Sunglasses: I’ve lived in the same pair of sunglasses for the past 3 years because they have my prescription in them.. but after finally getting fitted for contacts I can actually buy a novelty pair of non-prescription sunglasses again! I love the oval shape of these.
  10. KitchenAid Mixer: Realistically I don’t think we have the counter space for this, but in my mind a KitchenAid Mixer has always been the hallmark of true domesticity. And now that I’m in my baking era, this feels like a rite of passage!
  11. Puffy Heart Earrings: I rarely buy myself costume jewelry (thanks to a generous allowance at work I have a hard time justifying buying anything more) – but these puffy heart earrings would be a playful addition to my collection.
  12. Black Carel Mary Janes: There are mary janes.. and then there are Carel Mary Janes. Handmade in Italy since the swinging 60s I have wanted a pair of these since swooning over Alexa Chung in them in the early 00s. I finally took a closer look at a pair in Paris this Fall but didn’t bite the bullet and I’ve been regretting it ever since.
  13. Matte Red Lipstick: This matte (but soft) lipstick in the shade Vermillion has become my most worn of the year after I tried it for our trip to Italy back in May. So much so that I’m almost out! Time for a restock.. perhaps in my stocking?
  14. Faux Fur Ear Muffs: Similar to my issue with scarves.. winter hats do a real number on me. I prefer an ear muff situation and these feel very aprés ski, no?
  15. Champagne Glasses: A nod to our trip to the Champagne region of France this fall.. and because we don’t have any proper coupe glasses! I’d love a nice set of these to keep on our bar cart.
  16. YSL Card Case: I saw this little cutie in Paris too and loved the color, the patent leather and the size. I’m a couple of credit cards, ID and a $20 bill kind of girl on the go, so this is way better than a true wallet to me. Hey Santa..
  17. Leopard Bag: I tend to think of leopard print as a neutral so I’m surprised to realize I don’t have any handbags in the print. This would be so chic against the doldrums of a winter coat for the next few months.
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MY 2022 HOLIDAY GIFT WISHLIST

I stopped doing traditional ‘gift guides’ a few years back when I ran out of energy amidst an already chaotic time of year for me – but this post is one of my favorites, so it stays. I’m grateful to say I really don’t need anything this year.. I mean I already snagged Taylor Swift tickets for god sakes, what more could I want?! And because Adam and I booked a trip for ourselves (leaving the day after Christmas!) we won’t exchange anything more than a few tiny stocking stuffers. But the holidays are a fun time to make a wishlist anyway and so here are a few things I wouldn’t mind finding under my tree.

  1. Black Top Handle Bag: I have a black crossbody bag that has been an absolute workhouse for the past 7 years, but I like the idea of a slightly dressier black bag that could still work day or night. I have two other bags from NY-based sister owned brand Neely & Chloe and the quality is so nice. I have had my eye on this ladylike one next.
  2. Cashmere Socks: I’ve never tried cashmere socks but doesn’t it just sound like the sweetest little luxury?
  3. ‘Tout est Magique’ Print: I’d like to make a few updates to corners of the apartment in the coming months and this print (which translates from French to ‘everything is magic’) would be perfect to swap what I currently have in our kitchen.
  4. Clean Beauty Blush: I have had the same cream blush for yearrrsss and desperately need to replace it. I’ve heard rave reviews of this Merity Beauty option.
  5. Otherland Candle: I keep wanting to try this candle brand (they just opened a store downtown too) and I love the look of their new gilded collection for winter.
  6. Champagne Ornament: I always try to pick up an ornament that is symbolic of the year we’ve had and this sparkly bottle reminds me of a favorite moment from our trip to Paris in May, eating fancy desserts and drinking champagne in the Tuileries Garden.
  7. Plaid Smocked Dress: Part of our upcoming travels has a very cozy element and this dress seems like it would be perfect for cozying up by a fire with a warm drink.
  8. Muji Pens: It’s silly but these minimalist Japanese pens are the only ones I write with (0.5 tips or nothing). I’d happily take a 6 pack in my stocking.
  9. Running Sneakers: Probably the only thing on this list I do actually need is a replacement pair of running shoes. I’ve heard great things about Brooks brand and would love to try this pair.
  10. An American in Provence book: Photographer Jamie Beck left New York for a year in Provence… and never moved back. If you’re not familiar with photography it’s stunning and I’d love to hear more about her life in the south of France.
  11. Jewelry Travel Case: It’s sort of shocking that I don’t own a proper jewelry travel case but after losing a pair of earrings on our last trip I want to make sure I have one before our holiday travel.
  12. Hair Dryer: Another practical item, my old hair dryer is yearsss old and definitely not doing my hair any favors. I’d love to go to something more compact and higher tech like this one.
  13. Lucite Flower Earrings: I certainly don’t need more statement earrings but these Lucite flowers are like little works of art.. and with my employee discount I just might go for them as a gift to myself.
  14. Prescription Sunglasses: I bought a pair of prescription sunglasses this year and I’m not exaggerating when I say they changed my life. It’s the reason every photo you see of me I’m wearing them. Now that I know what a difference they make I want to get a second pair so I can change up the style a bit from time to time.

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HOLIDAY BOOKS TO READ THIS SEASON

It’s officially holiday romcom reading season! By this point in the year, my mind typically of mush from my full-time job and an otherwise busy schedule, so a couple of years ago I started gravitating towards really light, fun holiday books in December – and it’s since become one of my favorite seasonal traditions. Sure, they’re sometimes a little bit cheesy, but they’re also full of heart and go down easier than a cup of eggnog. Besides this year’s new releases I’ve also included a few that I loved from years past as well as a couple that aren’t romance focused at all – but still perfectly seasonal. Happy holiday reading!

And a friendly reminder – I’ve linked these to Amazon so that you can easily see what they are – but independent bookstores need your support, especially at the holidays. And since it’s Small Business Saturday, why not pick one of these up from your favorite local shop?!

On My Reading List This Year:

The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox: I’m reading this now and it’ a mix between movies The Holiday and The Parent Trap (a city to country + twin swap) plus both twin sisters are bakers, one as a host of a British Bake Off-esque show and one in a family run bakery. Lots of hijinx so far.

The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer: I finished this last week and honestly, it was so fun to learn all about the traditions of a holiday that I’m only surface-level familiar with. There’s not a ton of diversity in these holiday books, but this one did a really nice job of weaving that into the storyline – apparently the author, similarly to the main character, suffers from chronic illness as well. I loved the bubbe (grandmother) character too.

A Wild Winter Swan by Gregory Maguire: From the author of Wicked (that inspired the award-winning musical), this book is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Wild Swan’ fairytale – and takes place in New York City at Christmastime in the 1960s. It’s one of the books I’m most looking forward to this season.

The Christmas Dress by Courtney Cole: This one centers on an unlikely friendship between a young aspiring fashion designer and an older resident in her same apartment building and a certain dress brings them together. As previously mentioned, I love when older women get to be main characters in books (it so rarely happens) – so this one was an easy sell to me.

Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis: A blizzard traps two people together one night and then fate keeps bringing them back together. Feels a little like Serendipity which is one of my all-time favorite movies.

Always in December by Emily Stone: A woman who hates the holidays runs into a man who gives her a reason not to. Set in New York, London and Edinburgh (three places I love) so this was an easy sell to me.

The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin: Paris at Christmas.. in a bookstore. Need I say more? I actually picked this one up last year and didn’t have time to get to it so I’m hoping to this year. Sounds very sweet.

Past Favorites:

One Day in December by Josie Silver: The one that started it all. I read this 2-3 years and was instantly hooked on this genre. It’s a classic girl meets boy, girl loses boy to girl’s best friend story. And takes place over the span of almost a decade and I couldn’t put it down.

In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren: It’s Groundhogs Day meets Christmas in this book giving one girl many chances to get it right.. or wrong. A fun, festive read I liked last year.

Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva: A reimagined tale of what Charles Dickens life looked like as he wrote his beloved Christmas Carol. I loved going back in time to 1800s London and reading this fictionalized account of how his family and friends (and mainly himself) might have showed themselves in his famous work of literature.

Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris: I’ve mentioned it many times but Sedaris on of my favorite authors. This compilation of his holiday-themed essays is a short, funny read that includes reflections on his time spent working as an elf in Macy’s Santa-land.

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory: Loved that the main couple in this book was in their 50s roughly, it had a Royal storyline (the daughter is a stylist for a Kate Middleton type Duchess) and was diverse (all of the main characters are Black) – and a fun trip to London too! A nice book if you’ve had your fill of the usual 20 somethings falling in love.

The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss: This was one of my favorites that I read last year. The main character is reluctantly seeking love after focusing on a career that she loves and balancing relationships with her family and friends. She felt really well-rounded and realistic. Spoiler – love ensues.

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THE BLACK FRIDAY SALES I’M SHOPPING: 2021

I try to be really strategic when it comes to Black Friday/Cyber Monday – because honestly (and I say this as someone who makes their full time living in Ecommerce) marketing surrounding these sales can really push you into buying things you don’t need just because they’re on sale. That being said – I use this as a time to pick up gifts and a handful of selects items that are either classic wardrobe staples or pieces that I otherwise wouldn’t want to pay full-price for (like a fun holiday skirt that I will only wear a handful of times).

Hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving and may the discounts be ever in your favor this weekend.

THE SALES I’M SHOPPING:

FAVORITES I OWN, NOW ON SALE:

  • I have a few nice wool overcoats for winter, but I needed another heavy duty puffer and this Lands End one is perfect for casual weekends. In fact, every time I’ve worn it so far I’ve been too warm – which is a good sign that it’s going to actually hold up to a New York winter. Their whole site is 50% off + free shipping.
  • I just got this long cardigan (40% off right now) in and am swooning – I’m going to share two ways to wear it this weekend. But suffice to say it’s the new (slightly unexpected) standout of my holiday wardrobe. Plus – this velvet blazer, these jeans in a simple straight leg, and this cute plaid bag – are all wardrobe favorites of mine and they’re all 40% off too.
  • This gold mirror (we have it in our room at the lake house) is nearly $100 off right now. It can be hung vertically or horizontally and I love that it is simple enough to fit with almost any decor.
  • I shared the Sarah Flint Perfect Pumps in my last blog post and I truly can’t say enough good things about the quality, comfort and fit. They’re a definite ‘splurge’ – but when you factor in how often you’ll wear them and how long they’ll last, the cost per wear feels quite practical. My code SARAHFLINT-BASTEELE gets you $50 off 1 pair, $100 off 2 pairs, $150 off 3 pairs or (if you’re feeling wild) $200 off 4 pairs.
  • This Grecian bust pot I bought last year is 30% off – it looks great on it’s own or filled with flowers.
  • This plaid wrap dress I wore on Thanksgiving is an extra 25% off its sale price – along with all the rest of the discounted designer styles at The Outnet.
  • My new favorite clean mascara is 20% off right now in the brand’s only sale of the year. I’m thinking of trying their brow gel too.

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MY 2021 HOLIDAY GIFT WISHLIST

Perhaps, quite selfishly, one of my favorite posts to write each year is this round-up of the thing that are on my own personal holiday gift wishlist. Do I *need* any of this? Mostly not. But if I decide to gift myself something or if someone reading this is looking to gift me something, here are plenty of things I want. And if you’re having trouble thinking of things to put on your own wishlist – maybe one of these will be a fit!
  1. Silky Pajamas – I’m very into the idea of these luxe looking pajamas with a celestial print.
  2. British Designers At Home – I rarely buy coffee table books (because in full transparency we don’t have a coffee table) but I’d find space for this one about the real homes of British Designers. I love that lived-in, quirky English style.
  3. Oversized Hair Bow – Wouldn’t be mad at accompanying tickets to Paris while we’re at it.
  4. Red (Taylor’s Version) on Vinyl – I think this one goes without saying.
  5. Harney & Sons Holiday Tea Set – I love specialty teas in winter and this duo (Hot Cinnamon Spice and Holiday) sounds so festive.
  6. Statement Earrings – I’ll likely be cashing in on my employee discount for these beauties.
  7. Plaid Bag – Adds such a fun, festive touch to an otherwise simple outfit.
  8. Silver Party Heels – These would be so cute with sparkly socks and jeans or tights and a party dress. Code: Steele15 will get you 15% off if you’re similarly swooning.
  9. Tickets to Moulin Rouge on Broadway – I really want to get back to a Broadway show after over a year of not having that option. Moulin Rouge feels like it would be such a fun one!
  10. Holiday City Mugs – These festive mugs come in New York, London, Paris and Los Angeles versions and I’m very tempted to collect the full set.
  11. 1990 Sweatshirt – Adam is a 1990 baby and I love this vintage looking red sweatshirt as a nod to him.
  12. Taper Candle Holders – I like that these feel organic and seasonless. They’d be so pretty with a colored taper candle.
  13. Light Tortoiseshell Glasses – I finally made it to the Eye Dr. since pre-pandemic and my prescription changed slightly. A perfect excuse for a new pair of glasses.
  14. Work Horse by Kim Reed – I’m fascinated by the underbelly of the New York restaurant scene. I love that this memoir takes you inside the world from a woman’s perspective.

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