• HOME
  • About
  • 35MM

emma sousa

  • HOME
  • About
  • 35MM

Not Your Basic Holiday Gift Guide

'Tis the season for gifting and I wanted to share some brands and pieces that will make your gift anything but basic. Take a step inside my apartment…

Tom Dixon Tank Vase, Hex Bowl , Candle / Sunday Somewhere Sunnies /Clare V Clutch / Coach Watch / Phyllis + Rosie Necklace

Whether it’s the entryway table, the top of your dresser, or your bathroom vanity, having a “put together” tabletop can set the tone for an elegant home. The first three essentials for said tabletop include a unique vase, metalwork bowl, and light scented candle. Insert recent favorite, Tom Dixon. Known for amazing creativity and craftsmanship, these three respective TD pieces are the perfect start. Then, add your personal touches. For me, it’s well-made, classic accessories that never go out of style: tortoise sunnies by Sunday Somewhere, gold watch by Coach, delicate necklace by Phyllis & Rosie, and leather clutch by Clare V. The combination of it all gives you a chance to give your giftee a chic tabletop never goes out of style.

Jocelyn Fur Mittens / Inverni Beanie / Superga Wool Sneakers 

Cold weather accessories may seem like a typical gift but these are anything but. This knit beanie with furry top from Inverni is a gorgeous grey with pearl knit detailing and fur pom for some added fun. The ultimate in coziness? These black fur mittens by Jocelyn may be the softest things I own and are a chic substitute for those bargain gloves. Last but not least, Supergas are always a go-to gift for me. Mom, sister, best friend? They’re perfect. So it's perfect keeping with the winter textures that they added the wool in deep grey- an awesome update! Each piece is cozy and unique for that special someone.

Vintage Posters & Silver Tray / Tom Dixon Brew Cafetiere / Stove Top / Espresso Cups

I couldn’t create a gift guide without including some sort of vintage or “old school” element. I found these amazing vintage ad posters in a vintage magazine shop in London. I knew they were the ideal little quirky addition to my apartment and a great backdrop for Tom Dixon’s new café pieces. A cafetiere, stovetop, and espresso cups take your kitchen from 0 to 60 in a snap. Brushed steel interior with a high-shine copper finish make this set not only the best in its class for performance but look pretty damn good, too. Perfect for your coolest friend or coffee aficionado.

Rifle Paper + Co. Coffee Calendar, Card Set, Notebooks, Notepad / Kotur Get Smart Bag / Tom Dixon Candles

Another tabletop used by most, the desk. Let’s lose anything looking like it came from the 80s…anything plastic or questionable on material. Instead, let’s talk about some pieces from Rifle Paper + Co. Not your basic stationary company, RPC’s collections include unique prints and typography, as well as, collaborations with names like Garance Doré. A combination of a vintage inspired calendar, travel notebooks, fashion notecards, and punny notepads will set your desk for success. In addition, a great candle can set the mood for your work day. The elements set by Tom Dixon includes four scents that expel a sense of calm and tranquility. My essential for any working girl on the go or anyone who hates carrying a huge bag for a night out: the Get Smart bag by Kotur. Compact and stylishly designed with gold hardware, snakeskin detail, and a clip in phone holder… what more do you need? Talk about setting your girlfriend (or yourself) up for getting it done.

a vintage vice - gift guide - 5.jpg

Christopher Kon Bucket Bag / Wilsons Leather via Buffalo Exchange Suede Jacket / Fujifilm Instax NeoClassic Camera / Vine Street Market Bag

What’s on my coat rack isn’t just coats. It’s also a Christopher Kon hobo, Fujifilm Instax, and Vine Street Market Tote. The hobo is making a comeback. In the softest leather with unlined/raw interior and detailing, the CK style is now my every day handbag that’s timeless with an element of cool—a great gift for anyone lacking in a great black bag (aka me a month ago!) In that hobo, you can always find my Instax. The element of nostalgia that comes with a “polaroid”, the instantaneous tactile nature of the photo is irreplaceable. Also in that hobo, you might find the packable canvas tote by Vine Street Market. Perfect for those unprepared vintage shopping moments or a quick stop at the farmer’s market, the tote folds up into itself making it easy to pop in and out when needed. This eco friendly bag is perfect for your granola friend in Williamsburg or housewife in the Upper East. P.S. Use Coupon Code - VINTAGE20 - at checkout to receive 70% off any VSM canvas tote online.

a vintage vice - gift guide - 6.jpg

Morgan Lane Panty Set

Last but certainly not least and for the little girl inside all of us, the daily panty set by Morgan Lane. Talk about an old school but feminine vintage note with the day names and silky material—I’M OBSESSED—but there’s also a modern update with individualized emojis for each day of the week (perfectly summing up the days' vibes I might add). A fun gift option for any woman in your life. There’s more where that came from soon on AVV ;)

All in all, I hope you’ve enjoyed my comprehensive gift list that will set you apart from the rest. Shop the links for a winning gift or start for your personal wishlist!

 

xx
e

tags: holiday, gift guide, gifts, tom dixon, rifle paper + co, Sunday Somewhere, coach, Phyllis + Rosie, Inverni, Superga, Jocelyn, vintage, Kotur, Christopher Kon, Fujifilm, Vine Street, Morgan Lane
categories: Style, Vintage, Gift Guide
Wednesday 12.02.15
Posted by Emma Sousa
 

A Few Favorite Shops

Tom Dixon.jpg
ABC Carpet & Home.jpg
9th St. Haberdashery.jpg
Concrete + Water.jpg
Electric Nest.jpg
Tom Dixon.jpg ABC Carpet & Home.jpg 9th St. Haberdashery.jpg Concrete + Water.jpg Electric Nest.jpg

Maybe it's because the holidays are just around the corner or because I've been discovering some amazing new shops lately, but I wanted to share some of my favorites stores in New York that not only have amazing products but an equally amazing space to hold them. Check out my deets below :)

Tom Dixon: New to Manhattan, this cult British brand has nestled itself just perfectly into the NYC retail world and with some differentiation to boot. The moment you walk into the store you feel like you might like an espresso, a coffee table book, and your most sophisticated friend to gab endlessly with. The space is chic and modern yet still inviting, perfectly complimenting its products that are full of innovation and attention to detail. Be prepared to be inspired to fully redecorate your apartment around Tom Dixon's new store & products at 243 Centre Street.

ABC Carpet & Home: I still remember the first time I entered this store and it has been a essential stop for anyone I give a tour to. ABC Carpet & Home is seven stories of some of the most amazing home pieces. But it's so much more... It's its own world. Full of whimsical aromas, beautiful fabrics and carpets, an even an amazing restaurant inside, it's almost like being transported to another country. Also, keep an eye out for celebs as I ran into Blake Lively while showing my mom around! Block out at least an hour to explore at 888 Broadway.

9th St. Haberdashery: A new find on my vintage list, this store holds carefully curated vintage pieces with everything from delicate lace dresses to embroidered silk jackets, even perfect denim and essential worn in tees. The shop has a feeling like you're in your most fabulous grandmother's closet (minus the cobwebs), bright and charming. Owners Stacey and Meridith have some amazing experience in the vintage industry and will find you pieces that are quintessentially you while setting you apart from the rest.  Visit them at 346 E. 9th St.

Concrete + Water: Next stop, Brooklyn. C+W has a special place in my heart as it was started by my a close friend and fashion aficionado, Hannah Dilworth, along with fiancé DJ Guckstern. Centered in the heart of Williamsburg, the space is clean and open, artfully displaying unique brands and products not often found in the city. As you walk to the back, you'll discover an amazing backyard that's home to designer trunk shows, parties, and concerts, nonetheless inviting you to stay a while. Just off the L, check them out at 475 Driggs Avenue, Brooklyn.

Electric Nest: It's not often you find a modern designer so attune with design and what women want to wear. Leana Zuniga designs pieces that aim to transition from day to night and even between seasons. She uses unique fabrics and innovative silhouettes that sets the brand apart from the rest. And the space Electric Nest compliments the brand it holds just perfectly. The warm and welcoming space encourages you to explore the designs' and space's intricate details. Make the trip to 60 Broadway, Brooklyn and you won't be disappointed.

xx
e

tags: new york, shops, vintage, tom dixon, abc carpet & home, electric nest, electric feathers, concret + water, 9th St. Harberdashery
categories: Style, Vintage, Travel
Thursday 11.19.15
Posted by Emma Sousa
 

Powered by Squarespace.