A LOVELY BRUNCH: Camparis on Crete

The first in a mini-series of warm and wonderful brunch places around the world.  This one's pure fantasy for me, as I've never had a Campari, never been to Crete and it is after all a Tuesday.  But I trust the Barefoot Contessa, and her Campari Orange Spritzer recipe, suitable for daytime; and the recommendations of the stylish Eleni from My Paradissi, who calls Crete home.  Imagine coffee on that terrace, followed by a leisurely all-day picnic on the shores of Triopetra Beach.  Or spend the day at Pagopoieion (Ice Factory) in Heraklion, where a brunch can easily extend to an afternoon and evening of food, music and mingling with friends.  Shall we all book a flight right now?

Have a favorite brunch spot you'd like to share?  Please email me (click on Contact in the sidebar).  Your selection and site link may appear in a future post.  Next month:  Best Brunch in Brooklyn.

Top photo from Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics.  Terrace photo, Marie Claire Maison;  Triopetra Beach photo courtesy Eleni, both via My Paradissi.

A PARIS REVERIE

Daydreaming of Paris in winter, soft sepia-toned scenes and a suitcase of satins; leisurely lunches in tobacco-stained bistros and long strolls along the snowy Seine .... Oh, who am I kidding?  I'd be wrapped in polar fleece, Goretex and shearling, scurrying from one warm haven to another, just as I am here.  Still, as I tromp through the gritty aftermath of several storms in my city, postcard-pretty pictures dance in my head and I think:  If it has to be winter, why not winter in Paris?

How about you ... what escapes fill your daydreams?

Paris photo via Pinterest.  Original source, fittingly enough: Reverie Daydream.  Suitcase via Design Elements.

A DREAMY ESCAPE

Snow came again to my Northeast city last night.  As bitter winds slap ice-encrusted branches against my office window I dream of jetting off to a secluded cove, wiggling my toes in soft pink sand edged by turquoise waters and sipping a frothy colada while a balmy breeze rustles my hair. Oh how lovely it would be ...

Thank you to the wonderful Roni Polisar and Rebecca Withers of the Smithsonian's Hirshorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, who in mere moments helped me identify this photo.  It's one of photographer Christian Chaize's series on Praia Piquinia, a  slice of heaven on the coast of Portugal.

BEAUTIFUL BOOKS: What's On Your Coffee Table?

"The best decoration in the world is a roomful of books." 

-- Billy Baldwin

Sometimes, I admit, I do judge a book by a cover.  Whether art, photography, fashion, food, design, "coffee table" books can add spectacular color, life and interest to your home, for a smidgen of what real art would cost. In keeping with this month's theme, and continuing our seasonal series of reader's favorites, please share in the Comments section some of the beautiful books you display in your home. I'll then list your pretty picks, along with your blog link if you have one, in the Style Maniac Amazon Boutique (if offered direct by Amazon).  Looking forward to meeting some gorgeous new selections.

Currently on my table: Degas by Robert Gordon & Andrew Forge

OH SO PRETTY

Last year I faced winter head on, with a series called Surviving Winter With Style.  This January, though, I'm escaping into the soft and lovely, seduced by dreamy photoscapes and alluring art, smitten by balloons and beaches, seeking cozy spots for brunch and perhaps peeking behind the curtain of the ballet.  And then there's a certain blog birthday at month's end, for which we'll need streamers and sparkly wrap and some presents, of course.  And perhaps along the way a virtual visit to Paris and other magical stops, courtesy the whirling and wonderful blog carousel.  It's going to be oh so pretty.

Feathers & Sequins image discovered on The Paris Apartment.  Adapted by Doreen Creede for this month's masthead.

HELLO, GORGEOUS

And so we step into a new year, full of mystery and promise ...

Doorway, Villa Guilia by Betsy Bart

DASHING OFF & DANCING ON

Just one more post before we all dash off to dance or dream our way into 2011.

Hoping it holds wonderful surprises and magical moments for all of us.

Happy New Year's Eve.

Image by Kareem Illiya from my new book obsession, 

100 Years of Fashion Illustration by Cally Blackman.

WHAT WILL YOU BE WEARING NEW YEAR's EVE?

Peacock plumes ... blue ball gowns ... slinky black ... snow white spangles ... glittery gold. A dusting of fantasy, a sparkling of glamour.  Whether heading out or celebrating in, I say let's dress up for New Year's Eve.  How about you?  What will you be wearing?

credits:

{blue velvet} Rachel McAdams photographed by Michelangelo DiBattista via Peacocks Garden
{black} Jean Patou gown illustrated by Rene Gruau via hprints

{gold} mini photographed by Benjamin Kanarek for Harper's Bazaar China via Fashion Copious
{peacock plumes} on avatar created by Cajsa Lillihook via Flickr

{tunic & leggings} Chanel pre-fall 2011 via Style.com

{ombre}Kate Hudson, Harper's Bazaar 2007 from Style Maniac's files
{frothy blue} Arthur Banks ballgown illustrated by Ruth Freeman and
{white spangle} dress by David Downton from 100 Years of Fashion Illustration

A GLORIOUS MESS

"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the
mess created in the living room on Christmas day.
Don't clean it up too quickly."
- Andy Rooney 

After all the planning ... buying ... wrapping ... rushing ... it all comes down to spending time with those you love and enjoying every small moment.  I'm off to do just that and I hope you are as well.  First, just want to thank all the bloggers and photographers who have brightened my month--and year--with beautiful inspiration, images and words. And thanks to each of you, dear Style Maniac readers, for visiting, commenting and sharing here.  It's a wonderful gift you give me every day.  

See you just before New Year's Eve.  Merry Christmas.

Quote discovered on Belle Maison. Gold Glitter image by Shandi-Lee via Flickr.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS {part 2}

The other thing I want for Christmas:

a House-Cleaning Robot

{a girl can dream, can't she?}

Hope you get at least some of what you want this Christmas.

image via Anne Taintor Inc.

GIVE A GIFT ... of sweet simplicity

A jar of kisses,
A charming little tree,

Something homemade wrapped up beautifully.

No trips to the mall. No hassles at all. Not a lot of cash ...

Just simple sweet presents given with love and panache.

Oh my, she's rhyming! Yes, the Christmas tunes have gone to my head ... or maybe it's my head cold, just in time for the holidays? In any case, here's some final tips from Style Maniac's mall-free, hassle-free, pour a glass of bubbly and enjoy the spirit of the season Gift Guide. Hope you've found it helpful. If you have a suggestion for a chic and charming gift that doesn't cost a mint, please share with us in the comments, below. And may we all enjoy a merry, happy and healthy week before Christmas!

1. Festooning the simplest of gifts with lovely embellishments makes them even more special. TIP: when it comes to wrapping, wired ribbon is your friend.  It stays in place and makes bow-tying a cinch.  For my own presentation inspiration, I've just ordered  Ribbons: The Art of Adornment.
2. Stylist Summer Watkins created the Jar of Kisses as a gift for her boyfriend, but it could just as easily be filled with pledges to babysit for a friend or promises to do chores for your sister.  Best of all, it requires no special skills to assemble--just your own sweet sentiments, a pretty jar and lovely buttons.  For more of Summer's magic, visit her blog Grey Likes Weddings.  {Photograph by Caroline Tran.  Originally seen on 100 Layer Cake}
3. That charming little tree, discovered on Design Elements (one of my daily blog reads), truly captures the spirit of the season:  sometimes the tiniest touch of Christmas Cheer is all you need. Perfect for a small apartment, or perhaps to give a friend who's not up for holiday decorating. NOTE: Many grocery stores offer mini trees for sale.  For ornaments, you could seek out unique pieces from craft shows or home decor shops, or adorn with vintage brooch ornaments you create yourself.

GIVE A GIFT TO THE ARTS ... and enjoy a dazzling delight

What could be more delightful than a gift that combines togetherness, awe, entertainment, laughter and amazement?  And can be arranged with just a few clicks on your keyboard?  That's why tickets to a show, play or performance ranks as one of my favorite gifts to give, receive--and enjoy myself!  It always fits, can never be duplicated and lasts in your memory forever.  Plus it supports an entire world of dancers, actors, craftsmen, choreographers and local venues.  (Exactly the spirit of our mall-free, hassle-free, pour a glass of bubbly and enjoy the season gift guide.)

With a bit of advance planning--or last minute luck--you could arrange to see a classic such as The Nutcracker during the holiday season (as of this morning the Pennsylvania Ballet still has some tickets available).  But you could also choose from the entire year of performances, giving you something dazzling to look forward to in 2011.

Whether it's enjoying a dazzling performance yourself, volunteering your time, donating money or giving tickets as a gift--what arts organizations do you love to see and support? Please share your favorite, with a brief description & link, in the Comments section here and on the Style Maniac Facebook Page.

Pennsylvania Ballet Company Member Meredith Reffner in George Balanchine's Nutcracker photographed by Alexander Iziliaev.  With thanks to my friend Janis Goodman, an avid patron of  the Pennsylvania Ballet's performances, operations and fundraising efforts.  For more on how to support the Ballet visit www.paballet.org

GIVE A GIFT OF ART ... with a 20% discount for Style Maniac readers

Last month I had the most civilized shopping experience at an art gallery around the corner from my home.  While sipping wine and noshing on Swedish meatballs, I chatted with the four artists hosting the show and then discovered some lovely small paintings (at very lovely prices) just perfect for some lovely people on my gift list.

An original piece that no one else owns ... the pleasure of an afternoon socializing surrounded by pretty things ... supporting a local business instead of a chain store ... and of course, supporting the artists themselves--all without spending a mint:  those are exactly the elements I had in mind when creating Style Maniac's  mall-free, hassle-free, pour a glass of bubbly and enjoy the season Gift Guide.

So, how does this help you with your gift giving? First, I encourage you to seek out galleries, shows, exhibits in your own town.  Look for smaller pieces, emerging artists and student works for budget-friendly options.  No worrying about whether the gift will get to you in time--you can take it right off the wall!

Second, enjoy your own virtual gallery party from the comfort of your couch. I've arranged with Denise Fike, a wonderful artist and friend, to offer a special holiday discount just for Style Maniac readers.  Browse through the Denise Fike Etsy Shop and then take 20% off any item until the end of this month.  She offers fashion plates, paintings textured with vintage wallpapers and new collage cards.  The 5" by 7" cards, based on Denise's paintings with vintage velvet papers hand-applied, are made to order, shipped the next day and an absolute steal at 10 bucks.  Frame them and you have a work of art for less than lunch at the mall!

GIVE THE GIFT OF ART:

Enjoy 20% off any item in Denise Fike's Etsy Shop from now through December 31, 2010. 

Use code "stylemaniac."

Eve fashion collage and painting courtesy Denise Fike.

STYLE MANIAC's mall-free, hassle-free, pour a glass of bubbly & enjoy the season GIFT GUIDE

It's something of a joke in my family that I open gifts the second I receive them.  But truth be told I enjoy giving gifts more than getting them.  Figuring out the perfect present, wrapping it up pretty and, particularly in the case of my six nieces, reveling in the squeals of delight as they are opened.  Good stuff.

What I don't enjoy: fighting crowds, mall fatigue, and January holiday hangovers because you spent too much.  None of which is necessary.  As with style in fashion and decor, a great gift is so much more about thought and originality than money and status quo.  So, kick off your glitter heels, girls and pour a glass of bubbly.  Sink into your sofa, place your laptop nearby and settle in for a mall-free, hassle-free, enjoy the true spirit of the season holiday gift guide ... all week on Style Maniac.

I like to choose a color scheme for my holiday gifts--one that complements either my decor or the recipient's.  Wouldn't this peacock plume package look wonderful with the Peacock Blue & Burnished Gold holiday color recipe you all loved? By Nicholas Kniel, author of  Ribbon: The Art of Adornment, as seen in Traditional Home Magazine.

THAT TOUCH OF BLING ... 'tis just the thing

Oh the glitter, oh the glamour! 

That one touch of bling, 'tis just the thing.
If you had to choose, which would it be: shoes, bag or jewelry?

Cocktail Bag (with built-in ring), Lady Marmalade Cuff and Twirl Heels all by Kate Spade.  

Image created by Doreen Creede

HOLIDAY COLOR RECIPE: Peacock Blue & Burnished Gold

Inspired by a lush sofa, soft antique brass and the sequin dresses in this month's masthead, here's a recipe for a fresh twist on a holiday color scheme:  

Take one part deep velvety blue ornaments and accents.  Warm up with three parts burnished gold gift wrap, china and tree. Add plumes of peacocks.  Festoon with sparkly ornaments and trim in amethyst and emerald, if you like. Meanwhile, mix a Bombay Gin martini as Elvis croons "Blue Christmas" on the stereo.  Stir it all up.  Savor a relaxed and lovely night of holiday decorating.

Photos, from top:  {1} "London Revival" townhouse designed by Steven Volpe, as seen in Elle Decor. {2} Blue Ornament on Gold Tree by Etolane via Flickr.  {3} Gold gift wrapped by Carolyne Roehm as seen in Veranda Magazine.  {4} Peacock Tree via Christmas Central. {5} Marc Blackwell New York Florentine Gold China photographed by Doreen Creede.  {6} Peacock Ornament via the blog Sullivan & Murphy.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS {part 1}

The first of my Christmas wishes:  Lipstick that doesn't come off on my teeth.  After all, if we can send a man to the moon, we should be able to formulate such a cosmetic for those of us less fastidious than the glamorous girl above, who probably never once had such a problem.


Vogue image via Found In Mom's Basement

GLITTER, GLAMOUR, GIFTS ... with a twist

Suddenly I'm in the mood for glitter, glamour, gifts  ... all with a twist.  So, this month, take a break from the mad mad rush of the season and stop in to enjoy all kinds holiday treats, tips and finds assembled just for you, dear smart, fun, stylish readers.

FIRST TREAT: One of the prettiest pics I've seen all year (which is saying a lot). By stylist Nancy Queller as discovered on French Frosting.  (A snippet of this image also appears in the masthead this month.) Doesn't this just make you want to dress up and celebrate?

SNOW WHITE

Sometimes, despite my love of color, I dream of living in a pristine all-white space.  Then I realize once you inject life--newspapers, people, dirty shoes--the effect would be akin to a city snowfall:  gorgeous and dreamy at first but soon turned a dingy gray.  Unless of course one has a housekeeping staff constantly cleaning up, as at the hotel suite above.  And I may be able to afford one.  Just this morning an email came through advising me that a sheik has left me 3.5 million pounds and I only need provide my bank account to claim it.  Oh, lucky day!


Image of Hillside Su Hotel in Antalya, Turkey via brocade design, etc.

THE COAT THAT SAVED WINTER

My Blue Duck shearling single-handedly changed my entire view of winter.  It’s the warmest thing I’ve ever owned.  Best of all, you can get deep discounts on these pricey coats at the Manhattan showroom, which is open to the public at limited times. (Thanks, Gina, for letting me in on this secret years ago.)  The best bargains can be found right now, before the showroom closes for the season in February.

And where is a photo of this maniac find? Well, girls, fashion photography is an animal I have yet to tame.  Sometimes I win and get the shot I want and sometimes, arghhh.  So just close your eyes and imagine: soft tan suede subtly, sporadically tattooed with faded florals and paisley, enveloping fluffy fur so comfy you could wear it to bed and so toasty that just one layer beneath--say, a cotton turtleneck--suffices even in bitter cold.

DRESS: Women's and men's shearling coats and more available at Blue Duck's Manhattan showroom (463 7th Avenue, Suite 806 | phone: 212-268-3122), just moments from Penn Station.