GIFTMAS 2020
When you think about the vibrant Main Streets of Pittsburgh’s liveliest neighborhoods, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Shops. Large and small. Cool and kitschy. Flowers and frocks. Baked goods and blazers. Diamonds and dresses. Boots and baguettes. Shops whose reasons for being are so caried that a walk down the street nourishes the eyes and fires up the imagination. Stores whose owners know us so well that they know what we need before we do, and people behind the counter who can remind us of what we bought last week…and steer us toward just the right gift for the occasion at hand.
Lively stores are part and parcel of healthy communities. In 2020, they need our support more than ever. If we want those walks up and down our streets to be satisfying, we need to invest in the this holiday season by buying from them.
The dreamily spiritual jewelry of Brother Wolf is the brainchild of sister and brother team Lauren and Jonathan Tesauro, whose parents own Chapel Hills Jeweler in Aspinwall. Inspired by the medieval tale of St. Francis of Assisi taming a dangerous wolf, the duo set their mission: to shape symbols and stories from their Catholic upbringing into medallions, necklaces, bracelets and more, all of which carry a potent message. Shown here: Rosary style necklace ($395) and cross pendant ($170).
Every shade of green is relevant right now: we want those messages of growth, hope, fresh starts, and plenty. The truly perfect mismatch of greens here is a total turn on. Scotch and Soda printed blouse $115 and St Xavier velvet box clutch $135, both at Kristi Boutique in Aspinwall.
A talisman can protect you from harm, even as it reminds you to stick to your principles. Brother Wolf’s thick silver chain bracelet, $425, will keep you grounded. Specific symbols of sweetness, strength, and endurance complete the message. 14k yellow gold and silver Baby Jesus pendant and chain, $450; silver St. Michael pendant and chain, $240; and cross pendant and large nail charm, $90/$65.
Stand out from the (socially distanced) crowd with the outstanding tailoring at Larrimor’s. They know how to help pick what’s best for you, and to optimize it with precise alterations. Go peacock with a refined Canali sportcoat, $1695, and a floral dress shirt from Eton, $295. Finishing touches: a special occasion bouttonière, $30, silk pocket square, $80, and devil-may-care sunglasses, $219.
shop the look at larrimors.com
Silvery, sleek, and soft, this fur-trimmed Erno parka, $660, will warm your heart. A supersoft periwinkle cashmere sweater, $310, and a gorgeous grey, white and lavender scarf complete the winter look. Let it snow!
Johnny Was is famous for its multi-culti, comfortable, boho approach to dressing. This velvet bolero, $310 at Kristi Boutique in Aspinwall, makes a statement without raising its voice. We like that confidence. It’s paired here with a Cupcakes and Cashmere blouse and matching skirt, $89/$110, and a rosary-style necklace and cross pendant from Brother Wolf, $395/$170.
Will James Baldwin, Salvador Dali and Frida Kahlo inspire you to heights of perception and creativity? Light them up and see. Secular saints candles, $13.50 each.
The puffer jacket, emblem of cold weather mom-efficiency, has been with us lo these many moons. Because designer Ulla Johnson thinks dynamo women can get it all done, and look amazing while doing so, she’s upgraded the puffer with a pussy bow, a big poppable collar, and a psychedelic clamp-dye-inspred print. Her Ario Jacket, $595, is at Kristi Boutique in Aspinwall.
Do these French porcelain Warhol Skull plates celebrate the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning? They’re bewitching in any case. $125 each.
Gentlemen, start your engines and get down to Henne Jewelers for a magnificent 38mm Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axil Watch, $5,700. You might be tempted to go a step farther into your state of refinement with Heston designs matte sterling link bracelet, $1,045, or a pair of Gucci sterling Double G cufflinks, $420. Because the whole is more than the sum of the parts, you are going to look like a million bucks.
Carefully sculpted of clay by highly skilled traditional Chinese ceramists, these pots convey a quiet grace. They also convey a medicinal dose of healthy minerals into warm water when you use it, so you sip not just for beauty but for health. Each comes in its own special box. $300
Shop the look at Asian Influences
Modern day sage Andy Warhol had a knack for seeing the world, broken pieces and all. Each of these Warhol Camo mugs presents a wise quip for post-coffee contemplation. $14.99 each
You get the moon and the stars with this Monica Rich Kosann sterling silver, white sapphire and moonstone 40” necklace $1,135. Spread the cosmos a little further with a remarkable 14k white gold bezel style diamond tennis bracelet, $8,325, and a 14k white gold pave diamond cocktail ring $2,200. The queen of your night will appreciate you forever.
Bangles from The Base Project look playful – but they’re serious business. The Kunene people of Namibia hand-carve recycled PVC pipes into durable and beautifully pattered bracelets. Each pattern has a traditional meaning, and every sale generates income to help for food, school fees, health care and more. $30-$70.
Nestled on the third floor of the Clark Building, Pittsburgh’s traditional jewelry hub, Brooks Diamonds combs the globe for new sparkling gems. Some new arrivals on our recent visit…three spectacular pendants that would light up the eyes of any lucky wearer. All 14k white gold with diamonds: open pendant, $1,576; flexible pendant, $1,476; tear drop pendant, $1,376.
EB Pepper brings her zing to Walnut St with year-in and year-out panache. Take this In Bed With You reversible cardigan, $310: Wear it one way when you feel like an animal, and another when your diamonds are all lined up in a row.
Dr. Neal Godse’s paper sculpture, $60, combines craft and mathematics in a precise yet fragile objet d’art. It’s feather-light, casts intricate shadows, and, like a Chinese scholar’s rock, is something to coax you into contemplation. This one and more are at Scribe Fine Papers in Shadyside.
Caesar himself presides over these luscious gems on most days, sharing like the maestro he is all the details of material and process. Our favorites? The stick earrings, made of diamonds set in 18k white gold finished in black, $5600. We also love is lab-grown diamond studs and their message of environmental sustainability, $1500. The oval rose gold pave earrings, $8500, also struck us with their beauty.
The artist-made teapots at Asian Influences are not just beautiful: they’re medicinal. Mineral rich clay conveys a dose of healthy substances into warm water when you use it. This one is graced with a hard carved lotus and bird motif, and sits in its custom-made box with a handwritten note from the artist. $350
Extreme elegance and beautiful craftsmanship come together with these black pearl drops, $5700. They’re ready and waiting to adorn a remarkable woman!
Perk up the season with an orange cashmere funnel neck sweater and a paisley patchwork scarf from the wonderful people at Carabella. We finished the look with a necklace from Renee Piatt Collection, but the staff at Carabella is full of great advice to complete any look.
A cashmere scarf woven with a bit of shimmer ($148) is paired here with a cobalt cashmere sweater splattered in silver, $258. These items are part of a dynamic, multi-item color story at Carabella this season, and the flexible possibilities in black, blue, gray and white will sharpen up your closet.
The language of paisley is ancient. It starts with references to vegetable gardens, the source of bounty, and extends into flowers, symbols of hope and renewal. Over time, the shapes became stylized and elaborate and gorgeous, so that when they reached Europe in the 16th century, paisley prints and embroideries were status symbols. This printed scarf from Carabella captures all of this history in modern colors on a beautiful, soft textile. It’s a steal at $59.
This bangle is a bugle of love. The 14k yellow gold bead-set diamond flexible bangle holds 80 diamonds. $6470. Harmonize it with 18k yellow gold pave diamond disk stud earrings that sports 64 round diamonds, $890, and your trumpet will play a tune til the sun comes up.
Green! The color of growth and abundance. Every shade of green is in abundance on this ombré scarf from Echo. $28.
Have you taken a walk on the wild side? This cashmere sweater from Lisa Todd can be your calling card. $294 at Carabella in Oakmont.
Is this apres-ski sweater also suitable for watching the game, snuggling by the fire, seeing friends for a drink, picking up the kids, and just about everything else? Yes. Derek Lam 10 Crosby Grammer Fair Isle sweater, $395. Shown here with Brother Wolf rosary-style necklace and cross pendant, $395/$170, and thick silver chain bracelet, $425.
Let them know you’re local and proud with Shop 412’s original snapback cap, $36. It’s a stand-out with its rich chocolate color and fantastic graphics.
Designer and bubbly conversationalist Erica Parr dreams in acrylic. Her Half Moon Party Box, $94, will hold your essentials in style. The chain, available in umpteen colors for $34, is easy to change to suit your outfit du jour.
Designer Erica Parr offers dozens of witty earrings in her Sewickley shop. They channel 80s proportions and colors in a very contemporary way. Prices range from $24 to $74. In addition to what’s on display, Erica can make a design just for you in 30 minutes, using the thousands of colorful components she keeps on hand.
Hand-sewn by Afghan women who have fled to India to try to raise their families in safety, these bedtime animals arrive dressed in pyjamas, and carrying their own little pillow and blanket. All the fabrics are upcycled tailor’s scraps. Every sale helps meet the needs of the makers’ families. $49.
Hike the rockies or shop Main Street with the Vero Moda pleather puffer, $95; Ellison scarf $15.
EB herself combs the world for a little zing, a little zest. Here, Brazilian fashion line Farm Rio combines a pattern inspired by the natural world with a beautifully feminine silhouette. Stop in at this Walnut Street store to get the latest.
One of the gems of East Ohio Street, The Farmer’s Daughter is a great spot for lush flowers and greens, and a great assortment of interesting gifts, candles, home fragrances, jewelry, and more. Owner Lauren gives great gift advice: she’ll light just enough of a fire in you to get that gift list taken care of.
Steel Cup coffees, $12-$17, bring the strength of the Pittsburgh palate to the breakfast table. Brew up a cup and face the day with vigor!
Pop a slice or two of this croissant toasting loaf, $8, into the toaster. Slather it with butter and a Bumbleberry honey spread, $12…and let the breakfast delirium begin. May we recommend the Salted Caramel spread, a nice cup of joe, and the Sunday Times for a perfect weekend morning?
Here’s why we love Feathers: they know everything about linens. That’s right. Everything. From practical to luxurious, they know how to guide you into getting what you need and they make the process fun. Shown here, a range of bedding, throws, blankets, and pillows that will make waking up a fantastic adventure. Visit their site, or better yet their store on Walnut Street.
The man in your life have had to surf 2020 right alongside you, right? Do you see signs of wear and tear? Help him find a few moments of Zen with the tools for a great self-care experience. Men’s robe and fine soap from Feathers, right in Shadyside.
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Owner Kristi West has one finger on the pulse of fashion, and another on what her customers need. Her boutique is a curated collection of clothing that runs from boho to bellissima, with creative brands like Ulla Johnson, Johnny Was, SEA NY and Scotch and Soda all at the ready for you to make your own unique combinations. Shown here: Ulla Johnson’s Elettra quilted jacket $595, which channels a reinvestigation of quilting and American textile techniques that’s making its way through the fashion world.
Shop the look at kristiboutique.com