Skier Chic

Now that the snow has arrived (at least in some places), we can hunker down and enjoy winter and that means pulling out the skiis.  There's something about skiing that makes it timeless and chic, whether you enjoy the sport or not.  It just never seems to age.

 

(Book)

(Vintage Poster)

(Scarf)

(Ski Sweatshirt)

(Socks)

(Vintage Poster)

(Slim Aarons' Photo)

(Vintage Ski Sweater - Sold on Ebay)

(Vogue Cover, 1939)

(Pajamas)

(Ski Sweater)

(Ski Sweater)

(Sweater)

(Ski Painting)

(Ski Print on Wood)

(Pillow)

(Ski Pillow)

May you have a ski strip in your holiday schedule!

New Year's Eve Outfits

It's not too early to plan for New Year's Eve.  While I won't be going out this year, I'd love to think that I was and could select a great new outfit or a few new accessories to make it an extra special evening.  So here it goes.....

I love these shoes and they come in a variety of colors. Add these to a black outfit for a bit of pop and then wear them with jeans for a more casual look.

(Mules)

 I could take this entire outfit and wear it next week. I love the entire look.  The tunic is also on sale.  

 (Tunic)

This Kate Spade Brocade Jacket could become a classic wardrobe staple. I love the pearl buttons.

 (Tunic)

Lovely dress for a holiday event.

(Dress)

And if you prefer warm and long sleeves this black velvet dress is perfect!

(Velvet Dress)

If you are bold enough, try this incredible jacket from Ann Taylor.  Love this!

If you are tall and can pull off this look, go for it.  Screams Kate Hepburn to me!

Add these earrings to spruce up your outfit a bit.

Another really fun dress if you can pull off the look from Club Monaco:

 Add these festive mules and you are all set for the party:

Get ready to party!

The Art of Giving

My father was a big giver.  He gave away his time, his money, his insight and his wisdom and he was a big fund raiser and got all of his friends to give when he thought the cause was worthwhile.  One of the best things he taught me was to give.  I don't have the luxury of free time at the moment but I do try to give money to certain charities, even if in small amounts.  He taught me you'll get back far more than you give.  As I have gotten older, I only give to charities, associations and causes that are dear to me.  Animals and the environment are my two areas of interest.  I think that the animals are often overlooked.

One of the charities I give to is New Vocations.  They re-home race horses.  It's a  great cause as many of these animals get trucked to Mexico for slaughter.  They are also working on a huge capital campaign. And right now, their horses are half price.  Read about their programs here.

The Equus Foundation helps horses in all kinds of ways and is supposedly the only charity like this in the US.  I have not given to this one but you can read about them here.

Another foundation that I do give to is the US Hunter Jumper Foundation's Scholarship Program.  They have a fund set aside and they give great scholarships and opportunities to train with great trainers (with great horses) for very good riders who don't have the funds to ride at the AA level.  Read about their programs here.

Give also to your local and country associations - Humane Society, SPCA, Cats Unlimited, etc.  The animals need our support to.  And please give.  Every dollar, every donation counts!

Last Minute Christmas Gifts

Time is running out to get your presents ready in time for Christmas. Thankfully, I'm all done, after I mail one last gift today.  Running out of ideas in addition to time?  Here are a few for you, but get going Santa!

I love this whimsical pillows from L.V. Harkness, created by a local artist (shop local too!):

I love these skier pajamas from J Crew:

Anything equestrian from Pomegranate will do like these Man O' War Cocktail Napkins:

This little stocking stuffer will be a big hit.  Julie Vos anything is welcome under my tree!

Have a recent college grad?  He or she will love this tote with a needlepoint insignia, available for lots of schools.

You can't beat a good book.  

Get shopping Santa!

Tassel This

Tassels are so underrated.  You can use them to add that special polish to room in so many ways.  Add them to drapery tie backs, use them for cords to pull down blinds, embellish pillows, hang on a door knob or a chair.  Attach to a secretary key.  Those little touches are what makes a room so special.  When I find nice tassels in an antique store, a decorating store or even on Etsy I buy them and find places for them in the house. 

(Etsy)

(Etsy)

(Reindeer Tassel)

(Deer Tassel)

(Rooster Tassel)

(Bunny Tassel)

(Bird Tassel)

(Etsy)

 May your Thursday be full of tassels!