Maven gift idea: A fabulous travel book from Kate Spade is a great gift (for yourself)

Hi, Monday. Today started with me setting my alarm an hour too late to go to barre class. Which I did not realize until I left the house in my gym clothes. And it was already light outside. Merde.

So it's clear to me I'm experiencing a textbook case of holiday brain- that heady mix of giddy, nervous energy that makes you just forget stuff. Plus, I'm also experiencing a bit of end of the year burnout, which inevitably leads to thinking about respites from real life. And since my passport will remain unstamped this season, what better way to get away than purchasing a copy of Kate Spade's fabulous coffee table travel book called "Places to Go, People to See" (ain't it the truth?). 

I was already smitten by the green cloth cover (green is my all time fav shade), and the book design and photography is just so fabulous inside. Immediately thoughts of foreign places swirled in my head, and although that book, much like me, is firmly planted in my living room this holiday season, I'm glad to have it nearby for a little bit of inspiration.

And with all of that shopping for your family, friends, and glam squad, a little selfie when it comes to gifting is just fine.  With great books like this one, you'll always find your way home. 

And that's what's up this places to go, people to see kind of Monday in the 212. Home is where the heart is. XO


PS it's on sale at Gilt for $29...go git it. 


Classic holiday inspiration from Chanel

Good afternoon, Friday. Nobody is happier to see you than me. Ready for some weekend fun.

So check it- I'm loving the holidays this season because I'm in the spirit and being social and enjoying thinking about what's to come. I also love the holidays because there's something so classic about this season, particularly in New York. It may very well be the most wonderful time of the year. I love the bustling, the windows, the toasts of champagne. It's just a fabulous time to be in the city and in terms of feeling grateful, having the great fortune to live in a city that continues to inspire and move me is pretty much an 11. New York, how I love thee.

So on a non New York note but a classic one, many of us have parties to attend this season, and depending on your audience, it's always great to go very classic. I have some simple dresses that need a little jazzing and got caught in the internet rabbit hole and found myself gawking over Verdura cuffs, whose classic and insanely extravagant price tag are dreamworthy (because a girl not only can dream, but should). And to wear two at once on either willowy wrist like Coco did  (love her just joshing around with several gazillion dollars worth of jewelry) or Sofia? Yes please. I love how Sofia is rocking them with a simple outfit, but presto- super dressed up and better than anyone. Love. Don't even get me started on Diana V. Just don't.

And speaking of Coco, I wanted to share some amazing inspirational photos for holiday dress bought to you by none other than Chanel. Since I could walk I have wanted a classic Chanel jacket and there have been many times in my life that have called for one. Unfortunately my bank account thinks otherwise, but it's the perfect piece for pretty much any occasion you can think of. Or over your silk PJs on a Sunday at home  when you want to feel a bit festive and crack open the bubbly while reading the Times. 

Hello, darling. 

Surf's up.

Love these earrings. 

Too much for a holiday party? I do so love a hat.

Love the neutrals.

Amazing.

Youthful and classic.

Not sure what this is, but incredible.

Chanel with a bow on top. No girl could resist.

Amazing and so gorgeous above. Quintessential classique.

Over the tippy top.

Perfection.

Oh, Coco. So stylish. So anti-semetic but so stylish.

This pic. Holy moly.

A friend and I are going to a pretty over the top cocktail party next week (more on that next week ps), and if I could go Chanel, I so would. How amazing are these looks? I thought you may need a bit of Friday classic glam to get you to the weekend. You just can't mess with Chanel. 

And that's what's up this double C of a Friday in the 212. Yours, in chain links and long strands and boucle.  Seeing the world through Chanel glasses today .XO

Maven inspiration: The colorful home

Good afternoon, Thursday. It's so grey outside. I can so rock out to cold but I need sun. Stat.

I'm helping a friend decorate her new apartment (I'm not nearly a pro at this but love to look for fun pieces) so am very much in the mood for redecorating, and since it's almost new years, a little retail therapy of the home variety is a good idea. 

I spotted this pop up shop happening this weekend in New York on Refinery 29 today, and I have to say, I love the vibe so much. On a cloudy day such as this, a little well merchandised color is the perfect pick me up and antidote to the December blahs. That rack of colorful caftans warms my soul, as do all the fun, quirky furnishings like that fabulous bar cart. Although my wardrobe is pretty much Berlin before the wall fell, I do so love pops of color in the home. I may not love it on my body but I need color around me. If I'm stuck indoors, I need a bit of fun in my decor to keep me from falling down. Looks like this little shop could keep me upright. I just love a colorful home.

The pop up is called the 73 Spring Shop, organized by some heavy hitting designer types and I'm hoping between more fun parties to attend I can pop on by. I need some brightness this holiday season because apparently, we're all going to need to make our own sunshine from the looks of things outside by big old window. And check out the Refinery 29 post because there's pop ups for all of you out there that may be more Scandi or happy lumberjack inclined than Lily Pulitzer color pop.

And that's what's up this bit of summer in winter kind of Thursday in the 212. Yours, in shiny, happy homebodies. XO

Maven must read: Viv Albertine's new book has the punk title of the year

Good morning pals. I'm so happy to be featured on my dear friend Irma Zandl's blog today- Irma is one of the coolest people around, an amazing brand guru, and if you are lucky enough to be invited to her beautiful home for a party, cancel any other plans you have. She is simply the hostess with the absolute mostess and her soirees are always full of fun and interesting people. And you need to make her blog a bookmark and read that as often as you should. It's a fabulous resource for trends, art, food, and fun. 

So I was getting a cup of coffee this am before the gym and happened to walk by Book Court's window, a store I mentioned on Irma's blog because it's just a lovely spot to browse the latest titles. They really get curb appeal by the way- they always put books in the window that make me pause and go inside. But since it was 6:15 in the am, they weren't quite ready to receive me.

Alas I glanced at the window and my eyes widened when I spotted Viv Albertine's new book entitled  Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys. Um, is there a better title for a book in all creation? Not really. (Cue My Favorite Things, thrash version of course).

A few of you may know I have a complete love affair with rock biographies and autobiographies, and I'm not giving up on my dream of a rock and roll book club, where a musically inclined lot of us read books like Viv's and meet to discuss them at somewhere that has not closed (real rock and roll bars are hard to come by in NYC these days). That said, I can't wait to read this book which Goodreads summarizes as "a raw, thrilling story of life on the frontier".  If you're not familiar with said frontier, Viv is a bonafide punk legend. She was the guitarist for the Slits, she hung out with Sid Vicious, toured with the Clash, and inspired "Train in Vain" while dating the band's Mick Jones. That's 'nother level cool to me. There's sure to be some juicy tell all moments in this book. Needless to say, this will be a page turner if you, like me, love books about music and iconic moments in time.  Plus, CHICKS WHO ROCK. (My favorite subject, along with clothes and boys, of course.)

Here's some more pics of Viv in the prime of her punk sauce. I have always loved her style and tried very hard to emulate her look while I had a brief fling with art school (who hasn't?).  She's still looking gorgeous today but I of course adore the old photos of her looking so chic. I am definitely reading this one as soon as I possibly can. I'm so in need of a good rock and roll reading experience. And that's what's up this slit wide open Wednesday in the 212. Yours, in cool punk chicks.  Go buy this as a gift for a cool chick you know. 

Oh, and bonus points for all of you that go to your local mom and pop bookshop to snap up a copy of what is sure to be a fun read. I can't wait to get my mitts on a copy.  XO


Julia Roberts shuts it DOWN for Givenchy Spring 2015

Good morning, Tuesday. It's a lovely Nor'easter of a day here on the island and I'm listening to an endless loop of French music to try and cheer myself up and pretend I'm Catherine Deneuve. (Not working just yet).

But one thing that did lift my spirits on this soggy soak of a day is the news that the beautiful Julia Roberts is the new face of Givenchy for 2015. Riccardo Tisci is apparently no dumdum, and after a rather long association with Kimye, it seems that true class and style and beauty both inside and out has won out over, well, that other stuff.

In my deepest heart, I wish that so much attention was not called to the fact that she's 47- in some ways, I applaud the world celebrating this gorgeous woman who admittedly is not a young girl anymore. But can't a woman just be beautiful? Julia is every bit as stunning as any young supermodel out there- why are we so prone to "mark" women by their ages and body types with numbers? I'm not feeling it. 

In any event, the gorgeous photos, shot by Mert and Marcus, are everything. I love love love them- love the clothes, the lack of anything tricky, and the stripped down stunning of Ms. Roberts. I have always been a huge fan, and these photos really moved me. And as I've been looking for something a bit dressed up to wear this holiday season but does not feel too overly done, these looks speak volumes. So pretty, strong, and perfect. Love love love. What do you think?  (How 'bout that bag ps? Amazing.)

And that's what's up this rainy day Tuesday in the 212. Yours, in pretty women. XO

Maven pick: Perfect pooch presents at Free People

Good afternoon, Monday. Well, winter is here for realsies now- cold and grey and gloomy and I'm having a hard time getting out of bed. Going to be a longggg couple of months.

But perking up my spirits this afternoon are thoughts of puppies, because if you know me, you know how much I love the doggies. And my very own Khan man is the perfect anecdote to the winter blues, even though he hates cold weather more than I do, he being of Miami lineage and such.

And because Khan is a man of style and taste, I search far and wide for clothing and accessories befitting of his fashion plate status. You may hate the idea of dogs in clothes, but trust me, in the cold they need an extra layer, just like we do. He's but a wee thing and needs some warmth- I'm not always available to snuggle him, though I wish I was. So for now, I was thrilled to find some excellent items on Free People's website- they are obviously well known for their hippie chick vibe, but some great options for that freewheelin' hound of yours too.

I'm pretty obsessed with the alpaca sweater from super luxe pet brand Ware of the Dog (Khan unfortunately would fade right into this furry jumper), and love the Americana sweater from the Peruvian Trading Company oh so much.  And how about that button down at the top of this post? Too. Much. (In a good way).

And this studded leather dog costs an arm and a paw but it's so good. I figure Khan is never going to Harvard so why not get him whatever his little pup heart desires? 

If you're looking for more practical items that also have a heart, I love Found My Dog's adorable buffalo plaid collar (tis the season), with matching lease. They are a great organization who donates to rescues, by the way so you'd be doing good by spending well. 

And if like the Khan man your pooch prefers a buckle collar, this arrow print number from Portland's Grey Paw is handmade and comes in two colors plus a matching leash as well. So nice. And that bowtie is not to be sniffed at. Snazzy.

Also love the tee shirt featuring the solar system created by Free People themselves- Khan is def a science nerd so this one would be great for him. Oh and don't think I don't have all eyes on Banana J's plaid pet teepee- a wonderful place to hide from the myriad of holiday revelers and drunk ladies trying to connect with your furbaby at your annual holiday soiree. 

All in all, great offerings from Free People this holiday season. Peace and love to you and all your pups as you deck the halls. And if foregoing any of the above in lieu of adopting a canine or kitty this season is in the cards, then I tip my hat to you.  Cause that's what's up this man and woman's best friend kind of Monday in the fur faced 212. Yours, in paws and kisses. XO

http://www.freepeople.com/fp-pet-project/

Maven style inspiration: Saint Laurent for Spring 2015 and Robert and Jimmy and Stevie

Good afternoon, Friday. I am, in one word, exhausted. It's the type of exhaustion that is immune to caffeine, and no amount of latte I can shove in my face is going to help. Oh how I long to be in bed watching Bravo with one eye open and one arm around my little Khan man. Sigh...only a few hours more till the weekend so the countdown begins. Oh how I need to sleep in a bit.

So yesterday I wrote about the Pantone color of 2015 (marsala) bringing us some much needed softness in very harsh times. I've been thinking much lately (as I do) about my personal style and how to keep things interesting, or rather, make things more interesting. At this point in the game, I've got pretty well honed Spidey senses when it comes to what looks good on me, so we're not talking about a full departure from the norm. But since I've been back in New York, my style has become a bit more hard, less feminine, and more tough tomboy. It's totally New York appropriate- wearing pants and leather and blazers with good tee shirts and sneakers or boots is an easy approach to big city style. But with so much heaviness in the world, I'm feeling a pull towards something a bit more feminine again. And I say again because when I lived in hot as hell Miami, I dressed in an exclusive universe of dresses, most skewing towards a bohemian, flowy vibe, but trust me when I tell you I didn't wear pants for about 7 years, except for the occasional light legging. I'm not one for capris. Full stop. Or shorts really, though I do like them.

So with Spring a few months away, I have time to pin looks to my virtual moodboard, and some of those looks that are super pinworthy are those from the Spring Saint Laurent campaign, beautifully shot as per usual by Hedi Slimane himself. 

Now Saint Laurent under Hedi is polarizing (some say it's just way too derivative of times gone by), but I can't help but love it because it's always got some combo of rock and roll tough girl and rock and roll soft gold dust woman. As a woman who loves a boho 70s vibe, I'm LOVING beyond loving these fabulous looks- it's a great compromise for someone like me who hates girly clothes but is feeling a pull towards something a bit more femme. 

Basically, if Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and Stevie Nicks had a threesome that led to some sort of divine fashion birth, this is the wardrobe that would come hurtling out of the womb.

I'm so in love with so much of the collection- I know it's hardly light colored, but I love that it's feminine without having to result to frou frou or pastels, though I sense some pastels are going to enter my world this Spring. I'm just going to take baby steps towards that- and rock and roll love child style is right up my alley. And though Saint Laurent is a bit too steep for us mere mortals, I'm going into my fashion archives and digging up some of my vintage hippie dresses and supplement with some more fun pieces to make this look feel new again. I'm ready to get back to a bit of the gypsy, but for now I'm still in my Game of Thrones tomboy zone. Winter is here, after all. There's time yet for me to change my game. I'm looking for ways to speak to the feminine side of my soul, but still look cool enough to hang with the boys. It's all about balance for 2015.

And that's what's up this foxy Friday in the 212. Yours, in sexy gypsies from the 70s. XO


Maven inspiration: Pantone's Marsala feels just right

Good afternoon, Thursday.  It's a beautiful sunny day in New York and hoping we can all just get along. The news is ridiculous and I'm seriously considering buying a one way ticket to somewhere more tolerant and just, if such a place exists. How do you think I'd do in Denmark? Would David and Khan like it?

Anyway, today Pantone announced their color for 2015- I love their color of the year story and next year's is stellar- ladies and gents, I give you marsala.

It's such a beautiful soft rose, and though I have little to no experience wearing this shade on my body, some of my favorite blush and lipstick combos are in this rose hue- Nars Dolce Vita lipstick will always be one of my favorite hues (a soft rose), and a blush in this color is a fabulous choice for something soft and pretty for springtime, or hell- right about now.  I also love this color for leather, so pretty to mix the hard and soft all at once. Or make like Linda Rodin, whose rose tinted glasses below give everything a soft light, literally and figuratively.

In my mind, we need some softness- to step away from so much vibrance and intensity and go towards something more soft. It's funny because I've been thinking about my own style these days (when am I not, really?) and realizing I'd like to move towards a more feminine, soft vibe again for Spring- more on that tomorrow.

But back to the marsala'ing of our lives- I'm not sure how it translates in the home, though I love the Twomblys in the Gramercy Hotel photo shown here, and I can imagine a pretty throw in this hue as well, or some lovely accent pieces in porcelain like a vase or some dishes or glasses.  It's just such a gorgeous warm tone- particularly insane in the best of ways on redheads.

But for me, this color is shown at its best in this beautiful story shot by Craig McDean back in 2010 with iconic redhead Karen Elson- it's so ethereal and gorgeous and matches my desire for something more dreamy and feathery for Spring. Stunning, right? In a cultural currency sense, this color speaks to how we all need to put on the mute button for a minute or two and just enjoy something warm and less noisy. Color theory is a fascinating thing and says volumes about where we are and what we crave from everything around us.

Here's some more rando inspirational shots that showcase Marsala- with so much hard stuff happening, it wouldn't hurt for all of us to lighten up. Thanks, Pantone. You nailed it again. Cause that's what's up this pinkish Thursday in the 212. Yours, in warm fuzzies. XO

On mindful consumerism

Good afternoon, Monday. If you all can tear yourself away from all of those ridiculous sales on the interwebs today, I applaud you. I myself am suffering from major sale fatigue and I kind of want to buy stuff full price just so I can tell all of those sledgehammer over the head retailers to just leave me the f alone. I am tired of them. It's been Black Friday and Cyber Monday and Christmas since Halloween and enough is just bloody enough.

And something else that has me vexed? This whole notion of brands doing good. Before you jump all over me, I appreciate when brands do good things- I appreciate Toms, I appreciate Warby Parker, I appreciate Ben and Jerry's and Newman's Own, who were doing socially minded branding before the very notion was even born. I love brands that are shining examples of goodness, but do all of them have to be?

But lately it seems that every brand and their mother are trying to jump on to some sort of sanctimonious bandwagon as if to hit millenials and their cohorts over their head with their well marketed halos. Ever since marketers found out that the youngins are not huge consumers and that they only like to party with brands that they perceive as having values in line with their own, brands have all started competing for some sort of Joan of Arc martyrdom when it comes to doing well, and doing good, and everything in between. I find the whole thing pandering and a bit ridiculous- why can't people just do good things? Why do brands have to tell us to donate to charities or take a deep breath or perform random acts of kindness? Would they be happy that instead of buying their products we decided to just hold hands and dance around in a circle and love on each other? Yup, didn't think so.

It's amazing to me as a member of the advertising community that brands in recent years have garnered this kind of power- that we as consumers are looking to brands to not only sell us televisions or socks or cars, but to also sell us something that makes us feel better about buying a bunch of stuff we don't need. Wouldn't it be smarter to just donate and be good and do good in the first place, on our own accords? Do we really need Lululemon to tell us how disconnected we have all become (incidentally, the message about said disconnection was delivered on social media and received scads and scads of views)? The whole thing smacks of hypocrisy. The road to enlightenment is not paved with yoga pants.

For instance, Lululemon's video, shown here, has a good enough message-  who among us could not agree that we need to disconnect, pay attention, and be present in our lives? But they miss a much bigger point- the reason we are working so much harder and cruising the internet for deals and not talking to each other is because of them. And as the blonde tressed woman in skinny jeans rails against being distracted, is she not seeing that the biggest distraction out there is trying to figure out how to afford the latest in yoga essentials? 

After all, we work to afford their expensive yoga pants and tops. And although I love the tagline of "give presence" when it comes to this holiday season, the collection they feature online to accompany it consists of a pair of yoga pants for $100, as well as a "onesie" (what you thought mindfulness was meant for two pieces? Don't be silly) for $108, an "exquisite" bra for $54, and a $58 tank. That's a whole lot of presents right there, and I'm not sure how Lululemon thinks that spending money on apparel worthy of the lofty mission of mindfulness is a good thing. After all, isn't mindfulness and connection completely free? Or shouldn't it be? Can marketers stop looking for ways to be more to us than what they are? Or further, can we as consumers stop looking for them to do so and find our own common ground and connection?

The whole Mcmarketing of mindfulness and meditation and anything related to bringing about positive change in the world really bothers me. If you've been following along, the whole yoga/mindful movement is big business, and I'm amazed at businesses like Suze Yalof Schwartz's Unplug Meditation, which seeks to be the "Soulcycle of Meditation" for stressed and tired Angelenos who want to use mediation not only for relaxation, but for networking with other "like minded" individuals.  I do think it's noble to bring something like meditation to the masses, I just would prefer if the packaging was not so slick, so trend focused, and so commoditized.  Do you think that any of the most conscious bodhisattvas worse Lululemon or had ever heard of Soul Cycle?  Meditation and spirituality in general are hard, hard work. You'll never get there by buying stuff. NEVER EVER.   

I think what I'm saying is that it's a really fine line for brands and they need to be careful- it's not enough to just preach the power of good or give away money or any of those things, because as a prime member of Generation X, I am a consummate cynic, and I'm not buying it nor do I care about whether or not my yoga pants are mindful or not, because that's kind of up to me isn't it? I for one would like brands to get off their high horses, because in my mind, Lululemon is not helping anyone really, besides themselves. When it comes to brands being in service to consumers, I don't need you to pretend to be of some high moral fiber. Don't talk to me about living in the present. Just sell me some pants like you're supposed to. I don't need a multimillion dollar corporation to tell me to take a deep breath, and if I do, help me Lord. If I do, I'm in worse shape than I thought. So as the holiday season races forward and consumers exhibit fatigue with Black Friday sales projected to be less than stellar, I think brands need to stop spiritualizing and go back to figuring out how to provide better customer service, make better products, and be a better place to work for their employees. That to me is the real noble calling of a great brand.  Now back to your regularly scheduled program.

Cause that's what's up this Cyber Monday in the 212. Yours, in mindful consumerism.  XO

The Official Maven 2015 Get your Gift on Gift Guide

Good morning, Friday. I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving- mine was pitch perfect and I'm glad I'm still enjoying my post turkey coma while hanging at my aunt's house in Philly. Since it's Black Friday, I thought I'd give you some gift ideas of stuff I'm really loving this year...it's in no particular order or anything- just wanted to share it with you. Here's my picks for some well gifted goodness this season- what's fun is that there are some things on the list from some pals of mine- always makes gift giving more special when you know said gift is made with a whole lotta love- so I'm gonna make like Oprah and break you off a list of my favorite gift wrap worthy objets d'amour this season:

For the discerning pooch: Pet portraits by Meryl Rowin- I worked with Meryl at an ad agency here in New York, and she is a gifted artist. I love her pet portraits which you can commission via Etsy- a fabulous and cost effective way to capture the very essence of your cat or dog or parrot this Christmas.

For the discerning man who is also an unabashed patriot: Handmade shoes from Connecticut's Brothers Crisp- I spotted these handcrafted shoes at the American made fair last week and fell in love with them- absolutely stunning, extravagant, and will last a lifetime. So nice.

For the hippie at heart: My friend Natalie Schultz is making the coolest dream catchers and macrame wall hangings at her Etsy shop called Canteen, which draws inspiration from sun filled days at Summer camp- today everything is 20% off for the holiday so stock up on some hand dyed shibori or wonderful hand knit goodness.

For the peace and lover who needs something to wear on a beach vacation this winter: A Peace Treaty caftan- I have always been a huge fan of the beautiful scarves and jewelry of these super talented ladies- Farah Malik, a Pakistani Muslim, and Dana Arbib, a Libyan Jew. I met Farah some years ago through a good friend, and she's a wonderful diplomat who works with artisans in 10 countries and aims to show the world another level of artistry while bridging gaps. The stuff is amazing. Love. 

For the hip hop homegirl: Erica Weiner heartbeats necklaces- these pretty heart necklaces are a girly adornment at first glance, but the use of hip hop phrases takes them to a much cooler place. David gifted me with "With my Mind on my Money and my Money on my Mind"- it's apt. Let's be honest. Bonus points if you buy the  "And After the Party its the Hotel Lobby" version. Can I get a toot toot? 

For the art lover who likes to kick an ass: Brian Finke's US Marshals- I had the immense pleasure of shooting a whole mess of work this past year with the extremely talented Brian Finke- if you are not familiar with his work, you need to know it. His real take on life is on another level, and having followed around the US Marshals for a few years to document their stings and such, this book is a must have for that action loving but creatively inclined guy in your life.  PS- if Brian ever invites you to a BBQ at his house, don't say no. He's a Texan with a real knack for the grill.

For the fashion fiend: Garance Dore Les Femmes calendar for 2015- I'm in love with this beautifully illustrated calendar that fashion girls will for surely adore. So pretty. 

For the good client who hooks you up on the regs: Shinola Leather Pin Key Fob- Simple and elegant and a wonderful gift from the gang in Detroit. If you're in NYC over the holidays, you must go to their bricks and mortar in Tribeca. Unreal.

For the trend conscious weather watcher: Hunter Original Nightfall Rain Boots- love these paint streaked bad boys. I may cave and buy these for myself. So awesomely cool and not the run of the mill.

For the producer in your life (hint, hint): Marc Jacobs "Don't Panic" sweater- Producer types and the people that love them- can't you just see wearing this on set? I was walking by the MJ store on Bleecker the other night and spotted it. So fabulous. I'm feeling love for graphic sweaters with type- this is a goodie for sure.

For the scent snob: Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu- I test drove this scent in Bloomingdales the other day and holy merde it's amazing. It's a strong scent for strong people that like to imagine they're somewhere exotic and sexy at all times. Plus damn if that stuff does not have the longest staying power of any perfume I've smelled in recent memory- one dab on the wrists and you'll be sniffing at it all day wondering how you got so lucky to smell this good. Yum. Mossy, Patchouli, Tonka Bean, musky, leather goodness.

For the well mannered: CV note cards- I'm a big time Claire Vivier fan and adore these Merci and Bonjour notecard sets for those who like to take pen to hand and deliver a personal message. Tres chic. 

For the casual cool guy: Flint and Tinder denim- Made in America, these are my husband's new favorite jeans.  He's probably never going to take them off, which makes them even cooler because they're selvage and you're not supposed to wash them for months and months. Plus, also made in America so bonus there. And for selvage, the price point is pretty great.

For the fitness freak: Stella McCartney for Adidas leggings- You can't go wrong with these. Trust me, because I've tried every pair of leggings from here to Lululemon and these are by far the best. The material, the fit, the cool look. I love them. I have the Starter pair, but any of the options are amazing on Stella's site- so many good things. And that onesie? Yes, please. Yes to that and so many other things on that site. 

For the tipsy Tommy: Jack Rudy small batch tonic- From some fine folks down south, this tonic will have you making highballs in your man's dreams, even if he is already- they'll be better now and that's that. Great stuff. Small Batch. Bottoms up.

For the sexy lazybones: Louise shrunken robe from Sleepy Jones- Picture your lady wearing this on a lazy Sunday after a lazy Saturday night with some horn rimmed glasses and messy hair. Yes. It's a lovely little tomboy robe that shows off those hot gams. It's the gift that keeps on giving.

I've got loads more for you of course...I could do this all day. And perhaps I'll count down till the holiday with some more ideas for you- we're just gettin' started, non?

But for now, that's what I've got for now cause that's what's up as I go contemplate a nap or a hot chocolate or a bloody mary. Yours, in 'tis the seasoning. XO