Sweet Find: Pourdrier Rose

Oh my my. With fine French sugar tablets and orange blossom Ortigia soaps, the selection at Pourdrier Rose is the peak of gift-giving perfection--just right for the bride-to-be or her bridesmaids! (Via Simplesong.)

Valentine's Day Dreaming

I'm already starry-eyed for my favorite holiday a whole month in advance. There's just so much to love about Valentine's, don't you think?





Personalized 'postcups' from Bailey Doesn't Bark--one of my faves.
Gorgeous satiny gala clutch from JCrew.
Chain, chain, chain--bracelet from bario-neal (how brilliant is their gift packaging?).
Merino moustache gloves from Jack Spade for your favorite handsome, hilarious gent.
Puppy-love from Fauna via DesignPublic.
Je t'aime--why not wake up to these instead of giving chocolate this year?

Great Gifts Guest: Cassandra of coco+kelley

For one of this week's installments of our 'great gifts' series, I'm so delighted to welcome Cassandra of coco+kelley--truly the best read for your daily dose of glamour!




A favorite at Martha Stewart, coco+kelley is one of the hottest fashion & design blogs out there. Cassandra's aesthetic is--in a word--impeccable. From tableware to chairs to jewelry to the runway, her point of view sparkles and shines. On top of writing her fabulous blog and keeping up her etsy shop, Cassandra has just launched her own style venture--so inspiring! If you have checked out her new online portfolio, it's a must-see. Just imagine: coco+kelley as the creative direction behind your wedding? Yes, please!

On to the gorgeous gifts from Cassandra!



The greatest gift I've ever received: When I graduated from high school, a close family friend bought me *gasp* my first ever piece from Tiffany & Co. I just about died when I saw that little blue box. But the best part wasn't really even the gift ~ it was the message he left inside telling me to wear the bracelet anytime I wanted. I think it was the first time I realized that beautiful pieces should be shared and displayed and used, and completely contributed to my philosophy of always adding a little glamour to everyday life.

{Don't you think everyone needs a little style encouragement from time to time? I just love Cassandra's philosophy of beauty, don't you?}



The greatest gift I've given: When I had studied abroad in Florence, there was a priest in the program who was an amazing artist. He has done hundreds of paintings for alumni and their families over the years, a few of which have been for close friends of mine. So, one year, when my sister and I were struggling over what to get my parents for Christmas, I came up with the idea of commissioning him to paint a scene taken from the small Southern Italian town that my father was born in. I don't think I've ever seen my parents so surprised or moved over a gift before! It was wonderful to have a personal piece created for them with so much meaning behind it.

{The gift of art--so special--and that Italian scene, stunning!}

Cassandra, thanks so much for sharing with us! Can't wait to hear all your news as you keep doing what you love with c+k!

Sweetest Gifts 2008: For the Batty Brothers

After all my girly wedding-ness this weekend, this list is a shout-out to the wacky wonderful, excellent eccentric boys--you know the ones. A few things stylish and just a little strange--you've got to love it.





Big old cracklin' cereal bowls from Lois Aronow
Scorpion tie via JCrew
Rad wrestler calendar ala Hammer Press
What's up with yurt? Book from ReForm School
Lightfoot's pure pine soap via Canoe
Rockin' Rockmount cowboy shirt

Sweetest Gifts 2008: For the Girly Girlfriends

A little something light and lovely--this list's for the girls who are always there to listen and laugh. What plans do you have for the ladies in your life? (All these llll's...I must be thinking of my best friend Lola...!)






An itty bitty Purl Soho gift cert
Vegan m'mmmarshmallows ala Sweet & Sara
Skinny birds-of-a-feather belt via pixie market
Flirty birdy vase from Three Potato Four
Some delicate dishes from Gleena
A lacy full moon necklace at Nervous System
Chocolat via Jin Patisserie--ooolaaala!
A folksy calendar from Dutch Door Press

Great Gifts Guest: Kathryn of Snippet & Ink

It seems only fitting to share these particular great gifts with you today--if there were an election, I would vote Snippet & Ink one of my favorite blogs, hands-down! Thanks so much for visiting us, Kathryn!




Without a doubt, Kathryn creates the most delectable, delightful wedding inspiration boards around. I'm sure I'm not the only bride to say it--I was hooked on Snippet & Ink from my very first read and continue to check in daily (er, two or three times daily!) ever since. Themes, colors, crafts, flowers, photography, dresses, venues--it's all there and every choice Kathryn makes is a beautiful one. More than any book or magazine, her daily features inspired our handspun, homemade wedding. What a treat it was to have our little gig as a Snippet & Ink real wedding--such amazing company to be in! I could say so much--see here, here, here, here for more..! Needless to say, I have so much gratitude to Miss Kathryn!

But enough of my chit-chatting--on to the gifts!



The greatest gift I've ever received: One of my favorite gifts was this pair of sweet little diamond earrings that my mother gave me for Christmas last year. They were links on a beautiful watch that belonged to my grandmother (my father's mother), who gave the watch to my mother, who in turn has had the links turned into earrings for my sisters and me. I love that they have a history, and that they are the perfect size - sparkly enough to dress up, small enough to dress down.

{What a fine gift--the gift of style! I love the diamond in this Snippet & Ink board too.}

The greatest gift I've given: The gift I had the most fun giving was a personalized notebook for my best friend Mariam's birthday. She had just returned from a semester in Paris, and I knew she was a little sad about having to leave. I found a journal that had a map of Paris on the cover-- including the street that she lived on!--and filled it with stories, illustrations, photos, notes and recipes to remind her of Paris whenever she missed it. Not only was it so much fun to make, but Mariam told me it is her favorite birthday present she's ever received!

{I just love these book gifts, ladies, don't you? You must see Kathryn's 'Paris, je t'aime' inspiration board--pure heaven!}

Thanks, Kathryn, for lending us your stories!

Sweetest Gifts 2008: For the Glamour Mama

I'm thinking ahead to the holidays and all the special people on my gift giving list. What would you get for the smart and sophisticated new mom? I'm thinking pretties--sweet smelling, shiny and a little bit sentimental (maybe for those college days studying abroad)....






Candles fit for a queen from Mrs. John L. Strong
A bella, bella bracelet handcrafted by Bon Bon Oiseau
Mama's got a brand new bag from Lori's Shoes
So sophisticated soaps from French General
One of my faves: Amaretti Sant'Angelo via Formaggio Kitchen (my very favorite hometown market)
Sassy five-to-nine dress of the delightful Shabby Apple
One luxurious Turkish bath towel via Laviva
Fancy ducks waddle across this frame at Kate's Paperie

More soon on presents for the other members of the tribe!

Great Gifts Guest: Denise of d.sharp

For this special Friday edition of our great gifts series, I'm so excited to share with you Denise of Studio d. Sharp. So glad to have you!



Maybe you recognize d. Sharp's eiffel tower candy containers--widely publicized on the blog scene, I think it can be said that Denise's finely crafted paper pieces are the means to perfect marriage proposal, wedding celebration, Valentine's Day and child's birthday party. A little bit vintage, a little bit Victorian and very much unique, each one of these objets d'art would constitute a gift of love. Plus, Denise has a wonderful line of luxury letterpress wrapping via etsy.




All this and a blog!: Denise also keeps up the warmest, wittiest and aesthetically sharp (no pun!) journal complete with hilarious kid stories (Dispatches from Parenthood--my fave!).



For our series, Denise writes:

The greatest gift I've ever received: One of the most meaningful gifts I have ever received was from my husband on the occasion of my very first mother's day. It is a necklace by Jeanine Payer and I wear it almost daily.



The front has a tiny photograph under glass of a baby with gold leaf wings. The reverse side has a favorite quote from Rumi:

Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there.

{So special! If you haven't read Rumi's poetry, I highly recommend it. This book is one of my favorites as well.}



Becoming parents alters your relationship with your spouse and that first year is full of changes. This quote was a reminder of how important it is to connect with my husband.

{Such a beautiful reflection and sentiment! A gift like this could just melt your heart, couldn't it?}

Thanks, Denise, for sharing with us! Can't wait to see what you create next!