Chic at 60ish!

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.

IF IT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ANNA, IT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ELLYN! Scrumptious ice cream in an array of flavors—I love the “chip pack”—from graeters.com

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 global chief content officer & artist director Anna Wintour’s Christmas gift to friends and colleagues a few 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. Diet in January!

Here are a few of my favorite things—what are yours?

SOMETHING SPARKLY: Ariana Grande in crystal jewelry from swarovski.com

SOMETHING GOLD OR SILVER: Gold “HardWare” earrings & Elsa Peretti silver “Bone” cuff at tiffanys.com

SOMETHING LUXURIOUS: “Horsebit 1955 Aura” bag from gucci.com; Chloe “Paddington” bags & scarves from neimanmarcus.com; butterscotch suede jacket from veronicabeard.com

SOMETHING COZY: Arch knee-length ivory cashmere cardigan from Boyds in Philadelphia & Wayne; leopard coat from veronicabeard.com; an array of sweaters from ralphlauren.com

SOMETHING PRETTY: Ropes of pearls at mikimoto.com

SOMETHING DELICIOUS: Caviar & latkes and “Sunday brunch” from russanddaughters.com

SOMETHING DECADENT: Joe’s Stone Crabs & Levain cookies, both at goldbelly.com

SOMETHING TO GET WRAPPED UP IN: Sofia fur-trimmed leopard wrap from neimanmarcus.com; red cashmere scarf from therow.com; “Women,” Annie Leibovitz’ beautiful new coffee table book from amazon.con

SOMETHING TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE: ROMA merges fashion with philanthropy—for every pair of boots sold, a new pair is donated to a child in need, at romaboots.com

SOMETHING THEY’LL REMEMBER FOREVER! Theater or concert tickets—Margot, Lauren & me, on our way to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in NYC last week

“HOLIDAY LIGHTS!” Nothing lights up your heart more than the glow of cherished family & friends—my son-in-law Steve, 6-1/2 year old granddaughter Margot & daughter Lauren in NYC last weekend 🙂 No better gift!!!!

The best gifts take thought and are given with obvious affection. Keeping that in mind, have fun and be creative—as the saying goes, you get back much more than you give. So take time with your shopping, take time for yourself, and then take time to count your blessings—the very best gift of all. ‘Tis the season to indulge! Enjoy every minute of it. Warmest wishes for the Happiest of Holidays—Hoping all your holiday wishes come true—I’ll be back in a few months~ Ellyn Golder Saft