Bit late isn’t it ?
These are a few of my favourite things (or, the gift edit no one asked for).
Well, it’s the 20th of December, I have writers block, but for the first time in a long time (probably since 2001, when Hugo and I got matching Teletubbies soft toys from ‘Santa’) I am quite looking forward to Christmas.
Anyway I love buying presents, and I think I’m quite good at it, so I’ve decided to bestow upon you all, late for Christmas but maybe early for other kinds of gifting, my opinion about what makes a good pressie. Enjoy.
Let’s start strong with : anything from Henry Wilson - I’ve loved Henry’s objects for a very long time, and now I have someone who also likes his work, so I can buy them for him and it’s ‘generous’, not ‘a bad financial decision’. Luckily he doesn’t read my newsletters, because Aidan is getting the Vide Poche Rond in bronze for Christmas, which I picture will live on the hall table in our new loft apartment, next to fresh flowers and maybe a framed photo of us on a camel.
Not at all ground breaking, but Maison Balzac is great for gifts. It just is. The colours are gorgeous, and tumblers are the perfect vessel for everything. See my interview here for Broadsheet. The little coupettes with the colourful bobbles are my favourite for champagne or a margarita, and I got mum (hi Elizabeth) these for an afternoon g&t.
Also, in my professional fragrance-oriented opinion, the 1642 candle (a collaboration with the most incredible Doctor Lisa Cooper, florist and philosopher) is the best one.
If you like to gift flowers, Doctor Cooper is most certainly an (expensive) option, or Bess on William Street is an outrageously talented woman in the floral department. They also do workshops, which would be a nice thing to do with a friend.
These Isabel Marant earrings - in a very-good-boyfriend move, Aidan gifted me these very fancy earrings and I am now obsessed with them. They’re heavy and they go with everything because I have decided that they do. They are also excellent at making my bob look euro-chic instead of like I am a small child who attempted to trim their own hair.
My two new beauty obsessions, NUXE and Caudalie Skincare. I realise I am coming in very late to the NUXE oil party, but I waited to buy it in Paris because it really is way less expensive there.
I will do a whole write up on French Pharmacy purchasing (another groundbreaking post, I know, I know) but this oil is truly gorgeous, and you can get it here, or at Sephora but we don’t need to give them a free click thru.
Caudalie was introduced to me by Charlotte, the mother of Antoine (my little French nannying charge from 10 years ago) when we caught up for coffee recently. You can get it here. And again, also, Sephora. Anyway. It was also strongly recommended to me by the forceful French sales assistant at CityPharma, Paris’ best pharmacy (again, more on that later) who choose me a bunch of products, and they are all heavenly. J’adore.
Plus, it’s made from grapes, so obviously it’s a match made in heaven for me. They’re lush and fun and French and while they’re not cheap, they’re also not La Mer so that’s good.
If anyone has the hook up I am available to be the Australian face of Caudalie. I’ll work for product and exposure. Merci.
In more Isabelle is over 30 news, I have started slowly building a cutlery collection a couple of pieces at a time. When we were in London we went to the David Mellor store and the very helpful sales associate informed us that they’re having a big sale on Boxing Day. After she processed our payment. Anyway that’s okay, it’s been lovely to have more of a set to use for now and we can continue to collect. Here’s the set we’ve chosen. There’s also these for the small person in your life. Adorable.
Speaking of small children, everyone I know is having babies and it’s so much fun to buy pressies for all the little ones. Sophie the Giraffe is the obvious choice, all babies need at least one. But also, all babies need a Miffy. I am also a baby who needs a Miffy, this is mine.
If you’re in Sydney (but I guess they’re also online), Kido and Hello1234 are beautiful shops that have such lovely little children’s things it’ll make you want a baby.
A portait session with Hugh Stewart is a great ‘experience’ gift, especially for friends with children.
Speaking of experiences, a membership to a gallery is nice. My favourite gallery of all time, for example, the NGA, or The Gallery of NSW for people who don’t live in or frequently visit Canberra.
For the wine lover in your life, why not get a commission or a print from the gorgeously talented Anna at Good Wine Crap Drawing. Aidan and I have gotten a few of our favourite wines drawn (which are currently at the framers) for the new place, and they’re such a lovely way to remember the wines, and the special occasions at which they were drunk, which I love, because I am very sentimental.
If you need booze you can of course visit me at P&V Merchants. If you can’t come in but you want some liquid related advice, you’re welcome to send me a message and I’ll curate something for you. This goes for anytime, not just Christmas.
Speaking of emails, if you have a question, want some advice on something other than wine, have a request for a long and rambling opinion on something, or you have a job for me; I’d love to hear from you. Email me at isabellesarahwebster@gmail.com or DM me at
.I guess you could also :
Here’s a quick fire of other things I like to spend money on :
Angus and Grace Go Golfing - for the golfers in your life
Ariel Booksellers - coffee table books ! Lots of Miffy related objects ! Magazines !
D.S. & Durga - the best perfume
In Bed Store - the best sheets but they also sell Henry Wilson
Amélie Pichard - I’m a shoe size 37 FYI
Vacation - sexy sunscreen
Merci - Paris’ everything store (also everything is expensive store)
Ofr. Bookshop (they don’t have an online store but if you’re ever in Paris …)
Nonna’s Grocer - they won me over with the fennel candle
Condimental - people love condiments
Byredo - best mascara
Extra Silky - they sell evo, my number one hair care brand - but also their own merch so if you’re in the market for a silk bonnet or a diffuser, support a small indie hairdresser instead of the black and white brand (Sephora).
Artificer - best coffee
Lastly, in the spirit of gratitude for safe, enjoyable festivities with our loved ones, perhaps consider donating to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) who are doing their best in the most horrendous of situations at present.
Okay that’s enough !
Peace on earth, lots of love, ttyl, xoxo gossip girl,
Isabelle