JS Design

The work 0f JS Design, led by principal Judy Longbrook, is a great study in mixing styles and periods. I particularly love the use of leopard and the constant presence of well-loved antiques:

PS- be sure to check out the revolving door of “good goods” while you’re on JS Design’s website!

English Rose

There is something so romantic about the swirling pinks and lush green hues of traditional English roses. The old fashioned motif has a sense of history and antiquity that still feels timeless to me. A splash of the dainty print in a modern settings adds an eclectic twist. Just don’t go too overboard or it will read granny instead of glam!

Lois Engberg’s English Roses, $ 1,500

Antique fabric-wrapped box, $125 at Putti

Old English Rose Ring Holder, $55

MOR marshmallow teacup candle, $59.95 at Putti

Herend Queen Victoria Rose Sugar Bowl, $190

Verity emerald toss cushion by Designer’s Guild, $190

Cabbage Rose Briefs, $17.93

MOR marshmallow wrapped soaps, $22.95 at Putti

FLOR's 'If There Be Thorns' Rug Kit in Rose, $99.99 for six tiles

My cozy rose knit tank from Top Shop

Holiday Value Loving

The holiday season means fabulous beauty buys for makeup junkies like myself and here are my top 3 picks":

My favourite eye liner pencils are Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes, so I am super excited Sephora has a value set of 5 fantastic colours in handy travel-sizes:

Aqua Eyes Collection Set, $35

Also adorable is this kitten duo, with a lovely shimmery gloss and eye shadow that is perfect for every day wear:

Kitten Collection, $18

Another special holiday item, this dreamy purple palette from MAC is a perfect pairing for my hazel eyes:

MAC 6 sorceress eye shadow palette, $36

A Quarter Century Surprise

 

A couple of weeks ago I was blown away with a fabulous surprise soiree for my 25th birthday. My mom and my sister Marlie coordinated with my besties, aunt and cousins to throw me a bash so I could celebrate with my nearest and dearest.

In homage to my motto, “a party doesn't throw itself,” many special touches were called upon to make it a true jessica claire affair. Stunning violet and yellow cupcakes, including a special pansy-adorned one pour moi, were set up with an array of tasty treats.

There were scrumptious macaroons from the adorable Bobbette & Belle bakery and even a signature cocktail!

Thanks to mom and mar for making it such a special birthday!

Happy Holidays!

Here is a shot of my coworker Kerry’s fabulous Christmas tree:

and a quick pic of some of my festive Christmas sugar cookies:

Black and White Tea for Two

My tiny future galley kitchen will need the basics for making a perfect cup of tea for the boy and I. On my list to go with our b+w theme is:

 

Le Creuset Teakettle, $70

Teapot Teabag Rest, $2.95

 

J0nathan Adler Stripes Cup and saucer, $18.00

Schoolyard acorn tea towel, $24

Happy Chanuka!

Here are some shots of the centerpiece from our chanuka party on friday – I’m loving how my glitter Hebrew letters on the dreidel  cookies turned out!

I also  celebrated my birthday this weekend so stay tuned for some pics from the festivities! 

For Your Freudian Friends...

Last summer when I posted about my maiden voyage to Bergdorf's 7th floor, one of my best friends commented that this John Derian decoupage multi-piece wall hanging would be perfect for her future office as a therapist. Titled "In Good Health," the installation was totally stunning and perfect for a psychology counsellor, but totally expensive at over $1,200

Luckily when I was in the John Derian store this summer, I spotted the same design on heavy cardstock for a much more affordable price.  I snapped it up with plans to frame it for her home office, once she moved into her new home with her fiancee. I found a charming gilded frame at value village and used strips of textured wallpaper instead of plain paper to give the matting depth and interest. The result is a perfectly personalized gift that suits her to a T!

Happy Birthday Nars!

My adoration for NARS has been well-versed on this blog and now there is a special edition palette commemorating the brand's 15th anniversary that may be a slight necessity for me.

Their Wild at Heart palette not only holds amazing pink and red lip colours that complement my fair skin, but fabulous shadows  that give you all the shades necessary to create a smoky eye. Throw in the fact that there is not only an orgasm blush but also the south beach multiple in there -- it's a done deal!

Literary Wishlist

Books make wonderful holiday presents. They are one of the great gifts that keeps on giving. They not only provide visual stimulation and knowledge, but beautiful books will always be an integral part of any well-styled interior.

Here are some books I am wishing for this holiday season:

I Love Macaroons by Hisako Ogita

Decorating Is Fun!: How to be Your Own Decorator and Entertaining is Fun!: How to Be a Popular Hostess, both by the one and only Dorothy Draper

Lillian Bassman: Women by Deborah Solomon

So Easy: Luscious, Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Week by Ellie Krieger

The House in Good Taste by Elsie De Wolfe

Taschen's New York by Angelika Taschen

The Abrams Guide to Period Styles for Interiors by Judith Gura

Gil Elvgren: All His Glamorous American Pin-Ups by Charles G Martignette