Black + Gold

Getting the New Year's sparkle started early. Happening under my desk today: black + gold.

Steven Alan lace up booties, Falke Pure Matte 100 tights, vintage skirt, Madewell Coldspell Sweater + Dream Collective Pueblo Cuff.

Holiday Gift Guide: Nesting Edition

I've been browsing Terrain all week, adding, deleting, then re-adding lovely home finds to my shopping cart. They've got such great things at the moment it's hard to decide what to gift (and what to keep for oneself). Since I don't actually celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, my list is usually limited to bf, a few friends and colleagues. Here are some nifty little gifts and stocking stuffers to encourage nesting this winter. 


Bellocq's Majorelle Mint Tea sounds (and looks) heavenly. Considering cheating on my Mariage Frères Casablanca to try it.

A stovetop popcorn popper. Apparently microwave popcorn releases harmful chemicals when cooked, so for those movie nights in with the ones you love, consider this is a gift that keeps on giving. At $35 it's not terribly expensive, either.

Breakfast together is better with a sampler of Vermont maple syrups. Set of four, $28.

Who wouldn't want the scent of apples and cinnamon wafting through their home? Spicy Apple Tea Lights, $12 for a set of 6.

Images: shopterrain.com

Home Sweet Home

I'm making a list (and checking it twice): lovely home things I must have.

This little piggy saved $$$: I've been eyeing Ladies and Gentlemen's adorable chalkboard piggy banks for a while now and, cute as they are, haven't been able to get myself to pay $85 bones for one.  Each style (choose between black and terracotta) comes with chalk so you can write yourself a motivational message.

via Ladies and Gentlemen

Clean Sweep: love this beautiful little table brush set from Mjölk. Designed by Lovisa Wattman for Iris Hantverk, a company that employs visually impaired people to create handcrafted brushes. $38.

via Mjölk

Be still, my heart. This A. Heirloom cutting board in the shape of my dear Californ-I-A is sold out for the holidays, but you can request to be notified when if/when it's back. Other states available as well. $40.

via A Cup of Jo

It's Raining Shoes

I've been on a shoe shopping spree for the past several months and can't seem to stop snatching up zapatos left and right. From cheetah print Loeffler Randall stilettos (Halloween present to myself - yes, I will use just about any holiday as an excuse to shop for shoes) to silver glitter-encrusted J.Crew pumps (intended for holiday party season but quickly becoming a go-to for sprucing up jeans), I've been adding to my collection of fun footwear -- i.e. shoes that make me smile.

As much as I love the extra spring in my step when I walk down the street in them, however, the pair that's been seeing the most pavement is a pair of black Anniel ballerina flats. I'd been searching high and low for them to no avail, until I walked into Steven Alan a few weeks ago and spied them front and center, waiting for me. I've been living in them ever since and am constantly amazed at just how comfortable they are. I've tried Repetto in the past, but somehow they just didn't suit my foot and languished in my closet, unworn. These, however, are just heaven. Like Repetto, their roots are in the dance world. I highly recommend getting them in every color (I'm already considering getting a second pair in black, in case they run out).

One thing to note is that they run big (for me, at least). I'm a true 7 1/2, so I usually go for a 38 in European sizes, but I had to size all the way down to a 36 in these.

Anniel Classic Ballet, $188 @stevenalan.com

Image: www. stevenalan.com