A Touch of Noir

Today I got my nails painted ebony.  Sometimes there's nothing cooler than an immaculate manicure in the inkiest shade of black.

Mexico Lindo

Dear Mr. Rain Boots and Miss Mittens,

I hate you.

In 2010, I'm making a plan to return to Mexico to bask in the sun and fill my suitcases with amazingly embroidered clothing. Until then I'd be happy with a dress from Les Gazelles.

Toddy Time

Back in the day, artist-cum-restaurant owner Rose McCormick had a penchant for 40 ounces. Luckily, her tastes have taken a turn for the high brow.  Now the co-owner of the Liberty Glass in Portland, she shares with us her take on the toddy. Serve it at your upcoming parties; you're sure to have some fans.

House Toddy

8 oz. boiling water

1 bag chamomile tea

1 clove

1 star anise

1 cinnamon stick

1 heaping tsp. of honey

2 oz. bourbon

Lemon wedge

1. Combine everything (except bourbon and lemon).

2. Steep for 7 minutes.

3. Add bourbon and garnish with lemon.

Maple Toddy

8 oz. boiling water

1 cinnamon stick

1/2 tsp. honey

1 1/2 oz. bourbon

1 oz. sortilege (a blend of Canadian whiskey and maple syrup)

Lemon wedge

1. Combine and serve.

Chelsea Girl

Despite her penchant for amphetamines and hotel fires (or perhaps because of), Edie Sedgwick never fails to fascinate.

This summer, I toted her biography American Girl around with me everywhere, dropped it in a puddle at the seashore, and read it extra slowly in hopes that it would never end.

Her shoulder-sweeping earrings were an iconic part of her look, so Esther K. teamed up with Bona Drag to create a pair that would make the Factory Girl herself proud.

Just sent off a second batch, so be sure to snap some up!

Doe Eyes

Just got eyelash extensions. Feel quite elegant...and a bit like Bambi.

Sugar Plum Chic

Thanks, Polyvore

Nutcracker Sweet

Every time December rolls around, I get all nostalgic and start hanging makeshift tutus and tiaras all over the studio. And I always think of my favorite childhood book, A Very Young Dancer by Jill Krementz. It's a day in the life of Stephanie, a young ballerina who snags the coveted role of Mary in the Nutcracker.

With all the ditching school for rehearsals, custom costumes, and quality time with the Sugar Plum Fairy, sometimes I still feel a twinge of jealousy.

Sigh.