Laily Mesbah, Contributing Editor, New York

Holiday Gift Guide | Laily Mesbah, Contributing Editor, New York

Holiday Gift Guide | Laily Mesbah, Contributing Editor, New York


1. Naughty: Isabel Marant’s sheer, delicate lace Black Gorge Mia Bra is the perfect mix of sexy and sophisticated. I die for anything with scalloped edges.

2. Nice: I have been a fan of Sloane Tea for a few years now and I was super excited when I found out my favorite cafe in NYC, Maman, was serving their teas. I love that they focus on fragrance as much as flavor when creating their blends. Their signature Almond Truffle Blend is delightful when paired with a dessert after a holiday meal…

3. Naughty: My best friend introduced me to Byredo’s Ambre Japonais Candle and I need it immediately not only because it reminds me of her, but also because I adore the distinctive spicy fragrance that it has. With notes of coriander seed and black pepper, it is rounded off by rich, sweet hints of bourbon and vanilla. The company focuses on craft and quality―its candles are handmade in France and housed in mouth-blown glass. I think it is perfect for a romantic night in…

4. Nice: My Mansur Gavriel bags are my currently my everyday go-tos… that’s why I got super excited when they announced their new canvas collection for Spring/Summer 2015. This Canvas Backpack with Red Interior would be perfect for toting all around the city.

5. Naughty: Can’t think of a better gift than the gift of good hair! Weekly blowouts are my guilty pleasure. Salons all over the U.S. offer gift certificates for blowouts and other services. Two of my favorite salons are Twigs in NYC (Stacie is awesome!) and Pouf in Dallas—a gift certificate from either would be at the top of my wish list!

6. Nice: Mociun has been my favorite jewelry designer for a while now and I don’t think that is going to change anytime soon. Everything she makes is dreamy. I love the classic, timeless beauty of her pieces. This Sunstone and Black Diamond Crescent Ring is perfection—I am always drawn to moon shapes (perhaps because my ruling planet according to the zodiac is the moon!) Her shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is curated with not only her gorgeous jewelry but also fantastic textiles, ceramics, beauty products and accessories. You could basically get all your holiday shopping done there!

7. Naughty: In case you haven’t heard, black is the new black. You can never have too many pairs of black boots and I just love how these Acne Loma Ankle Boots are so versatile that they can go with any outfit.

8. Nice: Winter is a cozy time when I just want to hibernate and stay indoors by the fire. A friend and fellow vegetarian told me about the award-winning New Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone cookbook and it has the perfect, simple recipes for the warm meals I want to make this season for all my dinner parties.

Laily

{p.s.} my list last year & more gift guides here


[No. 5 – image via Beauty Choice]