Holiday Cheer

Hope you all had a fabulous holiday!  I went to my parents' house in the burbs for a couple of days and appreciated the simpler things in life - sleeping in, starting and finishing a good book, three meals a day with my family, childhood friends...

The street outside the cul de sac I grew up on.

 

Starbucks chai in a seasonal cup.

 

Holiday shoes.

 

Festive nails.

Fake winter attire for a California Christmas.  Nordstrom Tissue Weight Wool & Cashmere Wrap.  H&M Jacket (old).  Free People skirt (similar here); Gucci flats; DKNY tights (similar here).

It's Beginning To Feel A Lot Like...

I am always late when it comes to the holidays and even though I have been at the good ole' Beverly Center every Christmas Eve Day for the last 10 years, somehow it all comes together.

I'm not sure if it's just because I haven't been paying attention but it is just now starting to feel like the holiday season.  A few signs that the holidays are here:

 

Quality holiday greeting cards (this year from Sugar Paper), the latest Starbucks ornament, scented candles and glittery Papyrus decorations.

 

 

 

Festive holiday sweaters.  French Connection Sweater.  Club Monaco Tasha Leggings.  Isola black suede boots. 

 

 

 

Hitting my favorite local travel bookstore, Traveler's Bookcase on Third...

 

 

 

To figure out travel plans for the next year!  Target lamp (shade here and base here). 

Fearless and Hopeless In Los Angeles

Some Americans inevitably trample each other for a deal the day after giving thanks for everything they already have.  Some Americans swear that they will never eat again at the end of Thanksgiving day only to gorge all weekend.  Some are guilty of both...(ok, maybe not the trampling). 

Fortunately, a post-Thanksgiving weekend filled with Target and two malls did not get me killed and actually ended with a pretty relaxing Sunday as I:



 

 

 

Continued the Thanksgiving gluttony by indulging in Bouchon's delicious pastries (winner was the almond brioche), a charcuterie plate and a latte (followed by shrimp and grits).  Essie's Bazooka and OPI's Rainbow Connection nail polish.

 

Browsed Restoration Hardware...where I sat and enjoyed my chai in the beautiful outdoor showroom.  Blank NYC jeans, La Maille oversized sweater, Kate Spade earrings (similar here), Fendi B Mix bag, BCBG riding boots (old).

Thanksgiving Ham

This Thanksgiving, we had a full house: 18 people, 3 dogs and 1 pig - my sister's pet pig being the newest addition to the family!  It was a true zoo and I could not be more thankful for all the madness.

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving too.


The one and only Piggie Smalls (aka the Notorious P.I.G.)

 

 

 

Rebecca Taylor dress, Martin + Osa Cardigan, Fendi B Mix bag.

Fall in DC

Made it back from NY to spend just enough time in LA to get food poisoning (a curse on you Sunset Tower!) and head back to the east coast...where I happened to catch one of my favorite things - fall in DC.

Seeing the leaves change color makes an Angeleno understand why east coasters are always going on about the seasons...it may seem a faint memory during the cold winters but it's breathtaking at the time.  How to make the most of a few hours in DC during the fall:

 

Post-brunch stroll with the BFF and her man.

 

 

Commit and take a drive to Maryland to really see the final leaves of fall.

 

 

Stop at old abandoned amusement park.  H&M coat (old). JBrand 811 Polar Skinny jeans. Banana Republic Ryder rain boots (sold out).

 

 

Take it all in before hopping on a flight back to LA!

In Sandy Times

As you all know, Sandy hit and looking back, NYC did an amazing job preparing for it.  Although my midtown hotel lost power and water, I was fortunate enough to be able to book it and stay with the New York Couple who were relatively unaffected.  Back in LA now, it seems far away but many in NY and NJ are still dealing with the aftermath and everyone can help!  Donate here through itunes.

The Calm Before the Storm

As the city continued to hunker down, board windows and shut down public transportation, a somber feel came over NY.  The New York Couple warned of the severity of the storm and being an Angeleno with no real concept of hurricanes, it was only after I walked the rarely empty streets of Manhattan on Sunday evening that I realized people were preparing for the worst...

 

 

Botkier Satchel Tote Nicola red bag, Club Monaco Diana leggings, Club Monaco Matilda faux-fur vest (in brown here), H&M turtleneck, Century 21 rubber rain boots.  {Photo credit to the NYC.}

 



The New York Couple

Despite preparations for Hurricane Sandy and NY's state of emergency last weekend, I enjoyed time with one of my favorite couples who lives, loves and breathes NYC.  Their knowledge of NYC and all things Afghan and Italian, combined with general witty banter and political discord, means never a dull moment - with or without natural disasters.

Various adventures with the New York Couple ("NYC") included:

Head all the way upstate to La Marina in Washington Heights.  Listen to talented cover band.  Look out to the George Washington bridge over the Hudson.

 

 

Contemplate 20-mile bike ride through boroughs for five seconds.  Opt for Aire spa.  Pat myself on back for making right decision. 

 

 

Trek to Mario's in The Bronx for authentic Italian-American food (because as I was told, there are some things Manhattan just does not do as well as the outer boroughs or Jersey).  Zara studded camouflage trousers, Forever21 beige top, Kenna-T leather jacket (similar here), Tory Burch necklace and Ralph Lauren pumps.

Pair late-night Italian pastries from Delillo Pastry Shop with tea. Michael Kors and Kep bracelets, Essie mint candy apple nail polish.

Game Day Morning

October 13, 2012 was a beautiful day for the Couture Confectioner's wedding.  Game Day morning:

 

Arrive at hotel, Ponte Vineyard Inn.

 

 

 

Check beautiful view. 

Enjoy a cup of coffee at hotel's outdoor cafe.




Get makeup and hair done.




Test isolated wooden plank on pond.

Walk through vineyards with a glass of wine in the company of fellow bridesmaids.  Dress from Japan. Jcrew sandals.

Wedding Prep

There are few occasions that will bring out my Martha Stewart side (to the extent there is such a thing) but the Couture Confectioner's wedding was definitely one of them! 

 

Order over 100 olive oil bottles.  Cut rosemary from bride's backyard.  Fill.  Print labels.  Create wedding favors.

 

 

 

 

Buy old window panes off Craigslist.  Razor paint and dirt from panes.  Write guest names.  Insert placecards in wine corks.  Create vintage seating chart.

Sunday Funday

One of the best things about staying local is hitting the Larchmont Farmer's Market with my favorite Southern Belle transplant (who can show you how to choose corn and teach you the difference between Navel and Valencia oranges - all while sauntering in an adorable skirt).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H&M dress, Coach flats (similar here), Jcrew sandals, Michael Kors bracelet, Miu Miu Vitello Shine bag, Casino Royale OPI nail polish.