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

Layers, layers, layers

The weather has been extremely fickle as of late and I have had the most difficult time trying to grasp a dressing code to accommodate the changing tides.  Days consisting of hazy and chilly mornings followed by sunny afternoons call for an arsenal of cardigans.  Owning multiple solid colored cardigans is essential to layering and will help you make it from morning to night on any fall day.

1. Cable Knit Wrap Cardigan, $60
2. Open Shawl Collar Cardigan, $118
3. Valentina Cashmere Cardigan, $160

4. Zip Cardigan-Jacket, $98
5. Sequin Cardigan, $112
Afterglow, Jonas Lie, 1913

Well Read

One of the things I want most out of a house is a huge library.  I love material objects, especially books, because they provide a visual of who you are and where you have been.  My husband and I have quite a few books due to our extensive studying and, well, a small antique book addiction that we also secretly harbor.  I can't wait to build my own library one day using all of the ideas and experiences I have gathered throughout my life -especially being that I once worked with the largest academic Molluscan library in the United States and quite possibly the world (strange, I know!).

Photos courtesy of {House Beautiful}

Head Way

Busts have long served the purpose of honoring those privileged enough to be sculpted.  They were a permanent means of remembering a person's actions or contributions to their culture.  These days we have the creative license to use busts for decorative purposes - although I would have a bust made honoring my dog if I could.  The cardboard deer is the perfect compliment for any den and the saber tooth skull is just awesome in every imaginable way.  With the addition of a bust to your house you can instantly feel as if you have been on some glamorous archaeological dig or perhaps participated in a safari.
 

1. Horse Head Sculpture, $240
2. The Butcher Shop Bull, $229

3. Saber Tooth Tiger Skull, $60
4. Cardboard Deer Trophy, $28
5. Milton The Dog Candle, $20
6. Rhino Head Wall Plaque 12", $50 
"The Bartlett Head", Greek, Late Classical

Versatile Dressing

The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit is a painting by John Singer Sargent.  It was painted in 1882 and currently hangs in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.  This work has been described as "Arguably the most psychologically compelling painting of Sargent's career."  Though the painting's unusual composition was noted from its earliest viewings, initially its subject was interpreted simply as that of girls at play, but it has subsequently been viewed in more complex terms, reflecting Freudian analysis and a greater interest in the ambiguities of adolescence.  The composition was unusual for a group portrait, both for the varying degrees of prominence given to each figure (an unconventional characteristic for group portraiture) and for the square shape of the canvas.

To match the variety of interpretations of this work I chose a dress that was equally versatile.  This particular dress can go from day to night in an instance.  With a quick change of accessories you can go from the office to a cocktail party - making it perfect for the upcoming holiday season.

1. Knitted Speckle Cable Cardigan, $100
2. Tassel Necklace, $45
3. Hayword Pumps, $150

4. Ivory Dress, $545
5. Leggings, $6.80
6. Black Suede Boots, $180
The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit, John Singer Sargent

Golden

The bracelet in the middle is a piece of ancient Islamic art.  Islamic art is known for incorporating extensive abstract designs and beautiful tracery work.  Wouldn't you just love to slip that beauty on your arm?  Wear these bold pieces over the cuff of a long sleeve black t-shirt or a smashing cocktail dress to show off their intricate details and simple beauty.

1. Set of Wide Bangles, $17
2. Grecian Bangles, $45
3. Empress Golden Bracelet, $243
4. Manchette Gold-Plated Cuff, $365
5. Gilded Bracelet, $59
Armlet, Islamic Art, 11th century

Spectacles

If you pay any attention to fashion photography you will have seen the influx of "Buddy Holly-like" glasses taking over these days.  They are almost like an alien race that has come down and taken over the faces of celebrities and models.  However, I love this trend and wish a pair of these beauties would show up on my kitchen counter tomorrow morning.  They create visual interest on the face which is where most people are trying to look as natural as possible.  While these glasses are an odd accessory I think they lighten the mood and make four eyes like me feel loved.

1. Wolfgang Frames, $175
2. Hollywood Readers, $42
3. Oliver Peoples D-frame Glasses, $315
4. Black and Gold Frames, $210
5. Retrospecs Tortoiseshell Frames, $110

Fall fancy

Now that the weather has definitely turned cooler but the sun is still out I can't wait to dress up in fancy clothing. For some reason cool weather screams for the opportunity to dress fancy with loads of layering while still feeling comfortable.  I love the neurotic colors of this painting along with the crazy patterns.  This outfit would brighten up any fall day while making you feel like a million bucks. 

1. Lamb wrap, $1,800
2. Two-tone leather gloves, $70
3. Black pumps, $770
4. Floral print silk dress, $430
Portrait of Johanna Staude, Gustav Klimt

Wired

These organizational tools have a definite artistic inspiration.  Their wiry frames create interest as they perform their daily functions.  The two works of art in the middle have a modern appeal and would create interest and depth in any room.  I like the fact that all of these pieces are utilitarian combined with an artistic air and I can't wait to integrate them into my own organizational repetoir.

1. Wine rack, $115
2. Wire shop baskets, $98
3. Postcard holder, $48
4. Metal basket shelf, $39
Brooch, Georg Dobler
Mobile, Alexander Calder

Charleston Cruiser

Charleston is definitely known for its biking population. I'm sure we have more cruisers per capita than any other city. On my way to work this morning I saw a young woman biking through downtown ... and she was dressed adorably! She had on perfect fitting jeans, an ivory cardigan with a few strategically placed navy stripes, and to top it off RED FLATS! I immediately took note in order to recreate her casual yet well defined look. I think this will be my new weekend uniform.

The origins of the bicycle are shrouded in mystery. It is not possible to attribute its invention to any single person. Still, what is clear is that the early ancestors of the modern bicycle were in use by the early 1800s.  In 1817, Charles, Baron von Drais, of Sauerbrun, devised a front wheel capable of being steered. He also gave it a padded saddle, and an armrest in front of his body, which assisted him in exerting force against the ground. Granted a patent in 1818, he took his Draisienne to Paris, where it was again patented and acquired the name vélocipède, a term that was to continue in use until about 1869 when the word “bicycle” came into use.

Mohair retro-stripe cardigan, $70
Dojo Stretch Trouser, $155 
Lola Ballet Flat, $39
Rattan Bicycle Basket Inline, $40
Dino Bicycle Bell, $8
Smithsonian Institution Libraries : Kenwood Improved ladies' Special Bicycle

Madame X

The woman in this painting was a young socialite named Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau.  As an American expatriate married to a French Banker she became notorious in Paris for her beauty and rumored infidelities.  She wore lavender powder and prided herself on her appearance. (How scandalous!)  In this portrait John Singer Sargent, the artist, wanted to create a study in opposition - her pale skin against the dark dress.  He painted her as a woman posing ostentatiously in a black satin dress with jeweled straps, a dress that reveals and hides at the same time. 

Madame X has a certain je ne sais quoi. She is sexy in an overt yet very demure manner. To emulate her style you must choose a classic silhouette with an unexpected element that creates a vulnerability accented by sensual beauty. I prefer giving a classic style a hint of glamor through accessories like the fur and feather wrap or simply letting the dress speak for itself just as this long lacey number does.

1. Stella McCartney Lace Gown, $2,995
2. Feather Clutch Bag, $56 

3. Maison Martin Margiela Wrap, $1,000

4. Balenciaga Bow Back Dress, $2,150

5. Badgley Mischka Pump, $200
Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau), John Singer Sargent

Natural Instincts

The vase in the middle is such an inspiration for me.  The natural qualities of the beeswax shaped into a modern silouhette gets my mind racing about natural materials being utilized and repurposed for modern needs.  These types of objects seem to have a built in history which makes them all the more attractive.  Each of these pieces has a primitive quality that could lend itself to any contemporary space.      

1. Woods Wallpaper, $198
2. Claw bottle opener, $24
3. Graphic Robin Console, $2,895
4. Watson horn magnifier, $42
5. Horn lamp, $395

6. Faulkner trunk, $1,795
7. Butterfly pillows, $220
The Honeycomb Vase "Made by Bees" by Tomáš Gabzdil Libertíny

An oxford a day ...

This fall season has created an oxford shoe for every occasion.  I like that the oxford shoe can be so versatile.  There are leather oxfords for the day time, sequins for a little pizazz, and satin for a night out on the town.  Although oxfords are tailored in appearance these show a playful and modern side.  Magritte's The Son of Man is a perfect fit for these oxfords because he too is enjoying an apple a day while I am enjoying an oxford a day.

1. Rocket Dog, Oxford heels, $50

2. Marc Jacobs, Glitter-Leather Brogues, $775
3. Steve Madden, Melanee Oxford, $99
4. Dolce Vita, Harrison Oxford, $182
5. Corso Como, Violet Heel, $70
6. Forever 21, Leopard Oxfords, $20
7. Sam Edelman, Kat Oxfords, $150
8. Pura Lopez, Platform Oxford, $370
The Son of Man (Magritte) 1964

Delightfully Sinful

No candy at Halloween would be sinful so I decided to make an incredibly rich treat that would satisfy all of my taste buds. When trying to decide what to make I immediately thought of these skull cupcake papers that I had discovered at the beginning of the month. The next step was choosing the flavor ...

I didn't want to make something cliche like pumpkin or devil's food so I chose an extreme that would delight the senses and create interest ... chocolate and chili with a vodka frosting! The ancient Mayans were responsible for the spicy combination of chocolate and chili and what better season to recreate this ancient tradition.  These cupcakes are a grown-up's perfect Halloween trick or treat.