The Holidays in Old Town

I love the holidays in Old Town. The lights up King Street, the store windows, the greenery and the wreaths on the light posts, it's magical. I really love the unique finds at the boutiques in town. Here are a few of the things I'm picking up as gifts this year.

The Hive / The Shoe Hive

Adina Reyter Square Pave Baguette Dog Tag $998 – This is that necklace you wear every day. It's the one that looks equally gorgeous with a little black dress or a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt. I've been coveting it all year and after buying a slightly larger one for my mom for her birthday, I've decided I really need this one for myself. Is it a gift if you buy it for yourself? Hmmmm? After a few minutes of reflection… I say, yes.  

Red Barn Mercantile

I think I've mentioned before that as I get older, I buy fewer things, but things of better quality. They last longer, I appreciate them more, and I enjoy having these items around. I hated watching all the lesser items I'd buy ending up in the Goodwill pile a year later.One of the items I really appreciate is a good throw blanket to curl up on the sofa with. One that looks just as elegant tossed on the sofa as it does folded perfectly over the arm of a chair. The Windowpane Throw from Evangeline is to die for. I'm partial to the Oatmeal color as my upholstery is all neutral. I have a major pattern phobia, but somehow the windowpane pattern just seems classic and I know I won't tire of it in six months. I plan to buy one as a gift, but this may end up being a one for you, one for me type situation. Still a gift… right? Give a gift, get a gift?  

Kiskadee

My sister is a volleyball coach and pretty much lives in Lululemon. When she does get dressed up, it's a cute top and jeans. Since she lives in Michigan, long sleeves are a must. LA Made makes the cutest tops and I love this one from Kiskadee.  

Stomping Ground

Biscuits, Biscuits, Biscuits. If you haven't tried the biscuits from Stomping Ground with the spread that goes with them, I'd argue you haven't lived. I'm not saying I eat biscuits every day, but when it's a special occasion, my kids don't consider it a proper meal if these biscuits aren't on the table. It occurred to me that these would make an awesome gift. This year instead of wine or cookies or some other tired gift, I'm giving biscuits. They say to give a gift you'd like to receive, so my neighbors are getting biscuits this year. For those of you who are raising an eyebrow and saying, "What?" I would simply say this… I was you. I didn't get the notion of a biscuit. That's because I had never really had a proper biscuit. I'm from California; it's not a thing. So, when Elizabeth Todd of The Shoe Hive looked at me like I had five heads when I said I'm not into biscuits and demanded we go have one, I begrudgingly obliged. I was sure I was going to have to offer some platitude on how good they were. Instead, I bought a dozen and took them home to change my kids' lives forever. No lie. I'd rather eat this than chocolate cake. Mic drop.  

Mind the Mat

After you and your loved ones have enjoyed your biscuits, and wine, and pie, and cookies, and chocolate, and wine… did I already say that, and champagne… you need a little Mind the Mat. Wouldn't it be fun to take your friend, your mom, your sister to yoga with you? The answer is yes. I attended a class with Elizabeth, and I have to say, I never stopped laughing. I know I was supposed to be all Zen, but it turns out I'm not super coordinated and this presented some opportunities for laughter at my expense. At the end of the class, I felt so limber and invigorated (while simultaneously exhausted?) It really was a workout and a fun outing at the same time. I'm signing my mom and me up to experience the same thing one day a week. I mean, what else are we going to do now? Did I mention that Megan led the class and was a complete badass/comedian? If you can sign up for her class, I highly recommend it - if you can sign up with a friend, even better.  

Helen Olivia

Pretty much anything. Literally anything. If you're a super flower snob and you hate most flowers you've ever been sent. If you pull the baby's breath from flowers you receive and trash it in utter disgust, you know the terror of ordering flowers and leaving the decisions to the florist. It's a leap of faith, but it doesn't have to be. If you call Helen Olivia, tell them basically what you want and give them a budget, you are sure to send the most beautiful arrangement and not worry one second. My favorite thing to give is an orchid from Helen Olivia. Oh, and it also happens to be my favorite thing to receive - just in case the hubby is reading this.  

Bishop Boutique

Masks are a thing, and they aren't going anywhere for a while. As a result, we have a cadre of masks. They're stuffed into the glove box, at the bottom of your purse, in your coat pocket - not exactly sanitary. So, when the fashionable owner of Bishop Boutique, Kelly, popped into Bellacara for her favorite serum, I couldn't help but stare at the mask chain she was wearing. Yes, mask chains, they exist. The chain clips onto your mask so when you are alone, you can have it hanging around your neck instead of collecting debris in the cup holder of your car. It also keeps you from accidentally driving thirty minutes to Misha's for your Caravan coffee only to realize you don't have your mask with you. I mean, that's totally just a hypothetical event that never happened in real life.  

Mint Collective

Katie and Megan have done an amazing job of finding cute, reasonably priced items. I know my nieces will love the sweaters from Pistola Denim. This tie-dye cropped one is sure to be a hit.  

The Hour

When you really don't know what to get someone or you want to give a gift to someone who seems to have everything, you can't go wrong with The Hour. Grab a cocktail book and one of their fabulous vintage shakers and you have the perfect gift. Add a set of vintage glasses and you'll turn their evening cocktail into an event.