Things of Interest

A December round-up of things I’ve had my eye on…many of them would make perfect gifts for giving or receiving!

clockwise from top left:

I can’t commit to one shade of lipstick so this trio from Bobbi Brown would carry me through the season. I like to switch between a neutral lip and a bold lip for different occasions and moods. I also prefer a creamy-matte look over gloss and the Art Stick from Bobbi Brown is one of my favorites. The new, limited edition Brown-Berry (top) looks like a great everyday color.

For the non-traditionalist, why not try Juliska‘s swirling Firenze pattern instead of classic holiday dinnerware? It certainly would add a modern flair to the table setting. A set of four cocktail plates would make a lovely hostess gift too.

I keep coming back to Acne Studios Viviana scarf. I’ve seen it sell out on several sites already and think now might be the time to act before it’s gone for good. I love the play between the traditional colors and patterns and the bold oversized style.

What better way to inject a shot of color and holiday cheer than a bright, red bag? This beauty is from my friend’s collection, Reyna Icaza, and is a perfect choice. Not only is the shade of red gorgeous, the chain is removable allowing the bag to transition from shoulder to clutch.

I’ve never been one to have a signature fragrance and enjoy trying and wearing a new scent. I also don’t love traditional perfume scents and gravitate more towards something soapy and clean (lots of men’s fragrances) or mysterious and hard to pinpoint. Just reading about Vilhelm Parfumerie’s Smoke Show has me intrigued. With notes of pink pepper, saffron, rose oil, leather, vetiver, cedarwood and agarwood, I would be surprised if this isn’t a home run.

I’m still on my small earring kick, switching mostly between my mini diamond bars and wrapped pyrite studs. Now I’m looking to add a pair that are still subtle and small but with a unique design. These beautiful mini branches with pave diamonds from Shaun Leane are what I have in mind and just might end up on my Christmas wish list.

One of my favorite restaurants in L.A. (actually Venice) is Gjelina. I’ve only been there a few times, and each was for lunch, but they were all incredibly memorable. The mushroom toast is a must. When I saw the newly released cookbook this season, I knew I would want to add it to my collection. I may not end up with anything tasting as delicious as a meal cooked at the restaurant, but I will certainly be inspired to try a few new things and mix in some unique new flavors to my standard cooking.