Noel Glamour - Mariage Freres - Esprit de Noel

That pretty much sums it up, don't you think?

". . .what wonder, seeing the conditions of our welcome! If, instead of the refreshment caterer with his contract properties, Beauty's daughters were to prepare the feast, how lovely it might be and what a pleasure ground for memory! A table spread with white and gold brocade, a room hung with garlands of myrtle and bay, generous sheaves of the perfect bridal flowers - roses, lilies, and magnolias, tulips, carnations and orange blossom - all in their seasons. Great dishes and platters of silver and gold, or gleaming brass, piled high with fruits - peaches and grapes, pineapples and plums, oranges, apples, melting pears - flagons of red wine, goblets of sparkling drink, delicious fragrance of rosemary, lavender, and ceder wood in all the air - unseen voices singing madrigals, music, laughter, and the love of friends.

What an hour to remember later in the silence and the starlight."

From the Chapter "Of Wedding Breakfasts"
A Little Dinner Before the Play by Agnes JekyllSigh. I get lost in the language. Back to my book, a lovely birthday gift from these guys.

(Picture via Vintage Diary)

Design inspiration really can come from anywhere. Take a look at how one bride collaborated with with custom invitation designer Sarah of Parrott Design Studio. It all started with a roll of vintage wallpaper. . .
(Pictures via Elements of Style and Things are Better with a Parrott)

. . .the temperature dropped a good 10 degrees (more like 30 by nightfall) and it was overcast in the loveliest way. I can't help but wish I spent it curled up on the couch in one of these, with hot chai and my current read. (Instead I was running all over town on errands, the highlight of which was taking this guy to the groomers').
Sigh. Fall is in the air and I am loooooooooving it. Bring on the tweed blazers, lacy tights and leather boots!

Tomorrow is a high of 66. I'm happy.

(Picture via Vogue.com)

I must have still been coming down from the royal wedding high when Kate Moss got married last month - the pictures didn't really leave an impression. But I literally want to live inside this new pictorial inside the latest Vogue.

I'm not sure how it manages to give off a vibe of Victorian picnic and rocker-chic at the same time, but it does. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to pick wildflowers and frolic in the woods.

Currently enjoying Vogue.com's featurette on Valentino dressing supermodel Natalia Vodianova for her annual charity ball.
I loved reading that the dress code for the evening was actually silver and white. This girl knows how to make an entrance.

I can never get enough of a bright, striking, fire-engine red. I think I just found my new shade of lipstick.

I'm doing some major wedding-scheme inspiration hunting for a client and came across these beautiful designs from Spanish gown and veil designer Helena Mareque, courtesy of Kathryn at Snippet and Ink. I'm in love.


I think she does an incredible job of marrying (tee hee!) simplicity with adornment. Gorgeous. More pictures here and here.

(Pictures via Snippet and Ink)

I love scanning the best-dressed on the red carpet as much as the next person, but photographer Jamie Beck's incredible style makes you really want to linger. Thanks to Erin Gates of Elements of Style for highlighting her gorgeous photos.