A Glamorous New Year To You

Masquerade 

Happy New Year, lovely friends...

Poppin Bottles

Confetti with Friends

Times Square

Belle of the Ball

Black+White

They All Hate Us

 Still thinking about black and white. So chic. So easy.

Atlantic Pacific Pin

Mode Majeure

Stella McCartney Mathilda Tuxedo Jacket

Giambattista Valli via Fully Chic

They All Hate Us

Alexander McQueen

Spring '14...Seriously...

Redoit

Not too long ago I was talking about the 2013 Pantone Color of the Year Emerald, and just like that I'm discussing the 2014 Spring palette. What? Yup. Can you imagine? Anyhoo, this is a preview of what Pantone is predicting for 2014. A pretty delicate palette if I do say so myself. I am hoping some stronger pops will develop from this base; I do enjoy all of the air-time green has (sorry, will) be getting for the next two years. 

nye | white + black

Let's do white with touches of black for New Year's Eve. I am frickin' freaking out over this Marchesa. I just...am. 

1. Style Nanda Fur Jacket | 2. Marchesa Lace Bateau cocktail dress | 3. Sass & Bide The Alpha jacket | 4. Elizabeth and James Saucy Ankle Cuff pumps | 5. Erickson Beamon Matador cuff | 6. L.A.M.B. Jessie Strappy Sandals

Smoky Eye | New Year's Ideas

In preparation for the extravaganza that is (or often is not) New Year's Eve, I'm doing some planning-it can't just be about the clothes. (Yes it can.) 

I am admittedly not super-proficient with makeup application, but I have learned to do a fairly good smoky eye. These are some of my favorite products to accomplish the right level of smoke. NARS products are consistently across-the-board my favorites. The eyeshadow duo in Pandora is the best I've found; I use the white essentially as a primer and the black is super-pigmented and easy to move around. I'll do three layers: 1. white base all over lid and up to brow,  2. I add a layer of shimmer cream eyeshadow in a silvery gray just on the lid, it adds a bit of depth and sheen, 3. add a heavy layer of black, focusing on outer corners and most of the lid. Be sure to use a cream shadow brush like the Bobbi Brown brush pictured above. I like to line both the upper and lower-lids, and I line inside the lower lash line. It takes a steady hand, but it adds a lot of sharpness to the eye. You can use your finger or a small makeup sponge to blend to perfection, and then apply a heavy-hitting mascara. 

1. NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Via Veneto | 2. NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Pandora | 3. NARS Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara | 4. Bobbi Brown Long Wear Shimmer Cream Shadow | 5. Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow Brush

Pink Punch

Plum Pretty Sugar

Pink accents can make the darkest rooms light without being overly girly. Just subtly feminine. 

Pantone #14-1312 TCX Pale Blush

House and Home 

Bright Bold Beautiful 

Apartment Therapy

Merry, Merry

This Is Glamorous

I want to wish you all the happiest of holidays, full of joy and cheer! 

xo,

Catherine

Other images via My Luscious Life LLife

Shoe Show

Belle Beetle Bootie

Sorry for the lack of posting, this is usually a very busy blogging time of the year! Unfortunately I've been a victim of the "upper-respiratory virus" that's been terrorizing these parts for the last month or so. I'm on the mend now, and thought I would share these fabulous shoes to help us all feel better. I'm particularly obsessed with the "Beetle" bootie and the "Babita" wedge. Both are great for now and will transition fabulously into Spring. All of these are by Belle and are available at Van Jean! (GREAT last minute gift ideas!!)

Belle Babita Wedge 

Belle Romona Loafer

Belle Vada Flat

Snowmen And Pumpkins!

 If you're still in need of some last minute gift ideas, might I suggest a piece from Caroline Reehl. Caroline's pottery often features flowers and little touches of gold, but how cute is this little snowman? He's about as sophisticated as a snowman can be sporting his gold top hat. I also love her pumpkins (currently sold out, but I betcha she makes some more!), another sweet piece that looks great year-round. Visit her Etsy store to see what she's got in stock now, and her blog leavie rose to keep up with her!

Emerald

Habitually Chic

The word is out: Pantone's Color of the Year for 2013 is Emerald. And the crowd goes wild!!! Just kidding. But, really. I love emerald. It's one of those hues, much like turquoise or coral, that can be found in their most vibrant state in nature, and translate so well to fashion and decor. The richness of emerald just feels decadent in any form. What do you think? Will you wear it? Cover a sofa in it?

la belle vie

Style Bistro 

yoichijerry

pattern base

Ahem, Public Service Announcement

I'm giving you all very little to go on, but just want to let you in on a teensy little secret. We have been working on a tiny, tiny lil' fashion line. The debut will be ready-to-wear (literally) for Fall 2013. But hopefully for the next few months we can share the bits and pieces as everything come together. (Again, hopefully.) (Hee.) I hope you'll all follow along, and I so hope you like it! Keep up with us on Facebook, and our website (alive and kickin' soon). Until we discuss this again, enjoy a little Avedon. (See below.)

Chester NYC

Don't let the name Chester NYC fool you: this jewelry line has Southern roots for sure. This one-off, handmade line is made by newly NYC transplanted NC native Mimi Harris. She easily mixes vintage findings, glass beads, freshwater pearls, and beautiful semi-precious stones. Gorgeous statement necklaces galore. Currently available at Charlotte's and on Chester NYC's website.