Few people navigate the world of shopping and style with the same ease and enthusiasm as Zoe Stewart. A New York–based stylist, trend commentator, and content creator, she has become a trusted voice for women looking to build intentional wardrobes without losing the playful magic that makes fashion fun. With the gifting season in full swing and shopping pressures at an all-time high, Zoe brings her expert clarity and creative flair to the rescue. Here, she breaks down the pieces she believes are genuinely worth bringing home, from tiny luxuries to forever investments.
ZS: Ah, the leaves are falling, the first snow is almost here, and it’s that time of year where we are inundated with THINGS TO BUY. If shopping were a sport, I’d be an Olympian, and this is my season to shine. As a stylist, my holy grail is finding pieces that feel singular but still play well with what my clients already own. But between the gift guides, flash sales, and extra scrolling time, carving out what’s truly worth buying can feel like an extreme sport. So I’ve done the heavy lifting, and pulled together everything I’m shopping for at three different budgets—$50, $500, and $1500. There’s truly something for everyone, from tiny luxuries to heirloom-level indulgence, so let’s get shopping!
$50 – Tiny Luxuries
Fifty dollars may not sound transformative, but it can be if you know what to look for. In this price range, I focus on small items that elevate texture, scent, and ritual, and help you live a little bit more luxuriously. This Boy Smells candle is like winter in a bottle – if you close your eyes, you could swear you were in a log cabin watching the snowfall. I love a candle in a beautiful holder – once you finish it (because you will!) you can use it in your bathroom as a little make up holder. Ever since hair accessories went down the runway at The Row in Paris, it has been a fixation of every cool girl I know. You would swear this Ettika hair clip was vintage Tiffany, inherited it from a chic great-aunt who lived in a penthouse and only ate caviar. It’s elevated enough to be a statement, simple enough to wear all the time, and most certainly looks like it should cost more than $50. I love hosting and ‘tis the season for entertaining! The Hawkins glassware set from Hawkins New York will be perfect for your next dinner party. The simple stem is chic but the bubbled glass feels playful. The best part is they’re dishwasher safe. Chanel for under $50? Be still my beating heart. The Chanel multi-use glow stick can be used in endless ways – I love this for eyeshadow and a little highlighter on the clavicle – and comes in 7 different shades. And plot twist: the burgundy leather, cashmere-lined, tech-compatible gloves are from Land’s End. Yes, Land’s End. They look expensive, feel expensive, and—unlike many pretenders—actually work on a phone screen.
$500 – The Staples
This time of year, I find myself drawn to the hard working extras – those pieces that fit seamlessly into everyday life, but somehow make what you’re wearing and doing that much chicer. The tasseled belt from Kallmeyer is so much more than your standard belt – it can be worn around the waist, over a coat, as a long necklace or tied around your bag. It’s the gift that keeps on giving (and giving, and giving) and everyone will ask you where it’s from. And if you want to receive compliments, look no further than the Camille Earrings earrings from Lie Studio. These look good alone or as part of a stack, are easy to dress up or down, and can go seamlessly from day to night. I guarantee you won’t take them off for the entirety of the holiday season. And I like a bag like I like my men – they want to go everywhere with me, and are happy to deal with my baggage. This Leatherology Kress XL tote bag goes seamlessly from day to day errands to holiday travel, and is shockingly good quality for the price. The croc print is so elevated and on trend, and the customization option makes this the perfect holiday gift. The Franca Cara Pillar Face Vase is like a piece of art for your home – it looks great with florals, greens and branches alike. And the abstract print is fun enough to keep on your counter, even without flowers. The Micha Tan scarf from Almada Label plays double duty – it can be worn as a traditional scarf or reversed as a cape (as pictured) and comes in five different colors, all that work with the winter coats already in your closet.
$1500 – An Investment
When I consider investments this season, I’m looking for the things that I will have for so long and love so much, they become vintage in my own closet. There are really only a few pieces that are worthy of such investments, and one of them is a leather jacket. The briar Cropped Bomber Jacket from Nour Hammour can be dressed up or down, is flattering on all different body shapes and sizes, and will only look better with age. You know what they say, diamonds are a girl’s best friend! But the 14kt Malachite Donut and Diamond Door Knocker Earrings. Mateo earrings are diamonds with a twist – the diamonds make the shape so refined, and the Malachite adds a more earthy twist. There is something so indulgent about a clutch that holds nothing – it just screams I have no cares in the world and someone else will pay for this dinner. Tis the season to lean into this delusion, and the best way to do that is to carry the Baar Baar BB Tasseled Case clutch. The art deco shape, long tassel and subtle onyx detail elevates any outfit and works for any occasion – and can even be used as a coffee table accent! Speaking of home goods, this Natalia Criado Teiera silver-plated and rose quartz teapot teapot would make even the most devout coffee drinker reconsider. There is something so It girl about walking into someone’s home and seeing a teapot on the stove, and this one is somehow the perfect cross between British socialite and Paloma Picasso. Only Toteme could make this season’s hottest print – dalmatian – and make it sound even chicer by calling it Stracciatella. And like the gelato flavor, this Toteme Stracciatella shearling muff black/white muff is delicious and indulgent. It works as a scarf, cape or hand warmer, and is something you’ll be excited to wear year after year.
In partnership with APG
