Monday Memo No. 159
Cookies, cashmere, and a collection of what’s topping my Christmas list.
Bauble Stockings
If you order quickly, you can still get these gorgeous, hand-stitched Bauble stockings in time for Christmas. Not only do these stockings make the perfect holiday décor, but they’re also a great way to present smaller gifts like concert tickets or gift cards in a way that feels special and thoughtful. Far more special than an envelope. These stockings are high-quality pieces that you’ll have forever, and 5% profit of each sale goes back to the community of single mothers in Haiti where they’re produced.
Weleda Skin Food
The Weleda Skin Food is so ultra-thick and hydrating, it’s a permanent staple in our house. Its plant-rich ingredients make it intensely moisturizing for face, body, elbows, you name it. Just a small dab goes a long way and the pansy, chamomile and calendula scent isn’t overpowering. Basically the only negative is that we run through the 2.5 oz. bottle in no time. Weleda, can you produce this by the gallon?
Rothy’s Slippers
I absolutely love everything Rothy’s does. If you’re not familiar, they make super cute shoes from entirely eco-friendly materials. I’ve just added these slippers to my wish list. They’re made from plastic bottles and the most divine-looking, fluffy Sherpa lining. Not only are they sustainably made, these slippers look like individual hugs for my feet, PLUS they’re fully machine washable!
Faux Fur Headband
Whether you’re hitting the slopes this winter or not, there’s no reason you can’t dress like you are. I continue to be OBSESSED with faux fur headbands like this one. Also, this fur headband from J. McLaughlin is another good option to channel your inner snow bunny.
Ice Cube Cookbook
If you’re looking for a Secret Santa or white elephant gift, this Ice Tray Treats cookbook + silicone ice tray are a fun combo under $30! The cookbook has forty recipes that can all be made in this silicone ice tray. All of the recipes are no-bake, so if you’re someone who regularly burns cupcakes, this combo is for me! I mean, you!
J. Crew Sweaters
To me, the ideal sweater is a combination of cashmere, cableknit and turtleneck. I’ve loved many sweaters who’ve hit 1/3 or 2/3 of those attributes, so you can imagine the GASP I let out when I stumbled on this perfect wear-everywhere staple sweater I’ll reach for year after year—J. Crew’s cashmere cable-knit turtleneck sweater (that’s 3/3). Also in my cart is this Fair Isle cardigan—and both sweaters are currently on sale!
Travel Kettle
Whether you’ve been inspired by the recent season of The Crown or you’re looking for a gift for that tea-obsessed person in your life, this travel kettle is a slam dunk. If you’ve ever tried to boil water with the coffee maker in a hotel room, you know it’s almost always tinged with a leftover coffee taste. This kettle is collapsible so it’ll always fit in your suitcase (so long as you don’t pack too many shoes). I also love the idea of keeping this at your desk at work because it can be collapsed and stowed away in a drawer.
Molly Moorkamp Devon Dress
If you’re looking for a truly classic LBD that you will wear FOREVER, Molly Moorkamp has answered your prayers with this little black Devon dress. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little more festive this Christmas, it also comes in the most perfect shade of red. Peep their Instagram to see how chic the Devon dress looks on along with all of their other quality classics.
Magnolia Bakery Christmas Cookies
There is no shame in being what I gently refer to as “baking-challenged.” Some of us have skills elsewhere. So, if you can’t bake cookies without them all bleeding into a blob cookie, just order these sugar cookies from Magnolia Bakery. Even if you don’t live near one of their locations in Chicago, LA or NYC, Magnolia ships these nostalgic sugar cookies nationwide. Gift them in their Magnolia Bakery favor box or hide the box and try to convince people you made them yourself.
Flannel Gap Shirt
Okay, I am absolutely obsessed with every detail and every colorway of this flannel shirt from the Gap. I’m talking soft, organic cotton, beautiful pleating, a relaxed, dropped shoulder. Tuck the shirt into your favorite high-waisted trouser and just like that, you’ve achieved winter PERFECTION.
Westman Atelier Hair Pin
If you’re looking to add a little shine to your chignon, today is your lucky day. The Westman Atelier hair pin—made in collaboration with fine jewelry designer Deborah Pagani—is back in stock in a polished gold tone and a new silver shade. The hair pin features an open-heart detail, which adds an elevated element to any bun. Lock in that French twist with some love.
Classic Cashmere Turtleneck
Every winter I get seduced by all of the ribs, cables and bobble knits out there. But, sometimes when it comes to knitwear, you just want to reach for a really great basic. This turtleneck is it. Michael Stars has made a classic cashmere turtleneck in every color you could imagine—from hot pink to pinot. You’ll have this sweater staple for years to come.
Anti-Static Slip
In order to wear dresses in the winter—especially my favorite sweater dresses—I rely on tights. But, so often, they make dresses static-clingy or ride up awkwardly if I’m not wearing a slip. Thankfully, this brand makes amazing anti-static slips that have become an essential layer in my winter wardrobe. These slips come in a variety of colors, lengths and sizes and I’m telling you, the anti-static fabric makes a world of difference compared to other slips.
Frame Ornaments
Framebridge offers this genius holiday ornament frame and it’s always one of my favorite gifts to give. Just upload a photo to their site and they’ll print it in a 2 3/8” x 3 ¼” antique gold frame with a velvet ribbon for hanging. I also collect these metal Juliska frame ornaments to add our Christmas card photo to the tree every year. Whatever your preference, they’re great to have on hand if you need a last-minute gift!
Rumpl Blankets
These adorable puffy blankets from Rumpl are made from 100% post-consumer recycled material. Each one comes in a water-resistant stuff sack for easy travel and storage, making them a cozy solution indoors and out. I love this red gingham one and this colorful ombre one. They’re a perfect addition to any bonfire, weekend soccer match or outdoor movie. And with so many different patterns, you can personalize them for the whole family.
Skylight Frame
This digital picture frame from Skylight is a winner in the grandparent or in-law department. It’s a 10” WiFi-enabled picture frame—just email a photo to the frame’s address and they appear instantly! It’s the perfect gift for loved ones (especially ones who claim to be “too old to figure out Instagram”).
Bag Clip
I’ve shared this incredibly handy bag clip in the past, but it’s been a while. Mine got thrown to the back of a drawer during the pandemic (remember when we didn’t leave our homes for a year?). I’ve rediscovered it and now remember how much I love it. The clip ring comes in eight polished colors and easily clips to tables, ledges, rails, wherever you need to stow your purse. It’d make a great stocking stuffer!
Bug Catching Tool
Trigger warning for anyone terrified of spiders and insects! This bug catching tool and magnifier was a huge hit at a four-year-old boy’s birthday party that we attended recently. It’s a super easy, totally humane way to examine bugs before releasing them. I ordered one catching tool for Coco for Christmas—let’s just hope she remembers to release the insects into the backyard and not into our bedroom.
Anastasia Brow Freeze
The Brow Freeze sculpting wax from Anastasia Beverly Hills is TikTok famous for lifting and styling your brows into feathered perfection. The cult favorite product is easy to apply and offers hold without being sticky or tacky—and it’s 50% off at Sephora right now, so it’s a great time to give it a try!
Mini Brass Oil Lamps
I just ordered these brass tabletop oil lamps as a chic alternative to candles for our Christmas table. They’ve got a vintage Christmas Carol feel and these oil lamps are a great option that puts a little glow on your holiday table without any of the messy, dripping wax. This is the oil I use for them but you can also snag some from your local hardware store.
Nike Court Legacy Lift Sneakers
I recently spotted a girlfriend wearing these Nike platform sneakers and became instantly obsessed. And, it seems I’m not alone—the black and white colorway is totally sold out everywhere. I was able to snag them here on eBay where they’re available in a ton of sizes for only a slight premium. Small price to pay for the sneakers I know I’ll be wearing nonstop.
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