10 Fashion Insiders Reveal How They Shop For the Holidays
Tis the season for shopping! And who better to inform how to find the best gifts for your loved ones than those who actually work within the industry? We polled fashion insiders from the worlds of media and retail as well as a handful of designers to get the goods on their preferred methods of shopping, how to master that high-low mix, and where they go to find those special little somethings for everyone on their list.
What is your preferred shopping method, online or in-store?
I do a combination of both. If things have to be sent to another state I always shop online. If it’s for a NYC recipient I always shop in-store—I’m a retail locavore— and I try to shop at smaller, independent stores in my neighborhood.
What do you like to buy?
I love supporting independent stores—often I find myself getting people books from local places like Three Lives & Company or Bookbook. You can never go wrong with a great coffee table book!
Do your gifts tend to be a mix of high/low?
It’s always about the mix. It’s less about high or low and more about getting something that’s unexpected, fun, and maybe even a little outlandish. Sometimes the point of a gift is to get someone something that they would never get for themselves. That’s the fun of it.
About how many people do you shop for and how do you go about finding the best gifts?
My gift giving is now focused on the under 10 set—and figuring out what my friends’ kids are into at a certain moment can require some research! I always ask the parents what the kids are into—and I have to say Gift Guides in magazines and newspapers can be a super quick way to see what’s new and interesting out there.
Have you ever employed guerrilla-like tactics to get the gift you want?
I’ve never resorted to extreme measures to get the gift I want—though some years I’ve waited to the last minute and I’m overcome with that sense of panic in the store that I need to pick something now or it’ll be a “Happy New Year” gift!
What is your preferred shopping method, online or in-store?
I would much rather go in store. I feel like you can’t fully understand the quality of something, especially clothing, without touching and feeling it.
Do you shop with a high/low mindset?
I tend to want to make my gifts as personal as possible, so the price tag doesn’t really matter. I mean, I still have a show to pay for in February, so it’s within in reason, but I want it to be special.
About how many people do you shop for and how do you go about finding the best gifts?
My family is HUGE. I had 40 family members at my fashion show in September alone, so take that and multiply. The holidays are a busy and stressful time so I take that in to account when shopping. But seeing someone’s face when you’ve picked out the right gift is really something special. So I’ll do whatever I can to get the perfect gift.
What is your preferred shopping method, online or in-store?
Online. I like having the flexibility of deliberating about a purchase and trying it on at home. I keep items in my shopping bag for months and revisit them until I am ready — it tests me to only buy things I really can’t stop thinking about.
Do you tend to shop high or low or is a mix?
Absolutely a mix. Must-have splurges, unique vintage finds, and great everyday basics are all important staples in my wardrobe. I am the happiest when I am wearing pieces that tell an eclectic story.
About how many people do you shop for and how do you go about finding the best gifts?
I shop seriously for about five people and get little gifts for a lot. I make lists, but always buy things impulsively throughout the year that remind me of each person and keep them in a gift closet. I love 1st Dibs and MoMA store for unique gifts.
Have you ever employed guerrilla-like tactics to get the gift you wanted?
I have chased down many delivery trucks on Christmas Eve to get my online purchases wrapped and ready.
What is your preferred shopping method, online or in-store?
I go both ways. I have long relationships with excellent sales associates and enjoy visiting stores for a personal assist. However, I also love getting a box from an online purchase too. Ask my NYC doorman!
Do you tend to shop high or low or is a mix?
Again, I go both ways. I’m a little luxury fashioned out as of late so I prefer designer brands that are less ubiquitous in distribution. Everything is everywhere. Chic people mix it all up. Now that I’m on QVC all the time, I’ve got friends wearing H by Halston silk-cashmere tops with croc Birkins.
About how many people do you shop for and how do you go about finding the best gifts?
I’m not a big gift giver! I’ll buy a handful of special presents for those most intimate friends. I’d rather buy extraordinary gifts for a few loved ones instead of a slew of things I know people will re-gift. I find a personally signed-by-author copy of a book is always an elegant gift. Also vintage accessories are really thoughtful.
Have you ever employed guerrilla-like tactics to get the gift you wanted?
I totally do this with my parents! I’ll be in a store and see something I want and give the sales associate my parent’s number with instructions to explain that this is what I want for Christmas. It’s how I got my Missoni cardigan!
What is your preferred shopping method, online or in-store?
Working for Bergdorf Goodman, I tend to do most of my shopping in the store. But as a shopping addict, I do love walking the stores, especially in different cities. I always love to find new shopping experiences.
Do you tend to shop high or low or is a mix?
I buy both high and low. I do not mix as much for my work wardrobe unless it’s mixing a designer top with great leather leggings from a contemporary brand - I do tend to wear more “high” for work. But on weekends or dinners out I like to mix high and low a lot more often.
About how many people do you shop for and how do you go about finding the best gifts?
I do a ton of gift shopping. I buy for my family, my husband’s family and all their kids, and then I have a group of about 15 close friends that I always shop for. I actually love buying gifts. I love figuring out the best gift to suit each person’s personality or what I think they will love. My strategy these days, now that I’m so busy, is whenever I see something that reminds me of someone and I know they’ll love it, I just buy it even if it is nowhere near their birthday or Christmas.
Have you ever employed guerrilla-like tactics to get the gift you wanted?
I wouldn’t say I have used guerilla tactics, but I will special order things that you can’t buy at any store or have custom jewelry made. Or commission a doggie portrait for friends who are obsessed with their pups. It is fun finding unusual gifts.
What is your preferred shopping method, online or in-store?
I like a combination of both. I hate the process of returning things when they have been shipped to you, I’m too lazy for that. Online I focus on the goodies at Net-A-Porter (it’s one stop shopping and the magazine gives me outfit ideas!), the Outnet, and Target.
Do you shop with a high/low mindset?
I usually know exactly what I want right after shows and will keep my eye on them until I’m ready to bite the bullet and purchase. Then when I need smaller things to mix in with an outfit, my go-tos are American Apparel, Gap, Club Monaco, Asos — or my new favorite —Aritzia. However, when it’s sample sale season all shopping restraint goes out the window. I bought three pairs of Christian Louboutins yesterday and two were the same style. I have a problem.
About how many people do you shop for and how do you go about finding the best gifts?
My immediate family is really easy to shop for. They are so grateful and happy with anything. And most of the gifts we try and give are more sentimental than anything else. I love shopping for my nephews just because it’s so fun to watch them open gifts on Christmas. One of my nephews is happy with even the smallest of gifts. The other is more fashion forward and loves the newest tech item or gadget. I’ll go to the end of the world to get my nephews exactly what they want. But this year I’m doing all travel-themed gifts. Working in fashion you are so incredibly lucky to see the world, and I want to share that with my family. My nephew wants to go to California and my mom wants to go to New Orleans, so I want to make this happen for them.
Have you ever employed guerrilla-like tactics to get the gift you want?
I once grabbed an Alaia dress out of the hands of a fellow shopper at a Barneys Warehouse Sale. I don’t mess around.
What is your preferred shopping method, online or in-store?
Online only! I’m a deep dive eCommerce ninja … Plus, I love getting packages delivered. It’s fantastic to just lay in your bed on a Sunday morning and shop versus having to actually get up to do your Christmas shopping. Love modernity!
Do you tend to shop high or low or is a mix?
Always a mix, but I love to overspend on my friends and family. It’s such a good excuse to drop dime on the people you love the most. Vintage and art are two categories that you can really play with a high-low mix. And everyone loves a brass objet for their house!
About how many people do you shop for and how do you go about finding the best gifts?
I just trust in the universe to help me find the perfect gifts. Plus, I’m always listening when people mention products or services they’re interested in to surprise them with.
Have you ever employed guerrilla-like tactics to get the gift you want?
I’ve never employed guerilla tactics, but I will back handspring over an old lady at the flea market to snatch a perfect piece of 1960s pottery.
What is your preferred shopping method, online or in-store?
I always prefer in-store where possible because I can see the items more closely, sometimes online can skew colors and details of an item so I like to see it in person.
Do you shop with a high/low mindset?
I’ve been shopping high quality items lately, which doesn’t have to mean uber expensive but rather things that last a long time.
How many people do you shop for and how do you go about finding the best gifts?
I shop for maybe 20-30 people. The gifts range from sweets to books to housewares to clothing from our collection. I like to find things around our neighborhood in the West Village or from offbeat stores or when I travel. I don’t normally ask for gifts, but am pleasantly surprised when I receive something.
What is your preferred shopping method, online or in-store?
I like to hunt and gather. I’ll buy the occasional thing online, especially if I’m more organized. But there’s always a day or two of running from store to store frantically buying as much as my arms can carry. And that day is usually December 24th.
What do you like to buy?
I always buy my mom a piece of nice jewelry, which I enjoying finding at a store as opposed to online. There’s something about being out on the street and in the stores that gets me in the holiday mood.
Do your gifts tend to be a mix of high/low?
I like the high/low mix. A bunch of random, antique Pez dispensers thrown into a box with a cashmere sweater!
How many people do you shop for? Have you ever employed any guerilla-like tactics to get a gift?
I shop for about 5-10 people. Occasionally I’ll have a brilliant gift idea. Something that requires customizing or something rare that needs to be sent from far away. I’ll remember a passing comment or anecdote that someone shared, and it’ll trigger an idea. I’ll get so excited by that one special gift, and so impressed with myself for being so clever, that everyone else in my life gets gift cards and wine.
What is your preferred shopping method, online or in-store?
Online shopping is definitely the way forward this time of year as stores are so busy and it all feels a bit hectic, instead I prefer to shop online curling up on my sofa with a cup of tea.
Do you shop with a high/low mindset?
When it comes gifts, owning an online store comes in handy, so I mostly choose from Avenue 32 for my family and friends. For my father and brother, Amazon is usually a go-to.
About how many people do you shop for and how do you go about finding the best gifts?
My friends and family always comment on the things they love on Avenue 32, so I usually have a good idea of what to get everyone. For non-fashion gifts, I like the Conran Shop online, they have the best selection of decorative items, games, and objects.
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