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Writer's pictureAshley Victoria

THE ULTIMATE LOCAL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Updated: May 22, 2020


#HEYBEAUTIES! It's that time of year again, the HAPPIEST time of year - unless you're scrambling to find the perfect presents. That's where I come in and make your life easier. I have rounded up some of my favorite, local brands and products from Connecticut and New York to make shopping this Holiday Season a breeze.

NOT LOCAL? Don't worry, you can still shop these fabulous brands! Click on any brand name to visit their website or click on their Instagram handle to connect with them on social.

Note these are all brands I personally believe in and have products from, some of which I have been shopping at for 20+ years - yep, you read that right.

 

MY FAVORITE LOCAL BRANDS + PRODUCTS

 

Shoes 'N' More is child-to-adulthood favorite. I have vivid memories coming to shop year-round with my Mom. I adore the fact that this brand has transcended time - it has taken me through my pre-teens, teens, twenties and now, my thirties. They always have the latest trends and classic staples at a variety of price points. To boot, their customer service is exceptional - you are welcomed by friendly, knowledgeable staff willing to go out of their way to make sure your shopping experience perfect, every time.

Located at 121 Elm Street in quaint downtown New Canaan, Shoes 'N' More was founded over 30 years ago and is a woman owned family business with a lot of heart! From shoes to handbags and everything in between, this is one shopping destination you don't want to miss!

Shoes 'N' More Locations: Bronxville, Darien, Greenwich, Mt. Kisco, New Canaan, Rye and Westport.

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Psst. If you visit the NEW CANAAN location of Shoes 'N' More OR More 'N' More, you will receive a stunning Gold Beaded Bracelet ($25 Value) for every $100 you spend - just mention STYLEELYST.

Be sure to check out their Instagram - @shoesnmoreinc

When Shoes 'N' More opened More 'N' More it was like prayers were answered. They realized New Canaan needed and wanted more, so they expanded on their accessories and clothing department, offering a wider array of gorgeous pieces of all price points. It is so expansive, it's almost like a mini department store! Promise, once you step in, you won't want to leave.

More 'N' More is located at ‪120 Elm Street, across the street from Shoes 'N' More, New Canaan.

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Psst. If you visit the NEW CANAAN location of Shoes 'N' More OR More 'N' More, you will receive a stunning Gold Beaded Bracelet ($25 Value) for every $100 you spend - just mention STYLEELYST.

Be sure to check out their Instagram - @shoesnmoreinc

Okay, who says that holiday shopping has to be tangible? With all of the holiday parties and family gatherings, everyone is always promising themselves that come the New Year, they will hit the gym again and get back in shape. So why not gift the loved ones in your life just that, workouts? Not any old workout, but JoyRide cycling classes! I am not a fan of working out, but somehow, JoyRide gets me up at the crack of dawn and has me looking forward to a good sweat.

My favorite instructor by far is Mo. His fun mixes, upbeat personality and inclusivity with experience levels, has me always yearning to book a spot in one of his classes.

I also adore Eryk's classes - fun fact, he took this pic!

JoyRide has 5 convenient locations in Connecticut: Darien, Westport, Ridgefield, Wilton and New Haven. So there is bound to be a studio near you.

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Book your classes ahead of time. Spots fill up quickly, especially during peak times.

Be sure to check out their Instagram - @joyridestudio

JL Rocks offers beautifully crafted fine jewelry, at every price point. Even better, their prices are unbeatable, as they make all of their jewelry in-house.

Owner, Jamie is fun, savvy and chic as hell. Her lovely boutique is in the heart of downtown Westport and is every girls dream.

The necklace featured is their SHANNON NECKLACE, a 14K Gold Clover Necklace with Pave Diamonds. I am also a fan of their 14K Gold Double Row Micro Pave Diamond Huggies. Both only $300!

If you are unsure of what to pick out, don't worry, JL Rocks' experienced and helpful staff will help you pick out the perfect gift! This truly is a must-stop shop this holiday season.

Be sure to check out their Instagram - @jlrockswestport

Auburn Jewelry was founded in 2013, and is another woman-owned business. Owner Sam is a kind, creative soul from Westchester County. She makes custom 14K Gold Plated and Sterling Silver creations. When I say custom, I mean custom. She can do anything from the silhouette of your child, paw print of your beloved pet, handwriting, Est. dates, fun graphics, logos - literally, anything.

The pieces featured are a custom MRS. pendent and her staple MINI INITIAL PENDANT NECKLACE - both in 14K gold plating.*

Sam's custom work is sure to be the thoughtful touch you need this Holiday Season.

Be sure to check out their Instagram - @auburnjewelry

Inspo + Ivy is owned by the insanely stylish, Alissa, who resides in Fairfield with her husband and three kids!

After years of wanting her own brand, Alissa recently decided to branch out, follow her dreams and launch this bea-u-tiful e-commerce storefront.

I am hooked! Honestly, she finds the best pieces, whether statements or basics, that I am constantly reaching for in my closet. She carries everything from jewelry to sweaters. Bonus - her prices will honestly blow your mind - yes, they are that good!

Alissa also has a talent for finding the BEST dupes. For instance, the featured product is her SKINNY G BELT, an identical take on Gucci's iconic belt, along with her CASHMERE BLEND TURTLENECK.

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Use CODE styleelyst for 10% OFF your purchase! x

Be sure to check out their Instagram - @inspoandivy

Welden Bags is a woman owned business. Owner, Sandy worked with the worlds top prestige brands for years, as she slowly watched fast fashion take over; diminishing the quality of clothing, shoes and bags. Sandy decided that she needed to infuse the market with quality craftsmanship, at a reasonable price point. Welden Bags was born in 2015, offering consumers a modern, unique take on hand-crafted luxury.

The bag featured is their ODYSSEY SATCHEL. I love that this is a quality statement bag in a neutral hue that I will be able to wear for seasons and years to come. Psst. it comes with a crossbody strap. Amen to that!

Welden is the perfect place to pick up a one-of-a-kind handbag for the special lady or gent in your life. I promise, they will love it.

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They are having a SITE-WIDE SALE of 40% OFF Friday, November 29th - Monday, December 2nd!

Be sure to check out their Instagram - @weldenbags

Luxeire clothing is light as air and crafted with the finest Italian fabrics. They are breathable basics that elevate any look, whether layered or worn solo. This effortlessly chic company is owned and run by mother-daughter-duo, Gina and Margot.

Other benefits of these chic staples - soft to the touch, perfect fit, thermoregulating, UV protective and moisture wicking. You can say they are only basics you will ever need, literally.

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These fun tops can add a fun touch to your athleisure looks. I love throwing them on with a sports bra and yoga pants for an updated take on workout attire. x

Be sure to check out their Instagram - @luxeire_layers

Winged Monkey Westport was opened 25 years ago, and is owned by Mother-Daughter-Duo Cathy and Jenny.

This truly is a one-stop-shop! Winged Monkey has an expansive Women's Section featuring the latest trends along with classic staples and of course, denim, in addition to a fun Children's Department and a Gown Shop. I mean, c'mon.

So, if you haven't been, make sure to add this shop to your list of places to stop-in while on the hunt for presents - you will knock a ton of people off your list - promise.

The featured item is their LOVE TOKEN IVORY ALI FAUX FUR VEST.

Be sure to check out their Instagram - @wingedmonkeywestport

Penny Weights as been a mainstay in downtown New Canaan since 1980, and a part of my life since I was a kid. Not even kidding. I have grown up with this wonderful company!

They offer an exclusive and cultivated selection of stunning, custom Sterling Silver pieces, as well as Fine and Fashion Jewelry.

I love that you can go in there and get a necklace for $15 or $500. When I say there is something for every budget, I actually mean it.

My favorite part about Penny Weights? They make gift shopping so easy, as they gift wrap purchases, year round. They have a variety of wrapping paper and ribbon to choose from each season, so you can cross wrapping off your list, right away!

Be sure to check out their Instagram - @pennyweightsjewelry

*DISCLAIMER* This is sponsored content, however, my feelings, recommendations and styles are all my own. Most importantly, this post is all about #womensupportingwomen

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