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!

V is for Victory

I am really liking the modern side-part victory rolls on this model (via Pixiemarket.com). The fact that they are set so loose and her hair is uncharacteristically long make an antiquated look feel fresh and not costume-y.

Here's how to do it (from caseybrowndesigns.com).

This front roll (Victory Roll) is impressive as well. (Via hair.becomegorgeous.com). Sadly, my 'do is way too short, platinum, and "Carol Channing meets drunk debutante" to try this at home.

Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Loeffler Randall, etc.

New items posted on eBay {HERE}. If you wear size 2 or shoe size 7, you're in luck!

Thanks for looking!

Paris, Mes Amours

Who knew ironing could be so glamorous? Only in Paris...


These lovely images were taken from Burlesque artist Dita Von Teese's WhoSay page.

And they got me thinking...


about a HEMINGWAY MUSE... a different exotic American beauty...

Who moved to Paris, danced, entertained, inspired artists and writers... all while taking advantage of all the wonderful things that Paris had to offer...

Josephine Baker, of course. Although, there are subtle differences... like, for example, I don't think Dita is a spy for the French Resistance, or has a pet cheetah... but, I wouldn't necessarily know that for certain.

Collection croisière 2012 de Miu Miu

Pretty fond of these looks... SOURCE

Boum!

I hope you had an exciting Fourth!

The Out-La's

Captain January, 1936

Recycling an old post - this song is my mantra.

Daphne

Untamed

To most people, Joan Crawford was a dramatic actress, but in actuality, she got her start as a dancer & earned notoriety in the early days as a rebellious Hollywood party-girl flapper. Her dancing was self-taught, and a bit clunky, but her exuberance is captivating.

Joan Crawford sings and dances in "Untamed" (1929) Not her best work, but charming, nonetheless. (Looks like a fun party!)

Happy Birthday Zimmy

You will always be my favorite!

Charlie on the Ocean

Rare, unedited newsreel footage of Charlie Chaplin's journey to England. (1921)

Charlie's wireless message to the British Public:

"I wish that I could be capable of expressing my sincere appreciation for the manner in which I have been welcomed by my Kin in the Homeland. All that I can say is that I have been deeply touched, and my gratitude will be everlasting. It is all too wonderful to think about, it is like a dream. Faithfully, Charlie."

The footage is set to "Aquarium", from "Le Carnaval des Animaux", Camille St-Saëns (one of my favorites). Notice Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, with whom he co-founded United Artists, at the 30 second mark.

Midnight in Paris

Can't wait to see this one...

The handsome cast are currently promoting the film at Cannes. Léa Seydoux looks lovely (as usual) and Rachel McAdam's red Marchesa gown is stunning.

More pretty dresses at this morning's photo call... wish I was there!