Holy Ship!

I just ordered this "All Aboard Ship Clutch" from Kate Spade. I have a lot of whimsical box clutches - they're fun to carry, and also look great displayed in a bookcase or on top of a dresser. This beauty would also look amazing paired with navy and red Bakelite bangles.

Can't wait to add it to the collection!

He who seeks beauty...

This weekend, I bought an illustrated Bill Cunningham scarf, by YARNZ, which will soon be framed and hanging over my couch.

You've seen Bill Cunningham New York, right? (He's my soul mate.)

ANYWAY. Framed scarves are an easy, affordable option to adding color and interest to your wall. You just can't go wrong- anything Pucci and Hermes is fail-safe.

I found the above Hermes scarf, framed, at an antique store. It's one of my favorite things.

From Domino Magazine (RIP) - a Hermes Scarf hanging beside a Bjorn Wiinblad print. (I'm also a big Wiinblad fan!)

Not sure if these scarves are Hermes or not... but they're very pretty!

Source, Source, Source

Il Conformista

The Conformist

Bernardo Bertolucci

1970

A visually captivating movie set in 1930 pre-war France and Italy. The film features Ferdinando Scarfiotti's cool production design and brilliant cinematography by Vittorio Storaro (of Apocalypse Now fame) set to a poetic / surreal European backdrop.

This character's impeccable wardrobes make me long for more Italian and French clothes - if you've seen the movie, you know what I mean.

Love Is All You Need

Universal Love is a quality that allows a person to see beauty in every aspect of life. (Simply put) it's an altruistic love for everything and everyone.

Yes, it's Valentine's Day- a holiday otherwise known as "Singles Awareness Day." But don't depress! Even if you're a bird flying solo, you can still celebrate love, Universally.

Most religions and philosophies in some way encompass the concept of Universal Love. In the Buddhist religion, the philosophy and practice of Universal Love is known as "Metta." Metta is basically a strong wish for the welfare and happiness of others- an unselfish, all-embracing love for every person and every thing. A pretty nice objective, right?

So, even if you didn't receive a heart-shaped box, a romantic dinner and a dozen roses this year, you can always use this holiday as a pretext to give love, universally, without romantic conditions.

"(All You Need is Love) was an inspired song and they really wanted to give the world a clear message saying that love is everything."- Brian Epstein.

The song was broadcast live, via satellite on "Our World," the first global television link. It was watched by 400 million people in 26 countries.

Happy Universal Love Day to all the lone birds and love birds out there! I hope your day is brimming with happiness and affection.

Hmmm...

Maybe Twitter's not so bad, after all?!

Bright Christmas

I recently welcomed a new family member into my home.

Isn't she pretty?

On Christmas Eve, I received this scintillating Anya Hindmarch glitter box clutch delivered to my doorstep; neatly wrapped up and fastened with a satin bow. It was given to me by the lovely ladies at Pret-A-Rever.com and MyTheresa.com. (I was selected at random for their Christmas giveaway.)

For those of you who are unfamiliar, MyTheresa.com are online purveyors of luxury fashion, and Pret-A-Rever deliver skillful and lively style forecasts. (Next season, think HAWAII.)

Luckiest girl alive? I think so!

Wishing you all of the above! Merry Christmas!

Babar Meeting Santa, 1947, Source

Holiday Wrap Up

While packaging the last of my gifts this evening, I reflected on the items I've collected from those who skipped the holiday cliche' and thought outside the box.

I decided to share a few of my favorites.

Roberts Revival Radio

It's no secret that I'm a fan of Roberts Radios. I received this this navy blue leather and gold plated darling last year. It's aesthetically timeless and MP3 compatible so I can listen to my AM radio, then plug in the I-Phone when the oldies get old.

The Beatles! In Seattle!

Original vintage snapshots! Framed! AHHH!! (Thanks, dad.)

Tiffany Heart Locket

This was a gift from my husband. I had it engraved with the word "Dearest."

Finally, here's proof you don't have to spend a lot to make an impact- my husband (an artist) sewed ornaments for his family this year, each piece a unique reflection of their childhood in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa. Pretty sweet, right?

What are some of your favorite gifts?

KILISIMISIO!

Tiffany Twist Bow Ring

I went into Tiffany's yesterday to have a locket engraved, and wound up leaving with this:

I'd seen the Twist Bow in ads, but didn't actually fall in love until I saw the shiny trompe l'oeil forget-me-knots in person.

The Tiffany Bows come in Sterling Silver, 18K Gold and Platinum with diamonds. I'd get them all - if only I had no conscience, budget and sense of responsibility!

www.Tiffany.com

number 11 number 11 number 11

Eleven... it's magic!

Anna Karina postcard found here

Happy Halloween!

I'm pretty happy with my costume this year- it's something like this:

"C-ya real soon!"

Polaroid Miscellany - Fall Colors

I had these Roberta Di Camerino velvet clutches sitting on my dresser, trying to decide which to carry to a formal event this weekend.

My mom suggested I embellish the third one, which I did by obediently attaching a Chanel key chain to the interior d-ring, rendering it the clear winner.

My husband impressed me with his ensemble for the same event- I couldn't get a good photo, but he's wearing a vintage mermaid tie-bar my grandpa gave him.

The colors reminded me of this interesting tile pattern snapped a few weeks ago at a private residence in Seattle. I love a Greek Key.

It also brought me to this dreamy staircase/ chandelier combo I snapped in Palm Springs a few months back.

A bit of a tangent, but I pulled this Paris snappery in the same color scheme, as well. These tiny dioramas are diminutive and charming.

The Rise and Fall of the 18th Amendment

I am fascinated by roaring twenties and specifically, the speakeasy subculture. The secrecy and exclusivity surrounding these illegal nightclubs undoubtedly made the experience of drinking alcohol much more thrilling.

Will you be watching Ken Burns new documentary, Prohibition? The first installment airs this Sunday on PBS.

CHEERS!

Sailors Do It Better

Says Bob, Mimi, Serge, Jane, Debbie & Pat

Mick and Marianne Towards Hyde Park

(Charlie is my favorite, too, Nicholas.)

Towards Paradise

The Venice Biennale's first-ever landscape architecture installation, "Towards Paradise" (2008) allowed visitors to venture deep into obscure pathways cleared through thick overgrowth and explore the ruins of an abandoned Benedictine nunnery that was destroyed in the late 1800s.

The journey leads to "Enlightenment"- a pristine, otherworldly sculpted landscape accented with ethereal fabric clouds that are suspended by enormous balloons.

To put it (not so) simply, it's an Italian, Post-Modern "Secret Garden" storybook dreamland slash Post-Breton trip to "Oz"... a living fantasy.

Founded in 1895, The Venice Biennale (in English, "Venice Biennial") is a major contemporary art exhibition that takes place every two years in Venice, Italy.

...

Source: GUSTAFSON GUTHRIE NICHOL

Congratulations, Félicitations, Congratulazioni!

Sofia Coppola got married in Italy this weekend

in a beautiful, understated lavender Azzedine Alaia gown.

It wasn't at all what I expected:

{Bad joke...} Cheers to the happy couple!