sanctuary

even more than usual for me, in the winter my home becomes a sanctuary. it is warm and inviting and there are little touches to brighten my day until the sun peaks again. here are some of the top items on my list for making my home more luxurious this winter:

JHubbs and I personify Dorothy Parker's couple that "struggles along on cheese and kisses" and this would make the struggle much more glamorous.
potterybarn.com

Filled with a little eggnog and brandy I could not imagine a prettier spectacle sprinkled in nutmeg.
overstock.com 

Unless it were maybe some mulled wine in this little decanter.
overstock.com

Whether I am collecting pine cones or change it would be thrilling in these beautiful bowls. lunareshome.com

Adding an extra layer of texture and warmth to the bedroom is critical to the aesthetic and it means you can keep your thermometer (and your heating bill) lower.
kohls.com

Having a place to store winter vegetables and glass bottles to be recycled keeps me organized and the heavy open wire frame keeps me stylish.
sundancecatalog.com

Cashmere anywhere in the winter makes me happy but having an oversize throw in a neutral (or that lush green for some contrast) keeps my home inviting to everyone who comes over with cold tootsies.
 overstock.com

the bean

running through my holiday shopping list and looking for gifts for all sorts of people i refer back to l.l. bean which i admit i haven't glanced at in awhile. and now it is not only on my holiday list for others, i also have my eye on that polka dot dress because their signature line pieces continue to be timeless. i mean truly, that dress could be from the 40s but is equally applicable now. you know why? bc they are literally going back into their archives and remaking their classics with updated fits. hence they are not only an investment but could be heirlooms if you treat them right. 50 years from now my grandchild is going to have it made!

In addition, I know we have a few boys birds who stop by from time to time to check us out and the bean has some awesome duds for them as well: comfy, unpretentious, and nice to cuddle on...

Blackberry bramble

It took me a while to fall for Madewell, because I would get so annoyed walking into their store and being confronted with $60 tank tops, but I can't lie. This dress is really pretty.

You guys know that I post things here because I never buy anything, right? I'm not running out going all crazy with my credit card, don't worry.

(Back to Madewell: I can't, however, get behind the high heel clogs that certain people seem bent on pitching.)

simply lovely

so, the little purple jacket that i put in the last post has been haunting me and i decided to take a look at the rest of the simply vera vera wang line for this season. bc i do not have a kohls in the city i cannot see the collection in person and sometimes forget to check it out online. however, i am super glad that i remembered bc it is still chic and well done and now has me lusting after a few pieces (seen below) particularly the orange ruffle sleeve sweater bc i haven't seen anything like it anywhere else and that black wool wrap jacket bc it is just timeless.

toppers

fantastic little toppers that work through the holidays and into the new year for casual and formal events:

LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls
www.kohls.com

Simply Vera Vera Wang
www.kohls.com

Navy Sequin Blazer
www.victoriassecret.com

it takes two

no, seriously, you only need two pieces to make you ready for this season. look at any great outfit as we move into winter and what does it have? an amazing fabric and a high-interest point. my two picks:

Velvet and Pearls: 

sundancecatalog.com

anthropologie.com

Lace and Metal Bobbins (and pearls, don't judge-they are an actual addiction):

freepeople.com

anthropologie.com

(and here's the close-up bc i can't think of too many other things i consider to be more beautiful
than pomegranate seeds...and they are a symbol of fertility! they are literally the woman's fruit!)

Gingham and glam

These two sale tops are currently occupying a wistful shopping cart at Madewell.com ... I'd wear them separately, of course, but also think they'd look so splendidly unexpected together.