GIFT GUIDE: THE FOODIE

1 Apple Tree To Be Kit, Uncommon Goods, $22.00 2 Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, Swell Bottle, $35.00 - $45.00 3 My Father's Daughter by Gwyneth Paltrow, Amazon, $17.93 4 Mini Tubes Collection by Château D'Estoublon, Dean & Deluca, $40.00 5 Peeler Glove, The Shop at Cooper-Hewitt, $20.00 6 Original Spaghetti Scrub, Amazon, $10.99 7 Wedgwood Kilim Mugs, Gump's, $40.00 each 8 The Plant! Herb Seed Kit, Uncommon Goods, $18.00 9 Sandwich Bags, Snack Bags, Lunch Skins, $7.85 - $8.95 10 Le Creuset White Stoneware Petite Casserole, Sur La Table, $19.95 11 Steamer Basket, The Shop at Cooper-Hewitt, $40.00 12 Paint Chip Placemat, LEIF, $16.00 13 The Milkiest Chocolate in the World, Salty Caramel, Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream, $12.00 each

Have I told you how much I love to cook and bake? I know I mentioned my love of pies pre-Thanksgiving and sure, I squeeze menus into entertaining posts, but I don't think I've really delved into my cooking sensibilities. I have quite a large cookbook collection and often give and receive new books — Gwyneth's My Father's Daughter is top of my list this year. I also find that food gifts can often be perfect for those that are hard to shop for. Everyone can use a nice bottle of olive oil or for those with a sweet tooth a pint of Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream will be memorable. And there's always Wedgwood's colorful new kilim mugs that are perfect for the coffee drinker in your life....something for everyone!

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GIFT GUIDE: FASHIONISTA

1 Very Classy by Derek Blasberg, Amazon, $11.13 2 Christian Louboutin by Christian Louboutin, Philippe Garcia, and David Lynch, Amazon, $94.50 3 Balenciaga L'Essence Candle, Bergdorf Goodman, $65.00 4 Dalmation Faux Fur Headband, Topshop, $36.00 5 Avery Train Case, Trina, $48.00 6 Patent Leather Reversible Logo Hip Belt, Tory Burch, $195.00 7 Neon Vintage II Necklace, Noble House Designs, $150.00 8 Deborah Lippmann I Love the Nightlife and Shake Your Groove Thing, Beauty.com, $18.00 each 9 Pink Leopard Key Chain, Furbish Studio, $12.00 10 Leopard Invitation Clutch, J.Crew, $138.00 11 Glitter Purse, J.Crew, $49.50 sale 12 Mini Bacall Earrings, Elizabeth Cole Jewelry, $138.00 13 $10,000 A Day Pillow, Jonathan Adler, $165.00 14 Urban Posh Forrest Stackable Ring Set, Max & Chloe, $180.00 15 Pulp Eau de Parfum, Byredo, $145.00 - $220.00

Ahhhh....the fashionista. She loves glitter, leopard, and certainly all things shiny and sparkly. Shopping for her is a delight with items on her gift list including the likes of J.Crew's leopard invitation clutch and the newest must-have tome: Christian Louboutin's first book. I think there's a little fashionista in all of us...certainly in me!

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GIFT GUIDE: THE HOSTESS

1 Personalized Monogram Matches, Annechovie, set of 9 boxes $25.00 2 Claus Porto Gift Box, Amazon, $49.95 3 Tulum Napkin Set, Anthropologie, $42.00 4 Martha's Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations by Martha Stewart, Amazon, $37.50 5 Mini Rustica Topiaries, Sur la Table, set of 3 $39.95 6 Amethyst Bottle Stopper, Zhush, $48.00 7 Matouk Cocktail Napkins, Iomoi, set of 4 $70.00 8 Sheet & Clothing Spray, Laundry Fragrance, The Good Home Co. $14.35 - $15.40 sale 9 Parade Bridge Cards, Hermes, $85.00 10 Merci Wine, Swanson Vineyards, $25.00 11 Beach Towels, The Beverly Hills Hotel, $75.00 each 12 Spice Rack, Dean & Deluca, $55.00 - $105.00 sale 13 Voluspa Candle Tin, Anthropologie, $18.00

With holiday party invitations coming in left and right, it's time to stock your gift closet now rather than 5 p.m. the evening of...we've all been there thank you very much. Among my favorite gifts this year are Swanson Vineyards Merci wine — how perfect! —and Anthropologie's colorful tulum napkin set. For an overnight stay I recommend a set of mini topiaries from Sur la Table — sure to be a welcome addition to any kitchen.

Background: Schumacher St. Tropez

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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SEASON'S GREETINGS

Clockwise from top left | Ornament Keepsake Cards, kate spade, set of 10 $30.00 | Holiday Bough Cards, Iomoi, from $88.00 | 'Tis the Season Card, Rifle Paper Co., set of 8 $16.00 | Monkey with Holiday Bough, Iomoi, from $88.00 | Be Merry, Be Bright Cards, kate spade, set of 10 $24.00 | Spike the Punch Cards, kate spade, set of 10 $24.00 | Color Wheel Holiday Cards, Paper Source, set of 8 $16.95 | Keep Calm Be Merry Holiday Cards, Paper Source, set of 20 $10.99 | Color Candy Canes Holiday Cards, Paper Source, set of 8 $16.95 | Vintage Wagon, Iomoi, from $88.00 | Winter Zebra with Boots Holiday Cards, Paper Source, set of 15 $18.50

Post-Thanksgiving the first order of business is always getting holiday cards out. I like a card with a fun message like kate spade's charming "be merry, be bright" cards. Sounds like the perfect holiday mantra to me!

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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

1 Toscana Shearling Trapper Hat, J. Crew, $198.00 2 J. Crew Chunky-knit Fair Isle Sweater, Net-a-Porter, $220.00 3 Candy Cane Mug, Terrain, $14.00 4 Sweet Ground Chocolate, Williams-Sonoma, $14.95 5 Hannah and Her Sisters, Amazon, $10.95 6 Spicy Apple Tea Lights, Terrain, $12.00 7 Winter Stripe Leggings, Madewell, $39.50 8 The Spotted Snowfall Slipper, Madewell, $35.00 9 Favorite Throw, West Elm, $23.00 sale 10 Banangrams, Amazon, $14.45

There's no place like home they say and especially home for the holidays! I'm planning on relaxing over the holiday weekend with plenty of movies, cozy sweaters, and hot chocolate in hand. I hope your weekend is equally relaxing and filled with lots of family, friends, and plenty of pumpkin pie!

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INTRODUCING: CAITLIN WILSON TEXTILES

I stumbled upon this new line of fabric and pillows the other day on Pinterest and couldn't wait to share! Caitlin Wilson in an interior designer who has worked on projects spanning the globe from Hong Kong to Dubai and found a void in the market for colorful, fun fabrics at an affordable pricepoint (who hasn't thought that before?!). Caitlin decided to act on her frustration by turning it into a business and I'm sure glad she did...these fabrics are amazing! In her online shop you can purchase fabric by the yard for only $50.00 and also buy pillow covers starting at $50.00.

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ART SHOW: 5 PHOTOS 50 DESIGNERS

Clockwise from top left corner | Maple Leaf Rag, 2003 by Andrea Mohin | Behind the Mask, 1965 by Arthur Brower | Tier Blue, 2011 by Todd Heisler | Tai Lake, 2007 by Chang W. Lee | Panama City, 2006 by Angel Franco | City Rainbow, 2008 by Damon Winter | Color Palette, 2010 by Richard Perry | Moody Blue, 2010 Jim Wilson

The New York Times Store has partnered with designers Diane von Furstenberg, Prabal Gurung, Zac Posen, Michelle Smith, and Vera Wang to select 10 photographs each from their archive. Each photograph starts at $169.99 and a part of the proceeds benefit the CFDA. The black and white photo, Behind the Mask, is fun and reminds me of yesterday's post, but I'm really enamored with two of Zac Posen's choices, Tai Lake and Color Palette. They both have the most mesmerizing colors, such great inspiration!

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BALS: LEGENDARY COSTUME BALLS

1 BALS: Legendary Costume Balls of the Twentieth Century by Nicholas Foulkes, available at Assouline and Assouline boutiques worldwide, $175.00 2 Roberta Chiarella Green Crystal Ring, Max & Chloe, $48.00 3 House of Harlow Peacock Cocktail Ring, Coggles, $47.50 4 Honey Faux Fur Tuck Stole, Topshop, $40.00 5 Faux-Leather Mask, BCBG Max Azria, $30.00 6 Nude Sequin Bodice Dress, Miss Selfridge, $101.00 7 Confectionary Anastasia, kate spade, $375.00 8 Sunset Boulevard Button Earrings by Suzanna Dai, Charm & Chain, $138.00 9 Grandissimo Coupe, Cocktail Town, set of 2 $29.00

The new book Bals documents nine of the most exceptional costume balls of the twentieth century. Oh what I wouldn't do to have attended just one...can you even imagine?! For now I'll just have to settle with fabulous costume attire including plenty of sequins, jewels galore, and of course, a mask....even if the invite doesn't call for it I think it will still make for a fun accessory :)

Images: Courtesy of Assouline

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YOUR STYLE: BAR CARTS

Haute Hostess | Sawtelle Decanters, Plantation Design, $125.00 each | Lucite Trays, Iomoi, $150.00 - $845.00 | Zero Ice Buckets, Plantation Design, $150.00 | Malachite Green Parchment & Gold Plated Bar Cart by Aldo Tura, Lewis Trimble, $2,000.00 | Gentleman's Club | Set of Three Vintage Liquor Bottles, Chic Shop, $150.00 | Tangle Lacquered Tray, Plantation Design, $150.00 | Silver Ice Bucket, Chic Shop, $40.00 | Sanderson Bar Cart, Jayson Home, $595.00 | Chic Collector | Paltrow Decanters, Plantation Designer, set of 4 $225.00 | Zebra Lucite Tray, Erin Condren, $119.00 - $149.00 | 1930s English Pewter Ice Bucket, Yonks, $58.00 | The Stanton, Society Social, $439.00

With holiday cocktail parties just around the corner, now is the perfect time to assess your pantry and and prep your bar cart. A fabulous bar cart is a must and I'm obsessed with Roxy Te's line Society Social. Today I've shown the Stanton (bottom right), but there's also five other styles, chairs, tables, and even hostess gowns...wow! Society Social also has a magalog that's the perfect inspiration for some pre-party plotting :)

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KELLY LOVES MISSIBABA

Clockwise from top left | Bag O' Booty Pouch in Bright Fuschia and Coral, $20.00 | Bag O' Booty Pouch in Khaki Cat Claw, $20.00 | Cockatoo Clutch, $240.00 | Vicious Fishes Cha-Ching Mini Bag, $163.00 | Wild West Koi Clutch, $231.00 | Bag O' Booty Tote/Shopper in Black and White Stripe, $36.00 | Flapper Bag in Gold Foiled Leather, $346.00 | Bag O' Booty Pouch in Navy Candy Stripe, $20.00 | Bag O' Booty Tote/Shopper in Yellow Stripe, $36.00 | Cha-Ching Bag in Pink and Coral Zigzag, $170.00 | Bag O' Booty Tote/Shopper in Coral and Navy, $20.00 | Cha-Ching Hand Painted Leather Purse, $95.00 | Workhorse Bag in Cherry Striped Canvas, $185.00 | Nevada Canvas Duffel Bag, $95.00

Just in time for holiday gift giving (and perhaps receiving...), I've discovered this amazing line of handbags and pouches. Missibaba — how cute is that name? — is based out of South Africa and is my new obsession. Each bag better than the last, it's hard to pick a favorite!

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THANKSGIVING DINNER

1 Mustard Suzani Napkin, Jayson Home, $12.00 2 Mustard Savilla Napkin, Jayson Home, $12.00 3 Gold Taper Candles, Crate & Barrel, set of 2 $4.95 4 Emile Henry White Pie Dish, Sur la Table, $39.96 5 Small Plum Posy, Diane James Home, $210.00 6 Amira Small Plate, Crate & Barrel, $21.95 7 Table Art Rosemary Napkin Ring, Barneys New York, $18.00 each 8 Mustard Savilla Placemat, Jayson Home, $14.00 9 Bernardaud Etoiles Gravy Boat, Bloomingdales, $450.00 10 William Yeoward Amethyst Country Collection Goblet, Michael C. Fina, $75.00

Recipes from Martha Stewart and Cooking Light | Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Shallots | Cherry-Pecan Cornbread Dressing | Roasted Heritage Turkey | Apple Crumb Pie | Bubby's Pumpkin Pie with Caramel Sauce and Candied Pecans

With Thanksgiving just next week, it seems like fall has almost come to an end :( Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because I get to bake one of my favorite desserts: pie. I bake not one, but two varieties: apple crumb and pumpkin. I make my grandmother's famous apple crumb pie — can't give away any recipes here, but Martha Stewart's rendition looks delicious. And I also bake not just any pumpkin pie, but Bubby's pumpkin pie with a homemade caramel sauce and candied pecans — it is to die for. Believe me, I've turned non-pumpkin pie eaters into believers with this dish. Yum, yum, yum!!

p.s. Make your own Bubby's pie with their cookbook! Don't have enough time? Order your own from their website.

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AMAZING GRACE

Did you know that tomorrow is Grace Kelly's birthday? Her style is iconic through and through and looking at her photos simply never gets old. Grace Kelly tops my list of style icons and the fact that we share a name makes it so much sweeter. I definitely see a viewing of High Society in my near future!

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FAB FINDS: 10+ UNDER $60

Clockwise from top left | Makeup Bag, H&M, $3.95 | Vintage Turquoise Foo Dog, High Street Market, $38.00 | Monogram Card K, kate spade, $26.00 | Bracelet, H&M, $7.95 | Paperthinks Recycled Leather Notebook, Kate's Paperie, $6.00 | Custom Snow Leopard Pillow, High Street Market, $58.00 | Artist Portfolio Prints Holiday Series, kate spade, $45.00 | Gloves, H&M, $3.95 | Illume Boulangerie Jar, Anthropologie, $16.00

Can I just say, hello H&M! First I was giddy over the $4.00 (repeat, $4.00) metallic make-up pouches. Then I spotted the adorable polar bear elastic bracelets. And then...the love gloves! They are really on top of the pre-holiday shopping season. These would all make excellent stocking stuffers if anyone's doing their shopping early!

p.s. Please know that I hate to show products that aren't available online, but I do find it helpful to know what's in the store...I hope you do as well :)

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INSPIRATION BOARD

1 Orange Lacquer Small Box, Furbish Studio, $72.00 2 Capri Candle, Anthropologie, $28.00 3 Ceramic Cane Vase, Hudson Boston, $65.00 4 Old Flame EE2084A by Valspar 5 Marbleized Resin Table, Pieces, $1,595.00 6 Campo Marzio Mini Ballpoint Pen, Kate's Paperie, $15.00 7 Pink Silk Flamestitch Lumbar Pillow, Furbish Studio, $70.00 8 Pink Lizard Small Journal, Furbish Studio, $13.00 9 Marin White Small Platter, Crate & Barrel, $22.95 10 Agate Striped Coaster, Jayson Home, $18.00 each

Inspiration: Carmine by Melanie Parke available at Emily Amy Gallery

I hardly need any inspiration to inject color into my life, but this painting by Melanie Parke sure provides a pretty palette! Although the painting is bright, bright, bright, there is the perfect balance of neutrals — in this case chocolate and white — to balance out all that color. To check out more of Melanie's lovely paintings head over to Emily Amy Gallery.

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CLASSIC CAMEL

1 Diane von Furstenberg Medium Accessories Box, Matches, $80.00 2 Wool Intarsia Knit and Pom-Pom Hat, Matches, $48.00 3 Acne Canada Wool Scarf, Net-a-Porter, $150.00 4 Cork Analog Wristwatch, American Apparel, $38.00 5 Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss, Sephora, $23.00 6 Large Horn Link Necklace, Zhush, $115.00 7 Needlepoint Cow Pillow, Ethan Allen, $219.00 8 Lorenzo Villoresi Alamut Candle, Barneys New York, $65.00 9 Peace Love and Needlepoint Coaster Set, Jonathan Adler, $48.00 10 Flat Sole Boot XL, ZARA, $99.90

As far as neutrals are concerned, the classic hue camel tops my list and always looks rich and timeless. I like it paired with a bright white, dark chocolate or brown, or a bright hue — the pops of coral and red in these images look really fresh to me. As fall turns to winter this will definitely be a color I'll turn to!

Images: Elle Decor, Courtney D'Alesio, The Sartorialist

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COUNTRY WEEKEND

1 Vintage Grapevine Corkscrew, Jayson Home, $32.00 2 Natural Horn Cup, Jayson Home, $18.00 3 Plaid Bond Shoulder Bag, Tory Burch, $465.00 4 The English Country House by Mary Miers, Rizzoli, $53.55 5 ABS Chain Wrapped Pearl Earrings, Max & Chloe, $40.00 6 Knitted Faux Fur Placket Cardigan, Topshop, $140.00 7 Plaid Scarf, GAP, $29.95 8 Juliska Country Estate "Garden Party" Hostess Tray, Bloomingdale's, $45.00 9 Painted Fox Pillow, Anthropologie, $168.00 10 Crackled Journal, Anthropologie, $18.00 11 Black Calla Lillies with Grasses and Sedum, Jayson Home, $200.00 12 Wire Basket, Jayson Home, $60.00 each

Between working on the computer all weekend and watching reruns of Downton Abbey I've been dreaming of a weekend in the country — with an English twist. I would like to visit a house as lovely as the one pictured. The Barnsley House in the Cotswolds not only has beautiful buildings, but enchanting gardens to explore as well. Until I make it across the pond, I will just have to read The English Country House and wait for the next season of Downton!

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BOOKSHELF

Black & White (and a Bit in Between) by Celerie Kemble, Clarkson Potter, $30.59 | Katie Ridder Rooms by Heather Smith MacIsaac and Eric Piasecki, Vendome Press, $29.41 | Versailles: A Private Invitation by Guillaume Picon and Francis Hammond, Flammarion, $59.37 | Dazed and Confused: Making It Up As We Go Along by Jefferson Hack, Rizzoli, $36.30 | Big, Easy Style: Rooms You Love to Live In by Bryan Batt, Clarkson Potter, $23.10 | The Worlds of Hunt Slonem by Dominique Nahas, Vendome Press, $56.13 | Dior Couture by Ingrid Sischy and Patrick Demarchelier, Rizzoli, $68.94 | The Perfectly Imperfect Home by Deborah Needleman and Virginia Johnson, Clarkson Potter, $17.64

I can't decide which I'm more excited for: Celerie Kemble's or Deborah Needleman's latest tomes....perhaps both?! I reference both Celerie Kemble's first book, To Your Taste, and of course, the bible, The Book of Domino, often and I know these will find a home on my coffee table for heavy reading and bookmarking. I also want to point out for any Mad Men readers the book Big, Easy Style written by none other than Salvatore Romano. Brian Batt aka "Sal" is also a designer and owns a shop in New Orleans — how fun!

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CRAZY FOR CAPES

Clockwise from top left | Takes the Cape, Modcloth, $159.99 | Streetscape Cape, J.Crew, $129.99 sale | Navajo Poncho, Lori's Shoes, $98.00 | Taupe Twill Toggle Cape, Dorothy Perkins, $110.00 | Milly Sienna Belted Cape, Shopbop, $594.00 | MICHAEL Michael Kors Poncho-style Sweater, Net-a-Porter, $125.00 | Chinese Laundry Tally Ho Boot, DSW, $89.95 | 1969 Super Lightweight Legging Jeans, GAP, $69.50 | Quiksilver Ponchito Poncho, Karmaloop, $84.00

Capes are having a major moment right now, and I for one, could not be happier. Capes can go one of two ways: ladylike chic à la Blair Waldorf — think exposed wrists, heels, and more often than not a belt. Look two is more relaxed and mixes easily with preppy plaids and bohemian navajo styles — both looks I often channel. Capes are the perfect layer for fall as they aren't too heavy. So now the only decision is....which one?!

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GET THE LOOK: CLAIBORNE SWANSON FRANK

Water Color by Russell Christoffersen, Skyscraper, $1,500.00 | Fabulous Fuschia, Diane James Home, $350.00 | Faux Malachite Bamboo Square Boxes, Plantation Design, $245.00 - $515.00 | Borghese End Table, Z Gallerie, $349.00 | Hand-Tufted World Classic Wool Rug, O.co, $147.89 | Marlene Table Lamp, Crate & Barrel, $299.00

The Swanson sisters are on a roll. Just three short weeks ago we saw Veronica Swanson Beard's apartment in Harper's Bazaar and now, much to my delight, we have photographer Claiborne Swanson Frank's apartment. Claiborne happens to be daughter-in-law to Elle Décor's contributing editor at large, Cynthia Frank, who became a decorating mentor throughout the project. I love the entire apartment and am usually not one for white walls, but Claiborne's living room room has give me a fresh perspective. I guess next we'll have to profile the home of Alexis Swanson Traina!

Images: Elle Décor

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MARKET FINDS

Linen Loafers, Iomoi, $395.00 | Proenza Schouler PS1 Leather and Jacquard Clutch, Net-a-Porter, $975.00 | Elephant Table Cloth by The Indian Garden Co, Calypso St. Barth, $165.00 | Rounded Ombre Tortoise Sunglasses, Urban Outfitters, $14.00 | Versace for H&M, In stores November 19 | Faux Fur Cat Ear Hat, Topshop, $56.00

If you missed out on all the Missoni for Target hoopla you're in luck....the next designer collaboration is just a few weeks away. Versace for H&M hits stores (stores only, sadly no online sales) November 19th and includes clothing, accessories, and a few home décor items. I've got my eye on this hot pink studded shift and some accessories....hopefully I can beat the rush!

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