While it has been a difficult year, we wanted to bring a bit of joy and the opportunity to escape from the daily grind. That’s why we’ve brought back our beloved Luxe Loves article this year. Although budgets may be tighter this holiday season, sometimes it’s fun to daydream. So scroll through these items, which are either aspirational Southern splurges or items that simply feel luxe.
But, if you want a stylish list of gift choices for less than $50, we have that, too! See our “30 Under $50 Gift Guide” HERE.
FOR THE JEWELRY BOX
Gold bangle
This beautiful bangle features over a half-carat of brilliant diamonds designed in a delicate floral motif against a textured gold background. Available in white, rose or yellow gold, this modern piece was designed with a nod to old-world opulence. Find these for $2,500 each at Avani Rupa.
Bangles, $2,500 each, from Avani Rupa | Image: Avani Rupa
Earrings
For any tough-to-shop-for woman, these dainty yet head-turning yellow gold and diamond flower studs will become her best friend. Set with almost a quarter-carat of bright white diamonds, the Jennifer Yamina Circular Flower Studs make a charming gift for any age. Find these at Charleston, SC, destination luxury store, Hampden, for $715.
Diamond studs, $715, at Hampden | Image: Hampden
RELATED: 5 North Carolina Jewelry Designers You’ll LOVE
Bee necklace
Perfect for layering or everyday wear, this adorable mini bee pendant hangs on an adjustable 18-inch chain in 14K yellow gold with a 0.10-carat diamond. This would be a fabulous find for a daughter or mother in your life! Browse the rest of the drool-worthy collection, and grab your bee for $595 at Cindi Earl Fine Jewelry.
Diamond bee necklace, $595, at Cindi Earl | Image: Cindi Earl
FOR THE HOME
Firepit/coffee table
Cozy up around this handsome firepit made on cast-iron rollers. When the fire dwindles, add the removable wooden top and enjoy a cocktail or a warm cup of coffee. This 42-square-foot piece is beautiful and functional no matter the season. Find yours for $1,500 at Athens, GA-based design store Steel + Plank.
Firepit/coffee table, $1,500, at Steel + Plank | Image: Steel + Plank
RELATED: 8 STUNNING Outdoor Fire Pits For Cooler Weather
Whimsical print
Raleigh, NC-born illustrator and artist Inslee Fariss’ designs are whimsical, colorful, and perfect for spaces beyond kids’ rooms. Available in Oceanic Kingdom, Earthly Kingdom, and Fairytale Kingdom (pictured below), each 17-by-22-inch piece is signed and printed on archival-quality Hahnemühle etching paper and ships flat in a protective mailer! Find yours for $180 at Inslee.
Fairytale Kingdom print, $180, at Inslee | Image: Inslee
Recliner
Give the man in your life this handsome leather recliner, and you’ll also give him an oasis for conversation, solitude and his favorite bourbon neat. Find this luxe leather chair — along with the bar cabinet and more — for $1,625 at Merridian Home Furnishings, with locations in Louisville and Nashville. Call the closest store to you for shipping options.
Leather recliner, $1,625, at Merridian Home Furnishings | Image: Merridian Home Furnishings
Runner
Get some pep in your step by swapping out or adding a fabulous new runner to your hallway or kitchen. This large, authentic vintage Turkish kilim rug boasts raspberry, caramel, lavender, bubblegum, and cream colors and is hand-knotted with all-natural fibers. Find yours (on sale!) for $980 at Nashville’s Apple & Oak.
Runner, $980, at Apple & Oak | Image: Apple & Oak
Fiona pillow
Handcrafted and designed using the finest quality of textiles, this pillow by Piper Collection can bring a little intrigue to any neutral setting. With beautiful blues and grays, this will look fabulous on a couch or paired with a comforter set. Find it for $308 at SB Shop.
Fiona pillow, $308, at SB Shop
Luxe all-weather blanket
Waterproof, windproof and washable are the characteristics you need in your next blanket. This multitasker can be used as you’re curled up on the couch or out by the firepit. Measuring 50 by 70 inches, this blanket is $250 at Southern Muse in Memphis, TN.
Blanket, $250, at Southern Muse | Image: Southern Muse
FOR THE CULINARY-MINDED
Gift set
Add some magic to your cooking with this gift set from Atlanta’s flavor professionals at Beautiful Briny Sea. These savory blends brighten and heighten any dish. The set includes signature sea salt flavors like Magic Unicorn (sea salt with smoked paprika, rosemary, and garlic), French Picnic (sea salt with Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs de Provençe), and Truffle (sea salt with Italian black truffles). Find the set (on sale!) for $150 at Beautiful Briny Sea.
Gift set, $150, at Beautiful Briny Sea | Image: Beautiful Briny Sea
Holiday chocolate box
For the hard-to-shop-for foodie on your list who loves to indulge, this 12-piece gift set from Phillip Ashley Chocolates comes with the esteemed chocolate maker’s Mixed Signature Bonbon Collection, Two Perfect Turtles, a mini bottle of Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne, and yes, the handsome versatile case. Who doesn’t love chocolate and champagne!? Find this set for $250 at Memphis’ own Phillip Ashley Chocolates.
Holiday gift set, $250, at Phillip Ashley Chocolates | Image: Phillip Ashley Chocolates
Scoop
This handmade piece is perfect for ice cream lovers, but it could also moonlight as a stuffing scoop, peanut butter scoop, and more. Made from ambrosia maple wood with a capped handle of contrasting moss, the scoop is sealed with a hand-blended mixture of walnut oil, Asheville-local beeswax, and sweet orange oil. Find yours at Spoon & Hook for $85.
Scoop, $85, at Spoon & Hook | Image: Spoon & Hook
Wagyu brisket
Kentucky-based Black Hawk Farms produces some of the best quality American Wagyu brisket — and delivers it to your door. The most tender, lean and prized cut of beef, the American Wagyu brisket features extraordinarily rich flavors. Find this (and lots of other cuts!) for $125 at Black Hawk Farms.
Brisket, $125, at Black Hawk Farms | Image: Black Hawk Farms
Wine glasses
New to the expanding line of dreamy table wares from East Fork, these Italian, artisan-made, funky-shaped Velasco calices are a splurge you or your giftee will use constantly. Find a pair of two for $120 at East Fork in Asheville, NC.
Pair of glasses, $120, at East Fork | Image: East Fork
FOR THE FASHION-FORWARD
Slides
With the feel of a sandal and the coziness of a slipper, this slide features twisted straps of genuine shearling on a comfy cork footbed. They’re sturdy enough to wear in public and soft enough to wear around the house! Find yours for $225 at Oak Hall.
Slides, $225, at Oak Hall | Image: Oak Hall
Dress
Out with the old and in with a new head-turning, statement-making, comfy cotton dress for all of your future adventures. This color block cotton dress will travel well and stay fresh through the seasons. Find yours for $850 from Poole Shop in Charlotte, NC.
Dress, $850, at Poole Shop | Image: Poole Shop
Sunglasses
New Orleans darling shades brand, Krewe, has your new favorite pair of shades. The bold 24K gold-plated metal bridge of the St. Louis design is inspired by the iconic cast-iron balconies found in the French Quarter, with a rounded silhouette that complements most face shapes. Find yours for $275 at Krewe.
Sunglasses, $275, at Krewe | Image: Krewe
Silk bandana
This 100% silk bandana-meets-scarf can act as an elevated neckpiece, an adornment for a purse, or a pretty ponytail addition. Designer Natalie Busby’s pieces are versatile, chic and effortless, and made of natural and sustainable textiles. Find yours for $52 at SB Shop.
Silk bandana, $52, at SB Shop
Boots
These boots are made for walkin’, and that’s just what they’ll do. Handmade in Spain, these gorgeous leather boots are perfect for the fashionista in your life. We can’t get enough of the on-trend snakeskin print! Find these for $375 at Birmingham’s basic.
Leather boots, $375, from basic. | Image: basic.
Headband
Since we likely have a few more months of Zoom meetings and on-camera time, investing in a gorgeous headband seems like a wise idea. Dress this velvet, gold-studded headband up or down! Find yours for $170 at Monkee’s of Columbia.
Headband, $170, at Monkee’s of Columbia | Image: Monkee’s of Columbia
Men’s jacket
When it comes to a well-rounded winter wardrobe, a blazer is essential, and Billy Reid has done it again with this suit jacket that features a tailored fit, custom pelican jacquard lining and genuine horn buttons. This design will stand the test of time and go with any pair of slacks or jeans. Add this to your holiday wish list or buy one for a special, stylish someone for $695 at Billy Reid.
Greer jacket, $695, at Billy Reid | Image: Billy Reid
May your days be merry and bright this holiday season!
**********
Want more great FINDS? Follow us on Instagram!