The Real Chic Life

While I realize this isn’t true for everyone, I tend to feel a little lighter during the holiday season. After a rough couple of days for our country, I hope to double down on my stance that joy is a form of resistance and there’s nothing more collectively joyful than the holidays. If you’re not quite ready to shift towards seeking joy that’s understandable. We never want to be tone-deaf. You may want to check out this post instead. For those who’d like to momentarily shift their focus toward the season ahead, we’d like to share some fun items we’ve rounded up for you. 

This is part one of a three-part series where we hope to cover everyone on the list. I’m getting us started with some slightly luxurious gifts for the women in your life- even if that happens to be you. I can’t be the only one who likes to pick up a little something for me too. I’m breaking them down by category and honestly, this is a little peek inside my 2024 wish list and a recap of a few things that I already have and love and think that you might enjoy as well. 

For the Fashion Enthusiast-

The Gillian Reformation Ankle Boots were on my fall wish list and though they weren’t purchased this fall, I still can’t stop thinking of them so I’m moving them to my holiday wish list. This color is the perfect addition to my mostly neutral winter wardrobe. 

NAADAM’s Luxe Cashmere Boat Neck Sweater– I have a few cashmere items from NAADAM and I find myself reaching for them again and again. I couldn’t be more excited to add this sweater to my collection too. 

Judith Lieber’s The Billions Envelope Crystal Clutch Bag– I’ve been eyeing the fun and fabulous designs from Judith Lieber for years but I have yet to purchase one.  The Billion Dollar bag would be fun for happy hour meet-ups or dressier late-night outs. It’s making its way from my scroll to my actual holiday wish list this year. And this fabulous, blinged-out brick phone is Courtney’s favorite- any other Clueless fans out there? I’m also adding this one to the list, we could all use a bottle of joy. 

For the Beauty Maven–

The Gucci Mini Lipstick Set– Almost all of the high-end designers have makeup lines but Gucci makes some of the best high-end beauty products in my opinion and I have tried quite a few. This set is the perfect way for you to try them too. The set includes a matte red, a warm rosewood, and a rusty red. 

Merit’s The Dress Code Set– has been mentioned by me before but it deserves to be on this list as well. This set is full-size, and they’re from one of my favorite clean beauty brands. Included in the set is a deep burgundy, a soft mauve, and a warm pinky brown. 

Sol De Janeiro Brazilian The Bum Bum Cream Set. Courtney introduced me to their firming body care cream last spring and I couldn’t be more pleased with it. I also get compliments whenever I wear it. It smells heavenly, feels great going on, and absorbs quickly. 10 out of 10. Here’s their Hydration Celebration Body Routine set which would make a wonderful gift. The 5 piece set includes a Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, a mist, an oil, and a scrub. 

The Pattern Hair Dryer– I love Tracee Ellis Pattern Products which are designed for curly, coily, and tightly textured hair. I have this hair dryer on my list for my younger daughter, Deja, who would love the diffuser and straightener for her natural curls. It’s much cheaper than the Dyson and it made Oprah’s Favorite Things List this year too. 

For the Nara Smith Admirer– 

The Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier Series Espresso Maker– I have to admit I love Nara’s style and her over-the-top culinary creations. And while you may not be making your children’s chocolate cereal by hand while wearing a white organza gown, you might want to try your luck at being a barista. I’ve always wanted a cappuccino machine but I don’t like complicated kitchen tools. This 3-in-1 Espresso, Coffee, and Cold Brew machine from Courtney’s Holiday list promises that anyone can make the perfect cafe-quality beverage in no time. 

The Toile De Jouy Dutch Oven from Le Creuset- I could talk about my love for the artistry of the Harlem Toile Collection by Sheila Bridges all day, but instead of putting you through that, I’ll just quickly state that her designs draw inspiration from traditional French toile, reimagined to celebrate a complex history and rich culture while exploring stereotypes and allowing expression of politics and art. I have a custom-made chair in my office but here’s a link to the most beautiful Toile De Jouy Dutch Oven from Le Creuset which of course is on my list. 

The Ina Garten Memoir– I downloaded this book on Audible and finished it in just a few days. Not only was it an ode to food lovers but it was an inspiring tale of perseverance and luck meeting opportunity. I’d highly recommend this to any foodie on your list. I have the hard copy on mine. 

For the Tech Junkie

I’m a self-proclaimed tech lover and I get excited about all the new tech drops and I often have to remind myself to hold back a bit. There will always be a new and improved version of something I already have on the horizon giving me a bit of FOMO. Please tell me I’m not the only one. This brings me to my first pick- The brand new Kindle Colorsoft Last year the Kindle Scribe was on my wishlist and made it under our Christmas tree. I absolutely love it but I’ve always wished a Kindle came in color. Well voilá! The Brand New Kindle Colorsoft is exactly what I’ve been hoping for. I’ll have to wait a few years before making the switch but if you’re in the market for a new one, I’d be happy to live vicariously through you. 

The Apple/Beats Pill– this portable speaker has been upgraded with acoustic architecture that delivers more powerful, room-filling sound, bigger bass, and improved tonality across the audio spectrum. The new Pill comes in Matte Black, Statement Red, and Champagne Gold.

The Author Clock from the MoMA Store. It has thousands of carefully curated quotes so that each minute brings a fresh and inspiring message. It’s designed to encourage you to embark on a journey of self-discovery with every glance. Count me in. The clock is made of solid white oak, with a polished brass base and crown, and a paper-like screen. This might just be my favorite thing. If there’s a book lover in your life I’m willing to bet they’d appreciate this sweet little gift. 

Those are my favorite picks for the first part of our Holiday Gift Guide series. I’d love to hear what’s on your wishlist too.

Until Next Post,

Xo Tonya Parker