HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2010: FOR THE LIBRARY

December 10, 2010

I might be a bit of a dork, but books are always one of my favorite gifts to give and receive. There really is something out there for everyone. For the final gift guide, here are a few of my picks for the library…

Mary McDonald Interiors (1) and The Encyclopedia of the Exquisite (10) are two coveted titles on my own list this year. Foo Dog Bookends (2) are the perfect accessory for any bibliophile’s bookcase. Things We Love (3) hasn’t hit the shelves yet, but I’m anxiously anticipating it’s arrival. If your gifting a book filled with inspiration like Kelly Wearstler’s HUE (7), you might also include some Sticky Notes (4) and a Graphic Image Pen (5) for them to mark their favorites. The responses in Vanity Fair’s Proust Questionnaire (6) are sure to be entertaining. If you have an aspiring writer on your list, The Elements of Style (8) illustrated by Maira Kalman is a necessity! Finally, Jack Spade Bookmarks (9) will make it easy for them to pick up right where they left off.

I hope you enjoyed this week of gift guides, I had so much fun putting them together! Hopefully they gave you a few ideas, or at the very least, were a fun escape from the work day

CHIC LIT: THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE EXQUISITE

October 19, 2010

The Encyclopedia of the Exquisite: An Anecdotal History of Elegant Delights is the newest, and possibly most coveted addition to my never-ending Amazon wish list. Described by its author Jessica Kerwin Jenkins as a ”lifestyle guide for the francophile and anglomaniac, the gourmet and the style maven, the armchair traveler and the art lover,” I might just need to pick up a few copies to have on hand for hostess gifts and the bon vivants in my life. Jenkins covers a wide range of whimsical topics such as the art of lounging on a divan, the emergence of “frillies,” the first lacy, racy lingerie, Julia Child’s tip for cooking the perfect omelet, the fanciful thrill of dining alfresco and the history of champagne. Pretty fantastic, right? I’m off to pre-order!

CHIC LIT: THE CARY COLLECTION

October 4, 2010

This week I’m getting back to my boarding school roots while reading True Prep and simultaneously devouring every.last.post on my new favorite blog Unabashedly Prep. I guess you can take the girl out of New England but can’t take New England out of the girl! The Cary Collection showroom, owned by Thomas Cary, is my current obsession. Cary supplies style mavens like Kate Spade, Tory Burch, J.Crew, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren (aka all my favorite brands) with rare vintage books for inspiration and decor in their chic shops world-wide. Can you imagine?? I certainly wouldn’t mind browsing his collection for an hour (okay, day) or two!

P.S I just can’t get over that seahorse lamp in the first photo. Those hydrangea blue walls and a touch of leopard…I die!

CHIC LIT

September 14, 2010

Like many of you, my apartment is filled with stacks and stacks of books. Style and design books are two of my favorite types to buy because they’re full of inspiration. Here are two new-ish books I can’t wait to add to my library…

1. I adore Nina Garcia. Aside from having the most perfectly highlighted hair EVER, she also has some pretty fabulous style. Her new book Nina Garcia’s Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occassion is at the top of my very long list of books to buy.

I especially love the illustrations by Ruben Toledo.

2. Next up on the list is A Life of Stye by Rebecca Moses. I came across this one in the October issue of House Beautiful. Rebecca did the gorgeous illustrations. Isn’t she talented? Can’t wait to pick it up!

I think I’m definitely going to need to pick these up before my trip to Charleston this weekend. Thank you, by the way, to everyone who gave their recommendations. You’ve made me even more excited for the trip! Can’t wait to report back!

FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT

August 12, 2010

If there’s one thing I can’t get enough of, it’s statement jewelry, and Kenneth Jay Lane might as well be called the founding father of the bauble. His deceptive gems have graced lovely ladies like Elizabeth Taylor, Jacqueline Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn and Barbara Bush (remember that triple strand of pearls she wore to H.W’s inauguration? It was KJL). I was so excited to see signed copies of his book Faking It on Ideeli I immediately scooped one up. Can’t wait for the mailman to bring this one!

Anyone else snag a copy?