Random Chanel Item No. 152

I mean...what is there to say about this? Proof that we all lose our minds this time of year? And, of course that there's still a child within us all.  Let's go and shake things up this weekend!

xoxo,

Minor Obsessions

necklace | knot ring | bow napkin ring | clutch | candle

Somethings just scream "the holidays!" while others seem to merely quietly suggest them... (albeit in a very stylish and somewhat sparkly manner).  There are so many things catching my eye these days, I've assembled them all here. 

Sidetracked

It was my intention last night to look up the date and time for the Vogue documentary, The Editor's Eye, set my dvr and then head straight to bed.  (It airs Thursday, December 6, 2012 on HBO not tonight, as I had originally feared!) But, as so often happens in these situations...I mean, it is Vogue.com...I was immediately sidetracked by this feature, Four Young Interior Designers To Watch. Have you seen it? Good stuff!

Gifts Under $50.00

My top ten (ever so slightly biased) picks for gifts under $50.00 (some even under $25.00!) from zhush.com.  For more fun and fresh ideas all under $50.00, click here.
1. silver glitter pie server                                                    
2. blue agate bottle opener (also available in gray)            
3. Pesca bracelet                                                                
4. Heart of Gold key chain                                                 
5. leather tassel key chain                                                
6. sea urchin ceramic box 
7. Peace + Love plate
8. sequin tote bag
9. gingham salad serving set
10. laminated tray

Orders of $100.00 or more, always ship free!

Wednesday Wants

Gourmet gifts are absolutely one of my favorite type of gifts to give (and to receive! hint, hint). Topping the list of specialty seasonal foodie faves is this Biscotti Jar, from Freds, the restaurant at Barneys, New York.  The next best thing to meeting my friends for lunch in the city...not only are these treats a lovely way to enjoy a coffee or tea break, but once they're gone, there's that chic little glass jar to restock...  What's your favorite gourmet gift to give or receive?

Book Review: American Beauty

I always appreciate a beautiful coffee table book. Especially this time of year, stylish books like Thom Filicia's American Beauty, make for really great gifts.  I was thrilled to receive a copy of this lovely new book, to review and share here. The photos in American Beauty, are truly fabulous.  I already know that I will be turning to them again and again for inspiration in my own home.  The inside scoop on the early days of Thom's career and the house he fell in love with make for a very interesting read.  Also, not to miss...the fun forward by Tina Fey!

Greenwich Village Chic

Happy "Cyber Monday" everyone! Time is zipping along...the official Rockefeller tree lighting ceremony takes place this Wednesday, November 28, 2012 in New York City.  Uptown Manhattan really becomes such a crowded scene. However, despite my dislike of crowds and traffic, I miss the city so much this time of year. Nothing compares to the window decor and hustle and bustle of the city during the Holiday season.  Things tend to be a little less chaotic downtown, which is why a pied de terre in Greenwich Village would be the ultimate, best of all worlds, situation . If it's as chic and inviting as this one designed by Magdalena Keck, then it really is my absolute ideal.
P.S. zhush.com cyber Monday sale going on, check here for details and promo code! Happy shopping!

Monday's P.O.P.

pretty purple pairs

Image via:SouthernAccents

Random Chanel Item No. 151

Happy {Black} Friday everyone! Whether you're planning on shopping every sale or just plain relaxing (like me!) hope it's a great one!

xoxo,

Happy Black Friday!

Giving Thanks

Images via Etsy

Flights of Fancy

Pheasant feathers incorporated into table settings and holiday vignettes...this is a look that I absolutely adore. A literal feast for the eyes!  However, I can't seem to track down a good source for these lovely plumes...even the craft store selection seemed more like feather duster quality than chic fall centerpiece. If you know where I can get some beautiful feathers like these, please let me know, thanks!

Images via: top: FlowerWildDesigns.com, BHG

Wednesday Wants

What's the best fashion purchase you made all year? I have a few well worn pairs of jeans, a really great blouse or two...but the one item that I reach for again and again, is this fun leopard print belt from J.Crew (don't miss the J.Crew sale today, 25% off everything with this code: color25 ).  It literally elevates almost any outfit from simple to chic.  Chambray top and dark green jeans? Perfect. White t-shirt and dark denim? Amazing. Black silk top and black skinny jeans? Well...you get the picture.  I'm now contemplating the wider version, too. What's proven to be your go-to accessory for 2012?
PS: Incase you haven't already heard, Shopbop is having another major sale!

Buy $250, get 20% off

Buy $500, get 25% off

Buy $1,000, get 30% off

Buy $1,500, get 35% off

Use code "BIGEVENT12"

(so many sales, so little time!)

Swedish {Texas} Style

Swedish style with a Texan twist.  Katrin Cargill used to live and work in Houston, and now runs what appears to be a design empire in the U.K. Fascinated by the back story on this decor talent, not to mention the interiors.  When we first moved into our home over ten years ago, I was obsessed with the idea of owning a Swedish grandfather clock just like the one featured below, I think these images just re-sparked my interest...

Inside Nina Garcia's Closet

Fashion editor, Project Runway judge...I just couldn't resist posting Nina Garcia's bespoke closet here.  Every inch of this uber-chic lady's wardrobe is to die for, not to mention her entire sophisticated New York City apartment.  The artwork in this home is perfection, as is the decor...it's all so good. These are just a few of my faves, if you didn't see the full fabulous feature in Architectural Digest, I highly recommend!

Monday's P.O.P.

panoramic purple

Image via: ApartmentTherapy.com

Congrats!

 

Congratulations to lucky comment number 2 ~ Lindsay of Sadie + Stella! You won the zhush.com two year anniversary giveaway!

Random Chanel Item No. 150

The end of a very busy week...delightfully busy, but busy nonetheless.  Next week, black Friday and then Cyber Monday madness? (yikes!) It's time to crack the whip! (you saw that one coming a mile away, right?)  Have a productive weekend everyone!

xoxo,

Image via: Rdjour

Minor Obsessions

perfume | earrings | sunglasses | boots | sweater

This week was full of distractions, mostly of the material kind.  It seems despite all my best intentions to shop early for everyone on my list...I keep getting sidelined by all the pretty sales and stuff I want for myself! Does this happen to you as well? 

P.S. This would make for one very chic and cozy "Holiday shopping" outfit, don't you think? Rationalize much...? Maybe.

Let's Get Lost

Yesterday, was a weird day.  So many little things went wrong, one after the other, it got harder and harder "not to sweat the small stuff."  I just wanted to escape for a bit, but of course that wasn't really possible.  It's in those moments that I like to take a mini-break and get lost in a top notch designer's portfolio.  Contemplating all the interesting lives of the people behind these fabulous homes (while simultaneously taking in every detail) works like a visual day dream.  Stephen Schubel's interiors are all as compelling as they are beautiful, it's hard not to get lost in them, if only for a little while...