happy, happy new year...

Just a quick note to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! Hope you have the champagne ready, with a little glitz and glamour for tonight! Have a good one, and see you in the New Year!

How are you ringing in the new year?

Photo: Scan by Dress, Design & Decor from Home & Country Winter 2008

ballet inspired...

I'm all over a ballet-inspired look now, with soft nudes, light pinks, wools and lace tops, with pretty bows... have to admit, I still love dotted tights, but haven't had a chance to wear them anywhere! Can't wait to go shopping for a few new pieces once all the spring lines are in... did anyone get some good Boxing Week bargains?

Photos: Tati Cotliar for Exit F/W 2010 by Benny Horne via FGR

a must see...

Over the Christmas break I finally got a chance to see Black Swan and it was so, so good. I saw the trailer quite some time ago and had been dying to see it. Seriously creepy, with so many twists and turns. It was amazing. I kind of want to go back a second time. I just love the how well the creepy aspect was mixed with something so elegant and beautiful as ballet. Natalie Portman is perfect for the part, and how lucky of her to get to wear those gorgeous Rodarte costumes! If you get the chance to see it I highly recommend it. I'm all ballet-obsessed now. And for some extra creepiness, visit ijustwantobeperfect.com (I wouldn't look before bed though, just saying...)

I can't wait for this is come out on DVD!

Photos: Black Swan, costumes sketches by Rodarte

backstage...

I love backstage photos... they always seem so secretive and special... all that behind-the-scenes stuff that you never really get to see. Plus, with all the glitz and glam of the runway, it's always interesting to see models in relaxed "street clothes", isn't it? I wonder what's in that Chanel bag?

Photo: via Pretty Stuff Tumblr (Patterson maker)

after christmas...

Hello, hello... back again after Christmas break with lots of goodies and way too much chocolate! How was everyone's holiday? Did you get time to relax along with all the celebration? It was so great to have some time off, but I really wish it lasted a little longer! Did you get something special from your wish list? So much to talk about! lol...

My boyfriend gave me the prettiest gifts! Two ultra-soft sweaters from J.Crew, along with a set of their super cozy plaid pjs, and the most gorgeous collection of Chanel perfumes! Aren't they great? They came in a gold box titled "Fragrance Wardrobe"... how fun is that? I also got a steamer, so I can actually de-wrinkle my clothes (ironing is so not my thing), Chloé perfume and a whole bunch of other great goodies. I was so lucky this year!

Back to work for a few days though, putting my Starbucks gift card to good use, then i'm off again Friday for New Year's Eve. Can you believe we're almost at the end of another year?

Can't wait to hear how your holiday went...

Photos: My own - Dress, Design & Decor

christmas eve...

There's something about Christmas Eve that's so perfectly silent and still... the dark cold of the night makes everyone's homes feel that much more warm and cozy as the evening unfolds with family and friends... it's so lovely!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful time so far and looking forward to the big day tomorrow! Just want to wish all of you wonderful Christmas and thank you so much for reading Dress, Design & Decor this year. It's still amazing to me that so many like-minded people can "meet" like this, make friends, and encourage each other's creativity in a positive way. So thank you and Merry Christmas!

Photos: Scans by myself - Dress, Design & Decor from Home & Country Nov/Dec 2006 by Danielle Harrison, and Style at Home

let the countdown begin...

It's officially my last day work today and can't wait for the holidays to begin! Christmas Eve is almost upon us and i'm off to my hometown tonight with presents, baked goods, and the kitty in tow. I'm so looking forward to yummy food and relaxing for a few days... it's definitely needed!

What are doing for the holidays?

Photos: Dream Camera

sweet treat...

There's so many treats going around the office right now, but mostly chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! I'm totally craving a little bit of a fruity treat as a result now... sugar plum crumble, raspberry cobbler, or cranberry-apple crisp... they all look so good don't they? A pretty Christmas treat...

Photos: Scans by myself - Dress, Design & Decor Home & Country Winter 2008 from the book Cobbler & Crumbles by Maxine Clark, photos by Peter Cassidy

card collecting...

As the holidays draw nearer, more cards appear in the mail... one from a friend, one from an Aunt, and one from Granny 'across the miles'... I love collecting these cards each year for a pretty little display hung up by ribbon, pinned up on the wall, or sitting atop the mantel... it's so fun to open the mailbox to a little surprise!

I heard a rumor that not as many people are sending out Christmas cards nowadays, which I think is a little sad, don't you? I love stationery too much to not send any out! And I like sending out little notes that I know friends and family will love. I mailed Rifle Paper Co.'s postcards this year, and kept one for myself, lol... they're just too pretty of a design to give all away!

Did you send out Christmas cards this year? Do you love the long-time tradition, or find yourself not writing as many?

Photo: Scanned by myself - Dress, Design & Decor from Home & Country Winter 2007 (all Canadian stationery)

that blue...

Speaking of Tiffany's... they always have the best holiday ads don't they? I love these two from a few years back. I've been saving them amongst all my tearsheets, as they're just too pretty to get rid off. Wouldn't it be great if Tiffany put out a book with all their advertising over the years? I'd love to look through them all! I wonder if a collection already exists? They do already have a few gorgeous coffee table books though, great for last minute gift ideas! Oh Tiffany...

Tiffany Style

Tiffany Pearls

Tiffany Diamonds

Tiffany Coloured Gems

Photos: Scans by myself - Dress, Design & Decor, Tiffany & Co. ads.

yellow diamonds...

Everytime I see a Tiffany's ad with these beautiful yellow diamonds I always think I should scan them in to share... so vibrant and saturated, I love how perfectly fitting their sparkle is for the holidays... just like a bottle of bubbly champagne! So pretty, right?

Photo: Scan by myself - Dress, Design & Decor Tiffany & Co.

simply white...

After a fresh dusting of swirling snow this weekend, more inspiration using my favourite palette for Christmas... lots and lots of white of course! Loving small, shining votives all lined up in a row, and shimmering glass ornaments gathered in a bowl. Paired with a little gold, white feels warm and welcoming in these two little vignettes... hope you all have a wonderful start to the week, it's almost Christmas!

Photos: Scans by myself - Dress, Design & Decor from Style at Home Dec 2009 & 2010 by Donna Griffith

to ashley...

Just wanted to post a little Happy Birthday to my best friend today! It's the big 2-5 today!

Photo: Marlein Overakker via Gathering Spriggs

late links...

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! I had my family and my boyfriend's family over for a Christmasy get together last night, with some yummy food & drink... so Friday was busy, busy shopping for last minute bits and pieces... it went well though! We (well, Rick) made a yummy mixed drink of vodka, cranberry juice, and gingerale... simple and so tasty! We had a few hot hor d'oeuvres and a few cold ones, with espresso and cannoli's for dessert... mmmm... Luckily we still have a few left over! Today, it's just relaxing, wrapping one last gift, and watching all that snow outside! For some reason, when it's large flaky snow like this, it tends to floats upwards and then fall back down again. It's the weirdest thing, but makes for a pretty snowglobe effect!

Some weekend links...

Ballet inspired...

White Christmas...

Yes please!

Love these boots...

A Canadian favourite...

Beautiful brides...

Wow.

Photos: via The City Sage and Unknown (anyone know?!)

bright reds...

Somewhere amongst all that snowy white i'm falling for this deep, crimson red, in modern hues and statement pieces. Loving the farmhouse table with a long red runner and whimsical poster in the background, plus the pretty glass bulbs with red ribbons, and a well-dressed bed with french wishes of a very, merry noel.

Even without all the holiday decor it's still a space with tons character... I can't get over that fun poster though!

Photos: Scanned by myself - Dress, Design & Decor from Home & Country Winter 2007 by Donna Griffith

clink clink...

I stumbled across this festive drink in an issue of House & Home recently... it's so easy to make and perfect for toasting! Rudolph Fizz is made with some sparkling wine and a dash of cherry syrup (preferably homemade)... sounds simple & sweet to me... cheers!

Do you have a favourite holiday drink?

Photo: Scan by myself - Dress, Design & Decor from House & Home Dec 2009