Fashion Friday: Etsy - Quench Metal Works

Another great ring. This one from Etsy shop Quench Metal Works. 

Being a part of the blogosphere - even for just the short 3 months that I've been here - has taught me so much, and Etsy may be the best thing I've learned. 

For those of you who still don't know what Etsy is, go check it out - just make sure you don't have anything pressing to do because I guarantee you'll get lost in the fabulous world of Etsy for hours. 

Cheers!

Fashion Friday: A Cautionary Tale

Last week, winter really hit London hard. It was absolutely freezing. There was enough snow on the ground to make walking a treacherous activity in anything except for ugly shoes with some heavy duty traction; and I was sick to death of being cold EVEN for the sake of fashion. Furthermore, I was just getting over a particularly debilitation cold which made me tired and grumpy (and apparently a bit senile as is evident by the previous sentence).

Anyway... with all these factors playing key roles in my wardrobe deciding game this particular morning, my main concerns were simple: comfort and warmth. To this end, I threw on some corduroys that were just a hair too baggy and a tad too long, an oversized t-shirt that didn't tuck in quite right and a sweater wrap that just didn't have quite enough structure to pull the whole thing together. On top of all that mess, I threw on my big, black, dirty (but fabulous) Hunter wellies (with the sock insert of course). I left the accessories out of the equation completely. Before anyone gets too horrified, I did at least manage to put on some mascara and blush before sloshing out the door, and I was sure to pack my cute shoes in my bag to put on once I made it through the snow drift. Still, it seems needless to say that I was not looking my best on this day, and here I am coming to the point of the story...

It is, of course, on this sloppy of all sloppy days that I run into my office crush. I'd been trying to catch his eye for months with impeccably cut dresses, impossibly high heels, and totally fabo accessories, and I'd all but given up hope that I would get a chance to reel him in. Well, here he was, making polite conversation in his beautiful suit while I looked like Farmer Brown's daughter on a trip to the big city.

Moral of the story folks: Even if its cold and nasty and awful outside and you just don't feel like getting dressed properly - do it! You never know who you may run into.

So, here is some outfit inspiration for looking great even when you just want to be warm and comfy:

1. I love this One Pocket Sweater from Chinti and Parker, and it comes in so many great colors (though I think the gray with navy pocket shown here is my fave). Now, I know I talked about Chinti and Parker last week, but I just can't get over this brand, and no post combining winter, comfy and cozy would be complete without a shout out to Chinti and Parker.

2. This outfit via The Sche Report is hot! I love the sweater dress look. It's so versatile. You can express your style in anyway with a sweater dress. I like how this take has a little bit of an edgy flair. Even on a day when you're feeling kinda frumpy, this outfit has the punch to pull you out of your slump - or at least keep you looking great even if you're not feelin' it. 

3. It took me a trip across The Pond to realize how great Top Shop is, but now there's no going back! I always find something fabulous in there, and the prices are so reasonable. This outfit just proves my point. I love that capes are in this year, and I'm totally digging the "Heeled Hiking Boot" look. I even bought a pair for myself!

4. Don't you just love this oversized sweater from Ami Dans La Rue via ShopBop? Plus, I'm totally digging her bling!

5. Another great look from ShopBop. I think the fur vest is brilliant (though I would have to go for an equally awesome faux version)

Tasty Tuesday: Hummingbird Bakery

My roommates mother did a terrible, awful, wonderful thing this week. She sent my roommate a box of 12 beautiful cupcakes from The Hummingbird Bakery, and these cupcakes are so darn stinking good that I just can't stop thinking about them. I thought I'd share the yumminess so that at least maybe I wont be the only one day dreaming such sweet dreams.

Check these out: Black Bottom Cupcakes - dark chocolate sponge cake with a cheesecake center and cream cheese frosting. 

Londoners - run, don't walk, to your nearest Hummingbird Bakery!

Music Monday: Three's Company!

Aeroplane - We Can't Fly
My new running playlist fave!
Admittedly, I don't usually go for anything even remotely resembling techno/electronic, but this has got an awesome beat.


Janelle Monae - Tightrope
This song makes me wanna wiggle; the video makes me smile; and - damn - the girl can sing! Who could ask for anything more?


Mt Desolation - State of our Affairs
Beautiful instrumentals. Beautiful voice. Beautiful baby blues.
What I wouldn't give to be that microphone!

Fashion Friday: Chinti and Parker

 From Elle magazine to the New York Times and even TimeOut London, everybody's buzzing about new uber-eco-friendly label Chinti and Parker.

This brand has it all: style, comfort and even an attitude towards environmental responsibility. Each of their products has that "favorite t" air with out the run-down, worn-out look that comes with "favorite t" status. 

I love this camel colored sweater with elbow patches from the Autumn/Winter 2010 collection. It's like the sweater you stole from Dad when you were a teen with a modern woman twist... and no holes. 

Good Things - Holidays 2010

By now, the Thanksgiving leftovers have dwindled down to that last useless spoonful of cranberry sauce, a brussels sprout or two and a pumpkin pie pan full of gram-cracker-crust crumbs. The first snow has been coming down hard all day here in London, and, though its not sticking to the pavement yet, a beautiful, pristine, white dusting has settled on roofs, in flower beds and across the top of the Tower of London. My head is buzzing with Christmas carol snippets - "Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!" The Holidays have settled in.

With my multi-cultural holiday upbringing, I can't help but note that the first night of Hanukkah begins tonight, and - with no menorah and a pathetic excuse for a kitchen set up - there is slim chance that I will get to celebrate the Festival of Lights properly this year, so I've done some sifting through cyberspace to try and make up. It will be a vicarious sort of celebration this year.

1. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but here's a shot of a holiday table setting from years past that I thought was rather brilliant. The flower arrangement was my pride and joy: purple kale, orange spray roses and green hydrangeas all arranged in a beautiful china soup terrine. 

For the table cloth, I took a little bit of inspiration from designer John Saladino's book Villa where he discusses layering fabrics on a table instead of using just one table cloth. In my version, I first laid out a very old, very stained and very sentimental vintage lace table cloth. The middle of the cloth had some gross brown stainage and was quite wrinkled, but the beautiful lace detailing around the edge was too sweet to pass up. Next, I threw a flax colored linen table cloth over the lace - making sure to let the lace peak through just around the edges. Voila! A beautiful, unique table covering with much more dimension and character than a single table cloth could ever provide. Layering is a great way to get to honor old heirloom table cloths with out fear of getting any nasty stains on them. Plus, all that extra material makes for some nice padding for your best china to sit on and keeps clanking of glasses, flatware and dishes down to a nice muted thud. 

To top it all off, the "nice" dishes add a lovely touch, and a few candles dress up any table setting perfectly. 

2. I absolutely love this menorah, or Hanukiah if we're being exact, from The Modern Tribe. It is simple yet whimsical and would make the perfect addition to any modern Jewish family's Hanukkah celebration. 

3. Another rendition on the menorah from Branch Home. Each block on this menorah is an individual piece and can be arranged in the form of a menorah. Other times in the year, the pieces can be separated and used about the house in any form or function you choose. I'm not sure if it's exactly kosher to be able to use the menorah for anything other than its intended purpose - celebrating Hanukkah - but this piece is certainly a beautiful addition to any home. I love the way the warm blond wood looks paired with white candles. 

4. No Hanukkah celebration is complete with out a little blue and silver/white. I love this version from Epicurious.com. I love how crisp the gift boxes look with their perfectly folded lines and straight edges. Plus, who doesn't love a soothing, beautiful blue and white color plate?

5. Another holiday decorating scheme - this one for those who celebrate the red and green way. I love how clean and not over-done this look is. It doesn't scream Christmas; it quietly whispers it. It is elegant yet festive. 

6. No matter the occasion, a good holiday celebration is never complete without some beautiful flowers, and eHow gives some great tips on how to make your own. I love the height of this arrangement which adds a modern air to the decor but still keeps it warm and fun. Plus, depending on the color combinations of ornaments, this same design can be used for almost any occasion!

7. Latkes may be my favorite part about Hanukkah. I mean come on - a little potato, a little crunch, throw in some salt and pepper, top with sour cream - Heaven! (... or whatever the Jewish equivalent is. I still haven't quite figured that one out). Everybody's got their own way to do latkes, but The Budding Cook  seems to have a winning rendition as does Deb from Smitten Kitchen. 

I hope I've inspired a little holiday cheer. 

Happy Hanukkah!