Carrie's Chronicles

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2018 Holiday Gift Guide

Just because Black Friday has passed doesn’t mean your holiday shopping is complete--behold the official Carrie’s Chronicles 2018 Holiday Gift Guide, featuring today’s top fashion, beauty, fitness, and food items that would make the perfect present for a friend, colleague, loved one—even yourself. Each product on this list was carefully hand-picked by me to ensure that your shopping spree this month can go as smoothly as possible. Read, shop, splurge, repeat…

For the Fashionista:

1. Strathberry Nano Leather Tote ($420)
This versatile handbag, adorned with a rolled top handle and gleaming chain strap, is a recent addition to Duchess Meghan Markle’s wardrobe. Ideal for a holiday party, you will take on the role of a royal as you enter your holiday event.

2. Papyrus 2019 Fashionista Diaries Wall Calendar ($14.99)
Pass the days in style with this hanging on your bedroom walls. With pages that show girls dressed fashionably in New York, the beach, and more chic destinations, you will surely get your daily dose of fashion inspiration.

3. And Other Stories Gathered Satin Mini Dress in Red ($89)
The search is over for your New Year’s Eve party frock. This flattering satin jacquard mini dress with long sleeves and a defined twist gathered waistline is the perfect outfit to kick off 2019.

4. Maya J Empowered Bracelet ($38)
Heavily praised by Oprah, this yellow gold-plated bracelet is intended to be worn and gifted to spread love, strength, and positivity. The inspiring phrase around your wrist can’t help but make you feel empowered.

5. Alex Woo Autograph Collection (starting at $118)
In collaboration with luxury beauty brand Smith & Cult, the jewelry designer combines her iconic designs with beautifully imaginative colors guaranteed to spread the holiday spirit. The line is filled with fluid, cursive letter charms complemented by Smith & Cult’s Nailed Lacquer colors: Kundalini Hustle, Exit The Void, Bitter Buddhist, Pillow Pie, and A Little Lovely.

6. Michael Kors Collection Bancroft Portrait Print Calf Leather Pouch ($298)
The chicest clutch of the holidays, Kors’ new design is offered in four illustrated portrait prints that celebrate a diverse group of stylish women: the chic sophisticate, Brooke; the glamorous icon, Claudia; the luxe gamine, Sabine; and the modern goddess, Lola. Whichever alter ego you decide to take on, your status as the most stylish in the room is practically a given.

7. Shop Fletch It’s Lit Sweatshirt by Joelle Fletcher ($57)
Cuddle up by the fireplace this season in a sweatshirt designed by Bachelorette alumni Jojo Fletcher that perfectly captures the holiday spirit. Made out of ivory cotton fleece and adorned with “It’s Lit” embroidery in copper lurex thread, this item perfectly combines comfort and style.

8. Betsey Johnson Too Glam Sweatshirt ($58)
A lounging essential, this crewneck pullover would make a great addition to your winter wardrobe. An added plus: the adorable mantra spelled across the front of the sweatshirt.

9. by the way. Devonne Surplice Romper in Gold ($68)
All eyes will be on you when you enter a holiday party in this allover sequin-embellished romper. The v-neck neckline gives the opportunity for endless jewelry possibilities while the back loop button keyhole adds a chic surprise.

For the Beauty Buff:

1. Love Kenzie Beauty Be Cheeky Palette ($28)
Your morning makeup routine just got a whole lot easier with this 4-in-1 cheek palette, which includes highlighter bronzer, and blush. Each formula is smooth and blendable, giving you everything you need to sculpt, define, and highlight your countenance this holiday season.

2. Jeffree Star Velour Lip Scrub in Pumpkin Pie, Marshmallow, or Egg Nog ($12)
Scrub away dead skin cells using signature holiday dessert flavors beautified by the YouTube sensation. The jojoba oil and vitamin E work to moisturize and condition lips while fine sugar granules buff to leave you a pillow-soft pout.

3. The Better Skin Co. x Sterling Forever “Jewels of the Holiday” Collaboration ($74)
Ring in the new year with skincare essentials that leaves skin feeling smoother than ever. Enclosed in a sparkly cosmetic case are the brand’s Amaze Balm and Epik Serum that hydrate, brighten, and tighten--plus, each package includes a $30 gift card to jewelry brand Sterling Forever!

4. Wu Tang x Milk Makeup Lip Color ($55)
Each of the eight vegan lipsticks made in collaboration with the iconic band either has a rich matte, shine, and glitter finish. Although the product would fit perfectly into a clutch for evening festivities, its gold sculpted dragon packaging deserves to be displayed center stage on your vanity.

5. Drybar Holiday Blow-Dryer Kit ($172)
The brand’s exclusive Glitter Buttercup Blow-dryer not only provides a smooth, shiny blowout, but it will have your hair party-ready in 20% less time! The set also includes a Full Pint Medium Ceramic Round Brush, Limited-edition Glitter Spritzer Sparkle Spray, Triple Sec 3-in-1 Texturizing Spray, and Detox Dry Shampoo to leave your locks looking all the more radiant.

6. Planted in Beauty Nourish + Protect Antioxidant Moisturizer ($170)
Ideal to use in winter weather conditions, this nutrient-replenishing, antioxidant-rich moisturizer provides optimum and long-lasting hydration. Additionally, the moisturizer includes antioxidants such as Passion Flower and Alpine Blue Flax to protect skin against environmental damage.

7. Too Faced Gingerbread Spice Eyeshadow Palette ($49)
Your fave holiday treat goes glam in a limited edition palette packed with 18 multi-finish warm and toasty shadows. Each pigment glides on effortlessly while simultaneously invoking the scent of gingerbread fresh out of the oven.

8. Rodan + Fields Super Serum Set ($175)
This limited-edition set will make skin sparkle brighter than a star on a Christmas tree. With both Active Hydration Serum to stimulate moisture and Renewing Serum to combat wrinkles, maximum benefits are guaranteed.

9. Nurse Jamie Instant UpLift ($69)
The road to youthful skin starts now: roll the tool over your countenance to painlessly sculpt a firmer facial contour. Suitable for all skin types and easy enough to use in the comfort of your home, this revolutionary product is a must-have for 2019.


For the Fitness Fan:

1. Covet Dance Covet Thy Feet--Sugarplum Barre Balm ($15)
Soothe tired feet and legs after dance class by massaging the product--infused with anti-inflammatory superhero Arnica--wherever there is swelling or bruising. Plus, the delectable cotton candy scent will give you the sweetest of dreams.

2. SmartyPits Almond Biscotti Deodorant ($11.99)
This deodorant is not only easy to fit inside a gym bag, but its scent is the perfect way to use your fitness routine to get into the holiday spirit. Full of almond tones and lots of vanilla, running on the treadmill will instead make you feel as if you’re baking on a cold winter day.

3. Capri by Witney Carson ($38-$68)
What better way to hit the dance floor than in the Dancing with the Stars pro’s new line of sportswear? With comfortable tops, sports bras, and bottoms, you’ll be more than prepared to get your sweat on.

4. Hidrate Spark 2.0 ($45)
Track your daily water intake by synching this smart bottle to an app on your iPhone or Android. That way, when you’re caught up in your busy life, there will be no need to worry about remembering to hydrate, as the product’s LED lights will illuminate to remind you.

5. Lululemon Acute Tote ($68)
Perfect for packing all your gym essentials, this roomy zip-top is ultra-lightweight and folds flat. With this tote slung around your shoulder, it’s safe to say your sweatiest days will be taken on in style.

6. TRX Suspension Trainer Basic Kit + Door Anchor ($149.95)
Who needs a home gym to engage in an at-home fitness program? With an easy, 60-second setup, his system is just as successful in helping build strength, increase flexibility, and improve stability.

7. Fitbit Flex 2 ($59.95)
Not only does this bracelet record steps, distance, and calories burned, but it also tracks sleep patterns. Considering it’s also swim-proof for track swimming and life-proof for wear in the ocean, the device is simply a wellness phenomenon.

8. MIER 20" Sports Gym Bag Travel Duffel Bag with Shoes Compartment ($19.99)
Whether you need to carry a yoga mat, towel, or clothing, this duffel is able to accommodate all your sports gear. It even has a designated compartment for shoes with zippered enclosure, so you’re able to keep all your workout gear in one place.

9. TuneBand Go ($18.59)
Instead of leaving your phone at risk of falling out of your pocket during a workout, secure it in this comfortable armband. The open-face device allows for complete access to your phone’s screen and buttons, so you’re able to change your fitness playlist as often as you please.

For the Foodie:

1. Dolce and Gabbana x SMEG Siciliy Is My Love Juicer ($650)
Say goodbye to your typical juicer and invest in a one-of-a-kind, fashionable update of the classic machine. Sure, it’s a splurge, but the lithography decoration on this piece is so exquisite, it will become a permanent item in one’s kitchen collection.

2. Cookie DŌ Edible & Bakeable Cookie Dough Mix ($16)
Introducing the first ever edible and bakeable cookie dough mix, both safe to eat (the flour has been heated treated to kill bacteria) and bake in the oven. Each package contains the dry mix to make 24 small or 12 large cookies, with flavors such as fudge-filled Brownie Batter, sprinkle-studded Sugar Cookie, and the brand’s best-selling Signature Chocolate Chip.

3. New York Brunch by Russ & Daughters ($140)
Get a taste of New York with the city’s best bagels and lox. The perfect gift for a group, any foodie will find themselves drooling over the restaurant’s most famous spread: New York’s finest Nova (smoked salmon), all natural cream cheese, hand-rolled bagels, chocolate babka, and Private Blend coffee with a Russ & Daughters porcelain tumbler. 

4. UncommonGoods Foodie Dice ($24)
You never have to brainstorm new meal ideas as long as this dice has a say. Simply roll it on a table and observe the protein options, cooking methods, grain/carb selections, herb choices, and bonus ingredients it has to offer.

5. Williams-Sonoma Holiday Silicone Egg Fry Rings, Set of 4 ($6.99)
Wake up on Christmas morning to fried eggs in a holiday-themed ring of your choice: a snowman, snowflake, tree, or gingerbread man. The silicone-tipped handles protect hands from heat, so you can cook with children as well.

6. Try the World Food Subscription Box ($19/month)
Enjoy a selection of mouth-watering snacks from around the world, delivered right to your doorstep every month. With healthy snacks from countries such as Morocco and Peru, you’ll slowly find your appetite craving more exotic meals throughout the day.

7. AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker ($29.95)
No need to wait for your morning coffee--this machine makes 1 to 3 cups per pressing in only one minute. It also includes a microfilter so no grit gets in your drink and ensures that your sip will be sans bitterness.

8. FarmSteady Everything Bagel & Cream Cheese Kit ($25)
This set houses everything you need to make a dozen everything bagels and homemade cultured cream cheese on Christmas morning. Use the kit’s five ingredients to make the meal for your family from scratch, just as if you’re a chef straight out of an NYC kitchen.

9. Murray’s Cheese of the Month Club ($275/4 month membership; $75/month-to-month subscription)
On the second Thursday of every month, those who sign up will receive three, hand-picked, half-pound slices of cheese packaged in an insulated box. Hailed as the perfect gift by renowned Chef Rachael Ray, this subscription is the ultimate indulgence.