The Best Gift I Ever Received

Jacket: Barbour International; Pants: Ann Taylor (I am obsessed with these pointe pants! You NEED them.); Heels: Aldo; Scarf: Old (similar here and here)

A few years ago, David and I spent a summer apart while we ferociously applied to career jobs in Charlottesville. When I finally landed my current job, we were so excited. A few weeks after my start date, David came home with a huge smile on his face. He opened the closet door, and pulled out the most beautiful Barbour jacket I had ever seen. He told me he had bought it when I told him I was offered the job as a congratulations present.I was so starstruck by the coat! Until then, I hadn't really heard of Barbour jackets, but since receiving mine, I see them everywhere - and each type is it's own kind of beautiful. David bought me the International because, in his words, it looks the most professional. Ironically though, the International is a motorcycle jacket, but I agree with David - I just feel so mature when I wear it. The look of the International is a little more sophisticated, so I can wear it to work or on a date night, but I can also layer it over a sweater and jeans and wear it casually as well.The thing that makes Barbour jackets so unique is the waxed cotton outer layer. The idea of waxing cotton is an early 20th century form of waterproofing. The quality of the jacket is soooo good. It's pretty heavy duty and very warm. The waxed cotton protects the jacket as well and after almost three years, I plan to send it off to Barbour this fall to have it re-waxed in order to keep the coat in great condition.Anyways, not only was the jacket beautiful, but the sentiment behind it means so much. David is truly a thoughtful gift giver. He is very practical, but usually includes a story or meaning behind each of his gifts. Over the years, he's given me beautiful items of clothing he said would look nice on me, a Kate Spade bag after giving birth to Finn, and this most recent Christmas, he gave me a gift card to my favorite spa because he knows I need a day to unwind and relax. Which reminds me, I need to book my massage :)

What's the best gift you ever received?