Cute and Cold

Jack Frost is nipping at my nose, and that's more reason to up the cute quotient.  When the temps plunge it is time to pull out the big guns and bundle up in style.  

Hibernating in Style

I. Do. Not. Like. The. Cold.  At all!  Nothing about cold weather makes me happy.  Yes I am thankful for the clearing of the germs in the air,  but my spirit needs sun and warmth.  As the winter weather sets in I look forward to downtime at home and hibernating is the best way for me to refresh, enjoy my winter body, and hit the reset button.  Being still and quiet helps me focus on my goals so I can look forward to what this new year will bring.

My must haves for a successful hibernation include something comfy and decadent to lounge in, great reads, music in the background, and tea to sip.  I hope the following examples are inspiration to get you thinking about your downtime.

During these next few months this is where you'll find me.  Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!  

She Better Mind Her Business - Monique Péan

Monique Péan

Necklace from the K' Atun collection

Ring from the K' Atun collection

Earrings from the Tu'Til collection

Ring from the Tu'Til collection

Bracelet from the Inti collection

I have to admit that I am not a "jewelry person."  Besides my oversized hoop earrings and my engagement and wedding rings, I am pretty scant when it comes to adornments, however, when I stumbled across Monique Péan, I became a "jewelry person."  

Inspired by her Haitian heritage and travels as a child, Péan designs jewelry that is reflective of world culture.  Long before graduating from U Penn and working in finance, Monique was encouraged by her mother to pursue her love of art and culture which led to her eponymous jewelry line.  With her use of 100% recycled metals, her commitment to sustainability and having her pieces made by hand in NYC, Monique Péan is my official coveted adornment destination.

2013 FashBACK

FashBACK: A recap of my favorite fashion moments of 2013

Valentino 2013

Embroidery and lace is just what you expect from Valentino.  Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli created sheer magic with this collection.

Lanvin 2013

Alber Elbaz created such a rich intense palette that is oh so vintage.  The dramatic color scheme reminds me of the walls of victorian mansions of yester-year.   

Chloe 2013

Feminine and whimsical.  The perfect lady.  Chloe's creative director, Clare Waight Keller, must have repeated this mantra to herself while designing this collection.  Each of these pieces would complete my dream wardrobe even if all I did was admire them while hanging in the closet.  

  

TracyChambers Vintage 2013

Even though I spend countless hours driving and digging for the perfect finds to share with my clients, some things I just hate to see leave the flock.  I bid these pieces adieu in 2013 and handed them over to some fabulous women who I know will do them justice.  On to the next...lookimg forward to what 2014 will bring.

For you label whores

I came across this high end designer auction site today that I find rather interesting.  It is called Lollipuff and they claim to be the last word on authenticating designer items.  Well they didn't actually say that, but their site and blog gives that impression.  But, don't they all?

Where they differ at this point is that they only carry four different labels, Balenciaga, Chanel, Christian Louboutin and Herve Leger.   While I am not a fan of any of these labels, I have to say this is a very good strategy on their part.  Their message:  they might not experts on all designers, but for these select few, they cannot be matched.  So you ladies and gents who crave any of these labels, happy hunting.

image via marieclaire.com

Helen

I'm baaack!

You know I struggle with this blog of mine because initially I started blogging because I wanted to monetize my blog and make it a revenue stream.  Did that happen?  No!  Why?  Because I realized that I liked blogging just because.  For the same reasons this platform exists in the first place, to have a space to document my life, ideas, and interests and share them with family, friends and whomever is interested in the same things I am.

So I embrace my blog even though I have been told by several folks that this particular blogging platform is dead.  I figure if I still like it there must be others.  Maybe one day my kids will read it, maybe not, but I carry on anyway.

Helen

Pam and Zoe

 image via iamsupergorge.com

 Ebony Magazine September 2011

Way back Pam Grier and throw back Zoe Saldana in Emilio Pucci jumpsuit.  Inspiration at its finest!