over the past year, i've had the honor of serving as an ambassador for the meatpacking district here in nyc, and it's a pretty cool position to have. walking along those cobblestone streets as an intern back in 2011 was one of those moments that really made me fall in love with the city, so i'm glad to have a real connection to the neighborhood. last weekend, i did a little exploring around the area to pick out a few of my favorite holiday gifting goods from the shops that make meatpacking all that it is. check out my selections below and start scratching all of those names off your shopping list. -j
allsaints marcel crew sweater
mixing classic breton stripes and a modern oversize fit, this sweater fits into your weekend wardrobe perfectly. the stripes are knitted in two different yarns, one a lambswool blend, the other cotton. $215
why i love it: this bad boy's such a statement-makerâthe strong stripes, the slouched shoulders, the oversized fit... it makes looking cool this winter way too easy.
kiehl's age defender cleanser
formulated with moroccan lava clay, this unique charcoal-colored 2-in-1 face wash deeply cleanses while exfoliating to remove excess dirt and oil for a refreshed, younger-looking appearance. for a deeper exfoliation, it can be used as a 5-minute mask, where the formula will break down the toughest layers of dead skin cells, to smooth the appearance of fine lines and improve overall texture. $28
why i love it: i have this face wash at home and use it pretty much every day. it's got the perfect texture thanks to the lava clay, a nice scent, and definitely does everything you'd be looking for from a good cleanser. plus, with the wintertime bringing on those inevitable cozy nights at home, i'm sure using it as a face mask would make for a great at-home spa momentâi'll have to try it out (and you should, too).
rag & bone thank you tee
this lightweight slub knit jersey's made of 100% cotton, comes in a classic fit, and has a sweet graphic print on the front that'll add some cool points to your winter layering routine. $115
why i love it: during the colder months, things in the style department can get a little boring when you're throwing on layer after layer under hoodies, jackets, and coats day after day. you kind of lose the desire to try... this tee keeps things interesting and will help you stay cool once you shed the 15 other tops you're wearing to survive the brutal nyc weather.
marni stutterheim raincoat for marni
this men's raincoat, created by stutterheim for marni, is made with rubberized cotton and features a snap closure design with patch pockets in front and a hood. the color-block striped pattern makes it a standout piece. $990
why i love it: winter-wear can be a drag when you stop and think about that annoying day when you'll have to stow them away for another 9 months. if you're looking to cop (or gift) any piece of outerwear, i'd go for something that can get a bit more mileage throughout the year. while you can layer this beautiful piece up to make it work for the colder months, it'll also do the job on its own during the spring and fallânot to mention, all those random rain and snow days that unexpectedly plague the city year-round.
the kooples camel suede chelsea boots
these chelsea boots will delight you with their slender line and the finesse of their soles, which adds a certain elegance to the mix. offered in soft supple suede in a bright shade of camel, they ensure an authentic, slightly vintage style enhanced by the buckle at the ankle. $475
why i love them: if you ever ask me to name five menswear essentials every guy should have, you'll definitely find "a strong pair of chelsea boots" on the list every time. i really love the thin belting detail on these, in particularâthey add a clean touch of luxury without making them over the top. very nice.
warby parker percey eyeglasses
made of hand-polished cellulose acetate and designed with a thin silhouette, these frames offer a fresh take on a classic round-frame style and come in four different colorways. they best fit a medium-width face, so if you tend to fit most pairs of frames youâve tried on, then these will be sized well for you. $95
why i love them: i've worn contacts for the past 14 years, but lately, i've really been feeling my glasses again. this pair is super clean and has hella styleâespecially in the mission clay fade color-blocked option. whether you're on the hunt for prescription frames or just looking for a cool pair of personality frames, these are a totally good option.
MAISON MARGIELA REPLICA fragrance collection
maison margiela fragrances lets you relive previous moments of the past with their replica collection. the range comes with a variety of scents for him and her in the form of rollerballs, travel sprays, candles, and full-sized bottles. $28-126
why i love it: so, for one, i used to work on the fragrances buying team at macy's, so I do know and believe in the value of a good scent, especially gift sets (like the discovery set available at sephora)âthey really are steals! secondly, i have four of the full-sized scents, a travel spray, and three of the candles at homeâyes, i do use them all the timeâso trust me when I say they're amazing.
