I wish I was

 

in this time, place, health, shape…

via dustjacket attic

but alas I’m going skiing – or, as I like to say, après skiing. And Yahtzee rolling!

NYE: Essential Tools

I will be spending my New Year’s Eve in sweats, probably bruised and battered from attempting to ski a bunny slope, but for those of you going out on the town, a few things for your checklist of things you’ll need that magical night.

ELLNET

Stylists everywhere laud this amazing hairspray – old school, including the smell. Will hold beehives and waves alike.

SEQUINS

Sequin mesh top, $39, Chloelovescharlie.com

Try a sequined top instead of the ubiquitous sequined dress for a little mix up.

TEASING COMB

Can’t. Live. Without.

SPARKLE FOR YOUR HANDS

Deborah Lipmann Ruby Red, $18 at Nordstrom

BITCHIN’ HIGH HEELS

Sam Edelman glitter Novato’s, $99 at Bloomingdale’s

If you decide to forgo the sequins on your body, try them on your feet. This amazingly comfortable shoe comes in a huge assortment of colors if glitter isn’t your thing.

THE PERFECT SMUDGEY EYELINER

Lancome Le Crayon Kohl, $24.50 at Sephora

TIP:  for a look not as harsh as black, try the coffee!

BLACK TIGHTS

Super opaque Hue tights with sheen, $14, hue.com

These slightly shiny super opaque tights rock. If you hate seeing toes through peep toes like I do, buy up a size so they’re not stretching as much.

FAUX FUR

Leopard coat, french Connection, $178, www.frenchconnection.com

Top it all off with a Kit DeLuca-chic leopard coat!

i love lamp.

hard to beat for $99.

 

pier 1 imports

 

Wise Words

{image via Kate Spade}

“Style is primarily a matter of instinct.” – Bill Blass

I got one!!!!

Merry Christmas to me – my longtime love, the Hermes clic clac, finally came to me and every time I look down at my wrist I smile.

Hope you got everything you wanted as well!

An Almost White Christmas

Of all the days it chooses to snow like a New York one, Christmas here in Atlanta is (sort of) white! The snow is falling wildly outside, flights are canceled, nothing’s sticking, and everyone’s freaking – happy white Christmas, y’all!

Martha Stewart Christmases

We’re building a fire, watching National Lampoon’s, drinking hot toddies and getting high on brisket fumes – what are you doing?

(image via Tyler Florence)

Below, a delicious recipe for my newly favorite holiday drink – the very adult, very warming, traditional Scottish hot toddy.

Hot Scotch Toddy

• 2 measures Scotch whiskey
• 3 measures boiling water
• 1/2 measure lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey (or brown sugar)
• 3 drops angostura bitters
• 1 slice lemon, studded with cloves
• ground nutmeg

Put the sugar, bitters, lemon juice, and clove-studded lemon slice in the glass. Add the Scotch and pour in the boiling water. Stir to dissolve the sugar and sprinkle with ground nutmeg.

(via texas cooking)

Wishing you and yours the best this holiday.

Big kiss!

Gift Guide Lite: 2011

Why so few posts lately?  I’ve been super busy with a new apartment (more TK on that!) and new job and the loss of my dear grandfather. Almost back up to speed, but until I’m 100% tank full again, we’re on the lite version. My favorite post of the year is always gift guide – it’s where this blog first got notoriety  and where I feel I can really help people and show off my mad gifting skillz. Below, my super fast (yet still super thoughtful) gift guide, 2011.

 FOR THE BEST FRIEND WHO LOSES THINGS (OR IS A HOARDER AND NEEDS ORGANIZATION)

 

Thomas Paul white alabaster goldfish box, Burkedecor, $36

 

FOR THE FASHION OBSESSED CO-WORKER WHO ALWAYS ASKS WHAT DAY IT IS

Inslee designs 2011 Calendar, $30

 

 FOR THE HIPPIE SISTER WHO NEEDS A COOL PURSE

Pendleton Mills dopp bag (doubling as a pouchette purse), $44

 

FOR THE MARRIED FRIENDS WHO JUST GOT A NEW APARTMENT

Zebra striped pillows, Furbish Studio $45 each

 

FOR THE DAPPER DAD (OR BOYFRIEND) WHO HAS EVERYTHING

Velvet slippers, Del Toro, $215

 

FOR THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST (OR SUPER-PICKY TASTE)

Owl pitcher, Furbish Studio, $32

 

FOR ANYONE TRYING TO BUY ME A PRESENT/A NEW GIRLFRIEND PRESENT

Printed twilly scarf, Hermes, $130

 

FOR THE MOM WHO NEVER KNEW SHE NEEDED AN ELEPHANT TABLE

Ceramic elephant table, Two’s Company, $198

 

FOR ANYONE STILL TRYING TO GET ME A PRESENT/A GIRLFRIEND (CURRENT,  BUT GET THIS FOR AN EX AND SHE’LL PROBABLY COME BACK TO YOU)

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra pendant and bracelet, price upon request

 

FOR A DAD OR BROTHER WHO LOVES HEMMINGWAY AND GADGETS EQUALLY

Moleskine Smartphone notebook, Amazon $35

 

FOR THE JUDGEMENTAL SISTER IN LAW (WHO YOU LOVE!)

Breakfast at Tiffany’s decoupaged tray, Paris Hotel Boutique, $64

 

FOR THE FRIEND WHO HAS EVERYTHING

Laduree Candle, $68

 

FOR THE COOK WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR

Squirrel serving dish, $15

FOR THE SENTIMENTALIST

One Line A Day Five Year Memory Book, $16.95

 

FOR THE BOYFRIEND WHO LIKES HIS SCOTCH

Private Scotch Tasting for Two at Brandy Library, Excitations, $275

 

FOR THE MOM WHO LIKES LUXURY GOURMET

 

Pink Himalayan Salt, Saint Helena Salts, $12

 

 FOR THE FASHIONABLE YOGI MOM

Personalized yoga mat, My Custom Yoga Mat, $35

 

FOR THE NATURE-LOVING NEIGHBOR

 

Adopt a Kenyan Elephant, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, $50 a year

FOR THE FRIEND INEXPLICABLY LACKING IN ART WORK BUT WHO HAS GOOD TASTE:

Lindsay Cowles’ Lily Pad 8”x"8”, H&H Home, $210

Happy Holidays!

Totally Feeling This Vibe

I’m all for this 50’s 60’s jet set vibe that’s popping up everywhere.

Shop till you drop AU Jan 2011 via Dust Jacket Attic