DESIGN FIND-LUCITE BOOKENDS FROM SPIZANI

Always on the hunt for stylish and unusual decorative accessories, I was completely smitten by a new collection of lucite bookends by Spizani. Handmade in Italy, the bookends feature bold geometric designs and enchanting animal shapes like a gilded crocodile or dark little Scottie. Modern and sculptural, these bookends are the perfect accessory to corral your books in stylish splendor! 

A PRETTY POUR

I just love my morning coffee-more than a delicious wake up drink, it's part of my morning ritual, and a necessity if you don't want to bump into someone really cranky later in the day.  One or two cups and a quick read of the paper and I'm charged and ready to go.  How to keep your Java piping hot in style? A chic little carafe from Pigment has a dyed picot straw woven wrapped base and comes in delicious cappucino and bianchi colorways.  And later, when its time for a cocktail, Pigment sets the tone with a modern straw wrapped little ice bucket that compliments any decor.  Nothing left to say but cheers! 

FRIDAY FINDS

This gilded elephant cake plate just makes me happy.  So elegant and whimsical that I'm certain I could serve my crooked chocolate layer cake on top and no one would even notice!  

I've always been enchanted by elephants and have my heart set on visiting a sanctuary in Thailand that rescues these beautiful mammals.  Until then I'll just have to satisfy my obsession with a beautiful, bold resin cuff...

or gilded candle...

or maybe these stunning hand crafted elephant hoops

This cuddly is just too cute to resist!!

Have a lovely weekend!

HAVE A FOODIE HOLIDAY!

 Have A Foodie Holiday is Barney's holiday theme for their fabulous home department this year.  Chic and whimsical, John Diradourian created these cashmere and merino wool embroidered pillows to celebrate all those foodies out there. Delicious!

 

PRETTY AS A PEACOCK

On a recent visit to the Bronx Zoo, I became mesmerized by a flock of peacocks strutting in a nearby field.  Fanning their gorgeous plumes for visitors, the peacocks were a sea of deep blues and greens;  delicate eye candy. This fall the peacock's jeweled blues and greens are inspiration for a host of vibrant fashion and home accessories, fabrics and paints-pick up something peacock and strut your stuff!

Oscar de la Renta's stunning jeweled interpretation

Chic chapeau in leopard and peacock from Barneys

Benjamin Moore's Bermuda Turquoise paint is luxurious and intense

Cappellini Peacock chair could ruffle a few feathers 

Flirty peacock pin from Kate Spade

  Turquoise and chocolate brown-delicious winter combination

 Stylish hair plumes from Etsy

Blue Gioia feather lambsuede clutch from Vivre 

features  blue feathers beneath a gold grille

 Ultimate fall accessory-Louboutin pump in peacock blue

PRESENTS FOR THE POOCH

He waits for me at the door ready with a kiss, never complains about dinner and is always ready to snuggle-sounds like the perfect man. But I'm actually describing my one of a kind dog Dash; a sweet, affectionate Labradoodle with a prominent underbite who likes to sing in the car. He's been a good dog this year (except for eating the Chinese takeout ) so we've prepared a list for Santa. He would really be quite pleased with anything on the list just as long as there's a bag of chew sticks in his stocking.

1. Lupita Alessi Dog Bowl at Bloomingdale's

2. Hand In Hand Knit Sweater Kate Spade 

3. Kiehl's Cuddly-Coat shampoo and conditioner at Barneys

4. Doggie gourmet canoli treat from Paws Gourmet

5. Donation to the ASPCA

BABY LOVE

This weekend was devoted to fun, fabulous cocktail parties and shopping, shopping, shopping. While I usually love a leisurely day of window shopping, the reality of Christmas being less than two weeks away propelled me into a gift buying frenzy. I navigated the NYC crowds (no Fifth Avenue after Thanksgiving) and tried to keep dry in the intermittent rain and sleet, while focusing on completing my list. I must admit my eyes did wander, especially at the shoe sale at Barney's (a girl needs her shoes!) but I finished a successful day of shopping on Saturday with presents for most of the VIP's on my list and a pair of very sore feet.

With three adorable babies to buy for, I was particularly thankful for the inspiring Virtual Baby Shower post by My Notting Hill, one of my favorite design blogs. The list of gifts were thoughtful, beautifully edited  and ranged from a traditional Danish baby spoon to a contemporary Saarinen table. As a mom, my favorite gift was the Bucket Full o' Burpies provided by Isabella & Max, a practical yet stylish gift that I was able to find at Barney's. While there, I came across a rockin' pink rhinestone Piggy Bank, because its never to early to save for college and a Daylight Wasting Time night light to promote babies sweet dreams.

Bucket o' Burps

Daylight Wasting Night Light

Metallic Mary Janes-perfect for the holidays!

GIFT LIST FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND

Best friends-they know your favorite color, remember your birthday and take your phone calls no matter the hour. What would we ever do without them? Celebrate the season and your friendship with a gift  as unique and special as your BFF. Here's my top ten list of fabulous finds.  With almost everything priced less than $50.00, you may want to treat yourself too!

 Eco Girl- The Andean Collection Classic Tagua Blue Bracelet from Kaights.

Blogger Buddy-"Inspirations and Ideas" hot pink leather Notebook from Smythson 

 

Party Girl-Raw Amethyst and Crystal Bottle Stoppers at Vivre

 Girlie Girl- Sicilian Lime Soap Set from Ortigia at Barneys

 Chic Chick-Buttery Leather Gloves From Sermoneta of Italy

Miss Organized- Amigo Kangaroo Leather Caddy at MoMA

Fashionista-Wallpaper City Guides Fashion boxed set- NY, London, Paris, Rome & Tokyo at Conrans

Book Buff- Christofle tassled book marks

Yoga Moma-Yoga Mat Bag Hand Embroidered in Belize by non-profit Maya Bags

Sweetie Pie-Vosages Exotic Truffle Collection