What To Get The Most Interesting Girl You Know

As told by the most interesting girl I know.

Last year I had my friend Chelsea Baken (if you don’t follow her on Instagram already, what are you even doing on Instagram….her stories!!!) write a gift guide for me, and it was just so good. Marjon Carlos, who writes the excellent

Your Favorite Auntie

also contributed, and a year later, her gift ideas are still perfect. I need to get her on here again. It was a great newsletter.

Chelsea and I have been texting a bit recently about a few unnecessary but cute purchases I’ve made, and honestly, I really trust her taste and her eye - especially for the dumb stuff. Chelsea lives a very thoughtful life - everything fits within her aesthetic POV, she’s so consistent, so funny, SO charming, a great friend, and likely the most creative person I’ve ever met. I am full on #1 fan girl, I am obsessed with her to the point where sometimes I feel weird about it.

So I asked her to come back. Here are her picks for 2024.

OHUHU HOOLULU MARKERS

I've been seeing these coloring books on TikTok, and all the girls use this brand of marker. Like many people, I've been feeling lonely and stuck at home, so instead of making more of an effort to hang out with others, I convince myself that staying home and coloring will fix everything.

SURPRISE PARIS SCARF

I know scarves often get a bad rap as a cliché holiday gift, but these scarves come in such beautiful colors that complement any coat. I'm really eyeing the rose and bleu électrique.

SANDY LIANG WILBUR TOP

I love a collared shirt, especially one with a Peter Pan collar, and this one has a lace appliqué! I also just had my color analysis done in Korea, and they told me that if I'm wearing a dark color, a pop of white underneath, like a collar, would be best for my complexion. Yeah, tell me something I don’t already know.

GUCCI BROADWAY SNAKESKIN BAG

I saw a girl on the subway with this bag maybe five years ago, and I’ve never forgotten it. I haven’t seen it again since that day. The lucite emerald handle paired with the brown snakeskin is an absolute dream.

EMI JAY POPSTAR CLIP SET

I recently got bangs again, so I could use some festive clips for the days when I don’t feel like dealing with them. The Amour Rouge and Crème Brûlée are my favorites.

PRADA VELVET PUMPS

These are just darling! Velvet, bow, T-strap—it's the perfect combination for a holiday shoe that works for any occasion.

Or!!!

PRADA RE-NYLON MINI BAG

Forever a bow girl!!! The real ones know. This is such a fun twist on their nylon bags, and with the addition of the bow, it adds a little pizzazz to the everyday.

NORDIC KNOTS FOLDING RIBBON RUG

I’m a carpet girl—I want carpet in every room. I can't wait until I own my own place so I can install wall-to-wall carpet everywhere. In the meantime, I have to make do with area rugs. Nordic Knots offers such rich colors and patterns, and, not surprisingly, I've had my eye on one particular rug for nearly two years.

TIFFANY HARDWARE NECKLACE

Quick story: a few years ago, I sold all my childhood dolls and toys on eBay and made a decent amount of money. My mom had the sweet idea that I should buy a piece of jewelry to represent my toys. I had wanted this necklace for years, so I thought it was the perfect choice. I went in to buy it, only to find out I was $10,000 short. Humiliating.

LOEWE FLORAL FLEECE JACKET

Florals for winter? Actually groundbreaking! They’ve been having so much fun with florals this season. This one is a lovely touch of warm winter white with the softest pink. But while I’m here, the one I’ve been dying for is the multi-color sweater (same pattern as the teddy coat) worn by Mariska Hargitay in Interview earlier this fall. I haven’t been able to find it online! SOS if anyone has tracked it down.

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The best, man I love her.

And you!

your friend(s)

Laurel & Chelsea