A great fashionista story is told, that the late great David Bowie gave supermodel Iman an Hermes Birkin bag on their first Christmas together. Now we all know supermodels get fabulous free stuff, and that though iconic, the Birkin might be a bit “classic” for uber cool Iman. But the thought was there—what could be more exquisitely made, long lasting or elegant than a Birkin? The tale goes that she still has—and carries—it constantly.
BEST GIFT! Rock star David Bowie, who gave his future wife, super model Iman, an Hermes Birkin bag for their first Christmas together
But how many of us are married to David Bowie? So with the holidays at our doorstep, I’m offering a quick list of some of “my favorite things” to give and get. Tiffany’s to Target, choose “your favorite things,” all available at every price point.
One fun note, also a fashion story: Of the many items listed, my #1 favorite—and perhaps the most fun—is Graeter’s ice cream, churned on a farm in Ohio. On a fashion blog? Yes! This was Vogue editor & global creative director Anna Wintour’s Christmas gift to friends and colleagues several years ago. When I read that my idol, stick-thin Anna, could not resist the toffee chip, of course I had to try it immediately. She was right. Irresistible! If you’re going to indulge, this is worth every calorie. A fantastic party dessert, put out all the flavors and let your guests decide their favorite. Serve with chocolate covered pretzel rods and enjoy every scrumptious mouthful. Diet in January! Here’s my top-10 list:
- Something sparkly
- Something gold or silver
- Something luxurious
- Something cozy
- Something pretty
- Something delicious
- Something decadent
- Something to get wrapped up in
- Something to make the world a better place
- Something they’ll remember forever!
- SOMETHING SPARKLY: Baroque pearl, diamond & semi-precious stone necklace at margotmckinney.com; hoop earrings at Buccellati.com
2. SOMETHING GOLD OR SILVER: An array of drop earrings from ippolita.com; gold cuff from nest.com
3. SOMETHING LUXURIOUS: Bottega Veneta plum leather handbag & black leather coat from bergdorfgoodman.com; black leather biker jacket from neimanmarcus.com
4. SOMETHING COZY: Sofia Cashmere ivory throw from neimanmarcus.com; pink velour hoodie-footie from pajamagram.com
5. SOMETHING PRETTY: Pendants from monicarichkosann.com; link necklace from tiffany’s.com
SOMETHING DELICIOUS: New York Sunday Brunch at zabars.com; Levain cookies (talk about delicious!) at goldbelly.com
7. SOMETHING DECADENT: Graeter’s ice cream (I love the chip 6-pack!) at greaters.com & chocolate caramel pretzel rods at mrsprindables.com
8. SOMETHING TO GET WRAPPED-UP IN: Sofia Cashmere fox-trimmed wrap, available in an array of colors, at neimanmarcus.com; I’m also wrapped up in Cher’s new memoir, at amazon.com
9. SOMETHING TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE: TOMS’ slippers, 1/3 of every sale goes towards organizations promoting sustainable change, at toms.com
10. SOMETHING THEY’LL REMEMBER FOREVER: Tickets for a fabulous destination; theater or concert tickets; Last year’s Hanukkah gift–Lauren & me in NYC, taking my granddaughter Margot to see “The Lion King,” her first Broadway show! She still talks about it!! This weekend, we’re going to see “Aladdin”—can’t wait!
Warmest wishes for the Happiest of Holidays—Hoping all your holiday wishes come true~ Ellyn Golder Saft
Chic at 60ish! 
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