So interesting! Gift guides used to be useful 15 years ago. I didn't initially equate them with Oprah's favourite things, but it totally makes sense now. Back then, obscure, original, creative items would make her list and it was interesting. But I don't need a gift guide to produce what I can get from Amazon search.
Actual curation is something I can get behind. I want creative, functional, innovative, wacky, hacks... not just a bunch of cheap, plastic stuff that will be in the dollar store next month.
I love a gift guide, don't want to potentially miss a thing BUT there's a different between my Pure Wow and Rank and Style gift guides (If I see that Bissell green steam cleaner again ...) and my real fashion/beauty Substack newsletter gift guides. I'm looking for more unique ideas from them.
Here's an example: Andrea Linnett put a Versace trinket tray and a Saint Laurent canvas tote bag (both under $100) in hers. I bought the Saint Laurent tote for my mother, who carries a Lululemon 'schlep' bag, as an upgrade. I also let Saint Laurent know that I purchased it because of her. I told a girlfriend, who ordered several for gifts (I insisted she order from Andrea's newsletter). My husband suggested it to several female work friends because if my friend and I liked it, maybe they would too. They did.
I assume Andrea gets commission, and it's deserved because I wouldn't have known about it if it wasn't for her. Did you know Saint Laurent has free express shipping and gift boxes? I do now!
You completely slayed it AGAIN today Amy. In your fashion coverage related to the Inauguration. It felt like an enormous relief to read. Especially after waking up to the assault of Vogue’s Insta coverage and Suzy Menkes’ tragically tone deaf post. Doing my part (having also worked at Vogue, and then The New York Times) I launched my own Substack yesterday at 1:00pm, timed to debut on Inauguration Day. It is called “Refinement as Resistance: Styling Yourself to Save Democracy. Fashion as Foreign Affairs, Elegance as Advocacy, and Refinement as Resistance.” Last but not least, and entirely thanks to your own Substack credit/mention of them- “Refinement is Resistance” was designed by Kelly Freitas of A Good Pear. Who I LOVE. Thank you, THANK YOU!!! And if you are up for checking my letter out on Substack- I would be indescribably honored! Maria Devaney Xx
I still enjoy GG, I am introduced to brands I might not know about, although I agree that some can become overbearing and basic. The proliferation of vanilla perfumes and olive oils sets can become eye-roll inducers. Spot on about Lucky Magazine!! I was a charter subscriber and I know I still have some tear sheets from the magazine’s suggestion. Definitely the original (and most original) of influencers.
So interesting! Gift guides used to be useful 15 years ago. I didn't initially equate them with Oprah's favourite things, but it totally makes sense now. Back then, obscure, original, creative items would make her list and it was interesting. But I don't need a gift guide to produce what I can get from Amazon search.
I know... even though Substack has a lot of GGs, I always feel inclined to look at them since they're actual curation. I hope it stays that way!
Actual curation is something I can get behind. I want creative, functional, innovative, wacky, hacks... not just a bunch of cheap, plastic stuff that will be in the dollar store next month.
yes!
I love a gift guide, don't want to potentially miss a thing BUT there's a different between my Pure Wow and Rank and Style gift guides (If I see that Bissell green steam cleaner again ...) and my real fashion/beauty Substack newsletter gift guides. I'm looking for more unique ideas from them.
Here's an example: Andrea Linnett put a Versace trinket tray and a Saint Laurent canvas tote bag (both under $100) in hers. I bought the Saint Laurent tote for my mother, who carries a Lululemon 'schlep' bag, as an upgrade. I also let Saint Laurent know that I purchased it because of her. I told a girlfriend, who ordered several for gifts (I insisted she order from Andrea's newsletter). My husband suggested it to several female work friends because if my friend and I liked it, maybe they would too. They did.
I assume Andrea gets commission, and it's deserved because I wouldn't have known about it if it wasn't for her. Did you know Saint Laurent has free express shipping and gift boxes? I do now!
😂😂😩 the bissell green steamer-so many mentions!
Love, love, LOOOVE your Substack Amy.
Thank you, Maria!
You completely slayed it AGAIN today Amy. In your fashion coverage related to the Inauguration. It felt like an enormous relief to read. Especially after waking up to the assault of Vogue’s Insta coverage and Suzy Menkes’ tragically tone deaf post. Doing my part (having also worked at Vogue, and then The New York Times) I launched my own Substack yesterday at 1:00pm, timed to debut on Inauguration Day. It is called “Refinement as Resistance: Styling Yourself to Save Democracy. Fashion as Foreign Affairs, Elegance as Advocacy, and Refinement as Resistance.” Last but not least, and entirely thanks to your own Substack credit/mention of them- “Refinement is Resistance” was designed by Kelly Freitas of A Good Pear. Who I LOVE. Thank you, THANK YOU!!! And if you are up for checking my letter out on Substack- I would be indescribably honored! Maria Devaney Xx
I still enjoy GG, I am introduced to brands I might not know about, although I agree that some can become overbearing and basic. The proliferation of vanilla perfumes and olive oils sets can become eye-roll inducers. Spot on about Lucky Magazine!! I was a charter subscriber and I know I still have some tear sheets from the magazine’s suggestion. Definitely the original (and most original) of influencers.