Black and white no. 25

Black and white is such a classic combination that even Jackson Pollock feel prey to its mysterious beauty.  No matter the season or occasion these two colors, together, create a polished look appropriate for any age in any situation.

1. DVF Black and White Top, $275

2. Black Walnut Dress, $498
3. Peep Toe Platform Sandals, $110
5. DVF Black and White Dress, $455
4. Nude and Black Silk Dress, $275
6. Velvet Dynasty Top, $118
Jackson Pollock. Echo: Number 25

Chop Suey

Mansart Blouse, $228
Recurring Theme Skirt, $98
Kilty Oxford Shoe, $128
Marlena wool cloche, $87
Chop Suey, Edward Hopper

End to end

One of my favorite gifts that I gave this Christmas was a set of Chinese Foo Dog bookends.  They were part of a secret santa game and I wasn't sure how they would be received but fortunately they were a hit.  Secretly I was hoping no one would like them and I would be able to take them back home with me.  However, they have inspired my new appreciation for bookends and the artistic contribution these objects can give to a beautifully layed out bookshelf.  A bookend(s) can make or break the vision of a bookshelf in my opinion.  They can be used to express the types of books they contain or merely act as a work of art.  Bookends normally come in pairs but on occasion you only need one which is where a vase or any other object can take the place of a traditional end.  One tip that I have found helpful when designing (and redesigning) my own bookshleves is keeping like colored books with like colored books - this creates a pleasing pattern for the viewers eye while creatin a cohesive layout.


1. 6-Bottle Bookend Wine Rack, $30
2. Canine Companion Bookends in French Bulldog, $56

3. Halloren Vase, $100
4. Ceramic Books, $104
5. Agate Bookend, $52

Merry Christmas

Mercury rising

1. Optic Swirl Hurricane, $50

2. Mercury Glass Lamp, $90
3. Verona Mercury Votive Holder, $5
4. Mercury Silver Pillar Candleholders, $10
5. Lit Mercury Glass Globe, $36
6. Mercury Glass Hurricane, $89

Mercury glass, also known as silvered glass, contains neither mercury nor silver. It's actually clear glass, mold-blown into double-walled shapes and coated on the inside with a silvering formula, which is inserted though a small hole that is then sealed with a plug. A few manufacturers did, for a time, try to line their glass with a mercury solution; this practice was discontinued due to expense and toxicity, but it helps explain the origin of the misnomer.

First discovered in early-19th-century Germany, mercury glass was used as an inexpensive and tarnish-free substitute for silver in such objects as candlesticks and doorknobs. It then gained favor in France and England, where it was made into useful household wares like vases and goblets, and in America, where it was turned into glass vases, goblets, tankards, sugar basins, tumblers, and even spittoons. Some critics condemned it for "looking too much like mirror and too little like silver," which is precisely what people liked about it. At worst, mirror attracts a few vain glances, while genuine silver attracts thieves. Appreciation for the inexpensive baubles rose, until the advent of the lightbulb: in "modern" light, no burglar would mistake glass for silver.

Winter whites

White is often considered a no no in winter clothing choices.  However, I do believe that white can be permissible if done right.  The weight of the fabric should be the most important factor in choosing winter white clothing.  You want to make sure you aren't wearing a piece of clothing more suitable for warmer weather.  Also, you want to make sure that your accessories are winter appropriate as well like a wool knit poncho or cardigan or perhaps a pair of tall boots.

Angora scarf, $60
White Chocolate Truffle Dress, $135
Delphic Sibyl Dress, $70
Wool Knit Poncho, $395
Yasmin Knee-High Boot, $230
Platform Oxford, $151
Acrobats at the Cirque Fernando, 1879, by Renoir

Golden days

The opulent gold details of this work lend to the riskiness of the half nude female subject yet her allure is so strong that we can't help but stare and admire her strength and beauty.  Her provocative nature makes me want to wrap myself in gold everyday this week.  Here are a few examples of a day time look as well as some sparkling night time looks that can make any day a golden one.

1. Knitted Zigzag Sequin Jumper, $110
2. Wide Leg Trousers, $125
3. Glitter Oxford, $48
4. Sequined cropped silk vest, $238
5. Moschino Cheap and Chic Lam, $495
6. Shirred Shoulder Short Dress, $430
7. Day Dreamer Sequins Bag, $428
Judith I by Gustav Klimt

A little happy

{pic curtesy of cultriot}

I absolutely love this picutre.  What a creative piece of outdoor and interactive public art - I just wish I had one in my own backyard.  Have a great weekend everyone!!

Hostess gifts

Do the Trunk-Tea-Trunk Pot, $25
Apothecary soap set, $22
Ritz Crystal Frames, $11
Marquis Spreader & Bottle Opener, $10
Notting Hill Table Clock, $20

Crystal tape dispenser, $30
Square horn bowl, $18
Party Bites book, $16
Sequin Animals, $10
Banquet Piece with Mince Pie, Willem Claesz Heda, 1635

When the party is over and the mess has been made it is important for a hostess to remember why she decided to host a party in the first place.  The proper gift depends on the hostess you are giving the gift to.  We all have a variety of friends that all like a variety of things.  I like to give fairly personalized gifts because I want the person to know that I am thinking about them and who they are to me.  If it someone who you know hosts many parties at their house give them something that they can use at another get together.  If the hostess has a touch of glamour to her style give her something with a little bling that she can show off in her house.  For those of us, myself included, with eclectic taste we prefer objects that burst with individuality - like the sequin squirl!  The point is that any gift you give should express the impression of the person as you personally know them.

Here are some general rules to follow for different gift giving situations:

For a Cocktail party a hostess gift is completely optional. Perhaps a bottle of wine or a batch of blueberry muffins for the next morning—or, for the holidays, something seasonal, like an ornament—would be thoughtful.

For a Dinner party bring a gift, but keep it simple and under $25.  A bottle of wine, a flower arrangement already in a vase, candles, or soaps are all good ideas.

For a Casual get together like brunch a gift is optional. You may choose instead to bring something to the meal—a side dish, dessert or drink.  But ask: just showing up with a tray of goodies puts the host on the spot.

For an Overnight stay a gift is mandatory.  You can present the gift upon your arrival, during your stay, or at the end of your visit. Consider giving your hosts something you note in the course of your visit that would be right for them, like a tray that goes with their color scheme. The longer the stay, the more expensive or elaborate the gift.

Day to night

I know I keep talking about party clothing but holiday season often calls for day to night outfit changes.  This outfit is certainly not the fanciest but it can definitely take you from work to a friend's holiday party by changing a few accessories.  The navy platform heels can instantly transform you from office mode to party time while a switch from the loopy vest to a faux fur takes your style to a whole new level.

1. Tinley Road Faux Fur Jacket, $98
2. Loop of Faith Vest, $65
3. Darrina Platform Pump, $70
4. Floral-print silk blouse, $266
5. High-rise skinny jeans, $195
6. Sling Clogs, $47
A Girl with a Watering Can, Auguste Renoir, 1876

Festive sparkles

So I finally feel as if I am in the Christmas spirit.  Most of my gift shopping is done and I have attended a few holiday shindigs which ultimately do their trick of making everything cheery and festive.  However, the item that has truly pushed me into holiday mode is the sparkly charcoal nail polish I snagged this weekend.  It screams holiday but not too overtly.

One-shoulder Eclipse Dress, $294
Platform Pump, $95
Draped Silk-satin Gown, $4,490
Kate Spade Charm Sandal, $325
OPI - Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous, $8.50
Marchesa Brigida Spinola Doria by Peter Paul Rubens

Holiday gifts under $100

1. Owl Coin Purse, $95
2. Capiz Hanging Pendant, $703. Alexie Sweater, $70
4. Bobcat Vest, $60
5. Vintage Seltzer Bottle, $68
6. Serpent Cross-body Bag, $80
7. Ceramic Dachshund, $88
8. Larabee Dot Cosmetic Bag, $85
9. Salvador Decorative Vase, $98
10. Roman Equestrian Rain Boot, $98
11. Gold Wishbone, $48
12. Moto Cross Leatherette Jacket, $59
13. Lemon Vases, $100
14. Calling For Rain Bag, $88

X-mas decor

We are celebrating our second Christmas season here in Charleston. The outdoor decor on the beautiful row homes in downtown has really been cathing my attention this year. They have this beautiful greenery that drapes like a charm (it is like the Christmas version of Spanish moss) and has an old world feel to it that I can't recall having seen anywhere other than here.  It makes me feel as if I am in a time warp and I absolutely love it!  Now I just need to get my hands on some for my own home.

Holiday Gifts Under $50

1. Knit trapper hat, $45

2. Whimsies charm, $43
3. Sassy tassel necklace, $45
4. With a stroke of luck abstract dress, $38
5. Porcelain Mortar & Pestle, $50
6. Sweet kathleen dress, $42
7. Cecilia luxe jersey slipper, $40
8. iphone 4 hard cover, $40
9. Leeds Side Streets Flat, $38
10. Isabel Toledo Bow Dress Shoe, $45
11. Garden room mint green cashmere top, $43
12. Holkham Gloves, $38
13. Gilded Age Skirt, $50

Charleston entertaining

When I saw this painting I immediately thought of Charleston's love of the Oyster Roast party.  Now, I had never experienced this before moving to South Carolina because being from Louisiana we prefer to have Crawfish Boils.  Charlestonians are also known for their immaculate entertaining skills.  Wouldn't the shell platter be a perfect accessory to a pristine party?  And remember the hostess must always be dressed well but comfortably in order to provide her guests with the best possible atmosphere.

Golden Fleece Bolero, $158
Lorene Dress, $70
Toasty Warm Tights, $22
Dolce Vita Hayword Heels, $150
Shell Dish, $44
Mother of Pearl Servers, $45
Oysters, Edouard Manet, 1862

Weekend retreat

The weekend is here and I am hoping to have one last calm one before the true holiday fervor begins.  I am constantly dreaming of ways to create a retreat for my master bedroom (as I believe that all of my bedrooms will always be works in progress).  All of these bedrooms showcase an excellent balance of traditional, eclectic, and modern touches.  I truly believe that it is possible to combine all of your likes in one place to create a palace of comfort in which you hope the weekend will never end.

{all images from House Beautiful}

Leather layers

Moooooo!  The best thing about winter weather is the chance to layer your wardrobe to create a beautiful masterpiece of an outfit.  In my opinion leather is one of the best winter materials out there.  It is virtually weatherproof (when treated that is) and keeps an outfit looking polished no matter where it is on your body.  From the tips of your toes in tall leather boots to the tips of your fingers in buttery soft gloves, leather comes in all shapes and sizes these days making it easy to incorporate into any occasion.

1. Autumn Honey Jacket, $298
2. Croc Lock Bag, $86
3. Ridem Boots, $246
4. Portolano Studded Gloves, $75
5. Leather Jersey Waistcoat, $190
6. Russhh Pump, $90
Cows in a Pasture, Marie Dieterle Van Marcke De Lummen

Holiday Gifts under $25

1. Eyeglass Case, $24

2. In a High Key Tea Towel, $25

3. Foulard Scarf , $12

4. Up, Up, and 'A-Tray', $10

5. Barking Up the Write Tree Colored Pencil Set, $10

6. Mercury Glass Votives, $15

7. Vintage Beaded Belt, $15

8. 2011 Wall Calendar, $18

9. Buzz Word Ring, $13

10. Cast Iron Hand Wall Hooks, $13

11. Farmers Market Baskets, $20

12. Polka-Dot Coasters, $20

13. Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss, $20

14. Guinea Feather Placemat, $24

15. Small Latika Hanging Lantern, $15

16. Vintage Letter Tray, $16

17. Superskinny Glitter Belt, $25

Rich color

We tend to think of fall and winter colors as being drab and overcast but I am here to prove that this doesn't have to be the case.  This still life reminds me of all the rich colors we can find during the colder months of the year.  Greens turn into deeper shades resembling moss while sunny yellows turn to warm ochres.  Together these colors can create a pleasing palette as well as make the winter months a little brighter ... or at the least your wardrobe.

J.Crew Valentina cashmere cardigan, $80
Women - wool - Stadium-cloth elements coat - J.Crew, $80
Berry-Stitched Boots, $130
Silk-trimmed merino-wool cardigan, $78
Petite Flannel Trousers, $85
Belvedere - Expressionism

Hello Lover

Do you remember the SITC episode in which Carrie picks up a pair of Manolo's and repeats the mantra "Hello Lover," well that is how I feel about all of these things.  For example the Kate Spade bag is the perfect balance of structure and glamour.  The metallic leather is accented by textural waves that create a true masterpiece.  Although I can't afford some of these lovely things I can still dream of them and use them for inspiration which always makes a fun challenge.  Because the Christmas season tends to make me covet more than I should I will follow up this post with some more affordable holiday gift guides.

Tibetan Lamb Shrug, $595

Markus Lupfer Skull sequined merino wool sweater, $420

Weekend Mohair Cardigan, $50

Kate Spade 24 KT. Knightsbridge Quinn, $277

Sequin Bloomer Shorts, $80

UGG Lynnea Boots, $180

Steve Madden flat oxford, $70

ASOS Keyhole Clutch Bag, $67

Daisy Knights skull ring, $140

Antique Wingback Settee, $3,995

Antique Coutrack, $1,995

Photographer's Lamp, $295

Jonathan Adler Dachshund Bookends, $150

Friendship Love Truth Tray, $198

J. Crew Feather and Rhinestone Belt, $118

Bring on the parties

With Thanksgiving officially behind us it is now time to begin the holiday season party rotation.  One of the main reasons I love this time of the year is the constant excuse to dress up in my very best and parade about town.  Dressing up also gives me a chance to stray from my rather neutral make-up and create a matte red lip - ask anyone who knows me ... red is completely out of my comfort zone.  

1. Asymmetric draped lamé dress, $365

2. Studs, $30

3. One-shoulder sequined silk dress, $935

4. Powder Silk Skirt, $895

5. Chanel Nail Colour $23

6. Bead-embellished silk dress, $1495

7.YSL Lipstick, $30

8. Gold One-shoulder Dress, $1585

9. Feather Clutch Bag, $50

10. Pearl Knot Necklace, $60

Giving THANKS

Cooking Thanksgiving dinner is such a delight for me.  While I have spent many thanksgivings away from home I have cooked Thanksgiving dinner for a multitude of friends.  However, this year my parents are visiting and I can't wait to prove that  I am capable of being an adult from time to time.  In a way I feel like this is my turn to give them something small in turn for all the wonderful things they have done for me.  This is my opportunity of offering Thanks for my parents and my husband.  

Still waiting for winter

While it is technically fall, we in the south are still waiting for the consistence of cool weather.  I keep dreaming of snow for Christmas although I know it is an impossibility in Charleston.  However, I will use visual imagery to keep my mind in the wintery Christmas spirit we are all hoping for.  Here are a few coats that are sure to brighten up any winter - where ever you may be.  

1. Wuthering Delights Coat, $180

2. Military Cape, $249
3. Karelia Coat, $248
4. Take the Knight Coat, $138
5. Camel Corneli Coat, $130
6. Navy Military Coat, $120
New York Street, 1902, Childe Hassam

Noncommital

Tattooing has had a long history in American culture.  Although skin ink has been around for thousands of years it made its way into our culture in the late 1800's and early 1900's.  Beginning with sailors as a way of remembering their travels tattooing now represents much more while styles and colors abound from the traditional primary colors present at the turn of the century.

For those of us unable to commit permanently to a tattoo there are alternatives.  Personally I love tattoos, however, I have never been able to commit to a design that I would have to view for a lifetime.  My fickleness has led me to look for alternatives that don't try to replicate a "real" tattoo but rather reference skin art in a fun, fashion forward manner.

1. Bebaroque Saylor Tights, $78
2. Sao Paulo Flat, $38
3. Tattoo print watch, $32
4. Night Blooms Tights, $9.95
5. Tattoo Print Leggings, $265
6. Tattoo Print Tulle Tights, $19
7. Frenzy Sneaker, $41

Impressing your mother-in-law

Setting a Thanksgiving table is almost as important as the meal ... especially if your mother-in-law will be in attendance!  I personally enjoy using my hands as a physical reminder: your left hand makes a "b" for the placement of the bread and butter plate on the left and your right hand makes a "d" for the placement of the drinks on your right.  Here is another cheat sheet for help:

 

For my personal tablescape I choose to stick with a silver and white theme - using a mix of silver, pewter, and platinum and white china.  Doing so allows me to add pops of color according to the occasion at hand.  A few of my favorite pieces include a pewter gravy boat, a lacquered wooden and silver salad bowl, and my prized silver tumblers.  Using my finest makes me feel like an official grown-up.

{courtesy of southernliving.com}

Hanger Heaven

With the holidays quickly approaching there becomes an innate need to organize everything we own before our visitors show up for inspection.  So with organization on my mind I automatically think of hangers.  I know it sounds strange but I use children size hangers.  My husband looks at me like a lunatic when I frantically search for one of my little plastic friends to hang my wet clothes on as they dry - but who can blame me, I don't want hanger sleeves.  Luxurious hangers can make any closet feel updated and fancy.  I desperately wish that I could hang all articles of clothing that I own but it would be impossible.  However, there have been many great innovations in the world of organization and storage that make it possible for me to hide my messes for, at least, a short period time.  I know what my weekend task will be!

1. Tension Drawer Organizer, $15
2. Shoe and Boot Organizer, $20
3. Accessories Hanger, $8

4. Madras Storage Baskets, $30
5. Purse Organizer, $20
6. Swing Arm Pant Hangers, $10

Perfectly Plaid

Lately I have really been craving a plaid addition to my wardrobe.  I gave in and purchased a fabulous cream, light gray, and light blue plaid peacoat.  It adds the perfect touch of pattern to any outfit making the simplest top with jeans feel luxurious. I have listed a few plaid items here - from slightly noticeable to big and bold - that I would love to add to my winter wardrobe.

1. Mohair and wool-blend check cape, $1,100
2. Anything but ordinary dress, $103

3. Luna mixy silk and wool dress, $275
4. Peacoat, $29
5. Double breasted dress, $188
6. Plaid cardigan, $110