Random Chanel Item No. 152

I mean...what is there to say about this? Proof that we all lose our minds this time of year? And, of course that there's still a child within us all.  Let's go and shake things up this weekend!

xoxo,

Minor Obsessions

necklace | knot ring | bow napkin ring | clutch | candle

Somethings just scream "the holidays!" while others seem to merely quietly suggest them... (albeit in a very stylish and somewhat sparkly manner).  There are so many things catching my eye these days, I've assembled them all here. 

Sidetracked

It was my intention last night to look up the date and time for the Vogue documentary, The Editor's Eye, set my dvr and then head straight to bed.  (It airs Thursday, December 6, 2012 on HBO not tonight, as I had originally feared!) But, as so often happens in these situations...I mean, it is Vogue.com...I was immediately sidetracked by this feature, Four Young Interior Designers To Watch. Have you seen it? Good stuff!

Gifts Under $50.00

My top ten (ever so slightly biased) picks for gifts under $50.00 (some even under $25.00!) from zhush.com.  For more fun and fresh ideas all under $50.00, click here.
1. silver glitter pie server                                                    
2. blue agate bottle opener (also available in gray)            
3. Pesca bracelet                                                                
4. Heart of Gold key chain                                                 
5. leather tassel key chain                                                
6. sea urchin ceramic box 
7. Peace + Love plate
8. sequin tote bag
9. gingham salad serving set
10. laminated tray

Orders of $100.00 or more, always ship free!

Wednesday Wants

Gourmet gifts are absolutely one of my favorite type of gifts to give (and to receive! hint, hint). Topping the list of specialty seasonal foodie faves is this Biscotti Jar, from Freds, the restaurant at Barneys, New York.  The next best thing to meeting my friends for lunch in the city...not only are these treats a lovely way to enjoy a coffee or tea break, but once they're gone, there's that chic little glass jar to restock...  What's your favorite gourmet gift to give or receive?

Book Review: American Beauty

I always appreciate a beautiful coffee table book. Especially this time of year, stylish books like Thom Filicia's American Beauty, make for really great gifts.  I was thrilled to receive a copy of this lovely new book, to review and share here. The photos in American Beauty, are truly fabulous.  I already know that I will be turning to them again and again for inspiration in my own home.  The inside scoop on the early days of Thom's career and the house he fell in love with make for a very interesting read.  Also, not to miss...the fun forward by Tina Fey!

Greenwich Village Chic

Happy "Cyber Monday" everyone! Time is zipping along...the official Rockefeller tree lighting ceremony takes place this Wednesday, November 28, 2012 in New York City.  Uptown Manhattan really becomes such a crowded scene. However, despite my dislike of crowds and traffic, I miss the city so much this time of year. Nothing compares to the window decor and hustle and bustle of the city during the Holiday season.  Things tend to be a little less chaotic downtown, which is why a pied de terre in Greenwich Village would be the ultimate, best of all worlds, situation . If it's as chic and inviting as this one designed by Magdalena Keck, then it really is my absolute ideal.
P.S. zhush.com cyber Monday sale going on, check here for details and promo code! Happy shopping!

Monday's P.O.P.

pretty purple pairs

Image via:SouthernAccents

Random Chanel Item No. 151

Happy {Black} Friday everyone! Whether you're planning on shopping every sale or just plain relaxing (like me!) hope it's a great one!

xoxo,

Happy Black Friday!

Giving Thanks

Images via Etsy

Flights of Fancy

Pheasant feathers incorporated into table settings and holiday vignettes...this is a look that I absolutely adore. A literal feast for the eyes!  However, I can't seem to track down a good source for these lovely plumes...even the craft store selection seemed more like feather duster quality than chic fall centerpiece. If you know where I can get some beautiful feathers like these, please let me know, thanks!

Wednesday Wants

What's the best fashion purchase you made all year? I have a few well worn pairs of jeans, a really great blouse or two...but the one item that I reach for again and again, is this fun leopard print belt from J.Crew (don't miss the J.Crew sale today, 25% off everything with this code: color25 ).  It literally elevates almost any outfit from simple to chic.  Chambray top and dark green jeans? Perfect. White t-shirt and dark denim? Amazing. Black silk top and black skinny jeans? Well...you get the picture.  I'm now contemplating the wider version, too. What's proven to be your go-to accessory for 2012?
PS: Incase you haven't already heard, Shopbop is having another major sale!

Buy $250, get 20% off

Buy $500, get 25% off

Buy $1,000, get 30% off

Buy $1,500, get 35% off

Use code "BIGEVENT12"

(so many sales, so little time!)

Swedish {Texas} Style

Swedish style with a Texan twist.  Katrin Cargill used to live and work in Houston, and now runs what appears to be a design empire in the U.K. Fascinated by the back story on this decor talent, not to mention the interiors.  When we first moved into our home over ten years ago, I was obsessed with the idea of owning a Swedish grandfather clock just like the one featured below, I think these images just re-sparked my interest...

Inside Nina Garcia's Closet

Fashion editor, Project Runway judge...I just couldn't resist posting Nina Garcia's bespoke closet here.  Every inch of this uber-chic lady's wardrobe is to die for, not to mention her entire sophisticated New York City apartment.  The artwork in this home is perfection, as is the decor...it's all so good. These are just a few of my faves, if you didn't see the full fabulous feature in Architectural Digest, I highly recommend!

Monday's P.O.P.

panoramic purple

Image via: ApartmentTherapy.com

Congrats!

 

Congratulations to lucky comment number 2 ~ Lindsay of Sadie + Stella! You won the zhush.com two year anniversary giveaway!

Random Chanel Item No. 150

The end of a very busy week...delightfully busy, but busy nonetheless.  Next week, black Friday and then Cyber Monday madness? (yikes!) It's time to crack the whip! (you saw that one coming a mile away, right?)  Have a productive weekend everyone!

xoxo,

Image via: Rdjour

Minor Obsessions

perfume | earrings | sunglasses | boots | sweater

This week was full of distractions, mostly of the material kind.  It seems despite all my best intentions to shop early for everyone on my list...I keep getting sidelined by all the pretty sales and stuff I want for myself! Does this happen to you as well? 

P.S. This would make for one very chic and cozy "Holiday shopping" outfit, don't you think? Rationalize much...? Maybe.

Let's Get Lost

Yesterday, was a weird day.  So many little things went wrong, one after the other, it got harder and harder "not to sweat the small stuff."  I just wanted to escape for a bit, but of course that wasn't really possible.  It's in those moments that I like to take a mini-break and get lost in a top notch designer's portfolio.  Contemplating all the interesting lives of the people behind these fabulous homes (while simultaneously taking in every detail) works like a visual day dream.  Stephen Schubel's interiors are all as compelling as they are beautiful, it's hard not to get lost in them, if only for a little while...

The Sales Rack Skinny

Today I'm guest posting over at TrendHungry as part of a popular series, Sales Rack Skinny.  Ever since I put this post together about my recent retail scores, I can't stop cruising all the great sales going on. My latest obsession? These Claire Vivier clutches over at Shopbop (they are 30% off!), seasonless and super stylish, that white one is simply calling my name.  Pop by TrendHungry to see my other finds.

Speaking of sales, be sure to check out our sales section over at zhush! We're busy making room for all our new inventory for the Holidays, like these amazing new baubles! See the rest of them here.

Wednesday Wants

{lip balm}

I'm always looking for chic little finds to help me look my best.  As we head into the dry, colder months, keeping my skin moisturized is a number one priority. After receiving a sample of beauty insider favorite, Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil, and really liking the results, I'm now hoping to achieve the very same magic for my poor little lips.  I tend to bite my lips when I'm worried, stressed or tired, so this lip balm is right up my ally.  Have you tried any of the beauty oils yet? 

Swiss Bliss

One thing that never makes me happy about winter is the lack of daylight during these upcoming months. I think the sun set yesterday at 4:58! This year, instead of just complaining and lapsing into my winter blues mode, I'm planning on doing a few things differently. For starters, I'm looking into getting one of those light therapy lamps.  I'm also going to embrace the "fake it until you make it" attitude towards winter, and see if I can find ways to "warm" up to this dark, cold season. Admiring this cozy, rustic chic hideaway in the Swiss Alps seems a good a start as any...(have any of you ever used one of these lights? are some better than others? and, why are they all so unattractive?)

zhush.com anniversary giveaway!

Today we're celebrating not only the three year anniversary of this blog (3 years!?) but also the two year anniversary of zhush.com!  It's been two years of learning, flubbing, fixing, re-learning and growing and I'm beyond excited to see where year three takes us! As a special thank you to all our customers, please use this code: ZHUSHTWO15 for fifteen percent off all purchases made today only. We also have a great giveaway going on...we've paired up two of our bestsellers. One lucky winner will get a white statement necklace and a white tassel key chain. To enter just leave a comment below. For a second entry, tweet about this giveaway and let us know in the comments. For another entry, pin this image...or any product from zhush.com and come back and tell us in the comments. Giveaway ends this Friday, November 16th at midnight. Winner announced Saturday, November 17, 2012. Open to US and Canada only. Good Luck!

Monday's P.O.P.

 purple perfected

Random Chanel Item No. 149

Things have been a bit "dicey" around here these past few weeks. Looking forward to the weekend and to finally getting a lucky break with the weather! Take care and stay safe everyone!

xoxo,

Minor Obsessions

candles | chocolates | gloves

We went from peek fall foliage to "non-Halloween" and then, bam-thwack! mid-winter all in less than a two week span in the New York tri-state area.  And, what a time it's been, (and for many continues to be).  If I never hear the words "storm" "power" or "utility" again...  As you can see from my obsessions this week, warmth, comfort and light are very much occupying my thoughts these days.  Any and all of these would make for lovely gifts. I'm planning on shopping early this year and then enjoying as much of the season with my family as I can, this was the other thought I've had all week, since it already looks like mid-December here.  Finally, I can't help but to be obsessed with the re-design of my little blog! The three year anniversary of The Zhush came and went amid all the chaos of the past two weeks, and the two year anniversary of zhush.com is today!  What better time to roll out a fresh new look.  Thanks so much to the amazingly bright, creative and uber-organized Cooper-House! I love the new look.  Monday I'll be celebrating all these blog and shop milestones in style with a giveaway here, so please check back then!

Walls That Speak

Debating on whether or not to turn one small hallway in our home into a full-on gallery installation. Naturally, I headed off to Pinterest and to Houzz, to get a better sense of how I'd want our walls to look.  After viewing endless ideas and inspiration, I can't remember which site it was that led me to C.W. Styling, but these options are all so pretty I'm glad I found them, regardless...

Candela's Closet

 

Back in September, right around New York Fashion Week, a local cable news station did an interesting feature on Gabriela Perezutti, the designer/founder behind what had then been, a very "new-to-me" label, Candela.  A native of Uruguay, now living in New York City, Ms. Perezutti's story made for a very compelling piece.  I remember being struck by Ms. Perezutti's personal style, her unique Latin American cow girl perspective and heritage, as well as her amazing fashion line...so it's no surprise that I was thrilled to discover this article in last month's Harper Bazaar, focusing on Ms. Perezutti's aesthetic, both in her home and in her own closet. 

Wednesday Wants

Yesterday, I learned that Scalamandré, America's legendary decorative textiles house, is now premiering an exclusive collection of decorative accessories at Barneys New York. A big fan of this line, I immediately popped over to discover this pillow and fell instantly in love.  Despite a need for new pillows, these are now at the tippy top of my every growing want list. 

Obsession Du Jour: Paul Costello

 

I've been a fan of Paul Costello's photography for quite some.  After ogling the beautiful images he shot for Miles Redd's latest tome, I figured it was time to devote a post to one of my favorite photographers.  These are just a few of some the interiors Paul Costello has captured through the years, but there are many more stylish people and places to be seen on his site.  

Shopbop Giveaway Winner!

How fun is this bangle set from Shopbop?  Had I won this giveaway it's what I would've chosen...(at $99.00 it's right in the sweet spot) which by the way goes to lucky comment number 115!  Congrats to Heather! We will be contacting you shortly, and thanks again to Shopbop and everyone that entered!

Funky Fresh Style

Back in August of 2010, I did a post on entertainment news anchor, Lara Spencer's California home. 

I even went so far as to dub Ms. Spencer my "design crush" (which she clearly still is). So, when I recently spotted her home in local shelter magazine, At Home In Fairfield County, my curiosity was peaked.  Lara has now moved back to the East coast with her family. I recognize many of her chic pieces from her previous home.  Have a look!

Monday's P.O.P.

peaceful purple

Random Chanel Item No. 148

At the end of a very trying week, to say the least.  My heart is not really into writing a "minor obsessions" post, cutting straight to a random Chanel sign off. So much to be grateful for, and yet still able to complain about our situation...no power, a very precarious generator, no phones, spotty internet, no school all week...and yet we are all safe and sound, these are my mood swings every hour.  A pity party at one minute and then a greater perspective of what could be so much worse at the next.  Heartbreak over all the floods, the hospital evacuations, the beach town devastation... New Jersey, Fire Island, the Rockaways, not to mention lower Manhattan...there really are no words.  

Driving around and seeing one hundred year old trees uprooted (earth, grass and all) lying over dangling electrical wires at every turn, really says it all.  The word on the street is that our little town will not see power for at least ten days, maybe longer.  We are doing our best to get all the zhush.com orders out, and should be fully caught up by this weekend.  I won't bore you all with the Rube Goldberg contraption that is firing up my laptop at the moment.  I'm sure it will all be amusing next month.  

And, while I'm on the brighter, silver lining, side of things, the way our little town is pulling together is beyond heartwarming.  From the bravery of the first responders (always) right down to the smallest gesture of someone bringing a power strip to Starbucks to charge their cell phone and yet still allow so many others to use the same outlet all at once...that little gesture...it sums it all up for me right now. It really does. Together, we'll get through this.

xxoo,

Style Stalking: Nate Berkus Interiors

Between the recent release of his new book, plus a fresh home line collaboration with Target (I snagged this item for myself) this fall is turning out to be all about Nate Berkus,  It seemed only natural to have Nate Berkus Interiors as the focus of this November's style stalk. Easily one of my all time favorite designers.  Are you as inspired by Nate Berkus as I am these days?