Found -- A Scrumptious Bag

I was chatting with my friend, Kristina, yesterday and had trouble keeping my eyes off her bag. So pretty! Classic, timeless, and perfect size. She got hers at a trunk show at locals' fave spot, Diani Boutique, and I just saw that it's currently half off at the designer's own site, Linea Pelle.

photo: via my instagram

In The Kitchen -- Cheese Plates

If you're ever at my home, one of the things you will surely find on the table is a cheese plate. It's simply my favorite thing to have out for company to nibble on. Truthfully, it might as well be my house soundtrack as I could easily have one of these playing in the background each day, with or without company.

Out+About Outta Town -- NYC

I got to do a quickie trip to NYC at the beginning of Fall. My hubby had a conference... and I went to play. I was under the weather at the time but couldn't bear to miss the chance to check in with my favorite city after an unbelievably long dry spell.  

'Til Next Week...

photo: bharat sikka for marie claire italia

Little Things -- A Votive

The power of a votive never ceases to amaze me. Goodness, how can the most humble detail have such a colossal effect. It is one of the simplest ways to alter an environment. The flash of a match... and suddenly things are glowing. It's like putting a filter on a photograph... but on the whole atmosphere. 

In groupings on a dinner table, mantel, or nightstand... always lovely. My favorite spot for one -- the tub.

photos: my most tried + true votive holder -- has followed me from city to city... for years and years.

Found -- A Way To Chic Your Dog

I recently met a very sweet and sophisticated brown lab. Confidence was just emanating from her and I could tell this was a dog who felt really good about herself.

'Til Next Week...

photo: jillian hirsch

A Trippy Tip -- Tulips

Tulips droop. You bring them home, nice and straight, and before you know it, they're slumping over the sides of the vase. Has its own charm, definitely, I like a little droop sometimes. But, often, I like them pointing straight up. 

At Home -- Lighting Up The Fireplace

I love the little details that make a home, and I'd like to share a favorite in mine -- lights in the fireplace. 

Let The Spirit Move You -- Perfume Oils

There was a time when I wore perfume -- traditional perfume. Lauren in my teens (remember those days?)... Opium (the infamous man-slayer) in college... Paris by YSL and Jessica McClintock and Coco by Chanel in early adulthood. But since that time, I've worn only one thing…

'Til Next Week...

 'girl in chemise' by picasso 1905 (image from a favorite postcard from visit to tate modern)

The-Pastry -- Running Wild

The-Pastry is now sharing the love on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook! (No small feat, as until very recently it was only me and an osteoporosis-afflicted flip phone.)

To follow, just click on the linked headings below or in the right-hand sidebar. 

INSTAGRAM

PINTEREST

FACEBOOK

So happy to have you visiting!! xo

Dressing Room -- Turning Things Around

Sometimes, I’ll come across a top at a boutique that I really like -- the color is mine, and it’s got the perfect trim, and the material is lovely, and I really want to get it… but there’s just something not right about it. Usually, what I find to be the problem is, in my mind, it’s just not facing the right way.

About A Chandelier

There's just something about a chandelier that can make any room look and feel instantly poetic. I love them, and I love that there's an unending variety of them to choose from.

'Til Next Week...

photography by stefany alves

Fashion Double Take

How adorable is this. These two photos are completely unrelated -- just randomly thrown into my collection of images -- but look at that identical leg twist body language! There is some serious female DNA coding at work here. Fashion expression starts early. Love it.

photos: the sartorialist; olive juice via a cup of jo 

Out+About Outta Town -- A Sweet Cafe in La Jolla

On a recent weekender with the family down to La Jolla, I stumbled onto a darling little cafe, the Brick & Bell.