Valentine’s Day

Make Me Blush

~ Wendy ~ 2 Comments
Make Me Blush
Pale blush was a favorite shade on the runways for Spring 2014, making silky underpinnings and accessories in this flattering hue the perfect choice for a Valentine’s indulgence.  What woman wouldn’t want a hint of spring next to her skin even if she’s bundled under layers of cashmere?  I am absolutely wild over those Stella knickers and the lace-trimmed silk pajamas.  The matchstick necklace is high on my wish list as well.  Such a clever way to tell her she lights your fire!

Eberjey lace trimmed robe
$180 – net-a-porter.com

Eberjey Iris thong
$42 – journelle.com

Claire Vivier leather clutch
$145 – clarevivier.com

Stella McCartney matchstick necklace
$345 – net-a-porter.com

Chloé perfume
$120 – bloomingdales.com

By Terry baume de rose lip gloss
$53 – net-a-porter.com

Eberjey Iris bralet
$54 – journelle.com

Now THIS is Love

~ Wendy ~ Leave a comment

Yesterday I spent four and a half hours on these cookies.  I am not making this up.  The most ridiculous part, however, is not the amount of time that it took.  It’s that I made them for my son’s classroom Valentine’s Day party.  I’m sure all of those 8th grade boys will spend LOADS of time appreciating the work that went into them.  And by loads I mean the 2 seconds it takes to either shove them into their mouths whole or use as projectiles in a sugar fueled food fight.

In retrospect, I think dying the dough three different colors was a wee bit ambitious, though my favorite cookies turned out to be the ones made from rolling the scraps together.  And yes, I am aware that Martha Stewart is not losing sleep over facing me in a cookie decorating throwdown.

Speaking of Martha, here is the recipe I used if any of you have a spare half day to devote to baking cookies.  I didn’t even get to the making of the filling and turning them into sandwich cookies part!

I doubled the recipe and ended up with 58 cookies using a 2 1/2 inch wide cookie cutter.

photos via the aesthete and the dilettante

Valentine Hints

~ Wendy ~ Leave a comment
Pink Valentine

“…the next thing I knew, I was kissing her all over – anywhere – her eyes, her nose, her forehead, her eyebrows and all, her ears – her whole face…” – Holden Caulfield

I haven’t exactly been in a sweet sort of mood, though if anything on this list were to come my way, I certainly wouldn’t refuse it.  Especially the Rothko.  But considering his Orange, Red, Yellow recently sold at auction for $87 million, I’d settle for a museum date and a bunch of luscious peonies.

Kimono Robe
$40 – ae.com

Fleur of England Bow Bikini
$180 – journelle.com

Fleur of England Plunge Bra
$145 – journelle.com

Bottega Veneta Perfume
$120 – harveynichols.com

Diptyque ‘Feu De Bois’ Candle
$90 – nordstrom.com

Mark Rothko’s Red and Pink on Pink, circa 1953

Coral Pink Peonies

Queen of Hearts

~ Wendy ~ Leave a comment

I abhor whimsy.  I really do.  So much so that after expressing that exact sentiment to my husband, he had it printed on the bum of boyshort undies and gave them to me for Christmas.  Paradoxically, I have always loved heart iconography (it is inherently whimsical, is it not?).  My great-grandmother wore a beautiful diamond heart pendant which I admired as a child and I suppose that is where the love affair began.  She passed it down to my grandmother, and when my grandmother died she left it to me.  It is one of my greatest treasures.

Whenever I see something with hearts – jewelry, clothing, images – I am tempted (that’s me, above center, at a concert with sisters Kate and Lauren).  And hearts are everywhere this time of year!  So in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, I am sharing with you the pieces that have caught my eye recently, with links added so that you may indulge in any way, and for anyone, you wish:

J Crew Heart Print Silk Blouse

So chic.  I have to admit I bought it.  I will wear it tucked into Habitual dark denim flares with black Brian Atwood patent leather Maniac pumps and a multi-strand mixed metal chain necklace to toughen it up.

Me&Ro Gold Sacred Heart Bracelet

I adore the above Me&Ro bracelet.  The cotton cord and ivory scrimshaw help create an intricate but not-to-sweet vibe, and the 18K gold setting and button clasp make it low-key luxe.

Smock Have My Heart Letterpress Card

Who wouldn’t love to receive a sweet sentiment written on a card from this eco-friendly paper company?

Rebecca Taylor Ikat Heart Cami

It would be perfect with white denim skinnies or cut offs and gladiator sandals.

Finn Onyx Heart Pendant Necklace

This necklace rocks.  The best part isn’t even the onyx heart or the diamond pendant – it’s the gold arrow toggle closure (click the link to see it).

Vosges Haut-Chocolat Sweet Coquette Truffle Collection

From my favorite chocolate makers (who got their start in Chicago), these truffles are incredibly decadent and worth every silky calorie.

And for those of you who prefer to keep your hearts undercover:

Only Hearts Cou Cou Coulotte Panty

These will go with anything…