NEW YEAR: CHEERS TO 2015

Cheers to 2015 and all of the wonderful adventures to come!  Happy New Year! 
Image via Pinterest

1. Nantucket Basket Collection by Wedgwood Clean, white, and classic in design this is my favorite place setting for any occasion.    

2. Savannah Jasmine and Gardenia Candle by Archipelago A candle adds a serene feel to any space.  Try one of my favorites by Archipelago for a soft floral scent.  

3. Cotton Herringbone Throw by Brahms Mount Great as an extra blanket in a guest bedroom or as a throw in a family room.  These blankets come in a variety of colors and are made locally in Maine.  

4. Hadley Table Lamp by Serena and Lily Whenever someone asks me how to improve a space, the first thing I look at is the lighting.  Table lamps are a must!  I recently fell in love with this white porcelain table lamp, with antique brass details and a simple paper shade.

5. A room is not complete without something living.  I don't mean a pet, but maybe a small topiary or a basket of succulents.  A bit of green will create a welcoming and lived-in feel, while adding a natural element to a space.   

Topiary image via Bing

2015 image via Tumblr 

1. Pirouette Leopard Ponyhair Ballet Flats by London Sole These pony hair flats are great with jeans and a comfy sweater for a casual Sunday brunch, or dressed up with black pants and a white blouse for the office.  

2. Non-Iron Tailored Fit Dress Shirt by Brooks Brothers A fitted white blouse goes with everything, and the fact that these are non-iron makes me love them even more!  

3. Leather Envelope Clutch by Cuyana A friend recently introduced me to Cuyana and since then I am obsessed.  Cuyana offers great leather clutches, wallets, passport cases, totes, and other leather goods in a sophisticated palette.  

4. Dannie Pant in Black by JCrew I am a huge fan of Zara's leggings but I recently discovered the Dannie Pant.  A great basic skinny black pant with a bit of stretch and a flattering back zipper.  

5. Collection Italian Cashmere Wrap in Rusty Clay I purchased a light gray version of this wrap a few years ago and it was one of the best things I have ever added to my closet.  Use this as a scarf for a freezing cold day or take it on your upcoming vacation as a travel wrap.  

2015 image via Tumblr 

1. Ocean Sea Salt by LUSH Like bathing in the ocean in the dead of winter!  This scrub leaves your skin soft and vibrant.  

2.  Bronze Goddess by Estee Lauder "Silky, luxurious, natural, and shine-free."  I have been using this bronzer for years.  This will transform you into a bronzed goddess any time of the year!  Available in three different tones. 

3. Playa Del Platinum by Essie I go through phases with nail polish.  One minute I am into metallics, the next I am loving vagrant pinks and oranges.  Right now I am all about neutrals.  Try Playa Del Platinum for a chic and polished look in 2015.  

4. Color Burst Lip Butter by Revlon Unlike many lipsticks that leave your lips feeling dry or over colored, this lip butter provides the perfect amount of color and moisture.  I wear it day and night, and at any time of year.  My go to is Peach Parfait, but I also frequently use Pink Lemonade.  

5. My Burberry by Burberry As a long-time fan of Mark Jacobs Daisy, I find it hard to say that I have a new favorite perfume.  Complete with a tortoise (my favorite!) top!  
2015 image via Tumblr

BEACON HILL: HOLIDAY INSPIRATION

For me, the holiday season is not complete, without a walk through Beacon Hill. This is where I get into the holiday spirit.  I could spend hours wandering up and down the hill, looking at various arrangements and decorations. Gas lamps are wrapped with laurel and topped with festive red bows.  Doorways are adorned with spectacular wreaths and garlands.  And window boxes are bursting with various pairings of berries, leaves, and greenery.  Beacon Hill is charming at any time of the year, but especially during the holiday season.  I recently took my annual holiday walk through Beacon Hill and I thought I would share some of my favorite photos.  Happy Holidays! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images by AGA 

MARSALA: AT HOME

This year, I am looking forward to seeing how marsala is used in interior decoration.  Above is an image of a dining  room designed by Michael Coorengel.  This pretty room is a bit formal for my taste, but what I enjoy most is the use of color.  Here marsala is accompanied by warm light grays and creamy whites, as well as rich jewel tones such as emerald and sapphire.  By pairing neutral shades with marsala, drama and excitement is created, while a light and refreshing feel is maintained.   

Image via Elle Decor www.elledecor.com

MARSALA: GET THE LOOK

Here are a few ways to add marsala to your holiday look.  

Animal Print Scarf in Damson Pink, Burberry http://us.burberry.com

Faux-Fur Stole in Wine, Anthropologie www.anthroplogie.com
Collarless Faux-Fur Jacket, Forever 21 www.forever21.com

Dog Crest Novelty Sleeping Slipper in Sugar Plum, CWonder www.cwonder.com
The Shoulder Bag in Burgandy, Cuyana www.cuyana.com

And don't forget the final touch, marsala polish!  

"Swept Off My Feet", "Brownie Points", and "In Stitches" by Essie www.essie.com

MARSALA: COLOR OF THE YEAR 2015

Pantone recently announced the color of the year, Marsala!  After last year's vibrant orchid, which was never a favorite of mine, I am excited for this change.  At first I was a bit skeptical about this color. I am usually not a huge fan of reddish tones, but there is something very sophisticated about this luxurious and earthy color.  The first thing that comes to mind, are the perfectly aged clapboards of the red barns at my childhood home.  These matte flaking layers of barn red paint create such spectacular depth, as they break down to century old clapboards.  In addition to perfectly aged barns, marsala also makes me think of a freshly opened pomegranate.  Each of these has a different effect.  Matte and earthy or shiny and luxurious, marsala has the ability for a wide range of applications.  

Unlike the intensity of oxblood, a color that seemed to be everywhere last holiday season, marsala has a great warmth to it. It looks spectacular with bold jewel like tones, but my favorite pairing includes beiges, creams, and light grays.  When incorporating this rich color with neutrals it creates a sophistacated warmth and allows marsala to pop.  Whether, matte and earthy, or glimmering and luxurious, I look forward to seeing marsala's influence in 2015.

Images via Pinterest