This is not a gift guide, it's a chance for me to be smug about my Spotify Wrapped Results.
That said, there are a lot of things in here that would make great gifts. And my Spotify wrapped playlist had only 2 songs from Encanto on it so, you know -- a win.
We are approaching the time of year in Canada when the lane you are driving in spontaneously turns into a 6 foot snowbank and you have to aggressively swerve or risk disaster of Titanic proportions. It’s not great. I still can’t advise you on the right boots to wear because I’m never prepared for the conditions even though they are exactly the same year over year.
Before you stress out about what to wear to holiday parties, family dinners, friend dinners, work… — Watch this clip of Patricia Field with a word about style. Not just A word but THE word. TL;DR don’t worry about the clothes, it’s the vibe.
Maison Cleo is a french MOTHER DAUGHTER design duo based in Paris -
Obviously it’s chic because how could it not be? They make each piece to order, by hand, using vintage textiles. Ding ding! She has a type! MC will also do made to measure (yet another reason to have your tailor take your accurate measurements) so they can accommodate different size requests in a personal way that should give you the confidence to buy online.
They sell out quickly when the e-shop is open (I know it seems weird that made to order would be sold out but they have limited fabric quantities so if it’s all been allocated, they can fill a finite number of orders) so follow them on instagram to find out about order windows. You can also click on the price breakdown tab and see why each piece costs what it costs which is fascinating (for this recovering designer at least).
Some things that aren’t sold out that I love -
Pleated Black and Khaki Mini Skirt w/ Belt Detail, Black Faux Leather Faux Fur Coat, Agnes Dark Purple Wild Silk Blouse, White Cotton Blouse with Rounded Collar
My Spotify Wrapped Playlist is weird but not totally embarrassing so I’m feeling superior about it! Here it is -
I’m currently reading The Overstory by Richard Powers. It’s billed as “a novel” on the cover but I’m 176 pages in and I’m not convinced it isn’t a collection of short stories. Waiting patiently on a unifying thread. I rarely use the word “sweeping” but it applies here. The writing is beautiful, nature is beautiful, suddenly we’re sad. That’s my takeaway so far. Do we need a book club?!
This isn’t a gift guide but if someone gifted me anything from the following roundup I would be THRILLED.
Fill this with some long stemmed beauties and hand the whole thing over. A dream! Bonus points if you also hand over the Eny Lee Parker Stool!
A robe should be medium or light weight, and drapey. It’s my opinion that if you need a giant terry cloth or fleece robe, start over and get dressed again. Bulky, clunky…too much. This one is unisex, has a good size range, and feels great to wear.
I have taken you to Gohar World previously, but let’s return again. A host smock that you throw on to protect your look that is IN AND OF ITSELF, A LOOK? I am verklempt. Yes please.
Coming Soon is one of my favourite stores to visit IRL in New York. This wine cooler has a sleeve that can be frozen and inserted into the middle to keep bottles cool when you’re on the move. This is classy stuff. I like the beige colour - the black accents make it interesting and less…beige.
Health Hut Home For the Holidays Gift Box //
My friend Tara is the owner of Health Hut and has done an amazing job of curating the best brands in beauty, health + wellness. Recently, HH launched their own line of soaps and bubble baths which are the anchors of this curated gift set. In addition to bubble bath and a hand + body soap, this comes with a gua sha tool, candle, hair + hand towel, dry brush and sea sponge. As a Cancer who spends as much time in hot water (ideally literally, not figuratively) as possible, this ticks a lot of boxes.
Isabel Halley Ceramics Seder Plate //
Isabel Halley is a New York based ceramicist. Her signature is the pinch pot in various sizes for all your tiny things (they are also an integral part of this seder plate) but her larger pieces are stunning as well. I have gifted this before to friends who let us share in their Hanukkah celebrations and it felt great.
Silk Labs Black Pleated Skinny Scarf //
I’m going to start wearing silk neck scarves again - especially if I’m carrying my wine cooler. She’s a lady! I’m going to do a jaunty little knot and let the ends flap free. These ones are skinny and pleated and feel modern even though silk scarves are anything but. They have it styled on the website as a top and I’ll just touch on that real quick by saying no thanks!
Here’s what I’d wear today as someone who loves the combo of Brown + Black —
Essentials Black Relaxed Sweatshirt, J. Kim Black Petal Lounge Pants, Lemaire Light Trench Coat, Extreme Cashmere Bandana, Toteme Brown Suede Ankle Boots, Sister Morphine Nuit Mauve Belladonna Earrings
Dream With Me!
Schiaparelli Shearling Coat - I’m still gasping just thinking about this coat. I have chills! I’m smiling! This is what it’s all about!
Loewe Demin + Leather Boots - Fun and Freaky! Sexy if you look very very closely! Very much my lane!
This is a weird addition to this recurring section but I think it fits here. I have personally chosen to make it a reality this year and it does feel a bit unhinged but it also works so I’m sharing information. Do with it what you will.
Valmont Lip Repair is a tiny tube of what feels like a light sunscreen and costs $230 Canadian dollars. That is a tough pill to swallow, I know. Here is the thing - tap this onto your lips at night and maybe again in the morning (it’s not a cute, leave the house and go about your day balm - it truly looks like you’ve put sunscreen on your mouth) and your lips will not get dry - they just won’t. I’m thinking of this as skincare which helps get the idea of a $230 lip balm out of your head. Your lips are on your face, yes? They are also one of the first areas to show age. It’s like a serum for your lips and that should be a thing! Valmont is scientifically legit and I want you to know in advance that you will smell like a grandmother but you will look like a youthful cherub and that’s the sweet spot, In my humble opinion.
From My Saved Folder This Week //
“The Ganja Express” directed by Richard MacLeod, 1978. From @another__kind.