And finally, here are all of my very favorite things from the past year; perfect for a gal with varied tastes and complex sensibilities. Everything here I know well and use regularly, and each of them brings me great joy. Here goes….
1 Slip-on Chucks I’ve mentioned them before but they’re so cute and easy. They’ll get so much use, I promise.
2 Champagne coupes My very favorite drinking vessel. I prefer to buy vintage on Etsy, but they are just as nice new.
3 Gretchen Kelly art If you’re tired of over-used prints try adding original pieces of artwork. Gretchen’s one-minute pose series is just lovely, and would be such a meaningful gift.
4 Wilder magazine This lovely quarterly magazine is for anyone fascinated with our natural world. Past issues have included features from gardeners, foragers, farmers, chefs, fashion designers, and artists. A truly eclectic magazine that’s a welcomed departure from mainstream media.
5 Josie Maran eyeshadow This is a great neutral palette, but the other sets are great too. And as always, it’s formulated free of chemicals.
6 Sorel boots Stylish all-weather boots? Seriously, these are kinda hot. I love them for our outdoor adventures or for rainy days around town.
7 Alexander Wang tank I literally lived in these tanks all summer. So incredibly sleek and sexy, they are the perfect closet staple.
8 Burberry London trenchcoat An investment piece for sure, but probably the most versatile and timeless pieces I own. It’s one of those special garments that make you feel instantly chic, even when paired with slip on Converse. And what gal wouldn’t love a timeless trench under the tree? (One thing we like to do for our gift-giving is to pool resources and all go in on one big piece.)
9 Belvoir Elderflower cordial We all love elderflower liqueur (think St. Germaine), but this guy is organically grown in the UK and contains no preservatives. It has a beautiful aromatic fragrance and taste that makes it the perfect addition to the barcart. I love a small amount with vodka and soda and a squeeze of lemon.
10 The Flavour Thesaurus book Less on the prescriptive side and more on the informative and fun, this is the coolest book to have on hand if you’re curious about why pairings work (or don’t). Think peanut butter and chocolate or lamb and mint. I particularly like the section on cheeses.
11 A Martha or four I know this isn’t an actual gift, but my kooky little chickens have been such a big part of my year and they bring me so much joy…and the most beautiful eggs. It’s not a decision to be made lightly as it’s a huge commitment, but if you’ve got the time and energy, knowing more about your food is priceless. And the entertainment value is better than anything on television. Here’s one of my favorite online sources for chicken info.
Filed under: Fashion
I should probably buy a lottery ticket or something because the impossible has happened. I bought a pair of jeans…off the rack…no try-ons…no tailor…no tears. And I LOVE them! Say hello to MOTHER, founded by a team denim devotees: one formerly of 7 For All Mankind and the other formerly of Citizens of Humanity.
If denim could feel like cashmere these would be that.
MOTHER denim | What I’ve been living in
Filed under: Fashion
I’m loving the lace details and intricate straps on this Zara dress. So sexy and still very elegant. The look of lingerie will be everywhere soon, so this would be a great way to get the look now.
(PS- With all that back exposed a dry skin brush regimen is essential!)
After a few years of trying to add a few key pieces to my jewelry collection, I’ve finally realized that nothing will ever be as good as the pieces I stole from my mom, who had inherited them from my grandmother and great-grandmother. They just don’t make them like they used to, and even with a few missing beads and links they are my very favorite pieces. I suppose my message here is to raid mom’s jewelry box if the mass-produced modern guys just aren’t doin’ it for you.
Filed under: Fashion
Vanessa Bruno| Vanessa Bruno | T by Alexander Wang | Maison Martin Margiela
I’m getting really excited for sweater weather. Warm and cozy and so versatile. I’m very much liking the leather pairings, but in the end it’s the cropped jeans with the oversized Margiela that I shall use to inspire my autumn uniform. Simple and chic.
There’s a slight autumn-like crispness in the mornings lately and it has me all wound up for the cooler weather ahead. The days are still very much summery, but with chanterelle mushrooms popping up at the farmer’s markets fall really is right around the corner. (And yes, I base my seasons on available veg.) Thinking of the cooler days had me peeking around for transitional coats, and of course, Shopbop came to the rescue with this lovely array of candy colors. I’ve been daydreaming of bopping around in this fuschia guy for a while.
I’ve always enjoyed the inspired styling in their lookbooks and I’m really liking how they worked with these two coats from above. I love the shades of blue and turquoise with the cobalt (and the pop of red with the shoes), and the unexpected leather and loafer style with the fuschia. Once the beauty of fall has long gone these are the coats that will make winter bearable, don’t you think?
Blue Nicholas | Green Milly | Orange Halston Heritage | Pink Joseph
I’ve tried to go all rainbowy, but my favorite summer color for my digits is an ultra matte white. Sleek and clean, and it goes with everything. (It pairs especially well with this lip color too.)
There are a few quirky things about matte colors and the first is that without a careful application it can look exactly like white out. I have the OPI Alpine Snow, and the texture of the paint is a bit more chalky and thick. It also dries really quickly, so all of this means that it’s easy to see streaks or have an uneven coating. I do two coats and then finish with a clear top coat which helps smooth out any streaks and helps it stay a few days longer. Without it you’ll have chips within a day.
It would probably be best to have it professionally done if you’re a perfectionist, but since I’m not much good at going to get my nails done I am plenty happy with my amateurness. In spite of the extra care it’s a fun color that will wear through the autumn and winter, but since it looks especially sleek with a nice sun-kissed tan give it a go now.
(If you’ve ever tried to take a picture of your own hand and nails you’ll understand how ridiculous you feel and how hard it is to get something decent looking. Here’s a quick pic of me and my morning tea, hoping to entice you to try it out.)
