As the holiday season accelerates towards “the big day,” you might start feeling some pressure, especially when it comes to buying a gift for the women in your life. You want to show them that you see them for who they are and that you treasure what you see. And you want to shop local, because adding that gesture of love and support for our community to the ritual makes it just that much more special…and easier to return should an adjustment need to be made. The merchants and artists who keep our towns vital and interesting may even help with a little extra inspiration as you look to complete your holiday shopping.
Gifts for Women in Pittsburgh
Orr’s Jewelers | Sewickley and Squirrel Hill
Gentlemen: there’s more than one opportunity to “put a ring on it.” Perhaps this holiday season is your next chance! Orr’s is ready for you with 18k yellow and rose gold rings designed by (from bottom, clockwise): Penny Preville, Zydo, Pomellato, Roberto Coin, and Ippolita.
Morrow and Dean | Lawrenceville
Enter the season of luscious layering with the wool-blend Liliana Pullover, featuring a stunning bejeweled neckline. The Teddy Crossbody handbag’s chic black and silver fringe and Leather Bows and Freshwater Pearl earrings add edgy sophistication.
Pursuits | Shadyside
Renuar’s premium suiting for women opens a world of dashing elegance. You can move from day to evening in this ensemble with just a spritz of perfume and the flash of jewelry. Enjoy life!
Rue Boutique | McCandless
The Kitt Suede Bootie was inspired by local designer Shannon Slack’s fascination with singer and actress Eartha Kitt. Owning a pair is sure to make you purr like Kitt’s iconic Catwoman, a feature of 1960s cult classic TV show, Batman. Find this and other Luna Selene brand shoes at Rue Boutique.
Caesar’s Designs | Shadyside
Take center stage now and well beyond the holiday season with these 18k gold cocktail rings. One showcases an oval-shaped garnet framed by two rows of yellow sapphires and diamonds while the second features a rectangular blue zircon flanked by Mexican fire opals and intricate hand-engraved details. The third ring is set with a cushion-shaped peridot, surrounded by three rows of vibrant Mexican fire opals.
Pittsburgh Glass Center | Friendship
Because Sara Cohen sees the world in “petal vision,” she sandwiches petals, leaves, and other natural materials between glass lenses. As you get to know her work, you’ll start to see the world around you in a refreshingly intimate and colorful way.
Mello and Sons | Lawrenceville
What’s better than the soft embrace of a pair of Vintage Levi’s Jeans from Lawrenceville’s Mello & Sons, whose deep exploration of vintage fashion yields pre-worn denim, fantastic leather jackets and belts, and so much more. The history of each piece comes through in the details of repairs and mending. And vintage shopping is virtuous because it’s just about the most sustainable choice we can make in rounding out our wardrobes.
Contemporary Craft | Lawrenceville
Gift a pair of sculptural earrings made from recycled single-use plastics, thoughtfully created by artist Charity Ridpath, who’s transformed her childhood experiences living near a landfill into a beautiful jewelry making practice.
Glassworks | Shadyside
The talented porcelain artists of Deshoulieres have been at it since 1826. Deeply held traditions aside, they are not immune to contemporary ideas, as you can see in the sexy colors and ombré finishes of their Nuages collection. Available at Glassworks in Shadyside.
Spigolo | Edgewood
Make your Morning Joe into a lovely encounter with beauty. Handcrafted at Pittsburgh’s East Wheeling Clayworks, these ergonomic mugs are perfect gift for coffee, espresso, and tea fans. Available in a rich array of glazes, these mugs are in use (and for sale) at Spigolo, a new coffee shop in Edgewood.
Larrimor’s | Downtown
The ultimate in indulgent luxury, the 100% cashmere Kinross Striped Fringe Triangle Wrap offers endless styling opportunities for our chilly coat and sweater season. Available in vibrant poppy (shown) and camel multi.
Bellwether | Sewickley
A softly brushed texture means you’ll be wrapped up in coziness during the cold days ahead. A long silhouette covers up more of you! 2 front pockets, peaked lapels, fully lined.
Larrimor’s | Downtown
Cut through the gloom of a winter afternoon with M Z Wallace’s Metro Tote. Its “shiny penny” copper metallic spruces up any outfit with an insouciant splash of devil-may-care energy. Features include a luggage sleeve, two exterior pockets, two zippered pockets, and a removable crossbody strap.
Robert Hallett Goldsmith | Oakmont
This customizable women’s bracelet designed and made by Robert Hallett is available in combinations of sterling silver, 18K gold, platinum, diamonds, and other gemstones. Prices for this very personal heirloom vary according to your choices.
Ten Thousand Villages | Squirrel Hill
As is the case with all the goods at Ten Thousand Villages, these handmade frames are ethically sourced. Their cow bone mosaic cladding makes them a glamorous home for photos of loved ones. Head to Squirrel Hill to find more virtuous treasures.
Contemporary Craft | Lawrenceville
Contemporary artists like Bri Larson, John Cohorst, Chris Alveshere, Didem Mert, Jim Grimsley, Eric Van Eimeren, and Pin-Yuan Tung craft mugs with personality. That makes them perfect gifts for the personalities in your life!
The Sōl Collective | Aspinwall
Rustic and modern design meet in these low-ankle booties. Artisan-crafted from fine leathers and premium materials, they feature a shearling lining with bungee fastening. Suede uppers, platform crepe rubber sole.
Carabella | Oakmont
Everything is possible with a sprinkling of spangles at your shoulder. As you dazzle your way into the night life, who knows what paths into the new year you’ll discover? From Autumn Cashmere available at Carabella.
Cheeks | Squirrel Hill
Sweet dreams are gifts with purpose. Treat a loved one to cozy dreams in this playful pajama set by P.J. Salvage x Susan G. Komen, featuring an ivory background sprinkled with cheerful pink happy faces. Not only will the recipient snuggle up in style, but they’ll also support the fight against breast cancer.
Contemporary Craft | Lawrenceville
Ceramist Molly Uravitch dreams up a fantastical menagerie of critters and creatures in her studio. Some of them make their way to the shop at Contemporary Craft, and we were delighted with their shenanigans. Anyone you gift them to will be too.
Fallingwater | Laurel Highlands
Éclat Chocolate collaborated with Fallingwater to design a chocolate bar whose surface recalls the fenestration of the famed UNESCO World Heritage site that’s right in our backyard.
Feathers | Shadyside
For nearly a century, Matouk has made the finest linens from the world’s most luxurious materials. Their artisans in Fall River, Massachusetts remain committed to the highest standards of craftsmanship. Feathers, located on Walnut Street in Shadyside, stocks a gorgeous variety of guest towels in many patterns and shapes…not to mention a huge selection of textiles for bed, bath, and table perfect for any woman.
Glassworks | Shadyside
Inspired by the moonlit waves of the Mediterranean when they caress the shores of Capri, these glass vessels are available in shades of white, blue, and green. Find the combination of shape and color that’s just right for you.
Henne Jewelers | Shadyside
14K white gold pavé necklaces sparkle with 0.24ctw in diamonds…and the affection with which you give them will only make them shine brighter.
Orr’s | Sewickley and Squirrel Hill
The mystery and depth of fine pearls takes on new depths with these black Tahitian multicolor pearl strands from Orr’s. Especially suited to devotees of all-black outfits and glittering evenings out on the town, these beauties are unforgettable.
Larrimor’s | Downtown
Fueled by an artistic thirst for adventure, art, and style, Clara Williams delights in designing mix-and-match pieces in colors and materials destined to delight you for decades.
Ten Thousand Villages | Squirrel Hill
The Bengali tradition of handstitched kantha textiles makes these multi-patterned napkins a festival of color and texture. Pair them with handwoven rag placemats to complete the picture. Stop by this Squirrel Hill shop for more ethically-sourced handmade treasures.
Toffee Taboo | North Side
Bob Sendall and his crew make Toffee Taboo in their North Side kitchens. Starting with Belgian chocolate and finishing with toffee-encrusted almonds and cashews and white chocolate. The Holiday Mix includes tart dried cherries. Don’t miss out on the goodness.
Tabbara Artisan Chocolate | Point Breeze
Available at six Pittsburgh boutiques and online, this third-generation family affair makes delicious and sophisticated bonbons with recipes inspired by glamorous Beirut of the 1950s. They are perfectly giftable… if you can resist enjoying them all by yourself.
Louis Anthony Jewelers | Bethel Park
Evoking old world glamour and sophisticated sparkle, this 18K white gold and platinum necklace features over 27 carats of rose cut diamonds. Designed by Etho Maria, it’s an unforgettable treasure.
Story and Styling by Danny Mankin and Keith Recker / Photography by Dave Bryce
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