As we wrap up our holiday shopping and head into a new year with high hopes for better days ahead, I have to ask for one last thing to top off my wishlist... and you, my dear readers, are the only ones who can grant it. (Are you comfy? Grab some cocoa... this one is a bit long, but worth the read...)
Let's be honest, friends, 2008 was... well, bumpy to say the least. The economy tanked. And then it tanked some more. And to top it all off, we've got snow storms across the country stopping people from getting to their favorite local spots to actually
finally spend a little money. So you can guess where these wishes are going...
My family owns a
restaurant. Every night, my dad comes home and we ask, tentatively... "How was it?" Tonight, he said, "Not so good." Which tears my heart up. Because one of these nights I'm afraid he'll say, "I can't do this anymore," and I might die. Our family's life has revolved around this restaurant - around the food and family, and the regulars whose lives we've become a part of. So...
Christmas Wish #1: If you live in Seattle, come eat at my dad's restaurant. It's called Rialto and it's tucked into a cute area of Fremont where he serves the most fabulously affordable authentic Italian food you'll ever dine on. He himself uses all local vendors for his meats, coffee and ingredients, and makes the pasta in house, so I suppose a little karma isn't too much to ask for? Oh, and this year he's even doing a special New Years Menu! (I recommend the Salmon Ravioli in a Pesto Cream Sauce. YUM.)
As for me, well, I take after my father. Just decided to pack up and start my
own company in October, despite it all. And, while the doors to my dream store may not be opening soon, I did manage to find my first few clients (Or rather, they found me!) and loved every second I spent designing those weddings, holiday tabletops and living rooms. With that said...
Christmas Wish #2: Just keep me in mind. The next time a friend says,
"I know what I want my wedding to look like, but I don't know where to start." Or,
"I need to totally redo my house, but I don't want to pay someone else to do it... just to design it." That's what I do. Of course, I
can do it all, but providing creative direction to enable people to achieve their own look and style... it's so fun. And, I can do it from anywhere. So tell 'em to come to me.
And now for the story of
Gypsy Tinker and the Christmas Senorita (which is actually where the idea for this whole post started).
Once upon a time a stylish little gal (that's me kids) was shopping on Etsy when she stumbled up on the
sweetest little Senorita she ever did see (yep, that's her above). Packaged with bits of fringe, sparkle and ribbon, the girl just couldn't resist the purchase. So, click click click she went, and waited in anticipation for the package to arrive from the mysterious Gypsy.
And arrive it did! With a sweet little surprise...
A sweet little lover for her little Senorita! Along with a note of thanks that inspired her so, she decided there was only one thing left to do...
Christmas Wish #3: Shop. So many beautiful stores have shut their doors this year, that I couldn't complete this post without a plea to support the local shops that mean something to you. There are stories behind these doors. Like the Gypsy who thanked me for a small little purchase during hard times. Or
Carol, who is my newest sponsor here at coco+kelley whose store will make a gorgeous addition to our little blog family...
And not just because her taste for black Christmas trees has me swooning! But because her shop,
Gatherings, is just another example of someone following their dream. And someone who needs the same support we could all use. A little thoughtful purchasing goes a long way these days..
And if you needed incentive, dear readers, she's taking 20% off all purchases from her store if you mention coco+kelley through December. Because in these tight times we could all use a little bargain too!
So there it is, lovelies. My Christmas Wish. To get out and support your local stores. Because the GAP isn't going to fold tomorrow. Because the stores that count are the ones with heart behind them. The ones that have a story to tell, and families to support. So go go go! Spend spend spend (where you can!). And a very very Merry Christmas to you all...
Luv&Ciao,
Cassandra
image credits: john dolan, mikkel vang, rodney smith
stunning glittery eyes via ?
I'll admit - I've always wanted an oversized antique mirror to lean against a wall in my living room or entry someday, but the bedroom? I'm not sure...
Then I remembered this room from Paul Costello. Similar idea, with a more relaxed style, and I adore the sheers draped over the bed for a special effect. The bench is replaced by a worn chest, and the drapes are kept light. Funny that the bedding is remarkably similar! I think the simple lines of this mirror are somehow more appealing to me, although less dramatic than the one above. Which do you prefer? And would you dare to put a mirror at the head of the bed?
So I took it upon myself to post this photo of us from New Year's Eve many years ago to punish her... although I suppose photos of us looking young and fabulous aren't exactly torture.
I love a good metallic dress - just a little shine without the overwhelming bling of sequins. The strapless gold number from Moschino is flirty and fun, but the a deep blue is so sophisticated yet sexy...
When dressing head to toe in one color, I usually opt for black. And I have yet to find a more perfect LBD than this one from Mint Jodi Arnold. If I didn't already own like... 5 black dresses (I have a serious addiction), you better believe I'd wanting this one (well, maybe when it goes on sale...). And just because I couldn't do a post without an option for our girly girls, how about a little fuschia number from DKNY with an incredibly flattering cut?
Did I forget to mention above that I actually love the overwhelming bling of sequins? Well, I DO! The one on the left, from Rachel Gilbert is for Erin. Her tall skinny little self would look so fabulously glam in this dress with its deco stylings. And as for me? This Phillip Lim piece has been on my wishlist for quite some time now. And really... if you can't look like a disco ball on New Year's Eve, when can you?
Vera Wang (above and below): I haven't really been in love with Vera lately, but something about this collection really made me fall in love again with her classic style. The bows and embellished details aren't over the top, and her fabric choices are flawless, plus the simple color scheme with a focus on grey and black is right up my alley!
Zac Posen: I haven't really loved an entire collection of Zac's lately - just certain pieces - but this one was practically flawless! While some of of the shapes didn't quite come together for me, the styling, details and colors were fantastic. These three were my favorites, but you should see all the pieces together. Stunning.
Alexander Wang: While these dresses would be more appropriate for the Spring, I still love the simplicity and structure, especially the sheer black over the pale pale pink (at least, I think it's pink...).
Rachel Roy: The more I see from her, the more I love. Great mix of textures and patterns, love the suit and those SHOES!!! Just fantastic. Really loved the whole collection.
Isaac Mizrahi: I'm head over heels for this particular shade of really deep lilac, and paired with that camel, I think it's gorgeous. The dress was a surprising addition to the collection - I'm not sure that it fit, but I really liked the idea of it.
Missoni: What can I say? I just love the patterns that come out of this fashion house! The oversized chrevron just looks so cozy, and the plaid with fringe is fantastic!
Doo.Ri: Don't you think everyone looks good in this color? I was immediately drawn to these two ensembles from doo.ri simply because of that pale aqua. Again, seems a little more spring than fall to me, but I won't complain. I love it paired with grey and some soft ruffles.
Burberry Prorsum: The second collection to feature the pants over the shoes (Vera had it too!) I think it's safe to say this could be the next trend for fall... but we'll see. Love the deep purple jacket. I wish I had it to keep me warm now! And I'm a sucker for textured grey.
My favorite dress. From Carolina Herrera, no surprise. The pattern reminds me of the Prada skirt from Spring RTW08 that I absolutely loved, and the cut is incredibly flattering. Plus the pop of electric blue? Genius! I think that skirt (also green, by the way, in case you don't recall!) was the rebirth of me loving the idea of plaid. *photo by Patrick Demarchelier
I adore this little space with its contrast of new and vintage. Fresh flowers and fruits make it feel like spring, even in the coldest months, and the high ceilings and no curtains keep the room feeling open. Coffee anyone?
The type of place where packing involves a bikini, a dress and some sunscreen...
Where skin gets perfectly bronzed...
And the term 'bundling up' means throwing on a light long sleeved blouse...
Ahhhh yes. A colorful paradise... just what this girl needs.
The snow here is still piled high, and I've felt quite stuck for the last few days...
I've enjoyed the magic of white Christmas and now...
I'm losing my mind. Tears!
We're still very buried in on my street, but fingers crossed that tomorrow I will make it out of here to the mall (of all places) to do my Christmas returns. And, I may not want to come back...
Let's be honest, friends, 2008 was... well, bumpy to say the least. The economy tanked. And then it tanked some more. And to top it all off, we've got snow storms across the country stopping people from getting to their favorite local spots to actually finally spend a little money. So you can guess where these wishes are going...
My family owns a restaurant. Every night, my dad comes home and we ask, tentatively... "How was it?" Tonight, he said, "Not so good." Which tears my heart up. Because one of these nights I'm afraid he'll say, "I can't do this anymore," and I might die. Our family's life has revolved around this restaurant - around the food and family, and the regulars whose lives we've become a part of. So...
As for me, well, I take after my father. Just decided to pack up and start my own company in October, despite it all. And, while the doors to my dream store may not be opening soon, I did manage to find my first few clients (Or rather, they found me!) and loved every second I spent designing those weddings, holiday tabletops and living rooms. With that said...
And now for the story of Gypsy Tinker and the Christmas Senorita (which is actually where the idea for this whole post started).
A sweet little lover for her little Senorita! Along with a note of thanks that inspired her so, she decided there was only one thing left to do...
And not just because her taste for black Christmas trees has me swooning! But because her shop, Gatherings, is just another example of someone following their dream. And someone who needs the same support we could all use. A little thoughtful purchasing goes a long way these days..
And if you needed incentive, dear readers, she's taking 20% off all purchases from her store if you mention coco+kelley through December. Because in these tight times we could all use a little bargain too!
For the last of the holiday parties this season... some fabulous Louboutins to pair with my party dress and a sparkling crystal link bracelet to go with just about everything!
With all the snow we've had piling up these days, I'm realizing I'm completely unprepared to face the elements in style! I love white boots on snow days, and these simple Uggs are practically perfect. The caramel color of this jacket from Add Down has me lusting bigtime, and I love the hood!
To completely indulge in my ruffle infatuation I'm still coveting this clutch from Stacy Leigh, and am loving the entire line of fantastical lingere from Strumpet & Pink, including this adorable creation.
On the more practical side, there is nothing more sexy than a slouchy tank like this one from ADAM. The slight metallic sheen is complete perfection. My obsession with rings makes me need to have one that I can wear every day of the week, and I think this chunky gleaming piece from Ippolita needs to be mine!
I'm coveting just about every piece in the Thread Social line for spring, and this dress is pure peachy keen gorgeousness! I love the subtle grey piping and the fabric would be ideal for all my summer weddings. And, because all my LBD's could use a little kick of color, these blue satin pumps from Kate Spade will do just loverly.
