Winter Whites Inspiration

Last week I showed you an example of how I wear white this time of year.   Here is some more inspirational images with a similar snowy yet cozy palette.

 

 

  

The Perfect Outfit for a Holiday Soiree

If I was on Gossip Girl,  this would be my Christmas outfit:

Red long sleeve mini dress  with an oversized bow (Maria Garcia Hohan)

Statement Necklace: Dannijo rhinestone and chain necklace (Dannijo)

Shoes: Nude strappy suede platform sandles (Jimmy Choo here)

Bracelet: Gold stingray textured chain bracelet (Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) at Net-a-Porter)

Bangles: Hammered bangle set (Jigsaw)

What are you wearing for the holidays?

In the Mood for Velvet

As we enter the holiday party season, we also enter the season of velvet.  I'm pretty averse to velvet most times of the year, but I think the fabric has a special place between now and new years.  I especially like velvet pieces in classic black and navy paired with simple menswear inspired pieces like white button downs and classic trousers.

My current favorites from left to right:

Midnight Velvet  Tuxedo Blazer– I think this tuxedo inspired blazer is a perfect holiday investment that  you can pull out in December for years to come.  It’d be perfect  with jeans and a white blouse or thrown over a simple LBD. ($115  at TopShop)

Striped Velvet Dress – I love these velvet stripes and the sheer sleeves make it a bit sexy while still appropriate for a work or family party ( $140  at House of Fraser )

Maroon “Hagette” Stretch Velvet Pants – All these trousers need is a white button down and a festive statement necklace ($245 at Tory Burch)  

Rosa Velvet Heel – I love the gold heel! I’d pair this with a simple black dress and piles of gold jewelry. ($115  at Juicy Couture)

Holiday Decor: Expanding Your Color Palette

Although it's easy to stick to a 'classic' palette, the holiday season doesn't have to mean you fill your house with tons of red & green.   Each year, I find myself inspired by festive homes that pick a unique color palette for the season and stick to it.  My problem is that if I buy all my decor in some non-traditional colors, I worry I'll be sick of it after a year or two.  But then, I see something totally unique and inspiring like this insanely cute pink and light blue holiday party from Sitting in a Tree (Found via Pinterest)

Or, the peacock blues and greens that Emily Henderson has been using:

It's also fun to see when people pick holiday decorations that match perfectly with their year-round home decor, like these ladies did with yellow.

Focusing on silver for the holidays can be equally impactful, but feels a bit more traditional.  Check out this tree from Martha Stewart.

Happy decorating!

Inspiration from The Parker Palm Springs

This past weekend I was lucky enough to slip away from the chilly San Francisco weather down to Palm Springs.  It was my first time in Palm Springs, so we had a lot of exploring to do.   Kyle   thought I was a little crazy when I told him I wanted to check out some hotels, but he eventually obliged.  Although we didn't stay there, I loved exploring The Parker Palm Springs. The entire hotel was designed by Jonathan Adler and everything has is colorful, quirky, hippie vibe.  I love how the hotel clearly has some history, but the decor references it in a totally fun, modern way.

Check out this quirky corner of the lobby:

The hotel grounds are almost laid out like a garden maze, with really cool suprises around every corner like bocce ball, croquet, or a "lemonade stand."  The fire pit clearly gets tons of use on the chilly nights:

Kyle's favorite part was the spa, which they've dubbed the "Palm Springs Yacht Club."  Everything is awesomely over the top nautical and the insanely high ceilings make it feel especially glamorous.

 Finally,  the old school lounge/dinner spot, "Mister Parker" was just awesome:

(All images from Parker Palm Springs)