LATE AUTUMN: A SERENE PALETTE FOR INSPIRATION

This week, I am preparing for my return home.   Thanksgiving is days away and the excitement of the holiday season is upon us.   As much as I complain about the depressing lack of sunlight and bitter cold temperatures, there is something very serene about the muted gray palette of late autumn.  My drive home takes me across the state of Massachusetts, from city to sprawling fields and dense forests.  What I love most, is a morning frost and it's ability to transform an entire landscape into a shimmering display.  Everything is a muted gray, green, blue, or tan.  This serene palette is the perfect inspiration for a wardrobe or room.  Here is some frosted late autumn inspiration. 

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THIS WEEKEND: HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR AT THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

Growing up my brothers and I spent many sick days and evenings watching old movies.  One of my favorite memories is of our annual summer trips to my grandparent's house in Rochester.  After an afternoon of swimming lessons, my grandfather would take us to a nearby movie store.  He knew all of the old classics, and I soon fell in love with films featuring Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Carey Grant, Gene Tierney, Katherine Hepburn, and anything by Hitchcock. With a lifelong interest in film and fashion, I was anxious to attend the Boston Museum of Fine Arts Hollywood Glamour: Fashion & Jewelry from the Silver Screen exhibit.  The stunning presentation features photographs, jewelry, and dramatic costumes of the 1930's and 1940's, the peak of Hollywood's most glamorous years.  

Upon entering the Loring Gallery of Textiles, you are instantly transported back to a magical era.  Time appropriate music fills the room, as film clips relating to the exhibit play in the distance.  Edward Steichen's photographs of stars including Gloria Swanson, Joan  Crawford, and Marlene Dietrich set a dramatic tone, as you make your way along the left side of the exhibit.  Further down the left side, stunning necklaces, broaches, and bracelets fill three display cabinets.   The most intriguing in this display, is Mae West's custom platform shoes, designed to elevate her petite five foot figure.  Along the right side of the gallery, staggered mannequins showcase on and off screen gowns created by Edith Head, Coco Chanel, and many others.  

Overall I found the exhibit extremely successful, with it's ability to transport you into Hollywood's most glamorous era through photography, film, music, jewelry, and fashion.  See the exhibit before it closes on March 8, 2015.  For more information, visit: www.mfa.org

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LEATHER: AT HOME

One of my favorite things about Fall is Sunday football.  Crisp weather has set in, the days are short, and the time to be at home curled up by a fireplace has arrived.  After college, I lived with my aunt, uncle, and cousins for a brief period of time.  Every week I looked forward to Sunday football.  The fireplace was lit, and platters of Italian cheeses and meats would fill the counters, as comforting stews would simmer on the stove. Family, friends, food, and football, it was the best way to end a chilly November weekend.  

When I think back to those Sunday games, an oversized leather sofa is one of the first things that comes to mind.  It was always filled with dogs, cousins, and neighborhood friends.  Comfortable and casual, but yet sophisticated, leather is great material for any room in the house.  I love a large upholstered leather ottoman, a sette, or maybe pillows at a seating area. Here is some leather inspiration for your home.

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LEATHER: FASHION OBSESSION

This season I'm obsessing over all things leather.  Bags, boots, skirts, dresses, and pants.  Whether it's a simple detail on the edge of a pocket or a full dress, leather is a must-have.  I've noticed a recurring theme with my Fall leather obsession...black.  This chic and classic material, pairs well with a crisp white blouse, a gray cashmere sweater, or a black blazer.  Here is a bit of  inspiration. 

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