It’s that time of the year, and once again, I haven’t begun my holiday shopping. A leopard doesn’t change her spots just because she moves to France, you know? These days I don’t spend too much time shopping, therefore my 2015 gift guide isn’t quite as robust as the ones from 2013 and 2014. BUT, since not everyone lives in a tiny studio with shoes in her oven, I’ve managed to come up with five gifts that I’d love to unwrap this holiday season.
Heart Heart Heart
I love, love, love scarves. They are one of my many vices, but are also perfect for travelers. Not only utilitarian, scarves are also easy to pack and can be worn in multiple ways. I never travel without at least two, no matter the season. They turn even the most basic outfit into something chic. I recently discovered the brand, Heart Heart Heart. Inspired by Brazilian culture, this line of scarves is made of silk or virgin wool in France or Italy. Each of them is numbered, similar to a work of art. I’m particularly smitten with the Dream Series {HHH8A}. Classic black and white, with a pop of color and a jet, would make this girl very happy. I suspect I’m not the only one that would be pleased to unwrap this gift. The limited edition numbered scarf is available starting December 15.
Price: €248
Purchase: Heart Heart Heart
VinGardeValise
Given my life in France and my affinity for visiting the country’s magnificent wine regions, I often find myself loaded down with bottles and bottles of wines and spirits. Just last month I came back from Provence with SIX bottles crammed into my backpack and a busting-at-the-seams paper bag. Certainly not ideal, I would have loved to have the VinGardeValise. The wheeled suitcase is made of polycarbonate, holds a case of wine, and somehow manages to stay under 50 pounds for those pesky airline weight restrictions.
Price: $249.99
Purchase: VinGardeValise
Paris Cocktails
Two of my favorite things are Paris and cocktails, so when my friend, Doni Belau, recently published her book apply named, Paris Cocktails, I had to get my hands on it. The fabulous woman behind Girls’ Guide to Paris had the really tough job of visiting 100 of the best French bars and sampling some of their best cocktails. The book transports you to the classic and trendy bars and even gives recipes so you can have a little piece of Paris wherever you may be. It’s a beautiful book and a great resource for your next cocktail-fueled trip to the City of Light.
Price $17.95
Purchase: Paris Cocktails
Kasia Dietz Handbags
I have a problem with purses: I have too many of them. BUT, I don’t feel the least bit guilty when it comes to Kasia Dietz Handbags. For full disclosure, Kasia is a friend of mine, but that withstanding, I still love her pretty, practical bags. Inspired by art and travel, her versatile bags and totes are reversible and perfect for everyday use. I slip my Mac into the hand painted ‘rive droite’ tote for my daily café trip, but since it also folds flat, I can pop it into the smallest suitcase for use as an extra purse. A native New Yorker, Kasia has been living in Paris for six years, where her limited edition bags are all designed and made. She also offers bag-painting workshops, for those wanting to create their own design.
Price: $24-75
Purchase: Kasia Dietz
Kate Spade iPhone Charging Clutch
There’s not much that gives me as much anxiety as my iPhone battery percentage dropping. I love the Mophie, but sometimes it is a bit too bulky for my pocket or purse, especially during the evening. Rather than bringing a cord, brick, and adapter along, I love the idea of this Kate Spade charging clutch. Created with technology from everpurse, all you have to do is slip your iPhone into its SmartPocket hidden in the lining of the bag to start recharging. Each bag comes with a recharging pad, which should last for about two days. I particularly like the clutch style because it can be popped into a larger bag for day or used alone for a nighttime option.
Price: $198
Purchase: everpurse
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