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THE VIOLET FILES
FILED UNDER
TOP FLIGHT
A good one knows how you take your coffee, each family member’s birthday, and your entire schedule for the rest of the month. Here, a few ways to show your appreciation.
Written By Christine Whitney
Market By Cynthia Cook Smith
The duties of the loyal assistant are many: From having your newspaper and matcha waiting each morning, to ensuring your appointments run on time (and covering for you when they don’t), to answering and screening your calls (you’re “in a meeting”), to booking your airline tickets, balancing your expense account, and beyond. A devoted one is worth his or her weight in gold, and now is the time to offer your thanks for all the late nights in the office and emergency trips to pick up your tailoring. 

GIFTS
FOR YOUR
ASSISTANT

1

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13

FOR THE TRENDSETTER
Because florals aren’t just for spring anymore. And she’ll need a new wallet to accommodate that end-of-year bonus.
GUCCI
GG BlOOMS Wallet
buy at gucci

2

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13

FOR THE ON-POINT
It’s not just her diligence that’s admirable—she’s always dressed to the nines with runway-ready makeup. Your style-savvy assistant will surely appreciate Alexandre Birman’s twist on the classic stiletto sandal.
ALEXANDRE BIRMAN
Suede bow-tie d’orsay sandal
BUY AT SHOPBAZAAR
Violet Grey Gifts - The At-Home Spa Set
Shop Now

3

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13

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF RELAXATION
You know all too well that she’s earned some pampering. 
Violet Grey Gifts
The At-Home Spa Set
Shop Now

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13

FOR THE MASTER ORGANIZER
You hired him because his attention to detail knows no bounds. A classic Smythson agenda will keep him sane (and stylish) come 2016.
SMYTHSON
2016 portobello agenda
BUY AT SMYTHSON

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13

FOR THE ETIQUETTE-OBSESSED
Everyone appreciates a personal touch—the handwritten card she sent after your interview sealed the deal. A hand-painted set from Bernard Maisner will come in handy for the holiday thank-yous she’ll be churning out. 
BERNARD MAISNER
LADYBUGS hand painted note cards
BUY AT MODA OPERANDI

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13

FOR THE DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
Your longtime helper will mist up over this pair of diamond and gold studs by fashion editor turned fine jeweler Jennifer Alfano. 
JENNIFER ALFANO
18-Karat gold baby bullseye diamond studs
BUY AT JENNIFER ALFANO

7

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13

FOR THE DESERVING
Let’s be honest: What every assistant really wants is a smashing handbag. You can’t go wrong with
one from Chloé.
CHLOé
INDY SMALL CAMERA BAG IN POPPY RED
BUY AT Chloé boutiques

8

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13

FOR THE COFFEE ADDICT
Morning, noon, and night, he’s nursing a bracing French Roast, so he’ll surely appreciate this major mug promotion from artist Jennie Jieun Lee. 
Jennie Jieun Lee
MUG
BUY AT DREAM COLLECTIVE

9

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13

FOR THE ART AFICIONADO
Your photography-loving right-hand man will get a kick out of this new photo book, which features Phillipe Halsman’s lighthearted images of 197 personalities—from golden age celebrities (Marilyn, Audrey, Maria Felix) to artists (Dalí, Chagall, Weegee) to Richard Nixon—in full flight. 
Damiani
Phillipe Halsman’s jump book
BUY AT ARTBOOK

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13

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF RESPITE
With the hours she’s been putting in, you know she’ll be catching up on rest over the holidays. She’ll sleep better with a pair of printed silk pajamas from fashion favorite Olivia Von Halle.
OLIVIA VON HALLE
alba alejandra silk nightshirt set
BUY AT OLIVIA VON HALLE
Violet Grey Gifts - The Desk-to-Dinner Set
Shop Now

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FOR THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
Her indefatigable energy is the marvel of the office. Constantly on the go, she keeps a rotation of heels in her filing cabinet for hitting the town after locking up. Give her the gift of an even faster (and better) after-work beauty routine—less preparation time equals more dancing.
Violet Grey Gifts
The Desk-to-Dinner Set
Shop Now

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FOR THE AMBITIOUS
Since you know he wants to get his name—and his business card—out there. 
VALEXTRA
Slate blue leather card case
BUY AT SHOPBAZAAR

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FOR THE NESTER
A graphic cashmere throw is just what he needs for vacation hibernation in his new apartment. Add a bottle of whiskey as an extra-charitable gesture.
MICHELE VARIAN
Danish Pattern blanket
BUY AT MICHELE VARIAN

in polite
society

“ ”
In polite society, your SPEED DIALS should include your ASSISTANT, your therapist, and your
 HAIR stylist.
— VIOLET GREY
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TREAT
YOUR HOSTESS

Shop The Violet Files’ selection of star host and hostess gifts.