Quote of the Day: Christian Dior

"Aside from women, flowers are God's loveliest gift to the world." - Christian Dior

Photos 1, 2, 3

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Two Mother Goose Rhymes.

"Sugar and spice and all things nice
That's what little girls are made of!"


"Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails
That's what little boys are made of !"


Photos: 1, 2

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Chocolat Chaud.

mmmmmm. Brings back memories of snowy days, Christmas time, ski slopes, and crackling fires. Somehow it feels right to drink it with mittens on or when wearing a sweater like this. Add a little spice like cinnamon or chili powder for a little pizzaz the next time you make a cup. Or, try using this recipe for step by step sweetness.

For a real treat, try Serendipity's frozen hot chocolate. A famous restaurant in NYC (like most of those crazy busy restaurants - book months in advance), its frozen hot chocolate has become as famous as the restaurant itself. Since its opening in 1954, it has been serving up this delicious twist on the traditional hot chocolate. Fortunately for those of us who don't swing by the high brow restaurants of NYC on a frequent basis, we can order this delicious dessert in packages from Amazon! It has become a traditional Christmas gift in our family. Try it. You won't be disappointed.

Photos: 1, 2

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Fashion Books.

Project Runway's Nina Garcia and Christian Dior. Two gods of the fashion world put their advice into two, sweet little books. Garcia's book, entitled "The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own," is filled with humorous and practical suggestions for the 'essentials' of every fashionistas' closet. Dior's "The Little Dictionary of Fashion," although written in the early 1900s, is still the best fashion book I have ever found. His advice is truly timeless, as is the house of fashion he left behind. Whether you're 15 or 40, this book is applicable and an enjoyable read. As Emily Post's book is to etiquette, so should Dior's Dictionary be to fashion - a set of rules and advice for every classy woman.

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Tidbits: Versailles

Did you know that part of Versailles is being turned into a high-end hotel? The historical society is going to use some of the funds from the hotel to keep up Versailles. Their goal is to provide people with the authentic experience that the residents of Versailles would have had. What a fairy tale!

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What Talent!

These two young ladies are so gifted! The first piece is a watercolor by Molly entitled "Sarah." The second piece is done by Adrienne using charcoal and is called "Luke Holding Sophia." Take a look at more of Adrienne's art and Molly's art.

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Fresh Finds: Swept Swag Sweatshirt

What a fun take on a comfy sweatshirt from Anthropologie! Made of soft cotton, this shirt feels like you never took off your pjs. Yet, the extra fabric in the front falls so softly, it makes you look put together like no other sweatshirt can. Cozy and chic? Yes, please.

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Flash Back: Stripes

The classic, horizontal striped shirt. Two things come to mind when thinking about this look: the Navy and Coco Chanel. The stripped shirt was originally seen on sailors, particularly the French. Having rather salty connotations because of its origins, this shirt was seen as a masculine fashion. (Hard to believe, huh?) However, in the 1920s, Coco Chanel revolutionized the fashion world through her menswear inspired, simple clothing. Blazers, trousers, and the infamous striped shirt were the foundational pieces of her signature look. Simple, yet couture, this darling style has made it back on the street. From Forever 21 to J. Crew to Nordstroms - there's a style for every budget. Grab a baguette, some brie, and bon shopping!

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Classics: A Philadelphia Story

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Photographic Reflections: Creativity

1, 2, 3, 4

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The Tourist

If you're looking for a movie with beautiful people, costumes, and scenery, the Tourist is a delight. Starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp, the film is set in Venice and filmed like a 1950s classic, old school. Jolie plays a mysterious English beauty in love with a thief. With the hopes of reuniting with her lover, a game of hide and seek begins where the audience is unaware of her lover's identity. In her elegance and splendor, she attracts an unsuspecting, spy novel reading American (Depp) who becomes entangled in her dangerous game involving gangsters, Scotland Yard, and the Italian Police. Destined to be a classic like "To Catch a Thief," it'll keep you star-struck, laughing and guessing until the very end.

Jolie's wardrobe alone is a subject of awe. All of her pieces were created by Oscar winning costume designer Colleen Atwood, who also designed the costumes for Little Women, Chicago, and Alice & Wonderland, amongst others. Every outfit Jolie dons is sublime, whether a ball gown or day dress. Re-creating the styles of the 1950s, she wears nude Salvatore Ferragamo pumps, opera gloves, a fur capalet, large post earrings, and something similar to this satin evening gown. Although all of these items are decidedly expensive, there are many ways to emulate her style for a fraction of the cost. These nude pumps, vintage inspired posts, and this beautiful evening gown are classy additions to any wardrobe that wouldn't cost a production budget to buy. Happy viewing!

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Vintage Icons: Ingrid Bergman

Igrid Bergman was an icon of the 1940's Golden Age in Hollywood. Potentially one of the most international actresses of all time, Bergman spoke all of five languages: German, English, French, Italian, and her native Swedish. Although her legacy lies in her role as Ilsa in Casablanca with Humphrey Bogart, the actress received her two Academy Awards for best actress from other films: Gaslight and Anastasia. Her sophistication lay in simple, memorable pieces such as her hat in Casablanca, gold bracelets, and neatly tailored skirt suits.

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"It's got to be that can't-eat, can't- sleep, reach-for-the-stars, over-the-fence, world-series kind of stuff...." from It Takes Two


Photos by Michelle Cross

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Road Trip

I received the monthly email update from Anthropologie with these natural, breezy photos (quite a happy addition to my mailbox). Doesn't it make you want to find a used Mustang convertible, grab your aviators, an old La's cassette and hit the road?

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Tuendae Salutis.

"When the sacredness of life before birth is attacked, we will stand up and proclaim that no one ever has the authority to destroy unborn life. When a child is described as a burden or is looked upon only as a means to satisfy an emotional need, we will stand up and insist that every child is a unique and unrepeatable gift of God, with the right to a loving and united family..." -Pope John Paul II

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Somewhere In Time

Somewhere in Time is an enchanting movie set in both 1980 and 1912. Starring Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, and Christopher Plummer, it is a love story for all times. The score was composed by John Barry and is one of my favorite soundtracks (look at the video for the theme song!). The movie takes place at the Grand Hotel, a paradigm of early 20th century grandeur. Incidentally, this beautiful hotel still exists and has been there since 1887! The hotel is located on Mackinac Island in Michigan where you will find no cars, but only horse-drawn carriages to preserve the original simplicity like that found in 1912.

Jane Seymour plays a rising starlet and is elegance itself. Here are some pieces I've found that remind me of her post-Victorian sophistication: This dress from Anthropologie, satin opera gloves, these cameo earrings, a modern version of the fancy hats they wore, an oxford heel, and (my favorite) this timeless strand of long pearls. Enjoy lovelies!

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Medley: Plum and Gray

"Trickle Down Top" from Anthropologie
"Crystal Pave Set Ring" from Ann Taylor
"Classic Leather Belt" from J. Crew
"Zipper-Detail Tunic Top" from BCBG
"Lotus Earrings in Lilac" from the Spotted Moth

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Athete Chic: Tennis, Anyone?

I'd love to go to Wimbledon after donning this slouchy tennis sweater, a soft pleated skirt, a classic pair of white tennys, and, of course, the quintessential Lacoste polo. Your serve!

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On the Subject of Tea...

Caffeine, antioxidants, and shelves of flavorful mixtures - tea is quite a splendid thing. However, for really exceptional tea, Teavana offers dozens of fresh, loose teas. They sell white, green, oolong, black, herbal, rooibos, and mate teas. My favorites are the Peach Cran-Tango and the Queen of Babylon. Combine these teas with your favorite overstuffed chair, a soft blanket and a good read (Alice and Wonderland, perhaps?) and you're good to go.

P.S. Here are several classic recipes for scones, because what's better with tea than a piping hot raisin scone?

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Fresh Finds: Brass Teapot Necklace

Simple and curious, this quirky teapot would compliment a tank like this, or maybe when using a mug like this?

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