Twelve Days of Christmas... Day 3

Some of my favorite items are currently on sale.  Whether you are looking for yourself, or someone else, these are sure to spark joy.

1. Ralph Lauren 'Anette' floor lamp.  Yes, a lamp.  This is the lowest price I have seen for this style recently.  It is by far one of my favorite items in my home and dream of having a set framing my bed.  

2. Sisely-Paris lip twist.  Worth every penny!  

3. Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit sneakers.  The most comfortable sneakers on the planet.

4. India Armory tablecloths.  The entire site is 20% off!

5. LoveShackFancy mini skirt.  I lived in my skirt this past summer, always good to stock up when they are half price.

Shoeday Saturday...

 I have been waiting months for this sneaker to debut.  British designer of-the-moment, Wales Bonner, has collaborated with Adidas Originals on a line of sneakers and apparel.  I simply adore them.  

In the kitchen...

 Today is the day - Apple Pies are being assembled, Turkeys are marinating in their brines, tables are getting dressed, the holidays are here.

I hope your day is filled with laughter, joy and plenty of pie.

Veronica Swanson Beard in her Long Island kitchen for Elle Decor.

Twelve Days of Christmas... Day 2

Our kitchens have been working overtime for the past few months, it deserves some love this season. 

1. Salt and Pepper grinders. So chic, you will want to keep these out on your countertop.

2. Breville espresso machine.  If it is good enough for Oprah, it is good enough for me.  Bonus tip: add some Ralph's espresso beans!

3. Sur la table's glass containers.  They are lifesavers! From fridge to oven, and back again.  

4. Oven mitts and dish towels.  I know, super snooze. But, sometimes the best gifts are the things you don't want to buy for yourself. 

5. Jonathan's Spoons 'spootle', winner of the Cook's Illustrated wooden spoon test!

     

La Cashmere...

 

I have spent the past few months editing, cleaning out, organizing, rearranging, and editing my closets some more.   I am now well versed in what I own a plethora of, and what is missing.   

Things I am not allowed to even look at, even if they are gorgeous and on sale: white cotton tops, all chunky knits, black boots, and bags of all sizes.  

My clothing wishlist is pretty simple, a navy slip dress, to be worn with aforementioned chunky knit, a pair of lug sole loafers, bonus points for the tassel (!), and my latest addition an ivory oversized turtleneck sweater.  I would wear this sweater everyday. Softer than my navy and black versions, and a classic for post-pandemic life.  If Santa is reading, it is 30% off thru tonight.

image via modaoperandi.com          

Shoeday Saturday...

My favorite sneaks, on sale!

Twelve Days of Christmas... Day 1

The Christmas carols have been on repeat for weeks now, why not start to check a few things off your list.

There is nothing more thoughtful than a personalized gift, something truly unique for the receiver.  These gifts are the ones that take a bit longer, and best to order early.  

1. Corksicle mug, perfect for coffee, cider, even wine!

2. Oliver Bonas velvet ornaments,  Christmas trees will be getting lots of love this year.  

3. The classic L.L. Bean Boat & Tote, rather than initials try a phrase, Weekend Plans, Tennis, or Six Feet.

4. Joy Creative desk notepads, available in countless color options, there is something for everyone on your list.

5. Hill House Home pillowcase set,  I simply adore all things HHH and personalized pillowcases are a welcome gift for another season spent at home.  Especially for a girl who {hearts} {palm trees}. 

How's your day going...

Same, same.

 

image via Harper's Bazaar UK

Bring on the lights...

At the top of my list of things I am looking forward to: Christmas decorations.  

I cannot wait to see how the department stores will transform themselves with glitter and garland and the tasteful townhomes wrapped up in bows.  I plan to go all out in my own home this season too!  I've already ordered my tree, and the hunt continues for a wreath.   Is adding something to the mantle too much?  Only time will tell...

I have a lot of thoughts about gift guides this year.  I do believe that this year is not like other years, buying a gift to just buy something (if that is your thing) seems particularly tone-deaf.  Finding the perfect gift has always been something I have truly enjoyed doing.  Gift giving is a very thoughtful process, and even more so this year now that we can't just pop into a store to pick up a gift.

What is on your list?  You will laugh when you see mine, it is funny how priorities have changed.

These snow toys are perfect for a little one who loves to build snowmen, and I already bought myself this  gift.  

What to buy the man who has everything, the discerning 5 year old, the woman who says she wants nothing, the preppy sister?   Stay tuned...

image via Habitually Chic

New York, we love you...

 

Anyone that has been to NYC lately knows it is anything but deceased.  There are construction projects happening on every corner - new buildings, new beginnings, new homes, new memories - not dead.

Hanging on the skeleton façade of a building in development on Madison Avenue at 80th Street is a billboard for Jerry Seinfeld's op-ed in The New York Times, written over the summer.  This is a piece you read once, re-read, and then read again.  I found myself cheering Jerry on as I read. Yes, New York is having a tough time at the moment, we all are. But, New York isn't going anywhere. 

'greatness is rare. And the true greatness that is New York City is beyond rare.'

image via The New York Times    

Winter is coming...

Personally, I am excited for colder temperatures.   I spent the Summer wearing 1/3 of my closet - mainly swimsuits and tennis togs.  Putting on a cozy sweater is something I am looking forward to!  

The Wall Street Journal recently wrote about how blanket dressing is the new norm.  With outside dining continuing, and really our only option of things to do other than sit at home, outerwear is the new loungewear.

Confession: I love a whimsical knit.  I own an Isabel Marant woven poncho, from a few years ago, that is like wearing a hug.  I love how the chic lady below styled hers over her trench!  Don't be surprised if you see me in an inspired by look.

On the topic of whimsical knits, there is no shortage this season.  Isabel Marant's cashmere hood is ideal for outdoor dining, Tory Burch's fair isle dickie instantly adds some charm to your winter coat, and on my wishlist Joseph's slit front cashmere sweater dress.   

Hold my calls...

Season 4 of The Crown debuts on Netflix today.

I'll be drinking tea and eating scones, thinking about my last trip to London, while devouring the sets, the fashion and all the Royal drama.

 

Shoeday Saturday...

 Candy-colored velvet slippers, yes please! 

SantM slippers available at Verishop

Use code YAYDAY for 25% off

All at once...

  This year, I want all of the holidays all at once!  No waiting until after Thanksgiving to put up Christmas decor, the time is now!  I want to have holiday cheer for as long as possible this year.  I'm on the hunt for the chicest faux wreath, in order to maximize its tenure, and gorgeous velvet ribbon to hang it from. 

India Armory debuted tree skirts this season, and they are divine.  Festive without being garish, could I use this as a tablecloth as well?!  Shh... don't tell.  

Happy decorating!

Thanksgiving attire...

 My table will not be the only thing dressed for Thanksgiving. I am already planning on wearing an autumnal floral frock throughout the house.  Something comfortable enough to put your feet up in, yet formal to note the holiday.  Rebecca de Ravanel, below, is wearing my ideal color scheme, tonal florals with a gorgeous rust colored knit, and finished off with RdR earrings, of course.  

I have my eye on this dress from Veronica Beard, or this from Doen, or maybe this from La Double J.  This cardigan from Jenni Kayne looks so cozy, and this Nili Lotan will be a closet staple for years. To complete the look, earrings of course!

image by Rebecca de Ravanel

Set the table...

 It is safe to say that my table will be decked to the nines from here on out.  This year deserves all the special occasion pieces.  Polish the silver, wash the crystal, it is all coming out!

I love India Armory's prints, she even has me thinking brown looks chic.  Her tablecloths are the perfect pallet for your Thanksgiving dinner. Take advantage of her free shipping inceptive thru the 16th.  

Shoeday Saturday...

Are we noticing a theme here...  Comfy, cozy, all the time.

teddy sandal by flattered

25 days of beauty...

 Not all Advent Calendars are for kids.

The legendary Net-a-Porter Advent Calendar is back, and maybe just what we all need.  Each square is filled with fan favorites from the site, think Augustinus Bader, Joanna Vargas, 111 Skin, and more.  Better skin and tells me what day it is, add to cart!

A great read...

 Last month, my friend, Matthew Schneier, interviewed the one and only Ina Garten for New York Magazine.  The queen of comfort food dishes into how she, and Jeffrey, have been handling quarantine, what she is making, and new new cookbook!

image via thecut.com

 

Hands free...

Belt bags, or fanny packs, are all the rage at the moment. Having two hands, and elbows, free to maneuver thru our touch free world now is all the rage.  I've always been a fan of a crossbody, my Celine trio remains my all time favorite handbag.  The belt bag, I am on the fence.  Thus far, this Hermès pochette is the only acceptable version I've come across.