Monday, November 9, 2026

Gift Guide: My Wish List


This guide is always such a fun one to put together. Most of my other gift guides feature items I already own or that someone in my family has and loves, but this one is purely for things I’d love to receive (or treat myself to someday). Many are fanciful, some frivolous, quite a few are in my dreams, and some are more practical.

I once read a piece of data about influencer gift guides that said most people actually shop for themselves through them rather than for others. I’m curious if you all agree with that? Over the years, I’ve heard from many of you that my guides help you decide what to ask for at Christmastime. This 'My Wish List'gift guide is always my most popular of the year, so I'm excited to share it now as we head into the heart of the holiday season. I always create a second 'My Wish List' guide in December as well. 

I also wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that while these gift guides are filled with beautiful things, at the end of the day, they are just that: things. 

Giving gifts is one of my love languages. Finding the perfect gift for someone, something that makes them feel truly seen and loved, is nearly priceless. 

But as much joy as I find in giving gifts, I also think it's important to remember that the magic of the holiday season has little to do with what gets wrapped up in ribbons. It's the time spent with the people we love and the traditions we look forward to year after year that stay with us long after the gifts have been torn through. 

I hope these guides provide inspiration and make your holiday shopping easier, but more than anything, I hope this season brings you time to enjoy the people and moments that matter most. After all, time spent with the people we love is the greatest gift.

Some items of note... 
- I'd love this Sheer Button-Down Shirt in every color. It feels like 'me,' but the sheer fabric feels edgy and unique. 

- This Faux Fur Trimmed Coat is a dream!! The details are stunning; it truly looks like a coat I pulled from my grammie's closet in the 1960s. The price tag is a bit steep, but it's truly a special piece. 

- I'm on the hunt for an everyday small black crossbody bag. I have so many fun, colorful bags; I'm honestly just lacking something very basic. I'm eyeing this Black Crossbody Bag.

- My favorite Face Cream is pricey. It unfortunately works so well!! 

- I'm Petite Plume's newest and biggest fan. I'd love this Navy Pajama Set in every color! 

Some items of note... 

- I want Hot Rollers to play around with. I'm not exactly sure if I'll love them, so this lower-priced set is all I need! 

- I have these Printed Colorful Pants in two colors, but I love this kind of Florentine design! 

- I'm going to start junk journaling as a little something to keep me off of my phone! I'm not a big DIY gal, but I think this is simple, fun, and a unique way to document memories. This Junk Journal seems like the perfect thing to get started. 

- I've put so many miles on these Sneakers, I think it's time for a new pair. The BEST sneakers. They are so bouncy and cushion my feet like no other. 

Some items of note... 

- I drink a cup of this Green Tea daily! So deliciuos! 

- We have these White Wine Glasses but a few have broken over the years, so I need to restock my arsenal! 

- I had the tab for this Fleece Lined Coat open for weeks. The other night, my husband and I were talking, and he pulled out his phone to show me this same coat and said he was thinking of ordering it! It is not the prettiest coat, that's for sure, but my goodness, is it practical. It kind of reminds me of those swim parkas that you'd wear during swim practice and meets. I just know throwing this coat on over whatever to walk Henry would be perfect, no matter what the winter weather brings. 

- Now these Monogrammed Hair Clips are purely frivolous, but how fun!! The perfect thing to get someone who has everything, because there is a good chance she doesn't have her own monogrammed, no-crease hair clips! 

- I think this Dog Cocktail Table is the most expensive thing on here, but I've been dreaming about it ever since I saw one in person in Charleston! 


2026 Gift Guides:



You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more. I’m always updating it with my latest finds! You can also follow me on the LTK app and browse all of my posts here on my website.

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).

Friday, November 6, 2026

Weekend Wish List

Some items of note... 
- This Velvet Button Jacket and Red Jacquard Pants with flats or heels make for the prettiest holiday outfit. 

- This Black Embellished Cardigan also comes in cream, and both are an easy way to add some sparkle to any outfit. 

- I love that this Black Jacquard Coat/Dress is a 2-in-1!

- I can't believe these Olive Cocktail Napkins are $15 when they are on some websites for $48! 

- This Ski Shawl Cardigan Sweater is wintertime perfection. 

Some items of note... 

- This Personalized Brush is 25% off, making it under $50 and an adorable gift for any age! 

- I think a tuxedo shirt is so chic, and this Tuxedo Tunic Shirt is the perfect length to pair with a skinny cigarette-style pant. 

- Love that this Fleece Robe is now available in a darker color. I have it in cream and love it so much, but I think the darker green shade would hide some coffee splatters better! 

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more. I’m always updating it with my latest finds! You can also follow me on the LTK app and browse all of my posts here on my website.

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Lately


I've been wearing shorts on my walks all week!!



A little pre-trick-or-treat snack!



Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup season! Trader Joe's Red Pepper Tomato Soup is my favorite. 


Hope your week is going well and that you enjoyed a nice holiday weekend! My mother-in-law came to stay for the weekend, which is always nice! We had a great trick-or-treat evening as the weather was gorgeous. I went to see a movie with my parents on Sunday, and it was great. 

This week has been very typical, but it's busy season, so I'm basically glued to my phone and computer! I started rolling out the gift guides this week; so far, the first two are the host and hostess guide and the cool girl guide, which my sister curated! More to come next week. 

We have had the most glorious weather. It's been 75 and sunny for days, which is unusual for November in Pittsburgh. I am here for it, though it seems that today is the start of some cooler, less sunny weather. Par for the course. 

This weekend, we don't have any huge plans, but my aunt and uncle are in town, so we are going to have dinner at my parents' with them one night! We also need to tackle a few chores around the house. I'm trying to decide when I want to put up our Christmas tree. I was thinking this weekend, as I love the decorations, but at the same time, it's been so warm and sunny that I'm not really in a Christmas-y mood! 


Red Pants (use code SYD20)
Tried these red pants on. They run big; I'm wearing a size 2. Love the dupioni texture, and they are a touch stretchy, so they're very comfortable! 



Black Sweater (back in stock)// Black jeans on sale under $100// Orange Loafers

Wearing: I've worn mostly casual things all week long! 

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more. I’m always updating it with my latest finds! You can also follow me on the LTK app and browse all of my posts here on my website.

Eating: Sweet treats we snagged at Bartram House Bakery. The top left strawberry pastry was incredible! 

Sale: 25% off personalized items at Baublebar. They have a longer lead time, so they always do this sale early so you can order and get items in time for holiday gifting! 

The Sephora sale is open to everyone now! I shared my full makeup routine here, with a few products that are included in the sale. My top 5 picks are this hair-taming wand, this concealer, this eyelash curler, these eye patches, and this thermal barrel iron. 

One of my favorite brands is doing 25% off jackets, coats, and boots! I saw this suede jacket in the store the other day, and it is incredibly stunning. Though, even at 25% off, the price is spendy! For everything else, you can use my code SYD20 for 20% off full-price items. 


Watching: I haven't been to a theater in ages, but Everest: The Other Side was playing in IMAX, and I had to see it. I'm absolutely fascinated by mountaineering, especially the eight-thousanders like Everest. I have no real interest in actually hiking; I don't think I'd enjoy sleeping in a tent, I love a hot shower, and I loathe being cold. So I don't necessarily consume mountaineering content because I want to climb mountains, but I'm so inspired by mountaineers' strength and grit. I've read and watched so much on the topic, I feel like I could talk to a hiker or mountaineer and they might actually think I own hiking boots, ha!! Anyway, the only IMAX in Pittsburgh is at the AMC in Waterfront. I truly think the last time I was in that movie theater, I was 12, but it looks pretty much the same! The documentary was one of the best things I've ever seen. I felt so immersed in the whole thing watching it on the massive screen. The story is a complete and total emotional rollercoaster. It was heartbreaking, gripping, stressful, and thrilling. The cinematography was stunning, and the storytelling was poignant and engaging. I've been thinking about it ever since. It's a heavy story, but if you're interested, I'd recommend it. I don't want to say too much and ruin it, but it was just so moving.

Loving: I just love these little nutcrackers!

Wanting: This little beaded bag is so pretty
. I love the navy because I think it would work beautifully in all seasons! This tartan jacket is incredible! This feather top is so fun and gives me 'going out' top vibes. Such a gorgeous jacquard coat! Very into this tote. In my family, I am known as the bull in the china shop, so these socks are making me chuckle. Pretty sure this is the best mascara ever! New J.Crew this week, and I love this fleece jacket, these velvet flats, this scarf, this feather-embellished button-down, and this embellished collared sweater. So into these red pants for the holidays and beyond. Just ordered this velvet top. A fringe purse begging to be taken to a festive fete. These sunglasses look perfectly classic. This sweatshirt + sweatpants lounge set is back in stock. The most comfortable lounge set I've ever worn! This clutch is gorgeous and so unique. Such a fun cardigan to add lots of color to your world this winter! A festive top that would look great with jeans or a skirt! Now this is a fun little mini dress and this is the most fabulous cocktail dress!! A cozy and cute vest. 

Pittsburgh: My husband and I were invited to Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's black-tie gala, and I'm so looking forward to it. You can still snag tickets, here! We have so much talent in this city, and it's great to celebrate and support it! Plus, I love any excuse to dress up. I ordered quite a few dresses and am hoping one works out! 

Amazon Rec: It's soup season! These are the soup/cereal bowls we use day to day! 

You can find more of my Amazon favorites, here on my Amazon page where I am constantly updating it with all of my finds and top picks from home, beauty, fashion, and more!

Smelling: I found one of my favorite perfumes of all time on TJ Maxx's website! It's still pricey, but hugely discounted from its full price. I'm shocked to see it on sale! 

Quoting: 'Both fear and faith ask you to believe in something you can't see.' // See more of my favorites, here.

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you). 

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Gift Guide: For the Cool Girl


If you’re new here, meet my sister, Callie. She’s four years younger than I am. She is trendier and always ahead of the curve. We’re incredibly close, but our personal tastes tend to be different; though as she gets older, we align more in our tastes. 

Callie is into pop culture, travel, makeup, and cooking. She dresses more casually than I do, somehow always knows the it sneaker of the moment, and always knows what's going on in Hollywood. Her home style is an eclectic mix of mid-century, bohemian, and traditional that she pulls together beautifully. She’s creative, honest, and loyal to her core.

One of my favorite stories about her: when we were little, an older group of neighborhood kids popped my blow-up toy ball just to be mean. Callie, who was maybe four years old, marched over and scolded them on my behalf. She’s been sticking up for me ever since.


Callie and her husband just moved across the country from North Carolina to San Francisco earlier this year. I admire Callie for this move, because it was a big one, and somewhat on a whim. It was such fun to visit her earlier this year, and we are planning another trip to California soon! Callie and her husband are high school sweethearts. They have a dog, Bean, and two cats, Hugo and Louis. She is one of the first people I run things by because she is never afraid to tell it like it is. For this guide, I asked her to send me things she personally loves, recommends, or would gift, so everything here comes straight from her list.

I know not everyone shares my taste, and it can be challenging to shop for people whose style differs from your own. So think of this as the 'cool girl' gift guide. Callie-curated, sister-approved! 

Some items of note... 
- Callie tried these Sunglasses on in Sicily and loved them and eventually ordered them once she got home. 

- This is the Handbag Callie got in Florence, and it is so much better in person. It's the perfect size for day and night, and the ponyhair texture really makes it stand out while still being neutral. 

- My mom, sister, and I all want to put these Earrings on our gift guides because we love them so much and wear them weekly. They're under $100, and I think they are one of the best gifts you could give. There are different shapes and sizes. My mom and sister both prefer the oval 10mm CZ, while I wear the round 10mm CZ more often.

Some items of note... 
- I have seen this Personalized Tote everywhere. It's classic, but the color has a bit of a worn look that I don't love. However, my sister got it to take to Italy, and I got a full tour of it while we were waiting in the airport, and it totally grew on me. It's so spacious and truly set up to be such a great travel bag. The quality is also really great.  

- This Hand Soap is specifically made to erase kitchen smells like onion, garlic, and more. 

- My sister works from home, so she dresses very casually day-to-day and loves this Oversized Sweatshirt.

- To quote the text she sent me about this Keyboard for iPad 'it's one of the best things I own.'

2026 Gift Guides:



You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more. I’m always updating it with my latest finds! You can also follow me on the LTK app and browse all of my posts here on my website.

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).
 

© Summer Wind Blog 2017 / site design by kiki and co. / disclosure