Stories by

Phoebe Gates

700 stories

Gifts for Dog Lovers: Beds, Leashes and Things for the Dog and the Person

Gifts for Dog Lovers: Beds, Leashes and Things for the Dog and the Person

Gifts for dog lovers: beds and blankets, collars and leashes, bowls, treats and toys, and a few things for the dog owner.

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Gifts for Nurses: Comfort for Hands, Feet and Long Shifts

Gifts for Nurses: Comfort for Hands, Feet and Long Shifts

Gifts for nurses after long shifts: hand creams and lip balms, tumblers and mugs, rest and recovery pieces, comfortable shoes and socks, and small carry bags.

Gifts for Coffee Lovers: Brewers, Grinders, Mugs and Beans for the Morning Ritual

Gifts for Coffee Lovers: Brewers, Grinders, Mugs and Beans for the Morning Ritual

Gifts for coffee lovers: brewers, hand and electric grinders, mugs and cups, good beans and small tools for the morning ritual.

Gifts for Gardeners: Tools, Vases and Seeds for the Person With Dirt Under Their Nails

Gifts for Gardeners: Tools, Vases and Seeds for the Person With Dirt Under Their Nails

Gifts for gardeners who are always outside: hand creams for working hands, well made tools, pots and vases, aprons and boots, and seeds and books.

Graduation Gifts for Her: First Bags, Fine Jewelry and Things for the Next Chapter

Graduation Gifts for Her: First Bags, Fine Jewelry and Things for the Next Chapter

Graduation gifts for her: first work bags, a first fine piece of jewelry, desk favorites, skincare and travel pieces for a move.

Push Present Ideas: Jewelry and Comfort for the New Mom

Push Present Ideas: Jewelry and Comfort for the New Mom

Push present ideas for the new mom: rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets she can wear every day, plus cozy pajamas, slippers and candles for the first weeks home.

Baby Shower Gifts: Soft, Useful Things for the First Months

Baby Shower Gifts: Soft, Useful Things for the First Months

Baby shower gifts new parents will reach for daily: swaddles and blankets, first outfits, board books and rattles, nursery pieces and bath time basics.

Bridal Shower Gifts: Robes, Candles and Things for the Bride to Keep

Bridal Shower Gifts: Robes, Candles and Things for the Bride to Keep

Bridal shower gifts she will use before and after the wedding: robes and slippers, spa candles, champagne entertaining pieces, kitchen favorites and keepsake journals.

Engagement Gifts: What to Give a Couple Starting a Home Together

Engagement Gifts: What to Give a Couple Starting a Home Together

Engagement gifts for a couple building a home: table pieces, bar cart glassware, bedroom textiles, keepsakes and first-home essentials.

Housewarming Gifts: Small Things That Make a New Place Feel Lived In

Housewarming Gifts: Small Things That Make a New Place Feel Lived In

Housewarming gifts for the friend with new keys: candles, kitchen pieces, throws, vases and bar cart bits she will actually use in the first month.

Jewel Tone Heels And Boots

Jewel Tone Heels And Boots

Burgundy, emerald and plum are doing what black used to do in a shoe. The colour reads as considered rather than loud. Here it is in heels, boots and evening fabric.

The Moccasins Edit: Five Lessons in Reading the Whole Shoe

The Moccasins Edit: Five Lessons in Reading the Whole Shoe

Moccasins call for a closer look at suede, lining, driving soles, ornament, and boot height. I am learning to notice the stitch before I let a shoe volunteer for every errand.

The Plaid Scarf Edit: Five Lessons in Letting the Check Lead

The Plaid Scarf Edit: Five Lessons in Letting the Check Lead

A plaid scarf can be a color story, a neutral, a blanket layer, a wool texture, or a fringe-forward accent; these five lessons consider scale, color, and how to wear one without letting the whole outfit get loud. I keep coming back to a generous check and a coat with room to move.

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The Paisley Print Edit: Five Lessons in Keeping the Pattern Playful

The Paisley Print Edit: Five Lessons in Keeping the Pattern Playful

The paisley print edit is a five-part case for a long dress line, a thoughtful neckline, one strong trouser, scarf styling, and lighter layers. I like a print that can be decorative without taking the whole room hostage.

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The Camo Pants Edit: Five Lessons for a Print That Won't Blend In

The Camo Pants Edit: Five Lessons for a Print That Won't Blend In

These camo pants lessons cover utility, proportion, denim, soft sets, and shorter hems without making the print feel like a costume. I like a pattern with a complicated history and a very straightforward outfit.

The Suede Loafers Edit: Five Lessons in Getting Dressed From the Ground Up

The Suede Loafers Edit: Five Lessons in Getting Dressed From the Ground Up

Suede loafers reward a closer look at the penny slot, horsebit, lug sole, color, tassel, and a useful care habit. I would rather choose a shoe than negotiate with a full closet, and these make a strong case.

The Claw Clip Edit: Five Lessons in Claw Clip Hairstyles for Real Life

The Claw Clip Edit: Five Lessons in Claw Clip Hairstyles for Real Life

A guide to claw clip hairstyles, from a roomy French twist and soft half-up styles to acetate, color, and pearl details. I like a routine that gives the small choices a little room to be personal.

The Peacoat Edit: Five Lessons for Landlubbers With Good Lapels

The Peacoat Edit: Five Lessons for Landlubbers With Good Lapels

The peacoat edit moves from navy history to black, soft neutrals, shorter proportions, and expressive prints. I remain extremely susceptible to a good lapel and a persuasive button.

The Quarter Zip Edit: Five Lessons for a Quarter Zip Sweatshirt With Range

The Quarter Zip Edit: Five Lessons for a Quarter Zip Sweatshirt With Range

The quarter zip sweatshirt moves through five lessons in fleece, French terry, performance layers, cashmere, and proportion. I like a layer that can meet a brisk commute, a quiet office, and a weekend with no agenda.

The Oversized Jacket Edit: Five Lessons in Taking Up Just Enough Space

The Oversized Jacket Edit: Five Lessons in Taking Up Just Enough Space

The oversized jacket gets five lessons in history, proportion, texture, utility, and weather. I like a layer with enough room for a story, but not so much fabric that I disappear inside it.

The Headband Edit: Five Lessons in Headband Hairstyles for Bad Hair Days

The Headband Edit: Five Lessons in Headband Hairstyles for Bad Hair Days

These headband hairstyles move from velvet volume to twisted fabric, tortoiseshell, pearls, and winter knits. I like an accessory that makes a familiar ponytail feel like a decision.

The Burgundy Leather Jacket Edit: Five Lessons in Letting Color Do the Work

The Burgundy Leather Jacket Edit: Five Lessons in Letting Color Do the Work

This burgundy leather jacket edit moves from moto origins and careful hide cutting to tailored fronts, cropped shapes, faux leather, and longline coats. I like a shade that can make a plain tee feel like a whole plan.

The Suede Bag Edit: Five Lessons in Carrying Texture Without Fuss

The Suede Bag Edit: Five Lessons in Carrying Texture Without Fuss

The suede bag can start with a brown shoulder shape, then move through roomy totes, crossbody straps, fringe, and color. I like the ones that give a simple outfit one good detail without turning it into a full production.

The Oversized Sweatshirt Edit: Five Lessons From a Locker Room to Everywhere

The Oversized Sweatshirt Edit: Five Lessons From a Locker Room to Everywhere

This oversized sweatshirt edit is about choosing volume, reading the fabric, letting a graphic speak, finding color, and splitting up a set. I like clothes with a past, especially when they also know when to leave the house.

The Wool Coat Edit: Five Lessons in Finding Your Winter Line

The Wool Coat Edit: Five Lessons in Finding Your Winter Line

The wool coat edit is five lessons in neutral lines, black tailoring, wrap belts, double-breasted buttons and shorter cuts. I still judge a winter outfit by its lapel, and I am comfortable saying so.

The Pendant Necklace Edit: Five Lessons in Wearing a Small Story

The Pendant Necklace Edit: Five Lessons in Wearing a Small Story

The pendant necklace edit, in five lessons: gold medallions, heart lockets, personal initials, colored stones and silver keepsakes. I would choose one small story at a time, then let the chain do the talking.

The Cable Knit Sweater Edit: Five Lessons for Letting Texture Lead

The Cable Knit Sweater Edit: Five Lessons for Letting Texture Lead

The cable knit sweater has five useful lessons: trust the stitch, give a cardigan room to open, balance volume, choose a neckline, and let color in. I am still exactly the person who notices the cables first and builds an outfit around them.

The Polka Dot Dress Edit: Five Lessons in Getting Spotted

The Polka Dot Dress Edit: Five Lessons in Getting Spotted

The polka dot dress edit covers scale, length, contrast, styling, and care. I am still susceptible to a chocolate-brown dot and a small ruffle, which is how I ended up with this many opinions.