Infusing grandeur into otherwise drab Monday mornings with five things/ideas/events for the week:

I.  The drop in mercury over the last week means that wintertime is decidedly upon us.  I plan to spend the rest of the season curled up on my sofa under a pile of chinchilla throws with a good book and my favorite holiday libation - a hot cup of intoxicated eggnog.  While most eggnog is served cold, I prefer to heat mine up.  Serve in a vintage teacup with a cinnamon stick for the perfect presentation!

II.  Obsession is too weak a word for my sentiment on these striped flats from Banana Republic… My friends constantly make fun of my inappropriate footwear, you’ll either find me in 4-inch Jimmy Choos or Havaiana flip-flops, with nothing in-between.  I’m not opposed to flats, I’ve just never found a pair that I like - ballet flats are too girlish, loafers too masculine.  But Banana Republic’s playful update on the smoking shoe is perfection.  Even better, they are 40% off today (along with everything else on the site).

III.  One of my closest friends has an unhealthy fascination with 1960’s anglophilia.  With her birthday coming up in January, I instantly knew what I would be getting her when I came across this striking print of iconic duo Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg.  To up the ante, I’m having the print float-framed in a borderline-obnoxious matte gold frame.  More personal than most gifts, and under $30, prints are the perfect thing to buy for your loved ones this season. 

IV.  Living in a studio with no overhead lighting presents issues with both light and space.  While I’ve already placed a lamp on almost every surface in my apartment, I still find myself wishing for a brighter ambiance most of the time.  To remedy this, I’m ordering these swing-arm lamps, which require no electrical work to install.  This means that you can put them anywhere because all you have to do is plug them into an electrical outlet.  Brilliant!

V.  Over the weekend, I threw a party for a client who wanted to show off her new home by having dessert served in a different room from the rest of dinner.  While guests finished their last course in the dining room, I set up a dessert and hot chocolate bar upstairs, using a DIY chalkboard as a backdrop for the sweets.  Recreate the look for your holiday parties this month!

Have a wonderful week!  xx tt