Gifts + Charms + Wish-Lists

A lovely reader of My Dog-Eared Pages wrote to ask me if I would please create another gift guide this year. I was extremely honored and delighted by her request. But I just couldn't find the time it takes to gather together a complete holiday gift guide as I have in the past—with ideas from baby to best friend [here + here]. So what I thought might be fun, would be to put together my own wish-list. My dream gift would be the perfect antique lady's writing desk from 1stdibs! But of course, what I would love more than any gifts at all, would be to gather with family and friends.

My extravagant wish-list. For almost seventeen years, my dear friend André gave me a scarf from Hermès for Christmas [though not my first, you can read about that here]. The year André passed away from cancer, my husband carried on the tradition. So, the first thing on my list is inspired by this beautiful friendship and this classic photograph of Jean Shrimpton. I don't have a solid-color scarf in my collection and I love this purple scarf called, Hermès-Sellier.

Hermès-Sellier Scarf in silk jacquard $395

Now remember... I said this was a wish-list! I currently do not own a pair of Roger Vivier shoes. And, I think these are absolute perfection. Such a divine color, with tortoise shell buckle.

Roger Vivier Belle de Nuit Suede Gommette Flats $590 [On right, a 1960s ad for shoes designed by Vivier for Christian Dior, Illustration by Rene Gruau]

I just discovered this sensible + chic Loupe from Vivre, made by the renowned French design house Perrin Paris 1893. It magnifies 5X with a 2.36" diameter lens on a 35.4" cord. Never worry about leaving your glasses behind!

Tortoise Loup by Perrin Paris $395 • And, they make amazing eyewear, too. $345

Also from Vivre, I spotted this Horn Cuff by Mariana Lopez Osornio. I think it might be best to wear two at a time. One on each wrist!

Horn Cuff made in Argentina from Vivre $150 [note: MLO Jewelry is a sustainable business; using recycled materials] More treats for the cuff with these fabulous gloves from Anthropologie: [perfect details, note the gold-tone leather in between the fingers!] Cuffed Shearling Gloves by Maison Fabre $198 Don't head out into the cold without the perfect Lip Balm! Rodin Olio Lusso blush-tone Lip Balm w/Jasmine + Orange Oil $28 Hmmm, it appears I am loving pink and coral at the moment! I adore this Tangier Stripe Pillow from Heidi Merrick. $165 Crisp white Wendy Shirt with Cocktail Cuff by Thomas Pink $180 • Straw Stitched Sun Hat from Chance $325

And, since this just might be the year of the Charm Bracelet after the Christie's auction of Elizabeth Taylor's Jewelry Collection this week:

Oscar de la Renta Russian Charm Bracelet $225 Yummy Marimekko Lokki Blanket $245 • Tangle Lacquered Tray from Plantation Design $150 [you can never have too many trays or blankets!]

And, maybe something to read while cozy under the Lokki blanket. There are so many wonderful books that have been published recently. One that I would love to add to my library is, BALS: Legendary Costume Balls of the Twentieth Century; that explores nine of the most exceptional private costume parties of the twentieth century. Published by Assouline.

BALS: Legendary Costume Balls of the Twentieth Century $175 And just one more, published by Rizzoli... Oberto Gili: Home Sweet Home $85

Since the 1970s, Oberto Gili has been an editorial photographer traveling the world. His images of fashion and interiors have appeared in House & Garden, Town & Country, and Vogue. This collection of photography spans his career; and focuses on 'the extravagance of the bohemian.' The New York Social Diary interviewed Oberto Gili here. And, there are also so many treats for your library at my favorite, Nick Harvill Libraries. I would love numerous prints by artist, Jane Parkes. Her work is quickly being discovered by decorators; as seen in the June issue of House Beautiful. Green Girl, Monotype [see a lot more and inquire about pricing and availability here.]

A touch of RED with this votive from glassybaby in the color Happiness. 10% of the sale from each Happiness votive is donated to Gilda's Club in New York City. So far, glassybaby has donated $626,211.73 in sales given since November 2003. Their votives absolutely glow and come in amazing colors. These make great gifts for hostess, or anyone!

glassybaby Happiness votive $44

And, finally... who wouldn't adore an Ivan Terestchenko photograph from his series Interieurs Couture. [contact directly for availability: 30 x 40 cm $250 • 50 x 60 cm $400 • signed, dated and numbered • limited edition of 30 prints]

I would like to end by wishing you the most delightful holiday possible. And, to thank you for reading My Dog-Eared Pages. I greatly appreciate each and everyone of you who visits and comments. Happy Holidays!! Holly Boot: Andy Warhol for Tiffany & Co.

PHOTOGRAPHY | IVAN TERESTCHENKO

I love the photography and art of Ivan Terestchenko. Ivan has just added an online gallery to his site, Interieurs Couture with a series of his black + white photographs for sale here. You can visit his wonderful blog here. And, to learn more about Ivan, visit Little Augury's interesting post, through the photographer's eye here!

Photos copyright Ivan Terestchenko {left to right} Azzedine Alaia, Rue du Roi de Sicile, Paris • Manolo Blahnik - Bath • Yves Saint Laurent, Chateau Gabriel, Deauville

THE MAGNIFICENT 7 | AWARDS

Little Augury

I am honored and flattered that one of the most interesting blogs out there... Little Augury has personally selected My Dog-Eared Pages for two awards—Prolific Blogger and Beautiful Blogger Awards. The Prolific Blogger Award is given to blogs recognized as "...intellectually productive, keeping up an active blog with enjoyable content." Wow, I am speechless as a recipient, and in return for this Prolific Blogger Award, it's tradition that I pass along the award to seven other bloggers, referred to as the "Magnificent 7."

Of course, I would naturally vote Little Augury as one of my Magnificent 7 because I love her blog. Author, PGT has a life-long career as an interior designer and delights us daily with her Devastating Beauties series, Edith Sitwell tales, and so much more. Little Augury is social history, style, design, and architecture all wrapped-up into one smart, interesting and sophisticated blog. It's a must-read! Thank you Little Augury for recognizing My Dog-Eared Pages.

MAGNIFICENT 7


Ivan Terestchenko
I love artists and Ivan is an extraordinary photographer who blogs a daily visual diary

Le petit salon de Marladas

The Plastiki
A voyage drawing attention to the health of our oceans

Expedition leader, David de Rothschild

Hollister Hovey
Hollister and her sister Porter are on the pulse of authentic cool and are fabulous "it girls"


Hollister {left} and Porter {right}

Trail of Inspiration
Designer Lulu de Kwiatkowski's bright new blog that genuinely inspires

Batik Shells by Lulu de Kwiatkowski

The Impossible Cool
"Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn." ~ Gore Vidal

Joni Mitchell

Style Court
A wondrous, historical weave is created with every post about textiles, art and interiors

A globe-trekker inspiration board

Slow Love Life
Dominique Browning's inspiring blog that reminds me to "slow it up"

Dominique Browning

As promised, and as a recipient of the Beautiful Blogger Award, I am to share seven facts about myself. Oh my... here goes:

1. When I was seven, I met the original Spanky from The Little Rascals... of course, he was quite a bit older then!

2. While at art school in London in 1977, I house-cleaned for a very rich Iranian family whose chauffeur delivered me back to my flat via Rolls Royce {not too shabby for a part-time job at 19!}

3. I love being an auntie.

4. I am a closet decorator and a lover of good style.

5. I love swimming in the ocean every day possible from May through October, sometimes November {brrr!}

6. I am lucky to have many life-long friends.

7. I love dachshunds, especially my dachshund Billy. ox