Classic Cottage

I would love to visit a cottage. I think there is something so cosy and warm about the small size of cottage. I can see myself curling up at the fireplace with a cup of cocoa in this delightful dwelling. Enhanced, and a bit modernised, with beautiful classic furniture is my idea of the perfect getaway.

Horchow & House Beautiful:
1. Honey-Colored Sofa
2. Luxurious Bathroom by Karl Pierce Paxton
3. Jane Wilner Designs "Catherine Palace" Bed Linens
4. Old Hickory Tannery Caramel Ticking Settee
5. John-Richard Collection Urn-Shaped Lamp
6. "Cherie Gray" Armchair

Look of the Week

I never cared much for velvet, but this Chloé ensemble is so perfect for New Years Eve!

Net-A-Porter:
Studded-velvet jacket: Chloé
Gathered velvet skirt: Chloé
Black satin pumps: Christian Louboutin
Tube metallic fabric clutch: Jimmy Choo
Feather hoop earrings: Alex Monroe
Jenny hammered ring: Monica Vinader

2009: The year in pictures

In a couple of days we will bid farewell to 2009 and welcome 2010 with open arms. I can only hope that next year will be as joyous and inspirational as the past year has been to me. Looking back at 2009, I present to you a few of my favorite shots from this year:


In Febuary I went to Paris and ate at Ladurée for the first time. The whole experience was magical. I'm so glad I was able to get this shot, as Ladurée strictly forbids photographing.

Traveling to New York City was amazing, especially since it was my first time. This sight holds the title "Most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

I just adore these townhouses in NYC's Upper West Side. I count the people living in these quarters the luckiest people alive.

Even when it's fake, Paris is mesmerizing. Paris recreated at Disney's Epcot.

The legacy of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC.

In Paris, anything is possible. Even a sky so blue in late October.

And last but not least, the lovely 'Galerie Vèro-Dodat', Paris.

Modern Boudoir

I love the name Boudoir... For me, it elicits visions of a private room that I hope to have one day. Oh how wonderful it shall be when I have a suite that is mine entirely. In the past, a boudoir was a lady's private room for bathing and dressing. Later, the room was used for other activities, such as drawing, embroidery and meeting intimate acquaintances. The name derives from the French term bouder, which means 'to pout'.

Horchow:
1. Old Hickory Tannery - "Celia" Tufted Toile Chair
2. Mirrored Vanity & Vanity Seat
3. Chandelier & Silk Cord Cover
4. Maitland-Smith Jewelry Chest
5. Sweet Dreams "Clair de Lune" Bed Linens
6. Rosenbaum Fine Art "Secrets" Giclee Print

My Christmas Wish List

1. KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer
2. Hot Fudge Sundae Silk Pie
3. Any book by Susan Wiggs
4. Patent Grey Christian Louboutins

Oh, and this would be nice too, Santa!

What would the 'Sex and the City' girls wear to brave the cold?

Carrie



Charlotte



Miranda



Samantha



With piles of snow right on my doorstep, I am faced with the option that I have to stay at home all day. I curdle up watching Sex and the City (season 6) and I wonder what the four girls would wear on a day like today.

Christmas Sweets

Don't feel like baking it yourself? Neiman Marcus does it for you.

1. Buche de Noel Cake
2. Red Velvet Cake
3. Bow-Topped "Gift" Cake
4. Kringles
5. Grand Marnier Truffle Cake
6. Golda & I Chocolate Cupcake House

Looking Up

Whenever I enter a museum or a historical building, I automatically look up. I'm always curious to see what they've done with the ceiling. Is it decorated with a fresco painting? Mosaic tiles? Perhaps it's a hammerbeam roof.

I'm pretty sure no one builds houses today and thinks to paint a fresco on their ceiling. Not even a decorative pattern. So with this post, I want to show you some historical buildings with ceilings that are even more beautiful than the furniture. Photographs all taken by me.


One of the many painted ceilings at Musée du Louvre.



This one almost looks like an actual painting.

Napoleon's apartment makes quite an impression.

A lovely floral ceiling.

The ceiling from the pyramids at Musée du Louvre.

Gorgeous architectural ceiling from New York's Metropolitan Museum.