WINTER (WONDER) WOODLANDS

Flowing bohemian dresses in soft lace + cozy fur jackets set the scene for a dreamy winter woodland editorial...



The perfect inspiraiton for a chilly day back in the Northwest...

After a whirlwind weekend in Atlanta for lavish!, I'm taking a day to settle in and gather my thoughts from this fabulous conference, which I'll be sharing with you soon!! Have a wonderful week, my lovelies!!

xo,
cassandra

*image source unknown

SNOW DAY!

We were hit with our first snow of the season last night, so I'm bundled up in my PJ's taking advantage of a snow day (yeah, a whopping three inches!) ...

I'll be sipping hot cocoa while I browse through blogland and catch up on emails... maybe even take advantage of the day and plan my Thanksgiving tabletop?? Any new blog recommendations from my lovely readers?

xoxo,
cassandra

A CHILL IN THE AIR...

There's been quite a shift in our weather this week - from the sunny fall days barely requiring a coat that make you want to get outside to enjoy the crispness in the air...


... To ice-coated mornings that have me feeling like winter is just around the corner. The time of year where I dream of staying in all day and lounging around in whatever is strikes my fancy...


Even if it means never getting out of bed at all!

NOUVEAU NOMAD

With the brisk morning air we've had in Seattle the last few days, I'm getting ready for a serious wardrobe change, and this editorial has me inspired...

The crazy mix of layers in muted prints and patterns, accessorized with eccentricity (are those garden gloves i spy?) is such a fun way to cozy into the fall.

How to get the look yourself without going overboard? Layer on patterned pieces in classic prints and keep the palette simple. Top it off with burgundy lips and nails for a real mood-changer.

This look might be my favorite and is certainly serving as some serious holiday inspiration as well!

Maybe even a touch of fur??

*lachlan bailey for vogue china via fashion gone rogue

INSPIRED BY WINTER LIGHT

For those of you snowbound in your homes and cities, I'm slightly jealous of the winter wonderlands you must be experiencing...
We've barely had a drop of snow this year in Seattle, and I miss that beautiful, glowing light that comes from everything being drenched in white, which is probably why I'm so loving this gorgeous interior... Doesn't it capture that frosty feel with its shining metallics and soft textures? The muted colors and even the pattern of the rug lend to a perfectly wintry feel...

As for me, our very grey mornings have returned to Seattle, making me wish I were still in bed... or at least enjoying a snowday of our own! Oh well... here's to another busy week m'dears!

*images via flickr, and unknown

BLACK TULLE + RED LIPS

My obsession with black tulle seems never-ending... it's like a beautiful shadow following wherever you go. We don't really have shadows in the winter here... too many clouds...
And then there's those red lips. The perfect winter accent to add a little spice. I'm still trying to embrace the season's chilly palette while I dream of spring...

*photography by chris nicholls

CHAMPAGNE WISHES + WINTER DREAMS

Winter is not going anywhere, darlings. The cool days, freezing rain, and piles of snow are here to stay for a bit, so let's just embrace it a little, shall we?
The stark contrast of dark wood and white, and pieces that reflect the cool light. Gilding, crystal, mirrors, and fabrics with sheen... I suppose winter can stick around a little while...

*resources: room by eddie ross, editorial by arthur elgort for vogue uk, vanity by celerie kemble via house beautiful, shoe styling by sandra lane, beds via {tig}, chair by richard powers, tabletop via southern accents

Cozy Cabin

Right now, it's snowing and blowing and very cold and I'm still wishing I was someplace sunny and warm! But since that's not an option, I wouldn't mind be wrapped up in a buffalo plaid blanket in a cozy cabin, preferably one designed by Ralph Lauren! He really does know how to do warm and inviting. Now all I need is a hot toddy!

Photos from Ralph Lauren

HAPPY (SNOWY + ROMANTIC) WEEKEND...

We may not have snow here in Seattle yet, but I know many of you have already had light dustings in your city and part of me is hoping for just a touch this weekend...I love the delicate silence of snow and how it makes everything look a bit more beautiful... if only for a brief amount of time...
And if we don't get any, I'll suppose I'll drape the mantle in cotton stalks and glass icicles. It may be just as insanely gorgeous.

And speaking of gorgeous...
My beautiful BFF had her engagement photos taken by the one and only Jose Villa last month, and shared them on her blog this week. Pop by Apartment #34 to take a look... this one is my favorite...
Stunning. Hope you all have your own magical moments this weekend... 'tis the season...

Just a few little notes... to those who have sent me emails regarding the intern/contribution possibilities at coco+kelley, thank you! I've had so many I'm a bit overwhelmed. You can expect to hear from me soon. And, if you're interested and I haven't heard from you, you can send me an email up until next Wednesday for more information.

Also, last year I started keeping my gift guide over here, and now I remember why - so much goodness and not enough blog space! So, starting next week you can see all my gift recommendations and fun holiday finds at the hit list along with a blogroll of others' gift guides for the season! I've already put up a few in addition to the ones you've seen here, so hop on over!

xo,
cassandra

*photography via uknown and moodboard

Snowed In

My days have begun to feel a bit like this...

The snow here is still piled high, and I've felt quite stuck for the last few days...

I've enjoyed the magic of white Christmas and now...

I'm losing my mind. Tears!

We're still very buried in on my street, but fingers crossed that tomorrow I will make it out of here to the mall (of all places) to do my Christmas returns. And, I may not want to come back...

photography via photodecadent

Happy (Last Minute) Weekend!

What a week it's been! Holidays and snow days had me a bit busy, as did some guest appearances on a few fabulous blogs that are all up today...

via once wed

*1... Check out Courtney's interview at Under A Paper Moon, where you can view some 'vintage' holiday photos of me, as well as a peek into my Christmas tree this year! She featured some fabulous bloggers all week answering the same questions, so be sure to catch up on them as well!

*2... Mary Jo at Trust Your Style (newly added to the blogroll here!) graciously asked me to participate in her Eye On Style feature, and I was completely honored to be featured on her fabulous blog. She's got great taste and fabulous finds, so pop over and say hello.

*3... Finally, another little Christmas interview with Amanda at Swish & Swanky where she too has been interviewing bloggers all week on every aspect of their holiday habits from shopping to decor. Her blog is quite adorable and worth a peek!

marcus ohlsson

As for the weekend... I will be working on a few last minute additions to the Gift Guide while lounging around in my (faux) furs...

jay jeffers

Wrapping last minute presents in my favorite room in the house. *sigh*. Seriously Santa. Could you just package it all up and leave it under the tree?

Stay warm and bundle up boys and girls! It's gonna be a cold one...

Snow Day...

Really, there's just nothing quite as magical and peaceful as waking up to snow. It means the day will consist of snuggling into blankets, lighting a fire, curling up with a good book and hot cocoa... it feels a bit like this...

lobster & swan via once wed

jake curtis, windowsill via emma's designblogg, ornaments by la pomme

jimmy bakkus

james merrell, wreath via martha, mikkel vang

kat heyes via design sponge

petrina tinslay and christine rudolph

hugh hartshorne

Stay warm and safe my loves! Let's hope it melts before the weekend... there's still lots of holidaying to do!