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My name is Leya Kaufman and I’m a shopaholic. No, really. My AOL screen name was “leyashops” long before I worked in the fashion industry, and now my travels with Hotels Above Par take me to new heights and zip codes…to shop. From local designers to indie boutiques and shiny souvenirs, I’ll always have my eye on what’s new and next. So, this holiday season, I’m coveting chic carryons and powerful pieces that will make me feel like me and leave room for what’s to come, whether I’m home or away.
From a cabochon “Portofino” ring to a red-wheeled spinning suitcase and more, here is everything on my 2024 holiday wish list.
Khepri Ishtar Gap Bangle
$4,795
Reema Chopra’s obsession with emeralds first sparked on a solo work trip to Jaipur, during afternoon tea in the ornate gardens of the Rambagh Palace. My obsession with emeralds began the second I saw this piece–and I don’t think I can go on my own solo work trips now without it.
Satchel & Page Leather Backpack
$561
This is the hands-free VIP travel backpack of the season. I’ll probably get it for my husband, who glides through the airport rolling multiple carry-ons at once, but it’s so chic that we can share it.
Floyd Cabin Suitcase
$495
Between the red wheels, orange interior, and sleek design, I’d travel with a Floyd suitcase for the look and style alone. But, it’s also the perfect suitcase, featuring a 3-digital lock system, fitted interior, 360° skateboard spinner wheel system, and recycled poly satin lining.
Yvonne Leon Gold Topaz Choker
$3,850
This is the ideal “small but bold” statement necklace. I love stacking powerful pieces like this to ground me when I’m home–or in a hotel far away.
Sake Ono
$50
The only thing I love more than sushi is sake. Brewed in Japan from clean ingredients, this spirit can be enjoyed solo or as the base of the perfect sake cocktail. Before I make it to Tokyo, I’ll be sipping Sake Ono.
Telo Labs Skin Preventative Membership
$480 / per month
Dr. Rothaus and his team of Nurse Practitioners just unveiled the hottest skin clinic in New York–and I want a membership to visit it on repeat in 2025. There’s nothing better than traveling but there’s nothing worse for your skin than sun, airplanes, and lack of sleep. This game changing membership includes upper face botox 3x a year, a monthly laser facial, and 3 sessions of either Radiofrequency Microneedling or Fractional CO2 laser.
La Canadienne Braydon Leather Boot
$535
These are the boots for the women who really do it all. La Canadienne’s City Dry™ Tech makes them the perfect gift for a girl like me, since I prance around in puddles and dress up on winter vacations.
Isle of My The Muse – Bordeaux Bag
$118 (& use our code hotelsabovepar20 for 20% off handbags until the new year)
Bordeaux isn’t just a city in France or a wine variety, it’s also the color of the season. So, I need this bag from Isle of My, my go-to for travel accessories. These don’t lose their shape, even when they’re crammed into a carry-on.
Adara Rituals Silver Mirror Tray
$78
This piece is produced by a collective of artisans from India’s “Brass City” of Moradabad. I’d use it as a holiday centerpiece an,d later, a jewelry tray.
Seal & Scribe Portofino Ring
$5,500
I don’t want to wait until next August to think of the Italian Riviera. Enter this exquisite 18k yellow gold ring featuring a chrysoprase oval cabochon surrounded by diamonds.
Natori Luxe Shangri-La Robe
$160
While the best hotels often have lush robes, I like to carry one in my carry-on. Nothing feels as luxe as a little bit of lace on vacation.
Tuck Shop New York Peppermint Bark Chocolate
$42
This is the perfect holiday treat to enjoy when I’m home or homesick around the holidays. The packaging will always remind me of my favorite city in the world with its picturesque vintage taxi cabs, subway, Chrysler Building, and more.
Soleil Leon Ruby Eternity Band Ring
$9,800
An eternity band with an edge? I’d wear this red ruby statement all over the world in 2025. I’m in love.
Briggs & Riley Global 21″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner
$649
I’m traveling and shopping more than ever–so, I also need an extra suitcase with more space. Enter: Briggs & Riley Carry-On Expandable Spinner. It expands to offer 25% more space, which leaves room for whatever I might buy on-the-go.
Retrouvai Magna Earrings
$2,970
Until further notice, I’ll be dreaming of these diamonds and a destination vacation. I’d show off Retrouvai’s Magna from Mexico to Majorca.
ZBiotics Pre-Alcohol Probiotic Drink
$108
I always love to have my cake and eat it too, or as an adult, enjoy a martini on vacation and go shopping around the city the next day. Enter: ZBiotics.
