House Beautiful

Archive for the 'Holiday' Category

Dear Santa, I’m Way Too Old to Make Christmas Lists. Love, Stephie

These start the same way every year. With Karrie and I being all: “I mean, we really don’t need anything…” and what starts as scrounging for things we think we might like if we HAAAAAD to put a list together turns into full-blown tween “I NEEEED IT!” insanity. (Truthfully, we need nothing.  Really.)  But go ahead and shop our faves, why dontcha?!

Oh wait timeout – this one isn’t in the doodle above, but I may go ahead and snag the Pup Rug Runner with Memory Foam Bed in White Curve, $199 for Gus. He’s 13 and his sweet little bones just aren’t what they once were, so his arthritis makes him a little hobbly. I may throw this on our living room floor – or at my office – so he has a soft place to chill.

1 – Birdies Starling Cheetah Flat, Size 10, $140. These are about to hit a record for making my holiday wishlist every year since the beginning of time.

2 – Def Leppard Hysteria Weekend Tour Tee, Size M, $69.  This is #2 on this list but prob the #1 thing I want.  I still know the 4-digit jukebox codes at Pizza King on Tillotson to everything on this album.  For instance, 3304 is Love Bites, and 3305 is Pour Some Sugar On Me, 3310 is Hysteria and so on and so forth.  Just sayin’.

3 – Hand & Fire “Lady Pin,” $30.  Not that my current plan of using colored pencils as hair-holder-uppers isn’t cuttin the mustard.

4 – Apple Airpods with Charging Case, $139. I’ve heard people say this is the best $139 they’ve ever spent. I mean, I could get on board – my earphone cords swing like double dutch ropes when I’m running on the treadmill. It’s like an extra workout just to keep them out of my face.

5 – Aviator Nation Women’s Signature Logo Sweatpants, $129. It’s a close overtime thriller between those and the Classic Velvet Women’s Sweatpants in Teal, Large, $170. If you’ve ever tried on Aviator Nation (anything), then you know it’s like PHYSICALLY WEARING MELTED BUTTER. I have 1 pair of their sweatpants and 1 of their sweatshirts, and they’re always the first things I reach for.

6 – Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand, $38. I saw this on one of Somewhere Lately’s gift guides and you have to look about as far as the before & after on that link to get why it’s a must-have.

7 – Slipsilk Pure Silk Sleepmask, $50. People swear by sleeping with silk on your face for anti-aging – and also for your hair. I’m really starting to show my age around my eyes – which is fine, because I guess it means I’ve walked around with a permagrin for 38 years – but if I can try to be a bit gentler on them, then I will. It goes something like: “Silk fibers are significantly less absorbent than many other fibers, so they help keep your skin’s moisture and expensive face and hair products where they belong—on your face and hair, not your pillow. Ordinary pillowcases and masks can cause hair to pull and tangle throughout the night, leading to bed head in the morning and potentially damaging hair. Slipsilk can help reduce friction, too, which also aids in reducing stretching and tugging on delicate facial skin.” Bonus: I sleep way better without a street light blaring in through the bedroom window.

OR, maybe the sleep mask + the pillowcase combo?

8 – Tula Cooling & Brightening Eye Balm, $30. Again, the thing with the eyes. This has nearly 5-stars after almost 1400 reviews: “Made with the same probiotics + superfoods you love in our original Eye Balm (think: caffeine, aloe, blueberry & hyaluronic acid), plus the addition of rosehip oil (a plant-based retinol alternative) & hydrating rosewater so you feel instantly energized, awake & ready to glow.”

9 – Annie Costello Pom Pom Oxidized Earrings, $225 – 50% OFF THIS WEEK and now $112.50. Also a repeat offender (from this list) but still so bomb.  Even more bomb in the more unique aqua color which looks like (you know it) – the color that copper turns when it oxidizes.

10 – Ted Baker Midi Wool Wrap Coat, $749. I don’t expect Santa – let alone anyone I know – to buy this bad boy for me, BUT HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THIS COLOR ON A WOOL TRENCH?? It almost makes Winter bearable.

11 – Golden Goose Superstar Glitter Low-Top Sneakers, $$$$$$ – I literally have nothing to say for myself. These shoes are annoyingly trendy and the price tag is so ridiculous I can’t even talk about it. BUT… they’re REAL cute. A designer friend of mine had a pair on at market one day with a long, flowy, Veronica-Beard-esque, cool 70’s dress and a cropped leather jacket, and I think that’s what lured me over to the dark side. They’re a neutral. I ordered a knock-off version from some weird hack-y thing that popped up on Insta the other day, then sent me an order confirmation in hieroglyphic characters, and I’ll let you guys know how those turn out and if I get foot-lice. In the meantime, if there’s a BOGO or BOGFHO (buy one get four half off) sale anytime soon, I’m totally game.

12 – Kauai Coffee Estate Roast, $19. After we left Hawaii, I felt the same way about coming back to our Peet’s coffee (which I love) as I always feel coming home from Europe: like boxed pasta is the devil and like our wine tastes like water. We brought a bag of this home and it was DIVINE. I wish we had brought a year’s supply back.

13 – Vici Velvet Blazer in Wine, $88. AND currently sold out. I’ve been wanting a velvet blazer ever since I saw J.Law wearing a (this) one a few years ago. I got one from J.Crew last year but it’s so stiff I almost can’t move my arms.

14 – Peter Dunham Textiles Fig Leaf on Hemp 20″ Square Pillow Shams, $110 each. I’ve used this pattern umpteen times (including on the boob tube/Bravo last year to recover some bomb midcentury chairs) but it is ever-the-classic and I’m finally thinking I might put a pair chez nous.

15 – Pottery Lessons – $50 per hour through the Crested Butte Center of the Arts.  Because between these Natan Moss lamps (below), Joe Skoby’s ceramics and Michelle Luu’s mugs, I’m dying to learn how to make my own stuff. I am *just* delirious enough to have such a can-do attitude that I think I want to take pottery lessons, just so I can someday take a stab at making some mugs, lamps and pottery like theirs myself.

Also, I bet if any of them are reading this, they’re all, “aw, honey that’s cute.”

That’s all I got!  Happy Thanksgiving you guys!

xoxo,

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE #2: For the Guys

Men’s Chevron Down Vest, $87.97 | 50% OFF TODAY WITH CODE FRIDAY, PIN 2565: Because we’re all into retro these days. And this looks like it’s straight outta Stranger Things.

Tickets to his pipe dream concert, because we firmly believe you’ll never regret it when you spend on experience. Case & Point: a few months back, Steph nabbed tickets to see Tom Petty at the Hollywood Bowl (the afternoon of the concert) to surprise Chris with when his flight landed that night… it was a last minute, “when in doubt, ‘what the hell?’ is always the right answer” kind of move. The concert was amazing, it was the one show C had always wanted to see but had never made it to, and it ended up being his last concert: Tom Petty died the following Monday. Shows to go ya… life is short. Buy the damn tickets.

UGG Ansley Slippers, $100: Because the best part of the day in the Winter is coming home from work and putting these on.

Shinola Large Carryall, $1295: Because he’ll have this sexy beast forever. It almost looks like it was handed down from his cool AF gramps… and his gramps was Cary Grant. It’s the perfect, classic carryall.

New Wayfarers, Ray Ban, on sale for $112: Nothin like a new twist on the old faithful.

Skeem Matches, $12.42: We realize it’s a mother-loving jar of matches, but that’s why it’s something you gift someone; because they’d never really buy it for themselves but these vintage-looking match jars look so cool wherever you put em that we swear he’ll appreciate it.

Leatherman Wave 17-in-1 Multi-Tool, $89.95: Because we secretly want one of these too. These are INSANELY handy, if you’ve never been around a dude who carries one.

Let’s Kick This Day In The Dick Mug, $22: BAHAHHAhahahahahahahhahahaha.

One Year On A Bike, From Amsterdam to Singapore, $60 | 40% OFF PLUS FREE SHIPPING WITH CODE THANKU: Because he’s never too old for adventure, and also – this will look pimp on the coffee table.

Altimeter Table Clock, $85: Because it’s cool and timeless, and he needs one for his nightstand anyway.

Darn Tough Vermont for J.Crew Triple Stripe Socks, $30: Because dudes always, always, always, always need (and secretly like getting) socks.

Rabbit RBT Decanter, $99.95 | FREE SHIPPING: Because a well-appointed bar is a staple in any guy’s domain.  Plus he needs something to let the wine breathe while he whips you up bolognese.

Crosley Portable 3-Speed Turntable, $59.95: Because what’s old is new again. And everything sounds better on vinyl.

Trask Brady Chukka Boot, $265: Because dudes are forever on the hunt for that happy medium between the dress shoes they wear with suits and the New Balances they wear to the dive bar. Prices vary by color, but bourbon (shown) is pretty bad a$$.

Hestra Gloves, Price Varies: File this under what he really wants. I tried these on the other day and let out a little moan. They are INSANELY cozy and so, so warm. Crème de la crème of mens gloves, ski gloves, outdoor gloves, etc. Oodles of noodles of options for whatever he’s doing outside this Winter.

Exercise Resistance Bands, $30.39: For some reason guys really, really like working out their arms. Maybe because they do 20 push-ups and all of a sudden are totally swole. We ain’t mad. These resistance bands are perfect for home or for travel, as they can easily be tucked away in a suitcase.

J Crew Leather Case with Cardholder, $28:

Turo, price varies: Chances are your man hasn’t heard of this service yet (mine hadn’t, and he’s a massive car lover). Picture AirBNB, but for any car of your choice. It’d be kinda sick to gift him a day in his favorite car.

Amola bacon salt, $19.95 – There’ve been studies that show that if you have a winky dink, it’s required that you like bacon. And we couldn’t have a Gift Guide For the Guys without one item that included bacon. This bacon salt’s supposed to reign supreme. Per their website: “Our bacon salt sets a new standard as we use real heritage breed pork in our salt to provide that authentic flavour and texture.” Tasty!

Johnnie-O Dopp Kit, $98 – If your bf/husband/Dad doesn’t have a dopp kit, get him one. This isn’t something you think about getting them, and yet they’ll love this and use it all of the time.

Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Headphones in White, $269 – Bose noise canceling headphones are the Cadillac of headphones. And this white version is the Cadillac of the Cadillacs. Which means, they’re like the Ferrari of headphones. Ok, I’ll stop. But really – these are worth every. single. penny. He’ll love them.

Tom Ford “Oud Wood” Cologne, $230: Because some guys’ gifts should be gifts for the women, too, right? And this cologne, made with “exotic rose wood, cardamom, a smoky blend of rare our wood, sandalwood, vetiver, tonic bean and amber”, is juuuuuuuust what the doctor ordered, thank YOU.

UGG Duffield Soft Throw Blanket, $97.95 – Imagine the feeling you get when you dip your snaggled feet into a nice, soft pair of UGGs. Now imagine that same feeling, except all over your body. That’s how your guy’s gonna feel when he gets to watch 7 hours of football ensconced in this ultra-cozy throw.

Melted Whiskey Glasses, $23.99 for set of 4: These whiskey glasses are designed to give the appearance of motion and offer finger-friendly grooves. Or, they just look like a whiskey glass after having had 6 glasses of whiskey. Same diff. Super cool and unique.

Blantons 93 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, $119.99: Because they need something to fill the above whiskey glass, and this bourbon, aged in a barrel, will do just the trick.

Shiloh Shawl Pullover, $165: Because it’s not a Covet Living Gift Guide for the Guys without a DILF sweater, comprendes?

Reclaimed Barnwood Framed Vintage Nautical Map, prices vary: We’re not saying guys are a bit clueless when it comes to pimping out their place, but we’re not NOT saying they couldn’t use a little help. This Etsy site has boatloads of awesome vintage maps, framed in barnwood, that’d look very cool in your guys’ home.

Fleece Robe, $39.99: Because your guy deserves being super comfy walking around their palace in this plush, extremely soft micro fleece robe. Very reasonably priced too.

“Tacos: Recipes and Provocations” Cookbook, $21.54: Because the best cookbooks are accessible, easy to follow, and include mouthwateringly delicious recipes. This cookbook is all of the above and has super interesting variations on tacos: Saffron, beet, pistachio, chicken (trust us, they are incredible).

Happy shopping!

xoxo,