It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

So much for my love of Cool Nights and Warm Days... I forget that always leaves me with just a Cold. So, as I try to work from home... I found a little something to brighten my day.

The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is out! Yep, get ready folks, the holidays are on the way. It will be interesting to see what retailers throw at us to convince us to shop until we drop. Let's take a look at some splurges, shall we!?

First, a few of the notable fantasy gifts. Of course, there's also the car, motorcycle, and plane, but these are more interesting.

Algonquin Round Table experience, $200,000 for the chance to dine with at least eight authors, with all proceeds going to First Book (their charity recipient this year). Assuming these authors are engaged participants, this has the makings for a great evening.

Another winner-- Hall Artisan wine and Art Experience $20,000 - $3,200. Select either luxury accommodations, tours of the winery and their contemporary art collection, a private dinner and wine, and the creation of your own cuvee- to be shipped to you after aging in French Oak or the artisan wine cellar set.

I'd take either option, of course, but I'd also like that chandelier.

And now... what to wear...

The perfect holiday frock, by Magaschoni. Love the color- and the fact that it's not the traditional red or green. Not sure that cut would look good on me, but we could try!

You know I'm dying for the Judith Leiber elephant bag.

Though this little Gucci number may be more practical. Love the oil-slick appearance.
Jimmy Choo's coated canvas also has lots of versatility. And, the sides fold in for more of a pocketbook or can go out for more of a tote.

Holidays are the perfect time for my friend David Yurman...

Or this ensemble for Gucci (not typically a Gucci girl, but I really like these!)

Or Heather Moore's charm tag necklaces.

And the perfect footwear for the end of the evening. I'd ask for the Cole Haan or Marc Jacobs slippers (skip the Uggs)...

The reality is that Mr. Southern and I will probably do a low-key holiday, but a girl can dream.

-Emmie

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A Shift to Simplicity

Whew this has been a tough week already!  And two 1/2 more big days to go.  I need a little inspiration (motivation?) for some simplicity- easy, relaxed, elegant comfort, which I found with these lovelies in yesterday's email from Anthropologie.  

The shift dress is fabulous.  Most everyone can wear them, they are easy to put on, i.e., no matching tops to bottoms, and can be dressed up if needed!  

Anthropologie Esmee Dress, $98

OK this one is my favorite, I think!

Max Studio Lace Shift Dress, $198

Not sure how I feel about the lace, but from a distance, I like this one!

Bluefly, Shoshanna Dress  $173

Sunny, vibrant dress- it must make you smile during the day!

JCrew Edie Eyelet dress, $210 

I can't decide on this one.. What are your thoughts?  Too fussy or OK?

Banana republic Cotton Embroidered Shift, $98

The epitome of easy breezy.

Laundry Medallion Daisy Shift, $245 

OK, maybe this dress is not so simple, but it is fun and wouldn't require much accessorizing!

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Scarfing it Up

Image from The Gap...

Loving the summer scarf thing.  I've realized that, by and large, I do much better with simple, classic clothes with pops of accessories.  Thus, this trend is perfect for me!  And interesting how this trend falls right in line with the "new economy" shop your closet.

I picked up two cute and bright scarves from Target yesterday (just $15 and $20 bucks) and this morning am creating a look based on those.

Here are some other options.

Options from the Gap, $24.50

Banana, $69

Eileen Fisher cotton voile scarf, $108, and silk Shibori scarf, $168

The rest are not quite the same, but are the terribly classic scarves and just beautiful.

Lilly Pulitzer Jubliee Scarf, $50

Hermes silk scarves: La Rosee, Per Astra Ad Astra, Peuple du Vent, and  Legende Moghul $375. Multiple colors available; I'm of course drawn to the orange.

Thinking I'll have to go with one of the Hermes.

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Spring Getup; Happy Weekend

I haven't purchased any summer-related clothing yet and the email from Garnet Hill, offering 20% off skirts, was just the push I needed.

Thus, soon this cute sweater and tangerine skirt will be mine!
Have a lovely weekend- I am enjoying the wild wonderful wilderness of the Georgia mountains with Mr. Southern and the doggies. (by the way, they are thrilled to come along and hope to romp in the river tomorrow).

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Ode to Cville

Friends, I'm heading to C-ville this weekend (Charlottesville, VA, the home of THE University). It's our 5-year reunion from graduate school. While I could be lamenting that I have not truly accomplished jack since graduating, I'm focused instead on how excited I am to be back in Charlottesville and to catch up with my girlfriends.

If you know anyone who went to UVA, you also know that we have a cult-like reverence for the little town of C-ville. Not to mention, it's Foxfield this weekend. I generally DO NOT condone horse racing (or animal racing of any kind) but I admit that Steeplechase races get to me and I love dressing up in my sundress with the guys in seersucker suits.

And of course, this will be the 5-year anniversary of Mr. Southern Aspirations and my first kiss.

Some photo love:

Tie needs to go, but... J.Press

Ben Silver

Lilly

Vineyard Vines

J Crew

Various Designers (Tibi, Shoshanna, ABS, Betsey Johnson, Nanette Lepore) from Bluefly, the source of many of my dresses during my graduate school years.

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