Holigays 2022 // Header by Viv Le

Hi reader, it’s me. Your auntie who likes nice things.

It’s the holiday season, and the season is filled with gift guides for your mom, your lover, and your friends. But, dear reader, what about YOU?!

You deserve nice things too, and nice doesn’t automatically mean expensive. Though some of the things in this gift guide will be pricey, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to feel fulfilled. This guide includes clothing items, some fast fashion and some not. I get it, capitalism makes obsessive little buyers out of all of us, but don’t you want to put on a cozy sweater you just bought and drink a peppermint mocha out of a mug made by an artisan? I sure do.

If this sounds like something you want, read ahead. This is a gift guide of nice things for you because you deserve it.

Beauty

1.LYS Beauty Higher Standard Matte Cream Blush in Passion ($16) // 2.Tatcha Clarifying Essentials Set ($74) // 3. e.l.f. cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain in Cinnamon Dreamz ($6) // 4. KimChi Chic Beauty A Really Good Mascara in Black ($18)

With the exception of the e.l.f. lip stain, I’ve tried or tested all of these products and can vouch for their overall quality. The LYS (love yourself) blush is super pigmented and creamy and stays on all day. Tatcha is luxury skincare so it’s ex-pen-sive, but so worth it. The water creamy is the perfect moisturizer if you like a light, creamy formula that doesn’t dry down sticky and doesn’t cast a white shadow over your face. I once heard that mascara is mascara, and what really makes a difference for your lashes is the shape of the wand. This wand is straight and narrow and gives my lashes such lift and volume.

Home

1. Le Creuset 10-Qt Stock Pot in White ($130) // 2. Jasper 20-Piece Flatware Set in Gold ($100) // 3. Target Gold Flatware ($50) // 4. Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Faux Ficus Tree ($34) 5. Audio-technica Fully Automatic Wireless Turntable ($219) // 6. Sven Ceramics Moon Mugs (Varies)

Now y’all know I’m a Crate and Barrel Bitch these days, so I really wanted to focus on good stuff for the home section, a couple of luxury items with some affordable ones thrown in. It is indeed soup season so a stock pot is a must, this white one from Le Creuset is perfect for your kitchen. Who doesn’t want gold flatware? Eat like royalty with this set, and low-key Target also has gold flatware if this is a little out of your range. Speaking of Target, this faux ficus is so cute and manageable because it’s fake! Give your living room a pop of color with this plant. To round it out, I included this turntable that comes highly recommended by many people. It comes in three colors so you have options! The moon mugs are only available during drops, so I suggest following Sven Ceramics on Instagram to know when drops happen.

Clothing

1. By Anthropologie Sweater Skirt Set in Neutral ($180) // 2. The Beatriz Mock-Neck Sweater in Black ($128-138) // 3. Italian Wool Daphne Topcoat in Camel ($278) // 4. Altar Aurelia Dress in Seafoam ($130) // 5. New Look Plaid Shirt in Black ($27) // 6. Slim Sweatpants in Charcoal Heather ($10)

Like I said up top, I wanted a mix of fast fashion and slow fashion, so you can choose which one you want to support. I picked these items because they are super cute and seasonably appropriate. Lots of sweaters, coats, and things to keep your legs warm! Also, all of the items are plus size or carry sizes up to 5X, so even you can buy them no matter your size.

Accessories

1. Tucson Snake Earrings in Black ($26) // 2. Marie June Jewelry Dripping Small Ring in Gold ($68) // 3. Fiber + Porcelain Horizontal Stripe Bracelet in Gold/Chartreuse Wool ($44) // 4. The Classic Vegan Leather Bag in Lavender Grey ($125) // 5. Luv Sick Plus Flower Crown Beret ($28) // 6. YouGoNatural Imagination Silk Sleep Bundle ($115)

Now let’s run down this last column. I have the Scorpion earrings from Desert and Stone and they are delicate but gorgeous. I also have some Marie June Jewelry and everything they showcase is so cool, especially the drip-style jewelry. I’ve bought and been gifted many things from Sasha Handmade, their fiber art jewelry is so unique and pretty. The vegan leather bags from Samara are made from apple leather and not traditional PVC that some vegan leather products are made of, which is really cool and environmentally friendly. I long to be the kind of woman that can pull of a beret but I’m sure you would look so cute in one! Finally, this YouGoNatural Sleep Bundle looks so luxurious I had to buy one for myself. It comes with a satin lined turban, a silk scrunchy, sleep mask, and pillow case. So decadent right?! Totally worth the price too. It also comes in a champagne color.

I hope you see something in this set that piques your interest. Treat yourself to a little something this holiday season.

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