Infusing grandeur into otherwise drab Monday mornings with five things/ideas/events for the week:

I.  Nothing makes me happier than a roaring fire on a cold day, which means that if you have a fireplace, I am incredibly jealous…  For those of us less fortunate, I am constantly on the look-out for interesting candles.  I enjoy the aesthetic appeal of filling an unused fireplace with birch logs, so when I found this birch votive holder, I was instantly smitten.  I’ll be ordering several to display around my apartment this season.

II.  Lauded for her baggy cable-knits and boho spirit, Isabel Marant describes her design philosophy: “I always want to do something comfortable and cozy.”  Yet, for her Fall collection, Marant seems to be stepping away from her go-to grunge.  I’m in love with these brass and black buffalo horn earrings, which will go with everything in my closet from formal frocks to skinny jeans.

III.  Speaking of brass and black - I recently used the combination for the interior design of a three-bedroom home in the highly coveted San Francisco neighborhood Potrero Hill.  The formal living room features a built-in bookshelf adjacent to the fireplace.  After nixing the idea to knock it out, I decided to fill it with objets d'art.  The collage above features the pieces that I used (the finished product can be found in the Design section of my professional site).  From top left to bottom right: Glass Bubbles, Wire Cubes, Gilded Skull, Spiked Brass Sculpture, Knotted Ball, Ceramic Vase, Black Urn, Brass Spiked Sphere, Dahlia Candle Holder. 

IV.  If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, look no farther - I found it!  Some friends recently posted a photograph of their lobster clambake, and I immediately became obsessed with the idea.  Evidently, a company appropriately titled Lobster Gram will overnight a variety of lobster meals to you and your loved ones, including the clambake - featuring two live Maine lobsters, fresh littleneck clams, clam chowder, potatoes, corn, lemon, clarified butter, shell-crackers, seafood forks, lobster bibs, moist towels, and a cooking pot.  Sidenote - I didn’t realize where the saying “You’re My Lobster” came from until today, if you’re out of cultural touch comme moi, check this clip out!

V.  With the equinox ushering in wintry weather, I’ve been craving stew.  My favorite is Chicken Pot au Feu - an entire chicken roasted in broth, white wine, carrots, onion, celery, Dutch yellow potatoes, and basil, then whisked together with a classic roux.  The result is insanely delicious, especially when served with fresh buttery biscuits.  

Have a wonderful week!  xx tt