(Givenchy pullover or the elastic bands? Proenza Schouler bag or paper clips? Valentino kitten heels or toothpicks? Knit-turban or a classy sink plug?)
In a provocative, ironic and somehow light-hearted way Harvey Nichols’ Christmas ad finally oh so finally says something very true (compared to all the other jolly Christmas ads by others, which talk about love and joy and oh so happy times *we’d love you to consume anyways*).
This Christmas, you should spend “it” on yourself (despite spending some of “it” on people who probably really need “it”). And instead of worrying about what to get your family, you should invest the remaining coins of “it” into elastic bands, paper clips, sink plugs and other things … *exclusively* available at Harvey Nichols.
We probably all know what they actually want us to do (DO leave the money at HN regardless of what you buy whom) but, frankly, I found this ad hilarious and refreshing when thinking of the annual presents rush and pressure I filed under one of the 10(000…) things to hate about Christmas.
How would it be to have a Christmas at which all you need to do is to find something for yourself?
How less drama would this actually bring with it?
How happy would everyone around the Christmas tree be if they knew that they’re going to like the presents they get?
I’m not saying that it’s not nice to be surprised … but then again, I’ve already had numerous negative surprises when unwrapping presents (sometimes, it’s better to not give anything if you already know that it’s actually a pretty dumb present) and I’m just tired of pretentious wishes I honestly and secretly don’t wish for (no, not you mum & dad – you, exceptionally, always hit the nail on the head).
So, while we might all start to finally freak out a tiny little bit about the presents question, I keep on watching this ad & try to decide how to “spend it” on MYSELF with this little “inspiring” wish list below … ;)
J Crew emblem cap; J Crew ceramic travel coffee cup
J Crew sleep shirt; Marc by Marc Jacobs cosmetics case
Scented candle by Fornasetti; Notepad by Alexa Pulitzer
Pullover by Aspen Oatmeal; Travelling bag by Longchamp (needed in my life immediately)
Scented candles by Diptyque (left ; right)
Smythson card holder; Liberty London card holder
Pullover by OASAP (yes, it’s a pullover, not a full-on-outfit! So surprisingly girly but I love this here for some reason!); ASOS wrap clutch bag