Last year’s Christmas present from Stephen – frame from Z Gallerie
One of the many classic jokes about gays is: we like and are easily distracted by shiny things. I learned this from watching Karen Walker and Jack McFarland play designer dress-up in a staged Barney’s store when I was 12. It made sense then why I love my mom’s gold & gemstone brooches and red patent pumps so much. Cue the nostalgia reel!
In some ways this generalization is pejorative, as being easily moved by the newer, better, shinier item (in whatever context) is seen as fickle or childish. See: Apple iPhone.
Steve Madden rhinestone slippers at Nordstrom
Historically, I stick to dark, simple basics for my main body coverings, but I love glitzy, splashy, shiny accessories, including footwear. The more glint the better. I seriously considered the shoes above – love the multicolored sparkles. I’d have nowhere to wear them, except for the yellow brick road…
A little bling ring – my recently acquired Ippolita sterling band
Some of my gay friends love even more sparkle – and others couldn’t distinguish a Swarovski crystal from a pavé diamond. Shows another lesson I eventually learned about gays: we come in as many varieties as any other demographic.
Beloved and well-loved pair of Tod’s patent gommino drivers
With launching At-Your-Service, I’ve been scouring the web for holiday gift ideas, both for clients, and for free reference (Pinterest!) – and a theme has emerged. It’s a lot of metallic, a lot of gold. Something about this time of the year, where it gets chillier and well-deserved laze/gluttony is in full swing, that makes the warmth of a flickering candle and the shine of a bangle just a bit more special.
Christmas bush, 2012
What follows are some ideas to add a bit of sparkle to your space or person this winter…
My parents have this votive holder, and I’ve gifted it several times. Looks great and costs less than some disposable candles!
Tiffany Rock Votive in Crystal – a steal
I was home all day yesterday and burned this candle for hours – made everything smell like Christmassssss!
The Frasier Fir & Thyme candle by Seventh Avenue Apothecary smells fab
These coasters are fun, inexpensive.
Sugar Paper Gold stripe Cabana coasters
If you were looking for a metallic $300 teddy bear (called a sculpture so it seems less ridiculous)…you came to the right place.
Freddy Dico disco teddy bear at ahalife
Similarly, if you appreciate fine leather goods but are on a relative budget, consider this “iridescent” Chanel caviar quilted pouch, which I almost think I could pull off. You know, to upgrade my Jack Spade clutch pouch.
Chanel quilted pouch
I’m sorta in love with this Alexander Wang bag. Not a huge fan of the line otherwise, but this is a rugged, fresh take on their standard Rocco look, also in an iridescent sparkly hue – if leather can sparkle…
Alexander Wang Rockie iridescent satchel
Diptyque is my guilty candle pleasure – though the line is expanding and losing its relative obscurity. In any case, the candles smell heavenly – and for the holidays they have some special scents, done in standard ($60+) size and a mini-candle, which is more affordable. Chai, ginger, orange…mmmm I’ll take that over apple cinnamon carcinogens stinking up my healthy home.
Diptyque Orange Chai 2013 holiday mini candle
How about a golden duck, for the desk or tablescape?
Seletti gold-plated porcelain duck
Or for the same price, a molten rose gold or silver lamp, with a delightful crisp white shade?
West Elm Perch Lamps at the Hyde Park store
If my business picks up or I finally find myself a sugar daddy, I would get this car, of 1983 greatness. Look at that chrome work. *whistles*
Mercedes Motoring 300D, 1983
And if bling isn’t your thing, then you can still get in on the luxe action: loving this Jack Spade denim jacket. So crisp and cool – a modern update to the classic.
Jack Spade Stenson denim jacket
I pulled all these items from my holiday gift guide, updated daily. Check back for more examples of seasonal sparkle & pop, among many other wonderful things. Happy shopping – and more importantly, happy holidays!
Ybor City holiday parade, last year
1 comment
Great article…many excellent ideas….please buy them all for me for my lovely family…