Window Shopping

I've said it before, but I think it needs to be repeated.

I love Tiffany's at Christmas (and every other day of the year).

The 2013 Holiday Window Displays at the Fifth Avenue store are up & glittery & officially have me in the holiday spirit.

This year's vision: classic and charming apartments on the Upper East Side give you a peak at the holiday traditions that happen inside their hallowed halls.

I'm sold.

Inspiration:

 

Application:

 

 

 

 

Tiffany's, you never disappoint.
Let's play a game, shall we?

I spy with my little eye...
Mistletoe kisses
Children hanging stockings
A happy little cat
A Prima Ballerina (no doubt home from her last Nutcracker performance)
Piano duet
A baker in the kitchen (cookies for Santa, I'm sure)
Little Drummer Boy

Because who doesn't want to take a break from their day job to play a game of I Spy with Tiffany's?

Rules to Live By

J. Crew opened its first chain store in London (crazy, right?) last week, complete with balloon frill, bespoke cabbies & blooms galore.

It might be the most charming thing I've ever seen.

London is calling, I just can't find my passport.

In honor of their newest venture, The Guardian chronicled Creative Director Jenna Lyons' (style icon #2) 10 Commandments. 

Here's a few I've chosen to live by:

1. Don't divide your wardrobe into smart and casual, but mix them up.

"For example, if you have one of our flip-hem wool skirts, you can wear it smart and flirty with a blazer and shirt and jewels and a heel. But you can also wear it dressed down, with an oversized sweatshirt and New Balance trainers."

I haven't totally committed to the New Balances yet, but never say never. 

2. Freshening up your look doesn't always have to be about buying something new.

"We might have a sweater on sale for six months, and we'll shoot it in six

different ways for the catalogue, which comes out monthly. It's a

challenge, but that's where the fun is. We're all about suggesting new

ways to wear the clothes you have."

Love this rule. More bang for your buck!

3. Party dressing should never be head-to-toe shine and sparkle.

"If you're wearing a jeweled top, then maybe wear it with a menswear trouser and a loafer. Things that play off each other, instead of matching up, create a fun mood."

2012 Elle Decor // 2013 CFDA Celebrates Uma Wang // Grand Opening of J. Crew Bridal Boutique

2013 Great Gatsby Premiere // 2013 Met Gala // 2012 Met Gala

No head-to-toe sparkle? Sorry, Jenna, but I disagree. More is more!

4. Mix colours in your jewelry, as well as your clothes.

"Try a stack of bracelets on each wrist, and rings on both hands, in a mix of yellow and rose-gold."

Done and done.

5. A masculine element will make any outfit more chic.

"Menswear is at the heart of everything we do at J. Crew. Even if it's a very fancy, feminine piece, like a jewelled T-shirt, if you drill down you'll find a tailored shape at its root."

I am LOVING this...commandment? (NO.) Suggestion? Way of life? You get it.

6. Don't ignore all those fabulous neon orange and moss-green pieces because you are not confident with color.

"Colour isn't easy for anyone. It's not easy for me! It's a challenge. It feels good to embrace a challenge."

I don't know about THAT but if I haven't worn most of the colors in the crayon box in one day, I find myself feeling unfulfilled. 

A few rules of my own I'd like to add:

1. Pattern on pattern is mostly a good thing. (Case in point)

2. Don't pay full price for anything unless it's absolutely necessary. In which case, it is absolutely necessary. (Like if you absolutely needed this. Which you do.)

3. Go big or go home. (See what I mean?)

Follow J. Crew on Instagram for the best updates!

Lady Antebellum + Stevie Nicks

Do you guys like Fleetwood Mac? 

I do. 

I didn't know I did, but a few weeks ago, CMT Crossroads changed all of that.

Ladies & Gentlemen--the best collaboration. Ever.

Lady Antebellum & Stevie Nicks.

Yes, it is as good as it sounds.

I've been singing these songs for weeks. 

Feel free to watch the whole thing here (totes worth it, trust me).

Although all you really need to see & listen to is this:

Favorite song in the history of songs. 

Okay, so maybe just Top 10. 

Although I might be partial to Dixie Chick's version. 

Can we bring them back?

They sang several other songs (Stop Dragging My Heart Around might take the cake), & the harmonies are PERFECTION in every single song.

Seriously.

I'm not asking for an encore, but I'm expecting one.

Bravo!

VicTory

Isn't that title just so hilarious?

I thought so.
But it's absolutely true. 

In my spare time (of which is shrinking to miniscule amounts by the hour), I decorate homes that I don't have. So when the Tory Burch Home Collection debuted just a few weeks ago, I'd already managed to plan a living room makeover for a living room I don't have. The Collection triumphs (just like the title says).

Tis a trifling thing.

You've seen Tory's Southampton home right? So you understand my excited & furthermore understand that it's well -placed, correct?

Tory's parents are both avid needlepointers (didn't know that was a thing but I'm ready to join the club)--these pillows (handmade, of course) are based on cushions they gave each other years ago. As Tory explained, they learned to needlepoint on a six-week cruise in the Mediterranean. Well, if that's where I need to go to learn, by golly--Bon Voyage.

Apparently, I'm super into lucite & have always loved #allgoldeverything so this Collection hits the nail right on the head for me. I'll take one of everything & two of each pillow.

Tory photographed at home by Noa Griffel

I'll also take that dress she's wearing. And that velvet sofa.

Who am I kidding? 

I want the whole room!