Page 57 – MEMORANDUM | NYC Fashion & Lifestyle Blog for the Working Girl

The Best Holiday Gifts: Tech Gadgets

: APPLE
Airpods

: BOSE
Headphones

Tech Holiday Gifts:

1

Really Good Headphones

We use our headphones every single day—so they should be really, really good. I’ve got my eye on AirPods for everyday commuting because everyone who has them RAVES about them. They’re lightweight and easy to keep in your bag, and the cord-free convenience is (apparently) life changing. Another killer option? Bose noise canceling headphones for the airplane and/or keeping at your desk and listening to Spotify, Podcasts, Ted Talks, you name it—all with perfect sound.

: APPLE
Watch Series 4

: LAGOS
Apple Watch Straps

2

Apple Watch

An essential for anyone who is busy or just misses using a watch. This is where tech gifts as the “big” gift really get to shine. As you know, I’ve had my apple watch for roughly four months and am completely obsessed with the at-a-glance notifications, activity tracking, everything. Now, if this was a “big” gift you gave last year, might I suggest to give (or ask for) a stunning Apple Watch band by Lagos? Their jewelry-esque straps take care of any overly sporty issues posed by the more mainstream strap options.

: AMAZON
Echo Dot – On Sale

3

Amazon Echo Dot

Love your Amazon Echo but wish it didn’t take up so much room and also look oddly like an air purifier? The Echo Dot is a genius solution. This much smaller take on an Echo allows you to add Alexa to every room, in an affordable and much more visually unobtrusive way.

: VIPER
Car Starter

4

Viper Automatic Car Starter

Who loves getting in a freezing cold car? Literally no one. This automatic car starter allows you (or your giftee) to start and warm the car from the comfort of… not being in the freezing cold car. Epic. It’s also got keyless entry which is convenient when your hands are ice cold and prone to dropping keys and also full of wonderfully hot coffee in a travel mug (like this one that is actually insane).

: ELEPHAS
Mini Projector for Iphone

5

Portable Video Projector

Bring your dreams of owning a vintage movie theater to life without committing to a lease or constantly smelling of popcorn. A projector allows you to project video from a variety of inputs and project them whenever/wherever you like. Opt for a portable option and have fun with projecting movies outdoors!

: GOPRO
Hero7 Digital Camera

6

GoPro

All it takes is 60 seconds or so of YouTube GoPro video browsing to figure out why these are a good idea. Whatever activities your giftee is into, the GoPro is an incredibly durable, go-anywhere camera that will let them turn every moment of action into something worthy of an Oscar. Or at least a YouTube like.

: APPLE
Apple TV

7

Apple TV

Want to stop watching movies on your laptop and connect your home to an Apple TV? DO IT. This beauty brings every moment and facet of Apple entertainment to your television in 4K HDR which sounds very fancy. This one also gets top marks as a “big” gift, too.

: MIRROR
Home Gym

8

Mirror

Then of course there’s THIS invention which is for any actual/aspiring fitness lover and is also proof that we live in the future. When not in use, Mirror is… a mirror. When in use, it becomes a gym in your home that tracks your biometric data. It allows you to see yourself, your instructor, and your classmates in its interactive display. What. Is. Even. Happening. I have many trustworthy friends who attest to the exceptional quality and variety of classes and swear this is a life-changer.

: ULTIMATE EARS
Wonderboom Speaker

9

Bluetooth Shower Speaker

After a workout from the future, there’s nothing like some perfect shower tunes coming from a convenient speaker that doesn’t mind water. The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM is known for delivering crisp, clear sound and being ultra waterproof. This speaker is SO highly rated it’s a little silly, and comes in a plethora of colors to match to your giftee’s tastes. Or maybe their bathmat. Whatever.

: DYSON
Hair Dryer (also available HERE)

10

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Because the future is here, and it’s also a beauty product, you need to gift someone special the world’s most science hair dryer, ever. Yes I’ve raved about this many times before and yes, Dyson is known for vacuums. But given how they’ve revolutionized the technology of floor-cleaning, I was thrilled to find out what they can do for hair. As it turns out, quite a lot. This dryer will dry even the thickest hair MUCH faster. Its cutting-edge technology will make your hair smoother and less damaged than any other dryer on the market. If your giftee already has one, or is committed to their current brand, go for an Airwrap Styler (already sold out everywhere except HERE!) which dries and creates waves and curls without extreme heat. Mind-blowing.

: SUNBEAM
Heated Blanket

11

Heated Blanket

I love a blanket that takes its job seriously. Heated blankets are a secret to success for anyone who lives in super cold climates and isn’t happy about it. The Sunbeam Microplush Heated Blanket always stands out as an overall winner, and if you’re wishing it was cuter, don’t stress—this is one of those function over form gifts they’ll love because it works.

: MYCHARGE
Battery Pack

12

Portable Charger

If you leave the house without an extra cell phone battery, you’re playing life fast and loose. It’s always a smart idea to have some backup, and MyCharge is my favorite line. I’m a fan of this one in particular because it’s all in one, there’s no extra annoying cords or plugs involved. Get it for the friend whose phone is forever at 10%.

: NEST HELLO
Video Doorbell

13

Nest Hello

Anyone who likes knowing what’s going on everywhere at all times will be obsessed with the ability to keep tabs on their own front door. The Nest Hello lets you see who is knocking at your door, whether you’re on the couch or on vacation—you’ll always know what’s up. There’s also a very cool snapshot history that can show you up to three hours in the past. So should you get stuck in a long hair appointment and need some entertainment.

: AMAZON
Smart Plug

14

Smart Plugs

You won’t know how you ever lived without the ability to turn things on and off without having to bother turning them on and off. Smartplugs are placed in your electrical outlets and instantly wire whatever’s plugged into them into an app in your phone and/or your Alexa. Turn on your coffee maker from bed, turn off your Christmas lights from bed, basically remain horizontal for the rest of your life and still get things accomplished.

Mary Orton

December 4, 2018

Holiday

season, tech, apple tv, apple watch, echo dot, gift guide, mirror, holiday, nest hello, amazon, gifts, technology, Apple

The Best Holiday Gifts: Kitchen & Home

: KITCHENAID
Classic Mixer – On Sale (also on sale HERE)

1

KitchenAid Mixer

The godmother of all kitchen essentials, the KitchenAid mixer is the most iconic appliance on any kitchen counter. They last forever, and we all have that one relative who loves to brag about how long they’ve had theirs—soon, this could be you.

: LE CREUSET
Dutch Oven – On Sale (also on sale HERE)

: FLOUR WATER SALT YEAST
Cookbook – On Sale (also on sale HERE)

2

Le Creuset Dutch Oven + Cookbook

I love the idea of pairing a beautiful piece of kitchenware with a cookbook to help the giftee get the most out of it. This year I’m thinking a dutch oven from the Rolls Royce of dutch ovens, Le Creuset, together with Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza. If you haven’t yet explored the magic that is bread baked in a dutch oven, buy this gift twice, and keep one—trust me.

: RABBIT
Electric Opener

: CORAVIN
Timeless Six + Wine Preservation System

3

Electric Wine Opener and/or Coravin Wine System

It’s no secret that I love smart wine gadgetry, and I really love giving gifts that I use in real life, too. Your gift tag might sound like an Amazon review, but your loved one will know they got a gift that works. If you haven’t heard of the Coravin—the genius device that allows a thin needle to be inserted through the cork of a wine bottle giving you access to the wine without oxidizing the full bottle—check it out here.

: ROBOT
Irobot Roomba

: NEATO BOTVAC
Robot Vacuum – On Sale (also on sale HERE)

4

Roomba or Neato Botvac + Giant Googley Eyes

Hate cleaning? Fan of technology? Complete and total clown? Give the gift that keeps on cleaning, and looking at you funny. I love the idea of gifting a Roomba or robot vacuum of any kind, but sneaking into the packaging first to stick on a pair of giant googley eyes to crack them up the first (every?) time they use it.

: INSTANT POT
Pressure Cooker – On Sale (also on sale HERE)

5

Instant Pot

There’s a reason Instant Pot recipes are so plentiful online and in your Instagram feeds—they’re genius. They combine multiple functions into one insanely useful appliance: You can slow cook, pressure cook, sauté, sear, steam, make yogurt, it’s kind of a miracle. Great for any cook, but especially awesome for anyone cooking family-sized meals, the Instant Pot is the perfect holiday gift when holiday and housewarming overlap.

: VITAMIX
Ascent Blender – On Sale (also on sale HERE)

6

Vitamix

January 1st will show up sometime, my friends. When it does, I love the idea of gifts that inspire healthy changes. Or just yummy smoothies. A Vitamix is a seriously powerful blender that whips up the smoothest beverages (and soups and SO MUCH MORE) you’ve ever had. You know those really useful appliances that you find countless uses for over the course of your literal lifetime? That’s this guy.

: NOSTALGIA ELECTRONICS
S’Mores Maker – On Sale (also on sale HERE)

7

S’mores Maker

Hello, if you’re reading this and you’re related to me: I WANT THIS. A cozy winter night with your nearest and dearest with a movie on and this sucker loaded up for the group to enjoy? Sounds like actual heaven. S’mores pro tip: try reese’s peanut butter cups in place of regular chocolate bars. You’ll never be the same.

ANOVA

Sous Vide – On Sale (also on sale HERE)

8

Sous Vide Cooker

We all have a “fancy cook” on our to-shop-for lists, and that person needs a sous vide machine (if they don’t have one already). Sous vide is a method where food is cooked in a water bath at a lower, very precise temperature. The result is really succulent scrumptiousness. Anyone who likes their meals delicious but maybe also a little high tech will be so excited for this. Food, but make it science.

: NESPRESSO
Essenza Single – On Sale (also on sale HERE)

9

Nespresso Machine

Know someone who needs their morning coffee routine fast-tracked? Or maybe just makes terrible coffee? Get them a luxurious coffee experience that absolutely anyone can use. You’ll make every Monday morning a little less stressful, and a little more caffeinated. Now that’s a gift.

: MOLTON BROWN
Festive Bauble Set – On Sale

10

Molton Brown Gift Set

File under buy-five-to-have-on-hand, you literally cannot go wrong with a Molton Brown gift set of luxe soaps and home fragrances. The more ways you can incorporate little luxuries into everyday life, the merrier. My personal favorite hand soap / lotion that is parked next to every sink in my house is their Lime and Patchouli scent. Absolutely amazing all-year-round. In December, I swap it out for their Festive Frankincense & Allspice. To die for.

: ULLO
Wine Purifier & Filters

11

Ullo Wine Filters

Do your friends love wine? Do they also love actual magic tricks? Because these little gadgets not only aerate your wine, but they also filter out sulfites, decreasing (if not eliminating) hangovers. ‘Tis literally the season. Cheers!

Mary Orton

December 3, 2018

Decor & Entertaining, Holiday

le creuset, gift guide, nespresso, holiday, cookbook, molton brown, gifts, Vitamix, Coravin, season, kitchen, home, kitchenaid

The Best Fair Isle Sweaters And The Perfect Jewelry To Dress Them Up

Fair Isle sweater patterns come from a traditional knitting technique first used in the Shetland Islands, where patterns are created using various colors. They became v posh when the Prince of Wales (and future king of England) wore them in the early 1920s. Conveniently for us, the colors and styles have been modernized to look absolutely amazing when dressed up for a holiday event. Although, please still feel free to wear them near a roaring fire with a cup of cocoa.

I’ve included a round-up of my favorite Fair Isle sweaters at the bottom of this post (how stunning is this one?!) but the mustard Fair Isle sweater I’m wearing today is a favorite found at Nordstrom. To dress it up and make it event-ready, I’ve paired it with some classic David Yurman jewelry and satin trousers that I’m probably going to refuse to take off because I love them so much. I mean really, we don’t spend enough time talking about metallic pants.

: TOPSHOP
Fair Isle Sweater

: TOPSHOP
Clean Peg Satin Trousers

As far as accessories go, we’re talking about a classic sweater, so let’s make sure our jewelry follows suit. Here, I’m wearing a pair of David Yurman bracelets (here and here) that I also found at Nordstrom, along with the brand’s stunning mini pinky ring in 14K gold. There are few jewelry brands that make me as warm and fuzzy inside as a Fair Isle sweater does on the outside, and David Yurman is definitely one of them. I still remember opening my first piece of their jewelry from my parents when I was in high school—a piece I still wear constantly!

These David Yurman pieces dress up my Fair Isle sweater in an effortless, sophisticated way, but they’re also just as wearable with your everyday workwear, weekend wear, everything. For this reason, I highly suggest gifting (or requesting…) a David Yurman piece this year—there’s really no limit to ways you can wear these treasures, forever. Add a heeled bootie and this look is 100% ready to party while listening to Celine’s Christmas album on repeat. Check out several of my favorite David Yurman pieces below!

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Is your closet lacking in the Fair Isle sweater category? Have no fear. I’ve also rounded up all of my favorite Fair Isle sweaters of the season below! Cheers to a chic and cozy winter in these beauties!

: J. CREW
Mock Neck Fair Isle Cashmere Sweater

: 1901
Fair Isle Shrunken Turtleneck Sweater

THE BEST FAIR ISLE SWEATERS OF THE SEASON

Thanks to ShopStyle and Nordstrom for partnering on this post!

Holiday cocktails, a seasonal dinner catch-up with a good friend, or just the realization that all those decorations and pop-ups will come down eventually are likely to motivate you to say yes to being super social. I love this look I found at Nordstrom (the mothership) because it’s festive and elevated but not too overtly Christmas-y, so it stays versatile—even beyond December.

But don’t worry, there are still sparkly chandelier earrings, this is the holidays.

: REBECCA TAYLOR
Tilda Velvet Pants

: HALOGEN
Bow Trim Sweatshirt

: JIMMY CHOO
Romy Crystal Studded Pump

I love this Halogen top with bow accent—I’m going to get plenty of wear out of it during the holiday season, but it will also make a cameo in a work outfit or ten later on. I’ve paired it with these absolutely necessary winter floral pants by Rebecca Taylor, and if you can’t tell from the photos, you should know that they’re velvet, friends—get excited. To fend off frostbite, I’ve topped things off with a faux-fur peplum jacket, also by Rebecca Taylor, which is one of those outerwear pieces that knows how to make your outfit, not hide it. As promised, these Area Stars crystal chandelier earrings are a perfect match for the top, given that the neckline isn’t so suited to a necklace. It’s an outfit that’s throw-on-and-go, without looking like it, and every piece is a smart, versatile addition to the ol’ wardrobe.

: HALOGEN
Bow Trim Sweatshirt

: REBECCA TAYLOR
Tilda Velvet Pants

: REBECCA TAYLOR
Faux Fur Jacket

While I’m on the topic of seasonal wardrobe essentials, there are SO many reasons not to overlook Nordstrom’s Exclusive brands roster (least of all your wallet). A few of my personal favorites include always-affordable BP sunglasses (seriously just keep a pair in every bag for emergencies, they’re universal), and the Halogen cashmere hooded duster (on major sale!) that I’ve raved about before—may be my favorite example of my grab-one-in-every-color philosophy. And finally Zella leggings, literally making your dreams come true by offering of-the-moment styles at prices that aren’t as scary as your last bootcamp class. They’re the antidote to workout wear that’s seen one spin class too many. For more favorites perfect for the holiday season and beyond, peruse the line-up below! I mean, just try tell me this neon pink sweater doesn’t make you happy.