06. The Style Servant Holiday Gift Guide
You asked, I answered. Herein a thoughtful compilation of some of my favourite guides, shops, and items from my own wish list.
‘Tis the season to be shopping.
And a surprising number of you want to know what’s on my wish list, so let’s dive right in!
The gift of good denim
At this point in my life, I feel like I can say almost exclusively that my favourite brand when it comes to jeans is American Eagle.
Not only are they so super soft, but breathable in the way they mold to and move with your natural shape.
Here are a few pairs that have made my director’s cut:
While AE has my heart swathed in soft cotton fibers, I have recently sparked an interest in trying out Abercrombie & Fitch denim (of which I’ve heard rave reviews).
I was inspired to visit their store for the first time a few months ago after being influenced by Lindsay Albanese1, who documented her first time shopping there just a couple months ago.
It’s safe to say that gone are the days of shirtless dudes, heady colognes, and lights so dim you can’t see the price tag.
Though I didn’t try denim this time ‘round, I did pick up one gorgeous event dress and an illegally cute tee-shirt sweater (perfect gifts for the fashionista in your life):
I enjoyed my experience so much that I downloaded the app and have been window shopping and saving to favourites ever since.
Here’s a hot tip when shopping clearance summer sales mid-winter: satin summer dresses convert beautifully into winter gowns if you know a thing or two about layering… if not, message me privately 😉
Sustainable shopping: designer styles @ retail prices
Have you ever realized that every single thing we wear was once on the runway in some shape or form?
Mind-bending, I know, but where do you think the term “ready to wear” came from?
Everything from your basic white tee, to your favourite wool sweater — someone, somewhere designed it. It all gets filtered down through the fast fashion chain until Gucci becomes Joe Fresh.
Take this for example:
So the key to stretching your dollar as far as it’ll go — at least for me, at this point in time — is this:
window shop expensively, then be observant when you’re strolling boutiques, malls, even the thrift. What you find may not be identical to your wish list, but for the significantly lower price, it’ll probably be worth it.
Below are a few key pieces that’ve been hanging out on my wish list for months now and are a continuous source of inspiration when I go shopping in stores I can currently afford.
Want more inspiration from NET-A-PORTER?
They penned a pretty conclusive article just a few days ago detailing gift ideas for all the different types of people in your life. Just remember to simply Ctrl-V these ideas into what’s feasible for your budget. Unless of course, you’re willing and able to spend $215 on a set of four gold-plated napkin rings… then go for it.
If that’s not enough high fashion gifting genius for you, take a look below at these cutouts from the Fashion Canada magazine — which, by the way, in itself is a great gift.
Right now, they have a deal on their annual subscription. If not this publication, maybe you’re inclined to gift National Geographic, The Walrus, or even a Substack-exclusive publication like
‘s In Moda Veritas (that one’s made my wish list).
(Some) local shops I recommend
The shops that get ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in my heart (and in my closet).
Bés57
This quaint little shop just opened up in Fenlon Falls earlier this year and my, what a charmer! I haven’t had the opportunity to actually go up and visit these lovely gals yet, but I stalk their website (and Insta) constantly because their selection is mint. Not to mention, they’re the kind of people you message online and feel like you’ve known then for years.
In the spirit of giving, they’ve curated a gift guide collection of their very own!
My personal favourites of brands they carry include: Jenny Bird, America and Beyond, and By the Docks.
SOS (Save Our Soles)
This vibin’ establishment carries top-quality brands like Free People, Dr. Martens, Gentle Fawn and more — not to mention, the space itself is stunning in downtown Peterborough. I’ve been shopping SOS for a couple years now and would recommend them to anyone looking for a fun, easy-going shopping experience coupled with knowledgeable associates who care about your style.
(Not to mention, they also own FLVR and Providence downtown which are equally well-curated and equally awesome spots to shop and hang.)
10/10 would recommend to a friend.
shopmoncoquelicot
This hidden gem tucked away in the heart of East City, Peterborough, has got to be my fan favourite. I’ve been shopping (and consigning) with Sarah pretty consistently over the last four years, and she’s always got something good in her little shop. Best of all, sometimes she throws fun parties or clothing swaps, bring the fashion-loving community together for a good time. Great gal with great taste (and sustainable fashion values).
Show Sarah — and her growing fam — support this holiday season by gifting a shopping appointment to a friend or family member. She’s just a DM away!
Currently obsessed with this green suit and have been wondering if I can pull it off…
At the end of the day, you know your recipient best.
If they’re not a “things” person, consider the gift of experience, such as:
A massage or relaxing spa getaway
Something adventurous like skydiving, white water rafting, or bungee jumping
Tickets to see their favourite artist at a concert nearby (or one in another city, where you make a mini trip out of it)
If they’re more of a homebody, giving the gift of food never goes out of style, in my opinion. It may not last them very long, but if they’re not big on cooking — or have physical limitations that make cooking a real chore — it will no doubt be much appreciated.
The heart of the season
In the spirit of Christmas, I offer this one verse from the Bible’s book of Acts 20:35 (ESV): ‘In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘“It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Giving does a special thing to the heart. In my experience, I receive abundantly more joy in giving than receiving. Receiving is nice too, but I love the thoughtful process of finding that perfect thing — regardless of money spent — to give to those I love.
Happy hunting.
💌, Tess
PS. Lindsay has some great — and extremely thorough — gift guides, plural. Check them out here: https://thefileist.com/blogs/lindsays-latest/holiday-gift-guides-lindsay-albanese.
HI TESS!!!! Omg, it’s been forever! You went into styling like you said you would! Let’s catch up!!