gift guide: stocking stuffers under $50

butter bride nail polish pack (contains pink ribbon, hen party and cream tea,) $36

 

or the baby's breath collection (contains pink ribbon, rosie lee, pearly queen, and muggins,) $45

adorable kate spade stationery, $20

l'occitane shea butter hand cream: a must-have for cold weather... the 1 oz is the perfect size to tuck in your purse (1 oz, $10 or 5.2 oz, $26)

fresh mini sugar lip polish and lip treatment, $22.50

kate spade i phone cover, $40

and for the boys:

smathers and branson key fob, $25

pottery barn saddle leather catch-all, $29 

kiehls no-shine moisturizing lip balm, $9

john derian paper weight, $30

it wouldn't be christmas without a pair of kitchy j. crew boxers, $18.50 (or 2 for $28)

tis the season...

for party dresses!

i rarely stray from a LBD, and this one seems a bit more festive than the norm with its laser-cut silk fringed sleeves (fashioned to look like ostrich plumes,) delicate lace trimmed hem, and a row of shiny buttons on the back.

available here.

pretty blooms.

olive and cocoa dropped off my radar (i blogged about the website some time ago) but i visited their site last week and (again) was taken by their pretty arrangements...

the blooms would make a perfect hostess gift...

    

    

available here.

right on target.

i love target... i know i'm not alone in my affection for the retailer.  i've never been crazy about their designer collaborations (although it seems i am in the minority in that regard) but i always seem to find a few home items i simply cannot not purchase.

my latest find is the vase below... i typically favor a more classic look, but the modern, inexpensive piece looks so great with a few buds in each receptacle, i couldn't say no.

(no longer available online, i found several at my local target store.)

gift guide: social butterflies, 1st ed.

with the holidays rapidly approaching (have you started your shopping?) i thought i would throw together a few gift guides... it's fun and (hopefully) helpful!  this selection of gifts would be perfect for a couple who love to entertain!

a pair of lovely champagne saucers

a lucite tray from iomoi

an assortment of olive oils

monogrammed glass coasters (from iomoi)

the madison mixer bar cart from society social

      

or the stanton bar cart (also from society social)

     

the gift of cheese... an appetizer spread from murray's.  yum. 

and a more comprehensive choice

and even without the cheese, this slate board would be a fun serving piece

ardor for barbour

the chill in the air and the frost on the ground brought something to my attention...  my wardrobe is lacking a solid fall jacket.  i have a knee length puffer coat, perfect for snowy, sub-zero days, and a beautiful fur ideal for festive evenings.  i'm lacking a jacket for the awkward interim time when the nip in the air permeates a wool sweater but a puffer coat seems overzealous.  

after surveying my options, it sees like barbour might be the perfect choice...

between actual royalty

and fashion royalty

i would be in good company.

here's my favorite style, available at orvis:

antique emily

for a more traditional look, the beaufort jacket

and a less expensive option available at j. crew:

the downtown field jacket

or size down and try the men's woodland jacket

northwood layette

i'm going to be an auntie again!  i'm beyond thrilled... it's one of my favorite roles in life AND it legitimizes shopping for adorable baby clothes/accessories!

i think baby gap hit it out of the park with their northwood layette collection.

there are a plethora of ears...

    

cozy booties that look handmade...

and plenty of pretty, soft neutrals perfect for baby girl or baby boy... 

        

suktan designs

just discovered this etsy shop and i'm quite taken by the pillows (all hand embroidered/woven.)  they would certainly add some interest to a neutral couch!  there are over a thousand options available here.