A Message to the Gift Guide Haters

Hint: I love Gift Guides. And a comprehensive list of BFCM sales <3

What’s with all the gift guide haters out there? Truly, who cares that so many of us want to share gift ideas? I worked in PR during the height of the print gift guides. It’s when being ‘in-print’ was superior to being on ‘online’ gift guides. Vanity Fair print issue was the holy grail. A select few products from Oprah’s Favorite Things would be part of a Good Morning America segment that would send websites crashing. IT teams were dedicated to making sure online customers could seamlessly shop. I experienced this all first-hand, and it was riveting. As the powers switched to ‘online’ and the OG bloggers like

Emily Schuman

,

Jacey Duprie

,

Geri Hirsch

(hi to three of my faves) were dominating the lifestyle space, everyone realized they were onto something — and we all started doing our own version of it.

Fast forward to today, we all have a space to share our thoughts. Whether that’s shopping guides, sale lists, or feelings and thoughts. And it’s fun, which is why we’re doing it! This new era of my Substack-ing feels good and right. And it’s ‘worth’ my time, however you want to interpret that. So, to all the gift guide/list haters… I am sincerely not sorry. These are all products / brands I bought, own, and loved (otherwise I wouldn’t recommend) and people seem to find it useful.

With that said, happy shopping!! I’m getting all my gifts now and I hope you all find something that speaks to you here. XO, Cat

image found via Pinterest

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Sales

• Amazon deals are obviously great, I’m updating my storefront as I see good deals! I’m passionate about the best vacuum ever, the best standing steamer, the best travel cubes that are all on major sale.

• & Other Stories is 30% off sitewide. I’ve always loved their party / trendy pieces :)

• Ariel Gordon Jewelry is 20% off sitewide. I’m obsessed with Ariel’s personalized options. I’ve had this customized ‘CC’ ring for years and wear it every day.

• Away is 25% off sitewide. I’ve been using these since 2016 and have yet to replace them: The Carry On, The Medium, The Everywhere Bag. I like the Medium when I need to check a bag because it’s the perfect size to *not* go over the weight limit.

• Chan Luu is 25% off sitewide. The brand is known for their jewelry but don’t miss out on the ready to wear and scarves! Code: CHARM

• Clare V. is 20% off sitewide. Cuuute gifts!

• Crown Affair is 30% off when you get 3 items, which is easy to do. These are my 3 picks: The Towel, Leave in Conditioner, Dry Shampoo

• Cuyana is up to 30% off. The Travel Case is my favorite, i have multiple!

• Dermstore is up to 30% off amazing products. These are my picks: RMS Tinted Sunscreen, RMS Blush in French Rose (this is the biggest discount I’ve seen on RMS), Baby Foot IYKYK!!!, Dr. Dennis Gross Peel, Augustinus Bader The Cream. Code: JOY

• Detox Market is 20% off sitewide. They carry my favorite brands like Ilia, RMS, OSEA, RŌZ, and more.

• DOEN is having a great sale. A few of my favorites: Leyah Dress (obsessed with this), Coralie Dress, Norwood Sweater, Harrington Cardigan

• Eberjey is 25% off sitewide. My favorite PJs *ever* and I already restocked on a fresh set of the Gisele Long PJ Set + Slouchy PJ Set

• Freda Salvador is 25% off sitewide. The Brooke Boot is an OG, I’ve had mine for 4+ years. The most lightweight and water resistant, perfect for travel. I also love these boots. oh and i wore these loafers for a 9 hour work day last week and they were so comfortable. Code: FREDACYBER

• The GREAT. is 25% off sitewide. The comfiest, best made classics. The Boxy Crew is my all time favorite, and any of their sweats. Currently wearing them as I type.

• Guest in Residence is 25% off sitewide. Can’t express enough how cozy this hoodie is, I also want the pants!

• Heaven Mayhem is 30% off bestsellers. I have these and love: Julia Necklace in Red and the Baby Knot Earrings.

• Ilia Beauty is 20% off sitewide, plus more when you spend more. My favorites are: the Super Serum in ST9, Complexion Stick in 18N, and Multi-stick in At Last

• Janessa Leone is 30% off sitewide. I wore this Blanket Scarf to an outdoor dinner recently and it’s as chic as it is comfortable and warm. i’ve had it for 2-3 years and the quality is unmatched (as is everything Janessa makes)

• J.Crew is up to 50% off. The brushed cashmere is finally on sale!! I have the relaxed crewneck and cropped in Heather grey, and this leopard print one! Love these cashmere socks, and the leather boots I’ve been wearing nonstop.

• Jenni Kayne and Oak Essentials are 25% off sitewide. If you’ve been eyeing a cashmere sweater, now is the time! They really are worth the hype. I’ve had some for 5+ years now. I’ve been wearing the Porter Turtleneck in Chocolate nonstop. I also stock up on these candles every year. Cedar is the best holiday scent.

• Kroma is up to 30% off. I am obsessed with the 24K Broth. It’s so good that I want to buy the 5-day reset now and do it in the new year.

• La Ligne is 50% off! All of there products are so well made and the Aria Bustier has been a hit. I get so many compliments and it’s so cute year round — i think especially chic for holiday parties.

• Loeffler Randall is up to 40% off. I wear my Goldy Boots all the time and this Pleaded Skirt!

• Lulu and Georgia is 30% off sitewide. After staying at a friends house, I’ve wanted the Jake Arnold Chiltern Rug. it’s SO SOFT and feels like a million bucks. I want it!! If you’ve been eyeing furniture, the time is now! Also, these pillows are soooo cute

• Madewell is up to 50% off sitewide. Code: MADEBETTER.

• Material Kitchen is up to 40% off. My favorites are The Knives + Stand, The reBowl, The Coated Pan. Code: CATMATERIAL

• Monday Swimwear is 40% off sitewide. My favorite styles are the Hanalei Top, Tamarama Top, Palma Bottom, Hanalei Bottom. also obsessed with their one pieces. Code: BFCM40

• Necessaire is 25% off sitewide. I’m a big fan of the body wash. All the scents are amazing, and i love that they have a fragrance free option too.

• Negative is 15% off sitewide. My favorite underwear and the entire Whipped Collection (can’t explain how soft it is).

• OSEA makes two of my favorite body products: the Body Oil and Body Butter. There are so many sets to try them out and they’re offering a bunch of gift with purchases!

• OZMA is 25% off sitewide. I love this small business and love this cardigan. I have it in Cream and Fox… it’s SO cozy

• Parachute Home is 30% off sitewide. My favorite linen sheets.

• Penelope Chilvers boots are 20% off here, which is insane!! I’ve had mine for 8+ years now and they are still in perfect condition. Shearling line, rubber soles. perfect and chic for the snow. There are more sizes here and more here, but not on sale.

• Reformation is 25% off sitewide. I’ve had the Gaelle Knee Boots for 2 seasons now and absolutely love them. Same with the Alden Dress, it’s perfect year round, just add tights in the winter.

• RMS Beauty is doing a tiered sale starting at 20% off. I can’t get enough of these products: Tinted Sunscreen, Blush in French Rose, Bronzer, Luxe Cream that’s perfect for winter dry skin

• RŌZ is 20% off sitewide. I absolutely love the Foundation Duo.

• RIXO is 20% off sitewide. They have the cuuutest party dresses (and bonus that the founders are the nicest people ever).

• Set Active is 30% off sitewide.

• Shopbop is 25% off a lot of things. I’m going to make a ‘hearts’ eventually

• Skims is 30% off sitewide. I love everything from the ‘Fits Everybody’ collection.

• Summer Fridays is 20% off sitewide. If you’re shopping for any Gen Z girlies, just load up on Lip Butter Balm aka LBB and/or anything from this site and you’ll win.

• Vince is 25% off sitewide. The best quality classics. Code: HOTELVINCE.

• U Beauty is 20% off sitewide. Bold claim, but The Super Hydrator is my absolute new favorite skincare product. Code: CATCHEN

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In case you missed it, here’s a mini gift guide I made a couple weeks ago (mostly everything is on sale this week). And here’s the original Black Friday list I started :)