Brrrrr-ing on the Brocade

While the season for holiday shopping is upon us (did I hear this right, 8 weekends until Christmas??), I have been thinking about holiday wear.  Now don't get fussy at me for posting before Halloween even arrives, but I figured we all need a little time to consider what to buy to look fabulously dashing. And I am noticing every merchant out there is already putting their holiday clothing on pre-sale...25% to 40% off, so you'd be foolish not to keep your eye out now!

So, one trend that's hot this holiday is brocade- that lovely fabric that somehow makes us feel less like wearing our grandma's outfit and more like royalty. I'm noticing some really special brocade pieces out there that are decently priced and give you that little bit of shimmer and shine without going overboard. 

Niki Taylor is a great face for Talbots-
and this dress makes her look like a million bucks!

Golden Brocade Dress $189

I adore polka dot, and this is near perfection!

Anthropologie's Josseline $198

Such fun with a classic white button down and heels!

Nordstrom's Hue Foil Brocade Leggings $44

These have just the right amount of shine and style.

Nordstrom's Ivanka Trump "Laura" flat $129.95

Maybe I just want to make this holiday season feel a little special.

Brrrrrr-ing on the Brocade!

Smokin' Smoking Loafers

I wondered whether I'd be a fan of the smoking loafer this season, as I've seen them all over the place.  It took me trying on a few pairs with skinny jeans and a cozy sweater to be sold!  What I like the most is the comfort factor- yes, they could look "old lady" like if you don't make sure they have some kind of interesting feature, fabric or flare.  Here's a few of my favorites (and definitely worth trying a pair!):

A total steal in an everyday, wearable color with gold studs.

Old Navy $24.94

I am a sucker for this cool tribal print.

Adam Tucker Me-Too $89.95

The classic look in deep maroon velvet. 

Splendid $77.95

The best of both worlds: leopard and smoking loafer!

Britton $59.95

I think they are a perfect compliment to my shoe collection!  Give them a try!

Nostalgic of Nantucket

I had a wonderful September full of travel and visits from people I love.  Mom and I ventured to Nantucket for the first time, and we got swept away in the wonderful world of whaling and coastal scenery.  Upon one of our many little shopping excursions, I came upon a sweet store that sold the best Italian leather handbags (another post about that) and also the coolest seersucker striped towels by 8knots-ShelterIsland.com all tied up in a bin like so...

Seersucker Stripe Towel

What really caught my eye was the presentation (I do love a good jute ribbon) and the stripes- my house is a variety of all of these colors...dove grey, brown, orange, lime green...so when I saw one opened up, I fell in love.  They are so soft and light- yet, I wanted to use it as a throw, rather than a towel...come to find out they can be used for so many purposes!  Towel, blanket, throw, pareo- incredibly absorbent and fast drying, I know this will be a staple in my home year round.  (I picked the one pictured above!)

And each one comes with this quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson stitched on the edge: "live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air's salubrity."

Right on, RWE, Right on.

"live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air's salubrity - See more at: http://8knots-shelterisland.com/products.html#sthash.32IG6tgc.dpuf

live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air's salubrity - See more at: http://8knots-shelterisland.com/products.html#sthash.32IG6tgc.dpuf

live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air's salubrity - See more at: http://8knots-shelterisland.com/products.html#sthash.32IG6tgc.dpuf

live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air's salubrity - See more at: http://8knots-shelterisland.com/products.html#sthash.32IG6tgc.dpuf