The Ice Storm

The holidays this year found me in Meadows of Dan, Virginia at the welcoming home of my father-in-law and his caravan of cats.

A splendid time, as always, with an unexpected ice storm hitting Christmas night.

Icicles formed over every inch of the mountain, merrily twinkling with each passing breeze.  The endless miles were transformed into a gleaming ornament, brilliant in the light of day. 

A magical experience, and a truly marvelous holiday.

The Newest Covet: November 11, 2012

We've all heard of convertible clothing: a coat that transforms into a vest, or a bag that transitions from a cross-body to a shoulder strap style.  But jewelry?  Typically, what you see is what you get.

Mi Asunta has changed all that with their visionary 5 piece necklace.

 

The interchangeable brass and sterling silver bars can be moved up and down to create countless new looks, and the mixed-metal finish matches any jewelry wardrobe - providing you with a brand new necklace every day.

While the five piece chain is currently sold out, the three piece version is available at Amazon.  Incredibly versatile, it's surely on my Christmas list this year.

Mi Asunta 5 piece necklace, Sucrenyc.com

Big, Bold Rings - The 'New' Statement Necklace

I seem to end up wearing a cocktail ring every day.  Perfect for work dresses, and so sassy with a simple t-shirt and jeans, I almost feel naked now without one - even carving a pumpkin in pjs with friends the other day called for a Rings Eclectic statement piece.

Available at any price point, these are just a few of my 2012 favorites.

1. Iridescent Rhinestoned Ring, $6.80

2. Janis by Janis Savitt Crystal Gold Chain Ring, $175.00

3. Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Opal + Crystal Cocktail Ring, $125.00

4. Nest Chrysophase + Brass Ring, $250.00

5. Gara Danielle Victorian Wood + Pearl Ring, $125.00

6. Ted Rossi White Gem Python Dome Ring, $148.00

7. Wendy Yue Carved Coral Fish Ring, $15,525.00

8. Swirling Rhinestone Ring, $4.80

I Love My...

In rain, snow, sleet and hail, I love my Melissa + Alexandre Herchcovitch lace up oxfords.

Never a huge fan of clunky galoshes, typically the sole option for inclement weather footwear, I am so excited about an all-weather shoe alternative.  100% rubber, with a non-skid bottom, these oxfords come in a multitude of color options.  And they are so comfortable.  Always a bit of a klutz, even I didn't falter tramping over wet leaf piles and slippery sidewalks this week post-Hurricane Sandy wanderings.

I scored the baby blue + ivory pair for a song on Ideeli.com many months ago, but there are still a ton of color options available on Yoox.com at a discount.

Whoever said you had to sacrifice style for functionality?

Melissa + Alexandre Herchcovitch lace up rain oxfords, Yoox.com

The Newest Covet: November 1, 2012

 

 

Each year when the temperature dips, I start obsessing over scarves.  This year, I'm craving BP's chunky knit infinity version.  Incredibly cozy, vintage-inspired, and oh so reminiscent of my beloved grams' crocheting projects, I'm sold on the ruby + ivory color combination.

 

Scarf, Nordstroms.com

Eat, drink and be scary!

Halloween is one of my favorite yearly events.  Having never been able to celebrate as a child of two very Christian parents, I tend to make the most out of the weeks leading up to the big day each year.

This season was no exception, and my favorite activity?  Pumpkin day!

My lovely lady friend and I, with husbands in tow, cooked up a frenzy - pumpkin bread for a plethora of delicious sandwiches, pumpkin cake, mini-pumpkin crème brûlées - and then set to work carving!

 

Equipped with all the right implements, 'The Shining' playing in the background, we spent hours crafting spine-chilling designs.

 

 

The results far surpassed our expectations, as we constructed a horrific zombie, a friendly bat, a fairy tale castle, and an amazingly intricate Mondrian-eque pumpkin.

 

 

Also designed by the gang - a cleverly rendered Pumpkthulu, a druid painstakingly done in relief, and an angry little pumpkin man.  Alas, as my carving skills are not up to par with the rest of the group, I proudly stuck with my castle!

 

A lovely, memorable and festive night - a wish I hope for you all on this spookiest of ghoulish evenings!

Living Like a Flapper

I've never been a shoe person per se.  Do I like them?  Surely.  And do I have a ton of pairs?  Well, I am a lady.  But I don't suppose I've ever really swooned over them, or felt an overwhelming need to throw down a pile of cash for a pair I just can't live without.  In fact, most of my adornments have been acquired throughout the years for less than $20.  And, by and large, they're almost all flats.

 

This season, it's time for me to step out of my comfort zone.  Accessible heels, brighter colors, and whimsical options abound, and, being ever the vintage enthusiast, I can't think of a better start than one of these treasures.

 

 

Seychelles is always so spot on with their designs, and this teal number is no exception.  I love the rich blue paired with such dashing, autumnal hues, and can't wait to try them with a simple wrap dress and tights.

 

 

While I do have an overwhelming number of ballet slippers, this lovely treat from Urban Outfitters is just too precious to pass up.  I 'm crazy about the deeper, rosy hue of the ribbon juxtaposed against the paler flat, and am dying to wear them with a sage colored frock and my gold and silver pocket watch necklace. 

 



Urban Outfitters also got it right with their swan applique flat.  These just scream fairy tale endings to me and, although they are a bit more brash than I'm used to, I have a more playful casual Friday in mind- dark skinny jeans, an oversized top, and strands and strands of pearls. 

 





 



And Ruche?  Gosh, what would I do without this website?  While I could write many a blog lauding the genius' behind my favorite online retailer, I leave you instead with these three, perfect pairs of shoes.

It's incredibly exhilarating to know jaunty takes on old-fashioned designs will truly never go out of style - and I may just get to be a modern day flapper yet! 

 

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Seychelles Petunia heel, Seychellesfootwear.com

Kimchi Blue Sweetheart ankle tie skimmer, Urbanoutfitters.com
Cooperative applique flat, Urbanoutfitters.com
Fairy godmother cutout indie heels, Shopruche.com
Jenny indie bow heels, Shopruche.com
Amity bow kitten heels, Shopruche.com