Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Tee || Skirt || Heels || Clutch || Earrings

When it comes to opening Christmas presents, my family strays away from tradition. Almost all of the presents magically appear under the tree on Christmas Eve, while we take a family walk around the block. I grew up thinking this was the norm, but learned later on that it all started with my mom’s grandpa. He was a firefighter with the FDNY and nearly always had to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Instead of missing out on the holiday entirely, he would sneak away in costume to hand deliver presents to my grandma. Even though that was over 90 years ago, the tradition has stood the test of time.

Don’t worry, the family still has our fun on Christmas Day too. We were such good boys and girls, Santa would make a repeat visit while we were sleeping to deliver our stocking for the year. Inside were the perfect little gifts and our favorite candies. Since I take my stocking pretty seriously, I tend to go above-and-beyond to find the perfect stocking stuffers. Here are my top favorite picks in case you need a few more smaller items to tuck away under the Christmas tree.

SHASHI Refined Earrings

As soon as I laid eyes on these beauties, they were in my cart and ordered within a matter of minutes. They are simply stunning! I have sneaking suspicion that they will be my new go-to pair on a night out. Look! They have a pearl accent, so me!

FRESH Travel Sized Lip Set

I have only heard the best things about Fresh lip balms, but could never decide on a color. Now, I don’t have to choose. This travel-sized set gives me a whole gambit of their most popular colors, plus their lip treatment. Wearing a different lipstick always make me feel like a new person.

LEXON Mini Bluetooth Speaker

Especially when we were in Florida, we took a mini bluetooth speaker almost everywhere we went. Whether it’s the beach, a party, or Central Park, it’s a useful gadget to have on hand. You never know when a spontaneous dance party will want to break out.

LILLY PULITZER Run Around Hat

I’ve had my eye on this hat for a while and I hope Santa is listening! This print is fun and quintessential Lilly. It will be perfect while I’m out for run, or running errands, and is a refreshing pop of color in the wintertime.

JO MALONE Nectarine Blossom and Honey Perfume

I normally don’t do this, but there was a woman sitting next to me at the nail salon with the most amazing perfume! I couldn’t help but ask what she was wearing. This perfume my Jo Malone was her answer. Before I fully commit and buy the largest bottle, I like to give a new scent a whirl and grab the travel size. Travel perfumes also make for the perfect stocking stuffer.

TUCKERNUCK Seersucker Travel Bag

The holiday season can mean so much traveling. I always get paranoid that my favorite little baubles and jewels may potential get lost in the shuffle. With this dainty little travel bag from Tuckernuck, I can be more at ease. Available in four different colors, a monogram can even be added to really put a personal mark on it.

SUMMER FRIDAYS Jet Lag Mask

I absolutely swear by this face mask. It completely revitalized my skin during the harsh New York winters. I put a healthy layer on this every other day and I instantly look (and feel better). Since I’m putting my own personal endorsement on it, it would be such a great stocking stuffer. Mix and match with Summer Friday’s other scrubs and masks to fit whoever you are shopping for.

AUGUST MORGAN Liquid Courage Cocktail Napkins

I’m rounding off with some cocktail napkins to pepper up anyone’s bar cart. Truly, I love any sort of tongue-in-cheek pun, but these were probably my favorite. With so many different designs out there, you may be itching to get yourself a set too.

Stocking stuffers are proof that sometimes the best things come in the smallest packages. With a whole market specifically designed for filling the stocking, you’ll never have to settle for grabbing a gift card again. Happy shopping!

Love from NYC,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.

Festive Red Coats

Coat || Blouse || Jeans || Flats || Tote Bag || Earrings

I almost feel like I missed my shot in posting these pictures. Trying to get ahead of my crazy holiday schedule, David and I took these pictures in the beginning of November when Central Park was still in the middle of its fall colors. Nowadays, it looks more like a winter wonderland, right on time for the holiday season. Anyways, I’m so glad I can still share my take on festive red coats!

Whichever season I’m dressing for, I knew that this year a striking red coat was on the top of my shopping list. Since most of the other jackets in my collection are either black or navy, a cherry red would make for a cheerful addition, especially against the typical city color scheme. Bright red is a color that I love with my skin tone, but I actually hardly wear outside of the Christmas season.

I knew that this pick from Court & Rowe, at Nordstrom, would be the winner as soon as I saw it. The color, in a warm and surprisingly soft wool, was exactly what I was looking for. It said ‘Christmas’ while still being versatile enough to wear all winter long. It’s even called Preppy Red, which you know instantly resonated with me. My favorite feature of this little coat is the peek of paisley on the contrasting lining. It gives you an excuse to cuff the sleeves and show off the attention to detail.

Even better news, this jacket is already 50% off and under $90. It comes in two other beautiful colors: a classic camel and a vibrant royal blue. All three would make for the perfect addition to your winter rotation. Each color would also work with this fun tartan blouse from J. Crew. It paired perfectly with my new coat and the holidays, but could honestly be worn almost all year round.

I first wore this jacket on a stroll through Central Park to the Upper West Side. David and I were on our way to eat at the UWS J.G. Melon, but alas, it seems to be closed. Instead, we found this new to me taco restaurant called Tacombi. The food absolutely delicious and I loved the retro-inspired decor. They even served Palomas, one of my favorite Mexican cocktails. If you live in Uptown NYC, definitely check this spot out.

Since I’m in the red coat mood, I decided to round up my favorite pieces, all under $200 (some are that price with a sale). Since I’m a Florida girl at heart, it would kill me to spend more than that on a jacket. Though I’m learning that’s sometimes a necessity in northern city living. Which jacket is your favorite?

Love from NYC,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.