It’s February? So far (knock on any available wood) Chicago has escaped the wrath of “the worst winter ever” that was forecast ad nauseum this fall. Thank goodness, is all I have to say. Bring on any and all signs of spring. I’m ready.

Some of my January favorites at Flickr:

1. morning fishing
2. Its getting colder
3. untitled
4. rosé brut for no reason at all
5. Iced
6. busy little bees

Wandering down Prince Street early in the evening over our December weekend in New York City, McNally Jackson‘s windows were aglow and beckoned me inside. I was completely won over – the bookstore was warm, welcoming and stocked with an appealing array of product (including an intriguing espresso book machine, which allows you to publish your very own, perfect-bound paperback). What’s more, the café was adorable. Designed by Front Studio and full of witty, book-themed decor (including books hanging from the ceiling, and tables along the wall that fold up to look like books), I left McNally Jackson and headed back to my hotel, wishing as I walked that there were a Chicago location I could frequent. Such a cleverly appointed, charming space.

love the menu design, too

thanks to maggie soladay for her beautiful photography: all photos, except for the slightly blurry menu photo (taken by me), are courtesy of ms. soladay. please visit her website to see more of her work.

giveaway update: the winner of a space of my own is linda! congratulations, and thanks to all who commented.

When our house was built 12 years ago, we had the oversized master bedroom converted into two rooms: a smaller master bedroom, and an additional room, accessible from the master, that could be used as an office. Fast forward to today, where the office space is plenty functional, and yet the bulk of my “office-ing” takes place at the kitchen island. I still hope to make that office cozy and usable, and so I was thrilled to find Caroline Clifton-Mogg’s new book, A Space of My Own, full of inspiring photos of office spaces and craft rooms that will hopefully prod me into action. Of course, I vacillate between having a modern, clean space and one that has an inspiration board filled with ephemera. I’ll try to artfully meld the two. I’ve enjoyed flipping through the book – I’ve gathered lots of ideas – if you’d like a chance to win my copy, read on for the details at the bottom of this post.

perfectly functional for the smallest of spaces

lovely minimalist space with storage under the desk

simple desk + inspiration wall

Ryland Peters & Small was kind enough to send me a review copy of A Space of My Own, and I’d like to pay it forward by giving it away to one of my US readers. Simply leave a comment telling me which is your favorite photo at this post before January 31, 2012 at noon cst. I’ll draw one name from the eligible entrants and announce the winner in my February 1 blog post. Full disclosure: I am personally handling the cost of shipping, which is why I’m limiting entrants to the US/one entry per person, please. Thank you and good luck

images courtesy of ryland peters & small

look 17

Ter et Bantine’s pre-fall collection juxtaposes simple silhouettes with richly textured fabrics. I’m smitten. See the full collection at Ter et Bantine’s website.

look 2

look 6

images from teretbantine.com

look 12

Gorgeous + luxe coats at Jil Sander. I think I’ll be hitting the stores in June. See the full pre-fall show, presented magazine editorial-style, at Style.com.

look 4

look 5: swooning over that lining

image credits: photos courtesy of jil sander for style.com

Looking for a (relatively) easy gift idea? I assembled the “goodies” bags, shown above, for my siblings + their spouses at Christmas. For obvious reasons, I couldn’t share this idea before the holidays, but it would work for any giving occasion, from Valentine’s Day to wedding guest welcome bag to birthday.

Here’s how I assembled mine:

Step One: the “goodies” bag

I wanted a simple, reusable bag, and the obvious choice was the iconic LLBean boat and tote bag for its quality construction and durability. Choosing a color was the only hurdle. I ruled out red and green because I didn’t want the recipients to think of it as Christmasy when they went to reuse it. Orange seemed cheery and multi-purpose (plus, I love orange). Done. I had LLBean embroider “goodies” on each bag in matching thread as part of their monogramming service.

Step Two: Assembling the goodies

This was the fun part. Between blog research and travel, I had no problem coming up with an assortment of goodies. I tried to limit goodies to items that would stay fresh for a bit past Christmas, both for ease of ordering (me) and for less pressure to eat everything as quickly as possible (them). I ended up choosing:

1. Mast Brothers Chocolate bars pretty wrapping + delicious chocolate made this a no brainer. I selected a variety of flavors (and wrappings) at Steven Alan, NoLIta, while in NYC for the weekend.
2. Bouchon Bakery‘s Fuggetaboutit rice krispies + caramel + chocolate – also picked these up in NYC.
3. Matchbox Kitchen S’Mores Kits probably my favorite item in the bag. Sara Tso’s homemade graham crackers + marshmallows, adorably packaged with mini Hershey bars + sweetly flagged skewers. I bought a few extras for neighbors, and me, and can assure you, they’re delicious!
4. Weck jars with chocolate covered cranberries
5. B. Toffee packages yummy, buttery toffee from Newport Beach, CA (I tossed a couple of packages in each bag)
6. Blue Hill Honey I was excited about the online launch of Blue Hill Market this fall, and thought honey would be fun, and yes, pretty.

Step Three: Personalization

To differentiate each family’s goodie bag, I chose small personal gifts to add to the assembled goodies. For example, golf balls for my golfing brother-in-law, a book from my sister’s Amazon wish list, and pomegranate martini mix for another sibling.

There you have it: Christmas shopping + wrapping made easy. I was very happy with how the “goodies” bags turned out, and I hope that you’re inspired to try something similar.

look 6: fabulous coat!

I wish I had some sort of pithy commentary to add about the ALC pre-fall collection. All I need to know is, when can I buy it? See all of the looks at Style.com.

look 11: could go straight into the rotation

look 12: love the peplum

image credits: photos courtesy of ALC for style.com

look 26: simply a great photo of a gorgeous dress

I don’t know how the Olsen twins have tapped into my brain, but season after season, The Row embodies my fashion philosophy: clothes that are restrained, but feel special as soon as you slip them on. See the complete show at Style.com.

look 18: luxe turtlenecks with an equestrian twist

look 7

image credits: photos courtesy of the row for style.com

beals short

From the perfectly minimalist + wearable fashion to the muted palette (with splashes of color here and there) to the gorgeously laid out webshop, I’m pretty much taken with everything ACNE these days. I’m hoping that I will be able to track down and try on a piece or two from the pre-spring collection.

lou

lesley angora

lucille linen

images from acnestudios.com / photos link to product

look 10: chic

Nina Ricci’s pre-fall collection was equal parts chic and sweet. (I’m in love with that LBD.) See the full show at Style.com.

look 6: sweet

image credits: photos courtesy of nina ricci for style.com