In case you haven't noticed, Disney's Minnie Mouse has been a major inspiration for us this holiday season—she was, after all, the muse behind our Holiday Issue. The style icon's bold, playful, and classic characteristics have even trickled down to the way we're approaching gift-giving this year. Whether we're shopping for our mom who has classic style, or we're eyeing a pair of shoes for our sister with a bold attitude, there's a touch of Minnie in everything we're doing this season.
Now that the holidays are near, my co-workers and I started chatting about gifting, and as it turns out, we all could use some help in that department. Shopping for those near and dear to our hearts should be fun in theory, but 99.9% of the time, we end up panicking and go for the first candle and fashion-y coffee table book we spot. We vowed to each other that this year, unless the candle is something that is specifically on someone's wish list, we're steering clear. When we came back to compare notes, we noticed something: We have seriously been influenced by Minnie. See what we have on our lists here.
Ever since fighting the last-minute Christmas Eve shopping crowd a few years ago, I've vowed to never be that person again. I start ordering things for my friends and family as soon as the idea comes to my mind. As for my own wish list? My style is more classic, so I found some perfect pieces I can subtly hint to my boyfriend.
Each year, my mom and dad let me and my brother open one gift on Christmas Eve, and it's always a new set of pajamas. It's been almost 25 years (and I have more PJs than I can count), but it never gets old. My favorite color is pink, and my family knows how obsessed I am with Minnie, so if these playful pajamas ended up under the tree, I'd be ecstatic.
I'm notorious for giving little (not-so-subtle) hints to my boyfriend as to what I want for holidays (birthdays, anniversaries, and definitely Christmas). This year, I've been leaving internet tabs open on my computer with links to this classic BY FAR bag. Can you blame me?
There is truly nothing better than staying indoors during the holidays snuggled up with a good book or a cheesy movie, but when I do have to go out, I want a pair of sparkly earrings to brighten my look. When I found these earrings, I knew I had to have them so I'm *accidentally* going to text the link to my boyfriend.
Ever since my parents became empty nesters, their amount of travel has increased significantly (I try not to be too jealous.) Every time I call, they're either somewhere new or planning their next trip. One thing they keep telling me they're missing is a good piece of luggage in a bold color, so they'll be so excited to open these matching carry-ons (pink for my mom, black for my dad!)
I'm guilty of shopping for gifts last minute, especially for birthdays or holiday occasions. Maybe I'll get it together in 2020, but in the meantime, I was excited when I found gifts that not only work for my playful style but also match some of my friends' personalities, too.
One of my best friends (hi, Evelyn!) is a die-hard Disney fan—I'm talking Disneyland annual pass and more Minnie ears than days of the week. She'll love this fun basket tote for her monthly visits to the theme park, beach picnics in Los Angeles, and Sunday farmers market runs.
I've been eyeing this classic little party dress for a while. It's at the top of my holiday wish list, and I promise that if I end up unwrapping this beauty, I'll wear it on NYE, my birthday, and at least one other festive occasion this season.
kohls
I recently moved to NYC, and my friend group here is planning a themed holiday dinner before we all head home in December. I’ve already suggested these festive matching T-shirts to the group (can you picture the fun photo?), and I’ll probably wear mine as pajamas too.
My sister almost exclusively wears sneakers (I rarely see her in anything else), and I know she will drool over this bold animal print pair. I'm trying to win best sibling award over here.
When it comes to holiday shopping, I love to be ahead of the game. I try to take care of all the people I'm gifting first before I focus on myself. That's right, I have no shame in treating myself to something that matches my bold personal style at the end of the year too—it's a reflection of all the hard work I've done.
My sister is equally as obsessed with Minnie as I am, so this tumbler just makes sense for me to get her. She moved to Boston a few years ago and wakes up early to do crew in the mornings, and if you know anything about Boston, you know how cold it gets. Not only is this perfect for her to fill with tea to sip on while driving to practice, but she’ll instantly be put in a good mood seeing classic Minnie first thing.
I've been eyeing this jacket for a while now but haven't pulled the plug, so it's on my list. I love a good classic plaid, and it's the perfect layering piece for L.A. winter; it gets cold, but I always feel silly wearing a full-on winter coat because it never really gets below 50.
It has randomly become a thing for me to text my husband a "selfie of the day.” Well, I guess it’s not so random—I started doing it whenever I was bored in traffic, and it sort of just stuck. So I feel like I sort of need this to step up my photo game, right? And having Minnie on it is just an added bonus—yup, I’m almost 30, still adore Minnie, and I’m not afraid for the world to know it. Bold move? Maybe. But I call it love.
Full disclosure: I already own these in white, but I've worn them to the ground. Seriously, I don't think I've ever worn a pair of shoes as often or have gotten as many compliments as I have with these. They're bold but surprisingly versatile. It just pains me a little to have to pay for them myself again. Sorry, hubs!
I don't think I really outgrew my love of the holidays because the minute the clock hits midnight on November 1, I go into full festive mode. This year, my excitement has doubled because of my 7-month-old daughter who will be celebrating her first Christmas with us. But with that being said, I think I deserve a little something special this year for all the literal labor I went through. I have classic style, and the bag I want sitting under the Christmas tree come December 25 fits the bill.
My daughter, Sophie, will be wearing this playful intarsia Minnie sweater on Christmas Eve. I may buy a matching one for her older cousin.
Mama needs a new bag, and I definitely added this bold yellow mini bag to my wish list this year.
I'm also committed to making her a mini fashion girl, so when I spotted this fun Minnie art on Ethan Allen, I purchased it immediately. It's a testament to Minnie's classic style and it matches the theme of Sophie's nursery perfectly.
One thing that I've always admired about my own mom was her classic style. I'll be gifting her these pearl hoops with hopes that she'll let me borrow them.
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