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}