312: Gift cards 4 cash
Plus Toteme's big sale, a Nicklas Skovgaard holiday exclusive, and last chance for Helbers' Fforme for 80% off.
We’ve reached the digital gift card period of online gift shopping, which…blergh. Those things get sold off for cash at a lesser value more than one would like to think. If that’s the move, at least make it for a very good facial (Spencer’s, Raquel New York) or a night at a hotel for a cheeky staycation (Hotel Chelsea comes to mind—call them direct to make it happen).
Personally, for everything I didn’t order in time, I got the old-fashioned way over two days of sincerely enjoyable frigid shopping in New York. I hit a bunch of spots and bought some tier-one things from Bomi, La Garçonne, Gem Home, Tangerine, and 21Tara (that little shop in Clinton Hill where I get my Indian block-print bed sheets…I struck gifting gold here). I won’t tell you exactly what was in those shopping bags because, very soon, a few people reading here will find out first hand.
What I can tell you about are the little delights I added for myself along the way that amounted to a charmingly curated self-gift. A striped toothbrush with a pleasant horsehair bristle, a brass tube squeezer (for toothpaste/skincare), fresh pillow cases, Tekla washcloths. I love to dote on me, I do it well. Merry Christmas and happy Hannukah, Laura.
If you are attempting to buy last-minute presents online, I’ll say that you can still get free express delivery from Tiffany (doesn’t have to be jewelry, could even be a pen) that arrives by the 24th if you order by noon today. For locals, Bergdorf Goodman offers same-day delivery anywhere in Manhattan if you order before noon (why not Baccarat chopstick rests?). Better get a move on, that's…soon.
What’s new
Maimoun cinched an exclusive holiday capsule from Nicklas Skovgaard, truly one of the best to ever throw together a party dress. His drop waists and corseted bodices have been on my radar for the season, and clearly on others’ too, based on the strong looks I’ve been seeing pulled on IG Stories. These six styles just dropped, though, which means slim chances of your moment getting pulled out from under you with a dueling grid post.
Miami-chic jewelry brand Éliou released its first bag in collaboration with Cesta Collective, a suede pouch in three colors and three chunky zipper charm options that read a bit Carven to me. I especially love the nutty green version with its varied resin baubles.
Paris’ Preclothed—the vintage designer dealer New York’s most discerning make a requisite stop out of when in town—is offering an edit of pieces via Vestige (a store doing everything right lately, by my count). I like that it’s not just big ‘90s labels in the mix, but a few unbranded and unknowns that, by the merit of their designs and quality, clearly deserve to be there, too.
THREE new bag releases from brands I'll always report bag news around—Lemaire introduces the Belted Hobo, Khaite gives us the Audrey, and Eckhaus Latta breaks its bag cherry with the Snap.
Home releases
The Backdrop x Schumacher New Yorker wallpaper collab is giving institutional bar bathroom excellence. The tiled cover versions are obviously the breakout singles of the pack, and I could also see them doing good work in a cellar kitchen or kids room reading nook.
What’s on sale
My standout from Toteme’s sale is this $354 slim case that I noted last week when the promo was still “private.” I likened it to the modern businesswoman’s briefcase, an effect best appreciated when it’s held either like a folio in the crook of an arm or dangling by its strap as shown on model. (Can you tell I’ve been nurturing this fantasy in the days since I first clocked it?) The rest of the sale—knits, monogram separates, kitten heels, coats under $500—is similarly convincing.
The Fforme sale that’s mobilized the Mag community since Black Friday is coming to a close. For the record, what I see happening is a deep cleanse of inventory ahead of the brand’s new creative director releasing her first collection since Paul Helbers’ departure, meaning a repeat event of this level of discount is very unlikely. I’m open minded about what comes net, but as a PH stan, I can say I’ve pretty thoroughly taken advantage of the fluke.
I like to think I provide something readers can’t find elsewhere, but I love when I know it’s true. Thousand Fell—the minimalist, low-profile sneaker brand—is offering Mag readers an exclusive 30% off with MAGASIN30 and even made a landing page to prove it. I’m partial to the fluffy ribbed socks, FWIW.
Bergdorf’s sale just got 15% better, as in, on top of the 60% off discounts already listed. A sparkling Khaite dress for $326 and gold Alaia bodysuit (under $600 from $2,300) are tempting with NYW just ahead.
There's also: There’s a Reformation sale on that’s 50% off and up—I legitimately don’t need more jeans, but these look great and they’re $84 right now; the Aritzia sale, full of activewear for about half off; early access to Posse’s archive sale; Bevza’s famously ruthless sale is back; and Studio Nicholson is up to 30% off.
Magasin may earn some money if you make a purchase through one of the links above.
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