This gift guide is the real deal
This is less so a gift guide and more so my own ideas of things I'm considering gifting the people I love, and what's even better - everything is secondhand!
This Sunday edition of Consider Yourself Cultured is brought to you by TheRealReal.
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This holiday season, why not shop for gifts that are truly unique, memorable, and, dare I say, the real deal on The RealReal? Longtime readers know I practically live and breathe The RealReal—no day feels complete unless I’ve saved a few new treasures to my obsessions list.
When you’re on the hunt for the perfect present for your loved ones (or, let’s be honest, for yourself), The RealReal is an absolute goldmine. I’ll definitely be sourcing many of my gifts from them this year, and I thought it would be fun to take you all along as I curate thoughtful gifts for my nearest and dearest—and, of course, for the most important person of all: me :).
Gifts for Myself
When it comes to treating myself, it’s rarely about fulfilling any practical needs—I don’t really need anything (well, maybe I need this). Instead, gift shopping for myself is all about indulging my current whims and fancies.
Versus Versace printed silk shirt- I currently own just one printed silk Versace shirt, but after meeting a man at an event hosted by
—someone who’s been collecting Versace for 40 years—I feel inspired to expand my collection. I’ve also decided that the Versace silk shirt is the new summer essential. Yes, I know we haven’t even hit winter yet, but planning ahead is key! Farewell, camp-collar shirts. So long, Hawaiian florals. It’s time to all about VERSACE SILK!Aldo Cipullo 18k Lapis pendant- My introduction to Aldo Cipullo came during an interview with his brother, fellow jeweler Renato Cipullo (and yes, I swear this interview is coming soon—pinky promise!). Aldo is best known for creating the Cartier Love Bracelet and the Juste un Clou. Renato shared heartfelt memories of their early years in New York and nights at Studio 54, and I was deeply moved—not only by the stories themselves but by Renato’s generosity in sharing them. That conversation left a lasting impression, and I knew my first luxury purchase had to be one of his pieces. When I discovered this pendant, I saw it as a symbolic way to keep the brothers together, metaphorically speaking, by wearing it on my chain. While the pendant doesn’t match my astrological sign, its lapis so I can overlook it.
Alaia knit gloves- I adore gloves—especially elbow-length ones. There's something so sensual, so undeniably alluring about them. Since my trip to Paris, they've become my ultimate evening accessory obsession. But not the traditional kind—I'm craving something unexpected, something quirky, like this delightful knitted number.
YSL calf hair dalmatian spotted heels- Cruella De Vil eat your heart out!
Hermes Trim 29- I’ve been obsessed with the Trim bag long before I even fully understood its style; I was simply captivated by its shape. During NYFW, I had the chance to carry one around, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. There’s an understated glamour to the Trim, and knowing that Jackie herself carried it only heightens its allure. Fun fact: the Trim actually debuted before the Gucci Jackie.
Gifts that are perfect for my boyfriend:
When it comes to gifting my dear Nick, all I ever hear is how he has nothing to wear—and as someone who lives with him, I can confirm he’s not exaggerating. A few pieces in his wardrobe have definitely seen better days and are well past their prime.
Dries Van Noten trench// Begg & Co cashmere scarf- I think Nick looks especially sharp in what we’ve lovingly dubbed his “Balmoral look”—think checks and plaids, chinos, field jackets, and jaunty little scarves. Naturally, when brainstorming wardrobe additions for him, my first thought was: WWQEW? (What Would Queen Elizabeth Wear?).
A trench coat immediately came to mind—it’s a timeless essential that transitions seamlessly from season to season. And let’s be honest, it’s Dries (RIP… sort of). To complete the English countryside look, I also considered something from Begg & Co. I discovered the brand a few years ago when a salesperson described it as the “Loro Piana of Scotland,” and they weren’t wrong.
Bode X Nike Astro Grabber sneaker- Nick has this endearing habit of wearing just one pair of sneakers, which I initially found quite charming. However, those poor shoes have been through the wringer and are desperately in need of a refresh. I originally missed out on snagging the Bode x Nike sneakers, but since I’m not much of a sneaker person anyway, I think Nick would get far more use out of them than I ever would.
Loewe Puzzle tote- Much like his sneakers, Nick relies on the same tote every single day, and I think it’s time for a change. The moment I saw the Puzzle Tote on the runway, I was hooked. The fact that it can fold into itself? Pure genius—even if I’m not entirely sure when that feature would come in handy. And since Loewe is a renowned leather house, I’d feel confident investing in something for Nick from them, knowing it’s a piece that would stand the test of time.
Prada Backgammon set- Nick always says he fell in love with me over a game of backgammon (a game I won, by the way :) ). So, why not keep that sweet memory alive—with a touch of Prada?
Gifts for Nick’s mom that will surely make her love me even more, haha!
I’m absolutely obsessed with Nick’s mom. Over the course of her career, she climbed the ladder all the way to director, and now she’s living her best retirement life. These days, she’s blissfully renovating her home and staying impressively up-to-date on all things TikTok (seriously, she’s in the know).
Christopher John Rogers striped knit- If you caught last week’s newsletter, you already know I believe knitwear is always a solid choice when it comes to gifting. Nick’s mom, has an impressive collection of over 90 sweatshirts (yes, she actually counted)—they’re her version of travel souvenirs, like others might collect snow globes. Comfort clearly reigns supreme in her wardrobe, which is why I’m confident this CJR knit would fit right in and find a very happy home with her.
Prada pouch- Pouches are one of those essentials we all need but rarely think to buy for ourselves. Perfect for stashing all her little bits and bobs, she can toss it into one of her bags and be out the door—easy peasy!
Christolfe flatware- I love the idea of owning silver flatware—it’s so timeless and elegant. Of course, I’m far too nervous to actually use ours for fear of damaging it, but I know Nick’s mom would truly appreciate and make great use of a set.
Mikimoto Ginza Bear Tray- She has an absolutely stunning jewelry collection, and I thought this would make a lovely addition to her nightstand—a perfect little home for her treasured pieces.
Tory Burch enamel earrings - Not only would this make a beautiful addition to her collection, but it would also look equally stunning in her catchall.
A gift for my boyfriend’s niece to make her dream:
Visionaire 37: Vreeland Memos-Nick’s little niece is absolutely the sweetest, an 8-year-old bursting with curiosity and wonder. I want her to always hold onto that spark, and what better way to nurture it than by gifting her the memoirs of someone who seemed to never have a dull moment.
Gifts for Friends
For the friend that is a collector and an investor:
I have a friend with an ever-growing Hermès scarf collection, and I fully endorse it—I’d love to add to it myself. Last month, I was making an effort to learn more French, and the one word that truly stuck was cheval (which translates to “horse”). With that in mind, I found this scarf, featuring a slew of rocking chevaux, quite amusing. This particular friend has a great sense of humor, and I think she’d get a kick out of it too. She also recently mentioned that she never spends money on sunglasses—which, fair enough! So, I thought it would be delightfully cheeky to gift her first pair of designer shades.
For the friend who’s expecting:
I have another friend who is expecting a little one, and I’m delighted by the idea of gifting special keepsakes for the baby! For my boyfriend’s nephew, I bought a Tiffany porcelain set—though I doubt his parents would ever let him actually eat from it. It was more about giving an heirloom piece, and I’d love to do something similar for my friend. A charming Tiffany & Co piggy bank that can be passed down and an adorable Loro Piana plushie—it’s never too early to introduce a touch of luxury, right?!
For the friend with an electric personality and eclectic style:
My other friend has an incredible eye for accessories, and I can easily picture her rocking both this Prada clutch and the Lanvin necklace effortlessly and beautifully.
Talk soon!
XX
JJ
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I love this list, Jalil! Especially that it’s all secondhand. I love those fish earrings, they remind me of Alexander Calder.💕
I love Versus so so much!!!