Home sweet home

The dark winter days can be a bummer, but one of my favorite parts of the holidays is decorating our little fireplace. This weekend, we put up a garland, along with a grazing brass deer. Even though the fireplace doesn't actually work, the room already feels much cozier.

P.S. The framed photo is by Anne Hall.

You have read this article design / home / personal with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/home-sweet-home.html. Thanks!

Swedish island wedding

Speaking of weddings, Once Wed just featured the simplest and sweetest wedding I've ever seen...
Johan and MeeSook tied the knot on a Swedish island overlooking a lighthouse and the sea.
They exchanged rings and a kiss. MeeSook's absolutely beautiful dress is from Saja Bridal. Don't you love how it flows in the breeze?
Next, confetti and Champagne!
The guests also looked amazing, including the bride's sister in a dyed silk dress and a baby in a flower cap.
Then the couple waved goodbye to everyone...
And lived happily ever after. xo

(Photos by Mikael Olsson. Via OnceWed)

You have read this article design / fashion / genius / photography / relationships / travel / wedding dress / weddings with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/swedish-island-wedding.html. Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you have a wonderfully delicious day and weekend.

(Photo by Aya Brackett)

You have read this article design / photography with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/happy-thanksgiving.html. Thanks!

Have a fabulous holiday weekend

Happy Thanksgiving, my lovelies! Where will you be spending the holiday? Alex and I will be going to our friends' house in Brooklyn, where we plan to eat lots of cheese, sit by the fire and play gin rummy. Alex has been working such long hours recently that I can't wait to have him in my clutches! Enjoy the long weekend, and, in the meantime, here are a few great posts from around the web...

The style of Harold and Maude.

Geometric wallpaper.

You can never have too many Paris photos.

Ooh, what a gorgeous dress.

Wouldn't you love to curl up by this portable Swedish fireplace?

Ten great directors. (I'd also add the fabulous Sarah Polley, Jane Campion, Nancy Meyer and Nora Ephron.)

Fancy hair inspiration.

Yes, this is a google ad, but it's about falling in love in France! (Thanks, Je Ne Sais Quoi)

Plus, a few of my Glamour posts:

My doctor found a lump in my breast...

Would you name your baby after a relative?

Lingerie do or don't: Bloomers.

(Photo from Superbomba, via Abby Sharp)

You have read this article design / photography with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/have-fabulous-holiday-weekend.html. Thanks!

Print Society

Print Society is a new online marketplace for original artwork and prints. (Like etsy, but just for art!) Look at how pretty the pieces are...

(By Rana Gheissari LeBel, Beauchamping, Dejvicka and Candace Feit)

You have read this article art / design / illustration / poster with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/print-society.html. Thanks!

Tuesday Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Ariel Gordon Jewelry, a gorgeous shop based in Los Angeles. She's offering a handcrafted initial necklace made of 14k gold. (The winner will be able to choose her favorite letter, of course.) Isn't it lovely?

For a chance to win, visit Ariel Gordon Jewelry and leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Good luck!

Update: Maggie is our lucky winner. And a holiday bonus: All readers can get 30% off everything at Ariel Gordon Jewelry until December 31st, simply by entering CUPOFJO during checkout. xo

You have read this article fashion / jewelry with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/tuesday-giveaway.html. Thanks!

Stop looking at me, bangs

Bangs don't look that great on me, but other girls look so cute in them, that I'm finding them very hard to resist.

(Photo credit unknown, via the Thinking Tank)

You have read this article fashion / hair with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/stop-looking-at-me-bangs.html. Thanks!

Elle shoe diary

Elle Magazine's shoe diary blog reveals the gorgeous shoes that Elle employees wear to the office every day. Some are Gucci and Jimmy Choo; some are Nine West and H&M. Genius.

P.S. Can you imagine peeking under the conference table during a meeting?!

(Photos by Kelly Start. Via Seesaw Designs)

You have read this article design / fashion / photography with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/elle-shoe-diary.html. Thanks!

Bullet potatoes

Alex and I have a new dinner obsession: Bullet potatoes. Have you ever had them? You rub Russet potatoes with butter and sea salt, pierce them with a fork, and put them in a 450-degree oven for about an hour. When the skin is hard and crispy (like a bullet!) and the inside is tender, you take them out, cut them lengthwise and add sour cream, cheddar cheese, shallots and lots of pepper. They are cheap, easy and might be the most delicious thing ever. Serving suggestion: Red wine and Curb Your Enthusiasm. :)

You have read this article basic food series / food / personal with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/bullet-potatoes.html. Thanks!

Rifle Design's new stationery shop!

Anna Bond of Rifle Design is a genius at designing stationery. (We were thrilled to have her do our wedding programs.) Lucky for us, she just opened a brand new online store with her beautiful notecards and prints. Congratulations, Anna!

You have read this article design / illustration / stationery with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/rifle-design-new-stationery-shop.html. Thanks!

The Dog Whisperer

Don't you guys love the Dog Whisperer? He's cute, intense and can make pit bulls whimper with a well-timed "sshht!" Well, Alex wrote a funny article this weekend about how parents are borrowing the Dog Whisperer's disciplinary techniques (for example, always acting like the pack leader and having "calm, assertive energy") to help raise their children. It's kind of genius, if you think about it! The article made me laugh, so I thought I'd be the proud wife and post it. :)

(Photo by Amy Dickerson/NYTimes)

You have read this article baby / design / motherhood / personal / photography with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/the-dog-whisperer.html. Thanks!

Have a happy weekend

My sweet readers, what are your plans for the weekend? My dad is coming from Michigan to visit, and we'll be taking him to brunches, seeing art exhibits and inevitably watching Seinfeld reruns. I can't wait. Have a wonderful weekend, and here are a few great posts from around the web...

Scratch n' sniff holiday cards.

Thankful pigeons.

Oh, no! I will cry if Budget Travel folds. I love that magazine.

Rainbow fingernails aren't just for eighth graders.

Filippa K.'s collection makes me want to go to a fancy party.

Remember these books?!

Yum, I'd love to make this frittata and this pasta.

Food flags.

If money were no object, Kiki de Montparnasse would be my everyday underwear.

More illustrated Missed Connections.

Project Runway finalist Carol Hannah's etsy shop!

This photo makes my heart swell.

Marilyn and JFK look-a-likes...

I watched Ballerina on Netflix and loved it.

How to have a fancy Thanksgiving.

And an inspirational song from Ms. Edith Piaf! Have a wonderful weekend xoxo

You have read this article design / paul newman / photography with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/have-happy-weekend.html. Thanks!

Pretty dresses

British-based Nadinoo's dresses are so cute; I love the Peter Pan collars and peacock prints. They look like something Rosemary might wear.

(Via Greedy Girl)

You have read this article fashion with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/pretty-dresses.html. Thanks!

Brook Farm General Store

Everything in Brook Farm General Store is simple but lovely.

You have read this article fashion / home with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/brook-farm-general-store.html. Thanks!

Baby talk

Oh my goodness, my mom just heard the cutest study on NPR: Apparently, babies, even as newborns, mimic their parents' accents. For example, German babies' cries gravitate to lower pitches, and French babies melodically lilt up at the end of their cries. How sweet is that?

(Photo of Elizabeth and Elodie by Our Labor of Love)

You have read this article baby / baby photos / design / genius / motherhood / photography with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/baby-talk.html. Thanks!

Pretty Dane

Tights, bun, scarf, dimples...Love everything.

(Via Copenhagen Street Style)

You have read this article design / fashion / photography / travel with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/pretty-dane.html. Thanks!

Wednesday Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from ban.do, the adorable shop that just launched a new collection of headbands for $50 and under. They're offering one lucky winner this bow headband, made of sparkly rainbow threads on a satin headband. Wouldn't it be flirty and fabulous for holiday parties?

For a chance to win, visit ban.do and leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Good luck!

Update: Jill is our lucky winner. Thanks for playing. xoxo

You have read this article design / fashion with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/wednesday-giveaway.html. Thanks!

Bored to Death

Have you seen the new HBO series, Bored to Death? It's about a struggling Brooklyn novelist who moonlights as a private detective, and I find it endlessly hilarious. Ted Danson is a genius.

You have read this article tv with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/bored-to-death.html. Thanks!

Champagne-inspired candle

Alex and I rarely burn candles, but last night, we had a cozy evening at home and decided to light this one. And we loved it. Inspired by the Champagne region, the scent has notes of ripe fruit, pinot noir grapes and earthy soil. Sometimes candles can hit you over the head with their heavy perfumes, but this was light and lovely. Do you have any favorite candles?

P.S. This year's gift guide is coming up soon!

You have read this article design / home with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/champagne-inspired-candle.html. Thanks!

Thanksgiving idea: Mint water

How pretty is this mint water? It's so easy to make and looks really refreshing. Wouldn't it be nice to have a few flavored waters in the fridge for Thanksgiving guests? Maybe lemon, orange, mint and cucumber...

(Photo by Karen Mordechai)

You have read this article design / food / photography with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/thanksgiving-idea-mint-water.html. Thanks!

Paris in America

As I mentioned last week, I went on a trip for Yves Saint Laurent to scout the best French style in American cities. Well, we got home on Sunday, and here's a final round-up of what I found...
I bought a pair red tights so I could look like French starlet Anna Karina.
My parents lived in Paris when they were newlyweds, and they told me about their neighbors' wine scandal...
We went to Comme Ca in L.A. for a delicious lunch. (I devoured their grilled cheese, with sharp cheddar and gruyere. The secret ingredient? Dijon mustard!)
In Chicago, we saw double at the Art Institute.
And we took a red balloon to Hollywood, where it made a few "famous" friends...

(And, at top, my friend Max and I tried Langres, a French cheese you serve by pouring Champagne over it. (Fancy!)

See all my posts here -- I hope you like them! Thank you so much. xoxo

(Photos by Anna Wolf, Max Wanger, Jen Gotch and myself)

You have read this article cheese / design / experience parisienne / food / movies / photography / travel / what a french woman would wear with the title November 2009. You can bookmark this page URL http://hollywood-else-were.blogspot.com/2009/11/paris-in-america.html. Thanks!