{style inspiration | on the vanity & in the makeup kit : a few favourites}

. . . one of the fondest memories of growing up was my mother's movie-star dressing rooms -- enormous and luxurious, and with those pretty white lights that trail all the way around the large looking glass above the vanity, upon which was always a beautiful scattering of perfume bottles and golden hairpins, and every kind of beauty product one could possibly imagine -- it was a most magical place for a little girl, and needless to say, spent many, many hours utterly lost in spritzes of heady perfume, dustings of silvery eyeshadows and dashes of lipstick, and watching my mother get ready for dinner parties and evening soirées . . .



. . . and as there have been so many requests, thought it might be lovely, [with a little winter light & p's stunning photography], to share a glimpse of a few favourite things on the vanity and of the moment . . .

CONTINUE ---------------------------------->

{holiday gift guide : for the modern gentleman}

. . . as a supplement to his stocking stuffer & last-minute gift ideas, here, p's actual holiday wish list : a perfect mix of rugged & refined for the modern gentleman . . .



01 - swaine adeney brigg curved handle golfing umbrella // 02 - polo ralph lauren cable knit aran sweater // 03 - tricker's for end hunting co. two tone kelmscott boot, in espresso // 04 - oliver spencer peasant jacket // 05 - a.p.c. candle no.1 cologne scent // 06 - oil by edward burtynsky // 07 - iwc portofino hand-wound eight days

{p.s.} p.'s list from last year, his quick list from last week, and my list x



{images: top, el meuble via desde my ventana}

{holiday inspiration : gold sequined fairy lights}

. . . and while we're on the topic of sequins and fairy lights, imagine the utter delight upon happening upon strands of lights in the shape of gilded sequins -- somehow, have a feeling that the holidays will never be the same again . . .

{p.s.} rocco led fairy lights, £35, via habitat


{discovered via house to home via twitter}

{take me away № 03 | tips for buying luggage}

With thanks to a lovely reader for the suggestion, this week’s {take me away} column shares and showcases an array of wonderful luggage options, from inexpensive, yet lovely pieces readily available at Macy’s, to exquisite investment pieces in Louis Vuitton's classic Monogram Etoile.



Whether you are looking to purchase your carry-on with a more conservative budget and splurge on your suitcase, or are looking to build a life-long lasting collection — or perhaps, are looking for the best quality set for a small budget, style and function needn’t be compromised. And so, below are some of our current favorites on the market, in an array of looks, price points, designs and functions, offering features to note and great style . . .





[read sarah's picks & tips for choosing luggage after the jump] x

CONTINUE ---------------------------------->

{at the shops: kora | nairobi, kenya}

. . . fair-trade, eco-chic and utterly gorgeous, the kora jewelry range was created by amy walker & maxandra short three years ago, after working for a non-profit group in rwanda; made of recycled materials such as discarded cow bones and horns, brass and aluminum from old pots and automobiles, the range is made by local artisans from nairobi, kenya -- there are necklaces and charm bracelets as well, but have quite fallen for the cuffs and bangles . . .

......................................................................................................

shown, above: diamond brass cuffs, handmade from recycled brass // horn lily cuff, handmade ankole cow horn bangle bracelet wrapped in recyled brass, handmade in kenya and ghana & available in white bone

......................................................................................................

{p.s.} previous at the shops:
* gildem, california
* gemma redux, new york
* morning calm, south korea
* loom, australia
* florence & florence, uk
* lady grey, new york
* ralph lauren, paris
* neology by mina, brooklyn
* always glamorous gold

{lookbook: greta fall | winter 2011}

. . . isn't this the loveliest silk dress? at once sexy & pretty -- belted and with heels, and it's off for a late lunch date with devastatingly handsome company . . .

{p.s.} more of this collection: one // two // three // four


{image & hilla dress from the fall / winter 2011 collection by greta, via simple blueprint}

{at the shops: always glamorous gold}

. . . overcast autumn days call for a little extra sparkle, and a delicately lovely bangle, in rose gold vermeil and stunning gold leaf tray may be just the thing to brighten cloudy days . . .

{p.s.} a second guest post at once wed today: click here to have a look x

......................................................................................................

{p.s.} previous at the shops:
* gemma redux, new york
* morning calm, south korea
* loom, australia
* florence & florence, uk
* lady grey, new york
* ralph lauren, paris
* neology by mina, brooklyn


{1 - Our Family Jewels LA; 2 - up in the air somewhere via kathryn's pinterest}