Homefront: Christmas Mantel

 I would love a larger statue of the kneeling Santa and the baby Jesus.

 I love using reds, aquas and whites for Christmas, though it will change one day.

I love love love trees, I think it would be fun to get one each year.

 My childhood gingerbread house debuts, and this vintage reindeer pair I found at a garage sale is a favorite.

 Ornaments and garland that will be going up on the tree.

My oldest son is almost 5 and has been asking about Santa's 'realness'. I found this book and it ties in the Christ child and the Santa legend beautifully, and explores the historial roots of Santa. For any Christian family who loves tradition, but also wants to keep the focus of Christmas on Christ, this book is a must!
It's called A Special Place for Santa by Jeanne Pieper
I got mine at Hobby Lobby for $10 and it would make a great Christmas gift!

 

 We found this authentic Chinese drums at Goodwill for an amazing price. they had about 30 of them, so I think a local monastary must have closed down or remodeled around here or something. We got 3 of them!

To see 2009's mantel in my old home, see here. For 2008's mantel in another home, see here.

Post will be linking up with lots of Christmas Mantle parties!

•  The Lettered Cottage Holiday Home Mantel Linky Party
• December 2nd :: Rhoda’s Christmas Vignette
• December 7th  :: Kate’s Christmas Craft
• December 6th  :: Deck the Halls Party @ Between Naps on the Porch
• December 9th  :: Sarah’s Christmas Tree Link up
• December 9th  :: Coastal Charm Open House
• December 10th :: Cloche Party @ A Stroll Through Life
• December 13th :: The Nester’s Holiday Tour of Homes {here at Nesting Place!} AND Kelly @ Kelly’s Korner; Show Us Your Life Christmas Tour {don’t you love how I bold our day?}
• December 15th :: White Christmas Party @ Cuisine Kathleen
• December 15th :: Share the Decor @ No Minimalist Here

The Mark Hotel, NYC

After a horrible weekend of nausea and a foggy head, I'm finally feeling like my old self.  Hallelujah!  Knock on wood that was my token winter illness.  Anyway, back to inspiring interior design!

I was reading Jan Shower's new notebook post about her recent trip to NYC where she stayed at The Mark Hotel on Madison Ave.  Apparently, it is an older hotel that was completely renovated by the renowned Jacques Grange in a style inspired by Paris circa 1930.  You know I had to research this further since vintage Parisian design is so up my alley!  I was not disappointed by what I found.

Grand Entrance
(LOVE the monogram)

Lobby
(You can never go wrong with black and white stripes! Classic.)

Hallway
("Jacques Grange decked the halls")

Jacques Grange hand selected each piece for every suite.
The yellow of the curtains is the perfect accent to the neutral room without being overbearing.

I adore the coffered ceiling and the use of chunky moldings to frame-in the walls.

A perfectly accessorized nightstand.

En Suite Dining with Adjacent Kitchen

Closet

Bathroom with Mirrored Flat-Screen Television

The piece de resistance of the entire hotel, in my opinion, are the bathroom vanities.  They were all custom-made for the hotel in a elegant Tiffany blue with stainless steel accents.  These would have looked as good 50 years ago as they do today and will continue to look just as fabulous for years to come.  This is what one strives for when designing permanent fixtures such as counter-tops, cabinetry, floors, ceilings, etc.  

Black, white and marble decked bathroom for the modern-day Audrey Hepburn.

Custom Vanity Exclusively Designed for The Mark.

Next time you are in NYC, need a place to stay, and have an extra grand or two to splurge, check out The Mark Hotel!  See more at:

http://www.themarkhotel.com/

Pourquoi Pas?

Its rainy in NY today and the perfect day to don your favorite hat, trusty trench and go for a stroll in those cute golashes!

So why not grab that ultra chic pagoda umbrella, these statement over the knee Calvin Klein rain boots, and try on a luxe cloche hat for size? I do believe you'll turn some heads in the process!

{merci weheartit!}

And speaking of turning heads, I just saw Harry Potter this week and was blown away by how much Emma Watson has grown! She had turned into quite the little gamine and I can't wait to see what she does post Hermione. The super statement pixie cut I believe is only the beginning. Lets just hope that certain shades of limelight don't wreck this blossoming girl's complexion.

photo of the day : mici

(photos of Karen Elson by Steven Meisel)

Fitness focused

Nicole Richie was seen on Monday, November 29 and Tuesday, November 30, at the Tracy Anderson gym in Studio City.
Her red sunglasses are House of Harlow 1960.


source: faded youth blog, celebrity gossip

Holiday 2010 Gift Guide: For Her

Whether you are shopping for mother, sister, daughter, significant other or bestie here are some ideas at every price point to help you along in your search for that perfect gift...

Under $50

Gap Crossbody Bag, $44.50

Marc by Marc Jacobs Silicone iPhone Case, $30

DAY Birger et Mikkelsen Necklace, $50

Cookbook, Frankies Spuntino, $25

J. Crew Glitter Belt, $25.00

Lanvin Pencil Set, $35.00

Anthropologie Antiqued Epoch Necklace, $38.00

Under $100

Jonathan Adler Zodiac Pillow, $98

Melinda Maria Oxidized Link Ring, $98

(Quite a statement - I love mine! Thanks Carrie!)

OTRERA Hamsa Scarf, $97.50

Smythson Business Card Holder, $95

Under $200

Diane von Furstenberg Mariela Laptop Case, $135

Malin Collection Neon Lace Bib Necklace, $130

Michael Kors Watch, $140

Alex Monroe Feather Earrings, $171.50

Yarnz Big Floral Scarf, $136

Bodas Cotton Pyjamas, $74 and $94

Under $500

Phillip Lim Cameron Clutch, $475

Jimmy Choo Metallic Wellington Boots, $227.50

Melinda Marina Sassy Earring - Turquoise, $265

Moore and Giles Exclusive iPad Case, $395

Mulberry Continental Leather Wallet, $295

Lanvin Sleep Set, $490

Anya Hindmarch Valorie Glitter Clutch, $385

(I would love to see this under my tree this year!)

Evening Dresses - 1975

Today is the final post in my series about evening looks through the decades. I hope you've enjoyed it!

What a difference another 10 years makes. The introduction of knits, whether silk, rayon, polyester, or nylon has a huge impact on fashion. Styles are now easy while body conscious at the same time. Full length gowns and maxi dresses dominate evening wear, although we do see tuxedos for women and jumpsuits. Disco looks are exploding onto the scene at this time. Enjoy these looks from 1975.

Leonard silk jersey print dress.

Yves St. Laurent silk jersey gown with halter neckline.

Loris Azzaro white satin tuxedo modeled by Marissa Berenson.

Halston navy jersey jumpsuit with cutaway sides and halter neckline.

Zhandra Rhodes hand-painted blouse and long skirt.

Are the 1970s your decade of choice?