11.27.2019

2019 Holiday Gift Guide: LADIES

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

I don't know about y'all, but I am READY for the holidays! Aside from shopping ahead, all things Christmas before Thanksgiving used to bother me. This year in particular, I pulled my Nest Holiday candle out immediately after Halloween, and have even found myself playing the occasional Christmas tune. Each year the holiday season seems to come and go even more quickly, so I no longer mind extending the festivities.

One holiday tradition I do look forward to is sharing gift guides with you! There is so much satisfaction in giving someone you care about the perfect gift, but amongst all the demands of the holiday season, shopping can become just one more stressor and there can be a lot of pressure to find the right gift. I aim to make that easier for you, and also to make it easier on your wallet by delivering my guides each year before Black Friday (which seems to come earlier each year, as you'll see that many of the items I'm sharing are already marked down by retailers for Black Friday).

As always, my guides are filled with things I own and love, or things on my personal wish list! Many of the items are linked with affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you buy. Below the collage you'll find more details about each item (sale status, sizing, options at other price points, etc). Also, be sure to tune into Stories on Instagram today, and in the coming weeks, as I'll feature more details about favorites from the guides and will also share sale alerts!


Bamboo Bangle: under $20!; I've had this bangle over 10 years and live in it during the summer--it's lightweight and stacks well with other bracelets; this would make a great stocking stuffer or white elephant gift
Coin Necklace: I've been really loving the coin necklace trend, particularly when two are layered together, and have been ogling Jane Winchester's at the high end from Tuckernuck; so was pleased to find this quality gold-plated version for you at a much more approachable price point
Bamboo Flatware: under $30 with code SCORE; this bamboo flatware was on my Christmas list last year and my parents gifted it to me; for $30 you get four place settings as compared to the oh so lovely, oh so pricey Juliska version that sells for $188 for just one place setting; get lots of compliments on these which can be "dressed up" or "dressed down"; finally, as a bonus they're dishwasher safe!; see them styled on my table here and here
Faux Fur Scarf: Hands down one of my favorite winter accessories is my faux fur scarf; mine is no longer available, but this one has great reviews and the black is so chic; the pull through design also makes styling a cinch; also love this leopard one that's currently 60% off and under $20; this one comes in 4 colors including a fab hot pink and taupe that's similar to mine; and this one on sale for under $30 is more of a stole and would be fab paired with a sleeveless or strapless cocktail dress at a holiday party
Key Ring: under $10 and comes in 35 colors; this key ring would be the perfect gift for all your girlfriends, especially mamas, or would also make a great white elephant gift or stocking stuffer
Living Floral: under $30; this is on my wish list and might be my favorite entertaining coffee table book...ever!; my mother-in-law has it and I am slowly making my way through it studying and reading every page filled with events and tips from tastemakers like Charlotte Moss and Tara Guerard
Star Pajamas: on sale for under $100 thru December 2; I believe the best gifts are those that someone would want and love but not buy oneself and Lake Pajamas totally fit that bill; I shared with y'all on Stories this summer after purchasing a short set on sale, that while I love them, I don't think they're worth full price; I did however think they were perfect for my own wish list and am crossing my fingers Santa may bring me a pair...this Sister Parish red star set is perfect for Christmas; if even the sale price feels a little too steep, I have two sets of these that are about half the price while on sale now for 40% off and they are so soft and cozy; also love these festive ones on sale for under $40 and these Christmas cuties on sale for under $30
Tortoise Candle: under $30!; stylish candles that are affordable are hard to come by and this one is oh so chic!; I love that it comes in a wide range of scent options (mine is the clean scent Cotton Creek) and I plan to save the tortoise container once the candle is done - wouldn't it be pretty for flowers!?; would make a great hostess gift for a holiday party wrapped in a clear bag with a big red bow
Pearl Studs: under $100; I received these myself as a gift last year and reach for them multiple times a week; y'all love them too and ask me about them all the time on Insta; they're a classic that will never go out of style; I have the large size
Funny Bunny Polish: under $10; I choose this shade for gel manicures again and again - it is the perfect white polish; sometimes white nails look far too stark to me and this is a more subtle, slightly sheer white that is so beautiful, it's subtle shade also means it works better year-round; on the opposite end of the spectrum here is the perfect almost black polish from my guides last year
La Croix Ornament: because we all have at least 5 La Croix loving friends; I included the orange as that is my all time favorite flavor, but also comes in pink and green; selling out fast many places so as a back up, you can also find it here, here, and here
Cosmetic Bag: I'll be completely honest, I'm not entirely sure what all the hype for MZ Wallace is about- maybe because the quilted style is an homage to our beloved high school Vera Bradley?; that said, I am in the market for a new cosmetic bag and this rose gold one caught my eye in store recently and I do really like that the fabric is water- and stain- resistant; I also have had this Scout one since college and love it for less than half the price of the MZ Wallace
SlippersI've had these now for 7 years and absolutely love them and y'all do too because you always ask about them on Stories; come in 9 colors, so cozy, water resistant and have a rubber sole so they can be worn outside; I often slip them on when I'm headed to the barre studio at 0 dark 30 to teach 6:00 am class; run large, order one full size down; also love this more affordable monogrammed version (under $25 with code SPORT15)
Stationery Suite: on sale for under $50; I have this stationery suite in ivory which is a southern lady's dream!; comes with 25 each of flat notecards, folded notecards, and folded enclosure cards; I am also obsessing over this modern stationery
Bud Vase: under $50 + up to 30% off; I've eyed this bud vase in stores in the clear glass, but when I came across it in the pink for gift guides I was sold...swoon!; this would be a great gift for the gal who has everything and I love that it's beautiful enough to hold its own with or without flowers
Overnight Peel: 15% off through December 1; I started using this last year in anticipation of my 30th birthday and it has transformed my skin so much that within weeks of using it, y'all were commenting on Insta and asking for a skincare post (that I still haven't gotten to a year later, ha); I aim to use it nightly and it smooths and brightens skin after just one use; if you don't believe me check the 1,766 5 star reviews; note the packaging has changed and looks different from my collage above - the link is correct! (if you need a consultant, Kathleen Baker is the best!)
Pearl Barrette: under $30 with code BRIGHT; the best things come in little packages; this pretty pearl barrette adds glam to any outfit and would be perfect for the girly girl in your life; also love this similar Prime 4-pack for just $5.99 as a stocking stuffer
Clean Volumizing Mascara & Clean Lengthening Mascara: under $25 each; I've shared on Stories that I've slowly been trying to swap out my beauty products for more clean options and these clean mascaras are THE best..truly like them better than any other mascara I've used; I like to wear both, using the volumizing first with lengthening layered on top, but both are great on their own, too
Lip Gloss I actually wore this lip gloss at my wedding in the "Giza" shade (no longer available, but "Outrage" is a similar option); it can be worn as a pretty neutral gloss alone, but I love it most layered over lipstick, particularly red lipstick
Lip Salveunder $10; this Mint Rose balm is my absolute favorite; I've been using it for probably 10 years now and always have a jar on my bedside table and a tube in my bag so I'm not using germy fingers when out and about; would make a perfect stocking stuffer or teacher gift paired with some nice hand lotion and a holiday candle
Roll Neck Sweater: up to 60% off sale price; I purchased this sweater in the Dark Papaya color on Black Friday last year for a steal and it is a favorite; it's very comfy and "easy" to wear and the cut is both lengthening and slimming; true to size; sadly size options are sparse right now, but I'd watch for a restock and also check out this cotton version (also up to 60% off) with much more availability - I love the gray!
Soho Platter: a hostess's dream!; I received one of these platters for our wedding and use it so much I bought a second last year; can be put in oven up to 375F; versatile size which allows you to use it as a platter for food or as a pretty tray; at a lower price point, this is another piece I reach for again and again that y'all loved in my gift guide last year available through Amazon Prime; also check out the line's new "Giftables" items that are smaller and all under $50!
Leopard Headband: under $10!; I am here for the new headband trend and actually never stopped wearing headbands in the first place; I'm loving these new statement, knotted styles and y'all know I can't say no to leopard- for under $10, I think I'll be gifting this one to myself...and maybe every other gal on my list
Blue Scarf: under $50 + up to 30% off with code BRIGHT; I have this scarf in two other patterns and it exudes style...and looks way more expensive than it is- so much so that when getting tea at the swanky Sketch in London, the host commented on my Hermes! (I didn't correct him, rather said "Good eye, thank you!" Ha!); I am definitely adding this to my list or buying for myself because I wanted this print so badly last year, but it sold out
Glam Clutch: just $35 through Amazon Prime; I discovered this clutch through one of Holy City Chic's Amazon hauls and instantly fell in love; comes in 4 other colors and reminds me of this pricier one here; I also am obsessed with this $60 star one 
Vogue Puzzle: under $20 + up to 30% off with code BRIGHT; I love puzzles for vacations or extended visits with family and these chic ones (more here) are so fab!; I also really love this New Yorker Christmas one; would be perfect to gift to your family's holiday hostess and to pull out to complete by the tree with a fire blazing and Bing Crosby on the radio, ahhh!
Staffordshire Tote: ummm...can you believe how cute this is?; also love this tartan topiary one; I have one of these totes in the ginger jar print (with coral straps they sadly no longer make) and Millie has her very own in the camo dog print; can have them monogrammed by the company, but I prefer a more couture monogram and had mine and Millie's embroidered locally at Atlantic Embroidery Works
Pocket Tape Measure: I have one of these in my purse and reach for it all the time...far more often than I expected when I bought it; love the chic monogram; items like these make great gifts for the gal who has everything
Crossbody Bag: Linked the black which is currently 60% off, also available in 4 other colors for 60% off here and love this clear style for a college student; I have this in navy and it may have been my best purchase of 2018; it is big enough to hold a wallet, keys, phone, and more, but still sleek; I used it during our entire England trip; the strap is removable so it can be worn as a clutch or crossbody; dressed up and down; since getting my Goyard, I keep mine in my bag with my wallet in it at all times, so I can just slip it out if I don't want to carry my big tote somewhere
Snake Mules: so on trend right now - I ordered these mules about a month ago and have been wearing them non-stop since getting them and receive compliments every time; true to size and seriously so comfortable; come in 7 other colorways including a leopard that is to die for!

Who's on your list this year?

Are any of these products you have and love?

What's on your wish list?

Happy Shopping!