TTT Holiday Gift Guide: For the Guys!

I realize most people are probably finishing up their holiday shopping as Christmas is only 10 days away, but for those of you who are still looking for a great find for your guy I have some fun options in our last installment of the TTT Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for the Guys!

1. A truly delicious scent for him in a "cool" leather bottle that doesn't scream out: high maintenance!

2. For the guy who is sick of hearing about whole wheat pasta..."Eat Like A Man"

3. A functional man bag that is both easy on the eyes and light on the guy.

4. Perfect for the techie - a Polaroid digital camera with the added bonus of instant Polaroid printing!

5. A classic plaid scarf - because it seems when it comes to scarves men refuse to buy these things for themselves!

6. Give them the gift of design - a Taylor Stitch shirt they can custom design for themselves...

7. Always a sucker for a bow tie and a holiday inspired one at that!

8. A great shoe for them to kick around in...

9. A little humor to hold all that "dough" or "bacon" 

10. Stripes plus socks = no brainer 

TTT Holiday Gift Guide: For Her

My personal favorite gift guide - the one for all of the lovely ladies (including yours truly!). Whether large or small these gifts are sure to put a smile on every lucky recipient's face...

1. Love the coral and tan combo on this textured leather purse - it is also the perfect size to transition her from day to night. 

2. I tried this cashmere eye mask on and it is absolute heaven! A sure thing...

3. If you are like me then the change pocket of your wallet is working way too hard - a cute little hedgehog change purse is both practical and cute. 

4. A soft and yummy short robe will be appreciated by all!

5. The perfect tote for traveling or running around town - plus a little leopard always goes a long way!

6. These wallets come in an array of stunning colors and can also double as a handheld clutch for a night out and about.

7. Spice up her iPhone with a shagreen back - trés chic!

8. Every girl needs some fair isle in her life - I love it in a beanie, the perfect topper!

9. Edgy and fun these bangles are a must for the girl who loves a little sass...

10. Perfect for dressing down or dressing up - a simple drop earring in a beautiful combo. 

To The Tens Holiday Gift Guide: For the Home

Whether buying a hostess gift or gift for a loved one, a piece for the home is always a great bet. Who doesn't love receiving an insanely delicious candle, punchy cocktail napkins or a beautiful coffee table book. Here are my picks for Holiday Gifts for the Home...

1. The perfect ice breaker tray - a great addition to any cocktail table or bar. 

2.  A Rosemary Tree in a delightful galvanized pail is sure to be a hostess favorite. 

3. Katie Ridder Homes: my favorite new design book of 2011 - stunning images that even non-design savvy folks will find inspiring. 

4. Mr & Mrs cocktail glasses - I have had my eye on these guys for awhile and may just have to scoop them up now that I am a future Mrs...

5. Orchid candle snuffer - such a great display piece when not in use!

6. Chic desk calendar with gold bamboo stand - sure to dress up any desk space.

7. Spruce Tree Diptyque candle - perfect scent for those of us who don't have an actual Christmas tree this year (I burn mine nightly with Christmas carols playing - Christmas in a pinch!)

8. Hand blown glass matchstrikers - one of those things that everyone would love to have, but doesn't want to buy for themselves.

9. Monogrammed cocktail napkins in festive red linen (a little personalization always goes a long way!)

Can you hear me now?

The weather in New York seems to have gotten the memo that it is December overnight and I am frantically dragging out all of my winter accessories. One of my biggest annoyances in the winter is that my iPhone does not like to cooperate with my gloves. My poor right hand is usually sacrificed to the blustery wind so that an email or phone call can be made while on the go. That is why I was thrilled to hear about Echo Touch Gloves. Available in multiple colors, styles and fabrics these are designed to work with all of our numerous touch screen devices. My right hand is going to be very toasty this season!

p.s. Holiday Gift Guides are coming next week!

p.p.s. Wouldn't these gloves make an amazing stocking stuffer?? (hint, hint)

Big News!

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. Mine was particularly wonderful this year as there was some big news - I am engaged! 

*Post engagement with my fake ring while en route to celebrate with our parents (and grab the real ring!)

It has been a whirlwind of a week - I am trying to remain calm, but the planner in me has not been able to sit still! Luckily my (amazing!) fiancé is also excited about the planning process and very patient! Let the tear sheeting begin...

Fawning over the Fannings

The photos of the Fanning sisters in the current issue of W Magazine are absolutely stunning. I admit that for awhile I thought they were one and the same person, but at 13 and 17 years old Elle and Dakota are are the new sister act taking over!

They both had their first movie roles in I Am Sam - Elle as baby Dakota while Dakota starred opposite Sean Penn - and share another common starring role these days as models in Marc Jacobs' ad campaigns. Must be nice!

Dakota in one of her first Marc Jacobs campaigns...

Dakota (all grown up, kid of!)...

Elle Fanning, 13 years old and a Marc Jacobs muse...

Look out Olsens...

Emilia Ceramics

I stumbled upon Emilia Ceramics in Elle Decor and love the modern take on a classic: ceramics. Each piece is handmade and painted individually - making each one unique. I am drawn to the bold colors, chevron, stripe, and floral prints. 

Even the non-cream and sugar folks will want to scoop us this frog set. 

My favorite pieces of all are the lamps - such fun accent lamps for a console or desk.

A great one to keep in mind for hostess gifts or gifts for yourself!

Monday Morning Gurgle

I spent a ton of time debating a purchase yesterday only to regret it (or the lack of one) this morning. Luckily gurglepots are very easy to find! I was first taken by the beautiful shades and shape of these cod shaped stoneware pitchers - wouldn't they just be gorgeous filled with wild flowers??

In my haste at the store I had entirely missed the back story and the reasoning for their name: Gurglepots. The artisan was attending his brother's wedding in Southern France and feeling very left out as no one spoke English and he spoke zero French. As the dinner dragged on in typical French style and there were awkward periods of silence he found a way to break the ice - the fish shaped water pitcher made a "gurgling" sound as it poured. The room would unite with smiles as he happily continued to drink water and he was able to somewhat break thru the language barrier.  He has been busy sculpting his own mold ever since...

Whether a pitcher, a vase, a talking point, or an accessory this is one purchase that really pays for itself. Gurgle, gurgle!

Fashion Crush: Katie Ermilio

And we're back...sorry for the summer respite, things got a bit hectic - but TTT is now back with a fashionable vengeance! I have two weddings coming up in LA next month (my 7th and 8th of the year - wedding overload!!) and am on the hunt for a great dress or two. I have had this vision in my head of what I want to wear - think full swing skirt, tight bodice, retro chic - and have seriously limited myself...until I stumbled upon the insanely gorgeous frocks by Katie Ermilio. 

Katie Ermilio is the granddaughter of Grace Kelly's personal clothier - the man who also created the iconic green jacket donned by Master's champions each year (and the only real reason I would ever watch that golf tournament). After a childhood immersed in fashion she was sure that her career would be as a fashion editor and scored internships at Vogue and a pr job at Teen Vogue. In her spare time she was designing her own dresses and selling a few on the side at her dad's bespoke men's clothing store in Philadelphia. As her dresses continued to garner reviews from editors and sell-out she realized that her calling may be elsewhere. She launched her first wholesale collection this Fall (currently available on Shopbop) and nailed it. 

I always feel like the mark of a great piece of clothing is made up in the details - whether it be hidden pockets, buttons down the back, an unexpected bit of ruching, or an exposed back, it's the details that transform a pretty piece into something you will want to wear over and over again - and Katie does details impeccably!

Last night Katie previewed her Spring 2012 collection and I am anxiously waiting for the photos to be posted. I found a few sneak peeks and once again am loving the bright palette and design elements that take her simple and chic pieces and make them be-yond!

*Rich Tong*

Katie described her Spring 2012 collection (in WSJ) as playing "within the meeting place of where menswear ends and womenswear begins, incorporating elements of draping alongside sharp tailoring."

*Katie Ermilio tumblr*

p.s. don't you just love her glasses - I see a brand extension into eyewear in her future...

Bag Grab!

I fully admit that I am a bit of a bag snob - I 100% believe that saving up for a quality bag is much smarter than purchasing multiple "cheap" ones (summer clutches and novelty bags excluded!).  J.Crew seems to be doing it's best to disprove my theory though with their new Edie and Rigby collections. 

The Edie leather and calf-hair bag will definitely be my Fall staple - classic black + animal print, love!

The Rigby saddle bag is a must-have (now!). I love the bright pop on the red and the neutral cool of the Windsor Grey. Plus, at only $148 you can collect them all! 

Spotlight on Summer Shoes

A couple of weeks ago I had to attend a cocktail party at 6pm and had a major shoe dilemma. I would have to ditch my very comfortable sandals (it was also a very steamy day!) for something more night time appropriate, but nothing too uncomfortable as there would be a lot of standing and mingling. I looked in my closet and only saw chunky winter platforms, fancy evening shoes and flats. I was missing a very important heel: the summertime day to night shoe. So the hunt began (and it has not been easy I must say!). 

*The Sartorialist*

When it comes to heels and warm weather I am a sucker for a wedge. I find them way more comfortable and they are a great heel to transition from day to night. I hate feeling like I am way overdressed when I leave the apartment for an early evening party - wedges keep it simple, but still chic.

This J.Crew wedge is a great height for trekking around the city and gives you a little bit of preppy sass!

Love this Donna Karan platform wedge, so sleek and chic...

Great color options for this wooden wedge!

The perfect espadrille for a warm summer night!

Sometimes though a wedge just doesn't work with the dress code and a cute pump is necessary. A lot of classic pumps are either boring or have way too high of a heel (like the Louboutins I wish my feet could stomach for more than a cab ride). I am really loving Kate Spade's Karolina heel: comfort - 3" heel - plus style. 

I love this minty blue color, perfect for a fun summer "classy" heel

A nude shoe is something I am seriously in need of and I love the fun stripe detailing on the heel. 

Gotta love a little faux ostrich...

Are you a classic heel or a wedge kind of girl?