everything is wonderful

What a positive little tote bag you are! Everything is wonderful... Isn't it though?

Sure I may be double-fisting caffeine to see me through the completion of a last big work project of the year, but it's nearly time to fly away to New York for a festive family holiday. I can hardly wait!

a swell getup...for that holiday get together

The holiday party season is officially in full swing. From work events to meet ups with friends and family, this time of year provides plenty of excuses to get dolled up.

Each year, I rely on one solid getup that can make the transition from work party to Christmas Eve dinner. This silky dress comes in a flattering shape while sporting a bold green shade that manages to feel festive without being cheesy.

Pair with a solid pair of suede heels, a clever clutch and minimal jewelry and you're ready to head to a function with coworkers OR cocktails with college friends. The only thing missing from above? Why, the eggnog, Clark!

Dress: Mossbluff Dress, Madewell, $125
Clutch: Black Leather Envelope, chicwish.com. $43
Tights: Matte Gray Stockings, Top Shop, $12
Heels: Stacked Suede Heels, Michael Kors, $295
Earrings: Black Garnett Astrid Studs, Catbird NYC, $150
Ring: Classic Hammered Knuckle Ring, Catbird NYC, $64

P.S. Don't you love the model's red hair? I've contemplated dying my own hair red, but decided against it when I realized it would not in fact make me look like Jessica Chastain.

pretty birds

Photographer Leila Jeffreys Wild Cockatoos images are stunning. I'd love to frame prints and hang them in a row.

pom pom wrapping paper

Need. Want. Love.

This pom pom wrapping paper by Tudi Billo rocks! When I saw it, I might have even clapped my hands.

Who cares about the gift inside when it comes packaged like this? Delightful!

I spotted these on the always adorable Oh Joy!, but you can purchase these "gift papers (not wrapping paper?)" here for a cool $18.

(image via oh joy!)

decanter sets

These decanter sets from Shop Furbish are my new favorite things. According to S, I'm no longer allowed to purchase any dishes, glassware or tabletop accessories. Drag!

Having said that, don't you think these would make welcome additions to our bar cart (remember this post)?

After all, a real pirate drinks their hootch from a glass with a ship on it, right? If this approach fails I'm not above pulling at the heart strings. Example: "Just look at that little fox's sweet face!"

These will be mine. Oh yes. They will be mine.

(images via shop furbish)

golden gatsby

Madly in love with Loren Hope's Art Deco necklaces. Aren't they beautiful?

They lit the Rockefeller Center tree last night. Hope's designs remind me very much of the detailed architecture of the Rock Center office buildings (shout out, S & S!) with their decadent, shaped details and gold painted accents.

our "first" thanksgiving

S and I have been married for five whole years, but never in that time were we not with one of our sets of parents for Thanksgiving.

This year, thanks to strange work schedules and family health concerns, we found ourselves for the first time in Nashville for Thanksgiving and charged with the task of preparing our own feast. No pressure!

Well, despite a few stressful moments and missing our families tremendously, our first Thanksgiving turned out beautifully. Sam's sis E and her fella C even joined us after the afternoon meal for wine and dessert.

We used our china for the first time EVER and settled in to making a few family traditions of our very own. For example, Billie Holiday makes one heck of a Turkey Day soundtrack, brining the bird really does make a difference and pecans and sausage will forever appear in our chosen dressing recipe.

Here are a few snaps of our spread and the holiday weekend. Hope your holiday was both love-filled and delicious.

1-pan roasting brussel sprouts with Benton's bacon/2-sausage, pecan and sweet cornbread dressing/3-KJB's au gratin potatoes and Papa's deviled eggs/4-a peek at the spread (and the bird!)/5-glazed apple tart/6-THE TURKEY PLATE

rolf and daughters

 

One thing we love about living in historic Germantown are the adorable houses and quaint streets. The other is our proximity to some of Nashville's tastiest restaurants.

Famed City House, home of the world's most amazing ham pizza specials, is just around the corner. While Silo, with its tasty bar snacks and tart gimlets, is right downstairs!

When a chef pal of ours mentioned that Rolf and Daughters was opening only a few blocks away, we were stoked.

We made our way to chic, rustic space last night for a late dinner with our friend LC and...wow. It was something.

The food was pitch perfect. For only opening a few days ago, I could hardly believe how each element of the meal was handled with relaxed precision. Our friend commented that it made her feel like she was back in NYC dining at the Hudson Hotel. Ah, memories...

inkkit stationery and supplies

Swooning over inkkit's Etsy shop. Filled with interesting stationary supplies and cool wrapping and packaging options. How gorgeous are those rustic wooden pencils?

Reverting to elementary school-aged joy (picture getting a new Lisa Frank folder and matching pencil set, but better) over these glittery triangle stickers and that striped tape.

  
I'm not a crafty gal, but these pics have me daydreaming about festive ways to wrap presents.

I know, I know. Let's get through the turkey first.

(images via inkkit's etsy shop)

"among the pines"

How pretty is this tree pillow by OK Electric (spotted in Fine Little Day's shop)? I can almost smell the pine! It would make a cozy addition to the sofa this time of year.

The imagery makes me this of a recent excursion to the Pacific Northwest....and Twin Peaks!

 I love Design*Sponge's "Living In..." series, and their post on the series from a few months back is one of my favorites.

Click here for all the details. Also, Agent Dale Cooper forever.

a swell getup for...catching some live music

Not surprising, one of our favorite ways to spend an evening out in Nashville is catching a live show. We do live in Music City after all!

From the 5 Spot to The End over to 3rd and Lindsley or even The Stone Fox, the above ensemble strikes the perfect balance between comfortable and rocker chic.

Leather leggings and stacked heels? Yum. Since we've moved to Nash, I've been indulging in heels more. What can I say? Walking two blocks is a lot easier "on the dogs" compared to the 20 or more we typically covered on foot during a night out back in NYC.

I plan on wearing something similar when we catch Morrissey at the Ryman after Christmas (my Junior High heart beats wildly).

Get the look for yourself below.

Wide brim fedora, Rag and Bone, $175
Navy Ponte blazer, Topshop, $90
Silk tee, Madewell, $65
Black wedge hells, Dolce Vita, $90
Wrap watch, Shopbop, $120
Stretch leather leggings, Topshop, $64 (similar style)

(top image via pinterest)

cheers to barcarts!

Loyal readers may recall this post from a few years ago about my hope of setting up a bar in our tiny NYC abode. Well, set up that little bar we did and it was fabulous!

Fast forward a few years later to our present digs here in Nashville and space concerns plague us no longer. For this very reason, I'm contemplating setting up a similar beverage station in our new home, but this time...bigger. The empty wall beside our desk is practically begging for a bar cart.

Is it me or are these inspirational clips from Pinterest making you feel a bit thirsty? Cheers!

(all images pulled from pinterest; top image originally via cup of jo; middle images cupcakes and cashmere; others unknown)

hansel from basel tights

I have a crush on Hansel from Basel's circle dot tights in navy. Aren't they cute and cozy?

The L.A. based legwear designers make me excited that the really chilly weather has finally arrived here in Tennessee. Talk about a perfect excuse to purchase their cleverly crafted tights and socks...

See Chloe Moretz in their curtain tights below.

(images via frolic! and nylon)

emergency compliments

Quick! It's a rainy Monday morning and I need something more than the Starbucks in my hand to get me moving.

Solution? The silly site Emergency Compliment. 

Click through for your own personal dose of flattery. Here's are a few examples of what you might discover:

If the first compliment isn't working for you, guide your mouse down to the "I still feel crappy" link and brace yourself for continued admiration.

Happy Monday, dear ones!

(images via emergency compliment)

happy (anniversary) weekend

It's been five years since  I said "I do" to my most favorite person on the planet. My how time flies when you're having fun! It seems like I was just posting this on our fourth anniversary...

I caught the classic flick "Barefoot in the Park" a few days ago and couldn't help but be reminded of our first few years of marriage in New York. The endless walk up stairs, the freezing winters, the ridiculous spats, the make ups.

For our first anniversary here in Nashville, we kept things wonderfully simple. Between opening the restaurant and the move, simple and focused was just what the doctor ordered.

Here's a bit of celebration:

 a romantic afternoon stroll in the park under a blue sky and brilliant leaves

warby parker at imogene + willie

I've had mad love for Warby Parker since they came on the scene a few years. I originally posted on my love for their Miles frames back in 2010. Well, fast forward to 2012 and while I still love my ol' Miles, I'm currently on the lookout for a fresh set of specs.

Warby's new offering the Benson (in Olivewood, please) appears to be the winner.

We popped by imogene + willie last night to celebrate the launch of Warby Parker's new showroom at their 12 South shop. We visited with some pals, tried on frames, drank a serious Old Fashioned or two (made with Belle Meade Bourbon) and helped our dear pal E pick out a pair of "hipster" jeans before he heads back to London today.

Fun times! Here are a few pics of the event.

 P.S. I love the Sideshow Signs "WP" above the display case. Check out more of their work here.

(images via warby parker)

sequinned cardigan

Oh, Zara, you minx.

This sequinned cardigan is just the ticket. Doesn't it make one heck of a glam yet cozy fall wardrobe addition? 

Practial? Not really...but it would be perfect for a chilly night out on the town.

(images via zara)

currently cooking: classic roast chicken

This time of year begs for comfort food and there are few things more cozy on a chilly fall evening than the scent of a bird roasting in the oven.

Lately, we can't seem to get enough roasted chicken. Our favorite recipe includes lemon, rosemary, fingerling potatoes and is super easy to make.

The recipe comes courtesy of Miss Goop herself, Gwyneth Paltrow. Haters are going to hate, but I love GP. Her cookbook My Father's Daughter is worth purchasing for the salad dressing recipes alone!