(polaroid found here)

I adore holidays because they give me an excuse to make wish lists!  Valentine’s is no exception—I’m all about hearts and gushy love letters this time of year. Above, a few sweet little things I’m lusting after this Valentine’s season…

Clockwise from the top left: Necklace by Anthropologie, Journal by Matta, I Love Your Style by Amanda Brooks, Pearl Earrings by Viv & Ingrid, Gold Heart Ring by Catbird, Check Scarf by J.Crew, Leather Luggage Tag by Tiffany & Co., Monogrammed Travel Bags by Leontine Linens, Eau de Parfum by Chloe, Floral Heart Card by Rifle Design, Coin Purse by Kate Spade, Monogrammed Lucite Tray by IoMoi, Pop Art Pink Nail Vanish by Essie.

On the top of the list, but not pictured: a quiet night at home cuddled up with John, my soon-to-be hubby.

What’s on your Valentine’s wish list???

I couldn’t resist sharing with you Alfie’s Christmas glamour shot.  We just returned from D.C. and I’m so happy to be home again with my little pug.  What about you my darling readers, do you have a pet?  A kitten or pup or parakeet…?

John and I just had a magical little mock-Christmas here at home with Alfie (argyle sweaters, present opening, the whole bit…) and are now off to Washington D.C.!  I can’t wait to settle into the hotel and really, truly be on vacation.  A special thank you to Natalie for all her darling D.C. tips (one of her recommendations was the restaurant where JFK proposed to Jackie—my kind of girl!) and Jaime at Doxa Home who posted this SPECTACULAR guide for me!  I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe holiday full of merry making and cheer!  Until Monday…

XX Kate “the Neo-Trad”

(polaroid of Chez Obama found here)

(image by heather pauline)

I’ve had an exhasting week (and yes, I’m well aware it’s only Wednesday morning) so today I thought I’d share something fun and simple, my wish list.  Some are distant dreams and others may actually be under the tree.  In no particular order, things I’m lusting after this season:

Domino Set — love the green velvet case…

Pendleton Plaid 5th Avenue Throw — a touch of English country for chilly winter nights…

Canon Rebel XS — my first digital SLR!!! It’s actually arriving Friday (I treated myself)…

18k Gold Grosgrain Earrings — one word: obsessed.

This Book —- because I’m fascinated by the Mitfords and someday hope to have six little darlings of my own…

Skinny Cheetah Print Belt — such a classic.

Baies Candle — almost time for a new one…a bubble bath essential…

Lucite Magazine Holders — because I’ve run out and my glossies are currently in jumble on the bedroom floor…

White Engraved Pencils —  These say it all.  I’d also like a set engraved with “KATIE ARMOUR” my soon-to-be-name : )

Twig Magnifiers — I collect magnifying glasses (geeky, I know…).

Crackled Gold Passport Cover — this is both literal and symbolic.  I desperately need a vacation.  I rang my grandmother this weekend and she’s headed off to Egypt to stay at friend’s home overlooking the Suez Canal.  Can you even imagine?  I wish John and I could slip away like that.  Someday…

P.S. I almost forgot to ask—What’s on your Christmas list this year??? XX

(top image found here)

]]> http://theneotraditionalist.com/2009/12/16/dear-santa/feed/ 15 http://theneotraditionalist.com/2009/12/15/my-dog-dines-at-laduree/ http://theneotraditionalist.com/2009/12/15/my-dog-dines-at-laduree/#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:12:29 +0000 Katie Armour http://theneotraditionalist.com/?p=6970

What if I told you that for a small fee you could have a custom portrait painted of your dog (or kitty!) in front of a famous Parisian locale such as Ladurée?  My friend Nichole had her mother’s pup (photographed below—what a cutie!) sketched and painted by artist Carol Gillott of Paris Breakfast.  First you send Carol a few photographs of your pet, then she sends you a set of sketches and you pick your favorite pose.  A custom watercolor is then painted of your four-legged-friend in a scene of your choice.  Didn’t Nichole’s present come out beautifully?  I just know her mother will LOVE it.  I’m adding a portrait of Alfie to my wish list!  Visit Carol’s Paris Breakfast blog here >>>

]]> http://theneotraditionalist.com/2009/12/15/my-dog-dines-at-laduree/feed/ 8 http://theneotraditionalist.com/2009/12/09/get-fancy/ http://theneotraditionalist.com/2009/12/09/get-fancy/#comments Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:13:59 +0000 Katie Armour http://theneotraditionalist.com/?p=6795

Today I am wishing I were in San Francisco so that I might visit Crown & Crumpet’s new pop-up retail shop, Fancy Goods.  For months I’ve heard rave reviews of the whimsical Crown & Crumpet Tea Room (pictured below) and now everyone is all abuzz about their sister shop—it’s all too much!  Crown & Crumpet Fancy Goods is located just downstairs in Ghirardelli Square and boasts an array of goodies from far off lands such as England, France, Germany and even Japan.  If only I were there I would snatch up beauty products for my girlfriends, tea and jewels for my grandmothers, ornaments for mommy dearest and some sweets for John.  Bravo to Crown & Crumpet for adding a little whimsy to our holiday season, even if in my case, it’s from afar!  If you’re in the bay area be sure to stop by and report back.  You know I love to live vicariously through my readers!  Check out the lovely Fancy Goods website HERE >>>

(Fancy Goods images courtesy of Kristen Loken)

]]> http://theneotraditionalist.com/2009/12/09/get-fancy/feed/ 3 http://theneotraditionalist.com/2009/12/02/tis-the-season/ http://theneotraditionalist.com/2009/12/02/tis-the-season/#comments Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:28:50 +0000 Katie Armour http://theneotraditionalist.com/?p=6547

I stumbled across this image in Eddie Ross’ very impressive portfolio and melted.  The simple, clean color palette is right up my alley.  Long live beautiful, understated Christmas decorations.