In a world where everyone on the internet tells you what to buy, it can be hard to know whose recommendations are worth listening to. But if you ask me, fashion editors are a pretty safe bet. I mean, we’re quite literally hired for our taste.
I’ve had plenty of practice shopping for picky people. There’s my mom, who buys herself the perfect gift two weeks before I think of it. My brother hates “stuff,” and since he lives in a small New York apartment, I can’t really blame him. (Still, that’s not exactly helpful guidance when I’m trying to buy him something.) And my best friends and I tell each other everything we want every second of the day while scrolling social media, so surprising them takes some effort. I take this all very seriously, probably more seriously than I need to.
So with help from a few coworkers, I spent hours plucking the best of the best from Nordstrom for this year’s holiday list. There’s a little of everything: shoes, handbags, beauty, home, and clothes, all picked with some very particular people in mind. I’d also be thrilled to receive any of it, for the record. Happy shopping!
You have to be a pretty confident gift-giver to buy someone shoes. Between sizing and personal style, there’s a lot to get right. But a really good pair is also one of the best things you can unwrap, so I’m not here to discourage anyone. I’ve included loafers for the friend who needs something a little more work appropriate, and I’ve included Uggs because it’s winter and you need something fuzzy on your feet. And the Uggs are very much a fashion choice, by the way. (Just ask any cool girl.) I’m not saving them exclusively for walking the dog.
I’ll forever stand by the argument that a great bag can make an outfit. My friends call me the bag lady because I have so many, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting more. Gifting a bag comes with some pressure, though. You have to know who you’re shopping for. I’m obsessed with the Longchamp Le Pliage Cosmetic Case for someone who likes to carry only the essentials. It’s technically for makeup, but I’m taking it to dinner. Anine Bing’s Leo canvas tote is for the person who needs to carry her life around and cannot possibly be expected to narrow it down. I also threw in the Staud Ollie in deer print because who isn’t into that print right now?
My overflowing beauty cabinet is proof that I love a good beauty product, but I’ll be the first to tell you not everything is worth adding to your cart. Prada Beauty, though? Now that’s worth buying. When I’m giving beauty, I want it to feel a little more special than whatever someone was already planning to pick up on their next errand—but this does not mean I’m above gifting soap. Who doesn’t love a bathroom with a bougie hand soap? I know it’s an everyday essential, but the fancy version is exciting to me.
Cozy season calls for cozy clothes, and I already know which of my friends will be getting pajamas: the ones who go into hibernation the minute it drops below 50°F. There’s no point in buying them a going-out top when they’ve made it very clear they’re not going out. But I haven’t forgotten the people who wait all year for the opportunity to layer. I’ve included some pretty cashmere for when you get dressed and actually leave your home, plus a Barbour wool-blend cape that I’d love to throw over an outfit. A cape is a fun gift! It’s not necessarily something someone would think to ask for, but that’s part of the appeal.
When it comes to buying gifts for the home, you’re either Team Candle or Team Olive Oil. This year, I’m Team Olive Oil, specifically olive oil from Flamingo Estate. Don’t get me wrong—I do love a good candle. I’m just currently more excited about receiving a really good bottle of olive oil, which probably says something about where I am in life. There are also some beautiful little objects here (mini Le Creuset, anyone?) and a cozy cashmere-blend throw. I’d use all of these things in my own apartment, and that’s saying a lot. I’m very particular about what I put in there.
