Great Gifts For The ‘Coastal Grandmother’ Of Your Life
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Nancy Meyers has long has long been known for her immaculate interiors and drool-worthy decor. Look no further than the all-white kitchen in “Something’s Gotta Give,” famous for being the most-copied kitchen ever. But this month has seen a renewed love for the acclaimed filmmaker and actor’s distinct aesthetic, thanks to one TikTok user @lexinicoleta who has dedicated her entire channel to breaking down’ what she defines as the “coastal grandmother look,” inspired by some of Meyers’ most memorable films.
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What goes into the “coastal grandmother” lifestyle? Think bucket hats and snug sweaters a lá Diane Keaton’s Erica Barry in “Something’s Gotta Give,” Cameron Diaz’s white turtlenecks as Amanda in “The Holiday,” Meryl Streep’s chic caftan in “It’s Complicated.” It’s less about the specific pieces and more about the overall vibes they elicit: to be a coastal grandmother is to sit down with a glass of red wine and a big plate of pasta bolognese without a care in the world.
Treat yourself to a lifestyle makeover, Meyers edition. Here are the best pieces to add your wardrobe and home to become Nancy Meyers chic.
Baskets
Courtesy of Target
What have you been using to gather your household items, a satchel? Leftover Amazon boxes? NO MORE. Fill your home with baskets. Sturdy baskets, circular baskets, basket sets no coastal grandmother is complete without a collection of effortlessly fabulous baskets that scream, “I have a problem with wicker.” Headed to the garden to pluck some fruit for your requisite bowl of house lemons, grab yourself a basket. Driving to the market to pick up some fresh charcuterie bites, don’t use a cloth sack, bring your grocery basket. Your life is baskets and French music playlists now, embrace it.
Cake Stands
Courtesy of Target
Now that you’re filling your home with baked goods and fruit, you’ll need somewhere to store them, publicly, so everyone can see. Nothing is better than a cake stand. It says “I did this!” Even if you bought a bag of scones from a back ally behind the questionable Ralphs, no one will doubt your skills when presented under a glass dome.
Everlane Bucket Hat
Long before the bucket hat made its way to the Gen Zers on TikTok, Erica made the accessory a staple of her wardrobe as she strolled the beach outside her Hamptons house with Harry. This one from Everlane exudes all the ’90s cool of Nancy Meyers’ best characters, with an unstructured crown and wide wraparound brim.
AESOP Hand Soap
Courtesy of Amazon
If you’re a consumer of discerning tastes, no ordinary soap will do. In order to reach the full Meyers experience, replace that drugstore brand with something elevated. In a time of extreme hand-washing, treat your skin to a soap that’s paraben-free, botanical, and nourishing.
J-Crew Classic White Button-Down
A white button down is the ultimate necessity when it comes to curating the Nancy Meyers aesthetic. J-Crew gives the sophisticated style everyday wearability thanks to its plush crinkle-gauze texture and roomy fit.
Giant Coffee Table Books
Courtesy of Taschen
There is nothing more impressive than a coffee table book the size of several large toddlers. Let the world know that you’re full of culture with colossal photo and art books, and no we’re not talking about the Tom Ford book that every twenty-something has in their NY studio. Coastal grandmothers want a book with 411 pages dedicated to STUN-NING paintings of cherry blossoms. Imagine holding your ceramic mug of tea paging through endless black and white portraits of horses and murmuring to yourself, “so noble.”
For more on coffee table books check out our editor’s complete gift guide.
Madewell Perfect Vintage Straight Jeans
A monochromatic outfit is an instant showstopper, and requires little effort. This ’90s style from Madewell features a waist-accentuating high rise fit and a cool straight leg, made out of the brand’s best-selling Heritage Stretch denim for a broken-in old school feel.
Maeve Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater
If you fancy yourself a “turtleneck kind of gal,” as Erica does in “Something’s Gotta Give,” then you’ll love this delicate and lightweight turtleneck from Anthropologie, which works as an under layer or a standalone for any type of weather.
Vases
Courtesy of Amazon
All good coastal grandmothers have flowers, oodles of them. But do not commit the cardinal sin of shoving a perfectly splendid floral arrangement into an uninspired vase. This is why a lovely vase makes for a wonderful gift for any CG.
Everlane The Chunky Cardigan (30% Off)
Get cozy in this versatile zip-up that’s just as comfortable as it is stylish. It features an exaggerated retro-style collar and blouson sleeves and designed with a larger ribbed knit for an extra voluminous feel.
Lunya Silk Checkered Jacquard Robe
Who says you can’t dress up for staying in? This silk robe, designed with an elegant checkered jacquard print, adds an elevated touch to your everyday loungewear. Plus, it’s machine washable and features thermoregulation to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
Ultrasonic Cool Mist Aromatherapy Diffuser (40% Off)
Improve your home’s air quality and overall fragrance with a simple and elegant diffuser. With an automatic shut off timer you can fill your house with a scent that channels perfectly manicured floral arrangements, home cooking and a woman trying to have it all. There’s a timer option that can be set for 60, 90 or 120 minutes. Don’t forget the oils, which are currently also on sale as three packs of “peace,” “calm” and “soothe,” “revitalize,” “uplift” and “focus” or “comfort,” “relax” and “refresh.”
Mixed Stitch Throw Blanket (40% Off)
Nothing says comfort quite like an amazing knit throw. The medium shows the amount of tiny intricate detailing that went into creating this gorgeous blanket, but the use says “it’s for movie night!” Plus the whole thing is totally machine washable do you won’t have to freak out if you spill red wine sobbing through a backyard screening of your favorite vintage flick. The throw comes in green, cream, navy and rust (pictured above).
Wood Tray
This versatile tray is ideal for long soaks in the bathtub listening to old French music and practicing your accent. Or great for robust cheeseboard whether you’re with friends or just want to elevate a family meal. Made from acacia wood, this tray measures at 36 by 11 inches.
Natural Silk Pillowcase (21% Off)
Nothing feels more luxurious (and promises a restful night) better than a silk pillow set. Not only are they cool to the touch when the blankets get too warm at night, but they can even help with fine lines and wrinkles thanks to the silk’s amino acids known to improve skin.
Buy: Natural Silk Pillowcase $21.99
Hedley & Bennett Apron
Cooking up something special? Protect your Meyer’s lewk with this stylish and chic apron. No one does it better than Hedley & Bennett, whose durable aprons balance style and functionality. The Rose Essential Apron is the perfect kitchen accessory going into spring.
Cotton Kitchen Towels
Keep your stunning kitchen clean, while keeping it sustainable with these simple and elegant kitchen towels. This set of four, machine washable towels made entirely out of cotton can sit out without looking like a mess.
Diptyque Mini Candles
A frugal way to keep your house populated with a classic candle line, go the travel route. This five candle collection from the very popular diptyque brand can be sprinkled across your home. Baies blends the scents of berries with rose, Figuier has the scent of bark and fruit and Roses (one of the more classic scents) channels the flower that’s also its name.
L.L. Bean Therapeutic Dog Couch
LL Bean
Dogs only get the best of the best in Nancy Meyers’ world. Splurge on your mother’s fav. pooch with not just a simple dog bed, but a therapeutic canine couch. Coming in a variety of neutral tones, this chic bed will look handsome in anyone’s home regardless of decor.
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