Marc Jacobs Loves Decorative Nutcrackers Too

{Marc Jacobs Holiday 2010, Handbags}

The marketing campaign for Marc Jacobs' holiday 2010 handbag line is right up my alley.  Decorative nutcrackers, tinsel, Christmas lights and reindeer?  I'm sold.  Of course it doesn't hurt that his purses are gorgeous too.  While my favorite part of holiday collections is generally the fact that they usually include an abundance of sparkle, Jacobs played it safe with his, and I like it.  The classic silhouettes and neutral colours make them perfect everyday bags year round, and easy staples for any wardrobe.  Always nice when you're justifying a slightly higher price tag. 

Haute Holland

{Jantaminiau S/S 2011}

A beautiful collection, all lined up and ready to go by conceptual Dutch designer Jan Taminiau.  Known for his bold, feminine style Jantaminiau's new designs are unique and contemporary, skillfully treading the ambiguous line between delicate and strong with intricate detailing and embellishment complimenting impeccably constructed garments.  As one reviewer put it, they are clothes for a woman who enjoys being "outrageously charming"...and don't we all.  

Check out a lovely backstage video from his F/W collection below:    

-images via AfterDRK-

Little Things

{Stained Glass Window}

Last night I finally got around to painting my chalkboard accent wall, and today I'm doing the living room and office walls and doors.  It feels good to be making some progress on the small changes I want to make to my place and I'm anxious to get my new drill (aka dad's old drill) next weekend so that I can finish everything up.  Amidst all the change and home improvement I took a few photos of the existing things that I love around my house, just the way they are.

{Radiator Decorative Detail}

{Juliet Balcony Railing}

{Antique Sconces}

Winter Wanderer

{Rome}

{Paris}

{New York}

It's Friday and I can't think of anything I'd rather do less than go to work.  It's hard to drag myself in and try to power through the day, but looking forward to the things I'm saving up for makes me excited and reminds me that in the end it all pays off.  Rome in December, Paris in January and New York in February....and I am counting. down. the. days.  

-photographs by .natasha.-

Currently Loving...

{Club Monaco, Holiday 2010}

I went into Club Monaco last week "to browse".  I did not expect that to be quite so difficult a task.  While I've always loved their stuff, especially after joining the 9-5 workforce, the Holiday 2010 collection is GORGEOUS.  Everywhere I looked there were ruffles, fur, sequins, knits and silk.  How perfect are the outfits above?  I want them all.  I'm trying to come up with a budget before I go back.  Even with their amazing 20% student discount, this could be dangerous.  

Dressed for the Holidays

Holiday party season is fast approaching and with it the need for pretty little dresses to wear to all of the festivities.  For me, the lead-up to Christmas is all about excitement & fun and I like to try and dress accordingly.  Two of the trends that I always like for holiday party-wear are red and sequined dresses.  Paired with black tights and high, high heels they're perfect for any winter party....and you'll always stand out in a crowd.

1. Lanvin for H&M Red Ruffle Dress $199
2. Miss Selfridge Red Cotton Sateen Dress $62
3. French Connection Wendy Cotton Ruffle Dress $200
4. Alice + Olivia Sequined Mesh Tube Dress $365
5. Topshop Curve Sequin Shift Dress $250
6. French Connection Morning Star Knits Dress $268

Remember Now

"Yes, some people say to me you're too skinny, but never a skinny person says that to me, only people who could lose a few pounds..." -Karl Lagerfeld

Seriously, I love him.  He's constantly quotable, and a complete creative genius.  So although I acknowledge that it's been out since May, here's a look at Karl Lagerfeld's short film Remember Now.  Beautiful people, lovely clothes & the south of France - j'adore.

Angels On Parade

{Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, 2010}

This post pretty much speaks for itself, it's hard to top these photos with a blurb.  The Victoria's Secret 2010 Fashion Show airs Nov. 30th.....are you excited?  Yep, I think we all are.  Here's a sneak peek from the live show in New York last night.  It's unreal - it's always unreal.  Even the runway is made of glitter.  And how cute are the models at the end?  I love that you can tell how much fun they're all having.    

-photographs by Theo Whargo/Getty Images-

White Hot

{S/S 2011}

White might be my favorite colour to wear.  Especially in the summer, when it's hot and your hair's sun-bleached lighter and your skin's tanned darker and it makes you look like you're glowing.  Luckily, designers seem to agree with me and gorgeous white looks were one of the predominant trends at the Spring/Summer fashion shows.  Now we just have to get through the winter...

From left to right by row: Victoria Beckham, BCBG Max Azria, Max Azria, D&G, Isaac Mizrahi, Azzaro, J. Mendel, Collette Dinnigan, Monique Lhuillier.

-images via style.com-

Dear Santa

After several long hours I am really entirely too proud of myself for figuring out how to make collages on my MacBook (no, it's not especially difficult, I am just far from being any sort of technology whiz).  So, here we go.  Do you still make Christmas lists?  I suppose most people in their mid-twenties probably don't....but my family's still going strong with them and my dad generally starts asking for one mid-November.  In typical procrastinator form, I usually get mine in mid-December after several reminders and some not so gentle prodding, but this year I seem to be getting into the whole Christmas spirit a little early so I've put together a preliminary wish list of a few things I'm coveting going into the holiday season:  

1. ASOS Pumpkin Suede Pointed Court Shoe $103
2. Lanvin for H&M Yellow Dress $199
3. Wilfred Cashmere Cocoon Coat $325
4. Anthropologie Patinaed Pillar Candle Holder, Purple $48
5. Kate Moss for Topshop Embellished Rectangle Top $310
6. Club Monaco Camille Shearling Scarf $?
7. Ikea Kristaller 3-Armed Chandelier $50
8. Stieg Larsson's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo $21
9. Bialetti Mukka Glass Stovetop Cappuccino Maker $100
10. Lanvin for H&M Sunglasses $30
11. Essie Over The Top Nail Polish $8
12. Coach Kristin Leather Pleated Satchel $398
13. Tiffany & Co. Oval Key Pendant + Sterling Silver Chain $240

Autumn Rush

Necklace: Tiffany & Co., Crop top: Talula Babaton, Cardigan: Talula Babaton, Jeggings: J Brand, Wedges: Aldo Shoes

One of the best things about summer shirts is that when it gets colder out you can just throw a cardigan over them and you're good to go.  Case in point my favorite Talula Babaton crop top, which I don't plan on retiring for the season anytime soon.  Long, slouchy cardigans, jeggings (how uncomfortable are jeans once you've made the switch?) and wedges or tall boots are pretty much my uniform these days and my common-law brother in-law Jon, who happens to be a very talented photographer, was nice enough to take a few photos me wearing it around my adoptive hometown.  Check out more of Jon's work by following this link to see his photography website.

-photography by Jonathan Munn-