Browsing Gift Guide: Personal Shopper

A gift guide of sorts for... me!

I must admit, I love buying gifts for myself.

I’m one of those people that I buy things for myself, and others, throughout the year to avoid the anxiety of getting the “perfect gift” on a birthday or holiday. Sure, it’s nice to unwrap a gift on Christmas morning, or Christmas eve depending on your tradition, but I love to unwrap a gift for myself in March or September or whenever.

There are a few objects (*pronounced ohb-jay) that I’ve had my eye this year that seem appropriate for highlighting in a gift guide. Some items are crazy expensive and I’ll never own them, but sometimes the feeling of desiring after a thing is often more satisfying than owning the thing. Maybe you know someone who’s in desperate need of a $11,000 cashmere coat, and after reading this guide you can thank me later.

As tempting as it is to recommend gifts based on what a film person might want or a fashion person might want, I thought the best gifts are often when you actually ask someone what they want. Avoid the guesswork and go direct to the source. What does someone like me want?

Without further ado, here are some selfishly selected items that I’d love to see under my tree…

Dries Van Noten Wool Knit Long-Sleeve Polo Sweater, $785

When I went to the Tyler Mitchell book signing at Dashwood Books awhile back, he was wearing the chicest long-sleeve knit polo in mauve. I should have asked him who made it, but I was too bemused that he actually complimented the shirt that I was wearing (I’m pretty sure it was this pink shirt by AMI). I’ve Googled this shirt more times than I’d like to admit, but based on the buttons and collar I’ve deduced that it’s this Dries Van Noten style, although his might be from a previous season as his particular shade of mauve is nowhere to be found on the internet, nor in the Dries store in SoHo. The wine color will suffice as it could be a great pop of color in my otherwise very neutral wardrobe (hot pink shirts aside).

Umit Benan President Cashmere Coat, $10,759

I was in Bergdorf Goodman the other day and while perusing a rack, I saw this cashmere coat by Umit Benan. My mouth dropped at the texture in the same way it dropped when I saw the price tag. I didn’t even bother asking to try it on because, I doubt Bergdorf takes Klarna. It’s way outside of my budget, but I can dream, right?

Trudon Ernesto Scented Marquis and Marchioness Matches, $32

When I want to relax at home I like to light a candle or incense and let the vibes settled in. The Ernesto scent from Trudon is described as combining “the fierce and partisan overtones of leather and tobacco.” Take that scent and infuse it in a chic little match that features a matchbox design that looks like Kirsten Dunst on the set of Marie Antoinette. Keep the box slightly open wherever you store your matches and you’ll be pleasantly surprised that an even in a drawer, the relaxing vibes of a good scent can come from all crevices of a home.

CONTAX T3 35mm Point & Shoot Film Camera, $3,099

I’ve been dabbling with photography this year with disposable color and black & white cameras. I want all of my photos to have that crisp, nostalgia look of film that Frank Ocean captured when he brought this camera to the 2019 MET Gala. If it’s good enough for Frank Ocean, then it’s good enough for me!

Casely-Hayford Ofili Brown Concealed Button Suit, $1,232

I bought a brown suit last year and it’s become a go to when I want to wear something that isn’t quite black and definitely not gray or navy. This Casely-Hayford double-breasted suit is classic in its silhouette but it feels fresh with the notch lapel and hidden button closure. I don’t wear suits often but when I do, I’d love to wear this one.

Carter Young Cotton Roll Neck Sweater, $375

Sweater weather is my kind of weather. Crew necks, polo necks, and turtlenecks tend to make up the majority of my knitwear staples, but I can’t stop thinking about this roll neck from Carter Young. I bought a knit polo from this brand a while ago and I love the quality of the fabric and overall fit. That polo is very easy breezy to wear and something tells me I’ll feel the same way in the roll neck.

Chanel Haute Couture by Sofia Coppola, $120

Chanel and Sofia Coppola? Name a better combo! I almost bought this book at the New York Art Book Fair at PS1 at the end of the summer, but it was so sweltering hot in the venue I was worried my sweaty palms would ruin such a gorgeous book. For this tome, Coppola curates over 400 pages of archival images of Chanel haute couture runway shows, sketches, and images. Good taste goes along away, and in Coppola’s case I’m always eager to see where her taste goes, especially when it’s covered in Chanel.

I Will Keep You in Good Company by Liz Arthur Johnson, $70

I’ve collected a few art and photography books this year, but this new book by artist Liz Arthur Johnson has been at the top of my list. I love her honest style of capturing Black bodies in motion or the stillness of a stolen moment. I can’t wait to flip through what will surely be another memorable collection of images by Johnson.

Chateau Marmont Alessandra Candle, $88

I have been obsessed with this candle from the time I hosted a work event in one of = the Chateau Marmont bungalows many moons ago. I was in the middle of a conversation and I literally uttered, “what is that smell?” Ultimately I found out that scent is thee scent of the famed hotel and it comes in candle form. Every time I pass through the Chateau for work I always pick up one, or two. This is easily one of my favorite candles and I can certainly use one or more for the holidays and beyond.

Superhouse Art Furniture Hat, $50

I’m not a hat person, but if I were to wear one it would be this one from New York-based gallery Superhouse. Founded by the one and only Stephen Markos (a dear friend), Superhouse is always on my radar for shows to see the best in unexpected design, art, and furniture. The hat gets right to the point—art! furniture! When you wear this hat, those words are literally front of mind.

Stüssy Welcome Mat, $65

Recently I found myself eying this mat from Stüssy when I was looking at their latest holiday collection drop. There are some handsome puffers, sweats, and jeans in the collection, but maybe the thing I need most is a proper place that I can wipe the city off my feet and be welcomed home in bold letters.

To Die For 30th Anniversary T-Shirt, $30

I love good merch and this t-shirt to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Gus Van Sant’s To Die For is very good merch. I re-watched To Die For early in 2021 and it still has plenty of bite, thanks to Nicole Kidman’s sharp performance and a fun script from Buck Henry. This tee is to die for, pun intended.

The Fly T-Shirt, $32

I’ve given hats and wine keys from Eel Bar, The Fly, Cervo’s, and Hart’s as gifts, but somehow I don’t own this t-shirt. I bring people to The Fly when they’re in town visiting or it’s the perfect place to catch up with friends or have a date night. The next time I go there, I should wear this t-shirt, right?

Morjas Braided Belt, $150

I upgraded my belts last year, one of which included a pebbled leather style from Morjas. This braided option stands out as it adds just the right amount of visual texture to a look. I can see this working with several different outfits and once you see it, you better believe it.

Stanley Whitney: Return to the Garden poster, $30 (unsigned) or $60 (signed)

I love artist Stanley Whitney’s ability to abstract a feeling or subject often with an skewed repetition of shape and color. I didn’t catch this show, Return to the Garden, at Gagosian Athens, but at least I can own the ultimate souvenir. The colors in this poster will add just enough personality to any wall.

Tekla Percale Duvet Cover, $440

I have a few Tekla towels and they feel great against skin, even after a ton of washes. I’m currently in need of an upgrade from my Target home essentials duvet, and this cover seems like a suitable option. I love the striped version, but there are more than enough options to mix and match with fitted and flat sheets. I’ll take what I can get for the holidays, but my eye keeps going back to the brown and cream stripe.

Muji Gel Ink Cap Type Ballpoint Pen 0.5mm 10 Pieces Set in Black, $14.90

I’ve been using these Muji pens since the dawn of time. They’re the perfect pen for taking notes (as I do), journaling, signing checks, or writing thank you notes. They would also come in handy when you write down your intentions for 2026. Now that sounds like the perfect gift!