JMcLaughlin for the Holidays

J McLaughlin's clothes are timeless and often elegant and I find myself loving their things more and more.  We are getting a store in my town soon (my Visa will certainly notice its arrival) and I buy presents for my mother there for holidays and birthdays.  There is a lot to love in their current collection.  Here are some of my favorites......

Love this poncho which I purchased last year in the dark brown.  Can't wait to wear it this season.  It comes in several colors now.  See it here.

Love this spotted fur vest.  The spots make it. See it here.

This equestrian sweater is perfect for warmer climates. Wear it at WEF later in the season.  See it here.

Fair Isle is clearly back.  Love this one.  Wear it with white cords for the holidays. See it here.

Love, love, love this cashmere scarf.  Perfect. See it here.

And these boots are both stylish and functional.  See them here.

And I love this scarf in wool that will go with everything.  See it here.

And I love this LBD, perfect for a festive party.  See it here.

My Needlepoint Stash

For a very long time I was so good about starting a project and finishing it before moving on to the next one. But if you stitch a lot that plan eventually flies out the window never to return.  It's fun to have a few things going so if you run out of thread or get tired of stitching a background, you can do something else saving those boring projects for a long ride in the car or plane.

Here are some of the projects in my current stash and I will include those on my wish list too....

I am about a third of the way through this one but am saving it for that long car ride, all that white background.....This will become a door hanger.  See it here.

I am almost done with this one except for the background and the gold around edge. See it here.

This one is in my stash (new) and I hope to work on it soon..... See it here.

This is my newest stash addition, for an upcoming trip.  Cannot wait to start this one. See it here.

I also have this one coming for my trip:

My wish list.....

(TJ)

(Bumpy)

There are several canvases from The Plum Stitchery that I would love to stitch but have not gotten around to adding them to my stash, yet, but maybe in 2020?  See the collection here.

There are a lot of cheeky needlepoint pillows I want to stitch and add to my stash.  There is not enough time in a day to do all the stitching I want to do. Oh well. Happy stitching. Add to your own stash!

Tory Burch Newest Arrivals Meet the Mark

Tory Burch has been hitting the ball out of the park this season and her newest arrivals are certainly going to put a dent in my bank account.  Love all of these but what's not to love here?  The colors?  The skirt!

Love them all!

Movie About Super Stallion Frankel Coming Soon!

For horse racing fans there is a film in the works about the super horse Frankel. You can read about it here.  Jeremy Irons will star in the movie and will help produce it.  Cannot wait to see it!

For those not familiar with this European super horse, he was unbeaten in 14 starts and went to stud in 2013 where he has been equally successful.  He is considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest European turf runner. He was named after the former American trainer Bobby Frankel.

 (Frankel)

Preppy Chic Plaid

Plaid is back in.  Or maybe it never went out.  Preppy chic plaid is pretty darn perfect for the holidays and this year there is lots to choose from like these lined (yes, lined) pants from J Crew that you can wear forever. See them here.

If you are tall enough to pull off this elegant look for the holidays then go for it!  Love these but I need to grow a bit taller.  See them here.

If you prefer a more casual approach to plaid then you'll love these pants from Vineyard Vines.

Pair this Zara blazer with solid pants for a great holiday look.  See it here.

Love this blackwatch plaid skirt that you can wear to work or to party.  See it here.

And love these velvet mules with just a touch of tartan.  See them here.

And the Stewart Plaid Belgian Loafers have been on my wish list for several years now.  See them here.

Dress Your Holiday Table for Less

It's not too early to start planning for the holiday season.  And everyone loves a bargain, right? 

Love these plates from Crate and Barrel:

Love these bargain basement placements that can be used for the holiday season or not.  See them here.  At these prices you can set several tables!

While I am not so sure about the quality, I like these plaid plates and bowls, perfect for the holidays. I use my plaid Juliska plates all during the season. See this set here.

While these are melamine (I don't like to use for a formal table setting) these are fun plates for a more casual approach.  See them here.

I love these Johnson Brothers' dinner plates, for a bargain price.  These are perfect for the holidays!  Decorate around them easily!  See them here.

These plates can be dressed up for the holidays with red and green accents or you can use them all year long. See them here.

Love this dinnerware from Pier One. It's greatly reduced.  You can do an entire table in this stuff. See it here.

If you prefer to stay neutral and away from the red and green then you'll like these plates which can be used now until spring.  See them here.

Love these appetizer plates also from Crate and Barrel:

And lastly, I love these plates from World Market.  See them here.

Makes me want to bring out the trees and start decorating!  Enjoy your holiday season more by planning for it now.

Friday Finds

November roared in like a lion last night as the temperatures plunged from the mid 70's to the low 30's.  But there were no tornadoes (we were on watch) but I should have given Alfie a bath when he came in after rolling in the mud (I will pay for that as he needs to be clipped this weekend).  Oh well.....

Now that winter has arrived, here are some fun Friday finds just in time for the cold.......

This Essex sweater was made for the equestrian world but the quality is just too good to use it just for riding.  Wear this all season long with jeans and Dubarry boots for a great country look.  This one is my favorite color but it comes in many options.

Too cold to venture outside today?  Stay in and stitch this Susan Roberts design which is on sale at the trunk show at Needlepoint.com. See it here.

Stay inside and pamper yourself with this Erno Lazlo Clay Mask.   I am a big fan of the Sea Mud Soap routine and this mask uses that same philosophy. Jackie and Marilyn were big fans.  You can be too.

The coat fetish continues and I adore this plaid coat complete with the Keeneland logo from Joules. 

This color is also stunning!  See it here.  Love the hand warmer pockets.  How clever is that!

 

I love these sun glass straps!  I always am losing my glasses.  See these here.

It's a good day to wear these slippers.  See them here.

Isn't this fox sweater too cute?  See it here.

This equestrian-themed poly scarf (made for the Burghley Horse Trials) will be a big fit for any equestrian lover on your holiday list.  See it here.

Love, love, love this small wool bag.  See it here.

Stay warm out there and be sure to watch the Breeders' Cup!