Gifts + Charms + Wish-Lists

A lovely reader of My Dog-Eared Pages wrote to ask me if I would please create another gift guide this year. I was extremely honored and delighted by her request. But I just couldn't find the time it takes to gather together a complete holiday gift guide as I have in the past—with ideas from baby to best friend [here + here]. So what I thought might be fun, would be to put together my own wish-list. My dream gift would be the perfect antique lady's writing desk from 1stdibs! But of course, what I would love more than any gifts at all, would be to gather with family and friends.

My extravagant wish-list. For almost seventeen years, my dear friend André gave me a scarf from Hermès for Christmas [though not my first, you can read about that here]. The year André passed away from cancer, my husband carried on the tradition. So, the first thing on my list is inspired by this beautiful friendship and this classic photograph of Jean Shrimpton. I don't have a solid-color scarf in my collection and I love this purple scarf called, Hermès-Sellier.

Hermès-Sellier Scarf in silk jacquard $395

Now remember... I said this was a wish-list! I currently do not own a pair of Roger Vivier shoes. And, I think these are absolute perfection. Such a divine color, with tortoise shell buckle.

Roger Vivier Belle de Nuit Suede Gommette Flats $590 [On right, a 1960s ad for shoes designed by Vivier for Christian Dior, Illustration by Rene Gruau]

I just discovered this sensible + chic Loupe from Vivre, made by the renowned French design house Perrin Paris 1893. It magnifies 5X with a 2.36" diameter lens on a 35.4" cord. Never worry about leaving your glasses behind!

Tortoise Loup by Perrin Paris $395 • And, they make amazing eyewear, too. $345

Also from Vivre, I spotted this Horn Cuff by Mariana Lopez Osornio. I think it might be best to wear two at a time. One on each wrist!

Horn Cuff made in Argentina from Vivre $150 [note: MLO Jewelry is a sustainable business; using recycled materials] More treats for the cuff with these fabulous gloves from Anthropologie: [perfect details, note the gold-tone leather in between the fingers!] Cuffed Shearling Gloves by Maison Fabre $198 Don't head out into the cold without the perfect Lip Balm! Rodin Olio Lusso blush-tone Lip Balm w/Jasmine + Orange Oil $28 Hmmm, it appears I am loving pink and coral at the moment! I adore this Tangier Stripe Pillow from Heidi Merrick. $165 Crisp white Wendy Shirt with Cocktail Cuff by Thomas Pink $180 • Straw Stitched Sun Hat from Chance $325

And, since this just might be the year of the Charm Bracelet after the Christie's auction of Elizabeth Taylor's Jewelry Collection this week:

Oscar de la Renta Russian Charm Bracelet $225 Yummy Marimekko Lokki Blanket $245 • Tangle Lacquered Tray from Plantation Design $150 [you can never have too many trays or blankets!]

And, maybe something to read while cozy under the Lokki blanket. There are so many wonderful books that have been published recently. One that I would love to add to my library is, BALS: Legendary Costume Balls of the Twentieth Century; that explores nine of the most exceptional private costume parties of the twentieth century. Published by Assouline.

BALS: Legendary Costume Balls of the Twentieth Century $175 And just one more, published by Rizzoli... Oberto Gili: Home Sweet Home $85

Since the 1970s, Oberto Gili has been an editorial photographer traveling the world. His images of fashion and interiors have appeared in House & Garden, Town & Country, and Vogue. This collection of photography spans his career; and focuses on 'the extravagance of the bohemian.' The New York Social Diary interviewed Oberto Gili here. And, there are also so many treats for your library at my favorite, Nick Harvill Libraries. I would love numerous prints by artist, Jane Parkes. Her work is quickly being discovered by decorators; as seen in the June issue of House Beautiful. Green Girl, Monotype [see a lot more and inquire about pricing and availability here.]

A touch of RED with this votive from glassybaby in the color Happiness. 10% of the sale from each Happiness votive is donated to Gilda's Club in New York City. So far, glassybaby has donated $626,211.73 in sales given since November 2003. Their votives absolutely glow and come in amazing colors. These make great gifts for hostess, or anyone!

glassybaby Happiness votive $44

And, finally... who wouldn't adore an Ivan Terestchenko photograph from his series Interieurs Couture. [contact directly for availability: 30 x 40 cm $250 • 50 x 60 cm $400 • signed, dated and numbered • limited edition of 30 prints]

I would like to end by wishing you the most delightful holiday possible. And, to thank you for reading My Dog-Eared Pages. I greatly appreciate each and everyone of you who visits and comments. Happy Holidays!! Holly Boot: Andy Warhol for Tiffany & Co.

A Duo of Earthy Dibs

Monotype Abstract Collection by Rob Delamater


Art Deco Reed Lounge Chairs from the Queen Elizabeth

Source: 1st dibs

PANTONE'S COLOR DIBS FOR 2011

We move from Turquoise in 2010 to Honeysuckle 18-2120 in 2011, as Pantone puts dibs on the color for interiors and fashion trends in 2011. While Turquoise served as an escape color according to Pantone, Honeysuckle "elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life." From fashion to interiors, and even a Pantone Visa Card, Honeysuckle promises to lift our spirits. We'll see about that! All of the Honeysuckle Pink items shown here are available on 1st dibs.

If Pantone's new pick is just a bit bold for your tastes, visit this post over at Quintessence, for just a hint of Honeysuckle!

MONTHLY DIBS | 1ST DIBS

1st dibs is a fascinating place to shop and a treasure trove of inspiration—from any genre and any period. On Saturdays, 1st dibs features Saturday Sale, much like a flea market... and fun Saturday Shopping trips [virtual of course] with leading designers and style icons like Kathryn Ireland, Hutton Wilkinson, Clair Watson, and many more. My search today is for wicker and I've found a couple of things I love from an oversized 1890s French Wicker Basket to a pair of Bamboo Reed Wicker Chairs from the 1950s. From furniture and lighting to jewelry to haute couture, 1st dibs has it all.

PANTONE'S COLOR DIBS FOR 2010

We move from Mimosa in 2009 to Turquoise 15-5519 as Pantone puts dibs on the color for interiors and fashion trends in 2010. The color is believed to be a "protective talisman" and "a color of deep compassion and healing." Executive director, Leatrice Eiseman also states that Turquoise "represents an escape to many." The color has wide appeal and according to the experts "adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens." We'll see! All of the Turquoise-y items shown here are available on 1stdibs.

FASHION TRENDS | ART OF THE HAT

Hats are back. And, one of the reasons why is the incredibly talented Albertus Swanepoel. Born and raised in South Africa, Swanepoel trained as a milliner under Janine Galimard, who worked for Balenciaga in Paris in the 1950's and 60's. After working as an assistant to Lola and then Lynne Mackey {creating hats for Broadway shows}, he briefly had a stint as a Style Editor at Martha Stewart Weddings. In 2004, Albertus began his brilliant collaborations with New York designers, including: Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, Thakoon, Carolina Herrera, Peter Som, Diane Von Furstenberg, Jason Wu, and many others. His label {namesake Albertus Swanepoel} sells to top retailers like Barneys, Paul Smith, and Louis Boston. In 2009, he was nominated for a Swarovski CFDA Accessory Award.

I spent some time on 1stdibs today to see if I could find some vintage hats from the 60's that might inspire Albertus Swanepoel. I think I may have found a few!

1st Dibs ~ left to right: YSL Jockey hat, Patchwork Felt Mosaic hat, Tri-Color Jockey hat