Find of the Week | 45

Surprisingly, there were no lumps of coal under the tree this Christmas

Santa brought some great gifts, but so did my friends and co-workers! I feel so lucky this holiday season to receive such generosity—I will definitely need to keep the positive karma alive in 2017 by giving back. I've already put these gifts to good use...

Lobster print slippers from Santa

Full disclosure—when I was unwrapping the gift and saw that the shipping label said "slippers," I was ready to be thoroughly disappointed. I hate slippers and socks. Then I opened the box, saw the lobsters and fell in love completely. My family enjoyed watching the rollercoaster of my facial expressions.

iPhone tassel charger from Dylan

My brother read my Christmas list I posted. Now I just need a bag to put the tassel on...

Pom-pom cable knit hat from Claudia

We did Secret Santa at work earlier this month. I've worn the hat and necklace (below) like crazy.

Matt Bernson wallet from myself :) 

There was a sale. Whatever. 

The most beautiful ring ever from Ricky

This gift wins the award for "Biggest OMG Scream When Opening the Box." Initially, buying each other rings was a running joke, which was then raised to a whole other level by Ricky's generosity. 

Chanel surfboards mug from Kim

Since our work dinner party, I'm obsessed with this mug. The chicest beverage vessel. 

Anchor wrap bracelet from Cara

Cara found this from a Brooklyn jeweler at one of the Christmas markets in the city. 

Elephant charm choker from Claudia

fresh Sugar Rose lip balm from myself 

Can't stop, won't stop

Fall Footwear Shopping at Matt Bernson

The shoe fits at Tribeca-based footwear brand 

My first Matt Bernson purchase was late September at their Westport store during their end-of-summer sale. I needed a more durable, stylish pair of sandals, so I chose the black Athena leather sandal. It took one day at work to break-in the leather for a comfortable fit.

With this in mind, it only made sense to go back to Matt Bernson for fall/winter footwear.

I've been holding off fall shoe shopping for at least two years because I haven't been able to find anything that looks different from the rest. Every fashion girl has the basic black Chelsea boots and the white Adidas sneakers, but I've been holding out for something else.

I need shoes that stretch to accommodate the top part of my feet, which have widened from running on the sales floor over the years. The black leather Baez boot has a matte, oil finish that lends its stretch. 

The white Phantom sneakers took a few nights to think over. How practical are white sneakers in New England weather? 

... 

When it comes down to it, aesthetic practicality is irrelevant for these shoes. They are comfortable. Besides, the bold oxblood suede chevron adds a unique detail that stands out for the right reasons.

I bought the sneakers during their Black Friday sale, but the brand is holding a major 50% off sale on their website using the code "CYBER50"—check it out!

Matt Bernson Opens New Location in Westport, CT

Westport's downtown shopping district continues to change with store closings and openings—Matt Bernson is one of the latest additions to join the town center.

Originally based in Tribeca, Matt Bernson's second boutique is located at 136 Main Street, next to Williams-Sonoma and across the street from Madewell, Jack Wills and David's Tea.

The balance of refinery and attention to detail makes Bernson's aesthetic distinctive among most footwear brands—it also doesn't hurt that the limited quantities of each product make the brand even more desirable: 

Luxe materials, handmade quality, and a refined aesthetic mark the Matt Bernson approach to lifestyle and design. Attention to detail is visible in his transformation of raw materials into unique, comfortable, and wearable designs thanks to the influence of art, culture, and global style. Matt Bernson embodies this wanderlust spirit, creating products that will embolden your spirit while you live your days in cool urban settings or while escaping to cherished destinations far and wide. We work on small batches of production which ensures our product reaches you in the highest state possible. Our shoes are produced in quantities of 100 per color. All of our jewelry is handmade in NYC and our handbags are all produced in quantities of 30 per color. 

In celebration of Bernson's Westport opening, the boutique is hosting a launch party on Thursday, March 31 at 5PM-8PM. Shoppers will enjoy a 15% discount off shoes, champagne or a Spiked Seltzer cocktail and treats from The Granola Bar. As an added bonus, accomplished NYC artist Taso Megaris will sketch custom fashion illustrations of guests. To learn more about the event, visit the event listing.