FRESH INSPIRATION: SPRING FLOWERS

We are months away from spring flowers, which makes this a great time to consider adding flowers in all rooms.  Try fresh cut flowers from local markets in vases, jugs, or planters filled with topiaries and greens for a longer lasting approach.  In keeping with fresh green and blue inspiration for winter, try using blue and white chinoiserie planters and vases for plants.  

Here are a few of my favorite blue and white chinoiserie planters and vases to get this look: 

1.) One Kings Lane, Assortment of Two Patterned Platers in Blue www.onekingslane.com

2.) Ballard Designs, Blue & White Chinoiserie Collection www.ballarddesigns.com

3.) Ballard Designs, Blue & White Chinoiserie Collection www.ballarddesigns.com

4.) Williams Sonoma, Blue & White Ceramic Planter www.williams-sonoma.com

Maybe your thumb is not the greenest, try life-like faux arrangements like this one from onekingslane.com

Here are my top suggestions for flowers and greenery for your indoor planters: 

1.) Boxwood Branches 
2.) White Hyacinth
3.) Myrtle Topiary
4.) Paper White Flowers 

Images from various unknown sources

BRIGHTEN UP: IN COLOR

I was recently at an event where I was asked about a pale blue cashmere sweater that I was wearing.  My friend was in love with the color and brought up a very valid point, as New Englanders we frequently find ourselves in shades of gray and black this time of year.  We have the cardigans, the "V"-necks, the crew-necks, and the turtle-necks all in black. Try brightening up your wardrobe with fun colors like fuchsia, yellow, chartreuse, and periwinkle.  Here are my top three suggestions for a little November color. 

1.) Jcrew for bright and cheerful coats: 

2.)  Cozy cashmere, in various styles and colors from LordandTaylor: 

3.) Maybe all you need is a pop of color, like this cashmere wrap from WhiteandWarren:

All images directly from online source. 

WINTER GET AWAY: SUNNIES

A winter escape is not complete with out a pair of sunglasses.  Since I was very young I have had a bit of an obsession.  I am one of those people who has sunglasses on even during the grayest days of winter.  They are on when I ride the T.  And they are always on before I step foot out the door.  Some might call me a diva, but I just find them to be a great fashion accessory.  For this reason, I have a difficult time visiting any sunglass store without trying on every pair.  And I usually end up with at least two new pairs that I want to add to my collection.  This happened just the other day.  I was "walking through" the Sunglass Hut, when I discovered these incredible new Ray-Ban Wayfarers.    These Blues Brothers classics have been updated this season with a bit of colorful retro flare. "The Original Wayfarer Fleck," are available in an array of colors...making it difficult to choose just one pair.  www.ray-ban.com

Images via Ray-Ban.com 

WINTER WHITE: ATTIRE

Whoever said you can not wear white jeans after Labor Day was missing out.  The inconic Coco Chanel was a strong advocate for white, and I find myself following suit.  In the past, I was pressured to store my white jeans during the wintertime.  Weeks before Memorial Day, I once had someone comment on how I was breaking the "rule."  But these days I am finding that I do not care what other people think of what I wear.  I wear what I want, because I am the one wearing it.  Fashion is a personal expression and there should be no silly rules.  If it works, it works.    

While packing for a recent trip to Mexico, I pulled out my favorite white toothpick jeans. After returning home, I was unpacking and storing my summertime attire away.  I decided to keep these jeans out.  I started pairing them with chunky light gray or tan sweaters.  Brown belts, boots or tan suede pumps, and light cashmere wraps.  I also added a long off white cashmere overcoat to my winter white outfits.  I have found this light monochromatic palette to be uplifting and inspiring during the long winter days.   This time of year everyone walks around in head to toe black (believe me I love a good black on black outfit, but it gets a bit depressing after a while.)  If you are feeling the winter blues kick in, I suggest adding a bit of white to your outfit today.  But, just be careful of brushing up against salty cars and dirty snowbanks!  

Here is some winter white fashion inspiration.

  

Images via Pinterest

WINTER WHITE: ALL ABOUT THE BRASS

These days, brass seems to be showing up everywhere.  I am usually one to go for the classic kitchen with white and polished nickel hardware.  But I recently found myself falling for a different look.  As seen at various new Boston restaurants and cafes; shiny brass with crisp white woodwork and classic marble is making an impact. And slowly becoming a new favorite of mine. 

Images via Pinterest 

WINTER WHITE: PAINT

At any time of the year, I find a white room to be extremely uplifting.  Even on a cold and  dreary day, it feels light and refreshing.  However, there is a difference between an alienating stark white and a welcoming warm white.  In order to get this look, I suggest the following paints.  

WINTER WHITE

After a snow filled week, I find myself dreaming of winter whites.  Creamy white palettes for sophisticated interiors, and chunky white knits for snow days by the fire.  Maybe I am craving white because I end up wearing so much black  this time of year.  Or perhaps I am holding on to a taste of summer, that I received during a recent trip to Mexico.  I guess the incredible amount of snow in my little Boston neighborhood could also be an influence.  Overall, I am done with the dark and dreary, and all about refreshing winter whites.  
Image via Pinterest

GRAY DAZE: GET THE LOOK

Here are a few winter items for the gray daze of January:

Lauren by Ralph Lauren, Single Breasted Wool-Blend Walker Coat, from Macy's 

Over Coat with Gathering on Shoulder, from Zara 

Stand Collar Topper Coat, from Ann Taylor 

School Boy Blazer in Italian Wool Flannel, from JCrew 

 Cabled Cowl Poncho, from Anthropologie 

 Cashmere Long Sleeve Tee and Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, from JCrew 

Fall Neutrals Collection Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater and Fall Neutrals Collection Cashmere Crewneck Cardigan, from Lord & Taylor 

Ana Embellished Hat, Savannah Cabled Hat, and Sienna Angora Hat, from Club Monaco