A Very Merry Merry

Christmas Eve– the tree is trimmed, stockings are stuffed, and presents are wrapped. It all came together pretty smoothly. No one had a long list of items this year–instead, they asked for donations to causes they support, outings together, and trips. With fewer tangible presents, I bought a really skinny tree so it won’t seem empty underneath–it’s chic, actually.

Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas!

Warmly,
Preston

Coat Crazy

It’s no secret that I’m a complete and utter coat nut, always have been. In college, a psychic told my husband that he would marry a woman with closets stuffed with coats. A Bel Air native, he was disbelieving until he met me.

While loading product into the kic shop this morning, I spied this amazing Gucci coat- hey, my Christmas shopping is done, I just need to buy tape so I can finish wrapping.

Coat, sunglasses, jeans.

Franca Sozzani

Franca Sozzani, Vogue Italia editor-in-chief since 1988, died today . I’d only been at Vogue a few months when Sozzani’s groundbreaking first cover hit newsstands signaling the dawn of a new fashion era. Anna Wintour remembers the enormously talented Sozzani in a beautiful piece on Vogue.

Photography by Steven Meisel

#TBT

This Vogue Netherlands story from summer 2014 is still up on my inspiration board. Resort collections are hitting the stores and I will cherry pick items with staying power, much like the timeless pieces in these pictures.

Photography by Annemarieke Van Drimmelen  Styling by Dimphy Den Otter

Is Cauliflower The New Kale?

Cauliflower is my new favorite veggie, its up there with zucchini noodles. The mild nutty flavor works with just about everything. I like this roasted-parmesan recipe from Epicurious–talk about easy.

The Classic Wrist

This pic caught my eye and sparked a hunt for a new bracelet.

A gold bangle, a long-ago gift from my sister, is my everyday amulet–I’m convinced that it protects me. But, after seeing the above picture, and then drooling over a number of insanely beautiful vintage link bracelets at a Christmas fair, I was determined to find a gold rope. Into a box of jewelry from Mother I went, and ta da!

Here’s a nice Tiffany rope bracelet on The Real Real.

Works with a double wrap band, too.

The Hero Pump

A classic patent pump is a hero piece in my wardrobe, especially in beige. A  staple, it goes with everything and saves me in the rain.

Prada pump.

Karl’s Library

Even though I love the ease of a Kindle, my house is stuffed with books and indie magazines. Every time I’m inclined to edit and toss, I think of this picture of Karl Lagerfeld’s library and just can’t do it.  Three of my favorite novels this year were: Commonwealth by Ann Patchett, My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout, and Modern Lovers by Emma Staub.

Image © Vogue Paris

Easy Evening

This holiday season I’m all about a good top. I’ve pulled out my vintage black chiffon YSL peasant blouse, which will pair nicely with either pants or a skirt. For a date night with my husband (or any dressy holiday event), this one-shoulder top would be perfect–just add jewelry and go.

Top, pants, sandals.

I ♥ Argyle

Sale prices have dropped even lower and there are still a number of great pieces to be had. This Isabel Marant argyle sweater (variations here, here, and here) has my name on it.

Image © Self Service issue #45