Holiday Gift Guide for Chic Cinephiles: Part 6 — Biker Chic Presents Inspired by Sons of Anarchy‘s Gemma Teller

Though she doesn’t ride a Harley alongside the SAMCRO boys, Gemma Teller has done more to earn a patch than almost any member of the SOA motorcycle club — and yes, much of it has involved plotting, scheming, manipulation, extortion, revenge, assault, blackmail, and building entire  houses around secrets and lies —  all of it while clad in buttery leather jackets and sky-high stiletto boots. A tough-as-nails biker chick who believes that “vulnerability is a weakness,” Gemma Teller has been arguably the most fascinating and polarizing character on FX’s Sons of Anarchy. On the one hand, she loves her son and grandkids fiercely, like a lioness ready to pounce on anyone who might wish them harm — to the point where she literally had a heart attack when Abel was kidnapped. And her visceral reactions and snappy zingers have made for great TV: whether she was kidnapping a federal agent at gunpoint, landing a mean right hook on Nero’s assistant, threatening Tara’s boss at the hospital, or waving a gun at a motorist scheming to take her parking space. On the other hand, she has betrayed many of those closest to her, even signing off on her late husband’s murder, and led her loved ones down paths filled with destruction and chaos. Still, even when she’s treading the ever-shifting line between good and evil (or, as happened towards the end of Season Six, plummeting towards the chasm of evil),  it’s hard to truly loathe Gemma. It’s even tougher to resist Gemma’s charm, especially when she looks like a boss, struts into every place like she owns it, and utters phrases like, “If you come at the queen, you best not miss.”  This installment of our Holiday Gift Guide, then, is inspired by the most badass biker babe ever to grace the small screen.

Muuba Horana Biker Jacket, $502. Available at AlDucaDaosta.com

Whether she’s paying a not-so-friendly visit to St. Thomas Hospital or practicing her aim in the parking garage next to the SAMCRO headquarters, Gemma is most comfortable when she’s rocking a leather jacket. This 100% leather number incorporates elements of the classic biker jacket design — among them notched lapels, zippered pockets and cuffs, buckled straps, and an off-centre front zipper — but it also adds modern and sleek touches like ribbed detailing along the shoulders.

River Island Light Gray Draped Sleeveless Top, $40. Available at US.RiverIsland.com

Linea Pelle Wide Chevron Lattice Waist Belt, $79. Available at LineaPelle.com

Gemma has quite the assortment of belts — from classic, medium-width leather numbers with silver-toned Western buckles to low-sling oval chain link pieces and statement-making, corset-like, wide leather designs. She’d be enticed by this 3 1/4″-wide belt, made out of an enzyme-washed Italian leather, features cut-outs that create a chevron lattice pattern, along with golden studs along the front for a rocker cool flair.

Nissa Jewelry Dalton Cuff in Gunmetal, $65. Available at NissaJewelry.com

There’s a thrilling sense of danger that surrounds most gunmetal-toned jewelry — especially if, like Gemma, you enjoy the feel of cold hard steel in between your hands. This 2.5″-wide cuff, made of recycled brass, has a textured, hammered, and slightly dented texture that lends the piece an industrial feel and heightens its daredevil vibe.

 

Paige Denim Edgemont Ultra Skinny Jeans, $219. Available at Paige.com

Biker gals like Gemma Teller feel most comfortable when they’re rocking with their true blue jeans. These J Brand skinny jeans are made from the brand’s exclusive, ultra soft Transcend fabric, for maximum comfort while the exposed double zippers below the pockets make these bad boys feel ready for the open road.

 

India Morgan Gunmetal Sawtooth Edge Earrings, $85. Available at VisibleInterest.com

Spikes, grommets, studs, and chain strands abound in Gemma’s wardrobe, so she’d fall hard for these edgy earrings, which feature a spiked, sawtooth pattern along their outer perimeter.

Oliver Peoples Strummer Rose Gold Sunglasses with Merlot Gradient Lenses, $365. Available at OliverPeoples.com

These aviator-style sunglasses closely resemble those worn consistently by Gemma Teller thanks to their merlot-toned gradient lenses. Sure, they’re not square like Gemma’s and they feature golden frames rather than silver ones, but the similarities far exceed the differences. Besides, aviator specs favor women of all different face types, making them universally flattering — and an excellent gift option.

 

Pyrrha Vanity Talisman Necklace, $182. Available at Pyrrha.com

Ever since Season 1, Gemma has worn this very Pyrrha necklace, cast in reclaimed sterling silver form a 19th century wax seal that reads “Omnia Vanitas,” which means “All Is Vanity” in Latin. Handcrafted in Vancouver, this round pendant measures 7/8″ in diameter and features the God of Time, Chronos, above a heart which, in turn, encloses a skull and crossbones motif. The skull and crossbones allude to our mortality, while the presence of the God of Time suggests that our days are always numbered. In a sense, then, the talisman is meant to protect the wearer from the grip of death — an ultimately futile feat but, in Gemma’s case, it could perhaps explain why she managed to survive so many hairy situations.

 

 

Affliction AC Apocalypse 3/4 Sleeve Raglan Tee, $64. Available at AfflictionClothing.com

With its abrasive, distressed-looking, tattoo-inspired graphics, Affliction caters to women with a rule-breaking, defiant spirit. Needless to say, this 3/4-sleeved raglan tee channels this energy via its imagery: four skulls divided by crossbones, creating a circular shape, the entire motif covered in red, white, and blue stripes mimicking those on the US flag.

Via Spiga Cinda Boots, $270. Available at ViaSpiga.com

One of Gemma’s most memorable quotes? When she said, “Had a gun pointed in my face, and I just walked 12 miles in spiked boots so, no, I’m not really okay.” Now, staring into the barrel of a gun could never be a pleasant experience and, chances are, walking 12 miles wouldn’t exactly be a party either, but if Gemma had been wearing these Cinda boots from Via Spiga, at least her trek would’ve been mega fashionable. These knee-high boots feature suede uppers, a pointed toe, 3 1/2″ heels, and studded harness details along the shaft for a rocker cool vibe.

Alexander McQueen Padlock Small Biker Hobo Bag, $1676. Available at NeimanMarcus.com

Sure, dainty types love their envelope clutches and top handle purses, but a gal who is as busy and tough as Gemma has no time for anything other than a roomy handbag she can sling on her shoulder before walking out the door. The fact that Gemma favors hobo bags, which fully meet all the necessary criteria in terms of spaciousness, practicality, and easy style, makes perfect sense. This Alexander McQueen hobo features that same slouchy look we associate with hobo bags, but the diagonal silver-toned zippers along the front and the key and skull padlock hanging from the side lend the design a gothic and glam feel. Measuring 16 1/2″ in height, 14″ in width, and 1″ in depth, this hobo could fit everything from Gemma’s phone to Abel’s baby bottles and still have room to spare.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana “White For Her” and Nirvana “Black For Her”  EDP Rollerball & Nirvana Nude Lipgloss Sets, $29 each. Available at Sephora.com

The Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black and Nirvana White fragrances capture the multi-faceted nature of femininity, the yin and yang of the the womanly experience. To that end, the Nirvana White scent focuses on creating a more angelic, tender, nurturing, romantic aromatic experience via a blend of peony, muguet, and a hint of musk,while the Nirvana Black scent creates a slightly more mysterious, carnal, commanding, and sensually sinful aromatic experience via notes of violet, sandalwood, and vanilla. A woman like Gemma would appreciate both of these scents since they speak to her own tortured soul, to the push-and-pull between nurturing mother and grandmother, of tender-hearted friend and confidante, and that of a self-interested, out-for-self hellion.  This season, you can gift the rebel in your life either of these scents via one of the above-pictured duos, each of which includes a portable 0.34 oz. rollerball along with a brand new Nirvana Nude Gloss, a sheer, almost biscotti-esque nude hue that deposits just a hint of believable sheen and color to lips.

Check out what the Nirvana Nude Gloss looks like on skin:

Could a  full makeup line from Elizabeth and James await us next year? Add that to your holiday wish list!

Double Zero Sheer Long-Sleeved Top with Pleather Shoulder Detail, $96.75. Available at DoubleZero.com

Given that much of her life has been shrouded in secrecy, it’s almost a form of poetic irony that Gemma gravitates towards sheer black fabrics. After all, the sheerness of these materials connotes transparency, and Gemma is not exactly fond of huge revelations — especially when they pertain to her checkered past. Still, on a fashion level, it’s easy to see why she’d like  juxtaposing sheer fabrics with more opaque ones since the effect can be quite lovely, as seen in this flow-y, ethereal top, with its surplice neckline and strong pleather shoulders.

Konstantino Artemis Rhodolite, 18K Yellow Gold & Sterling Silver Cross Pendant, $1990. Available at SaksFifthAvenue.com

Remember that giant cross necklace Gemma wore to Donna’s funeral in the Season 1 finale? It made her look so glamorous and chic. This statement-making pendant, part of Konstantino’s Artemis Collection, will have a similarly striking effect thanks to its considerable size (1/25″ in width and 2.5″ in length), intricately detailed etching and filigree motifs, and the sparkling merlot-toned rhodolite gems adorning the center of the cross and each of its pointy arms.

American Eagle Outfitters Long Sleeve Oxford Shirt, $29.96. Available at AE.com

From the pilot episode of Sons of Anarchy, Gemma schooled viewers on how to make a white button-down shirt look tough and chic, In the first episode, she simply left the shirt untucked, undid the top three buttons to reveal a white ribbed tank top and accessorized with layered chain necklaces. Anyone who loves Gemma’s rebel flair, then, can mimic the look with this 100% cotton oxford shirt from American Eagle Outfitters, which features a chest patch pocket and pointed collar.

Eklexic Bullet and Handcuff Clasp Bracelet, $175. Available at Eklexic.com

She has a hat box filled with guns, including a Colt Pony she gave to Tara back in Season 2, and she’s no stranger to being in handcuffs (her arrest record is apparently as long as the yellow pages), so Gemma might appreciate the decorative bullet charm and handcuff-shaped closures on this chunky, stainless steel, rhodium-plated curb chain bracelet.

Jane Cosmetics Naughty or Nice Eyeshadow Set, $22. Available at JaneCosmetics.com

Even when SAMCRO was at war with the Mayans and later the Irish, even when she was on the run after crooked federal agent Stahl framed her for the death of Edmond Hayes, and even after going on a booze-y, weeks-long bender following Clay’s incarceration, Gemma still rocked a sultry smokey eye. In fact, Gemma’s go-to makeup look involves smokey eyes in varying neutral shades — earth tones, moody grays, stormy lilacs, tempestuous teals and blues, and dirty bronze or aubergine tones —  paired with nude lips and bronzed cheekbones. This ultra affordable eye shadow quad, featuring four velvety soft, vitamin E-infused, blendable, shimmering shades, would help any gal recreate Teller’s sultry eye makeup. The Jane Cosmetics Naughty or Nice eye shadow set incorporates the following shades: Jasmine, a pearly white color with an iridescent shimmer that lends it a snow-like feel; Acacia, a shimmering, bronzed cocoa hue with subtle plum undertones; Black Dahlia a moody, almost charcoal-like, blackened gray with silvery shimmer; and Slate, a taupe-ish, sooty, deep greige, almost chinchilla-esque hue.

Behold swatches of the eyeshadows in the Naughty or Nice Set:

The deeper, darker shades are clearly naughty — but boy, do they look nice!

Rag & Bone Unfinished Edge Skinny La Paz Jeans, $225. Available at IntermixOnline.com

Baggy jeans? On Gemma? Please! The SAMCRO matriarch likes to show off her fatty in stretchy jeans that perfectly hug her figure. She’d have plenty of swagger in these Rag & Bone jeans, which feature a classic five-pocket design. The subtle distressing along the pockets and the unfinished edges at the cuffs, meanwhile, perfectly suit a woman who is, herself, unapologetically and unabashedly rough around the edges.

Forzieri Black Leather Chain Belt, $364. Available at Forzieri.com

Thanks to the braided silver-toned chains along its top and bottom edges, this black leather belt says “I’m not to be messed with” in the most irresistible of ways.

Lois Hill Large Open Drop Earrings, $198. Available at Nordstrom.com

The scrollwork on these magnificent sterling silver earrings mimic those seen on the shield ring Gemma wore throughout the first two seasons of the show — and with good reason since they’re both the handiwork of jewelry designer Lois Hill. Featuring a 1/2″ drop, these drop earrings pay homage to classic Celtic jewelry-making techniques and motifs.

Mackage Black Leather Dara Hobo Handbag, $600. Available at Mackage.com

Made of glazed, washed lamb leather, this Mackage hobo bag features an intricately stitched façade that yields a chevron-like quilted pattern. Measuring 14″ in width and 21″ in height, the spacious bag scores extra cool points thanks to the arrow-shaped closure on the fold-over flap — a perfect motif for a woman who always has her eye on the bullseye.

Nik Stone Don’t X Me Necklace, $756. Available at NikStone.com

Given that she believes herself to be beyond absolution or redemption, religion is a dicy subject for Gemma — since Season 1, she said she wasn’t into prayer and she went so far as to ask Father Francis if he believed God forgave us for all the horrible acts we perpetrated. Still, there’s a part of her that believes — which is perhaps why she can so often be found inside the chapel at the hospital or why she wears crosses around her neck. Deep down, Gemma hopes she will be forgiven for her many sins and perhaps wearing a cross makes her feel closer to that goal. Regardless, she’d experience style salvation with this stunning silver necklace, handcrafted by designer Nik Stone. The rigid lines and simplicity of the cross design make it feel modern and minimalist, while the 0.5 ct black diamond inset on one arm of the cross adds an unexpected flash of gothic glamour. A box link chain completes the bold design.

Cooper & Ella Tara Crepe Tiered Top, $138. Available at ScoopNYC.com

An argument could be made for Gemma’s clothes being a reflection of her destructive nature (and ultimately her self-destructive behavior). Just like she’ll flip over desks inside a police station or smack a woman across the face with a skateboard for flirting with her man, she’d rather have her tees and tops convey a sliced-and-diced feel. Her long-sleeved tees, for instance, often have slashes across the sleeves or cut-outs in unexpected places. This top, then, would more than suit her tastes given the exposed shoulders and drop sleeves. The crepe jersey top also features sheer panels along the chest and hemline for a juxtaposition in opacity levels and textures.

Streets Ahead Chocolate Leather Cuff Bracelet, $57. Available at StreetsAheadInc.com

This chocolate leather cuff, featuring round and pyramid-shaped antique brass, copper, and patina studs, would be Gemma’s version of Wonder Woman’s bulletproof bracelets, making her feel like an indomitable force.

Double Zero Leather Vest Dress, $96.75. Visit DoubleZero.com

Sure, Gemma rarely ever wears dresses (save for funerals, weddings, and other special occasions) but a younger version of her would do a double-take over this playful but punk dress, featuring a layered, semi-sheer skirt and a biker-style vest bodice with a plethora of exposed zippers and a wide belt.

B-Low the Belt Bri Bri Leather Belt, $148. Available at NastyGal.com

To give her look a Western influence, Gemma would look no further than this audacious leather belt, featuring two elaborately etched golden buckle closures at the sides.

 

Astars Holly Quilted Jacket, $189. Available at Shop.AstarsWomens.com

When running the office for the Teller-Morrow auto shop, Gemma might choose to dress her leather up a bit, favoring a jacket with a more classic, almost blazer-like cut. This faux leather Astars number, with its scoop neckline, open front, and boxy fit, would look perfect over button-down shirts, turtlenecks, cowl neck sweaters, and all sorts of office-ready tops while still retaining an edgy feel thanks to the quilted pattern and the zipper detailing.

Nik Stone Hammered Ring, $950. Available at NikStone.com

Gemma doesn’t need a man to take care of business around the house! Ever the independent, strong-willed, resourceful woman, she can handle any job thrown away — even if it involves a hammer and some nails. And, of course, anyone who loves liquor as much as Gemma would appreciate the “getting hammered” pun-based jokes that would inevitably accompany the act of wearing this clever Nik Stone ring, crafted out of sterling silver and featuring a 0.48 carat black diamond detail.

Joseph Lance Lace Shirt, $457.58. Available at FarFetch.com

Black lace is insanely versatile, sometimes feeling funereal and somber, other times exuding romance and seductiveness, and in certain iterations, even appearing rebellious and anti-establishment. This black cotton blend and silk Joseph shirt captures the gothic, queen-of-darkness, HBIC aesthetic Gemma spent years perfecting.

Chamilia “Love You To Death” Skull Earrings, $40. Available at Chamilia.com

 Let’s face it: Gemma’s love is both a blessing and a black widow-esque curse. “Loving to death” may actually be a literal undertaking for her. This trendy, 0.925 sterling silver, sculptural skull stud earrings will thrill those who, like Gemma, have a slightly twisted understanding of love along with those fortunate enough to honor the concept of a pure, untainted, ’til-death-do-us-part, for-better-or-worse kind of love. Though skulls tend to, by nature, feel gothic, these are given a charming twist via the heart shaped cut-outs placed in lieu of the eyes and nose. The Swarovski crystals along each skull’s mouth, meanwhile, add just a hint of bling.

Lacoste Rosemont Chelsea Boots, $157.45. Available at Shoes.com

When high heel boots aren’t a practical option, Gemma-esque biker gals can be comfortable and maintain their outlaw alpha status by rocking the Lacoste Rosemont Chelsea ankle boots, which feature leather uppers juxtaposed against suede back panels and punked up via adjustable strap closures with gold-toned stud details. Rubber traction outsoles and cushioned footbeds make these boots great for walking (and for sneaking up on people ready to experience someone’s Gemma-esque wrath!).

5.50 ct Black Spinel Pyramid Faceted Sterling Ring, $89.97. Available at QVC.com

Perfect for a woman who likes to flirt with danger, this striking ring features prong-set, pyramid-shaped black spinel gemstones and round, pavé-set black spinel gemstones that amount to a total weight of 5.50 carats.  The black rhodium-plated settings, meanwhile, helps to maintain the tenebrous look of the design.

Sons of Anarchy Poker Set, $159.99. Available at Dartworld.com

Sons of Anarchy will go all-in when it comes to scoring this professional poker set, packaged in a glass wooden box and featuring 200 Sons of Anarchy-stamped poker chips and a matching deck of cards, replete with the signature SAMCRO Grim Reaper emblem. Each limited edition set is numbered, and only 500 pieces were created, so this is is a true collectible!

Pluma Golden Brass and Black Enamel Cuff, $270. Available at Forzieri.com

Cuff bracelets play a huge role in Gemma’s jewelry arsenal. She’d be packing some serious heat when wearing this Pluma cuff, featuring inlaid black enamel juxtaposed against shiny gold-toned polish brass. But the true “wow” factor of this piece stems from the push-lock center, which is set on a gold-toned strip accented with crystals.

Vince Camuto Emip Boot, $198. Available at VinceCamuto.com

These fierce knee-high boots don’t need any bells and whistles to stop traffic. The buttery black leather and 4″ heels take care of the head-turning action, giving any look a femme fatale upgrade.

Betsey Johnson Gold-Tone Crystal Skull Black Leather Bracelet, $65. Available at Macys.com

This glitzy cuff mixed gothic elements, such as a leather backdrop and an oversize skull motif, with colorful and kitschy elements that reflect the irreverent, playful, flashy spirit of the Betsey Johnson brand. Measuring 6 1/2″ in length, the cuff features a gold-toned skull covered with pink, teal, turquoise, sapphire, green, and magenta  crystals. For a cheeky twist, the skull is further embellished with a pillbox hat featuring a crystal-studded rose from and a black veil that covers the top half of the skull’s face.

Pen & Ink: Tattoos and the Stories Behind Them, $22. Available at Amazon.com

Gemma’s no stranger to tattoos. She’s even got her own ink — including the tat on her chest, which consists of of a crow, meant to represent SAMCRO, holding a banner that reads “Forever” between its claws. And all of her biker boys have their own tats. Not only do most SAMCRO members have the club logo, with its iconic Grim Reaper image, tatted on their backs, but most of them have additional pieces: Juice has two lightning bolts on either side of his head, Jax has Abel’s name tatted across his chest and Thomas’ name on his arm, and Opie has the phrase “The center cannot hold, anarchy is the only hope” inked across his chest. As a tattoo enthusiast, then, Gemma might appreciate this charming book, co-written by Isaac Fitzgerald and Wendy MacNaughton.

Rather than glossy, Inked magazine-worthy images of tribal, New School, Japanese, and biomechanic tattoos, this book features sketches of real people’s tattoos and emphasizes the story behind each specific piece. As anyone who has ever gone under an artist’s needle knows, there’s always an anecdote behind the piece: whether it involves the design chosen, the time when they got inked, the placement of the tat, or the actual experience at the tattoo parlor (or a friend’s basement or garage). The narratives relayed in this book range are as diverse as the designs showcased. Susie Cagle, a comic book illustrator, relates how, after a break-up, she got a tattoo of two interconnected speech bubbles on her arm to remind herself to be a better communicator both in her work and in relationships. Business owner Craig Dalton describes the deeply personal reason behind the bafflingly simple tattoo on his chest — a row of three dots — revealing that when he underwent radiation therapy in 2002 to treat Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, doctors tatted his chest to create visible markers that would allow them to line him up perfectly to the radiation machine during each treatment session. Graphic designer Alexa Seuss speaks of the three-masted ship tattoo on her side, covering her ribs, explaining that it’s a tribute to the Regina George, a ship that was docked in Long Island for many years and which her parents and other community members worked to restore.  From silly to heartbreaking, tender, romantic, and wistful, each story reveals just how much significance a tattoo can hold.

La Soula  Large Cross Diamond Necklace, $1200. Available at LaSoula.com

 The Maltese cross has become synonymous with chopper culture — whether you’re a motorcycle rider, aficionado, mechanic, or just an admirer of the biker culture. This oxidized silver necklace, which is encrusted with diamonds for a total gemstone weight of 2.88 carats, would instantly communicate a fondness for easy riders.

Rebecca Minkoff Stella Jacket, $648. Available at RebeccaMinkoff.com

Occasionally, Gemma switches up her leather-and-jeans game by incorporating some Boho elements like suede top coats, embroidered peasant blouses, and fringed jackets. This Rebecca Minkoff jacket, made of 100% lambskin suede and trimmed with fringe along the front patch pockets, hemline, and sleeves, perfectly fuses together the outlaw biker groove with the ease and free-spirited energy of Bohemian-influenced fashions.

Sons of Anarchy: Seasons 1-6 DVD Collector’s Set, $172.59. Available at Target.com

Perfect for Sons of Anarchy fanatics, this DVD set features every episode from Seasons 1-6 — all packaged in a box that exquisitely recreates the Grim Reaper etched onto the clubhouse table. Behind-the-scenes footage, photos of the cast, and commentary complete the special gift set.