Thursday, November 28, 2013

A Thanksgiving Playlist

Well, isn't this just wonderful?! I adore this playlist that I came across on the lovely Pinterest...my little pinned it! I am not a culinary queen, but I can be the queen of a playlist every once in awhile. And this is just the bee's knees...or should I say turkey's feathers!
We won't be cooking this year, instead we'll be spending Thanksgiving in DC with my dad's family. Everyone will get a break from the kitchen, as we are planning to celebrate at the University Club. Perhaps a hostess might be reading this and gain some inspiration for the perfect background music!

This week marks my third year blogging, my how time flies!
I am so grateful today for my family, friends, and readers ...
From my thankful and appreciative heart, to all of yours. 
Happy Thanksgiving holiday!!


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Wednesday, November 27, 2013

dress the turkey and the table

Tomorrow's the big day!
Are you busy cooking, cleaning, decorating, baking...or simply relaxing at home to prepare for the biggest feast of the year? 
Also, I'd love to know if the meals/parties captured in the images below are real life. If so, invite me next year, pretty please? I'll bring champagne! 

These images are captured on Pinterest through a contest Anthropologie was hosting in conjunction with Remodelista. Read more about it HERE









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Monday, November 25, 2013

Thanksgiving party skirts

Mrs. Lilien is a regal figure in the blogging world with her playful and cocktail party-centric character. Her blog posts are filled with whimsical interpretations of modern mad-men esque parties with mixed drinks, party gowns, and the right amount of glamour. If the muse couldn't be anymore enjoyable, she writes her blog posts in rhyme. It's absolutely, charmingly, wonderful. 
She starred in a duet photo shoot with Miss Wood for a Thanksgiving affair. Pulling the perfect fall shades in a Palm Springs flair, the two look lovely. 
Even though it's bitter cold in the rest of the nation today (I had to pull out my winter parka), hopefully this color spurt adds a little bit of sunshine to your day!
What are you wearing this Thanksgiving?
Happy Monday, toodles!







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Friday, November 22, 2013

winter orange

I always like wearing the color orange and even though the bright color might seem a little harsh during the pending winter months, there is really no better time to wear it! I love the images below and am particularly a fan of the lady walking the Irish setter (I think that might be my dream dog) although after my post on the leopard coat, the last image is ranked quite high on favorite looks! 

What look is your favorite?

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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

oscar de la renta for kids

Would anyone like to donate to the fund for Clare Whitaker's future family? As beautiful as Oscar de la Renta's red carpet gowns might be...I think I am far more obsessed with his child wear. Below are an assortment of pieces from his Fall/Winter 2013 collections. Aren't they just ADORABLE? These images remind me of the children I saw running around Seville, Spain during Semana Santa. Everyone, no matter if you were two or sixty, was dressed to impress. I guess I understand a bit more why they are facing such economic peril, they spend their money on their wardrobes. From a closet-expander herself, I think there could be far worse ways to spend your money :) 
I hope you are all having a wonderful week!
Accepting donations for Twirling Clare's offspring now, toodles!











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Tuesday, November 19, 2013

leopard coat and birthday shoes

It's official. I want a leopard coat. Am I crazy? Perhaps. But I think it could be oh-so-chic. I have actually been scanning ebay the past couple of weeks to gage what's out there...so far, nothing seems just right. When I do find the perfect one, I will be channeling the outfit below. 
A special shout-out goes to the orange smoking loafer. Charlotte Olympia has created "birthday" flats; 12 zodiac inspired shoes as part of the cosmic collection. Aquarius (my sign) happens to be white...and I am not just feeling the love. Leo seems to be the perfect complement to this outfit. A walk on the wild side is naturally a fitting theme...and who doesn't love a pop of orange?!
Toodles!!



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Friday, November 15, 2013

J.Crew Commercial

I am smitten with this MasterCard ad starring J.Crew. It's the brand's first sneak into a television ad and it was quite a successful (aesthetic) partnership, if I do say so myself. 
I was able to pin the fashions as J.Crew-wear within seconds of seeing the commercial play, and it definitely made me smile to see the stylish family kick-off the holiday season in festive and classic looks. I can't say I am more inclined to use the MasterCard easy-pay plan, as was the focus of the ad...but I am definitely interested to look as darling as the commercial stars!
Take a peek at some stills of the commercial below and watch the ad.


(image & film via Ad Week)







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Thursday, November 14, 2013

the art director of the 20th century

This month marks the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination. In honor and memory of the JFK legacy, there have been several films and documentaries exploring the iconic president and his family. I watched a PBS feature the other evening with my dad that was focused on the Kennedy White House with due recognition to the lady of the home.
Jackie Kennedy was known for her influence on the nation as she incorporated class and heritage to the White House. As first lady, she spent her first year redecorating 1600 Pennsylvania Ave bringing the most famous address in the country back to life. Upon completion, she gave a tour of the White House for television audiences. Snip-its of the show were included in the PBS documentary. I think it was actually the first time I heard Jackie's voice, crazy right?! 
In addition to revamping the White House, Jackie brought art and culture into the nation. She sought inspiration from 18th and 19th century European finery and incorporated a glamorous and artisan aesthetic to Washington.  
One of the historians said this about Jackie's reign as first lady: 
"She often liked to envision herself as the art director of the 20th Century."

Watch the White House tour here:






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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

R.S.V.P

R.S.V.P répondez, s'il vous plaît.


I read an interesting article in the New York Times this weekend, "How the Internet has Changed the R.S.V.P" The article brought up the double edged sword of internet invites. As easy as it might be to compose a Facebook event or Paperless Post invitation, it makes the exclusivity and, more importantly, the social graces, of a party much more challenging to hold true. Those invited to affairs hardly respond to the invitations and those that do, rarely follow through on what they had denoted on the R.S.V.P.  

With the ease of access to email and social media, invitations can be scanned within 30 seconds of receiving them and then quickly escape one's memory. At the risk of appearing to eager (or not busy enough) few will accept or decline an invitation upon receiving it. Do we want people to know that we check our email every 4 minutes? Even though everyone does, there has become a sense of envy in those who can't be bothered with responding to every message that bings into their inbox. Even if your schedule is completely clear, one seems to gain power in leaving the hostess 'hanging' on responding to their availability. As such, the potential guests decide it's better to wait awhile...however, in the waiting process, the invitation then slips from the to-do list and becomes buried in the inbox. It isn't until a calendar alert pops up 30 minutes prior to the event that it is re-introduced to one's attention. 

Yes, this is the modern-day protocol for party invites. 

Thinking about it, it's actually quite atrocious. Someone is taking the time, investment, and initiative to throw a party...and has the courtesy to include you as a guest. Why on earth would you get in your head that you are too entitled to respond? 

Of course times aren't like a 1960s cocktail party. No mailed invitations, jeans have over taken party dresses, and stimulating conversation is prompted through iPhones. Even though modern tendencies may have taken over in certain aspects, manners never go out of style. 

Yes, not all parties are twirl-worth celebrations, but they are far-from painful. 
Upon forgoing the petty declarations of being too busy, go to the party and act as a responsible, grateful, and engaging guest! 

I often wish that there were more parties. But I can understand the discouragement in throwing one. I hope this post can prompt a new revival of both willing hostesses and eager guests. 

Don't let the e-vite damper your social graces...

Properly responding to the R.S.V.P. is a great way to get the party started, toodles!

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Friday, November 8, 2013

One of those nights!

I see November as the kick-off to the holiday season. It's time for cocktails, party dresses, laughter, and celebration. I think this collection of images captures both the glamorous and playful side of entertaining so perfectly, because frankly no party is fun without without a fabulous outfit and delightful conversation. 
Here's to the party season, toddles!






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