A Little Bit Of Beauty

"If you care for a thing enough, it takes on a life of its own doesn't it?  And isn't the whole point of things -beautiful things- that they connect you to some larger beauty?"  -The Goldfinch

I recently finished The Goldfinch, which I highly recommend.  It was a great story and also really well written, a combination not as easy to come by as one might think.  I particularly enjoyed the way the author describes emotions.  A friend and I have often talked about how discussing emotions is the final frontier in any language.  Even in your native language talking or explaining the nuances of feelings accurately can seem close to impossible.

Anyway, since I was a child I have always loved to see, touch and experience beautiful things (yes, I know, who doesn't).  One of my early memories is standing behind my grandmother in her fur coat and my sister and I ever so gently touching the luxuriously thick yet soft pelt so she wouldn't feel it and drinking in the rich mahogany hue with our little 4 and 6 year old eyes.  When I came across this quote in The Goldfinch I immediately identified with it and felt like this explains in better words than I could have put myself, why I enjoy what I do so much and the search to bring beautiful, fun and wearable things to the store every season.

I relish the thought of a gift bringing moments of beauty to our friends and family throughout the year so here is my top gift picks to do just that!

These silk and cashmere scarves from Chan Luu never get old.  Their light weave and large size make them gauzy and ethereal.  They bring comfort and warmth on bleak grey days when you need a bit of luxury and levity to remind you that Spring will, eventually, come again.  Having one of these scarves wrapped around your neck is truly one of life's small pleasures.  Warning:  Whomever you give this to will become hooked and no other scarves they own will compare (I have testimonies).

You know the feeling when you walk in from being out in the cold, dark winter night to the warmth and safety of someones house and you are greeted with rich winter hues, earthy spicy piney scents, dim softer lighting and you feel that cozy holiday feeling?  Our candles from Voluspa are all wonderful but I love the Golden Cypress this time of year in particular.  They describe it as, "The heart of a green velvet floored forest mid winter. The clean sugary balsam of a snapped cypress needle." Normally I would laugh and roll my eyes about a description like that but seriously, it's that good.  The beautiful red glass jar for this particular scent is also part if its beauty.  When lit it casts a sultry, moody red glow.

There is nothing quite like the smell and feel of Italian leather.  This leather line, MyWalit, makes wallets and bags in bright colors that really pop and are as soft as butter.  I like the thought of pulling one of these beauties out of your purse and giving a burst of color to all around.






Women (and men) have been adorning themselves with beautiful baubles since they figured out how to string together stones, bones, quills and feathers.  I just never tire of beautifully crafted jewels and think of them as wearable art.  My favorite piece in the store currently is this long strand of grey fresh water pearls mixed with faceted labradorite stones.  Perfect to wear from casual to cocktail.

Lastly, no amount of beautiful things will ever be as beautiful as the beautiful memories you create with the beautiful people you love and cherish so this holiday season we have carefully crafted a wonderfully edited playlist of music to put on while cooking, relaxing, hosting a dinner party or simply hanging out with friends and family.  Our "Relish Your Life - Good Times Mix" is the soundtrack to great moments to come in 2015.  Music to your ears, literally. 

To see more pictures of fabulous gift ideas please click here