The Art of Layering

As winter sets in, I'm feeling the need to adorn myself with layers and layers of jewelry...À la style blogger Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific, who rocks loads of ornamentation daily.

I usually have on at least one big accessory, but now I'm on the hunt for the best rings and bracelets to stack on top of one another! I am especially fond of the four rings in the bottommost image...Do you like this look?

All images via Atlantic-Pacific.

Weekend Beginnings

Happy Friday! Even though I work on Saturdays, I'm still happy when Friday rolls around...Tonight I'm off to grab dinner and drinks with friends, and then Mr. V and I are going to Sleep No More for the second time. I hope the performance is as enjoyable as it was during the last visit!

Have a relaxing and fun start to the weekend!

Image via A Diary of Lovely, Photographer: Nancy Collins.

From the North Pole (via 29th Street)

Back in August, I shared my delight with Mr. Boddington's Studio, the wonderful and whimsical stationary store that is my personal favorite. This Christmas, Mr. Boddington 's employees are offering to serve as jolly elves and write you a letter on behalf of Santa. For every letter Mr. Claus receives care of Mr. Boddington, the studio will send a hand-written letter back "from the desk of Santa Claus." Such a sweet idea!

Not only would this be a fun suprise in the mail for a little one, but I'd love to receive it myself! In fact, I think I'll put my pen to paper right now and send off a note to Saint Nick...When I get my lovely letter in response, I'll put it in a silver frame to display during the holidays. Wouldn't having personal correspondence from Santa on display add the best dose of merriment to your decor? I'm going to try it out! Happy December!

Image via Mr. Boddington's Studio.

A Fashionista's Christmas

Now that Thanksgiving is savored and done, I'm ready to begin decorating for Christmas in full force. It may not yet be December, but the greenery, stockings, and lights are coming out now! This year, I thought I'd approach my holiday decor as I would an outfit...

How gorgeous is this coat and purse combo? I adore the elegance of winter white, and I love how these monochromatic stockings show off the texture and material of the fabric - and it makes the presents pop!

However, perhaps a more subtle palatte of light greens and ivory is the way to go. It's so ethereal, and a few key subdued colors could be added, like in this holiday bonsai tree, for a more dynamic effect...

But then again, who isn't mezmerized by splashes of bright red?! The impact of crimson is unrivaled in both dress and decor. You can never go wrong with classic Christmas colors!

I'm not sure which way to go yet, but I'd be happy with any of these design schemes! Do you have a favorite?

Image one of Filipa Fino wearing a Gucci coat and Nina Ricci bag via Vogue.com, Photographer: Marko MacPherson; Images two, four, and six (all the interiors) via MarthaStewart.com; Image three of Anja Rubik via Citizen Couture; Image five of Daria Werbowy in a Lanvin dress from Vogue.

Velvet Crush

I've been a bit obsessed with this room since I first saw it in Elle Decor in 2007. I'd love to snuggle up on that daybed and read a good book, write Christmas cards, blog, nap...Really anything for that matter! It just looks so cozy.

The daybed, upholstered in Accolade velvet by Pollock, is fitted with a mattress covered in mohair velvet by the Silk Trading Co. My mom recently reupholstered a couch in mohair, and while I was a bit reluctant when I first heard her plan, I absolutely love the mohair velvet here...It looks so luxurious! The pillows are made from fabrics by Q Collection. In my living room, I have a similarly colored orange velvet pillow on a corner chair with an ivory silk pillow, an effect that I love. This color and design scheme is near and dear to my heart - clean lines, plush fabrics, and rich, warm colors. My favorite aesthetic!

Anthony Cochran's West Village studio from May 2007 Elle Decor, Photographer: Eric Piasecki.

Living the Dream

Recently, The New York Times wrote a piece on a New York designer who bought a tiny carriage house in Paris - only nineteen feet deep and six and a half feet wide!

It's an uplifting story of someone who will do anything to achieve his dream of living in Paris, and found inspiration in the smallest, formerly uninspired space. While it's a bit too teeny for me (I cannot bear anything smaller than our one bedroom Manhattan apartment), I love the story, and I most certainly adore Paris. This story is a great reminder to have faith in the power of great design!

Image via Valerio Mezzanotti for The New York Times.