Janet Hill

As part of my pandemic shopping, I wanted to get some new artwork. One of my orders was a purchase that I made on Etsy from an artist that I’ve followed for a while now. I’ve you’re not already in the know, please allow me to introduce you to Janet Hill.

I want to live in her paintings! They depict a mix of style and beauty reminiscent of a Slim Aarons photo shoot. Slim once said he photographed “attractive people who were doing attractive things in attractive places.”

The scenes give off a vintage vibe, reminiscent of a 1940’s to 1960’s socialite lifestyle. The women are elegant, the decor is refined and the destinations are dreamy. One thing that you don’t often see in vintage glamour is diverse representation. That is where Janet Hill’s artwork is different. I love that she shows a lot of diversity in her paintings. This is important to me. I have a multi-racial family and it is important for my children to see beautiful women of all skin tones represented in the artwork displayed in our home.

Here are the prints that I purchased. The first is “Champagne Shack” (I love me some sparkles). I framed it in a gold bamboo frame and it hangs above my bar cart.

Photo: MyLittleBoudoir.com | Painting by: Janet Hill Studio

The next is “Frenchie“. This is a small square print, which fits perfectly on this very small space next to the doorway just before entering my master bath. The frame is from Target.

I bought “Hummingbirds” for my daughter. This will hang in her boudoir, once we get it framed.

Janet Hill Studio

And, last but not least is “The Disappearance of Lonnie Lightfoot“, which I haven’t yet hung, but it will go somewhere in my boudoir.

Janet Hill Studio

Here is some of her other artwork, but you really should check her out and pick up a few pieces of your own at JanetHillStudio.com or on Etsy.

Janet Hill Studio
Janet Hill Studio
Janet Hill Studio
Janet Hill Studio
Janet Hill Studio
Janet Hill Studio
Janet Hill Studio
Janet Hill Studio
Janet Hill Studio
Janet Hill Studio
Janet Hill Studio

Boudoir Bar Cart – Styling

In my ongoing quest to bring back (the good parts) of the 1950’s and 1960’s, I am in the process of creating a nicely stocked and well styled bar cart.

I’ve been collecting pieces for years, and gathering inspiration from Pinterest. You can view my full Bar Cart board on Pinterest.

Pinterest
shopsocietysocial.com
Blondieinthecity.com

I yearn for that bygone era where grown folks got dressed up in their finest and gathered at cocktail parties.

My Grandmother in the 1960’s | Property of My Little Boudoir

I bought this versatile cart from the Container Store. It’s part of the line from The Home Edit (if you aren’t hip, you must check them out…their Insta stories are not to be missed @TheHomeEdit). I’ve used it for my son’s art supplies, a hot cocoa bar at Christmas, to display my record player/record collection, and now I’m in the process of transforming it into a bar cart.

The Home Edit @ www.containerstore.com
My Little Boudoir | Hot Cocoa Bar

I’ve been collecting pieces over the years for this moment, but a bar cart didn’t seem feasible with a baby/toddler in the house. Now that my son is getting older (and I’m yearning for the day when I can once again entertain), it’s time to put them to good use.

Here are some items (links below) that I’ve collected over the years and items that are inspiring, as I curate my own bar cart.

MyLittleBoudoir.com Shopping Guide
  1. Wayfair | Helder Cane Serving Tray
  2. Wayfair | Old Fashioned Straw Dispenser
  3. CB2 | Eve Coupe Cocktail Glass
  4. Janet Hill Studio | “Champagne Shack” Print
  5. Front Gate | Chez Elle Pastel Decanter Tags
  6. Wayfair | Treble Serving Bar Cart
  7. Etsy | Lady Head Vase (for storing swizzle sticks)
  8. Tiffany & Co. | Bone China Paper Cups (10 oz. and 3.6 oz)
  9. West Elm | Claudia Pearson Tea Towel
  10. Amazon | Paper Straws
  11. Williams Sonoma | Gold Pineapple Cocktail Shaker (mine was from Target)
  12. Tiffany & Co. | T&Co. Envelope Bottle Opener
  13. Container Store | iDesign Linus Fridge Bins Wine Holder
  14. Target | Stainless Steel Cocktail Stirrer Spoon
  15. Emily McCarthy | CC Pink Pinstripe Acrylic Stir Sticks
  16. Emily McCarthy | Bamboo Cocktail Napkin Tray
  17. Homegoods | Cocktail Napkins (in store)
  18. Emily McCarthy | Ice Bucket Spot Cheetah

Stay tuned for part II of this post, Boudoir Bar Cart – Adult Beverages and also the reveal once I’m finished with my project!

I’d love to see pictures of your bar carts. Tell me in the comments what is your bar cart must have.

xoxo,

Sarah

Online Pandemic Shopping

Over the past year of captivity, online shopping and curbside pick-up have become the new “going out”.

I’ve been shopping online like a maniac. In part, because I don’t go to stores (I have essentials delivered), but also because I find it a satisfying activity during my life on the inside.

The question is, what will I do with the new clothes, make-up, etc. when I have no social life? Well, I suppose I could wear it to my “essential” job that requires me to be in the office, but I sit at my desk (distanced from others), and people mostly only see my surgically masked face and the top half of my shirt. So, a nice top and good eye make-up is in order. I would say hair, too, except my headset (that makes me look like a pilot) interferes with that.

I’ll tell you my big plans for all of the clothes and such that I am buying now. It’s for the BIG life I intend to live post-pandemic. I want to do get made up and dressed to the nines and go on fancy outings. I want to live like I’ve never lived before. Spectacular vacations, restaurants with food and atmosphere that is equally opulent, entertain like I am a socialite of the 1950’s and surround myself with company that renews the soul.

So, what have I been shopping for, you ask?

Tiffany & Co. | Bone China Espresso Paper Cups

These sweet little 3.6oz. cups are the mini version of my larger T&Co. cups and great for an espresso or a little sip!

Tiffany.com

Talbots | Bon Voyage Sweater

I mean, I’m so desperate for a vacation, I’m literally going to wear it on my shirt!

Talbots.com

Nordstrom | Kenneth Cole Grooved Faux Fur Belted Coat

For some extra fabulousness…

Nordstrom.com

Nordstrom Rack | Halogen x Atlantic Pacific Stripe Short Trench Jacket

This is a little outside my comfort zone, but I do like a pop of bold color, and the cut of the jacket is darling (plus, who can’t resist 69% off?).

Nordstrom.com

Nordstrom Rack | Cole Haan Original Grand Stitchlite Wingtip Oxford Sneaker

I’m a high heel girl by nature, but I thought this would be a cute cozy flat for Spring.

NordstromRack.com

Trina Turk | Melissa Essential Sandal

I love this tortoise shell slide. I generally prefer a heel (but I already have a very similar sandal like this with a heel). This will be perfect poolside, or when I want something comfy this summer.

What are some of your best online pandemic purchases?

Holly Golightly Fashion

Who doesn’t love Audrey Hepburn’s look when she played Holly Golightly in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s?

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of my favorite movies to watch in my boudoir. It’s one of those movies you can watch time and time again…it’s light, fun and infused with tons of inspiration from both a home decor and fashion perspective (if you haven’t seen my Breakfast at Tiffany’s Inspired Boudoir post, you can check it out here). Her elegant black gown, effortless updo, jewels and sunglasses have glamour written all over them.

Today I’m going to piece together a look inspired by Holly Golightly herself.

Opening Scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s

How to dress like Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly:

1. Black Dress

Every lady needs a staple little black dress (aka LBD) and/or evening gown in her boudoir closet. If you attend fancy galas and the like, a black evening gown is a good item to keep around. In Holly Golightly’s case, she had plenty of reasons to get dressed up. For her, it was warranted for everyday life, no matter the occasion. In the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Holly stands in front of the the fine jewelry shop admiring the window displays, while enjoying her breakfast…a danish and coffee from Schrafft’s.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s opening scene (back of gown)

In this scene she is wearing a floor length black evening gown designed by Hubert de Givenchy. In some respects we can thank this film for making the LBD a staple for women in the modern world. To give you an idea of how iconic this gown is, it was auctioned off at Christie’s auction house in 2006 and was estimated to sell for 50,000-70,000 GBP. The final price landed at 467,200 GBP!!

Here is how Christie’s auction house described the dress:

An evening gown of black Italian satin designed by Hubert de Givenchy for Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in the 1961 Paramount film Breakfast At Tiffany’s, the sleeveless, floor-length gown with fitted bodice embellished at the back with distinctive cut-out décolleté, the skirt slightly gathered at the waist and slit to the thigh on one side, labelled inside on the waistband Givenchy…”

Here are some dresses that would allow you to pull off Holly Golightly’s look.

If you have the budget, you could really go for it with a true Givenchy dress:

Givenchy | Pleated Evening Dress with Plunging Neckline | $7,920

Givenchy.com

Here are some more affordable options:

Alfred Sung | Cap Sleeve Dupioni Full Length Dress | $230-$242

Nordstrom.com

Dress the Population | Cleo Halter Dress | $245

Nordstrom.com

Vince Camuto | Velvet & Scuba Crepe Mermaid Dress | $113-$188

Nordstrom.com

Alfred Sung |Strapless High Low Sateen Twill Gown | $242

Nordstrom.com

2. Jewels

A Holly Golightly look would not be complete without a pearl and/or diamond/rhinestone necklace. Contrary to popular beleif, the jewels she wore were not actually from Tiffany & Co. Here are some beautiful necklaces that would allow you to achieve a similar look:

Etsy: AlexiBlackwellBridal | Audrey Hepburn Style Necklace | $199

AlexiBlackwellBridal via Etsy.com

AlexiBlackwellBridal via Etsy.com

AlexiBlackwellBridal via Etsy.com

J. Crew | Cluster Drop Stone Necklace | $99-$118

Jcrew.com

 Kenneth Jay Lane | Rhinestone White Pearl Cross Pin | $225

This is a pin, but a fancy brooch can always be attached to a chunky pearl necklace to achieve Holly’s look.

KennethJayLane.com

Etsy: SarahRenaeJewelry | White Freshwater Pearl Statement Brooch Necklace | $98

SarahRenaeJewelry via Etsy.com

3. Sunglasses

Another iconic accessory worn by Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly was her dark sunglasses. I think many people think of her as having worn cat eye glasses, but that is not entirely true. The glasses she wore were by Oliver Goldsmith. The brand is still in existence and they still make a design that is inspired by the glasses worn by Holly Golightly. The style is called Manhattan (1960).

Oliver Goldsmith | Manhattan (1960) | 285 GBP

OliverGoldsmith.com

OliverGoldsmith.com

4. Tiara

A tiara may be a bit over-the-top for everyday life, but if you’re trying to be extra fabulous, why not?

Etsy: StarDustSpark | Audrey Hepburn Headpiece Crown | $27

5. Gloves

I know that if you’re not careful, gloves can leave you with a look remenicent of a 1990’s prom, but gloves can also make your ensemble very elegant. I think of my grandmother in pictures on Easter in the 1950’s with her white gloves and she looked so beautiful and put together. Holly sported a few different looks, both above elbow/opera length (formal) or mid-arm length (semi-formal). If you want to own the look, go for it!

Cornelia James |Prices Vary

You won’t have to worry about looking cheap in these luxurious gloves. This brand became well known by designing for the queen herself. You will be a class act!

Unique Vintage |Black Satin Opera Length Gloves | $18

6. Heels

Though Holly Golightly had a glamorous style, she was also simple. That is part of the recipe for elegance. My go-to black pump is Sam Edelman, because I have wide feet, and they fit me perfect (I also prefer a higher heel than HG). Holly is usually seen wearing a kitten heel. Whichever look you pull off better…go for it.

Nordstrom |Sam Edelman Hazel Pointy Toe Pump | $130

Nordstrom |Sam Edelman Dori Pump | $130

7. Handbag

Nothing oversized here, ladies. A small clutch or structured frame bag, ideally with a kiss-lock clasp, will do the job.

Nordstrom | Geometric Faux Leather Minaudière

Whether you’re trying to dress up identical to Holly for a costume party, or you just want an elegant look, there are many variations of this look that you can try…and they are all sure to turn heads!

What is your favorite Holly Golightly look?

Posh Postage

My Little Boudoir

Handwritten letters and cards are so meaningful. In this day and age of social media and text messages, you should make it a priority to communicate by mail to your friends and family from time-to-time. Sending “thank you” cards after the holidays is a perfect excuse! Don’t you agree that it is a pleasant delight to receive a card in the mail, among the mounds of bills and junk mail?

Every boudoir should be well equipped with good stationary, and if space permits, a writing desk (in my case, my vanity doubles as a desk, for now).

Since I’m all about adding beauty whenever possible, a stamp can make for a great way to add a fun detail to your envelope. I mean, if you’re spending the same price on postage either way, why wouldn’t you opt for a cute stamp?

The only time I collected a stamp was when the U.S. Postal Service released the Marilyn Monroe stamp in 1995, and my dad had a sheet framed for me.

Marilyn Monroe 32 cent stamps (1995)

So, I’m no philatelist, but I was so excited this past summer when the USPS released the first-ever scratch and sniff, “Frozen Treats“, postage stamps (yes, I pre-ordered stamps…is that dorky?). They have pictures of watercolor popsicles and they smell just as sweet.

usps.com

I am a child of the 80’s and you weren’t sh*t if you didn’t have a sticker album as a kid, and sticker books in the 1980’s were filled with scratch and sniff stickers. My mum would take my cousin (who was like my sister) and I to the local Hallmark store and we would be allowed to get a “grab bag” that was always filled with fun little goodies. It was guaranteed to have an assortment of stickers, and some other fun items…maybe a Hello Kitty pencil or the like. We would spend, what seemed like, hours in my little boudoir placing them carefully upon the pages of our sticker albums and making trades with one another. I still recall ordering my sticker book (which I still own, packed away in a box somewhere) from a Scholastic book order at school. In any event, these scratch and sniff stamps are a nod to my childhood, and bring me joy as an adult.

I personally find it a pain to visit the post office. There is always a long line, and their hours make it tough if you’re a working girl. Fear not, my friends, USPS.com has even a better selection of stamps than your local post office.  There are wedding stamps (mostly with floral designs, which are beautiful for everyday use, as well). Stamps honoring historic figures, like Sally Ride, JFK, and Dorothy Height. Then, there are stamps showcasing legendary entertainers, like John Lennon, Fred Rogers, Lena Horne, Elvis Presley, and Sarah Vaughan. They also have other options, like fruit, flowers (including beautiful pink peach blossoms for the Lunar New Year), a nice Christmas assortment (including Snowy Day from the book by Ezra Jack Keats), sports (round shaped baseball, basketball, etc.) and animated favorites (like Disney Villans [great for Halloween or costume party invites]).  There are sooo many options to choose from that you could almost always theme your stamp to your occasion or personal interest.

usps.com

usps.com

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usps.com

I, personally, love the Oscar de la Renta stamps for letters that I send, especially to my girlfriends who will also find joy in them. Each stamp is an image of his different textiles from beautiful evening gowns. These pair nicely with my fashion and designer themed stationary.

My Little Boudoir

Do you use fun stamps when you send letters and cards to your friends and loved ones?

Beautiful Boudoir Buys | Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

My Instagram feed has been filled with Nordstrom Anniversary Sale recommendations from all of the fashion bloggers I follow. By this point, you’ll be lucky to find any availability on the hottest trends (unless you’re size 0-2).

I’m here to show you a different side of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale…my favorite items for your boudoir!

Leopard Print Wool Rug| Dash & Albert | $21-$696

Every time I see leopard rugs, it makes me think of Kimora’s super luxurious boudoir closet.  Leopard print can always be glamorous, as long as you don’t overdo it. Your other textiles should be somewhat simple and classic.

Nordstrom.com

Bedside Water Carafe & Glass Set | Cathy’s Concepts | $29

This looks nice when displayed on your bedside table and allows you to quench your thirst through the night. Hydration is key to great skin! They also have another version of this, using a different font for the monogram.

Nordstrom.com

Quilted Velvet Accent Pillow | Ted Baker London | $30

This beauty oozes “boudoir” with it’s Art Deco pattern and pink velvet texture. It makes me think of something that could have been in Jean Harlow’s boudoir. If your first or last name begins with a “T” (which is really for Ted Baker London) then I guess you get a bonus monogram. I love the added detail of the gold zipper pull.

Nordstrom.com

Bar Cart | American Atelier | $265

Now, I’m not advocating for a full bar in your boudoir, but if you have the space to fit a small bar cart, it’s nice for enjoying some Champagne or your signature cocktail when you retire for the evening.

Nordstrom.com

 

Monogram Set of Two Champagne Coupes | Cathy’s Concepts | $31

These would look so lovely displayed on the above bar cart. You may have also noticed that the font used, matches the bedside carafe. If monograms are not your thing, they also have a pink set that says “Love” with a little heart, and they have a clear glass set (still with the gold rim) that says “Ooh La La”. They are all lovely and suitable for your boudoir.

Nordstrom.com

 

Journal Set | Dream & Scheme | Passion & Plan | Anthropologie | $20 (per set of two)

A journal or notebook with a pretty cover is a must for your boudoir. The best place for them would be on (or in) your bedside table or your writing desk (if you have one in your boudoir). If you don’t keep a regular journal, they’re a great place to write down your goals, ideas, dreams, etc. and keep them organized in one place. These come in sets of two…Dream (pink) & Scheme (yellow) or Passion (turquoise) & Plan (blue).

Nordstrom.com

Mixed Media Waste Basket | DKNY | $30

This marble looking wastebasket is perfect for your boudoir, because it is beautiful and feminine and not unsightly like most wastebaskets. There are other boudoir and bathroom accessories that match (make-up mirror, tissue box, etc.).

Nordstrom.com

SoHo Sham | Lili Alessandra | $148-$168

I still don’t know the proper design terms when a rectangle has inverted corners, but I love it. It makes me think of the trim in the Chanel inspired boudoir. This comes in gold and two different shades of silver, and has a duvet cover to match. The appliqué is made of velvet, which would tie in well with the pink velvet Ted Baker London pillow. I prefer simple bedding in the boudoir, with heavy prints reserved for throw blankets and accent pillows.

Nordstrom.com

Nordstrom.com

Print Counter Stool | Deny Designs | $120

Yes, this is a counter height stool (not to be confused with bar height, which is taller), but I love it so much that I feel it could somehow be incorporated into the boudoir. Maybe you could use it to sit on if you apply your make-up at the bathroom counter of your boudoir. It could also work as a accent piece. For obvious reasons, it would be great at a kitchen island, too. It comes in three additional prints (floral, ikat, and one called Marais, which is geometric).

Nordstrom.com

Monogram Glass Vase | Cathy’s Concepts | $20

This is the perfect vase to display flowers on your bedside table, dresser or vanity, because it’s fairly small in size. It would be so pretty with some peonies, dahlias, ranunculus or cabbage roses. This comes in clear glass or pink tinted glass (which matches the Champagne coupes).

Nordstrom.com

‘Caroline’ Jewelry Case | Wolf | $267

Check out this beautiful jewelry case! It makes me think of something that would be held by a glamorous woman wearing a mink, hat and gloves, boarding a train in the 1930’s. It can be used in your boudoir, or taken with you if you’re traveling (although it looks quite large, so I wouldn’t recommend traveling with it). This comes in two different colors and has so many little compartments to keep your jewelry nice and organized. This normally retails for $415, so it is a great deal!

Nordstrom.com

 

Nordstrom.com

Tipped Short Pajamas | J. Crew | $57

Lastly, it wouldn’t be a boudoir post if we didn’t include some sleepwear. These darling cotton pajamas are perfect for hot summer nights.

Nordstrom.com

End on End Sleep Shirt | J. Crew | $45

Time to channel your inner Holly Golightly and opt for a sleep shirt (since it’s not a tuxedo shirt, we’ll call this the casual version). Sleep shirts are always classic, and great for the summer when the temperatures are high (I live in Washington state and it is not common to have central air, because most of the year doesn’t warrant it, so it can get pretty toasty in house at night). This comes in white and blue.

Nordstrom.com

Tell us in the comments about your favorite finds at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year! Did you find anything you like for your boudoir?

 

xoxo

Sarah

Timree Discovery

A couple of years ago, my daughter and I went to Michael’s to pick up a marquee letter for my baby boy’s nursery. While I was there (as usual) I could not pass up a browse at the dollar bins. I was so happy when I saw a darling collection that was screaming “Boudoir.” There were note cards, pencils and more, adorned with lipstick, perfume, powder puffs and all kinds of girly stuff! So, you know I had to pick up some for me, and for one of you (see details below).

The most ironic part of this story happened a few days later during a meeting with one of my vendors at work. I noticed at the end of our meeting that the spiral notebook she had been taking notes in had a darling painting of black peep-toe pumps with bows on the toes, with her name customized across the top. I complimented her on the notebook. She shared with me that her friend makes them. She went on to tell me that this same friend has a studio in California where she does paint parties, too. Then she proceeds to tell me that she just got a deal with Michael’s. That is when it clicked for me…OMG…these were the items that I had just purchased over the weekend! What a coincidence.timree.comWho is the artist you ask? Her name is Timree Gold. Her work is absolutely adorable and perfect for a boudoir! Her pricing is very reasonable and she has some items you can purchase on her website (the selection seems to have been reduced over the last couple of years). She also has a studio in Newport Beach, California, where you can purchased items, too. Most of the designs are feminine (i.e. make-up, fashion, desserts, Paris, etc.), but she also does boy designs, too (I recently saw her do a workshop for little boys where they painted Dinosaurs).

I’m not certain if Timree’s deal with Michael’s is still going, but I sure hope so. I look for her items every time I visit.

In addition to her merchandise, she teaches painting lessons at her studio. It looks like she has classes for children, families, adults, etc. She even has some summer camps. Next time I visit Orange County, I’m definitely going to visit her studio!

Here is a peek of some of her work that has has been featured on her website in the past and some that is currently being featured (these images are property of Timree from Timree.com). I encourage you to visit her website, Timree.com, where you are sure to see something you love.

Sunglasses_JournalCombinedNautical-Anchort_JournalCombinedLeopard_JournalCombined

 

MakeUp_FolderFont

Timree-House-Platter-Dish-614x6141

ice-creamhatboxes

Paris-Valentine-Single-2tiffanys invite

 

 

 

Timree-Eiffel-Tower-France-Jewelry-Box-4

 

{Wouldn’t this one be perfect for a Chanel inspired boudoir?}

GoldPerfume-ComboBowGoldDots-Combo

G-I-V-E-A-W-A-Y

Now, if you’re sad that these items I purchased are no longer available at Michael’s…fear not…MLB is doing a giveaway!! One lucky reader will get a package of Timree loot that I picked up at Michael’s. I will make the selection using random.com. Winner will be selected on Friday, July 13, 2018. Winner will have until Wednesday, July 18, 2018 to respond with a mailing address, or will otherwise forfeit.

To enter, please follow the below steps:

  1. Follow My Little Boudoir on Instagram
  2. Comment on this post or on the related post on Instagram

 

XOXO

Sarah

Best Documentaries for the Boudoir

I do keep a television in my boudoir, but I really don’t watch a lot of it. I cancelled my cable a while back, and just purchase the few shows that I like to watch.

When I actually have time to commit to a couple of hours, and my son is asleep, I will generally choose an old movie (1940’s-1960’s), or a good documentary. I usually like to keep it light, and don’t really like to watch sad documentaries (or movies for that matter), so these aren’t super “deep,” but they take me to a happy and fascinating world.

Here are some of my favorite documentaries that I highly recommend:

5. Crazy About Tiffany’s

Image result for crazy about tiffany

 

4. Advanced Style

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3. Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel

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2. Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt and Anderson Cooper

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1. Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s

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Honorable mentions: Bill Cunningham New York, Secrets of Selfridges and Dior and I.

I recently learned about a couple of new documentaries that I am looking forward to seeing, as well:

The Gospel According to Andre

A story about the life and career of the king of fashion, Andre Leon Talley. Andre is the star of the show, but it includes many of fashion’s elite, from Anna Wintour to Karl Lagerfield. I love his quote in the trailer, “you can be aristocratic without having been born into an aristocratic family.” This film currently showing in select theaters.

The Gospel According to Andre

 

Always at the Carlyle
(directed by Matthew Miele, who also directed Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s)

This documentary is about the history and goings on at the Carlyle Hotel in NYC. It covers the variety of celebrity guests from Hollywood legends, like Marilyn Monroe, to the Royal Family and U.S. Presidents. The story is told through a variety of celebrities from the late Anthony Bourdain to George Clooney.

Always at the Carlyle

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

There are two people in show business whose voices have a calming effect on me. Martha Stewart and Fred Rogers. This documentary is about the latter. Mr. Rogers takes me back to my childhood. If I had a television in my childhood boudoir, his show would have been watched regularly. This was my favorite childhood show! This documentary is about his life and his unique way of connecting with children and teaching the important values. This film is currently showing in select theaters.

 

Leave a comment and tell me about your favorite documentary!!

xoxo

Sarah

Vintage Baby Shower

Let me begin by saying that having my son and going through a relatively healthy pregnancy is one of the best blessings ever bestowed upon me and I am forever grateful. With that said, I have two disappointments that occurred during my pregnancy (if we’re not counting that my ankles were practically the size of my thighs):

1. I didn’t have professional maternity photos taken.

2. My baby shower photos turned out blurry, due to a bad camera.

Despite it, my baby shower was great; I just wish I had more detailed (and clear) photos to remember it by.

I waited a long time to get pregnant (went through fertility treatments, two miscarriages, and after I stopped “trying” I got the best surprise of my life), so the baby shower was something that I was really looking forward to. I pretty much planned and supervised the entire thing (with a lot of help from my family and friends to carry out the vision).

I tried to gather the best photos that were the least blurry, but they’re still not the greatest (I have since purchased a new camera…a must before baby came).

The theme of my baby shower was vintage with the colors being white, tan and turquoise. The centerpieces were simple and made of Baby’s Breath placed in Mason jars decorated with burlap and lace. I rented some pieces from a friend who owns Vibe Vintage Rentals. They are a vintage rental company in the Seattle area. The venue was great, too, because it was really affordable, easy accommodated my guest list (around 50 people) and was an older building, so it complemented the vintage look. It was held at the Lakewood Seward Park Community Club in Seattle, near Lake Washington.

Mommy and daddy baby pics.

Table setting (the fact that this napkin is not centered gives me a nervous tic).

My guests left messages on diapers. The winner? The one from my cousins’ son (who was about six at the time) that said, “Boys Rule.”

Dessert table (divinity/coconut cupcakes [family recipe], fruit skewers, cookies and beverages.

Vintage baby scale and baby boots from Vibe Vintage Rentals.

Another view of the dessert table.

Food table…on the menu: muffaletta sandwiches, individual vegetable cups, chicken salad sandwiches on croissants, ham sandwiches, salad, etc.

Gifts with a vintage pram from Vibe Vintage Rentals. Underneath the white sheet in the center is a hand painted wooden rocking chair from my bestie to match the nursery.

What was the theme of your baby shower? What was important to you? I’d love to hear all about it.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s Birthday

Itinerary for the evening.

“Of course, personally, I think it’d be tacky to wear diamonds before I’m forty.”

– Holly Golightly, Breakfast at Tiffany’s

It’s time to pull out the diamonds, ladies, because this January I celebrated my 40th birthday.

To be honest…it’s surreal. I really don’t feel like it’s possible I could be 40. I identify with being younger, but I guess I’m officially a grown up now.

My mother planned a surprise dinner at a local restaurant the weekend of my birthday. Several friends and family members joined in on the celebration. It was a lovely surprise, but I still wanted to have a little celebration with my lifelong girl friends, so I planned a little something fun for this past weekend.

I decided to loosely theme the evening after one of my favorite movies, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This is the invitation that I ordered from Etsy and sent to my friends (via text message) who were able to attend.

We were running a little late, so we modified our schedule a bit from the invitation shown above.

Our first stop was Letterpress Distilling. I read about it in Seattle magazine during my recent visit to the hair salon. They are known for their Italian liqueurs, like Limoncello (made me think of my first trip to Italy, where I purchased my first limoncello in Assisi), Arancello Rosso (blood orange liqueur) and Amaro Amorino, but they also produce their own vodka, which is the base for their liqueur. I purchased the tasting for up to four people on Groupon for around $40. There ended up only being three of us, so we split the ration for the fourth guest.

The place was a bit difficult to find, it’s a nondescript doorway with a red awning, sort of in an alleyway. Our Uber drivers (coming and going) had a difficult time finding it.

Letterpress Distilling

The owner grew up visiting Italy every summer, where his mother is from, and decided to end his career in printing (hence the name), and get into the distilling business. He said that the name Letterpress came about one day when he was holding something that was hand printed. He said that your first reaction is to feel the paper, smell it, etc. When something is hand printed it there is something about the quality (paper weight, ink, etc.) that allows you to feel the difference and appreciate the craft. And that was the same way he wanted people to feel about his liqueurs.

You can tell that he really has a love for it and I was amazed at the amount of knowledge he has about the history of alcohol and the process in which it’s made. Sounds like you need to be a chemistry major.

Where it all starts…

The ingredients for their product is primarily sourced locally from the Pacific Northwest. The wheat is purchased from La Conner, Washington (if you’re familiar, this is also where the beautiful tulip fields are located). Their honey is from Washington and Oregon, purchased from a company based in Eugene, Oregon.

Yes, I said honey. One of the things that makes their liqueur different from others is that they sweeten it with honey instead of sugar. Apparently back in the old days in Italy, it was honey they used to sweeten Limoncello, because it was native to the area, and sugarcane was not. It gives it a lovely smooth taste and really brings out the flavor of the fruit. He also shared with us that they only distill their vodka twice. Most vodka companies brag about the number of times they distill their product (like Gray Goose and Tito’s), but essentially that is designed to make the product tasteless. This is great if you prefer it to be tasteless, but he wanted to keep some of the natural flavors of vanilla and such. I was surprised how much the vodka, when only distilled twice, really did have a good flavor.

All of the products tasted great. They are high quality, and made with care. I was most fond of the Amaro. It has a spice taste to it. They use orange peel, cloves, chamomile, etc. in the list of ingredients. To me, it tastes like Christmas. They also served a sample of it made into a hot toddy. It was quite delicious. The type of drink that you would sip fireside.

The tasting ended with a tour of the process, which is in the warehouse connected to their small tasting room.

About four to six or seven samples later (remember we split the fourth serving), we made our way to Alchemy in West Seattle. I’ve been wanting to try this restaurant/bar since before they opened, which I believe was about a year ago. This place is so cool! It’s like Lydia Deetz meets Dita Von Teese. The decor is what I would call Gothic Glam. We were seated on a black leather tufted sofa, where we shared several small plates between the three of us (deviled eggs, beet salad, brussel sprouts, cheeseburger sliders, cheese plate and candied bacon). Every dish was delicious! The cocktails, however, are not to be missed. The presentation is beautiful, and matched in taste.

Alchemy, West Seattle

My beverage (top left) was a special concoction that I requested with a tequila base, the one in the center was an apricot drink and the one on the right is a diet coke (don’t worry, she later ordered my same cocktail).

View of the venue.

A view of the bar. If you look closely, there are drawer little drawer fronts that cover the wall, with an old oil painting as the focal point.

Wall filled with old photos.

Even the bathroom in this place was cool. The wallpaper looked like an apothecary’s shelf filled with special potions.

Bathroom wallpaper

Another bathroom pic…

The last stop on the agenda was Lady Yum in Seattle (located at the Amazon campus). This is my favorite macaron shop in the city of Seattle. I mean who doesn’t love a Champagne and macaron combo? Oh, and in case you’re in the Seattle area, you should know that they have Bottomless Champagne Tuesdays!!!

The shop itself is darling, with a pink coral front counter topped with a rainbow variety of scrumptious macaron flavors like Apricot Prosecco, Salted Caramel and even Unicorn (tastes like cotton candy). There are small marble tables with bar stools that sit under beautiful crystal chandeliers. The center of attention is an amazing accent wall (#Instagramworthy) with two peacock wicker chairs placed on each side of a brass peacock table (now this is a “service peacock situation that I can deal with).  If you take a peek behind the black and white striped curtain in the back, you’ll see pink and green wallpaper reminiscent of the Beverly Hills Hotel’s Martinique wallpaper (I love it even more with the pink added).

Our macaron sampler…

Apricot Prosecco macaron in front of the wallpaper on the accent wall (behind the Peacock chairs).

Coffee from a French press served in the most darling cup.

Sparkles and macarons…#livingourbestlife

The wallpaper by the restroom. I think this would be so cute in a powder room or the closet in your boudoir!

P.S. If you don’t make it to this location, they have a kiosk in the Seatac Airport and a location in Kirkland.

And lastly, per the theme, party favors for the BFF’s from Tiffany & Co. They each got a Tiffany & Co. paper cup (made of fine bone China, of course) from their Everyday Objects collection. They come in a set of two for $95. I bought a set of four for myself, too. I think they’d make for a darling brunch tablescape. Drinking your morning coffee or tea from one of these is sure to make you feel like you’re having “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” every day. I think they’d also be cute for displaying flowers or holding brushes on your makeup vanity in your boudoir.

Party favors…

Tiffany & Co. Paper Cup

Overall, it was an evening of special memories made with great friends.

Tell me about your best birthday celebration in the comments…

I’m baaaack….

One day of not posting leads to another, and before you know it, it’s been three years. I have to admit, I felt a bit of shame when I noticed how long it had really been.

I feel comfortable saying it’s for good reason though, as I have had a lot going on in my life. I went through my first pregnancy (which honestly going to work and driving home was about all I could handle in a day), gave birth to my darling son (who is now almost two) and I’m raising a teenage daughter (who is a dream of a teenager, but is a busy girl, which means I’m busy, too)…all while managing a very busy career with possibly the biggest project I’ve every worked on.

With all of that said though, this blog is a passion of mine, so I continued paying for the hosting and URL, knowing that it was something I would eventually return to.  So, here I am! It feels good to be back…

xoxo

Sarah