what seven very cool people are buying themselves this year

treat yourself!

Hi friends! Welcome to my second annual letter where I ask chic people what they’re gifting themselves for the holiday. Turns out, everyone has pretty fantastic taste. I truly would not mind finding any of these lovely items under my tree. Enjoy!

Madeleine Cohen, Founder of Nelle Atelier- I bought myself this necklace in memory of my grandmother. Her name was Lea and its my middle name too!

Jalil Johnson- writer of Consider Yourself Cultured (also featured in the NYT last week here!)

This holiday season, I am thinking of getting a piece of jewelry to add to my collection-perhaps a stunning Tahitian Drop Pearl Pendant from Sherman Field. I am also into the idea of adding a new piece of outerwear into my closet from By Malene Birger or Lemaire.

Emma Gray - writer, podcaster and fellow substacker!

The Aureum No. 10 Belt in Chocolate Suede and Gold! I've been trying to make the basics that are already in my wardrobe stretch further by investing in versatile accessories, and this belt fits the bill. I also happen to be obsessed with chocolate brown right now -- like everyone else, I know I'm not an original -- so I love the idea of having a belt in this sumptuous color. There's something about gifting yourself an accessory that feels particularly gifty and indulgent -- it's not a need, it's a want. But a want that I think I'll get a hell of a lot of wear out of.

Sogole Kane- writer of Another Fashion Newsletter

This year, I’m gifting myself better skin. I’ve been researching and reading all about the benefits of red light therapy and the Omnilux device has come highly recommended. I’m looking forward to testing it out and hoping for smoother, healthier skin, especially during such a busy holiday season when my self-care tends to take a backseat.

Tenisha Clarke, Director of Retail at The Whitaker Group (& a very cool mom/one of my besties)

This holiday season, I’m treating myself to a little luxury with this Miu Miu chore jacket. While it’s a splurge (and there are plenty of pocket-friendly versions out there), it’s the perfect blend of fashion-forward, street chic, and practical for my ‘mom on the go’ lifestyle. After a year of working hard and prioritizing everyone else, I’m leaning into the idea of consuming less and curating a more timeless capsule wardrobe. This jacket is an easy piece of outerwear to build around for the colder months (and my ice-cold office). After all, the season of giving can include giving back to yourself, right?

Sarah Shapiro- Retail Correspondent, Puck News (formerly Retail Diary!)

For me I ordered the new Soft Services Theraplush in Hold (I love the original and use every night), a refill of Dr. Diamond Metacine, a couple of clips from Undo Hairware for myself (I use everyday and still didn’t have black so I needed to fix that) and from Leset I grabbed a few white t-shirts (Black Friday plus a pack deal made them a sharp price) since I’ve been layering under sweaters every day and threw in the Rio cigarette pants to try. I tend to treat BFCM as a stock up and in another week or so I’ll feel more ready to shop. My kids have grown so much so it will mostly be a clothing and books holiday for them.

Rachel Solomon- writer of Hey, Mrs. Solomon (& very chic human being that I constantly admire)

I bought myself a custom Phong necklace! I also bought myself a Pucci lighter necklace that I fell in love with when I was picking up a gift for a friend. I don’t smoke, but I picture myself using it to light candles and it makes me feel bad ass!

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As for me, I hesitate to call myself very cool, especially in comparison to my lovely peers above, but I recently bought myself these Jil Sander shoes and a Goobs Ceramics tray. I also did a beauty haul via Violet Grey- trying Sofie Pavitt’s micellar pads, restocking on the Hanacure face mask and this lip balm, and basics like dry shampoo and floss.

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• Hanni extended their sale an extra day! (buy two get 20% off, buy three, get 30% off). My rec is their fatty moisture stick (basically lotion you glide on).

• My friends at Daydreamer (fave blank sweatshirts and band tees) also extended their Cyber Monday sale- 35% off here.

• A very good under $100 holiday gift- this skincare set! I use this moisturizer every day.

• Updated my Shopbop hearts this morning - these are in my cart.

• Very exciting new launch from rhode today- their peptide lip treatment in peppermint in collaboration with Matilda Djerf. Now this is a good stocking stuffer for the Gen Z girls.

  Thank you for reading, subscribing and shopping. I’m really so grateful to have this community and all of you here.

  xx, Liz