Spot On

It may not displace the ever popular exotic animal prints we are used to seeing, but the faux Dalmatian look is a hot alternative to leopard. I think the coat is a bit much.... very, Cruella Deville.

Asos

Topshop

Penelope + Coco

Topshop

Sonia Rykiel

I prefer this:

A Social Network Christmas

I saw this at church last Sunday. It is very well done, and gives you an idea of how the Christmas story would play out with today's social media.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas

Chanel's Metiers d'art video

This beautiful video shows Chanel's new Metiers d'art collection, inspired by India’s Maharajas and lavish palaces. See how the pieces came together at embroidery house Lesage and button and jewelry atelier Desrues.

Just for fun...

I received a picture today in an email of this beautiful and rare albino peacock, and it sent me on a search...


where I found this poor guy - a funky mix of white and blue!

Dragon Tattoo Fashion Controversy

To celebrate the highly anticipated film, "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo", which hits theaters on December 21, costume designer Trish Summerville has created a women’s collection full of pieces inspired by the film’s anti-heroine, Lisbeth Salander. H&M unveiled the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Pop-Up Shop in New York City that was opened for three days only (December 14th-16th). The 30-piece collection captures the edgy urban feel that defines the Lisbeth Salander character, with leather jackets, ripped jeans and dark slouchy hoodies. It is available in 180 H&M stores worldwide, as well as online.

The bigger story here is all the controversy swirling around the inspiration for this line. It seems that H & M and Trish Summerville, who also designed the costumes for the film, are being called irresponsible for glamorizing the hard-edged wardrobe of the movie's main character - a rape survivor - to create a chic new fashion line. In an interview with The Associated Press Eva Gabrielsson, the longtime partner of the late author of the book, says that Stieg Larsson wouldn't have approved of merchandising like this. Instead, she thinks Larsson would have used the buzz around his work to call attention to violence and discrimination against women. Read more, and then decide for yourselves.

Barbie At BLEACH

Barbie has really taken the plunge lately into all things Body Art. The girl is on fire! Case in point: Hairstylist Alex Brownsell of BLEACH salon in London has recently styled Barbie - using an inkjet printer, Barbie Design Printables and clip-on hair extensions provided in a kit by BLEACH - with eight different looks, each with a coordinating outfit. My Barbies never looked this hip!

The Elizabeth Taylor Collection

I've been sick with a cold and cough the past couple of days and haven't spent much time on my computer. However, one event I've been aware of (captivated by?) is the NYC auction of "The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor." Clothing, jewelry and artwork owned by actress, activist, and icon Elizabeth Taylor are on display at Christie's auction house in New York, and will be auctioned live and online from today through December 17.

Elizabeth had such a great sense of style, back before stylists were used to dress celebrities. What I love about this auction is that there is a story associated with each piece, giving t

he new owner an emotional connection to Elizabeth Taylor. For example, there's a tiara with this story attached: Husband Mike Todd gave it to her because, he told you, "You are my queen, and you need a crown." It's reported that Ms. Taylor wore it to swim in her pool. Isn't that wild? If you are fortunate enough to buy anything from this collection, you'll be buying a piece of pop culture and fashion history. Watch this video to see more.

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Pantone's Color of the Year 2012

Drum roll please......

Tangerine Tango!

The deep red-orange color is intended to give us all a big energy boost; a refresh and a recharge. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Institute says this:

Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it. Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.

Let There Be Light

I saw this on Etsy's blog and found it to be creative and inspirational. Watch it and see what you think. For more videos like this one, click here.

Clementine Candle

Happy Monday, everyone! Okay, so I don't mean to be a complete Apartment Therapy groupie, but...............this is such a clever idea and I've never seen it before, so I had to share it.

How To Make a Clementine Candle from maxwell gillingham-ryan on Vimeo.

Alternative Christmas Trees

For the record, I am a pine-loving-real-Christmas-tree-displaying kind of girl. However, I love this idea of creating alternative Christmas trees in your home instead of having the traditional pine version. Here's some wonderful DIY 'trees' from Apartment Therapy:

For more info on these trees, and to see even more DIY inspiration, click here.

Visibly Indivisible

in·di·vis·i·ble

adjective - not divisible; not separable into parts; incapable of being divided: one nation indivisible.

I stopped at Starbucks last night to use my laptop and order a drink when I noticed a display about creating jobs in America with a $5 donation. I asked the barista about the wristbands and the program, and he told me that starting this week every Starbucks in the U.S. has "Indivisible" wristbands available for a $5 donation, and the proceeds benefit the "Create Jobs for USA" Fund, which pools donations from Starbucks customers, employees and concerned citizens into a nationwide fund to be used for community business loans in the United States. This program, plus the "Indivisible" wristbands provide Americans an opportunity to help support job creation at a time when we have alarming unemployment and many struggling small businesses. The more we stimulate demand and increase the purchasing power of the middle class consumer, the faster we will recover.

I made the decision to be a supporter for several reasons: 1) I don't know of anyone who hasn't been effected by the economy; 2) I recognize that I am so blessed to have a job with a company that continues to weather the storm; 3) My donation is the price of a cup of coffee; 4) 100% of my donation goes to the OFN to create and sustain jobs; and 5) I feel good about wearing the wristband that reminds me to think about the needs of others.

Friendship Jewelry

Woven friendship bracelets are not new - I remember making and swapping them with my friends when we were in elementary school. As with most trends, this one has returned. Instead of kid-made bracelets these pieces are stylish enought to share with your grown-up besties! I especially love the ones that are embellished with pieces of chain or rhinestones.

(Source: WhoWhatWear Accessory Spotlight)

Dannijo Lulu Bracelet

Mathias Chaize

Aurelie Bidermann

Honorine Jewels

Missoni

Ettika

ASOS

Frieda & Nellie

Personalized Food

Heinz in the UK is using Facebook as a platform for fans to send personalized tins of soup to friends suffering with a cold. Think of it as an alternative to a traditional "Get Well Soon" card. In October, after becoming a fan of the Heinz UK Facebook page, users could customize a can of Cream of Tomato or Chicken soup with the name of a sick friend or loved one, to be delivered within three to four days. The service was only available in the UK. The campaign reportedly created a considerably amount activity on Twitter, further proof that consumers engage in ideas that allow them to personalize and share.

Kraft Canada brand, Maynards Canada, held a contest giving customers the chance to have ehir face immortalized in Maynards candy. The idea was to let fans express their choice of favorite candy and give them the chance to have their face become a Maynards candy. Fun! The competition was managed via Facebook.

(Story source: Springwise)

Faux Trophy Heads

Jennifer Khoshbin Apartment Therapy

Okay, so what's with all the faux animal trophy heads I keep seeing pop up on blogs and in home decor stores? Wasn't this trend a big deal a couple of years ago? It all began with the antler trend, and here we are again - crafty style! Many are made from papier mache (literally meaning, chewed paper). Some are covered with yarn and textiles. My personal fave? The rabbit head from Anthropologie. I know this trend has been bubbling up for awhile now, so I can't really say it's a 'Trend Alert'. More of a 'Trend Notice'. I think they're great. Would you incorporate one of these heads into your home decor?

Uncommon Goods

Anthropologie

Dwell Studio

My Love For You

Joy on the Beach

I haven't shared anything personal for a long time, so I thought I'd share these pictures. Three weeks ago my sweet niece, Lisa, passed away at the very young age of 46. Our family attended her funeral a week later. It was a beautiful sunny weekend - almost rare because of the fog that rolls in on the peninsula. Anyway, on our last day there we promised the boys we would stop on the beach and let them collect treasures on the shore. The morning started out sunny but by 11am the fog was rolling in. As you can see, that didn't stop our boys from inching their way toward the waves and playing with such joy I didn't have the heart to stop them. I even took pictures of their footprints... and I thought about how our lives and the time we spend here on earth is just as fleeting as our footprints on wet sand. Goodbye, Lisa. xoxoxo