LOOKING AHEAD TO A NEW WEEK!

LET THE HOLIDAYS BEGIN!

LET'S GET BUSY!

SUNDAY...

Thanksgiving Sunday is the day I usually put up our main Christmas tree, and all the other decorations get filled in when I have a few hours to spare here and there.  These vintage mercury ornaments from West Germany really bring me back to my childhood with their colors of the season and frosted detail.  From

Lakeuka, these four decorations would be wonderful on a holiday wreath or a centerpiece, too.  I think they look like Mother Nature kissed them with an early morning frost....lovely!

MONDAY...

These three vintage bundt pans from Bohemian Sway are just the thing to help me with some more baking this week.  Spice, gingerbread or even fruit cake would be perfect made up in these and would even be cute to give away to friends and neighbors with some cellophane wrap and a pretty bow.  I love the idea of giving a gift from your kitchen, and presented in the container in which it was baked doubles the gift!

TUESDAY...

A mid-week dinner party at some friends home would be the ideal place to show off a cute holiday look without being too dressy.  I'd pair this white blouse with my black velvet pants, my diamond studs, and maybe even tie off that darling red bow with a sparkling brooch in the center. So right for this time of year! This is from Bread and Butter Vintage.

WEDNESDAY...

I love watching the big tree in Rockefeller Center being lit up every year on TV!  I guess I'm really just a big kid when it comes to the holidays, and I'm going to make a fun night of it at home on the sofa even if I can't be in The Big Apple in person.  I'll make a big pot of caramel corn with almonds and serve it in a beautiful crystal bowl like this Waterford piece from Birney Creek.  It has the most elegant look with it's deep cuts and eight-point star on the bottom that catches the light beautifully.  I love using nice things in unconventional ways...I think we enjoy them so much more!  Maybe piping hot cups of Russian Tea as an accompaniment...yummy!

THURSDAY...

This is a big week for my Sweetie as you'll see when you read further,and I'd love to mark the event with a fun little surprise like these wonderful gentleman's driving gloves from the 1920's.  In a stunning, supple cognac brown leather, these gloves are rabbit lined for added warmth.  Available from

Kathryns Legacy, they were owned by a man who wore them in many car parades...can't you envision him in them in an old movie?

FRIDAY...

OK, I know I like to brag on my Sweetheart, but I'm so proud of him!  Tonight is his first gallery showing ever of his art...he turns the most beautiful wood items and them inlays them with things like turquoise, lapis, tigers eye, and silver!  He will be showing his items off all month locally, and tonight is a big reception for him with wine and other goodies.  Friends and family will attend, and I'd love to wear something understated but festive...this is his moment to shine!  How about this sexy ivory number from

Factory Girl 82?  The soft ivory knit is worked with the smallest of beads and sequins throughout, with a dramatic hem of more beaded designs.  Love this dress!

SATURDAY...

I'll end the week as I began...by doing a little more holiday decorating!  This time outside the house, with something like this wonderful display from Scrap Sisters Vintage.  I love the sweet ice skates hanging on the sled decorated with the pretty greenery.  It just invokes a fun day on a frozen pond!

Go Grab Your Skates...Let's Have Some Fun!

--Lee Ann

LOOKING AHEAD TO A NEW WEEK!

SEVEN DAYS OF FAMILY, FOOD AND FUN!

BRING IT ON!

SUNDAY...

The first holiday party of the year happens tonight...this one with my new employer whose holiday parties are "legendary" according to my colleagues.  This classic St. John knit dress is understated and elegant, but definitely says it's a celebration with the glitzy beaded waist detail.  This is what I call a "forever" dress!  From Vinty Boutique.

MONDAY...

It will be a busy day in the kitchen today preparing for out of town visitors to help celebrate Thanksgiving.  Wouldn't it be delightful to start holiday baking in a kitchen alight with this darling light fixture in a color that's reminiscent of pumpkin pie!  It's an up cycled vintage colander that throws light throughout the room in a charming way that just brings a little smile to my face.  From Glow 828.

TUESDAY...

My holiday guests will need to be picked up from the airport and we'll whisk them away to a hearty brunch to welcome them for the long weekend.  This stunning animal print jacket is the perfect little piece that's so stylish now and will be great with my camel wool slacks, cashmere turtleneck and boots. Just because it's chilly out doesn't mean we can't be cute, right?  From Sans Epoch Vintage.

WEDNESDAY...

Don't you think this little tablecloth and napkin set is the perfect way to serve an Autumn breakfast to visiting friends?  The pretty pine cones and golden leaves speak so well of the season and I think the lovely embroidered handwork is such a conversation piece, as well.  I'm such a nut for vintage textiles, especially linens, and Kerry Can has some wonderful examples!

THURSDAY...

Giving thanks for all our blessings is even more special when you can share them at your dinner table with those you love.  Carving the Thanksgiving turkey becomes a glamorous task when using these beautiful carving tools in sterling silver.  This stately pattern from Wolfenden Silver, is available from Patzi Place, and features the knife, meat fork and poultry shears and could be used for generations of family dinners or everyday elegance!

FRIDAY...

Black Friday requires a good pair of flat shoes for heavy-duty bargain hunting, and Stated Style has these fabulous flats to get you through the crazy day stylishly!  I love the pretty persimmon color, another great shade of the season and the Gucci symbols stitched on the toes would work with jeans, slacks, or a cute skirt. 

SATURDAY...

One of our local Cotillion Clubs assembles for the first Ball of the season every Thanksgiving Saturday night and has done so for who knows how many years.  It's strictly white tie and tails, and so it requires a ball gown just as formal.  This stunner from Nod to Mod Vintage features yards upon yards of iridescent French silk taffeta to swoosh across the dance floor!  It's a gown that was patterned after the Givenchy dress in "Sabrina" that our favorite Audrey Hepburn wore, and would look lovely with the standard opera length white gloves and your Sapphire jewels from the family vault, no?

Hope You Feel Like Cinderella at the Ball This Week!

--Lee Ann

WHAT WOULD MARIE ANTOINETTE DO?

WHAT WOULD MARIE ANTOINETTE WEAR TO THE BALL WITH HER NEW FLORAL DRESS AND FEATHER HAT?

WHY, THIS SCRUMPTIOUS PALE GREEN OSTRICH FEATHER FAN WITH A SILK WRAPPED HOLDER AND RIBBON DECORATION, OF COURSE!

(Chic La Maison)

Carry a Pretty Accessory Today!

--Lee Ann

LOOKING AHEAD TO A NEW WEEK!

BEAUTIFUL AUTUMN IN ALL IT'S GLORY...

...AND RELISHING EVERY SINGLE DAY THIS WEEK!

SUNDAY...

Don't know about you, but I am going to totally enjoy my extra hour of sleep today!  And although changing all the clocks in the house and cars is a bit of a chore, who would mind doing it on this exquisite little sterling silver heart shaped piece?  The rare English item, Circa 1902, is a classic example of the Art Nouveau style with detailed ferns and pansies in repousse relief.  From Sunday and Sunday, the clock comes in it's original velvet flocked case.  What a lovely gift for a very special someone, no?

MONDAY...

 

I remember admiring these Fitz and Floyd bowls back in the 80's and thought they would be so great for a beach house then, but since I'm planning some piping hot She-Crab soup for dinner, I thought these would be perfect for serving it up with style!  Four pink bowls, resembling conch shells, and four scallop shell plates are available from Gaelianna, who also suggests them for an unforgettable thank-you hostess gift for a sea-side house stay!  Love that!

TUESDAY...

Catching up on reading in front of the fire is a great week-night pastime for me this time of year, but sometimes just a great coffee table book can bring me just as much pleasure.  This one, from Janet Designs, is full of wonderful  Vogue Magazine covers from 1900-1970, and are suitable for framing.  How could you ever decide which were your favorites?  I know I'd love them all! 

WEDNESDAY...

I have a favorite outdoor flea market that is only on Wednesdays, and this time of year, I need to dress warm but stylish, especially if I'm going somewhere after a day of scouting great vintage items.  This cute little mohair turban fits the bill and I'm loving the pinks lavenders and greys.  It's a vintage Lilly Dache, and I've always admired her fine millinery work.  Fashionistas should really look up her important work and I believe she never received as much recognition as she should have received.  You can get this cutie from Alley Cats Vintage.

THURSDAY...

I'll be looking for a new winter coat for my Sweetie today, and since the weather has just turned rather chilly this week, I need to find something soon.   I think he would love this vintage Loro Piana Italian Cashmere style by Davide Cenci for men.  The dark blue would be versatile and fashionable! From Rosy Pie.

FRIDAY...

My friend is hosting a scarf party Friday night, and I know if I showed up with this one, they would all go crazy for it!  This is actually a Whiting and Davis scarf/necklace in yummy, fluid chain mail...WOW!  I can think of a million ways to wear this, but even over the simplest LBD, you'd be sure to make a statement! It's from Binky Lovecat.  Mmmm...maybe I'll just keep this one for myself?!

SATURDAY...

Is there anything nicer than looking pretty even as you are getting ready for a romantic evening with your Sweetie?  You could tantalize him even before you leave the house wearing something beautiful like this peach satin and lace dressing gown from the 1920's.  What a feminine and flattering color for just about any complexion, too.  When you visit Empress Jade, be sure to look around her lovely store...I especially love her lingerie!

Make the Best of Every Day This Week!

--Lee Ann

WHAT WOULD MARIE ANTOINETTE DO?

WHAT PRETTY DESK ACCESSORY WOULD MARIE ANTOINETTE USE TODAY TO READ AND WORK BY?

WHY, THIS ORNATE DESK LAMP WITH A PAIR OF BEJEWELED FRENCH SILK EMBROIDERED SHADES, OF COURSE (This one even has a place to hold letters from her secret lover)!

From Night Shades on etsy

Put Something Pretty on Your Desk Today!

--Lee Ann

THREE LOVELY THINGS!

It's Good To Be A Girl!

Here are three ways to enjoy your femininity today...

So have fun!

Stunning for a special evening,  this  signed Schiaparelli jewelry set features a leaf of rhinestones on both the brooch and the clip earrings.  How lovely for an Autumn bride to wear the pin in her hair, maybe attatched to a satin ribbon.  What a fabulous set to pass down to future family brides to wear on their wedding  day, in their own special way...on a sash, pinned to the stem of her bouquet, at the bottom of a plunging back.

  From Simply Blue Boutique.

What an incredible find this is!  Unpacked from an old steamer trunk is this Sterling Silver three-piece set consisting of a monogrammed compact, a lipstick applicator and mirrored holder, and a wonderful perfume bottle.  What a feminine way to "touch up" your pretty made up face, from Nacho Kitty.  Santa, this would fit beautifully into my stocking!

It can be hard to come up with a really glamorous coat or cover up for evening looks, but there are plenty of great vintage ones out there.  This elegant crushed velvet opera coat with braided frog closures, would be perfect over a wedding gown or even a cocktail dress.  Available from Stella Ranae on etsy.

Enjoy Being a Girl Today!

--Lee Ann

LOOKING AHEAD TO A NEW WEEK...

AND ENJOYING THE CHANGING COLORS OF THE SEASON!

AND SPEAKING OF BEAUTIFUL COLORS, CHECK THESE OUT!

SUNDAY...

It's Football Day at our house, but there's no reason to dress down!  This casual, but luxurious cashmere sweater from my collection at The French Maid, is the perfect way to dress up jeans and still look pretty for the day. It's such a classic piece, you could also wear it to work with a charcoal pencil skirt or black slacks.
This color is scrumptious in person!


MONDAY...

The plan for Halloween tonight is to treat both kids and their parents to a little hot apple cider while Trick-or-Treating.  The forecast is for a chilly evening and a little warm drink would be so nice to serve to visitors in this cute vintage coffee serving set in Candy Corn colors.  This is Carleon Ware from England and includes the pot, 6 mugs, sugar and creamer and 2 serving trays. It's from an etsy shoppe called French Toast Kitty!


TUESDAY...

This pair of silk velvet pillows gives a whole new meaning to throw pillows!  European chenille appliques, dating to the 1880's, with stunning French embroidered handwork in peach, rust and saffron threads against a backdrop of rich dark green velvet, are embellished with braided metallic bullion tassels.They certainly look wonderful against the brown leather in the photo, but would be equally as lovely in a romantic boudoir!  Bella Soiree has really incredible textiles in their shop

WEDNESDAY...

A birthday this week of a very special friend requires a unique and beautiful gift.  She would love this  German Silver Repousse locket from the 1930's suspended from a three-strand necklace composed of faceted rose quartz nuggets, champagne rondelles, freshwater ivory pearls, moonstone and pink topaz.  A romantic pink silk ribbon bow completes this most romantic "Chantal".  How sweet is this piece?  From Bijoux d'Odalisque

.

THURSDAY...

Even though we still have two months left in the year before we change over to a new desk diary, you might consider finding something a little different and special to help you stay organized.  This vintage leather-bound piece has a dramatic Asian motif on the cover and 5 years worth of pages edged in gold leaf and has never been used!   It even has an old lock closure.  I believe even the top of your desk should look pretty, don't you?  It makes daily tasks so much more pleasant.  From Down River 1.

FRIDAY...

A cocktail party on a beautiful Autumn evening with my Sweetie is a time to wear something appropriate for the season like this 1960's little black dress with a flocked velvet tone-on-tone rose print.  But the real focal point is the gorgeous plunging neckline edged in gold trim with stunning gold leaves decorating the bodice.  The flirty skirt is perfect if we decide to take a spin on the dance floor, too!  This is from Very Vintage, and you won't believe the price!

SATURDAY...

I'm attending a lingerie shower on Saturday for a Bride-to-Be and although I've already chosen a gift for her of some pretty undergarments, I'd love to tuck in a set or two of these blank note cards featuring the chicest 1960's fashion illustrations on the outside. I know she would appreciate having something really special to write her Thank You notes on, and these are so perfect!  From Shout Out. 

Hope You Enjoy the Colors of the Season, Too!

--Lee Ann

SOMETIMES A GIRL JUST NEEDS...

TO FEEL LIKE A PRINCESS!

 HERE, THIS MIGHT HELP!

I love this shop, Vintage Vortex!  You'll have so much fun looking at their items...dreamy party dresses in yummy colors.  This is such a great example of 1950's style; fitted bodice to show off a tiny waist, flattering sweetheart neckline and that voluminous circle skirt with the dramatic chiffon swags.  How fun!

 How about a little bling on your pretty ears with these great pearl and pink rhinestone dangles?  These are from my personal collection but are now in my etsy shop, The French Maid.  I love how they catch the light and add movement and are especially lovely with a soft updo.  I hope the lucky girl who gets these enjoys these as much as I have!

OK, these are vintage 50's SCHIAPARELLI glitter pumps, people!  Even if you're not the Princess type, how about for holiday wear.  Even dark jeans and a glittery top for a weekend night out!  These are screaming for a new home where they will be appreciated and loved.  The seller, World Market Productio, even suggests using them for boudoir decor, if your are a Glamour Puss.  Love these!

Have a Magical Day!

--Lee Ann

THIS IS WHY I LOVE FALL!

BEAUTIFUL ESSENTIALS FOR THE SEASON...

LEATHERS, SUEDE, VELVETS, ANIMAL PRINTS...

ALL DELICIOUS AND DECADENT!

AND ALL VINTAGE!

It's time to pull out Fall footwear, and why not some really cool vintage Italian boots in great shade of caramel brown. Perfect for jeans, skirts or BoHo dresses, they are from a really awesome shop that specializes in boots and coats...The Vintage Voice. 

I do love a touch of animal print, especially this time of year.  This seller, Vintageables, has lots of great accessories in her shop, but I'm nuts over her selection of Autumn handbags for a pop of color, print and texture.  These are just a few of the great things she offers...I hope you'll visit her and see what might work for your own wardrobe.

How about a little luxury, even for everyday.  This adorable mink jacket features knitted wool sleeves, and is fully lined in satin.  I not only love that this is a wonderful way to up the glam factor, even for a pair of jeans and boots, but is the perfect way to wear fur these days...vintage, vintage, vintage! From Say It Ain't Sold.

Yummy is the word to describe this buttery soft silk velvet gown from Living Threads Vintage.  This is such an excellent example of 1930's glamour in an amazing shade of rich, deep, dark cocoa brown.  Intricate gathering detail adds to the classic draped bateau neckline, and seventeen, yes seventeen, covered buttons cascade down the back...WOW!  How divine for a fall soiree!

And finally, from my own etsy shop, The French Maid, a great little pair of earrings in the print of the season!  So versatile, these are the perfect ear candy to change up a camel wool suit, a little black dress or even khaki pants and a brown sweater!  Or why not slip them into a Christmas stocking for a friend?  The possibilities are endless, so have fun!

Enjoy The Season!

--Lee Ann