Petal by Petal:: 'Cloony' Ranunculus

When it comes to flowers the more ruffled and layered the better, hence the amount of roses that I feature on this site in addition to my love for peonies.  Close to both peonies and roses are another favorite the ranunculus, a beautifully layered flower that comes in a variety of colors and is plentifully available this time of year.  Browsing the flower market in New York you are greeted with an extensive selection so it was hard to narrow it down, however, when I came across the 'Cloony' Ranunculus I immediately fell in love.  This particular variety is from France and is beloved for it's faint pink color and the way that it blossoms from a tight rosette to an unbelievably beautiful bloom that is about five inches wide.  The ranunculus is a very hearty flower that when refreshed with clean water every day can last in a vase for nearly two weeks.  

A Guide to Winter Citrus

Walking into Whole Foods the other week, I was surprised by the variety of citrus piled high atop each other - clementines, heirlooms navels, pomelos, satsumas, all delicious just waiting to be eaten.  I decided to take the guess work out of all of the citrus gracing shelves right now so that you can better navigate the produce section whether you are looking for a great snack, citrus without seeds or just a piece of fruit that tastes just like candy.  I hope you enjoy!

Petal by Petal:: Narcissus

I first discovered Narcissus, also commonly known as Paper Whites, in high school in the form of a candle.  It had a gorgeous white floral fragrance with green undertones that immediately drew me. I ended up purchasing and burning it shortly there after.  After doing research I realized that Paper Whites are those wonderful bulbs that you can plant, typically in the winter that bloom into pure, white flowers. If you are looking for a natural way to wonderfully fragrance your home, now is the time to purchase the bulbs or the plant.  They are incredibly easy to grow since they do not need to be rooted in soil and can simply grow by being placed on rocks or covered by moss and gently watered.  Paper Whites are a great way to bring the hope of spring back into your home.  Continue for more...

A Guide to {Faux} Fur Jackets

Happy Monday all! I hope you had a restful and fun weekend.  For some reason the weekends seem to be going faster and faster and I am sure that this will be the case next weekend when two of my sisters come to visit!  

It is officially that time of year when the warm jackets need to be pulled to the front of the closet. After having a beautiful day here Saturday (temperatures were in the 70s), Sunday was just the opposite, cold and windy.  I typically have a thing against wearing jackets, but it doesn't bother me if it involves faux fur.   Here are some of my picks for different varieties of jackets - which do you like best?  

I Love This Look: White & Camel

Happy Monday! I hope that if you were in the Northeast that you enjoyed the snow storm.  Personally, I feel that the snow was much needed, since it has been quite a few years since we have had a snow fall that actually sticks to the ground.  I love it because the city slows down just a bit when it snows and that makes me happy and it most certainly made our dog Mickey very happy.  I did a lot of relaxing this weekend which means a lot of blogging related things and of course tending to fashion week. Next weekend will be quite hectic since I will be in Boston throwing my older sister's baby shower (yeah!).  

Here is a look that I spotted on the streets during the beginning of the fall shows.  I just love an all-white ensemble - something is so pure and clean about this look.  I will be back here later today sharing what I am loving so far from the fall shows.  I hope that everyone has a great week!

White Trousers / Knit Sweater / Leopard Heels / Coat / Scarf / Sunglasses / NARS Lipstick in Heat Wave

Image via harpersbazaar.com 

Lounge Here, Wear That:: A Rustic Ski Lodge

Today is the first day of winter, can you believe it? It is in the next few weeks that I really wish for snow.  Something is so peaceful and magical about spending this time of year with your loved ones while a blanket of snow begins to cover the landscape.  Another big benefit to snow is skiing, a winter sport that I finally convinced myself to try last winter. I had a blast!  Being from the east coast, I usually head up to Vermont to escape the city, breath in the fresh mountain air and see snow-capped mountains, but I have always wanted to venture out west and how lovely does this resort look?  The Rustic Inn in Jackson Hole boasts quaint log cabins and a cascading view of the mountains. I am ready to pack my skis and go! I hope that everyone has a great weekend.   

Mohair Mix Sweater / Boyfriend Corduroy / Bootie

Knitted Check Coat / Ski Hat / Gloves

* Image from the Rustic Inn, Jackson Hole

Dressed to Impress

It is officially holiday party season! From now until New Years Eve, the social calender can get pretty hectic, which is why it is important to have that special dress that can be used in rotation from your office holiday party to your friend's annual holiday soiree.  This editorial features all of the elements that a party dress should have - a dash of sparkle, a bit of glamour and of course a golden touch.    Do you have your dresses all lined up?

A Guest Post & Gingerbread Men

I am very excited to be guest posting on Courtney's blog, Girl Avant Garde today, where I am sharing a fabulous recipe for one of my favorite seasonal cookies, Gingerbread Men with Royal Icing.    Hop on over to see!

*Photograph by Alison 

The Beauty Cabinet:: Face and Body Oils

I have been using a blend of essential oils on my face and body for years.  I love how they add a bit of aromatherapy to my skincare routine without having to go to a spa.  Today, every beauty company seems to be adding these to their product line-up quite rightfully so, as oils are great to massage into your skin before you layer on your moisturizer.  Oils are a great addition to your regime especially as the temperatures begin to plummet leaving the skin more susceptible to chapping due to harsh interior (dry-heat anyone?) and exterior (blustering, sub-zero temperatures) elements.  

Another important fact to know about oils is that oftentimes people with oilier skins think that adding an oil into their regime will cause them to break-out, but that is not that case. There are different oils for all skin types, and one thing to remember is that you need oil to combat oil, it is an oxymoron of sorts, but it is true.  

{Face}
Dry/Mature:: Fresh Elixir Ancien - A luxurious blend of oils that truly leaves skin soft and supple. Using this during the harsh winter months is an essential to keep skin moisturized and glowing. This oil is even hand-blended in a monastery, just like the Crème Ancien, it's cream counterpart.
Combination:: Jurlique Skin Balancing Face Oil - This oil is suited for skins that are combination (oily t-zone and dry everywhere else). It is also infused with Rosehip Oil, a powerful antioxidant that has the ability to help prevent and reduce wrinkles.  
Oily:: AROMESSENCE Ylang Ylang Oil - This oil is heavenly scented and targets skin that tends to be more oily.  I love to use this during the summer, as it provides enough hydration to layer under my SPF, but doesn't let my makeup slide off my face either.  
Nighttime::Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - This oil is intended to use at night, as it has features an intense blend of oils that repair the skin, but during the winter, I use it under my moisturizer during the day.  I really think that applying this oil before I go to bed helps me sleep at night and I always wake up with more vibrant skin.  

{Body}

 Elemis Exotic Frangipani Manoi Body Oil - An exotic cocktail of amazingly floral frangipani. This oil is absorbed directly into the skin without leaving anything but soft skin behind. 

Nars Manoi Body Glow II - A wonderfully intoxicating aroma of gardenia that can double as a great base for perfume. 

L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil - If I could drink this oil, I would.  It has the addictive fragrance of almond oil and it also comes in a shower oil too that is just as divine.  
Burt's Bees' Lemon & Vitamin E Bath & Body Oil - This dual-purpose oil is lightly scented with refreshing citrus oil paired with the healing powers of Vitamin E.

The Perfect Transition Jackets

My love for a leopard jacket definitely stems from Kate Moss.  I love how this print adds a bit of understated glamour, especially when paired with more subdued pieces.  

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Tough and chic at the same time, I love a well-worn leather motorcycle jacket.  I especially love how it can be dressed-up or dressed-down with ease.  

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A feminine jacket is an essential piece for the colder months. I love incorporating this type of jacket in a bright color or with ultra-feminine touch like a Peter Pan collar.    

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All images from here