Cobblestone

I've always had a thing for pumps. I love how the current pump is not pointy toed (though I do love those), but it is rounded instead. I have always wanted gray pumps, and much to my delight, Juicy Couture had a great sale last week (including free shipping and $25 off a $100 + purchase). Included in this sale were these gray velvet pumps named Cobblestone. I had to take advantage. I love the wooden heel and velvet is becoming one of my favorite fabrics to wear. The package came yesterday, wrapped beautifully, in this tissue paper. The name of the shoes reminds me of the streets in London, all cobblestone. I remember seeing women in heels hobbling down those old streets. I had no idea how they did it, as the points of their heels would get caught in between stones. Luckily for me, I will be wearing these velvet beauties comfortably down the smooth, Southern Californian streets. The perfect winter shoe.

Big-Girl Dress

I got an absolutely darling Christmas present from my friend Bonnie yesterday. It's been ages since I read a children's book. I forgot how beautiful the illustrations can be. Birdie's Big-Girl Dress by Sujean Rim (Hachette, 2011) brought back a flood of memories for me.

The story is about Birdie's search for the perfect party dress. I have to admit, there are some killer closets and dress contenders in this book. And Birdie's mom has mad style! Birdie dreams of "fluttery floral sundresses, lovely lace sheaths, (and) chic chiffon gowns..." But at the end of the day Birdie settles on a dress that is not new, but something she found in her attic, belonging to her grandparents. I love how this book teaches about personal style, and I know I personally love the things passed down to me from my grandparents more than I love many new items I own.

I always think that the greatest gift parents can give children is the ability to read. And I remember many Christmases filled with gifts of books under the tree. On Christmas Eve, or any other night, my parents or sometimes my grandparents, would read us bedtime stories, even after I knew how to read them myself. There's something very special about children's books, they mold our imagination and influence us. There's something so very loving about a parent reading to a child, because through literacy, almost anything is possible. And for me, there is something so sentimental about receiving books as gifts, as it means the giver is presenting me with knowledge, words, and dares to push the limits of my mind.

Thank you, Bonnie for such a delightful gift, that brought back so much. You've given me more than you know : )

Happy Giving!

Pretty Pretty Prada

Being a huge fan of Prada and jewelry in general, these new designs made me super happy! Perfect for spring ... or as a Christmas gift : ) These are costume jewelry pieces, but they have that great vintage feel in their shape. I love how Miuccia Prada is never afraid to add sparkle to anything, even a flower.

Hope your weekend is full of pretty things!

At Arm's Length

I love these gloves from Lanvin's collection. I think gloves are so ladylike, and just plain functional. But I love how Lanvin dressed up these beauties with rhinestones galore. Perfect! It takes the guesswork out of which bracelets and rings to layer on your gloved arms and hands. My admiration for the Lanvin set is probably why I was so drawn to purchasing these dazzlers from Juicy Couture. I absolutely love them! Next on my list is the set they sell with the shorter variety and Deborah Lippmann nail polish, as well as the mitts with faux fur and gemstones. Maybe Santa will help a girl out ; )

Stay warm!

Very Merry Tiffany

If you know me (or this blog) then you know that I love Tiffany's, the smell of jewelry in the morning, and the iconic idea of having breakfast at Tiffany & Co. Yesterday morning I received my first blue bag, box, and pouch ever. I opened it up to find a Tiffany ornament and a lovely mixed-media Christmas tag from the fabulous Linda Trenholm. Words can't really express the excitement of opening up such a gift. It's interesting how in some cases, the packaging really does speak louder than words. Thank you Linda for giving my heart a flutter and making my Monday morning. Hope everyone has a good week and remembers to wrap those packages with care : )

Things I Learned at 27

The birthday festivities are officially over. And after some thinking, I concluded the best gift I have been given this year are these bits of wisdom:

At 27 I am happy to say I know who my real friends are.

I know what it means to love another person (and that love takes some work, but it's all worth it).

I know that I'm not perfect.

I know how precious (and short) life is.

I know what it means to work hard, but also that sometimes hard work goes unrewarded (for a while).

I know how to juggle work and play.

I know what I'm all about.

I know where I want to go.

I know I can make a difference.

I know I want to keep learning.

I know to trust my instincts.

Sometimes you just have to say "screw it" and move on.

In the last year I have experienced so much, from meeting new people, doing new work in publishing, holding a newborn in my arms, and so many other memories. I can't wait for the future, and all the things I will know by the time I reach 28.

Pictures above are from Monte De Oro Winery, Falkner Winery, brunch at my house, and Casey's Cupcakes (at Fashion Island).