TIS THE SEASON (TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE)

We're taking a little time out from wanting today to talk about giving. Most of you know I rarely post pieces around here promoting one cause or another, but I just had to say yes to the lovely Paloma of La Dolce Vita when she requested of us just one little Christmas wish...
Today, an amazing group of bloggers have agreed to clear our editorial calendars in an initiative to raise awareness for Pencils of Promise - a 501(c)(3) organization based in New York that partners with local communities and organizations to build schools for early-stage education in developing nations serving some of the world's most impoverished and undereducated children.
Last December, the Pencils of Promise team visited a small village in Laos and soon dedicated themselves to creating a new school for the children there. The school was built by July 2009 and the children began attending classes on September 1st. This month, Pencils of Promise will be opening their third school and they hope to open the doors to education for more children in 2010.
Now, the Pencils of Promise team have dedicated themselves to the next challenge - the village of Champet which is home to the only high school in Laos for surrounding villages. In order to attend this high school, the students must leave their families and homes to live in 'dormitories' ... only these unsafe dormitories are simple makeshift bamboo huts.
In the spirit of the holiday season, we are asking for your help today on behalf of these children. The objective? To build safe lodging and a library to benefit the girls who attend school here. If each person who reads this post donates just $1.00, we could raise thousands. If you are willing and able to give more ($35.00 buys shelves for a classroom, $100 provides a teacher’s salary for three months...), the possibilities are endless. In the midst of the giving season we hope that this cause may speak to your heart and that you will make a donation today by clicking on this link.
As for myself, I know that giving is a very personal decision. With that in mind, I encourage you all this holiday season to consider reaching out to a charity or cause that you truly believe in and volunteer or donate as a way to give back to the communities you choose to nourish - whether they be global or local. We can all make a difference.

*for more information on pencils of promise, please visit their website. all photography provided by nick onken

HOLIDAY INSPIRATION: CHRISTMAS BY THE BEACH

While most of my Christmases have involved snowy city sidewalks, I've always wondered what it would be like to have a beach house for the holidays...
A pair of frosted trees and watchful angels seem perfectly appropriate for this bright and casual space, complementing the decor without taking center stage.
A lovely tabletop in fresh whites and aquas to match? So ideal. Here's how you can get the look...
Because it's the beach, the aesthetic is simple and light... but that doesn't mean there isn't room for a little glamour! Touches of gold on rimmed glassware paired with etched silver brings shimmer to the table. Tasteful shell trees mixed with nickel candlesticks and aqua striped tapers add a bit of playful style. Fine china and mother-of-pearl chargers layered with a burlap tablecloth or runner provide the perfect contrast. Voila! Christmas at the beach!
Don't forget the presents!

*images via traditional home, horchow and unknown

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

SWEET TOOTH

Wouldn't you like to pluck tasty treats right from the tree like fresh fruit? I don't know what child (or grownup!) wouldn't love such a sweet, whimsical idea...

*photography by tim walker, tree via country living

ROOM OF THE WEEK 12.10

Dear Santa... someday, I'd really, really, really like a conservatory...
Just. Like. This. So fresh! So ready for entertaining! So simple and glamorous! I seriously gasped when I saw it. Alexis and Trevor Traina's home is featured in the current issue of Vogue, and the part that I love most about it (besides the breathtaking decor) is the fact that it's in my favorite city - San Francisco. It honestly couldn't get any better.
And, it seems that they have an affinity for peacocks (there are more touches of them throughout the home). So, naturally I need to make them my new best friends. You can see more of the house tour right here.

SPONSOR POST: COLORFUL LIVING WITH LAURA TREVEY

If you don't know Laura Trevey, you must not have a blog. I swear that every time I go to leave a comment on a post, Laura's already been there, spreading her enthusiasm and encouragement. She has such a passion for all things colorful and lovely, it's no wonder that her shop motto is, 'Bright, Bold and Beautiful!' And her paintings are just that...
Laura's main subjects cover two of my favorite things ... the first being travel! I'd gladly take to this Italian shore or the beach below right now...
Laura also creates some beautiful floral watercolors that I admire for their unique color and great texture...
And, since I already mentioned previously this week how I think small pieces of art can make for wonderfully thoughtful gifts, why not try these?
Laura's fun and colorful dress collection would make for a unique keepsake gift from bridesmaids to their BFF! Each gal can sign a dress and leave a message to the bride. You can select from the ones in Laura's shop, or she'll happily create a custom piece for you!
Or, for the beach house or chef, how about a pair of these simple and fun crab prints? I really actually adore them... wishing I had a beach house right about now too! Be sure to check out Laura's new website and browse more of her lovely creations.

SPARKLING SKIRTING...

Wouldn't it be fun to find a fabulous vintage frock like this one...
And turn it into a glitzy little tree skirt? I think I may have found myself another weekend project...

*via vogue uk

HOLIDAY GUIDE: FOR YOUR BFF

Really, your BFF should be the easiest person to shop for, right? But just in case you're looking for a little hint, here are a few of my favorite picks for this season...
Mmmm, the Nixon throw. A luxurious blanket that always looks so Hermes to me in orange, but I have to say is calling to me in soft aqua. This one is definitely a splurge for the friend you cannot live without. the nixon throw at jonathan adler. $295.

Who doesn't love Paris? For the Francophile in your life (we all have at least one, right?), a set of these quirky cards will have her saying oui oui! paris! cards by darling clementine. $35 for the set.

Razzle dazzle and chevron? This pillow is perfect anywhere! Yes, it's at the top of my wishlist, and I'm sure your BFF will love it too. zig zag sequin pillow at target. $55.

Bright yellow gloves are sure to chase the winter grey away! So fun and cheery. leather embroidered gloves at urban outfitters. $34.

Nobody wants popsicle toes for Christmas, so give your BFF some seriously cozy slippers with adorable details and she'll be eternally grateful. slipper booties at gap. $29.50.

TAG TEAM

You don't need fancy paper with tags like these...
I'd pair the first with white, silver or navy. The second? Red. Definitely red.

*tags by linda & harriet and letters lubell

HOLIDAY GUIDE: GET ARTSY

Art is personal. I wouldn't recommend hopping into a gallery to go pick something out as a gift unless you know the recipient (and their home) very very well. However, with these small, personalized options, you can rest easy knowing they'll be fully appreciated...
First off, the gift I haven't stopped hearing about this year is the Kate Spade calendar collaboration with artist Bella Foster... monthly art all year long? That's a gift you can't go wrong with! 2010 wall calendar at kate spade. $18.

Homes come with so many memories... perhaps it's time to capture them in a new way? Whether it's the first house for a new couple, or the home you grew up in, commissioning a sweet sketch - of the inside or out - to keep for years to come is a truly original gift. house portrait at artquirk. $120. interior renderings by michelle moreland. starting at $350.

And, here's a thought. Instead of getting the chef or foodie in your life the usual kitchen gadgets, why not a simple watercolour of their favorite ingredient or dish? Jamie Shelman's fruit + veggie series is hands down my favorite. I'm loving the strawberries, but the 'cinque pomodori' would be perfect for my parent's kitchen. strawberry watercolour at jamie shelman. $60.

SPONSOR POST: GET COZY WITH SPOOL NO.72

I was so thrilled to add Spool No. 72 as a sponsor here on coco+kelley for two reasons... *1. they're local and *2... well, take a look:
Luscious necklaces with delicate personality...
Cozy and casual winter staples... (very much needed right now!)
And two of my absolute favorites - these gorgeous Indian rug clutches that are completely inspired, and a pair of gold, glittery earrings. *sigh*... yes please. And, for the holidays, free shipping for purchases over $75 or more. Enjoy!

HOLIDAY TABLETOP: MERRY + BRIGHT!

While I definitely feel a nostalgic pull to classic tabletop styles during the holidays, what gets me really excited is something that packs some colorful punch and feels truly festive...
The amazing glass decanters provided instant inspiration for the table scheme, and when I stumbled upon the colorful vintage-inspired dishes, I just about died. Accenting these pieces with similarly colored glassware and gold trimmed tablecloth keeps it fresh and festive! I'd hang my favorite oranments of the season (don't they look like paper streamers?) from the chandelier for good measure and keep the party going all night!

IN THE SPIRIT OF THANKS...

Many of you have left me little comments or tweets about how much you're liking the new menu bar below my coco+kelley banner, so I have to give a little shout out and thank you to Ms. Jessica Nell who I first became 'friends' with through her blog, The Love List...
She's the one who designed and implemented the menu, and she's a doll to work with. Her company, Front Porch Studios, is a full service graphic design company, able to create beautiful banners and headers...
As well as business cards, invitations, websites, and more! So, if you're searching for someone to give your blog or business a fresh design, I'd highly recommend her! Thanks Jess!!

FROSTY + FABULOUS

Swooning for these wintry ensemble inspirations...
Perfect textures and a touch of sparkle for holiday soirees and chilly nights.

*photography by chris nicholls

STARRY NIGHT

Have you browsed through Anthropologie lately? Yes, I know. Next to J. Crew, I'm pretty sure it's the most overly blogged-about store... but, my dears, there is obviously a reason for it...
Wouldn't you like to be toasting with these vintage styled champagne glasses speckled with stars? Me too.
All these cosmic-inspired pieces are perfect for winter entertaining and decor (with a little ring to match!), but their sparkle will serve you well all year long.

HAPPY (TREE TRIMMING) WEEKEND!

We're getting our tree this weekend... I can hardly wait!
A big thank you to Vie over at Verdigris Vie for including me in her Blog Anthology session today! Please pop over to read the lovely little interview and visit her wonderful blog!

And an announcement before the weekend: coco+kelley is looking for interns and contributors! These positions are non-paying (for now) but come with the opportunity for excellent exposure on the blog as well as hands on experience in the fields of interior design, event design, marketing, and public relations. Oh, and you'll learn pretty much anything you'd need to know about starting a small business! If you or someone you know is interested, please contact me at: cocokelley @ gmail.com with the subject 'C+K INTERNSHIP' for more details. We will be hiring locally and virtually, so all are welcome!

Happy holiday trimming! xo, cassandra

LANVIN LOVE (AND NATALIE TOO)

I have a total girl crush on Natalie Portman. Whenever I see her in magazines I immediately feel like running out and purchasing whatever lipstick she's wearing because we have the same coloring. And if I ever decided to highlight my hair? I'd probably do it like this...
I mean seriously - how can one person be so gorgeous? Not to mention smart and talented. But (sorry Natalie) the real topic of interest here is actually the dress she wore for her recent cover shoot for Marie Claire... I. Love. It.

It reminds me of one of my favorite Chanel pieces, but is actually a Lanvin dress from the 2010 Resort Collection, which I've actually had bookmarked forever and now am completely inspired to share because if it doesn't put a Friday morning smile on your face, I don't know what will!
The collection reminded me of a few things... 1) playing dress up 2) crazy grandmas 3) those photo booths that everyone has at their weddings now where they supply wacky hats and props. And that, my friends, is why it's awesome.
You know I'm drooling over the green ensemble!! I loved the head-to-to saturation of one color. So dramatic. But then again...
These little bursts of color are pretty hard to resist to. And that black dress? Yes please!