Smitten Saturday

♥Sipping the Season I’ve never been one to ignore the holidays. There’s something about watching the decorations go up, and experiencing the joys of the season that literally makes me giddy until we’re well into the New Year. But I musn’t fib – or at least I shouldn’t. It is not just the spirit of Christmas which sends thrills and shivers up and down my spine for weeks on end, nor is it the catchy holiday tunes that are constantly spiraling through my mind. Mais non! The truth of the matter is that, aside from those addictive aspects, I simply cannot get enough of seasonal drinks! I know that they’re not necessarily the healthiest beverages on the block, but there’s something quite irresistible about being able to taste Christmas with each swallow. The Toffee Nut Latte, the Dark Cherry Mocha, the Pumpkin Spice Latte, the Peppermint Mocha, the Caramel Brulee Latte, the Gingerbread Latte, the Eggnog Latte… – kitty cats, I can’t help myself; I want to sample a different flavor with each passing day! How will you sip the season?

♥Easy Rider I will admit that my foray into horsemanship consisted of a handful of pony rides as a child, and a lifelong obsession with pop-up carousels that play whimsical music as you spin round and round upon plastic horses; but that has certainly not stopped me from developing an extreme obsession with equestrian styles in terms of fashion – specifically of the footwear variety. Darlings, it is my conviction that whether worn in the dead of winter with skinny jeans, or paired with cutoff denim shorts during the final days of a sultry Indian summer, riding boots are a necessity of the utmost importance – especially when they have a touch of weatherbeaten, rustic flair to their aesthetic. Frye’s Dorado Suede Riding Boot in Sand, with its seam detailing and distressed styling, is a stunning way to accessorize a flirty, floral-embellished flowy tank and dark wash skinnies. The faux-fur lined cuff of Sam Edelman’s Women’s Newport Flat Riding Boot in Black is a sophisticated way to add a splash of coziness to your look du jour. The creamy hue of Chrisantha’s Riding Boot in Mushroom is a high-fashion way to brighten up a low-key ensemble. And Rosegold’s Manon Riding Boot in Grey? Let’s be honest kittens…your body-hugging black leggings will never be the same. Ready to horse around?

♥A Date to Remember Despite the age of technology, each December I find myself eagerly scrounging the shops for a true pocket-sized calendar that I can hold in my hand. Something that doesn’t beep or require the use of buttons to input important dates or destinations that I simply cannot forget – like a romantic tryst involving an indoor picnic and a cute boy; or a dreaded yet necessary appointment with an obnoxious co-worker. Oui, it’s extremely old-fashioned; but the nostalgia adds such a vintage spice to life that is both quaint and charming – and, of course, extremely beneficial for those moments when twenty-first century luxuries fail. Thus, the hunt is on; and the contenders are making their way into my world in droves. Already I have been mesmerized by the whimsy of Kate Spade’s 2010 Spiral Desktop Calendar; smelled the roses proffered by Cath Kidston’s floral-bedecked 2010 Mini Agenda; gotten dreamy with the 8 Days A Week Planner; cooed over the cuteness of the Sukie Agenda; and come to the conclusion that I simply cannot make up my mind – I need them all! Dolls, do you keep a date book as well, or do you rely solely on technology?

♥You’ve Got Questions; They’ve Got Answers Darlings, obviously we can’t all afford our own personal stylists. As much as we’d love to simply ring up a hot to trot expert whenever we’re in a fashion jam, it’s simply not possible. Nevertheless, it’s no surprise that we adore celebrity style, and long to mimic the looks of our favorite starlets. StyleQ makes doing so a cinch. Not just an Online retailer, StyleQ literally gives you the chance to shop side by side (virtually, that is) with the people who personally dress some of today’s hottest stars – including Leighton Meester, Rachel Bilson, Kristen Bell, and Scarlett Johansson – learning everything you could possibly want to know about channeling your own celebrity, and styling your chosen pretty. Currently I’m coveting the Sheer Ruffle Top by Jonesy, recently worn by Sophia Bush; the Wool Swing Cropped Coat loved by Rihanna; and the Natalie Silk Dress in Green so effortlessly worn by Kristen Bell. Whose celebrity stylist would you like to spend a little one on one time with?

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to So about what I said... and Shopbop for the pictures.