The sweetest thing

So, it's been a long time since I graced this page. As we all need to do sometimes, I've been on an extended self-imposed timeout - regrouping, reevaluating, rediscovering. More recently, however, the blog has been calling and when my dear friend Judy came to visit last week one of her first questions was "blogging?" to which I shamefully had to shake my head "no". Rather than procrastinate in my perfectionism, I decided to post up a quick "hey you" and something beautiful to go with it...my friend in my head, Ms. Lauryn Hill...who like it or not has committed herself to the authenticity of herself, her process, her unfolding, her evolution...So here she is at a surprise appearance at the Tanzania Education Foundation benefit (looking radiant no doubt)...and HERE I am...

The sweetest thing I've ever known
Was like the kiss on the collarbone
Soft caress of happiness
The way you walk, your style of dress

All I Want for Christmas Is:

Its been awhile since I blogged and ohhhhhhhh how I missed it. Watching Julia and Julie tonight while washing my hair, reawakened in me the desire for fine living and blogging about it. So, "tis the season" for making list, giving gifts and making resolutions...here are a few of mine.

All I want for Christmas is:


1. White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap in Hemlock (not the color shown)
Simply Chic and Sumptuous...
How to Weat the White + Warren Cashmere Travel Scarf

2. OPI's You Don't Know Jacques

3. Mignon Faget Barbed Earrings

4. A Yoga Bolster

5. The Satorialist Book

 6. Hope and Love

waiting on the world to change

Catch her while you can...Jamey Hatley is making moves

My friends are fabulous...Jamey Hatley, writer, stylista and whip up a brunch that would make Colin Cowie and Martha Stewart proud homegirl, was recently interviewed on Galley Cat, the Wall Street Journal of publishing. Check it out.

Must Have This Lamp

Must Have This Lamp...West Elm Rock Table Lamp for $145...OMG

Note, I want a different shade...gold or chrome?

Earthy Casual, That's Me...Maybe?

I took the HomeGoods Style Quiz. Here are my results:

Takema, you are an Earthy Casual

You're interested in creating a welcoming home where people feel comfortable and happiness flourishes. You appreciate the warmth and individuality of natural materials and handcrafted things and are inspired by colors and forms from nature. You love mixing up different textures and are sensitive to the tactile qualities of objects. Your style is grounded and solid, not flighty or frilly. And you are never taken in by the trend of the moment.

You value serenity. While there are probably a lot of interesting things in your home, they are joined by your taste or a certain palette that keeps them in harmony. You appreciate the beauty in simple forms. Whether fancy or plain, you appreciate things that are well made and function as well as they look. You also have a strong respect for the environment and craftsmanship. You care about how things are made, and how they are used.

I agree but I would add that I am also sophisticated and classy.

Valentino, The Last Emperor

Valentino, The Last Emperor, is a must see. If you love fashion and admire genius, this bio-doc is a peek inside the sometimes schizophrenic mind and of a fashion icon. The movie is set against the backdrop of Valentino's long and strong relationship with business partner and lover Giancarlo Giammetti (who by the way is a doll!) and the trials and tribulations of the luxury fashion market in flux. If you have Netflix, you can view the doc online.

Love the pugs!

7 Things I've Fall(in) in Love With From Anthropologie 09 Fall Collection

Anthropologie's October 2009 catalog came in the mail today. Here are the 7 must haves in my shopping cart:

1.

This sweater reminds me of a kimono...I love the sweet colors and the wrap affect. I think I will dress this up over a dress and dress it down over leggings and boots.

2.

I just love this color, not to mention the length of the sleeves is great for

that layering affect I love to do in New Orleans winters.

3.

 I can't get over this pleating in a knit.

This color will translate from the boardroom to the plane to a date.

4.

My favorite part of this sweater is those cuffs and the ruching on the shoulders. I'm not sure about the color combo, but I really dig the feminine design.

5.

Nothing says lady like sheer, ruffles and a delicate neck tie. But nothing says power like navy. Love the combo!

6.

Architecture meets a knit and ruffles in all the right places. Sultry! 

7.

I'm obsessed with teal blue...for all seasons. While its a little summery, I think this dress will work in New Orleans with a sweater, tights and boots before transferring to spring with bare legs.

Design Dilemma/Answered Petitions - Lonny Magazine Launched

I was just having this conversation on the way out of my class this morning..."Damn, I miss Domino Magazine!" And then, Jamey Hatley, writer and friend fabulous, and I where just bemoaning the closing of Gourmet magazine and this DAMN recession that is sacrificing way too many of our stables for loverly notions and potions.

And just like that, the universe heard my petitions and WALLAH....Lonny Magazine, an online Domino-ish Magazine has been launched. The first issue is live and lush with accessible interior/lifestyle design inspiration and ideas...almost everything I loved about Domino except the actual print copy, which I so enjoyed touching, dog earring and archiving. Nonetheless, I am grateful and in being so I must share!!!! Not so in love with the cover, but I promise the inside won't disappoint (shoot beggars can't be choosers, u know?) Check it out loverlies!

Oldie but Goodie...Tatum O'Neal in Paper Moon

Just watched Paper Moon starring Ryan and Tatum O'Neal (Tatum won an Oscar for Paper Moon at age 10). It was well worth staying up beyond my bedtime. Check out the link on YouTube for a quick 5 minute short.