SHE LOVES A STATEMENT ACCESSORY
Clockwise from top left: DIAMOND RING, Gucci; LEATHER GLOVES, Dolce & Gabbana; BELT, Balenciaga; OVERSIZED SHOPPER, Russell & Bromley; STACKING RINGS, Natalie Marie; EMBOSSEDCARD HOLDER, Saint Laurent; FAUX FUR SCARF, Apparis; WATCH, Dolce & Gabbana; PATENT LEATHERSANDALS, Saint Laurent; COTTON SCARF, Stella McCartney; SHOULDER BAG, Bottega Veneta; SUNGLASSES, Ray-Ban; SLIPPERS, EMU
What to buy for… the sartorial embellisher
As any woman worth her weight in Choos knows, nothing updates a wardrobe quite like a chic, statement accessory. The right heel can instantly transform a jean-and-tee combo, while the perfect shoulder bag (we’re officially obsessed with anything in green velvet, just in case, you know, ‘Santa’ is reading this) can take an LBD to another level. And as for adding a pair of shades to an evening gown? May we present to you Hailey Bieber.
But when it comes to gifting the sartorial embellisher with the perfect accessory, it’s not that simple. Unless, of course, you start with a chic scarf from Stella McCartney or a delightful silk-twill neck/hair/bag tie from Gucci. Unboxing a pair of party heels from Saint Laurent or Manolo Blahnik never gets old (and comes guaranteed with squeals of delight on Christmas morning), as does any sort of jewellery, but particularly the precious-gem kind. For something truly foolproof, you can’t beat leather – a Balenciaga belt, a Saint Laurent card holder or a pair of D&G gloves – and you could always up her handbag game with an everyday shopper, a tote, or anything from Bottega Veneta. Or Chanel. Or Hermès. Or Gucci… You get the picture.
SHE LOVES COLOUR
Clockwise from top left: MINI DRESS, De La Vali; CAP, Kenzo; JEWELLERY ROLL, Rapport; FEATHER SANDALS, Bottega Veneta; CUSHION, Missoni Home; RAINBOW NECKLACE, Anni Lu; BELT, Salvatore Ferragamo; FLAT SHOES, Manolo Blahnik; PADDED GILET, Aspesi; WATER BOTTLE, Charlotte Posner; MINI SATCHEL BAG, Mulberry; EMERALD RING, Shay; HAIR CLIP, Gucci; SUNGLASSES, Gucci; BOX CLUTCH, Dolce & Gabbana
What to buy for… the eternal optimist
The colour we wear can have a direct impact on the way we feel, so there’s never been a better time to gift a girlfriend something beautifully bright than this festive season. Mood-boosting, colourful clothes have had a renaissance this season, with an emphasis on fun, highlighter-hued accessories. There’s even a name for it post-pandemic: “dopamine dressing”.
Those who appreciate a pop of positive pink will adore Mulberry’s Mini Alexa – its iconic silhouette epitomises laidback luxury – while De La Vali’s electric blue mini dress, especially when paired with feathered Bottega Veneta sandals, will make her feel extra happy this holiday season. Homebodies will no doubt love a little Missoni in their life, courtesy of a colourful cushion, and sportier types won’t leave home without their favourite water bottle (and matching yoga mat) from Charlotte Posner. From bright yellow gilets to juicy orange caps, just make sure the hues are happy for smiles all round.
SHE LOVES SPARKLE
Clockwise from top left: TOP, Dorothee Schumacher; CLUTCH, Jimmy Choo; BELT, Karl Lagerfeld; EARRINGS, Area; THIGH-HIGH BOOTS, Paris Texas; SKIRT, Prada; PERFUME BOTTLE, Waterford; SNEAKERS, Philipp Plein; SHOULDER BAG, Alexander Wang; LIGHTENING BOLT EARRING, Maria Tash; PUMPS, Jimmy Choo; BODYSUIT, In The Mood For Love; DIAMOND SADDLE RING, John Hardy
What to buy for… the life of the party
For the life of the party, unwrapping some sparkle this holiday season will undoubtedly make her day. Add to her collection of glittering accessories with a piece that will make her shimmer, quite literally, from Prada’s Holiday 2021 collection or a Sparkling Moment from Dorothy Schumacher. You can update her dazzling jewellery collection with crystal pave bow earrings from Area or any ear candy from Maria Tash. And, if you really want to impress, opt for traffic-stopping, thigh-high, crystal-embellished boots from Paris Texas or a classic geometric clutch from Jimmy Choo. Such statement-making accessories are perfect for jazzing up everything from a simple dress to black pants and heels. Just ask Liv Judd who nails this glitzy look, perfect for the party season.
SHE LOVES TO SELF-CARE
Clockwise from top left: PLAYSUIT, Sleeping with Jacques; MAKE-UP BAG, Ted Baker; SILK SLEEP MASK, Slip; SCENTED CANDLE, Sana Jardin; SILK PYJAMA SET, Olivia von Halle; CASHMERE BED SOCKS, The White Company; EAU DE PARFUM, Tom Ford; LINEN PYJAMA SET, Sleeper; SUPERSONIC HAIRDRYER, Dyson; SLIPPERS, EMU; HEALTHY HAIR ESSENTIALS, Olaplex; SAPIN CANDLE, Diptyque; SILK PILLOWCASE, Slip; SCENTED CANDLES (set of 3), Boy Smells; CHARLOTTE’S MAGIC CREAM, Charlotte Tilbury
What to buy for… the DIY pamperer
When this lover of at-home pampering passes on a party invite because she’s ‘washing her hair’, she really is. She loves nothing more than slipping into a pair of silk pyjamas and soft cashmere socks for a night of face masking, hair treating and self-caring. Olivia von Halle’s elegant silk pyjama sets are next-level luxurious, while a cotton candy-coloured linen lounge suit from Sleeper is as comfortable as it is cute. Sheepskin slippers from Emu and a silk eye mask from Slip will prove a delight to unwrap and then wear. Add some candles from Diptyque and Sana Jardin, and beauty magic courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury, and staying home has never felt so good.
SHE LOVES TO TRAVEL
Clockwise from top left: SWIMSUIT, Camilla; MINI STUD EARRINGS, Monica Vinader; SUN HAT, Missoni; SUNGLASSES, Chloé Eyewear; TAILORED SHORTS, Chloé; LEATHER SLIDES, Saint Laurent; BEACH BAG, Loewe; EYE GLOW AND ILLUMINATOR SPF15, Soleil Toujours; TOP, Zimmermann; REPLICA BEACH WALK, Maison Margiela; WEDGE SANDLES, Jimmy Choo; BEACH TOWEL, Frette; BRACELET, Roxanne Assouline
What to buy for… the wanderluster
This free spirit loves exploring foreign shores so much she carries her passport with her at all times, you know, just in case. She can also pack a suitcase in the blink-of-an-eye, so gifting her sun-holiday staples that include swimsuits from Camilla, hats from Missoni and chic sunnies from Chloé Eyewear will travel well. Easy pieces to take her from beach to bar are also top of her wish list: think Chloé’s linen and cotton shorts, pretty floral tops from Zimmermann, and the perfect wedge sandal from Jimmy Choo. Turquoise jewellery as blue as the Mediterranean, plus a spritz of Beach Walk and she’s ready to go. The only question on her mind is, where to next?
SHE LOVES TO ENTERTAIN
Clockwise from top left: FRAMED PRINT, Sonci Editions; AGATE COASTERS (set of 4), No22; COUPE GLASSES (set of 2), Campbell-Rey; DRY ROSE GIN, Mirabeau; CERAMIC CANDLESTICK, Anissa Kermiche; SCENTED CANDLE, L’Objet; TEALIGHT CANDLE HOLDERS, Reflections Copenhagen; LOVE PENDANT NECKLACE, Saint Laurent; SALT ROCK WITH GRATER & STAND, Rivsalt; CRYSTAL-EMBELLISHED CLUTCH, Judith Leiber; GLASS DRINK STIRRERS (set of 8), Yali Glass; STONE SPICE GRINDER, Tom Dixon
What to buy for… the hostess with the mostess
If there’s one thing some of us have gotten quite good at in the past 18 months or so, it’s entertaining at home. And for the hostess with the mostess, it’s become an art form. From handwritten placecards to signature drinks, no stone spice grinder is unturned in her quest to create the ultimate, at-home, entertaining experience.
For those with a penchant for a cocktail or three, some beautiful Cosimo coupe glasses, a set of agate coasters or even some colourful drink stirrers will serve her well. Some Salt Rock or a bottle of gin will add the flavour, while tealight candle holders from Reflections Copenhagen, or a beehive-scented candle, will bring the ambience. For something truly unique, gift a ceramic candlestick celebrating the female form by Anissa Kermiche. The Paris-born designer creates decor “which reflects the generation of successful, powerful and funny women” that surround her. Brava!
SHE LOVES HER LOTIONS AND POTIONS
Clockwise from top left: MINI SMOKY EYE DUO, Pat McGrath; KABUKI BRUSH, Chanel; LIGHT THERAPY DEVICE, MZ Skin; EYE COLOUR QUAD, Tom Ford; CONTOUR PALETTE, Charlotte Tilbury; HAIR PERFUME, Byredo; YOUTH WATERY OIL, Guerlain; EAU DYNAMISANTE, Clarins; VELVET MATTE LIP COLOUR, Louboutin; COLLECTION SET 35, Dior; NAIL ENAMEL, Hermès; MOISURIZING SOFT CREAM, La Mer; MAKE-UP BAG, Moschino; ABSOLUE SIGNATURE SET, Lancôme
What to buy for… the beauty queen
The beauty queen is almost famous for her obsession with cosmetics and she has the bathroom cabinet (bedside table and spare room) stuffed with products to prove it. Always the first to get her beauty mitts on the latest lotion or potion, the skincare connoisseur is also dedicated to the classics, so will fall head over heels in love with anything from La Mer, but particularly The Moisturizing Soft Cream. Fans of one of the world’s top make-up artists, Pat McGrath, will adore this nifty mini smoky eye kit, while those who worship at the altar of Christian Louboutin will love the Velvet Matte Lip Colour, which doubles as a pendant (note the ring at the top of the lid) for two gifts in one. But for something extra special, how about 35 gifts wrapped up in one midnight blue velvet box? It’s Dior’s couture collection which contains 34 lipsticks ranging from vibrant reds through to sweeping nudes, plus one universal lip balm. For lovers of lipstick, it truly has it all.
SHE LOVES HIM
Clockwise from top left: WATCH, TAG Heuer; DOWN JACKET, Canada Goose; TRAINERS, Balenciaga; AIRPODS MAX, Apple; INSPIRE 2 TRACKER, Fitbit; CASSETTE TAPE KEYRING, Saint Laurent; ADVENT CALENDAR, Montblanc; LEATHER BAG, Alexander McQueen; CUFFLINKS, Montblanc; THERAGUN WAVE DUO, Theragun; PARFUM, Chanel; COMPLETE SNEAKER CLEANING KIT, Men’s Society; WHISKEY DECANTER, Baccarat; BELT, Bottega Veneta; WALLET, Burberry
What to buy for… the man in your life
Whether he’s your partner, best friend, dad or brother, buying Christmas gifts for the men in your life can be hard. Especially when they continue to insist they need nothing but socks and undies. And we don’t know about you, but we really don’t want to buy any blood relatives their underwear. Shudder.
So why not surprise him this Christmas with something luxurious? A TAG watch is sure to sit at the top of any stylish man’s wish list and a leather shoulder bag from Alexander McQueen will last for decades and only get better with age (unlike its owner, perhaps?). You can never go wrong with a simple pair of silver cufflinks, a leather belt from Bottega Veneta, or a bottle of Bleu de Chanel. If he’s a man on the move, then trainers from Balenciaga, headphones from Apple or a Fitbit are sure to bring a smile to his face. Meanwhile, whiskey lovers will be very impressed with a decanter from Baccarat, and for the man who has truly everything, the Montblanc advent calendar is something to behold. Limited to just 100 worldwide, it includes, among other things, one fountain pen, two notebooks, a tie pin, a women’s silver bracelet, a men’s leather bracelet, two fragrances, a pocket holder, a letter opener, a pen pouch, a key fob, a wash bag, cufflinks… and a partridge in a pear tree.
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