Consumerist Report

I’m one of those crazy people who enjoys giving more so than
getting. But that’s because I’m a total snob, not that I’m generous of spirit.
I mean, I certainly appreciate the professional portrait of my nieces I get from my
sister most years. But, geez, couldn’t she have at least tucked them inside some fancy frames? And there’s simply no way my mother can please with her annual assortment
of Kohl’s-bought bedclothes. Not that I have anything against Kohl’s. What
a great place to buy pots!

So, you see the point: I’m no fun to buy for. But it’s very much fun, I would assert, to find your way onto auntie Christy’s shopping list. Me, I
enjoy the thrill of the hunt, the self-satisfaction of knowing I’ll snag one-of-a-kind
and/or designer items for all my loved ones, and they’ll never get the faintest
whiff of the pittances paid to acquire these goodies. For these reasons, I’m
much better at buying for adult women and style-conscious men. What follows is a
sampler of the Christmas gifts I purchased over the weekend. (Note: This post is written
in good faith that my loved ones don’t read this blog.)

My best friend Andrea is a woman of letters. While perusing
Letterbox, I found her this gorgeous (but very affordable) letters kit, replete
with address labels and envelope stickers in the themes of birds, flowers,
vines, and leaves. This version was designed by Suzanna LaGasa (a somewhat-celebrity
graphic designer) for Sukie.

Local Motion currently has an assortment of cutesy leather handbags
and carryalls from this Canadian label, ESPE. I went in for this billfold for
my brother’s style-conscious, teen-age daughter. It has universal appeal, don’t
you think? And besides, it was a steal at just twenty-five dollars. Note: Local
Motion hosts “Girls’ Night Out” this Thursday from four to nine p.m. Go for the free snacks
and wine, if not for the sales.

For the practical—one might say miserly—mother whose sole extravagance
is buying Coach handbags off eBay: A pair of sleek Coach kicks. OK, I didn’t
get the best deal on these sneaks. I found a cheaper pair at Off Fifth, but
wanted to make sure mom could easily exchange if the size isn’t quite right, so
I went to Macy’s.

And while I was at it, I picked up some staples for myself. From
the Len Druskin Outlet: I couldn’t pass by these leggings with snap
details. Also, just yesterday afternoon, I stumbled upon the newly remade
vintage store, Swank. I picked up the ‘70s socks (pictured above) as well as reams
of vintage Santa-themed wrapping paper (left in boyfriend’s truck) for only
five bucks. In fact, Swank is a great place to find cheap Christmas crap!