Good morning, Friday. I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving- mine was pitch perfect and I'm glad I'm still enjoying my post turkey coma while hanging at my aunt's house in Philly. Since it's Black Friday, I thought I'd give you some gift ideas of stuff I'm really loving this year...it's in no particular order or anything- just wanted to share it with you. Here's my picks for some well gifted goodness this season- what's fun is that there are some things on the list from some pals of mine- always makes gift giving more special when you know said gift is made with a whole lotta love- so I'm gonna make like Oprah and break you off a list of my favorite gift wrap worthy objets d'amour this season:
For the discerning pooch: Pet portraits by Meryl Rowin- I worked with Meryl at an ad agency here in New York, and she is a gifted artist. I love her pet portraits which you can commission via Etsy- a fabulous and cost effective way to capture the very essence of your cat or dog or parrot this Christmas.
For the discerning man who is also an unabashed patriot: Handmade shoes from Connecticut's Brothers Crisp- I spotted these handcrafted shoes at the American made fair last week and fell in love with them- absolutely stunning, extravagant, and will last a lifetime. So nice.
For the hippie at heart: My friend Natalie Schultz is making the coolest dream catchers and macrame wall hangings at her Etsy shop called Canteen, which draws inspiration from sun filled days at Summer camp- today everything is 20% off for the holiday so stock up on some hand dyed shibori or wonderful hand knit goodness.
For the peace and lover who needs something to wear on a beach vacation this winter: A Peace Treaty caftan- I have always been a huge fan of the beautiful scarves and jewelry of these super talented ladies- Farah Malik, a Pakistani Muslim, and Dana Arbib, a Libyan Jew. I met Farah some years ago through a good friend, and she's a wonderful diplomat who works with artisans in 10 countries and aims to show the world another level of artistry while bridging gaps. The stuff is amazing. Love.
For the hip hop homegirl: Erica Weiner heartbeats necklaces- these pretty heart necklaces are a girly adornment at first glance, but the use of hip hop phrases takes them to a much cooler place. David gifted me with "With my Mind on my Money and my Money on my Mind"- it's apt. Let's be honest. Bonus points if you buy the "And After the Party its the Hotel Lobby" version. Can I get a toot toot?
For the art lover who likes to kick an ass: Brian Finke's US Marshals- I had the immense pleasure of shooting a whole mess of work this past year with the extremely talented Brian Finke- if you are not familiar with his work, you need to know it. His real take on life is on another level, and having followed around the US Marshals for a few years to document their stings and such, this book is a must have for that action loving but creatively inclined guy in your life. PS- if Brian ever invites you to a BBQ at his house, don't say no. He's a Texan with a real knack for the grill.
For the fashion fiend: Garance Dore Les Femmes calendar for 2015- I'm in love with this beautifully illustrated calendar that fashion girls will for surely adore. So pretty.
For the good client who hooks you up on the regs: Shinola Leather Pin Key Fob- Simple and elegant and a wonderful gift from the gang in Detroit. If you're in NYC over the holidays, you must go to their bricks and mortar in Tribeca. Unreal.
For the trend conscious weather watcher: Hunter Original Nightfall Rain Boots- love these paint streaked bad boys. I may cave and buy these for myself. So awesomely cool and not the run of the mill.
For the producer in your life (hint, hint): Marc Jacobs "Don't Panic" sweater- Producer types and the people that love them- can't you just see wearing this on set? I was walking by the MJ store on Bleecker the other night and spotted it. So fabulous. I'm feeling love for graphic sweaters with type- this is a goodie for sure.
For the scent snob: Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu- I test drove this scent in Bloomingdales the other day and holy merde it's amazing. It's a strong scent for strong people that like to imagine they're somewhere exotic and sexy at all times. Plus damn if that stuff does not have the longest staying power of any perfume I've smelled in recent memory- one dab on the wrists and you'll be sniffing at it all day wondering how you got so lucky to smell this good. Yum. Mossy, Patchouli, Tonka Bean, musky, leather goodness.
For the well mannered: CV note cards- I'm a big time Claire Vivier fan and adore these Merci and Bonjour notecard sets for those who like to take pen to hand and deliver a personal message. Tres chic.
For the casual cool guy: Flint and Tinder denim- Made in America, these are my husband's new favorite jeans. He's probably never going to take them off, which makes them even cooler because they're selvage and you're not supposed to wash them for months and months. Plus, also made in America so bonus there. And for selvage, the price point is pretty great.
For the fitness freak: Stella McCartney for Adidas leggings- You can't go wrong with these. Trust me, because I've tried every pair of leggings from here to Lululemon and these are by far the best. The material, the fit, the cool look. I love them. I have the Starter pair, but any of the options are amazing on Stella's site- so many good things. And that onesie? Yes, please. Yes to that and so many other things on that site.
For the tipsy Tommy: Jack Rudy small batch tonic- From some fine folks down south, this tonic will have you making highballs in your man's dreams, even if he is already- they'll be better now and that's that. Great stuff. Small Batch. Bottoms up.
For the sexy lazybones: Louise shrunken robe from Sleepy Jones- Picture your lady wearing this on a lazy Sunday after a lazy Saturday night with some horn rimmed glasses and messy hair. Yes. It's a lovely little tomboy robe that shows off those hot gams. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
I've got loads more for you of course...I could do this all day. And perhaps I'll count down till the holiday with some more ideas for you- we're just gettin' started, non?
But for now, that's what I've got for now cause that's what's up as I go contemplate a nap or a hot chocolate or a bloody mary. Yours, in 'tis the seasoning. XO