When Gift-Giving is Your Love Language
ft. collaborations we've been dreaming up since the summer and my favorite crowd pleasers
We’ve officially hit 30° temps, 4:58 pm sunsets and sparkly-lights-in-every-window season here in Philly. It was a quick jump from Fall to Winter, but now that we’re here, we are moving full steam ahead to holiday cheer. And with that I give you my official guide to all things super special in the shop for the holidays.
Here are the collections and collaborations we’ve been daydreaming about since Cancer season. One-of-a-kind vintage capsules from some friends across the pond. Jewelry hewn from foraged river stones and sea glass. And a few handmade ceramics from members of the Vestige family. As well as crowd pleasers sure to cover all the bases when gifting someone you don’t quite know well enough for a personalized gift (think your boyfriend’s sibling, white elephant for the office holiday party, partner’s boss, or child’s teacher)
But first, a quick look at the making of our holiday window by the ever-inspiring, Ashn Earth.
The shop is my favorite place to be right now. The shimmering tinsel from Ashn Earth’s holiday installation reflects through the store as the sun sets and softly moves in the breeze every time the door opens. I look forward to seeing Ash’s vision come to life every year and this sparkly silver abstract fir is going to be a hard one to top! I think it sets the tone for the kind of sweet, whimsical, shiny holiday season I’m manifesting for us all.
Party Dressing the Vestige Way:
First order of business this holiday season is figuring out what you’re wearing to the endless shindigs, potlucks, family gatherings and martini dates. This year we have a shop full of specialty pieces, whether that be one-of-a-kind, vintage or handmade, these designers and brands are creating works of wearable art full of heart and soul. This Moon Dyed Coat from Tigra Tigra is such a show-stopper, and guarantees you the title of Best Dressed at any holiday party.
Similarly, a handknit sweater from Lauren Manoogian, like the furry concoction above, is a way to put comfort and style both at the forefront of your seasonal wardrobe. Lauren’s pieces last a lifetime and feel worth every penny. The hand-knits are usually where my eye (and wallet) wanders each collection.
Colleen Allen is new to the shop and with just one debut collection under her belt, she’s jumped to the top of our most-searched brands. We have a few pieces left that are sure to leave an impression and put you in the holiday spirit! I’d go with the fringey silk top above for a night of dancing and bubbly (New Year’s perhaps?) and the Opera Coat for an impactful layer while out on the town this winter.
River Stone Talismans:
I came across the jewelry of Nathalie Mathoulin a few years ago and it has stuck with me ever since. I love jewelry that has a story to tell. Things that are repurposed or utilized in a new and interesting way (driftwood and delicate sea glass dipped and caged in precious metals!?!?).
Every piece by Nathalie is inherently unique and full of history because of where and how she sources her materials. And each piece is forever linked to where it was found, on travels around the world, by the sea and in the mountains.
I love the dichotomy of something rough and cast away finding new purpose in these intentional and simple gold and sterling settings. These feel like true good luck charms and talismans, especially for any water signs in your life!
Wobbly Hand-Blown Glass Adornments for Home & Body:
A new delivery just arrived from my favorite Spain-based glass artist, Justine Menard. Her work is so stunning and full of light. Having something hand crafted where no two pieces are alike just sparks something in me. I have a few newlyweds to gift and I’m thinking the Wine Glass Pair will be perfect.
The new Les Naiades earrings are an instant favorite of mine. I spotted them on an instagram story and knew we had to have them for the shop. I plan to wear them to a very special upcoming Christmas wedding!
And the Persephone Ashtray is a perfect adornment for a coffee table or vanity. Use it for ashes, matchbooks, lipsticks, to hold your discarded jewelry at the end of the day…whatever you like! Justine Menard’s work makes every purpose feel elevated. And gifting to me is often about finding something that brings new life and joy to the sometimes mundane aspects of everyday life. Or something decadent that someone might not buy for themselves.
Vintage Treasure Trove:
Did I mention we have a holiday edit of all the most festive and fun vintage you could ever want or need heading your way this Sunday??? (sign up for our emails to be the first in line)
Sourcing these beauties has brought us all a lot of cheer at the office. Each piece has such beautiful details and charm (beaded fringe, hand painted chainmail, ruched satin and hand-knit mohair) that you can only find from vintage. I’m only giving you a sneak for now, but there may be some familiar tags from the likes of Prada, Dries Van Noten, Sonia Rykiel and Issey Miyake to name a few ;) And any number of these pieces would make for a pretty perfect party outfit or gift.
Crowd Pleasers This Way:
If you’re looking for something sure to win over even the most difficult or elusive giftee, take a peek at some of my tried-and-true picks from the shop. These items are plucked right out of our best sellers and should cover your bases no matter who you’re buying for. (And I’m giving them the restaurant treatment with a $-$$$ price breakdown for last minute gifters.)
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Rechargeable Lighter in Silver A chic way to light incense, candles or whatever ;)
Washi Paper Incense Small packs of incense with sweet affirmations & fortunes.
Ribbed Cotton Socks in Red Italian made and in the hottest color.
Jams Jam from across the pond (Rhubarb Cardamom is my favorite!)
Gentlewoman Magazine Sure to inspire any fashion/art/culture lover in your life.
Bistrot Bottle Openers French cutlery making kitchen tasks more fun.
Claw Clip in Bordeaux Everyone’s favorite hair accessory in a new sexy hue.
Apartamento Cookbook #9 A new addition featuring my favorite food, sandwiches.
Things To Do Ideal for your more organized friends…or friends trying to get organized in 2025. So basically everyone.
Wonder Valley Olive Oil Good olive oil makes all the difference.
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Sassafras Aromatic Candle New to the shop and the best mesquite scent I’ve tried.
Hand-Painted Fish Ornament Exclusive to Vestige, ceramic fish ornaments by Rachel Pally.
Jumbo Tomato Candle Super sized cult classic scent from LA’s Flamingo Estate.
Round Caviar Shell Dish The most chic catchall.
Geometric Tumblers Hand painted by Philly’s Suzanne Sullivan, these are little works of art for every day use.
Silk Ribbed Carnival Socks A decadent party for your feet!
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Pebbles Necklace in Smokey Quartz Designed and crafted in Vienna by Mussels & Muscles.
Cashmere Witch Scarf The perfect scarf from Amsterdam’s Extreme Cashmere.
Maison d’Etto Eau de Parfum Super luxe fragrances (I’m smitten with Rotano.)
Ada Crewneck in Poppy Red A classic cardigan in Scottish lambswool.
Online Gift Certificate For when you still aren’t sure what to get. Reach out if you want yours gift wrapped and mailed out!
And finally, for a packed list of uncommon treats and treasures for the discerning eye, check out The Vestige 30, a beautiful feast of all our most special holiday gifts this season.
Happy shopping and talk soon!
~M