I’m famously hard to shop for, “impossible” they say (it’s true). But I’ve learned that saying “please don’t get me anything!!” results in stress for all. And listen, I wouldn’t want anything under the tree at all except we don’t want the kids to think that this holiday is just about them – we have to even it out a bit. So I combed all my favorite shops, and while I’m obviously not asking for all of this stuff, you bet I sent Brian and his Mom some links (she was jonesing to check some boxes). They don’t have to stress and I get some things I want 🙂
On Emily: Beanie | Parka Jacket | Jeans | Sneakers
Not on Emily: Brown Leather Crossbody Purse | Green Clutch | Boots
I did recently get a few things that I threw on for you – that puffy coat that I get compliments on every single time I wear it (which is most days). It’s hard to see the collar, but it’s an electric blue stripe – stylish, comfortable, and yes, you can wear it over pajamas for drop-off and look effortlessly cool (LOL). The clog boots in the background are excellent (very, very comfortable considering the height), and the jeans have cargo pockets that I feel are really flattering.
On Emily: Beanie | Parka Jacket | Jeans | Sneakers
Not on Emily: Brown Leather Crossbody Purse | Green Clutch
I feel like outerwear and accessories are something you can buy others and/or not need to try on in a store (i.e. a safer gift bet), so there are a lot of coats, bags, and shoes on this list.
Olive Rhodes Shearling Quarter Zip | Utility Capelet
I like a longer fleece that drapes well (versus one that makes my upper half more voluminous) – the contrasting trim on the zipper pockets are top notch and that capelet on the right is ridiculously cute (I find these are especially good for tall people).
Hawley Half-Zip Sweat | Gear Check Vest
You won’t believe how soft this Varley double soft fabric is on that brown quarter zip – it falls and drapes so perfectly – I reach for it daily, and I’ve washed it like 15 times, and it’s still in perfect shape (comes in a lot of colors, too). The vest on the right would fit over my weighted vest while I walk the dogs (y’all, I’m up to a 25 lbs vest now – a real psychopath over here).
Shearling Barritt Quarter Zip | Khaki Drew Short Trench Coat
That shearling quarter zip (I guess I love quarter zips?) is so cute, giving Aspen 🙂 The short trench on the right is awesome – so good for spring and fall.
Suzy Denim Jacket | Margarita Jumpsuit
If you are in need of a new oversized denim jacket, this chore coat looks really great to layer over (I love the huge pockets, double buttons, and sleeves), I put this jumpsuit in my cart immediately – I love the ones that aren’t trying to show off curves and instead look utilitarian (Buttercup ate the crotch out of my favorite ones from The Great that I’ve worn for 8 years).
Black Waxed Large Canvas Tote | Wellington Cabana Tote
Two really great looking utilitarian bags – weekend, trunk bags, groceries, etc.
On Emily: Plaid Coat | Blouse | Jeans | Boots
Not on Emily: Brown Leather Crossbody Purse | Green Clutch | Boots | Socks | Sneakers
By far my favorite purchase of late is this plaid coat – it fits like an oversized coat but the cut is really flattering and I have found that I can mix that pattern with so many different blouses (like my favorite new blouse above). The boots I’m wearing there are also EXTREMELY comfortable and I think the pointy toe is really elongating (I love the clogs, but they are higher and therefore less “running around town” shoes, so I wear these boots almost everywhere right now).
Checked Long Coat | Bouclé Long Coat
I should do a full plaid coat roundup – there are so many great ones on the market right now. The scale and color of the blue plaid are so awesome – oversized and cool.
Oversized Double-Breasted Topcoat | Puff-Sleeve Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Long Coat | Wool Blend Oversized Coat
For those wanting more versatility, the black and gray overcoats are cool and might be easier to dress up if you work in an office.
Gun Club Check Atelier Blazer | Double-Breasted Elbow-Patch Plaid Jacket
I have to stop myself from buying everything from Emerson Fry (it’s been 15 years now of loving them). Their cuts and fabrics are supreme (and a small American-made business). The blazer on the left looks like something I would wear all the time. The “elbow patch” feature on the right one is where it’s at for me.
Sequin Longline Jacket | Natalia Velvet Jacket
Now for some fun. The sequin jacket is so fun – I love that you could dress up jeans and a T-shirt for a night out and look instantly like you care. The velvet blue color of that little jacket is perfect.
Scallop Tweed Lady Jacket | Persimmon Floral Jacquard Mirabelle Jacket
I am not as into the lady jacket trend as most people (I think my boobs are just too big) but these two felt wayyy cooler and more special than others. I ordered the set on the right and I’ll shoot it when I get it. How fun for holiday parties??
Faux-Fur Coat | Tulle Bomber Jacket
I bought that faux fur coat, rationalizing to myself that it’s a staple that I’ll love forever (it’s crazy soft and while it is bulky by nature, it’s somehow flattering. Leave it to Anthro to make a tulle bomber jacket – over a graphic T and with some drop crotch jeans and you have a festive night out that is comfortable and carefree.
Sezane is another brand where I want EVERYTHING. That lacy white collar would pop out so nicely under a sweatshirt or even layered under a denim shirt or dress (true story).
Lace-Inset Top | Scarlet and Hot Pink Grove Blouse
I’m not done with Victorian tops (never will be) and that lace detail keeps it interesting. The colorblocking on that red blouse is powerful – makes me want to give a TED talk about something!
Blackwatch Selena Blouse | Ivory Plaid Nicole Shirt
Holiday, but make it casual and cool (and I’d wear both of these year-round). I ordered these already, fearing they’ll sell out. The dark plaid one on the left also comes in black velvet (which I’m also very tempted by).
Taylor Crossbody Bag | Petit Moyen Bag
For a more utilitarian vibe (with a zipper) I love that simple leather boxy bag (with the charm). If you really want to ask for a splurge or surprise someone who has good taste, just go to Clare V – that navy blue purse is versatile and is totally timeless.
The Essential Curve Shoulder Bag | The Brigitte Satchel
The red curve bag is really big (and such a pretty accent color to all my blues). The checked satchel will make any basic outfit look way more fashion-forward.
Margot Ankle Boots | The Dimes Stiletto-Heel Ankle Boot
Ugh, I don’t need those patent leather boots but they are SO GOOD – the patent color is excellent, the buckle would look so cute with tights – the French really know how to dress. I can also convince myself that I’d wear these leopard stiletto boots – under jeans they look fierce, with barrel pants they’ll look cool proportionally, and of course dressing them up will elongate your leg.
Birkenstock Boston Big Buckle Shearling Clogs | Yellowstone Allistar Pointed Boots
Blue, fur, gold – check check check. Then if you have been looking for the right boots to invest in, goodness I love these cowboy boots (in collaboration with the show Yellowstone). They are the least cheesy ones I’ve seen, honestly – they look real and less try-hard than any others (IMHO).
This might seem like a boring gift to ask for or give, but I LOVE this bucket bag so much – it’s perfect for throwing anything in. I use it for design materials for work, park picnics, groceries, farmers market, laundry, and last-minute weekend packing. Strangely versatile and expensive ($90) so not something you want to buy yourself.
Bogg Bag | Waxed Canvas Gathering Bag
I love the idea of the waxed canvas bag for site visits (where I get dust on everything). Such cute pockets and straps.
Chunky Chain Necklace (similar) | Gold Hoops | Oval Medallion Necklace | Gold and Black Heart Necklace | Interlocked Necklace | Simple Heart Necklace
I’m not crazy into jewelry so this is going to be mostly what I have that I love to layer together. I’ve been wearing the medallion and the heart necklace nonstop (not together, with simpler chains – in fact, these from Target are so awesome and I forgot to put them on the list). I like how most of these have a detail – they feel special but pretty easy to throw on and dress up an outfit.
Gold Elizabeth Necklace | Gold Calder Heart Necklace
I sent both these links to Brian (and the two below). Statement necklaces are back and I tend to lean away from big jewels, but I sure can do pearls and medallions.
That silk scarf is so easy for me to justify – you can wear it like nine different ways and the colors are so pretty.
Hair: Dry Bar The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush | Ouai Anti-Frizz Creme | Dry Bar Liquid Glass Miracle Smoothing Sealant
Skin: Vial Capsules | Eye Pads | ExfoliKate Cleanser | Shani Darden Intensive Eye Renewal Cream with Firming Peptides | ExfoliKate Mask | Reusable Cleaning Pads
Makeup: Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment | Saie Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Multipurpose Illuminator | Tower 28 LipSoftie™ Hydrating Tinted Lip Treatment Balms | Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer | Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick | Charlotte Tilbury
Hollywood Flawless Filter | Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Well, that’s quite the list. Yes, this is all stuff I own and love (including the new blow-dryer oval curling brush that is excellent. The Merit concealer is the best (I wear Dune), the Kate Somerville mask is immediately effective, the Charlotte Tilbury highlighter is game-changing, and the ISDIN vials really do seem to add a lot of moisture.
Hair: Dry Bar The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush | Ouai Anti-Frizz Creme | Dry Bar Liquid Glass Miracle Smoothing Sealant
Skin: Capsules | Eye Pads | ExfoliKate Cleanser | Shani Darden Intensive Eye Renewal Cream with Firming Peptides | ExfoliKate Mask | Reusable Cleaning Pads
Makeup: Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment | Saie Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Multipurpose Illuminator | Tower 28 LipSoftie™ Hydrating Tinted Lip Treatment Balms | Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer | Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick | Charlotte Tilbury
Hollywood Flawless Filter | Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Hair: Ouai Anti-Frizz Creme | Dry Bar Liquid Glass Miracle Smoothing Sealant
Skin: Vial Capsules | ExfoliKate Cleanser | Shani Darden Intensive Eye Renewal Cream with Firming Peptides | ExfoliKate Mask | Reusable Cleaning Pads
Makeup: Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment | Saie Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Multipurpose Illuminator | Tower 28 LipSoftie™ Hydrating Tinted Lip Treatment Balms | Merit Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer | Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick | Charlotte Tilbury
Hollywood Flawless Filter | Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30
I don’t feel highly qualified to talk about beauty stuff, but when I went to Sephora to shop I asked the salesperson what people are freaking out about and they guided me to Tower 28 lip gloss (LOVE – so soft and plumping without stinging), and anything Saie.
NuFACE Mini+ Toning Set | Sunday Riley Go To Bed With Me Gift Set
As far as what I personally want – yes I’d like the mini Nuface – I usually spend January – March resetting myself so my nightly routine gets super dialed in, I’d love to try this. This “go to bed with me” kit sure is good marketing – I need a system otherwise I go rogue and just use so many random products that might not work well together.
Striped Cosmetic Case | Grand Vanity Case
I’m in the market for a new cosmetic case – both are so pretty.
Lastly, the robe that I bought for myself (and give as a gift). It’s not that it’s the softest or somehow dries you more magically, but I typically feel so frumpy in big terrycloth robes (not like in the movies). All I can say is that I feel good in this one – I think simply having a busy fun pattern and having it be a bit oversized looks better. Not sexy…just better.
I’m sure I forgot like a million things (like this red light face mask that I love), so perhaps more to come 🙂 I hope if nothing else it gives you some ideas of what to ask for or where to shop for others. xx
*Photos by Kaitlin Green
THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED HERE.
