Smitten Saturday

♥Card Shark Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that, as a creative thinker who peruses the right side of my brain far more than the left, I am utterly incapable of resisting the power of an ambrosial holiday card gussied up with whimsical illustrations coupled with charming season’s greetings that assist in ringing in the New Year right. In fact, since we’re being completely honest here, I might as well just come clean and admit that I adore the greeting cards attached to the gift, almost as much as the gift itself. I am a firm believer in the fact that much more time is put into etching the appropriate sentiments into the folds of a splendrous piece of stationary than is devoted into picking out the perfect present; thus, one must always ensure that the card in question is both memorable and magical.

For the fashionista in your life, Bonnie Marcus’ Fashion Folded Card, announcing Have a fashionable holiday, is something that will be treasured until the end of time; Renee Rivas’ Fashionista Christmas Holiday Greeting Cards are destined to adorn office cubicles year-round and bring to mind get-togethers with the girls; and Olivia A. Myers’ Downtown Christmas Greeting Card is a preemptive way of wishing your BFF the best this holiday season, while reminding her that shopping during the entire month of December is meant to be guilt-free – so scoop up those See by Chloe Lace Tights, splurge on sass & bide’s When You’re Older Dress, and snatch Son of John’s Heidi Sequin Tank with Racer Back sans guilt! What type of card shark are you?

♥Celebratory Mail Call Darlings, I’m not bragging when I say this, I’m merely speaking the truth…I may be one of the most skilled Online shoppers you will ever meet; but Sidney of Olive Writes recently reawakened my adoration of mail order catalogs, a feat which has literally dragged me away from my laptop, at least for a handful of hours, plopped me smack dab in the middle of the couch bundled up in a plaid throw, and left me flipping through page after page of pleasantry. Blame it upon the Christmas spirit or attribute it to a desire to channel the pre-computer age child within, but there is truly nothing as charming and simplistic as curling up with a cup of hot cocoa in front of a flickering fireplace, and swooning over catalogs depicting fashionably dressed models frolicking in faux snow, or families decking the halls with popcorn-strung garlands in matching pajama sets. It’s an enchanting experience that one absolutely must take the time to savor; especially during the holiday season. Thus, turn on the twinkling fairy lights, turn off the overheads, and snuggle in for the cold winter’s night with J. Crew, Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters, and a multitude of others – after all, it’s a celebratory mail call…don’t you want to be a part of it?

♥Ornamentary, My Dear Watson In the first grade I arrived home for the start of Christmas vacation with a pine cone slathered in peanut butter and rolled in a bird seed medley dangling from the tip of my finger. Such a creation was meant for adorning the shrubbery in the front yard; yet I took it upon myself to hang it from the tree sitting pretty in our over-decorated living room, already crowded with gifts wrapped in paper spotted with illustrations of Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer. Two days later the family awoke to a loud humming sound, only to discover that our beautifully decorated tree was covered in ants jubilantly feasting on the sticky surprise. Despite the merry mishap which resulted in swiftly doing away with the topiary, there was no lapse in happiness around the household. Why? Because the disastrous decoration in question was crafted with my very own pint-sized hands.

Darlings we must simply face the facts; the ornaments in which we use to trim the tree each year harbor an unmatched type of spirit and magic. They dictate our likes and dislikes; the memories we have shared; and the adventures we have experienced over the years. As such, we must ensure that our trees our outfitted in nothing but the best. Hang Henri Bendel’s 2009 Signature Fifth Avenue Ornament from the highest bough while donning a daring design by David Lerner. Showcase your shopaholic side by draping Nordstrom’s 2009 Shopping Bag Ornament over a beatific branch while teetering in a pair of Tory Burch platforms. Or highlight your love of the Big Apple with Kurt Adler’s New York City Glass Ornament while decked out in Bing Bang bling. Just please do us all a favor and steer clear of the peanut butter!

♥Pretty Maids All in a Bow Lovelies, perhaps I’m only speaking for myself, but I have spent the past week wrapping gifts like crazy, topping each one with a shimmering bow that crinkles when poked, and twinkles like the brightest star when simply gazed upon; but adorning presents with such embellishments is truly not enough. As strange as it may sound, I am feeling an overwhelming desire to, in the very same fashion as Blair Waldorf, accouter myself in bows, bows, and more bows! Really now, why on earth should glorious gifts have all the fun – we deserve a little bow action ourselves; and bow action we shall have! I truly cannot imagine anything looking more lovely when paired with an ambrosial party frock than Felix Rey’s gold Greta Satin Bow Clutch festooned with a bright red ribbon that would make even Santa Claus himself giddy. Turn heads just as much when you leave a room as when you enter it with Anthropologie’s Victorian-inspired Grand Exit Boots – an ideal complement to a wrap tunic and ebony leggings. There’s no doubt that you would easily pave the way of the holiday party if decked out in Foley + Corinna’s Satin Bow Dress. And obviously one is never fully dressed without the playful sophistication of Derek Lam’s Halter Top with Side Bow adorning her upper half. Tell me darlings, are you a pretty maid all in a bow?

♥Fruit Loop Do you think me absolutely absurd for being ever so slightly obsessed with fruitcake? I have heard the proclamations of how unappetizing each bite is; I’ve gazed upon its somewhat grotesque appearance; I’ve curiously poked its candied coating with a well-manicured fingernail numerous times through the cellophane and plastic wrap embellishing its nutty form in grocery stores all over Southern California. Yet, all this aside, my interest is still piqued. There is something so decadently appealing about a dessert that emerges solely for the holidays, and often takes up to three months to perfect – an aging process that is incredibly bizarre yet enthralling. Given the fact that, just a few days away from Christmas day, I obviously don’t have enough time to so much as attempt to craft my own; I have decided to splurge on a pastry up to the task of adorning the table come the big day (though there are no promises that it will be used for anything more than a pretty decoration).

Cabela’s Grandma’s Famous Fruitcake is a favorite due to the fact that it comes wrapped in a holiday-themed reusable tin and sports the word Grandma in the title, making it sound like a homemade surprise from a beloved relative! ClaxSnax from Claxton Fruit Cake is a kitschy table favor for holiday guests due to the fact that each slice comes individually packaged a la chewy fruit snacks so no difficulty with cutting the nut-filled creation takes place. And it is impossible to think that Harry & David’s Traditional Fruitcake could be anything less than posh, glamorous, and luscious for the sheer fact that everything from Harry & David is pure heaven. Tell it to me straight…what is your experience with fruitcake? I need details darlings!

♥Red Light District While red, white, and green have always marked the trio of hues that so fully complement the season of peace on earth, goodwill to all men, and season’s greetings; when it comes to accoutering oneself in a singular shade for the holidays, I have always found that red does the trick masterfully. The color itself holds so much symbolism in terms of being seductive, romantic, and rambunctious all at once. It retains the ability to juxtapose between tranquility and rowdiness; yet never fails to come across as sophisticated and haut monde. And, of course, we cannot forget that it turns heads no matter the place or time. Therefore it is of the utmost importance that you don such a dye with wild abandonment! Pair ShopMamie’s One-Shoulder Socialite Dress in Crimson with black leggings and ebony riding boots. Style Unknown Factory’s Biker Skinny Jeans alongside an asymmetrical tank. Top a plain white tee with Rag & Bone’s Honeycomb Cardigan. Or simply perch Bop Basics’ Cashmere Beret atop your head for a touch of French flair. Are you seeing red, kitty cats?

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr and Shopbop for the pictures.