Thursday, November 29, 2012

The Perfect Party Dress

This time of the year is filled with holiday parties, dinners downtown with friends, ballets, plays, and plenty of cocktail hours.  The perfect holiday dress has a little something special - be it a rich velvet, just the right amount of sparkle, luxe organza, or a dainty bow.  Below are a few of my favorites which I would be more than happy to pull out whenever the occasion arises this season.



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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

The official countdown to Christmas is in full-swing, and I have already been doing plenty of decking the halls, picking up goodies for friends and family on my Christmas list {Etsy + Anthropologie are two of my favorite places for unique gifts}, listening to and singing holiday tunes, and thumbing through favorite magazines {Bon Appetit especially} looking for new recipes to try.  This weekend we will be heading out to the country to cut down our tree, going to dinner with friends, and attending a few holiday events in the city.  

A few things I love about this season:
SNOW!  What I wouldn't give to have a tiny little house in snow country.
Vintage ornaments and simple, rustic decor.
Having a reason to pull out a very special dress, be it gold sequined or a festive satin {my go-to is this little number which was a incredibly thoughtful gift from my boyfriend last year}.

Images via {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6} {7}

Sunday, November 25, 2012

The Doors of Paris

One aspect of Paris that really stuck with me on my first trip was the exquisite and ancient doors.  Practically EVERY building was anchored with a gorgeous {and HUGE} door.  It completely inspired me, and someday when I own a house I want to invest in purchasing an antique front door and paint it a vibrant shade of blue, red, or green.

Some photos of the particularly extraordinary doors below.




Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thankful

I am thankful for my amazing friends, supportive family, and forever loving boyfriend.  I am thankful to have MANY places to call home.  I am thankful for the two sweetest dogs in the world.  I am thankful for my dreamer spirit.  Mostly, I am thankful for every single day I am given in this crazy and beautiful thing we call life.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Home for the Holidays

{Is it too early to be hoping for snow?}

Today is the last day of my month long journey through France, Switzerland, Austria, and London.  While I am most certainly going to miss the excitement and adventure of travel, I am SO excited to be heading home for the Holidays.  I am already listening to Christmas music {in particular Michael Buble and She & Him}, watching Holiday movies, and of course have scooped up some Christmas gifts in Europe.

I have been on the move almost continuously since I left the United States in mid-October, and I fully plan to enjoy the Thanksgiving Weekend by catching up with friends and family, watching boatloads of Holiday films, doing a bit of cooking, sipping hot cocoa, and cozying up by the fire with my special someone :)  The month between Thanksgiving and Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year and I am going to take full advantage of it!

{Image via

Sunday, November 18, 2012

God Save the Queen


It's official - I love London.  The energy, the architecture, the mix of old and new, the people, British accents, the fashion -- everything!  My last two days with Ashley were filled with markets, sightseeing, great food, the Tate Britain museum, a chic nightclub, and Christmas cheer.  It was so wonderful being able to catch up with Ashley and see the city from a local's perspective.  Some photos below!

Friday, November 16, 2012

'Ello London!


I have been in London for the past two days and have been absolutely loving it.  I am visiting a dear friend who I hadn't seen in about 3.5 years, and it has been so wonderful being able to catch up. Today will be a photo heavy but text light post, enjoy!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Salzburg

Yesterday I took a day trip to Eastern Austria to the beautiful town of Salzburg (where the famous Von Trapp family lived).  It was a three hour drive through Austria and on the way we stopped into the picturesque lake village of St. Gilgen.  The lake was covered in a foggy mist, and peaking through you could see portions of the Swiss Alps.
{St. Gilgen}
{The adorable town of Salzbug}
{The yellow building is where Mozart was born}
{Wandering around the gorgeous little town, an old monastary carved into the rocks, seeing the fort on top of the hill, the oldest restaurant in Europe -- built in 803}
{Overlooking the churches of Salzburg, and a restaurnt with a view AND Christmas decorations}
[The city of Salzburg and rubber ducky Mozarts}
{So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu}