Online Staff Writer Lane Florsheim’s Holiday Gift Guide: Color Their World
No neutrals here. A fun and occasionally fancy guide to the best presents for your most vibrant friends and relatives
1. Mr. Larkin Fuchsia Lace Dress
Beginning a gift guide with something I’d love to receive myself is perhaps in poor taste, but hopefully appreciation for the beautiful impracticality of this dress is somewhat universal. Two consistent style ambitions of mine are to wear less black and have more fun with clothes, and a dress that’s bright pink, oversized and see-through more than does the trick. The label’s designers were inspired by pioneering abstract artist Hilma af Klint, whose colorful works are currently on show at the Guggenheim. $529, mrlarkin.net
2. Eden Presley Single Stud Earring
Love Adorned, a favorite boutique in Nolita, sells a variety of Eden Presley’s multi-colored single earrings. This one—with its boulder opal center surrounded by diamonds and four diopsides—is particularly stunning. Buy two to make a pair or mix and match. $600, loveadorned.com
3. The Elder Statesman Men’s Cashmere Sweater
Donning The Elder Statesman cashmere is like being enveloped inside a cozy personal cocoon. Most of the label’s offerings fall into that ideal category of clothing that feels but doesn’t look like pajamas. As an added benefit, the sweater’s recipient will look like a walking Rothko painting. $1,485, farfetch.com
4. Smythson 2019 Soho Diary With Pocket
After more than a decade of searching, I found my ideal planner in Smythson’s Panama Diary, which I love for both its soft leather cover and miniscule size—it takes up barely more space in my purse than my iPhone. If you’re in search of something grander, the lambskin Soho Diary will give your favorite traditionalist more writing room, as well as a weekly to do list, on the brand’s classic blue pages. $260, smythson.com
5. Birkenstock Shearling and Suede Boston Clogs
Wearing shearling-lined Birkenstocks is like walking on a cloud. I spent the summer and early fall as an evangelist of the company’s Arizona sandal, but they also make a more seasonally appropriate closed-toed clog. They’re perfect for keeping feet warm in the wintertime. $165, birkenstock.com
6. Lizzie Fortunato Wristlet in Disco Fringe
The glass bugle beads on this swingy bag glimmer in a variety of colors, and it will complement almost any holiday or New Year’s Eve outfit. It’s not only lively and fun for a wristlet, but also almost practical in its roominess. $320, shop.lizziefortunato.com
7. Huldra of Norway Crochet Pillow
Hand crocheted by model and artist Hildie Gifstad, these circular pillows, available in eight colors, sit placidly in the corner of a chair or sofa, their fringe falling playfully to one side or the other. They’re an easy, artisanal statement piece for someone who appreciates a cheerful space. $180, comingsoonnewyork.com
8. Rimowa Cabin Suitcase
This glossy roller bag is an excellent choice for your favorite frequent traveler or celebrity fan. The club of Rimowa carriers includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Virgil Abloh and Karl Lagerfeld (to name a few)—but the best part of the suitcase in this shade is that you’ll never confuse it for someone else’s at baggage claim. $700, rimowa.com
9. BaleFire Glass Suspension Vase in Night Sky
I first saw these pretty handmade vases while browsing my second cousin’s San Francisco boutique and was immediately drawn to their liquid appearance. The flowing design is equally pleasing individually or as a set—the designer recommends setting them in a place where light can infuse them. $56-$82, balefireglass.com
10. Raquel Allegra Cotton Crochet Set
I love how Raquel Allegra can make clothing that’s simultaneously highlighter-colored and dreamy. This set is a little like giving a wearable piece of Allegra’s Los Angeles to brighten your giftee’s winter. (But it’s also a great present for someone who lives in L.A.) The top and bottom work as pajamas that are also perfectly acceptable to wear in front of company. Tee, $242, and legging, $209, raquelallegra.com
11. Artist Ted Pim’s Ephemeral Giclée Print
Irish street artist Ted Pim has long been inspired by Baroque masters like Caravaggio and Rembrandt, and his limited edition Ephemeral—his first print release—looks like it could be included on the wall of darkly enchanting still life paintings I encountered at Madrid’s Prado Museum last summer. Each print is hand-finished, making it a unique gift for your favorite art fan. About $317 (£249), tedpim.squarespace.com
WSJ. Magazine