So, You Wanna Be an Elusive International Hot Girl?
GIFT GUIDES AS STARTER PACKS, VOL I
The Elusive (International) Hot Girl POV: Global, chic, and impossible to pin down —everyone’s favorite question to ask her is wait, are you in town? As such, the EHG/EIHG exists as an iykyk muse whose influence largely flies under culture’s radar (her preference, not yours). Read more here.
Welcome to the EIHG universe— we’re back with another thrilling year of GIFT GUIDES AS STARTER PACKS. According to my notes app, I started curating this list in February….
Good gifting is its own frequency, to which there are energetic laws of resonance. Think of what draws you in as its own charge— where desire, generosity, and unconditional love are getting re-scripted into physical form. It’s not about expensive or inexpensive— it’s about meaning, coherence, and quality over quantity. Discernment is nothing more than attunement, which for me, comes from sitting in stillness and allowing that which MUST be to be (there’s neither good nor bad!).
Which brings us to present. I’m so excited to unveil my favorite edit to date, in our thrice annual EIHG CORE gift guide. I think, before we begin, it’s important to doubly contextualize who she is so that you understand why these picks matter. As always, I suggest that you read last year’s viral introductory letter unveiling the EIHG universe as context, but i’ll give you a Birdseye anyway.
to be or not to be… an EIHG
There’s an ease that accompanies the interconnectedness of her existence. While the thought of traversing across different cities, countries, languages, and cultures might make some feel like they’re engaging in a form of tourism, the EIHG feels a sense of lived belonging. One of the benefits of being neither here nor there is that you have at least one close friend and at least 3 friends of friends (who already feel endeared to you even tho you’ve never met them) in every metropolitan pole on earth. That experience of feeling like the world can compress and mold within the scope of your mind’s eye is as humbling as it is grounding.
Thus, you have a sense of appreciation for the little things, how breath and air can feel sweet, how the fine lines around your eyes are starting to crinkle when you smile, how stumbling across an old copy of the clique at your grandmother’s home in another continent makes you feel tethered to something even more meaningful than geography (which is GREAT bc geospatial belonging definitely came up in therapy). Her manners (read: level of conscientiousness) are impeccable, and she’s always always kinder and more singular than you’d expect her to be.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, i’ve never met an EIHG who hasn’t gotten to a level of mastery in a hobby that she never talks about (not because it’s a secret but because it’s never organically come up), speaks at least one or two more languages than you’d expected, and/or dined with dignitaries and heads of state (and lamented the lack of chicken nuggets present) before they were 10.
The pull towards luxury— in all forms— is less about a desire for something expensive, but a globally developed sense of that which flows around her. Thus, inspiring an innate desire to surround herself with what resonates. For those attuned enough to recognize who tf they’re dealing with, she quickly becomes a muse. For those who don’t, at a glance, many things about her might not make sense… at ALL— I’ve known EIHGs who never bothered flying business, despite coming from an international oldddd (and liquid! lol) oil family; EIHGs who went to Swiss boarding school but hated speaking French so much that they let their skill atrophy; and EIHGs who favor (globally sourced) Zara, Mango, and Uniqlo to The Row, Khaite, and Toteme (despite having been bequeathed enormous amounts of high jewelry over the course of their life).
That’s the point… she doesn’t neatly align within any box… ever. It’s also VERY amusing to her (and to those who love her) for you to try— hence, the elusive. Just like a gentle body of water. You touch it, it ripples, you glance at it, and depending on how calmly and quietly it meets you—you might see yourself mirrored (read: her being elusive to YOU doesn’t mean she reads as elusive to EVERYONE), and if you’re not meant to be near it, it has a way of making you feel.. unwelcome. It’s all quite transfixing.
Anyway, that’s enough from me, I think the scene is properly set… let’s dig into some EIHG CORE GIFTS — for you or for her, opportunities are endless. LFG;
IDK if you’ve noticed, but EIHGs are forgoing purses wherever they can. It’s a form of I know something you don’t that evokes a cheeky—who is she???? Which is why, i’d like us to consider a step BEYOND the infamous lighter purse that everyone started bringing to pregames and house parties…. why not bring this instead? It’s the same mastery of party stunt+trickster energy, but even more embodied, and even more chic.
In simple terms, yes.
For my parents, if you’re reading this (you should be, I sent it in our fam groupchat)— I want this black onyx + diamond pinky ring with all my might!!!!!! It’s heritage yet NEW and YOUNG and FRESH and I’m deeply in my black onyx bag lately (see below). And if you’re reading this and you’re NOT my parents, peruse the other RFS gemstones to see what tickles your fancy.. although I’d love nothing more than having the opportunity to twin xmas gifts with you ;).
At the end of the day, isn’t gifting all about the little things? Like this cashmere and silk stand collar button down??? Haha :D :D :D.
This is the third year this fckn cup has made its way into my gift guide (and the third year it’s evaded me in ownership IRL). It seems to be a magnet for all EHGs and EIHGs in my life, as I have at least 5 friends who have purchased since 2023… and dare I say, it’s perfect. I gaze at her longingly when it’s sitting on their countertops over sushi nights (taunting), and always make a point to stop into the store IRL just to hold her. Now, does anyone NEED a christofle silver plated to go cup??? NO. But bby, that’s the point.
If her sub-archetype is literary cowgirl, then this is her take on the great outdoors (as someone who romanticizes.. everything).
Out of curiosity, what kind of EIHG gift guide could this be if we’re NOT talking about Monica Vinader???? The number of DMs, comments, and IRL interactions that I’ve had with you all about how life changing MV was, is, and will continue to be is…. staggering (read here 4 the EIHG lore). I’ve never felt more alive than the thrill of sliding on my favorite jolly rancher cocktail ring, with the internal knowledge that i’m about to receive at least 3 compliments within the next 3 hours. As a Leo Venus, there is no greater meaning to getting dressed than this (LOL). Anyway, the MV gift guides have dropped and TA DA, their Most Gifted curation happens to contain all of the things I know, you know, and we love (judging by the data I see on MY side—hehe!). Here’s a quick edit to help U peruse;
We’re ofc starting with the (self dubbed) jolly rancher collection — that includes this cocktail ring and this set of earrings that are so mesmerizing they should really get called the medusa. I say that in a feminist way…. You might feel an urge to bite the stone (green onyx) and that’s ok, we’ve all been there. Wear on a date if u are really looking to push the limits (which do not exist) of her power.
I also want to add that this black onyx cocktail ring gives our kallmeyer/boho minimalist and this tigers eye one gives literary cowgirl. I also ALSO want to underscore just how good these rings are by saying my EIHG bff wore No Hand Jewlery to an Hermes party we attended a few weeks ago, and I marveled thinking woah how cool how chic how restrained. Well ok I also said it aloud. To which she pointed at MY (exclusively MV —lol) filled hands and said wait, no, if I had those my hands would be full. And she meant it (she asked me to send her the link to the black onyx one when we were splitting an uber home).
I remain obsessed with these pink quartz and green onyx tennis bracelets. Cosmo and Wanda, watermelon spritz fairy princess, a necessary shot of dopamine…. Whatever U want to call it. I love stacking them, I love wearing them solo for a pop of color…. I love how my little sister stole them for the weekend of her college graduation and then HER eihg bffs dmed me asking about them… :D :D :D :D. To quote former VP Harris, i love gen z
Remember to use TARIROMV for 20% OFF sitewide!!!!!! LOVE U team MV, thanks for spoiling us <3
Is this the chicest bag under $5k rn? Perhaps.
Best masks (eye masks, sheet masks) i’ve ever used. No better gift to give the girl who is so often on a plane and so often attending a cool girl event that it’s almost easier to track her location on BFA vs find my friends….
EHGs + EIHGs have famously been anti the toteme scarf coat… the material was kinda scratchy and it was far more compelling from your tiktok at 11pm than it ever was IRL. HOWEVER, this new one??? Woah. Every time I see it— in every toteme store I waltz into, on the streets of nyc uptown and downtown, I am mesmerized. When it’s good it’s good.
Made by an EIHG (thus making it the perfect gift to give to another), this is the kind of stoneware olive oil dispenser that you’d find as an object d’art in the row’s Paris or UES locations… unreal. Pls read the following so you understand why giving a gift with added lore is sooooo UP: “After life in the fashion world with its frenetic pace, where she hopped between Hong Kong and Shanghai, Andrea found serenity in shaping raw clay by hand in tranquil Stockholm.” GOT IT.
This bracelet is EIHG bait— wear it and you’re bound to magnetize an EIHG irl (I have it and it never fails).. threads of silk and gold woven together into a mesmerizing friendship bracelet that catches the light just so, does it get any better than that??
There’s nothing more luxurious than getting home from a trip, taking a loooong shower, putting on your pjs, and ordering a massive amount of sushi. Perhaps because it encompasses the messy-ease meets elegance of what turn of the century womanhood represented (SATC, every rom com, etc)? Like somehow, it’s nostalgic?
Anyway, nothing kills the vibe more than dunking your prestige roll into those flimsy soy sauce cups… whether it’s plastic or (if your place is chic) tin or bamboo. It’s just not at THE LEVEL. The solution? Might I suggest a mint green ginori cup made specifically for soy sauce? The capacity is right, you can pour in your own organic tamari (duh), and it elevates the experience through the luxury of its intention. Also… under $100 ;).
I MEAAAAN. Nina Christen owns EIHGs, it’s simply a fact. So ofc she made a perfect pair of strappy kitten heels. I can’t name one person in my life who wouldn’t be delighted to receive these (myself included). STRONG BUY.
I simply cannot continue to wax poetic about these loafers, it’s becoming shakespearean. After 1.5 years of hunting, I’ve finally found the fall/winter/early spring equivalent of my alaia mesh flats (versatile in its degrees of formality, comfortable for miles and miles, perfect silhouette so always looks good with ANY outfit ALWAYS, surprisingly durable, etc). Foolproof buy if you ask me.
To be clear this is my dream jacket………
Name one EIHG who wouldn’t voluntarily guzzle this (under $100!) facial spray if given the opportunity…. i’m waiting. Hydrating, plumping, the #1 in any well-outfitted toiletry kit… don’t h8 the player;
This is the perfect collar necklace (that’s VERY on sale rn). Well made, very reasonably priced for the quality. Nothing more needs to be said (aside from maybe, I own it and wear it weekly).
The greatest hand cream ever. It’s luxurious so it’s a great gift— something she might not buy for herself, but would find indispensable once received. Also if she has a lot of meetings or events, this stuff will make your hands so soft that you’re yearning for the chance to flex on your next handshake. Enjoy.
What a deliciously luxurious set of packing cubes?
This season, give your family the gift of hunting down these elusive (ha ha) sunglasses…. they finally sold out once the internet caught up with what SOME of us have known for over a year.. which means it’ll invariably be the status sunglasses of summer 2026. This is a case for gab waller if I’ve ever seen one.
I can’t think of a more EIHG passport case, sorry. It’s just sooooo E, sooooo boho minimalist…. i’ve also never seen anyone discuss?? which makes it even better… AND priced well!! LFG.
OOOOBVIOUSLY we’re talking about Madame Grey. I think this is the most giftable fragrance to ever exist. It smells delicious yet distinctly DIFFERENT on everyone i’ve ever whiffed it on. Another pro is that it’s still very niche for those… not accustomed to perusing the recommendations on this platform. Every time i’m complimented on my fragrance (which is, SINCERELY, everyday I wear Madame Grey), I’m always met with surprise and an ask to repeat the name as it’s typed into google. I excitedly point — yes, that one! No, you don’t have to buy the $1,100 version— both $100 hair perfume and the $200 mini are just as good (and last all day!). If you want more on what exactly it smells like— envision the kind of woman who could wreck ur life… swaddled in thick and heavenly spools of cashmere rather than.. latex. I’ve written about this one loads, so if you want a deep dive, head here :D.
A no-brainer, if she doesn’t have one already.
In lieu of an ordinary coffee table book…. go the fckn distance and get them a chocolate brown croc-bound smythson ATLAS….. it’s so ridiculous how good and how ON BRAND this is. just when i think i can’t outdo myself….
The EIHG version of dry jan is opting IN for bare nails (regardless of your tiered archetype)— the second the clock strikes 12 on the 1st. For those with that willpower, get them this. It’s chic, understated, and a bit ridiculous. For those who neeeeed a wash of color (or shine), they’re going to scream into a pillow that no one bought them this… I have a feeling it will sell out by Christmas. Don’t be the person that incites rage— do the right thing.
If she has (or yearns for) a Yaser Shaw shawl, then I fear she’s going to want (and need) these toiletry bags. The math is simple.
Annnnd WHO would say no to a perfect cashmere and wool double zip up sweater???
Gumball necklaces are IN, ok???? They make sense— great with a white tee, great with a button down, fabulous with the right sweater. As we near a time when the coat becomes the outfit, lean on the fun elements for dopamine… this multicolored agate choker is priced VERY well and I am VERY influenced.
For the girls whose childhood NYC visits consisted of gallery visits instead of broadway.
Which leads me to my next point, why stop at the candle??? I walked into an EIHGs house and she had 2 of these – a big and a small.. I was like wow what a stunning candle and it smells AMAZING in here— she giggled and pointed out that they were candle HOLDERS, and now, imagine the way my jaw dropped when I looked them up in my uber ride home ;).
EIHGs have it ON for Herbert Levine, it’s just a fact. And these??? Well, they’re simply perfect.
Why is it so hard to find a great jewelry holder for travel that makes you feel luxurious and embodied but also isn’t a bulky trunk but also isn’t like flimsy and meh??? Well, you don’t have to worry about these things anymore— i’ve got you now.
I mean do travel wraps get any better than this??? LMK…..
These are my favorite leggings at the moment. I cannot stop talking about them and for that, I am sorry. Thick yet not too thick, compressiony yet incredibly comfy and wearable… YUH. Also — these ones w/ pockets are GR8 if you’re traveling and you’re forgetful w/ your AirPods in the way that I am.. ha ha ha :D.
I tried this on in London over spring and it has utterly consumed me since. I thought about not including it because I fear it will sell out before I get my hands on it…. but tis the season of benevolence……. I guess…
OK the cat’s been stealthily out of the bag on this one, and yet an EIHG with perfect skin in my life recently reminded me that it’s still desperately under-discussed. So anyway, if you want winter skin that’s plump and glassy, let us revisit this EIHG ancient text.
A chic chic brushed cashmere balaclava under $200 !!! FUNCTION !! FORM!!!
The gifting philosophy that I live by is: the best gifts are things that are perhaps too ridiculous to buy for yourself, but are extraordinarily usable. Whether in creating a new ritual or igniting an old one, it’s all about living YOUR life but more lavishly, intentionally, and sumptuously. This is always going to be in the form of something that will make your loved one giggle, smile, or sigh with contentment whenever they interact with it. That’s also why a lot of my picks are well, the way they are.
Annnnnd also ALSO why I am strongly STRONGLY recommending one of the best things i’ve purchased all year: this $400 organic cotton sweatshirt made ethically by a woman-owned mill in Portugal (I swear the aura like transfers— it’s a HAPPY sweatshirt). It’s incredibly chic, makes you feel incredibly cool, and like you’re in on a bit. Importantly, it’s cut the way I like expensive things to be— with control and mastery of the womanly form.
I LOVE YOU SO SOSOSOSOSOSO MUCH— if you’re in the US, happy thanksgiving. I am most thankful, most grateful, most honored to be here alongside you. Thank you thank you thank you thank you.
(and talk very very soon—hehe);
TM x
shop recent starter packs + edits, our bfcm sale dispatch, and last year’s (perfect!) gift guides for more inspo <3
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I feel like the main character trait every EIHG (that I've known) is that she has nothing to prove and that informs her whole way of being. Her place in this world as a person of consequence was preordained, she's a legacy, and though she wears this mantle lightly, it mostly inures her to the grubby, unglamorous labor of figuring it out most of us constantly perform. There's a lightness because of it one simply can't buy. And, sometimes I think she's a fascinating person (and as you said, muse-like!) to be around because it frees up her thoughts for so many other amazing things. Wouldn't we would all secretly or not so secretly like to be as unburdened by our own self consciousness as she is?
Amazing post!
Girl!!!!! 🥵🦃🍁