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The downside of traveling…

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I’m leaving for London on Sunday (t-minus 6 days!) which means its time…the dreaded packing time that I hate more than almost anything.

I am by far one of the worst packers because I try so hard to be strategic but somehow convince myself I need multiple outfits for each day and end up packing a bag that weighs more than me and has nothing that I actually want to wear once I arrive.

What’s the trick to packing? How do you narrow down all the options? Shoes are an especially difficult packing item for me.

Great Gatsby style

I finally watched The Great Gatsby (after rereading the book for the 1,000,000th time) and I loved the party scenes with all the ladies dancing in their slinky flapper dresses with matching  feathered or beaded headbands. I love how the dresses from the 1920′s hang and drape so effortlessly. Maybe I will be able to find the perfect 20′s inspired dress for New Years Eve!?

What I’m thankful for

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Much like last year, I decided to share some of the more unconventional things I am thankful for. Let it be said that although they are not on this particular list I am incredibly thankful for my family, friends, puppy dog and living in this amazing city.

I’m also thankful for:

-Cool days and colder nights — I love layering, warm sweaters and cozy socks

-All the new music I’ve fallen in love with this year — Ingrid Michaelson and The Weepies

-Joe’s Jeans black jeggings — they are uber comfy but still look clean and polished

-Jonathan Adler wallpaper

-Turkey burgers from Pita Grill (plus they deliver!)

-Site that inspire me — we heart it, cup of jo, cupcakes & cashmere, brook&lyn, because im addicted, etsy, rosy+tart, coco+kelly … just to name a few

Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving and wonderful holiday season!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

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Across the board | Holiday gift guide for all

These gifts may be all purpose but they are certainly not cookie cutter. All of the ideas work for any of those situations where you’re just not sure what to get someone. The importance here is to mix traditional with a little fun and whimsy…just get a gift receipt to be safe!

2011 Calendar | United Bamboo
Stonewear grand teapot | Le Creuset
Natural maple burl bookends | ABC Home
Acrylic leaning wine rack | cb2
Bananagrams letter tile game | Bananagrams
Eames chair coasters | MoMA
Wine and dine plate | Crate&Barrel
Chroma candlestick | Anthropologie
Mad Men: Seasons 1-3 | AMC
Bamboo cheese board and dome | West Elm
British flag dog bed | Jonathan Adler
What to cook & how to cook it | Barnes & Noble

It’s a guy thing | Holiday gift guide for him

It’s never easy shopping for guys, especially the ones who have everything. Think of it this way, if it’s something you like and you think he’ll like, it’s probably the right gift! Here’s a combination of things for every man: the gadget guy, the metro, the traditional man, and the artsy type. Happy Holidays!

Aluminum round fountain pen | Muji
Timex vintage army watch | J. Crew
Messenger bag | Sneaky Warthog
Waterproof ipad case | Dry Case
Patchwork zip pocket jacket | Michael Kors
Plaid flannel pajama set | Ralph Lauren
Salford oxford shoe | Paul Smith
Raw denim jean | APC
Tartan button down | French Connection
Camera starter kit | Holga
Perfect shave kit | The Art of Shaving
Happy socks | Steven Alan
Custom vintage mens bow tie | Tux and Tulle

Signature style | Holiday gift guide for her

I’m a firm believer that personal style is way more important than wearing what’s hot and trendy. Below are some of the things that I think will add and enhance anyone’s wardrobe and life overall! These are just suggestions. The fun in gift giving is finding the perfect gift for that special someone. Happy Holidays!

Wool fair isle sweater | Marc Jacobs
Instax camera | Fuji
Black tulle dress | Lanvin for H&M
Essie nail polish four-pack | J. Crew
Gia necklace | Dannijo
Hi 5 mittens | Kate Spade
Knitted pouf | cb2
Knuckle sammy owl ring | In God We Trust
Leopard printed tights | Betsey Johnson
Faux fur vest | Michael Michael Kors
Ruffled cashmere bralette | Anthropologie
Botanical notes & calling cards | Rifle Paper Co.
Needlepoint pillows | Jonathan Adler
Canvas backpack | Kimchi Blue

Happy Friday

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Today’s the day! I was super productive this week — I finished  my gift guides, look for them next week  — so I can’t wait to just curl up in bed tonight and not worry about getting up tomorrow. Snuggle up and enjoy!

Workout obsessed

Well not really obsessed with the actual working out, but with these amazing running shorts for Lululemon! They have so many handy little pockets!

Monogrammed

I was back at home in CT a few weeks ago and went to my favorite little jewelry store in New Caanan, Penny Weights (the selection is enormous and all the prices are insanely low). While we were there my mom found the perfect signet ring, something I’ve been looking for for awhile, and is it getting it engraved as an early Hanukkah present. I can’t wait to see the finished product!

In the past

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