My name is Allegra and I've been a good girl this year so I'd like to share with you all my 2023 Christmas List. Allow me to first give enormous credit to my best friend Dani Spierer for inspiring me to put together this list. She made a great Birthday List found here that left me giggling and ready to gift. It motivated me to create the one below that I am now excited to share with you all...
But first, a story:
Once, as a buck toothed 5th grader, I put together my sparkling 2009 Christmas list. I spent hours at our family desktop. I can see it now, replete with peace sign JPGs, the Lester's butter sweatshirt every hot chick in my school had, and bubblegum pink + purple custom nikes. The memories come flooding back. Wasting my family's printer ink to make copies of my list, handing it out to my Mom and Dad and then posting it on our front door like I was the pubertized Martin Luther with his 95 Theses. Now I don't remember what Mr. Claus snuck under the tree that year for me, but suffice to say he did not receive a copy of my list. But Santa, baby, if you're reading this, it's water under the bridge.
So long are my days for wishes of Silly Bandz, Kooky pens and the Steve Madden Pammy that rocked 7th grade like an airborne pandemic. Forgotten and no longer produced, these distant dreams lie dormant in the late aughts. For I am not the kid I once was. I've shed my bucked teeth (I got braces) and grew out of my custom Nikes. My hair got longer and I sprouted a record 6 inches in between 6th and 7th grade. I no longer have access to the family printer and even if I did would not dare use the color ink (Mom says its really expensive).Â
Now I'm Allegra, an adult. I'm a full fledged woman! I laugh with my friends and steal small grocery items from Trader Joes. I have a job I like and live in an exciting city. I'm proud of the person I am. And mostly, I am really glad to be here. This is my life, far different from 2009, and I am loving it. HOWEVER..... I know I'd love it even more with the following gifts:Â
1. CO Bigelow Cat Ornament After a recent trip to the Iconic and oldest Apothecary in America, I discovered their shop cat is named Allegra! Allegra is the 4th cat to grace CO Bigelow and she is aptly named after the allergy medicine, Allegra. The owner is said to be allergic to cats. CO Bigelow is rich with feline lore and beautiful apothecary history. I'd love to own this Allegra the Cat ornament to cement myself to such a special cat and store
A Gorg Good Squish Scrunchie or this one! I have sooo much hair and adore these nicely made scrunchies perfect for any hair day.
3. Courreges Gray Wool Mini Dress in size 4 US/ 36 F (also on sale here). This is serious to me. Very, very serious. Back in October during my break, I walked from my Broome Street office to the Courreges store to try this Dress on. It rocked my world and fit like a glove. It changed the trajectory of my life forever. I'd rob for it. I'd steal for it. I'd buy it for myself if I could..
4. Red Gingham Cotton Set (Size Large) I need gingham like I need God and I need it bad. What better to traipse around my subzero apartment than in this all-cotton set.
5. Fortnum and Mason Christmas Basket I love grandeur that has a history of quality. So look no further than to the world of Fortnum and Mason the wondrous British emporium that Lizzy kindly introduced me to over the summer when I snuck into her pocket like a naughty Slag as she toured me around her beloved London. This basket is bountiful and delicious! I'd like to have it.Â
6. Shibui Spa Gift Card Last month I stumbled into the Greenwich Hotel after dog sitting in TriBeCa and you'll never guess what I found. An entire stunning spa! After the kind Concierge showed me around, I've decided I want in. Hell, DeNiro's even got a fucking pool down there! A trip to this spa seems luxurious and Winter's perfect cure
7. Chateau Perfume 8ml Travel Sprayer -scroll to near bottom- On the topic of soothing comes this delightful scent from Thin Wild Mercury. I smelled it at Dani's place and snuck sprays of it all during my trip last month to Los Angeles. Just as the description reads, it reminds me of Hollywood's debaucherous past and all-night parties at the sultry Chateau. And Since I've recently gone sober (wohoo), help me indulge my dark side with this musky nutmeg scent
8. Dr. Sturm Advent Calendar This is a shot in the dark but one I must take. Dr. Barb, if you're reading this it's me - Allegra. I know you frequent the restaurants I work for and I just want to say I'm a huge fan of your work. I can't touch much of it with a 10 foot pole but girl I'd like to
9. Pretties Bidi Bom Long Sleeve (in small red long sleeve) + Red Pointelle Bloomers (in red, large) Pretties is an all American made brand I used to work for in 2019 at their Abbott Kinney retail shop. The shop looked like a fairy's home and was littered with vintage Playboys. I was in heaven. Until of course the pandemic hit and threw me on unemployment. But that is besides the point. The time for quality made cotton is now, and I'd love to add these well made winter staples to my wardrobe.
10. Bruce Weber Blood Sweat Tears Book  I just really really really want this book and have been pining over it for 2 months too long
11. Frisson Chocolate Sweater Mark my words this remains the warmest sweater ever produced. I saved and bought the cream turtleneck back in 2019 but have since re-gifted it to a friend after deciding I look better in Browns, Navy and Black for winter. This sumptuous chocolate knit with its beautiful shell like buttons beckons my name. I can just hear it cooing now.."Allegra! allegra..!!
12. Yummy Dior Graphic Tee I tried this same exact shirt on at James Veloria back in May but never bought it! I was bummed to hear it sold but how lucky I have now re-found it on The Real Real. Not only is the graphic adorable but the top trim of the shirt is a bit lacey. I just love these bright flower designs and know it will brighten up some winter outfits when paired with a brown pair of slacks.
13. Face Oil This oil has been on my list to try!
14. Scanner I need a scanner for my photobook collection and what better way to enjoy some of Weber’s photos above!
 15. Miguel Adrover Navy Blue Plaid Turtle Neck Dress If there's one thing I know it's that I look amazing in a turtleneck and in plaid. I also trust Miguel Adrover with my life. An icon.
16. Bottega Wallet My friends and mom say I need a new wallet since the one I use is a now broken Rebecca Minkoff "Zippered Card Holder" that I got when I was 15.
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17. Bemelmans Ash Tray What a classic piece of New York history this is! This bar was named for the illustrator of Madeline, Ludwig Bemelman. He painted the now restored mural within the bar in 1947. It remains an old New York haunt. I'd love to put my jewelry in this ash tray or even keep a key to a secret diary. Either way, it belongs on my mantle and in my heart
18. Tuberose Classic Diptyque Candle This is the scent they burn in Desert vintage and I love it. My mom used to buy it for me for Christmas as it reminded her of the main Tuberose note in the Fracas Perfume her grandmother Madeleine used to wear!
 19. Gokasho Saemidori Matcha Kettl ranks high on my list of favorite matchas in New York and it's time I start making more of them at home to save some coin. This powder looks lush and ready to start-me-up for my 9-5 mornings.
20. La Cabra Gift Card I also visit La Cabra frequently for Matcha and their infamous cardamom bun. Everyone there is so sweet but I need to stop dropping Nine American Dollars on a Hot Beverage...
21. Prada Skirts Flyer A recent visit to the amazing Bill at High Valley books got me to browsing his website for other reads and collectibles. I’m confident this newspaper style flyer would look amazing in a frame.
22. James Veloria Gift Card It's always a joy to venture over to the James Veloria shop and browse their special stock. Every piece is sourced well and priced so consistently! Not to mention the always great staff. A gift card would be a lovely treat.
23. Miguel Androver Pants Pants shopping remains a triggering topic to me due to my big butt and height. Pants usually fit cropped when they shouldn't or do not go over my ass to button or zip. These Miguel pants seem so comfortable and I actually have a 6th sense that they will fit perfectly. Please help me wear these perfect pants and never feel Pants Induced Body Dysmorphia again.
24. Salted Caramel Biscuits I love biscuits so much and especially during winter when all I want to do at night is make a cup of Tea with a splash of milk to dunk my dessert biscuit into then climb in bed with socks on too blow out my nightside candle and go Honk Shoo.
25. Trader Joe's Gift Card May this be the most practical gift listed here for the Joe I cannot get enough on and the most popular place I do my grocery shopping as it is the most affordable. Legend has it these gift cards are only available in person!
 Thank you so much for reading! May your holidays and upcoming winter be Merry and Bright. Wherever you are I send you my love and hope to sneak something under the Christmas tree for you too….
Xo,
Allegra