happy new year

I'm loving these images from the first New Year's Eve in Times Square circa 1907. Have a wonderful and safe New Year!

southern comfort

Our fancy new shopping center just got a new store named Billy Reid. After a quick glance in the window, I had to go in! The store is draped in a wonderful mix of clothing, vintage wallpapers, and antiques that are perfectly styled. Billy's clothing is southern elegance that has been wonderfully crafted from the finest materials, and kissed with the most unexpected details. Both the men's and women's collections include materials such as finely woven cottons, cashmere, and wool, not to mention leather goods that are perfect. The staff is extraordinary and even indulged me and the Mr. with the full history on the Florence, Alabama native. Nashville marks his 7th store and there seems to be no stopping him! Being from Alabama myself, I will definitely be cheering Billy on! Look at his collection here.

oh ikea.....

Did you actually think you could knock off Orla Kiely and we wouldn't notice? Of course I happily purchased two!

thank you santa!

Ever since I learned of Cath Kidston I have been mildly obsessed! I would look forward to visiting her New York store not only in hopes of buying, but also to be instantly inspired! Sadly, her state-side stores and website closed a few years ago due to customs and shipping nightmares. Amazon and other small stores have continued to carry some of her items, however nothing will compare to browsing the real thing. For Christmas I got a signed copy of her new book MAKE! I have located the "helper" Santa used to make this happen and I thank her from the bottom of my heart! This was hands down my favorite gift under the tree! If you haven't picked up the book yet you must! You can purchase it here.

yes ma'am

Over the holiday break, Mr. Matty and I went to see the new Jim Carrey flick, Yes Man. It was cute, but cuter was the pea coat Zoey Deschanel wore almost the entire movie. This is the best photo I could find, but it is a navy pea coat with the perfect red piping! The minute I returned from the movies I was on the hunt! I tracked down the costume designer Mark Bridges and emailed him asking where I could get the coat. What do you know, he emailed me back! I hate to say it, but my suspicions were confirmed. He told me the coat was indeed a one of a kind vintage piece he picked up at a L.A. costume house. I am now thinking of getting some red piping and adding it to a navy pea coat I already have. I will keep you posted!

merry christmas

I'm signing off from the blog for a few days! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

photo: melodie and matty 2008. by Anthony Popolo

christmas tradition: mini cinnamon rolls

Every Christmas morning since I can remember, my Mom has served semi-homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast! They became just as much a part of our Christmas morning tradition as opening gifts from Santa! The best part....they are super easy! Here is the recipe below. What are your Christmas morning traditions?

2 cans crescent rolls (8 oz.)
6 tbsp. butter or margarine, softened
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. sugar
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp. milk or half and half
1/4 tsp. almond or vanilla extract


1. Unroll crescent rolls, and separate each dough portion along center perforation to form 4 rectangles; press diagonal perforations to seal.

2. Stir together butter, cinnamon, and sugar; spread evenly over 1 side of each rectangle. Roll up jellyroll fashion, starting with long end. Gently cut each log slices. Place rolls, ¼ inch apart, on non-greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375° for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden. Cool 5 to 10 minutes. Stir together powdered sugar and remaining ingredients. Drizzle over warm rolls.

craving

Last night I was shopping at Trader Joe's, and was handed a sample piece of their sea salt caramels. Unexpectedly, I was instantly in love, and today can't stop thinking about them! I am going to buy a few boxes for last minute gifts, and keep one for myself!

christmas lights

Last night I kidnapped Mr. Matty for a date night! He is a lover of Christmas lights, so I mapped out all the great light displays in Nashville and with hot drinks in tow we saw them all! Every year the Ann Chapman Holiday Lights Competition awards the best displays! I used this list as a tool during our adventure, and you can find the winners addresses here! The house pictured above was our district winner! If you are in need of something to get you in the Christmas spirit, I recommend a night with lights!

i heart red

Nothing like a good red lipstick to brighten the dark and dreary weather we have been having. Here are the ones currently in my purse: cherries in the snow by revlon, true red by loreal, red she said by mac, and lasting lust by mac pro longwear lipcolor.

boots!

Christmas came a little early for me this year when the Mr. surprised me with these boots last weekend! I had been eye-ing them at our friend Libby's vintage clothing booth...and next thing you know he had snapped them up for me! He's so wonderful! Check out Libby's booth for other great finds!

oh for the love of pink

After seeing this tree in Blueprint last year I dreamed of having it! Anything pink calls to me, especially a Christmas tree. I spotted one early in the season and decided to wait till it "goes on sale", because no one will want a pink tree. Sadly, my bargain-self was wrong. They are SOLD OUT! I am hoping Santa can find me one!

1/2 off sale

Today I marked all holiday garments 1/2 off in the store! Don't forget I am also offering free gift wrap through the holidays! Happy Shopping!

santa baby

All I can say is "Thank you $1 a pound Goodwill!". This past summer I scored this vintage light up Santa face that now hangs on our wall! Never has a buck been more well spent!

vintage holiday ads

I am loving these vintage holiday ads!

breakfast band-aids

I think these would make great stocking stuffers!

cardboard boxes do make great toys!

I was with my family for Thanksgiving, and we were reminiscing about our favorite Christmas presents growing up. My favorite was a cardboard house. My parents cleared out all of the living room furniture and set up my house, only intending it to stay that way for Christmas Day. I set up camp in the living room and for weeks played all day in the house. This gift is guaranteed to bring it's recipient hours of fun!

amazing

Just scooped me up some of these!

silhouettes

I'm loving these custom silhouettes from LePetitEnfants. Orders placed by December 12th will arrive in time for the holidays.

nashville event: kayce hughes sale

If you live in Nashville, you will want to stop by the Kayce Hughes warehouse sale. You can find some great stuff super cheap! Bargains as low as $10.00 on both pears + bears and Kayce Hughes clothing. I scored this cute number and a few gifts for friends! Sale is Thursday and Friday from 8am-4pm in the warehouse at 6922 Highway 70 South.

perfect

I adore these suitcases and love them even more in Christmas green and red. You can use them as advent boxes, to hold tree trimmings, and other endless possibilities!

brilliant!

I am so excited about this new wrapping paper from Hallmark! The paper is adhesive and stays put without tape, but peels off easily if you make a mistake. Get the new holiday patterns here!