Tonight: Gifts that celebrate the beginning or end of an era. Plus …
There’s something bittersweet about the end of just about anything. I learned this years ago, when I left my first big-city job in book publishing. For clarity: I wasn’t sad. I was thrilled and proud to be on to the next. But as I rode the carpeted elevator down twelve floors and shouldered through the lobby of Rockefeller Center for the last time, I was overcome. My first job was really, truly over. This chapter was closed forever. Life rolled on. The final days of school for my children stir a similar nondescript longing in me. I’m overjoyed for summer ahead, brimming with gratitude that they’ve grown another year, and inexplicably proud. But last year, I also held back tears as my daughter and I walked home from second grade for the final time, as she nattered on about sugar, play dates, and plans. Another chapter closed forever. Life rolled on. Over the years, I’ve found gifts — for myself, for the people I’m parting ways with, or for anyone closing a chapter — to be the best way to honor new eras, big and small. Here’s what I mean:
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My son is turning 31! He loves everything outdoors, but unfortunately, he works inside. I would love to “spruce up” his wardrobe. Most of what he wears is three to five years old, worn to the thread, and completely wrinkled. Don’t even get me started on his shoes. His white tennis shoes are nearly black, and the rest of his shoes are pulling away from the seams. What should I do? —R.H. From gifting expert Samantha Schoech: Okay, let’s get your son the stylish and outdoorsy wardrobe he deserves. I normally don’t love shoes as a gift because getting the sizing and fit right is difficult, but since you are his mom, you probably have the inside track on his feet. Our new guide to men’s boots has lots of great options, but I am partial to this lace-up leather pair as they’re rugged enough for scrambling over boulders and elevated enough to pair with workwear (provided they aren’t caked with mud). I’m betting he would look handsome wearing them with this classic flannel which, in the parlance of women’s magazines, can take him effortlessly from day to night (or, you know, from the office to a hiking date). While we’re gussying him up, let’s go for an everyday cashmere sweater and a pair of national park-inspired socks (my husband and son are both devotees). Finally, he’s going to need a top layer that isn’t the veteran of 100 camping trips. This simple, cotton work jacket has clean lines and is polished without being too fancy or too casual. If he wore everything on this list simultaneously, he’d be an absolute knockout. But any of them would look lovely on their own, too. Happy birthday to him!
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One last gift (for you): Our style expert says these clunky, trendy hiking sandals are undoubtedly the most versatile shoes in her closet. We found them for $70 off today. Was this email kindly forwarded to you? Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox.
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