Wishlist 2015

As much as I try to not shop for myself during the month of December, it's often quite a challenging task. Between shopping for others, and hypothetically shopping for others by putting together gift guides and then seeing everyone else's gift guides... it's all too much.

This is not a practical wishlist. With perhaps the exception of the iPhone case I'm not expecting any of these items to turn up under my tree. I suppose this is more of list for myself, and hopefully over time and price reductions, I can treat myself to them.

Since I have the apartment now, the item I want most is the brass and granite branch accent table. I first saw this in Home Goods December of 2012 and I still want it! I wish I'd pounced on it then, since it was only $180, but I'm pretty resolute on having it, even if I have to spend a little more.

A surprising inclusion to this list is the Fraiser Fir candle. This is surprising because I don't really like candles. However upon entering the Walker Loden gift shop in Madison Connecticut, and being overtaken by the most pleasant Christmas tree aroma, I was sold on this candle. Well, almost sold, because it retails for $60, which no reasonable person on a budget would spend on a candle, especially when you can walk into TJMaxx and have your pick for $10 or less.

The copper tea kettle is only slightly less frivolous than the candle, and my desire for it is directly attributed to too much Pinterest. Also for $160 it has a lot of negative reviews. But I'm not married to this particular kettle, and will most likely be keeping an eye out for a similar one at a better price point.

Continuing with the trend of things I don't need - another handbag! It's really pretty, and I don't have a bucket bag yet. But who knows, perhaps the trend will go stale soon and I will have done better to have invested my money in a timeless bag that is actually lacking in my wardrobe - a black clutch. The absence of one has become especially notable now that I no longer have access to my Mother's perfect one anytime I like.

Sashi Ava Ring, $35 at Shopbop

Chantal Copper Kettle, $160 at Williams Sonoma

Safavieh Branch Accent Table, $234 at Overstock.com

Kate Spade Floral iPhone Case, $40 at Shopbop

Ferca 81 Suede Pumps, $100 at TJMaxx

Thymes Fraiser Fir Candle, $60 at Amazon

Nate Berkus Upholstered Ottoman, $70 at Target

Marc by Marc Jacobs Bucket Bag, $468 at Shopbop