Personal faves: Cinq a Sept dress | Sandals | YSL Toy Puffer | Green bench | Gigi Clozeau necklace | David Yurman pendant

These are my personal favorites … and they make the best gifts!

They’re too good not to share with all of you 😊

When I started this little fashion website journey several years ago (five to be exact), I was a personal stylist working out of Room 3 at Nordstrom. That’s where I helped clients one-on-one with whom I had built relationships over years. It was a dream job, and I loved every minute of it. When a new arrival would roll in, if it was good and I liked it, all the clients I helped that day went home with it as well 😉 It was too good not to share, and that’s what So Susie is all about!

Today’s post is about my personal favorites that also happen to make the best gifts! I love featuring items that are bound to sell out, that will stand the test of time, and that help you get dressed every day and feel stylish and confident. For this post, I walked around my house looking at everything from Target frames to my favorite candles to all the cool things in my closet, and I’ve included them here. This has been one of my favorite posts to write, and I hope you enjoy it too! Happy holiday season ❤️ Susie xx

P.S. I’m doing a giveaway on Instagram! I’ve selected some of my favorite items from this blog post and will be gifting them to one of you! Check out how to enter here. There will be more opportunities to enter in the coming days so keep an eye out. I’m so excited to give these items away, and thank you for following along. 

 

Clothing favorites

Left: Aritzia puffer | Stripe sweater | Mother Insider | GG sneakers | Right: VB blazer | Citizen jeans | Chanel shoes, similar here

There are certain things I gravitate toward over and over again. For example, Mother Denim is what I wear most days, along with GG Ballstar sneakers (they’re comfy and easy to slide on). The Naghedi tote holds everything one needs, and this VB blazer is a wardrobe staple. Here are a few other things that also make great gifts:

Cashmere sweaters – between the Nordstrom ones (here and here) and the J.Crew Cashmere shop, you’ll be pretty much covered — for yourself and for gifts!

Frame black blouse – This spendy little blouse is still a favorite, and it’s a year ’round staple that always looks good

Cashmere hoodies – Thank goodness cashmere hoodies are still in style! They layer perfectly under everything: puffer coats, long wrap coats, blazers, casual jackets, trench coats … you get the idea!

 

Active favorites

Left: AirEssentials 1/2 zip | Tennis skirt | ON Sneakers | Loewe tote | Right: Moncler jacket | Vuori jogger | Sneaker Varley everything – especially this full zip fleece jacket and this 1/2 zip sweater – see this recent blog post for more favorites.

Vuori shirt jacket and jogger – I’ve been wearing this shirt jacket non stop, and I’m convinced everyone will love it. Same on the jogger — it’s perfect for everyone on your list! Read about more favorites here. Lululemon long sleeve shirt – Last year, I went to Palm Springs thinking it was going to be warm. Well, it wasn’t 😂 Thank goodness I had this long sleeved shirt that I wore EVERY SINGLE DAY! It’s stretchy, soft, comfortable and everyone needs one. See more lululemon favorites here. Lululemon tennis skirt – My daughter and I wear the same lululemon tennis skirts — and not just to play tennis! The tennis trend isn’t going anywhere — you can style them with comfy sweatshirts on warmer days

Moncler jacket – this is the best coat I’ve purchased in years. Yes, I know it’s a huge splurge, but it’s worth every penny if you end up wearing it non-stop for 9 months out of twelve! It’s cozy, and thin enough to pack tight in a travel bag

Spanx AirEssentials – These soft, lightweight, perfect-for-travel pieces are SO good, you’ll feel comfy and stylish while doing everyday things. Plus right now, they’re all on sale! See my favorites here

 

Bags that work for everyone

Naghedi tote – I’ve seen everyone wearing this simple but chic tote. It’s understated, a little stretchy and holds a decent amount of things, making it perfect for traveling or day-to-day errands. It’s kind of like a handbag substitute. For reference, it’s the St. Barth’s medium tote.

Loewe straw tote – Love a straw bag, and the Loewe one has been a top favorite. It’s another one that somehow I squished into my suitcase so I could bring it on vacation 🙂

YSL Toy Puffer – This is my everyday, go-to bag that fits everything you might need, like an iPhone, lipstick, cardholder, glasses, keys and a few more things. It’s soft and comfy and you’ll love it.

Rebecca Minkoff clutch – I purchased this last year in gold, and initially I thought it was too shiny, so I put it in my return pile. But, I kept asking my trusted friends, and they loved it. So, I plucked it from my return pile, and immediately started wearing it! Talk about getting compliments, this bag is a great piece.

 

Pretty things for your home

Left: Weezie towels | Serena & Lily stool | Right: John Derian book

Working on my home is my favorite thing to do when I have a little down time. I’m pretty picky, and will often wait until I see just the right item for the space I’m working on (which is usually several at any given time). As my friend once said, my house is in a constant state of re-merchandising. It’s true 😉

Sonos speakers – We have these everywhere in our house. The Sonos Move is perfect for taking outside, upstairs and all over the house. I highly recommend this one!

Target white frames and the John Derian book – Last year, I shared a DIY project I did in my Instagram office. All you need is simple white frames, this John Derian book and a little empty wall space. To see how it looked when I was done, you can watch this video to see my IG office. It’s my happy place!

Anthropoloige throw blanket – No joke, my husband sits on this cozy, fluffy blanket every single day while watching TV. It was getting a little ratty looking, so I just replaced it with this soft beige color.

Anthropologie Primrose mirror – I splurged on this mirror a couple of Back Fridays back, and it was one of the best home purchases I’ve ever made. I went with the largest size, and it’s truly the star of my Instagram office!

Serena & Lily vase – Spotted these on a trip to LA and immediately knew they’d be perfect in my house. So, the minute I got back, I ordered the large and small ones. The scale of the large one is perfect. You can either use them together, or split them up in different rooms. Either way, they’ll add style to your space!

3 in 1 Wireless Charging Station for Apple Devices – It’s not often I get excited about a charging device, but this one is SO good, I immediately ordered one for everyone in the family for Christmas! I’ve been using it to charge my phone, and it acts like a mini stand which is so handy. Since my husband has an Apple Watch, Earbuds AND a phone, this is one of HIS favorite gifts. it’s amazing how it charges all three at once!

Candles – It’s hard to pick just one, but I have gone through countless Diptyque Baies candles, Le Labo Santal 26, and Cire Trudon Positano and Ernesto. I love them all 🙂

Coffee table books – Love this gorgeous De’Gournay wallpaper book, this Grey Malin Italy book, and the Mark Sikes Beautiful and More Beautiful books. It helps that I’ve walked by his house in the Hollywood Hills while exercising, and it’s stunning.

 

Beauty favorites

Images via Pinterest

Don’t we all love a little self-care? I try new products regularly, but like you all, it’s not often that something makes it to the “everyday” list! Here are my current favorites that passed my picky test 😉 

Baccarat Rouge 540 fragrance – I love this fragrance SO much! Last year, I graduated from the body oil to the perfume. The perfume is one of the best purchases I made all year. I spray it on most mornings, and it leaves my bathroom smelling nice for the remainder of the day. I recently picked up the newly packaged lotion and bath gel, which I also highly recommend.

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps – This fragrance-free body creme is really good. My girlfriend actually told me about it for years, and I always thought to myself, what could be the big deal? Well, now I know! It leaves a nice sheen on your skin, and even my photographer asked me what was on my legs 😂 Right now, if you use my code Susie35, you’ll get 35% off your order.

Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm – This cleansing balm is like a mini-spa in a jar, and it’s a personal fave. I’ve used it regularly for several years. You’ll love the accompanying muslin cloth — just moisten it with hot water, and place over skin to wipe off the balm. It will leave your skin glowing! I included this in the gift bags I gave everyone at the wine event.

Bobbi Brown Illuminating Moisture Balm – I only discovered this balm recently, and now it’s part of my morning routine. It gives an instant glow along with a little hydration.

Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask – Several months ago, when I was visiting my Nordstrom friend Danielle, I was complaining of crazy dry skin after using a new retinol product. She immediately went to her bathroom and handed me her expensive Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask and said here — try this. Well I’m here to report: it’s softening and hydrating, and one of the most luxurious creams I’ve ever used. So, now I have it too 🙂

 

Intimates

Wacoal pj set – we’re both wearing a size small

Wacoal favorites – The Red Carpet Strapless Bra is my go-to, along with the Softly Styled bra for every day. The Body Base shorts for under dresses.

Natori Bliss thongs – Hands down, Natori Bliss thongs are the best. They come in pretty colors, and I find that they fit perfectly under denim.

Haven Well Within washable silk robe – I always wear a robe when getting ready in the morning, and this silk one is a new personal favorite. It’s available in several colors, and a couple are on sale right now. Highly recommend, great gift too.

Spanx Undie-Tectable Panties – These are an all-time fave, and a great option if you don’t love thongs! Not only are they really pretty, they also provide a little tummy smoothing. And, they have elastic-free edges and a bonded waistband to make them invisible under clothes. Stock up, these are good.

 

Personal favorites at Gucci

Left: Gucci scarf | Right: Gucci bucket bag

If you’re up for a Gucci splurge, keep reading! These have been some of my best designer purchases. Last year, I picked up this scarf, which I shared in this Reels video. And, while racing through the Heathrow airport, I splurged on these loafers and boots. I love them and have been wearing them all the time, and I guarantee you will too — go ahead and treat yourself. You deserve it 🙂

Bucket bag – The Gucci bucket bag is still one of my all-time favorites. It holds everything you need, and it’s really comfortable to put on and take off. Love!

GG Monogram scarf – I’ve had this light gray scarf for several years, and it’s a classic that works with everything.

Horsebit sandals – A block heel sandal is really easy to wear, and these sandals are super versatile. In fact, I just picked up the blush color. They’re also very very pretty!

Gucci loafers – I’ve had these classic ones for several years, and decided to add the slightly chunkier style for a little update 😉

 

Jewelry favorites

Rails cardigan | Frame jeans | Gigi Clozeau beaded necklace | Storrows green heart | Diamond layer necklace

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I pretty much wear the same necklaces every single day: the Gigi Clozeau and the diamond layer. Since I often wear three, I switch the third one out depending on the look I’m going for.

David Yurman initial necklace – This lovely initial necklace makes a perfect gift. It’s easy to layer with many different pieces, and it’s super pretty.

Gigi Clozeau necklace – This dainty necklace with tiny white resin beads is beautiful, and goes with all my other necklaces. I have the white/rose gold chain version, which you wouldn’t think would work with my other gold necklaces, but it does. My friend Paul at Twist in Portland helped me with it, and it looks great with anything you’re wearing! This is a personal fave for sure.

Zoe Chicco diamond layer – This was a birthday present to myself, and I haven’t taken it off since. A beautiful diamond layer is beautiful with any necklace you might already own.

Jamie Joseph rings – These gorgeous rings tend to have a cult following, and I know many people who wear several at a time. I love the white one I recently added to my collection, and after trying many on, I think the faceted ones are the prettiest!

Foundrae necklace – This was a very special gift, purchased from a local store here in Portland called Twist. Check it out!

J.Crew bracelets – I often layer in cool pieces I find from J.Crew, and the prices are super reasonable. Look at this crystal tennis bracelet and this cool cuff.

 

I’ll never travel without these things!

Varley 1/2 zip | Leggings | Samba sneakers

I went on several trips last year, possibly too many! Safe to say I tested a lot of luggage and tote bags …

Beis Weekender bag – You’ll be shocked to know how much this compact bag holds — it’s crazy. There’s a zip compartment at the bottom that’s meant for shoes, but I always put my cosmetics bag and hair dryer in this section. The trick to carrying it on board is to not over pack it, so it squishes under the seat in front of you. I wrote all about it in this post. It also comes in a smaller size, and I’ve been thinking about getting this one as well. It’ll be ideal for shorter trips.

Compression Packing Cubes – Last year, I attempted 15 days in a carryon (read about it here)! While it didn’t exactly work out (see the results here), the compression packing cubes were the only reason it could be done in the first place. I highly recommend them … and they do work!

Nordstrom black scarf – I can’t say enough great things about this black scarf. It’s the only one I recommend because it’s lightweight, which makes it perfect for packing or wearing on the airplane any time of year. It’s also ideal for wearing during the winter with all your coats. It goes with many things, adds a little warmth without being too bulky. It’s a good one!

Amazon cosmetics bag – I’ve used this on every single trip for the last few years! The hanging hook is super useful, and you can get everything you might need into this cosmetics bag. It gets xxx ratings on Amazon and the price is so good, you just can’t go wrong!

Thank you for reading! xx