Happy Holidays! ♥ LGTM

Packing List: Christmas in Michigan!

Let the holidays begin! We are heading to Michigan once again to celebrate with my family.

One thing is for certain, Michigan will be colder than NYC. (I can’t even imagine!) So I have to pack smart in order to cram warm layers, clothes for dressing up and all of my gifts into one (maybe two) bags.

I am definitely bringing my big cocoon coat. It’s warm and cozy and I can fit a warm sweater under it, like this one–now on super duper sale–from Vince. For the holiday parties I’ll be wearing my velvet (you know how I love velvet) party dress from Dona Monroe. And of course, you know I’ll be wearing my favorite hat!

Since the holidays are all about being equal parts comfy and festive, I am sticking to mostly grey and black pieces with a few pops of fun color to keep things lively.

(And I won’t forget a bit of red and green either)

I won’t be posting while I am away but I wish you all a lovely holiday and hope wherever you are it is somewhere warm and bright!

PS – I will be keeping up with Tumblr while I’m away and I promise to let you know how the Bûche turns out too!

Red Alert

One of my favorite things about fashion are all of the un-fashion trends that spur up of their own devices.

Walking around New York this winter I am seeing bright red wool stocking caps dotting the otherwise grey and black-capped masses.

A red hat is by no means a fashion statement but it sure is stinkin’ cute. On girls and guys too!

If you’re looking for a last minute holiday gift, maybe make it a red cap Christmas!

Hats clockwise from top: Best Made Clothing Co. Red Cap of Courage; J.Crew Cashmere Rib-Trim Hat; Saint James Watch Cap

Now I Have To See Black Swan

I know it is a bit late in the game to be jumping on the Black Swan craze (but if you knew me you wouldn’t be surprised, I am a bit of a movie late-comer across the board).

I know I know, it’s ballet and Rodarte and all that but, truth be told it looks a leetle bit scary and I am quite the wimp when it comes to thrillers and horror movies.

But, these gorgeous sketches from Rodarte’s designs for the film (found over on Tavi’s blog) have just piqued my curiosity. I love the elongated forms and abstracted, almost Picasso-like bodies. Maybe some of you have already seen these on the internet but I had not. They are just gorgeous. Those two girls are a talented pair, no joke.

Now I have to see the movie (and hope it’s not too scary).

Fermez La Bûche!

Have any of you ever tried to make a Bûche de Noël for the holidays?

Years ago my sister and I made one and I remember it as one of our more traumatic Christmas experiences. We had unknowingly picked a fairly advanced recipe–for our skills–and it almost broke us (I think it was the swiss buttercream that did it in the end).

There was shouting, there were tears and at the end of it all there was a chocolate-frosted, meringue mushroom-dotted, resentment-filled Bûche on the table responsible for having turned us into little pastry-chef monsters.

As a result we have stayed far away from Bûches since.

Until now.

I am in love with the new ipad app from Food & Wine Magazine, it is so gorgeous and fun to read. I can’t wait until all magazines are available in iPad format. It is such a cool, interactive way to read your favorites without amassing stacks of them on your coffee table (read, my coffee table).

While browsing Food & Wine’s Holiday issue my jaw dropped at the photo of this gorgeous Bûche. It looks incredible and, is frosted with whipped cream! Not an ounce of swiss meringue in sight.

This year, I think we’re ready to reclaim the Bûche!

Hopefully a better and more delicious experience will ensue. Wish us luck! (Or maybe steer clear of the kitchen, just to be safe.)

Five Favorites: My Holiday Wishlist

I think it is a little late in the game to be posting a holiday wishlist. Maybe I did that on purpose though. Everyone I know has such fabulous taste, I’ve never received an interactive holiday sweater or stale fruitcake or anything like that.

It’s been such a wonderful year full of some of the best gifts and surprises. Even if there were nothing under the tree come Christmas morning, it would still be one of the best holidays yet.

But, just for the fun of it (because imaginary shopping for yourself is always fun) here are my own personal Five Favorites, my holiday wishlist!

1.) Harry Allen Bank in the Form of a Pig (via Areaware)

This has been on the list for several years now. I just love it!

2.) J.Crew Long Leather Zip Gloves

Cashmere-lined (a must!) with an added zip for that dose of urban cool.

3.) No. 6 5″ Aviator Shearling Clog Boot

I just love a fuzzy lining! These are another long-term want.

4.) Cave Canem Regard Ring (via Stuart & Wright)

Prettyprettyprettyprettyprettypretty!

5.) Weck Jars (via Canoe)

Love the simple shape of these for storing food or art supplies.

Fashion Crush: Dolly Parton

Just thinking about how much I love Dolly Parton. This is one of my favorite quotes.

Gimmie!

The problem with holiday shopping is that it is still technically shopping.

Every year while looking for gifts for my loved ones I inevitably find things I’d like to get for myself.

Shoes are the toughest things for me to say no to too. Especially when they are are faux croc, especially when they have a stacked wooden heel, especially when they are by Rachel Comey, especially when they are on sale…

Note to anyone shopping for gifts for me. I am not secretly asking for these for Christmas! I don’t actually need awesome croc-stamped Rachel Comey boots. But you have to admit, they are mighty hard not to want!

Funny Little Christmas Cookies

Hope you all had a great weekend! Ours was really busy with holiday parties and visiting friends. I just can’t help but get wrapped up in the season. I promise to get some more fashion-related posting up this week.

Here are a few little funny cookies to get the week started. Don’t those little gnomes just make you laugh?

Five Favorites + Pretty Mommy

Five Favorites again today and this one is entirely for the ladies. Guys, if you don’t know what to get for your girl here is an idea or two (or five) from my favorite e-shop Pretty Mommy.

Michelle and I also collaborate on illustrations for her awesome blog. Here is the latest one showing off some of her favorite pieces from the season along with her baby bump! Congratulations to Michelle and family!

Here are my top gift picks from Pretty Mommy (from left):

1.Stewart + Brown Wells Handknit Sweater - $199

Modeled by Michelle in my illustration, make her feel all fuzzy with the perfect piece for chic winter warmth!

2. Virginia Johnson ZigZag Shawl -$195

Virginia Johnson’s wool shawls are a favorite amongst fashionistas everywhere. Her geometric patterns and bright colors give new life to your winter look.

3. Clare Vivier iPad Case – $99

If she’s an early adopter, chances are she’s got an iPad and loves handbags by Clare Vivier. This stylish iPad case combines two of the hottest trends around right now.

4. John Robshaw Quilt in Tripoli – $350-475

A splurge in every way, these beautiful block-printed quilts are sure to top every girl’s wildest dreams wish list

(I know they do mine!)

5. Laura Lombardi Scale Necklace – $54

If she’s unlike any other, this necklace is just the thing. Lombardi’s geometric shapes and vintage brass parts are beautiful and unique.