Consider Yourself a Shopper #34: The BIG Gift Guide PT. 1
Fashion and jewelry picks that will surely bring some joy this season
Before diving into this week’s newsletter, here are a few quick housekeeping notes:
I may have been a bit myself too ambitious time around, so to keep things manageable, I've divided this gift guide into two parts. Today’s edition focuses on fashion and jewelry, while Monday’s will cover beauty, home, and travel.
Additionally, I’m putting together a dedicated gift guide featuring secondhand finds. While I’ll sprinkle a few vintage treasures here, the bulk will appear in next week’s edition.
To avoid overwhelming you with a long list, I’ve also curated accompanying shops on ShopMy that expand on what’s highlighted here.
One more thing that I feel is important when it comes to gifting: authenticity is everything. No one enjoys a hollow gesture or a gift that feels insincere. A good gift isn’t about a specific price point, either. One of the most cherished gifts I’ve ever received was a band tee from Hot Topic, that has over the years collected so many holes that it’s basically a a pile of strings. But it remains irreplaceable because it reminds me of a friend who truly saw me when I felt like just an extra in everyone else’s story.
Now enough with the logistics, onto the goodies.
Knitwear and Outerwear
When it comes to clothing-specific gifts, I think they can often be a bit of a challenge—unless, of course, you’re gifting yourself, in which case picking out clothes can be a breeze. With clothing gifts, there’s always the risk of not quite matching someone’s personal style. But perhaps the biggest obstacle is sizing; even if you know someone’s size, variations between brands can lead to a fit that doesn’t feel quite right. Still, clothing can be a thoughtful gift—just proceed with caution.
In the realm of clothing gifts, knitwear feels like a safe bet. While every brand seems to be bombarding us with cashmere blends, merino wools, and all manner of knitted every holiday season, here are some recommendations to cut through the noise: If you’re a talented knitter or crocheter, this is your moment.
launched a Substack full of tutorials and inspiration, perfect for handmade enthusiasts. For those not inclined to make their own, plenty of brands have offerings worth your attention. I’m loving the cable-knits at Ralph Lauren, with everything ranging from cashmere sweaters in an array of colors (my personal favorite is red), cardigans, socks, and more. And while this is not a cable knit, I would be remiss not to mention this sequin jacket this feels like me in jacket form—pure perfection.For something a bit different, you can’t go wrong with knitwear from CFDA Winner Zankov. His expert use of color and a touch of nomadic influence make his pieces feel especially comforting. I’m also a fan of Uniqlo’s knitwear selection, especially their cashmere. I have a confession: I’ve washed and dried their cashmere sweaters—and to my delight, not only did they survive, but they came out even better! Proceed with caution if you try this yourself; results may vary (but isn’t it worth a shot?). If you're Loro Piana-curious but don’t want to spend the $$$, check out brands like Begg & Co and Johnstons of Elgin secondhand. One more thing—while it may sound strange to splurge on a fleece, I’ve seen the Rier one in person, and I’m completely convinced.
Beyond knitwear, clothing gifts often extend beautifully into outerwear. We tend to think of coats and jackets as investment pieces, so they can make especially thoughtful gifts. While traditional puffers and winter coats are always practical, don’t overlook more unique options, like the Leset Bobbi Coat with its sumptuous satin-like finish, maybe a vintage evening number from Etsy, or even a playful blazer from designers like Romeo Gigli or Dries Van Noten (RIP, sort of).
Loungewear
Continuing with the theme of cozy knitwear, loungewear also makes for a thoughtful and universally appreciated gift—after all, who doesn’t love a fresh set of pajamas or a plush new bathrobe? In fact, one of my best gifting moments was in 2020 when I surprised Nick with a monogrammed bathrobe, and he absolutely loved it. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate lounging in coordinated sets rather than throwing on a random mix of sweatpants and a tee. My current pajama rotation includes a silk set from Petit Plume (their are also some that you can monogram), classic cotton pajamas from Brooks Brothers, and a cherished pair I picked up in Paris. I’m also eyeing a pair from the Alex Mill x Schostal collaboration. For those looking for a nightshirt or nightgown, a nice option from Anderson & Sheppard or Toast would be simply divine, while a nightgown from Eileen West or Salter House offers timeless charm. And of course you can’t forget about house shoes (Charvet, Leny’s World, Hawkins NY)!!!!
When it comes to bathrobes, I’ve practically been living in my Brooklinen x Kule striped robe; before that, I had a Tekla robe that, unfortunately, got misplaced during a move, and if you need something not in the terry cloth realm I always like to look up vintage silk robes on Etsy. If you’re searching for lounge clothes that double as stylish ensembles for hosting, I highly recommend this velour set from Suzie Kondi (top | bottoms).
Basics
Many of us have likely unwrapped a box of t-shirts, socks, or underwear as a gift, often greeted with grimaces, confusion, or—if you're anything like me—a quick toss to the side in search of the “real” gifts. But with time, you come to realize that these so-called “nothing gifts” are actually gold. In this newsletter, I’ve shared my go-to basics, most of which have stood the test of time. If you’re open to spending a bit more, I highly recommend Sunspel. The price may be steep, but their quality is unmatched—and if you’re craving a touch of luxury, their underwear is worth every penny. For similarly premium options, CDLP is an excellent choice for both t-shirts and underwear, and I am practically living in this grey Kule t-shirt.
For more budget-friendly picks, I’m a huge fan of Uniqlo, particularly the AIRism line. However, while I love Uniqlo in many categories, their socks fall short for me—they seem to lose their luster after a few washes. At a similar price point, Calzedonia offers excellent alternatives and often runs great sales. Another favorite is Front Street General Store; though a bit pricier than Uniqlo, their socks and heavyweight tees are well worth it.
For fall and winter, I rely on Brooks Brothers merino socks, which have become a staple. And on a whim, I tried Skims underwear, and I have to say—I was pleasantly surprised.
Footwear
Gifting footwear, much like clothing, can be tricky and comes with its risks. That said, there might be a bit more flexibility when it comes to shoes, as sizing tends to fluctuate less—especially if you’re familiar with how specific brands fit. But let’s get to the heart of what makes a great shoe gift. Ask yourself: Does the person need a comfortable, everyday shoe? Something more work-appropriate? Or perhaps something more novel?
For comfort, sneakers are often the go-to choice for some, and they’re certainly a solid bet. However, since I’m not much of a sneaker person, my mind gravitates towards flats, loafers, and driving shoes instead. In this category, I can’t recommend Martiniano shoes highly enough. They’re the epitome of the perfect flat, crafted from glove leather that molds beautifully to the foot. Be mindful, though, that this also makes them a bit more delicate due to the thinner leather (you can often find them secondhand too). And when I am not wearing my Martiniano flats I am wearing my Jamie Haller modern ballet flats (I also think these flats from them are also epic!).
My recent go-to for quick errands has been this driver from Sperry. What I love about a driver shoe is that it is essential a house shoe, and with it being rendered in leather it just looks and feels a bit more polish (though I do love myself a suede number). I’ve also been enjoying this chukka boot—which feels like the winter evolution of the classic boat shoe. Additionally, I’m intrigued by these options from Salomon, they make my favorite hiking shoes, which I was inspired to purchase after seeing one of the Olsens (I believe it was Mary-Kate) wearing a pair.
As for shoes great for work there is Margaux, which I think is a fantastic brand because not only is comfort a corner stone of their ethos, but also size accessible-they have shoes that go up to a EU45!!! There are also brands like Morjas, Del Toro, and Saman Amel that are more so menswear focused but as you all know I don’t necessarily believe in solely shopping based on gender, I say if your size is available why not try it!
If you are looking for some novelty shoes I think Manolo Blahnik always feel like a little gift, and right now what they are doing with the archive is hot, hot, hot. Suede shearling trimmed heels that make me think of Nanook of the North a la Unzipped, these ruffled suede boots, and you can’t go wrong with a Hangisi. I’m also loving the updates to the Leandra heel from Emme Parsons, this time rendered in wonderful satins, and I mean what’s more novel than these tinsel shoes from the likes of Dries Van Noten and Jimmy Choo.
Handbags & Accessories
These two categories represent the pinnacle of gifting (IMO) because they transcend sizing concerns; it’s all about aligning with the person's style and taste, or offering something that fits their needs—like a new work bag or an evening clutch. For everyday or work bags, I highly recommend Tory Burch. Their bags are exceptional—I brought the Marshmallow shoulder bag to Paris as my everyday go-to, and it was perfect. The size was ideal, the color palette versatile, and it effortlessly carried everything I needed and more. During the Coach Press Day, I came across the Brooklyn Shoulder Bag, which could comfortably accommodates a laptop and more. I also spotted stunning oversized clutches that are sadly not available, but I still think they are worth seeing.
If you’re in search of novelty, Bode has great reinterpretations of vintage bags and they also make things like this. There is no shortage of leopard print options available in both clothing and bags (here, here, and here), and you simply can’t go wrong with some sparkle and shine (here, here, and here). For something without the added bells and whistles I might recommend this leather clutch from Il Bisonte, a quilted number from Métier, or maybe this stunning minaudière from Hunting Season—or consider going vintage with this Elizabeth Arden piece. There’s also a Saint Laurent Satchel that I find incredibly intriguing as well as this one from Fortuny that I discovered via
(her gift guide is epic!)When it comes to accessories, scarves are a versatile choice—whether opting for a cozy knit (from Bally or Cos) or a silk version. Although hats involve sizing considerations, there’s usually some flexibility. A friend recently introduced me to Bagtazo, which offers a striking Mod 60s hat reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in How to Steal a Million. This is also where I found my straw boater. You can find fabulous hats on the secondhand market too; I recently discovered the brand Frank Olive (great name) these are the perfect hats for lunching at Michael’s while admiring Hockneys and indulging in a bit of gossip.
Closely Crafted
Another important aspect of gifting to consider is supporting emerging and small-scale talent. One standout example is Gigi Burris—a talented milliner and genuinely delightful person—who founded a foundation called Closely Crafted (longtime readers may remember I featured it in my short-lived series, “Wear Test”). The mission of this organization is to preserve and celebrate American craftsmanship.
Closely Crafted brings together a diverse group of designers, including AnOnlyChild, founded by Maxwell Osborne (formerly of Public School, which was so good!). His expertise lies in sportswear. There’s also Jonathan Cohen, whose SS25 collection, in my opinion, was one of his finest—it truly made me think of blending evening and casual wear with a standout look featuring a cardigan paired with a ball gown skirt. Erin Pollard of Underwater Weaving is another notable name; I also did a “Wear Test” with one of her baskets, and I‘ve been eyeing one of her fabulous woven clutches every since they were shown at the Maria McManus show. Lastly, there’s M&S Schmalberg, a fourth-generation silk flower atelier known for creating exquisite pieces for esteemed designers. Their stick pins, which I’ve been particularly drawn to lately, are an excellent touch.
Jewelry
Just like handbags, to me jewelry ranks high on the list of top-tier gifts. I’ve touched on this before, but it’s worth emphasizing again—some of the most exciting innovations are happening in the jewelry world. From the collection I’ve curated, there is so much diversity in both materials and design. For example, there’s Elior’s playful “Smoking Kills” ring and Alexi Hay’s whimsical key pendant, sleek modernist pieces like Erede’s earrings, and Dorsey’s striking collar necklace, and of course, I can't go without highlighting my collaboration with At Present. As a special treat, At Present has generously granted my readers early access to their Annual Sale, officially going live on 11/21. By using the discount code “JALIL,” you can shop the sale starting today!"
Jewelry, undoubtedly, is a deeply personal choice. That’s exactly what makes it so meaningful and intimate. It makes me think of Renato Cipullo’s rendition of the cornicello—a traditional Italian talisman worn for protection against the evil eye. When I spoke with Renato’s daughter, Serena, she shared that the cornicello is intended to be given as a gift, to ensure it’s the most effective. Not all jewelry may carry the same weight or tied to such folklore, but there is something profoundly special and even mystical about gifting someone a piece, regardless of its material or cost.
And why stop at the jewelry itself? Consider also gifting a beautiful place to store these treasures. Trove’s lacquered jewelry boxes are works of art in their own right, available in a range of colors and sizes, and their beautifully lined trays are equally luxurious. If you happen to be in New York, you can even visit their newly opened store—a little jewel box in and of itself.
See you all tomorrow for part two!
XX
JJ
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