Recently in Gift Guide Category
Hopefully you're done shopping, and your prospective credit card bills aren't totally keeping you awake at night. Now might be the moment, while you have a second to breathe, to remember that this is a time of "austerity" (although you wouldn't know it from the line of people trying to get into the UGG store in SoHo- which I just don't get. I mean, it's not like UGG's are particularly rare or hard to track down or anything. They're in every single store on Broadway!)
Back to austerity, and the topic at hand. This is a rough time for many, perhaps even you a little. You know what needs doing- who am I to preach, anyway? Here are a list of worthy charities (a couple are based in NYC. For me, it seems like a year to act locally.) You can donate right online.
- Citymeals-on-Wheels
- God's Love We Deliver
- The Damon Runyon- Walter Winchell Cancer Research Foundation (I couldn't resist! Two of the greatest New Yorkiest New Yorkers!)
- Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
There are not enough words to describe how much I love my mother. She is a funny, charming, eccentric, out-going, cat-loving, silver-maned, book-reading, anglophiliac former librarian. Her perfect day would be going to see The Kings Speech, drinking some Earl Grey tea, maybe doing some impromptu shopping, and snoozing with her two cats. There might also be some walking involved. What's not to love? Or emulate?
She is also incredibly difficult to buy gifts for, because she will always buy herself the thing she wants the moment she decides she wants it. And she knows her mind better then anyone, so it's pretty impossible to find that one thing that she didn't know she wanted until she gets it. You not only have to be clever, you have to be somewhat wise- either by sticking to her comfort zone (tea, crafty things, English things) or by taking a risk, and hoping that she will not sneer upon opening your gift. Luckily, she adores beauty products, especially all natural ones. So when I read about this lovely fragrance in T Magazine's "Samurai Shopper" column, I nearly fainted at the perfection. You see, gentle reader, my mother, besides all her other fine qualities, can also be occasionally described (by those who love her best!) as irascible. But, she does also have a dry and bright sense of humor (no, Dad, she does! Really!)
"Irritability Treatment" is a lovely, light, aromatherapy-based fragrance by Tata Harper, a company that has many things to recommend it, not just to my mother, but to lots of people. Harper's stuff is really all-natural, formulated and made by hand, and comes from a farm in Vermont! This particular product has lots of sweet smelling ingredients to soothe my mother's mind, including chamomile, patchouli (no, it doesn't smell like dirty hippie! Just a bit of pepper!), apples, herbs, fresh grass- all sure to make even the maddest mom happy deep in the dark of winter. Not only that, but the beneficent herbal aura that surrounds her will surely make everyone around her relax too. Happy Holidays indeed!
She is also incredibly difficult to buy gifts for, because she will always buy herself the thing she wants the moment she decides she wants it. And she knows her mind better then anyone, so it's pretty impossible to find that one thing that she didn't know she wanted until she gets it. You not only have to be clever, you have to be somewhat wise- either by sticking to her comfort zone (tea, crafty things, English things) or by taking a risk, and hoping that she will not sneer upon opening your gift. Luckily, she adores beauty products, especially all natural ones. So when I read about this lovely fragrance in T Magazine's "Samurai Shopper" column, I nearly fainted at the perfection. You see, gentle reader, my mother, besides all her other fine qualities, can also be occasionally described (by those who love her best!) as irascible. But, she does also have a dry and bright sense of humor (no, Dad, she does! Really!)
"Irritability Treatment" is a lovely, light, aromatherapy-based fragrance by Tata Harper, a company that has many things to recommend it, not just to my mother, but to lots of people. Harper's stuff is really all-natural, formulated and made by hand, and comes from a farm in Vermont! This particular product has lots of sweet smelling ingredients to soothe my mother's mind, including chamomile, patchouli (no, it doesn't smell like dirty hippie! Just a bit of pepper!), apples, herbs, fresh grass- all sure to make even the maddest mom happy deep in the dark of winter. Not only that, but the beneficent herbal aura that surrounds her will surely make everyone around her relax too. Happy Holidays indeed!
There world feels like it's ending this week, doesn't it? I almost wrote "a little bit" but the world ending "a little bit" is a lot like being "a little" pregnant. Impossible. But still...
Anyway, there are monsoons in Malibu and it's pouring in Palm Springs, where it hardly ever even rains. Over on the other side of the country, we are in the midst of a bitter cold December and snow looks likely this weekend. And then, there was the whole crazy once-every-372-years-solstice-eclipse last night, and Al Queda's threatening to poison our food at hotels, and Europe is shut down due to snow, even the Eurostar, and it's T-1 til 2012 which everyone knows is the year of the Mayan Doomsday, apocalypse, however you want to put it, and the Senate won't vote to give some relief to our 9/11 first responders which makes little to know sense as a patriotic stand, (hallelujah about DADT, though!) and we are so busy buying gifts for our friends and family as the year churns to an end that we don't even notice as the walls are coming down around our ears...wait....STOP!
What's important? To be loved, to be warmed, to be cherished. So, while the above Rogan sweater may look a bit pricey, think of it like this: you will be making someone feel very cozy this winter. It's long and chunky, but slim in form- which is hard to do. It's a nice neutral with a fun detail, and on a cold day as the world continues its inexorable disintegration, this will be a pleasing piece to hide away in, wrapped up and safe. Also- it's on SALE!
Anyway, there are monsoons in Malibu and it's pouring in Palm Springs, where it hardly ever even rains. Over on the other side of the country, we are in the midst of a bitter cold December and snow looks likely this weekend. And then, there was the whole crazy once-every-372-years-solstice-eclipse last night, and Al Queda's threatening to poison our food at hotels, and Europe is shut down due to snow, even the Eurostar, and it's T-1 til 2012 which everyone knows is the year of the Mayan Doomsday, apocalypse, however you want to put it, and the Senate won't vote to give some relief to our 9/11 first responders which makes little to know sense as a patriotic stand, (hallelujah about DADT, though!) and we are so busy buying gifts for our friends and family as the year churns to an end that we don't even notice as the walls are coming down around our ears...wait....STOP!
What's important? To be loved, to be warmed, to be cherished. So, while the above Rogan sweater may look a bit pricey, think of it like this: you will be making someone feel very cozy this winter. It's long and chunky, but slim in form- which is hard to do. It's a nice neutral with a fun detail, and on a cold day as the world continues its inexorable disintegration, this will be a pleasing piece to hide away in, wrapped up and safe. Also- it's on SALE!
Ever since this friend of yours found a perfectly worn pair of nutmeg vintage Justins at Beacon's Closet, he's been well nigh impossible. He grew out his beard, and learned to shoot. He calls you "darlin'" and grows shit in his backyard. Last summer he spent a week at a camp in Montana learning how to field dress a moose. The only thing keeping him from truly becoming the Urban Cowboy of his dreams is that he's from Bayshore, and he has no ear for dialect at all. It's hard to be taken seriously in West Texas, when you say "pawtnah" instead of "pardner".
Inspire him, and his cadence, with the wonderful novel, True Grit, upon which the upcoming Coen Brother's remake of the John Wayne classic is based. He already has tickets to the movie on Wednesday, but he'll relish the opportunity to learn how to drop his "g"s just so, and to quote scripture just like Mattie. Not only that- the book is a cult favorite, so you'll even help him boost his cowboy-street-cred. He'll be "y'all"ing properly in no time.
Inspire him, and his cadence, with the wonderful novel, True Grit, upon which the upcoming Coen Brother's remake of the John Wayne classic is based. He already has tickets to the movie on Wednesday, but he'll relish the opportunity to learn how to drop his "g"s just so, and to quote scripture just like Mattie. Not only that- the book is a cult favorite, so you'll even help him boost his cowboy-street-cred. He'll be "y'all"ing properly in no time.
You share DNA but definitely not a calling. In fact, sometimes you look at her and you can't believe you're related! She works tirelessly to help those that have less, while making not much; you basically work at looking good.
So bring a little grace and beauty into her life. This beautiful bauble by the super-talented designer Sarah Hickey should do the trick. The bracelet's soothing green gems will provide a sweet mental oasis during your sister's otherwise long and difficult days. It's like a small party full of champagne and Pierre Herme macarons for the wrist. You'll be tempted to keep it, but she deserves it more than you do, and you know it. Oh well, you'll just have to get two, one to reward yourself for doing the right thing, for once.
So bring a little grace and beauty into her life. This beautiful bauble by the super-talented designer Sarah Hickey should do the trick. The bracelet's soothing green gems will provide a sweet mental oasis during your sister's otherwise long and difficult days. It's like a small party full of champagne and Pierre Herme macarons for the wrist. You'll be tempted to keep it, but she deserves it more than you do, and you know it. Oh well, you'll just have to get two, one to reward yourself for doing the right thing, for once.
There are two kinds of people in the world: those that will hate this pillow for its cheerful promulgation of Kate Moss's infamous "pro-ana" statement, and those that will think this is the best, wittiest thing since Joaquin Phoenix visited David Letterman.
You know who I mean. For Halloween one year, she was Jackie O in Dallas, complete with a pillbox perched atop her head, and blood schmeared across her chest. Another time, she called her sister- the good daughter, a social worker who removes children from abusive homes- at work. In a fierce and oddly accented voice, your friend left a message demanding "YOU BETTER GIVE ME BACK MY KIDS! OR ELSE IMNA COME AND GET YOU!" Only after her sister had spent half a day fearfully researching who this possibly violent person might be, did your friend come clean. She could hardly speak, she was laughing so hard. Her sister almost got mad- but realized- that's just who she is. The joke will always come first. She still cracks up every time she tells this story. And honestly? So do you.
What would she love more then this? It's utterly offensive, and yet, charming as hell! I mean- it's got a pink velvet back! How freaking cute is that? Leave it to Jonathan Adler to hit the intersection of great humor and bad taste so directly on the spot. I mean, really. It's just so ridiculous, there's nothing to do but smile. And dream about that cookie from Levain Bakery. Seriously- they say imaginary food is a real diet now. You could be losing weight just thinking about it!
Before we begin, a caveat: I believe it is a very difficult task to buy a novel for someone. Cookbooks? Easy! Kids' books? Of course! Art books? All right. But novels are so subjective, more often then not you will strike out. It's like buying someone underpants- just because they look like they might fit, doesn't mean they will be comfortable.
That said: you have a friend. An old friend. A dear friend. A distant friend. You rarely see her, because she lives in Bozeman, Montana where she is getting a PhD in molecular biology. Her thesis is on life cycle of parasites that live in cutthroat trout bellies. On the weekends, she likes to put on a snood, drive out to Gallatin, and watch her burly husband joust under the name Lord Burleigh. He's even sort of a ringer for Henry VIII- all thick, bearded and ruddy.
In elementary school, she regaled you with stories of murdered princes, and there was always a Mary Stewart book in her hand when you two were supposed to be studying for that math test. (You got a "C". She got an "A") Later, she graduated to the Tudors. You assumed she would at some point go and study in England, but strangely, she has not. Instead, she went to China. She is fluent in Mandarin now, but still as obsessed with Katherine, Anne, Jane, Anne, Katherine and Katherine as she ever was.
Wolf Hall is perfect. Who knew there was something new to be said about the Tudors? I mean, for real- everyone has had a crack at them, from Shakespeare on down to Jonathan Rhys Meyers. But Mantel's approach- telling the story of the ascension of Anne Boleyn, from the point of view of the concurrently rising royal adviser, the scrappy, wily Thomas Cromwell- is eye opening. Her writing is superb- richly detailed, pungent and beautiful. And seriously, this book, which is all about politics and intrigue and people that died centuries ago, is as unputdownable and relevant as the most recent Woodward- even though you know exactly how it's going to end, in the end. The blessing- your friend might already have read it- in which case, you can keep it for yourself. I mean, it did win the Booker. Cross your fingers!
That said: you have a friend. An old friend. A dear friend. A distant friend. You rarely see her, because she lives in Bozeman, Montana where she is getting a PhD in molecular biology. Her thesis is on life cycle of parasites that live in cutthroat trout bellies. On the weekends, she likes to put on a snood, drive out to Gallatin, and watch her burly husband joust under the name Lord Burleigh. He's even sort of a ringer for Henry VIII- all thick, bearded and ruddy.
In elementary school, she regaled you with stories of murdered princes, and there was always a Mary Stewart book in her hand when you two were supposed to be studying for that math test. (You got a "C". She got an "A") Later, she graduated to the Tudors. You assumed she would at some point go and study in England, but strangely, she has not. Instead, she went to China. She is fluent in Mandarin now, but still as obsessed with Katherine, Anne, Jane, Anne, Katherine and Katherine as she ever was.
Wolf Hall is perfect. Who knew there was something new to be said about the Tudors? I mean, for real- everyone has had a crack at them, from Shakespeare on down to Jonathan Rhys Meyers. But Mantel's approach- telling the story of the ascension of Anne Boleyn, from the point of view of the concurrently rising royal adviser, the scrappy, wily Thomas Cromwell- is eye opening. Her writing is superb- richly detailed, pungent and beautiful. And seriously, this book, which is all about politics and intrigue and people that died centuries ago, is as unputdownable and relevant as the most recent Woodward- even though you know exactly how it's going to end, in the end. The blessing- your friend might already have read it- in which case, you can keep it for yourself. I mean, it did win the Booker. Cross your fingers!
Isn't this little guy just too cute? It almost doesn't matter what he does. But he's more then a piece of plastic. He's a very small vacuum cleaner! How can you not just LOVE him?
And, he happens to be the perfect solution to your most recent nightmare-come-to-life: the office Secret Santa nonsense. You drew the guy in the cubicle next to you, and you have not the foggiest idea of what to get him. That is because his taste is so far beyond your "knowledge base" (his phrase) that you are sure to come up short.
How can that be?
Exhibit A: He collects bearbricks. You had no idea what a bearbrick was until... 3, 2, 1... click!
Exhibit B: He always knows when the new Chris Ware is coming out.
Exhibit C: He has been in both New York Magazine's Look Book and The Sartorialist. Twice. He told YOU about Rag & Bone. He has Odin on speed dial.
At work, this guy lives in the most spotless, pleasant smelling cubicle you've ever seen in your entire life. Seriously- you've actually watched the guy eat a croissant and drop nary a crumb. Behind his black framed Prada glasses and beneath his fitted Save Khaki flannel, this guy has the reflexes of a fox. He's just so clean! The dust in his area is notable for its absence, there's not a stray hair to be seen, and his computer screen actually sparkles. (No, really, it does!)
What the fuck could you ever get this guy? See above! His eyes will actually shine with delight. This is the coolest thing on planet earth. Functional? Check! Unexpected? Check. Sweetly, nostalgically Ironic? Check, check and check. And you found it. Happy Holidays- you win!
And, he happens to be the perfect solution to your most recent nightmare-come-to-life: the office Secret Santa nonsense. You drew the guy in the cubicle next to you, and you have not the foggiest idea of what to get him. That is because his taste is so far beyond your "knowledge base" (his phrase) that you are sure to come up short.
How can that be?
Exhibit A: He collects bearbricks. You had no idea what a bearbrick was until... 3, 2, 1... click!
Exhibit B: He always knows when the new Chris Ware is coming out.
Exhibit C: He has been in both New York Magazine's Look Book and The Sartorialist. Twice. He told YOU about Rag & Bone. He has Odin on speed dial.
At work, this guy lives in the most spotless, pleasant smelling cubicle you've ever seen in your entire life. Seriously- you've actually watched the guy eat a croissant and drop nary a crumb. Behind his black framed Prada glasses and beneath his fitted Save Khaki flannel, this guy has the reflexes of a fox. He's just so clean! The dust in his area is notable for its absence, there's not a stray hair to be seen, and his computer screen actually sparkles. (No, really, it does!)
What the fuck could you ever get this guy? See above! His eyes will actually shine with delight. This is the coolest thing on planet earth. Functional? Check! Unexpected? Check. Sweetly, nostalgically Ironic? Check, check and check. And you found it. Happy Holidays- you win!
You got a Botkier. She got a Birkin. You got a puggle. She got a long haired dachshund.
You just finished reading Obama's War. She's got her hands on The Autobiography of Mark Twain.
You got invited to an advanced screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. She got screeners of The King's Speech AND The Black Swan.
You got a brand new Iphone. She got an Ipad.
What the HELL are you going to do? This is a completely impossible person. Well, if you can't beat her, help her out. I mean, she's always going to be there first, so the best bet is to go with something to complement what she already has. And thusly, I recommend the padlette, a spunky, cool solution to the irritating issue of Ipad slippage (one of those things that everyone has- well everyone with an Ipad- and no one discusses, like a xanax prescription or eye snot). It's a handsome, simple, well designed handle that slips right over the corners of the world's-greatest-piece-of-advanced-technology. And it comes in a bunch of colors, including my personal favorite- glow in the dark!!! It's the sort of gift that's a grower, not a shower. The initial reaction may just be a forced grin, and a raised eyebrow, but it will prove it's quality quickly and decisively, and soon your friend will be giving it to others. First!
And I'm not talking like "ohhh I hate my job." Or "my boyfriend is an ass." No- this is your friend for whom everything that could go wrong, did. Maybe she lost her job, got a new one, (relief!) only to find on her first day that she was on a trial period for half pay the first six months, and that her responsibilities were basically akin to an intern's, even though she has LOTS of experience and is very good, and that the people she worked with lived at the office, because they were too sad to go home, and hated everyone with a life outside of work, and took themselves far too seriously, even though what they did was hardly for the good of mankind, I mean, it's marketing! Not saving the Sudan! And it's not like she could quit because where would she go? And every time she tells you something, you can't believe the horror. Because this does actually suck.
Or maybe she's having a hard time conceiving. Or maybe she's losing her husband. Or maybe she's battling depression. Or maybe someone close to her is very sick.
She's someone you love, who you know will triumph.You always pick up the phone when she calls. Because in the midst of her horrible terrible no-good very bad year, she still has the decency to ask about you- and care. Not only that- but you guys laugh a lot too, sometimes even at the suckiness. THAT'S a friend. And if you could, you would buy her a week at Little Dix Bay in Virgin Gorda. But you're not there yet.
Instead, why not get her this mini vacation in a bottle, care of Space NK, one of my favorite shops in the whole world. Space NK is like a highly edited version of Sephora- you can touch everything, and also you will WANT to buy everything. Splendidly, their in-house line is amazing, and not too spendy either. The Muscle Relief Bath Soak is particularly awesome. At Little Dix they have this amazing hillside spa, where you lie in a room with a view out over the Caribbean Sea and the Virgin Islands. Birds chirp. The water has cucumber and lime. The breeze smells like heaven- soft ocean and sweet flowers and green leaves and fresh rain and damp sandlewood. That's what this soak smells like. And it puts you right to sleep. Your friend will love love love it. But then, she would probably love anything you got her. She's that sort of friend.
