Mad for Plaid

Sequin Black Watch Plaid Handbag

I have always loved plaid. I came to love it even more living in Alexandria, Virginia for many years. Alexandria was founded by Scotsmen and the biggest event of the year is the Scottish Walk, always the first weekend in December. The weekend always included a gala where tartan was the preferred attire. I would wear a black watch tartan strapless silk taffeta gown.

Happy October

CCC

Who remembers the wonderful quote from Anne of Green Gables about October? "I am so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." Such a gorgeous time of year.

Halloween Decorating @ CCC

CCC

 

I think I will continue with some serious Halloween decorating at CCC this weekend. I have two of these gold life size skeletons that I love. The second one was "taking a shower" in my guest bath last year. Not sure where they will end up this year.

Getting Spooky @ CCC

CCC

I started a bit of Halloween decorating at CCC yesterday. I already had these darling claw foot candlesticks from Target from last year. I added these very chic gold snakeskin candles also from Target available now.

Orange & Blue Chinoiserie for Autumn

CCC Alexandria

This vignette is from the dining room in my former home in Alexandria, Virginia. It was wonderful in the autumn especially with its orange chinoiserie toile wallpaper. The wallpaper is Clarence House Chinoiserie Baroque. I miss it, but luckily I had enough left over to wallpaper my powder room here in Florida.

Autumn @ CCC

CCC

 

It is 72 degrees here in South Florida - we finally have a cold front. Of course, it will be up to the mid eighties this afternoon. I have started a little fall decorating here at CCC.

Autumn Roses

NEST Himalayan Salt & Rosewater

I love candles with rose notes. My favorite NEST candles have a couple of lovely options and both are great for fall. Himalayan Salt & Rosewater, featuring Rosewater, Geranium, Salted Amber and White Woods, is a wonderful choice for fall with its amber and woods notes.

Football Season with Style

Bamboo Lacquer Serving Tray

 

Football season has officially begun and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play the Atlanta Falcons today. I am really looking forward to watching. If you or others in your circle are football fans, here are chic picks for watching games in style.

Fall Favorites

Hyacinth House Gold Medallion Zeus Dress

 

These are some great picks I am eyeing for fall. I love this black dress above with gold medallion buttons. This versatile dress goes from day to evening. See more of my favorites -

A Blue and White Autumn

Blue and White Ceramic Pumpkins

 

I am not a fan of traditional orange pumpkins at all. I do love heirloom pumpkins in white and in blue and the Cinderella pumpkins in pale peach. These colors all work much better at CCC. I also love faux pumpkins in wicker and in blue and white. 

Mum is the Word

Carolyne Roehm

 

With September almost here, mums are plentiful at garden centers. The colors of fall mums are the essence of autumn and not just for planting outdoors. Bring potted mums indoors in blue and white Chinese porcelain planters or cut mums in blue and white Chinese vases for gorgeous color indoors. Mums date back to the 15th century in China and combine beautifully with chinoiserie containers.

Hurricanes, Halloween, and Fall in Florida

CCC

With no fall foliage in South Florida, fall decorating is especially important to me. I am not complaining, I'll take palm trees and no leaves to rake any day!

Cast Iron Pumpkin Cocotte High/Low

Williams Sonoma

The Staub cast iron pumpkin cocotte or dutch oven has become a kitchen and especially fall classic. Many people leave theirs on their range as part of fall decor. And it so wonderful for making and serving fall stews and soups.

Seagrass and Wicker for Fall

Green Patterned Woven Pumpkin

 

Fall does not have to mean harvest colors of oranges and browns. I love these green seagrass pumpkins that would be wonderful with blue and white ginger jars. Blue and green is one of my favorite color combinations.

The Perfect Shoe

Winter Moss Treena Heels

 

I love flats like my go to Rothy's, but for dress I love a great pair of heels. I prefer slingbacks and kitten heels. You may have noticed that heels with large bows are a big look this season in designer shoes.

The Ladylike Trend - Gloves

Frances Valentine

I love the way a great pair of gloves can turn an outfit into an elegant sixties Jackie Kennedy or Audrey Hepburn moment in an instant. Here are some lovely choices for yourself or for holiday gift giving.

Feathered Fun

Deco Floral Feather Mod Mary Dress

 

I love feathers in my home and wardrobe. In my home I have two Juju hats that are traditional African feathered hats from Cameroon. I also have several feather pillows in my bedroom and dressing room. I have feather trimmed pieces in my closet that I love. Feathers are whimsical and fun and glamorous.

The Black Watch Cape & Back Home

Black Watch India Cape

 

I made it back safely from Miami yesterday. I do not see any damage to my home, thank God. I'm so incredibly relieved. My garden is a hot mess, including a massive oak tree that came down from the preserves in the back but did not hit my house. If it had, it would have been catastrophic. 

I'll Take One of Each

Moss Green Vivianne Dress

 

I learned long ago that if you find a piece of clothing you love, you should buy it in every color. I believe that advice and have followed it for ages. This is a dress I would absolutely buy in all four colors. It is just my style - comfortable elegance. This is a perfect fall dress - cozy, timeless, flattering, and versatile.

Toile for Fall

Pressed Powder Toile Lyles Dress

 

I love toile for my home and my closet. Toile is a great print for fall. While some other prints have more of a spring and summer vibe, toile has a cozy, historic, vintage feel that works beautifully for autumn and winter dressing. Here are some wonderful choices.