Our Most Favorite Things EVER
Busy Little Elves
Working as personal shoppers and stylists, the holidays are the equivalent of an accountant during tax season. We frequently are stopped and asked what to give, insert name or title here, to let them know how much you appreciate them but how to do it without breaking the bank.
Gift giving is not an exact science. One idea we recommend is to consider the lifestyle of the receiver. What does a week in their life entail? Another trick to giving the ideal gift is to take into account what he or she might deem as an indulgence yet feels guilty purchasing or doing. Below is a curated list of spend-savvy items that we are currently obsessing over. These objects suit the fancy of the giver’s pocketbook, and the recipient will find them uniquely chic.
Blow & Go
A gift card to get your hair washed and styled from Bleu is a true luxury. This is a fun little indulgence to use on a day that you might be feeling blue or you want to look as if Beyoncé’s stage fans blew your hair into a perfectly calculated messy coif.
701 Metairie Road, Metairie, (504) 309-5999, bleuablowdrybar.com
All About the Bass
Yoga pants are pervasive. You cannot escape them, and wearing them is addictive. So if you are going to make them a wardrobe staple, at least make certain you get those that flatter your assets and look great with a pair of boots. The Core Creations Chelsea pant is the archetype of yoga gear, sporting both form and function. Nola Pilates & Xtend Barre New Orleans, 140 W. Harrison Ave., (504) 621-5066, corecreationsapparel.com
All Things Shiny
Like a moth to a flame, we love all things sparkly. Haute Boutique continuously has stunning jewels that look like they have adorned celebrities on the red carpet. Worn with a basic black dress, or even trendy ripped denim, these baubles make every gal a Golden Globe nominee.
725 Magazine St., (504) 522-8687, hautenola.com
An “Occasional” Husband
Kay Morrison, genius behind The Occasional Wife, created an even wittier concept. Her group of skilled laborers will change light bulbs, mend a broken fence, and put up and take down your holiday decorations. We love these guys, and they do not grimace when we add requests to that honey do list. 4306 Magazine St., (504) 302-9893, theoccasionalwife.com
A Sharp Dressed Man & Mr. James Conner
A well-tailored suit, for a woman, is the equivalent of a woman in lingerie for a man. A gift certificate for a custom slim suit or shirt from Rubensteins will make a male companion look as if he is channeling OO7. And we will make any excuse to visit Rubensteins simply so we can hang out with James Conner, the shop’s valet of over 36 years. Conner makes a trip to Rubensteins absolutely effortless.
102 St. Charles Ave., (504) 581-6666, rubensteinsneworleans.com
Luscious Lashes
If you want to be glamorous all day, every day, even if you are going to the grocery store, one appointment with the staff at Hi Brow will have you believing you should be a super model. No one should let their friends go through life with bad brows and wimpy lashes. 3126 Metairie Road, Metairie, (504) 339-4904, hibrownola.com
Linens and Things
If you are at a loss on what to give someone or you need the perfect “Oh hello, I had no idea you were coming to our party” gift, linens from Loomed Nola are the answer to any gift-giving 911. Hand-loomed Turkish towels, blankets and napkins, plus decadent soaps are tasteful and universally appeasing.
2727 Prytania St., (504) 304-2047, loomednola.com
Pretend you’re Mr. Hefner
As in … we appreciate a good pair of PJs. Silk men’s-style pajama sets are quite vogue this season. Stunning PJ sets that come in rich colors can be found locally at Yvonne LaFleur. 8131 Hampson St., (504) 866-9666, yvonnelafleur.com
A Little Lagniappe
Vitaon Metairie Road has something exceptional for absolutely everyone. The boutique carries home goods, men’s clothing and women’s fashions. We are particularly fond of the stunning clutches. These splendid leather pieces are perfect to stuff into a larger bag as an alternative to a bulky wallet. They also transition well into nighttime for happy hour get-togethers.
1537 Metairie Road, Metairie, (504) 831-1111, vita-nola.com
Frivolous Frocks
Holidays present the perfect opportunity to wear all things fluffy, shiny, sparkly and opulent. Use the excuse of the copious amount of parties to don all those sequins and feathers — even if you are truthfully just going to the carpool line. Pick out something alluring and enchanting for your honey at Clover Boutique. 2240 Magazine St., (504) 272-0792, boutiqueclover.com
By Aimee Gowland and Corrie Pellerin