These Boots Were Made For Walkin'

I've been on the search for a tall flat boot practically since I came to be. The day after I started walking was when I started looking for that boot. Needless to say, it's been a long, tough road. This year, I am determined to find that perfect pair.

I like the distressing on these Vintage Tall Roadster Boots from J. Crew, but I wish it had a couple more buckles to make things interesting.

The Thebna Boot from Nine West has the details I desire, but I'm not sure I'm sold on the color.

I absolutely LOVE this boot from Chloe. Refined gold buckle, great leather, cool heel, but $1,100?! I'd prefer to stay married, thankyouverymuch.

Another classic boot, this time the Isabelline Riding Boot by Ralph Lauren, but it's a bit too classic for my taste. Oh, and it's close to $1000, too. Let's see... Boots or food for two months?

These Jenny Boots from Piperlime are a close competitor. I like the style and the buckles and the color, but I wish they were more distressed.

I think I found a winner! They Cranberry Bog Boots from Anthropologie are nicely worn in (but not worn out). The color is nice and neutral but interesting. The toggle makes for a cool detail. They'd look fantastic with jeans. And the price? I won't be buying them for myself, but maybe I'll put them on my Christmas list. And if I don't get them, I know what I'll be writing about next year!

Saved by the Bell

Why should the kiddos be the only ones with fun desk supplies? Personally, I love a cheeky pencil holder. I love for my desk to have more than the basic black tape dispenser and stapler. I spend a lot of time there, so I want it to be inviting.

These are the equivelant of desktop bling. They create rainbows when spun. That's one way to procrastinate, I suppose. Vasa Cubes, $350 for 6 @ MoMA.

Nothing like bright red Fu Dogs to guard your books. I have plenty of books that need to be wrangled! Fu Dog Bookends, $49.95 @ CB2.

Paperwork is a whole lot more fun when you have something pretty to look at! Synchronicity File Folders, $5.99 @ Container Store.

Feeling stabby? Get Dead Fred. You can stab him over and over again without dealing with lawyers and jail and juries. Dead Fred Pen Holder, $9.95 @ High Fashion Home.

Writing notes would be so much more pleasureable if I was writing with something beautiful. I absolutely love this pencil. Flowering Twig, $5 @ Anthropologie.

Hey Mama

It took me too long to realize just how cool my mom is. Sorry, Mom! I knew for sure she was cool the other day when I was checking out the pillows on Jonathan Adler's website and some of the patterns looked strangely familiar...

My mom made these pillows and the bench cushion when she and my dad lived on the East Coast for the Navy in the late 60's/early 70's.

The pillows and bench are needlepointed in a Bargello style motif. What was very cool back then is cool once again.

Look familiar? The bottom right pillow in the Chevron pattern is the same one my mom used to cover her bench (except for the colors, of course!). Oh, Mom... You're so cool.

Jonathan Adler pillows, clockwise from top left: Bargello Waves Pillow in Multi, 16x16, $125; Bargello Puzzle Pillow, 22x22, $175; Bargello Chevron Pillow, 22x22, $175; Bargello Kaleidoscope Pillow, 12x12, $95.

Cleanup on Aisle Five!

Accessories are my favorite, no matter what kind. You can have fun with accessories- go bright, go funky, go with an insanely dizzying pattern, it's all good!

Keeping the above proclamation in mind, I love collecting dishtowels. As soon as I got my own place, I began snatching them up. Striped ones, holiday ones, vintage-inspired ones... The list goes on. They add a much needed dose of color to an otherwise generic and bland apartment kitchen. Here are some of the ones that have caught my eye lately...

I love the depth of the plum color and I'm always a sucker for batik! Bubble chain linen tea towels from 5 o'clock Crows via Etsy, $26 (P.S. There are more colors available!)

Nothing says whimsy like a Marimekko print! Kippis Tea Towels (set of two), $22.50 via Finn Style.

I always pick up two or three towels when I go to Crate & Barrel. At 4 bucks a pop, why not? Salsa Stripe Dishtowels, $3.95 each.

This reminds me of the trip my hubby and I took to Acapulco. Growth Spurt Dishtowel, $16 at Anthropologie.

These are classic kitchen decor. May vintage labels never go out of style! Italian Kitchen Towels, $5.95 each at Sur La Table.

Care for a Spot of Tea?

Hearing the words "Tea Party" brings three things to mind: The city of Boston, Alice in Wonderland, and beautiful china teacups. Teacups are the one thing I display all the time whether they are being used for tea or not. They hold my jewelry, I toss those extra buttons that come with clothes into them, and they serve as candy bowls when guests come over. They're not so much about function for me, and a piece of table art. Keeping that in mind, here are some gorgeous teacups (and pots!) I've found lately...

Royal Copenhagen really does make tabletop art. These are exquisite.

I'm so glad Missoni moved their iconic prints to china. What a perfect centerpiece this teapot would make!

The ombre saucer looks fantastic with the bright floral cup. I think I have a place for you right on my coffee table... Margherita by Missoni.

My friend and coworker, Jennifer, got some of the Lenox "Chirp" pattern for her wedding. Isn't it cute and Springy?

Kate Spade can do no wrong. This is heavenly!

I would fill this Vera Wang teapot with a tight bunch of peonies and set it on my dining table. Tres romantique!

I can always count on Anthropologie for cute, inexpensive teacups. A pop of color with gold accents is just what I need/want.

Happy (Recession) Valentine's Day

Mmmm... caramels. The dish is really cute, too! I wouldn't mind painting one over at a ceramics studio to go with the gift! But I'm losing focus here. Find the recipe at House Beautiful.

Isn't love lovely? It's also costs an arm and a leg. You've got dinners to pay for, birthday and Christmas gifts, and the greatest money-sucker of all: Valentine's Day. Don't get me wrong! I love the holiday! Any holiday that looks like pink exploded all over the world is A-ok with me. And my mom still gives me yummy heart shaped cookies. (If you're reading this, do I still get them this year even though I'm married?)

I swear I have a point with all of this rambling. My point is, I have vowed not to spend a fortune on a gift for my husband this V-Day. I'm going to use the old tactic of getting to his heart via his stomach with some baked goodies. Apparently, this is a popular idea, because a lot of my favorite magazines and blogs are supplying me with tasty recipes. So throw on your chef's hat and get to baking!

My apologies. The recipe for these delicious looking Chocolate Chunk & Cherry Cookies is not online, but you can get it in this month's issue of Country Living!

What is a holiday without a little Martha? Her Heart-Shaped Meringues with Passion Fruit Curd look refreshingly tasty!


I'm not a big coconut fan, but these won me over. Chocolate-dipped Macaroons via Domino.

I couldn't resist these. The icing looks like a sprinkled cloud! Red Velvet Cupcakes with Fluffy Meringue Icing via Food Network.

Will you be my Valentine??

Valentine's Day is only 17 days away and counting so I've listed a few ideas for your special someone in case you've completely wrecked your brains!!

A romantic night in is always a safe bet! Everyone loves chocolate, wine, and a long hot bath. What would this lovely situation be without candles!?A romantic fusion of the exotic spices and precious woods of His and the blend of Tahitian vanilla and spun sugar of Hers. His and Hers Blend Quickies burn for 5 hours each. $24.00

A simple cooked dinner or take-out can be just the ticket from a stressful week and a perfect get-away for your special somone so why not set the mood with simmering, soul music?

Try out one of our cd's called "Midnight Soul 3"--I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. :) $28.00

I personally find coupons for a free car wash or a movie night a really great idea to give anyone for Valentine's Day but we carry an item with a new twist on this sentimental gift.

No explanation needed. $5.95

Board games like Monopoly, Cranium or Pictionary are always fun for two or for a house full. Even a good game of cards is worth while so this next item could be something you couples might want to try out.

Truth or Dare is perfect and might bring you down memory lane (except on cards!). $16.95

Brilliant Book of the Week: uh-oh Domino!

Yay for the new Domino: Book of Decorating!! I bought it for Sarah's birthday and now I want one for moi. Oh well. I can't rave about this book enough.

Check it out!

"Domino: The Book of Decorating," by Deborah Needleman, Sara Ruffin Costello, and Dara Caponigro.

First of all, it's hard enough finding decorating books that present their ideas in an organized way. The editors of Domino magazine have done a fabulous job laying this book out by rooms and how to go about decorating spaces no matter how big or small.

I especially love the first chapter because it helps light a fire under your toush. As a design student, our professors always tell us we can't dive right into a project--we have to plan and organize how we are going to execute the big picture. Finding inspiration, deciding your style, determining how the room is used, what items you'll need to keep, drawing a floor plan, planning on a budget, doing research, and last, but not least, starting the room you want to decorate. There's much more to decorating than picking out paint swatches and light fixtures, as you can see.

So, if you'd like to add a book to your library that gives great tips and looks good on your coffee table, then I'd hit the bookstore and get it hot off the press!!

Happy Reading!

Wrap Star

Perfect wrapping is a snap. Heidi offers everything you need in one package for your package. It's impossible to mess up! My favorite part is the ombre ribbon.

I know, I know... It's what's on the inside that counts, right? But nice wrapping never hurts either! Part of the fun of giving gifts is making the wrapping cool and artistic- a package that the receiver almost doesn't want to open because it's so pretty. It all starts with the right paper, and you can't go wrong with these:

Inject a little street cred into your wrapping with Monster Doodle paper by Jon Burgerman at Nineteen Seventy Three.

For the "Oh crap! I forgot to wrap your present" moment. Though, you'd better know someone in the UK if you want this, because they don't yet ship to the US. Wavy Stripe Shoe Box by Paperchase.

This would really pop with a bright red ribbon tied around it! Baubles in Blu by Pikku.

For a gift with a side of cheek. You're Welcome by Fish Lips at Verde Paperie.

I love mixing different colors of the same pattern when there are multiple boxes. Play by Eieio Studio.

Now that you have the paper, what do you do with it? Count on Kate's Paperie to tutor you in the art of gift wrap. Now go forth and wrap!

The Year of the 'Stache

via Skogen Blog.

I came across this little jewel on NotCot and couldn't resist sharing. The moustache is not over yet! Now you can decorate your tree in them. Sweet.

Stuff Your Stocking! Part Two

I hope you enjoyed part one of the Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide, but if you didn't, maybe these will win your over! Twenty-five more tiny treasures for someone you love (or at least kind of like). Take a peek...

From top left, by row:

Tarina Tarantino Large Oval Cocktail Ring at Zappos, $92 (duh! Free shipping!)

Viva Terra Organic Chocolate Truffles, $36

Suck Uk Hymn Book iPod Case, available at High Fashion Home, $26

Pluma Feather Headband in Blue at Revolve, $48 (Other colors available and so in style!)

Pottery Barn & SurEvolution Frangipani Server Set, $27

Umbra iPod Nano Bungee in Blue, about $11

Uncommon Goods On/Off Duty Pillowcase Set, $32 (For those new parents!)

Victoria's Secret Pink Cotton Button-front Hipster in All Heart, about $8

White House/Black Market Grey Glass Pearl Starburst Pin, $41

Lutz & Patmos Cable Pillow Cover at West Elm, $39 (Don't forget a pillow insert!)

Benefit "That Gal" Face Brightening Primer at Ulta, $28

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel at Sephora, $45

Ikea Skimmer 11" Candlestick, $10 (Buy one of each size and mix them!)

Pier 1 Notepads, $6 each

Chef'n Garlic Zoom at Sur la Table, $10

Melissa Joy Manning Chain Wrapped Amethyst Drop Earrings at Shop Bop, about $88

Urban Outfitters Mix Tape Flash Drive, $15 (Add your own personalized mix!)

Williams-Sonoma Olive Wood Salt Keeper, $49

Papyrus Rainbow Swirl with Glitter Thank You Notes, $10

ZGallerie "Not Yours" Luggage Tag, $7

Oneida Set of 4 Cheese Spreaders, $20

Melie Bianco Diagonal Zip Clutch at Piperlime, $59

Restoration Hardware Rubik's Cube, about $10 (Everyone has to have one of these!)

MoMa Mini Sky Umbrella at Target, $35

RabLabs Agate Coaster Set of 4 at High Fashion Home, $59

Merry Christmas!

NY Times: 25 Holiday Gifts for Under $25

Everyone is out scouring for gift ideas. It is always a bonus when you can find the perfect home decor gift at a great price. The New York Times released their top 25 Holiday Gifts for the Home for under $25. Here are my top 5 favorites.

$16-24: Mercury glass birds; West Elm

$16: Ornate alarm clock; Urban Outfitters

$5, Kallt decorator set; Ikea

$20, Tea Forte Cup: It was a featured item in Oprah; Bloomingdale's.

$10: Vintage camera photo album; Anthropologie.

Stuff Your Stocking! Part One

On the hunt for miniature gifts to put in a loved one's stocking? Look no further! There are only 9 more days until Christmas, and I'm giving you 50 ideas to finish up your shopping. From five dollars to four hundred dollars, I've gotcha covered this holiday! And the best part? All of these things are available online. That means no battling the packed parking lots and insane register lines. That's my Christmas gift to you!

From top right, by row:

American Apparel Opaque Pantyhose in Golden Poppy, $14

Anthropologie Initial Pocket Mirror, $14

Apple 8gb iPod Nano in Yellow, $149 (psst! You can engrave it for FREE!!!)

Banana Republic Men's Deerskin Wool/Cashmere Lined Gloves in Brown, $79

Barnes & Noble Twilight by Stephenie Meyer audio book, $21 (Come on, I had to!)

Rayban Aviator Sunglasses in Silver from Barneys Co-op, $130

Slatkin & Co. Scentportable in Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin at Bath & Body Works, $5 (I have it! Smells Fantastic!)

Garmin Nuvi 265WT Portable GPS Navigator at Bed Bath & Beyond, $350

Sony Cybershot Digital Camera at Best Buy, $400

The Body Shop Invent Your Scent, $15

Noel by Josh Groban at Borders, about $13 (His version of "O Holy Night" makes me melt!)

Brooks Brothers Repp Tie, $75

CB2 Stainless Steel Snack Bowls, $11-20

Claire's Nailpolish Set, $10

Coach Hamptons Signature French Purse, $198

The Container Store "That Laptop is Mine" Organizer, $12

Crate & Barrel Sliding Tea Infuser, $7

Dylan's Candy Bar Gourmet Pretzels, $34 (Big time Yum!)

Forever 21 "Evita" Satin Clutch, $16

Gap White Reindeer Boxers, $9

High Fashion Home Luke Skywalker Mimbot USB Port, $40 (We've also got Hans and Leia!)

James Avery Jingle Bell Charm in Sterling Silver, $33

J. Crew Metallic Foil Skinny Belt, $38

Kate Spade "Jane Street" Debra Organizer, $165

MICHAEL Michael Kors Slouchy Leather Gloves, $170

Stay tuned for another 25 ideas in tomorrow's part two!

Stars Wars USB Coming Soon to a Tree Near You!

Luke, Han Solo, Princess Leia, and many of the Star Wars characters have been miniaturized and USB'd. The Stars Wars USB from Mimoco have a limited run of 3500, so you should go ahead and stock up for all of your loved ones. Also, every time you insert your USB, your favorite character will say a line from the movie. How cool is that?

Princess Leia: Rocking the Buns!

Han Solo USB: Harrison Ford has never looked so young.

Luke Skywalker USB: Where is Mark Hamil now?

Holiday SOS!

The situation: You're sleeping on the sofa, when you should be snug in bed, because you bought your size 6 wife and size 10 skirt.

The solution: Before you shop, get the Mrs. to fill out a Christmas Cheat Sheet by Made in England. You'll have all the information you need to make smart gift purchases.

The outcome: You're snuggling under the blankets with your lovely, happy wife.

Don't worry, ladies... There's a version for you, too.

Download the cheat sheets, for free, right here.

Breaking News!

I'd like to interrupt your regularly scheduled blog to bring you this breaking news bulletin: I found a really beautiful calendar over at Linda & Harriet that, I think, I must have. Each stunning page of the calendar is hand lettered with playful and colorful patterns adorning them. It's a perfect gift for someone on your list (namely, me), because, really, who doesn't need a calendar? I promise you, whichever friend says they don't use a calendar, is probably the flakiest friend you have. Do them (and me) a favor- get them this calendar. It's limited edition, so act quickly! I will now return you to your regularly scheduled blog. Good day.

You cannot tell me these are not wonderful.

July is mermaid month!

Classy Gift Ideas That Won't Break The Bank

Our team got a peek at Domino Magazine's gift ideas for the holidays. During this economic crunch, its nice to find a break where ever we can when spending heaps of money on our loved ones. In the December/ January issue, Domino has given us a plethora of ideas for under $25!!

Here are my top five favorites:

This Tsubota Pearl Japanese Chrome Lighter for $21 is a great gift for the candle lover in your life. As if there weren't enough things taking up space in the junk drawer, a clunky chunky lighter is not one of the things you need when it can be sleek, skinny and smaller than a pen. (This would also take up less space in a purse or pocket.)

I'm in love!! These cute and quirky French reprodutions of student notebooks are really sweet. They are only 6 ⅜" x 8 ⅝" and $3.95 a piece! Anyone who has an eye for international style would love to take notes in these. These aren't just functionally appealling, but think of your home decor! My apartment is covered in French Art Deco paintings, I'm considering framing some just for myself!

Along those vintage lines are these really cool Neo-Victorian soaps. They are "infused with carob, myrtle and marine mineral salts and smells a bit like the ocean." Sounds pretty fantastic to me. Black goes with any color interior, and they are only $7 a bar, so its win win!

The hand written note is a lost art. So is the usage of fun stamps. I think we should try to bring it all back. And this $9 1920's style stamp is just adorable. It reminds me of the old black and white Laurel and Hardy movies. I think this would be a great gift for anyone who thinks plain white envelopes are boring!
And lastly, these very classy heirloom-style reusable polycarbonate flatware. Hot!! Nothing like high-gloss black to make your holiday dining elegant and chic. For only $15.50 for four place settings, this gift will delight the hostess in your life.

Well, I hope these gifts will charm and impress all the classy people on your list. For more inspiration that won't break the bank, check out the rest of Domino's amazing gift idea's for under $25.

Happy Holiday's until next time!

//R

Holiday Gift Guide: Anthropologie

I popped by Anthropologie the other day to pick up a gift for my mom's birthday (Happy B*day, Mom!), and the cashier and I got to talking while she checked me out. We decided that Anthropologie is a fantastic place to shop if you want to check a lot of people off of your Christmas list in one fell swoop. They have such a vast variety of swell goodies that it's hard not to find something you, or someone you're shopping for, will love. Observe...

For your fashionista friends:

Fashion and function rolled into one. Fanned Flames Blouse, $89.95

How can you not be noticed in this? Mountain Laurel Necklace, $158

Pretty. Romantic. Lovelace Manor Shift, $148

For the domestic goddess in your life:

Nothing says "Holiday feast approaching!" like an apron. Nosegay Half Apron, $24

Add a little something pretty to the breakfast table. Pitch Pine Sugar Bowl, $24

June Cleaver sweet for 2008. Remember Me Surplice, $98

For the entertainer that's hosting the holiday festivities:

Festive fauna. Chirps & Cheers Garland, $128

The perfect dress in which to hostess. Evening's Promise Dress, $158

Well, you can't serve your friends on paper plates! Peacock Dinnerware, $14-$20

For the creative genius with a style all their own:

My favorite is the elephant! Animal Portrait Pendants, $48

Baby, it's cold outside. Homespun Throw, $198

Create your own work of art. Tenjin Shrine Puzzle, $148

For the vintage loving total lady:

Victorian Booties. Stove Warmed Boots, $168

Ravishing and regal. Ruffled Plume Jacket, $99.95

Get one or get them all. Analiese Taper Holders, $24 each

Can't pass up Stocking Stuffers:

Now that you have the notes, write some thank you's! Orla Kiely Thank You Cards, $18

A sweet addition to next year's tree. Milkmaid Ornament, Ada, $24
So teeny (3" around and 1" high!) and destined for a stocking! Beacon Ring Dish, $16

Don't forget the kiddos:

Give the kids their own mini garden. Grow Your Own Garden, Assylum, $20

These tiny earrings look adorable on a little princess. Serein Earrings, $28

Mommy's little helper can match! Nosegay Kid's Apron, $18