A Guest Post & A Gift!

A Guest Post & A Gift!

Happy Monday, lovelies! Hope you all had a fabulous weekend. Mine was busy but great. I did some shopping, decorated the tree and am really happy to have finally made some progress on Xmas!

And I'm also really happy because I have a few fun things going on today. Firstly, I'm thrilled to be guest posting for the lovely Miss Julie on over at Brown Eyed Belle while she's off having a blast in New Orleans. I'd love it if you all stopped by Julie's gorgeous blog to say hello.

Secondly, I've had a ball participating in Aspiring Splendor's 12 Days of Christmas, a Secret Santa gift exchange where 12 bloggers send gifts to one another that suit their personality based on their blog. So without further adieu, it's my turn!

On the 4th day of Christmas, the lovely Keely from Luxe & Lillies gave to me...

...a gorgeous and oh so delicious Crisp Champagne candle from Voluspa!

I absolutely love it! It goes perfectly with my decor and it smells so good!
Thank you Keely! I couldn't have asked for a lovelier gift.

On the fifth day of Christmas, super stylish Michelle from Studio Surface will be receiving 2 things!

One inspiring to read & another très chic to carry!

I want to thank the amazing Lauren and Beth of Aspiring Splendor for organizing this fabulous blogger collaborative! This really has been a ton of fun!

Hope you all have a chance to stop by all of the fabulous blogs above and I hope you all have a wonderful Monday! xoxo

Images: 1, Candle - The Alternative Wife

Gilt Trip & A Guest Post

Gilt Trip & A Guest Post

Happy Friday, darlings! I am beyond thrilled that it's almost the weekend. As I've mentioned a few times already, this week has been quite the whirlwind. I had every intention of throwing myself into holiday mode the second I got back from vacation. Unfortunately the events of the week have prevented me from doing so and I'm starting to panic that everything won't get done. Oh well, that's what the weekend's for, right?

I recently found out that we will be hosting the holidays this year so I really need to get in gear. I'm planning on decorating this weekend and on making a pretty good dent in the shopping.

Every year I put together a palette that I like to work off of for gift wrapping and decor. This year I'm thinking warm metallics, heavy on golds, soft copper and silvers that are warmed by gold reflection. I also like the idea of having some black accents. I'm anxious to see how it all comes together this weekend.

Oh and speaking of the holidays, yesterday I shared what I'd love to see in my stocking this year on over at La vie...J'aime. I'm sure hoping I get at least one of these babies. I've been good this year {Santa, are you listening??? :)} Be sure to check it out if you have a chance!

So what do all of you lovelies have planned this weekend? Are you in good shape for the holidays? Hope you all have a wonderful one! xoxo

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4

{Guest Post} Inspired Design

{Guest Post} Inspired Design

It's Debby from Inspired Design and I am so happy to be here while the lovely Dawn is soaking up some Caribbean rays. I am thrilled for her that she has a chance to frolic in the ocean and bury her toes in the warm sand. I can almost smell the coconut scented sunscreen and hear the reggae music in my ears. I am secretly hoping she takes lots of photos so I can live vicariously through her.

Have a tropical drink for me, Dawn!

{Guest Post} Haute Inspiration from Design Addict Mom

{Guest Post} Haute Inspiration from Design Addict Mom

Hi everyone! I’m Stacey of Design Addict Mom and a huge fan of Dawn and her blog. I am thrilled to be here at Dawn’s lovely blog guest posting for her today while she is off soaking up the sun. Since today is Dec 1st, I can’t help but to start thinking of the many parties that are inevitable at this time of year. So, how about some haute inspiration from these gorgeous ladies who no doubt would be the talk of any party…


Are you all inspired to get "glammed up" for any upcoming parties? I sure am and I hope I look half as stunning as these beautiful ladies:-). Thank you Dawn for having me today! Happy Wednesday everyone! XX

{image credits 1 , 2, 3, 5, 6, 4}

{Guest Post} Dustjacket Attic

{Guest Post} Dustjacket Attic

Hello to all the gorgeous readers of "The Alternative Wife". This is DJ from Dustjacket Attic filling in for our beautiful friend Dawn while she is enjoying her vacation in the glorious Caribbean...having way too much fun!

I was honored that Dawn asked me to do a guest post for her wonderful blog ... and after searching around, I thought this post was right for TAW, I hope you like it too. This editorial features the gorgeous actress Freida Pinto from "Slumdog Millionaire" is photographed by Giampaolo Sgura and styled by Kate Young for InStyle Australia Dec 2010.

Have a great day,
xxx DJ

Images: Giampaolo Sgura scanned by Dustjacket Attic & edited by The Alternative Wife

{Guest Post} Brown Eyed Belle

{Guest Post} Brown Eyed Belle

(Image via we heart it)

Rise and shine, sweeties! It's time to start another week after, I'm certain, we've all stuffed ourselves to the brim with far too much turkey, dressing, and dessert. Dessert is always my favorite.
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Hello, everyone! I'm Julie, author of Brown Eyed Belle- a little place that's dedicated to my love for beautiful, charming, and fun things with a drop of southern sass thrown in for good measure. This gorgeous blog of Dawn's brings me daily inspiration with her incredible eye for detail and her ability to capture a mood in only a few photos. I'm sure I speak for all of you when I say, Dawn is a one-of-a-kind lady. I feel so blessed that our paths have crossed, ladycakes!
Since we don't have our lady's amazing post to help us kick the yawns this morning, I'm going to try extra hard to make this wake-up call just what you need on this Monday by sharing a few gorgeous images that inspire me and just so happen to be things that Dawn and I both love....

(Image via)
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We both adore finding beauty in unexpected places....

(Image via)
Fashions that are original and fabulous....
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Lovely pops of color when you're feeling blue....

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A crisp, new magazine....

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The twinkling lights of New York City....

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Lovely getaways and holidays to fun destinations....

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Photographs that speak from the heart....

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Priceless times with girlfriends....

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Dinners and drinks with charming conversation.....

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Sharing beauty and inspiration with all of you lovely people....

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Thank you so much for stopping by today, loves! I do hope I've given you a pick-me-up on this otherwise mundane Monday morning!
Dawn, thank you over and over for letting me guest post for you! I've enjoyed every minute of it!
Love & Hugs Always,
Julie

5 Lovely Things I Can't Live Without

5 Lovely Things I Can't Live Without

Exciting news! I'm sharing the 5 Lovely Things I Can't Live Without today on over at Little Bits of Lovely. Hint, hint...the photo gives one of them away. Can you blame me? :)

Be sure to stop by Rachel's gorgeous blog to check out the rest!

Hope you're all having a fabulous Monday! xoxo

{Guest Post} NY in Fall & A Makeover!

{Guest Post} NY in Fall & A Makeover!

Happy Wednesday, lovelies! Well this week certainly has been exciting. You probably might notice that my blog is getting a makeover by the oh so talented Shari from Little Blue Deer. It's almost done. What do you guys think? I personally think it looks fabulous and can't thank Shari enough for doing such an amazing job! Thank you sweetie! You know how thrilled I am :)


And it's most definitely my lucky week! Between a blog makeover, a Shopbop giveaway and a guest post on over at The Simply Luxurious Life, today I'm guest posting at another one of my favorite blogs, Space For Inspiration where I'm sharing some of my favorite things about NY in Fall. Please head on over to check out Charlotta's gorgeous blog. I promise you won't be sorry :)


Have a wonderful morning and I'll be back in a bit to share with you a fabulous new Etsy shop.

Image: Corrie Bond via Haute Design

{Guest Post} Cozy Comforts of Fall

{Guest Post} Cozy Comforts of Fall

I'm so excited to be guest posting today for the lovely Shannon on over at The Simply Luxurious Life today! Stop by to see some Cozy Comforts where I'll share with you some of my favorite things about the fall season. Hope to see you there!


Image: 1 - Mario Sierra

Monday Morning

Monday Morning

Why is it that Mondays seem to come too soon? Even though I had a blissfully relaxing weekend which included a lovely stroll through the green market, cooking and lots of cuddling up on the couch watching movies and hockey, I can't help but wish for another day off. I guess who really wants the goodness to end? Plus it's Columbus Day and other people have off but I don't. Oh well...

I do have things to look forward to this week. Starting with a fabulous giveaway and a guest post at one of my favorites tomorrow. Can't wait!

What did you all do this weekend?

Have a wonderful Monday, lovelies. Happy Columbus Day to those in the US and Happy Thanksgiving to all of my Canadian friends! Hope you're all enjoying the extended weekend! xoxo

Images: 1, 2, 3

Guest Post Summer Send Off

Guest Post Summer Send Off

Good morning, lovelies! Just checking in from vacation to say hello and to also let you know that today I am guest posting on over at Walks With Bella while Tamra's off enjoying her fabulous vacation on the Almalfi Coast. Stop by if you have a chance to say hello.

Wishing you all a wonderful long weekend! I don't know about all of you, but I'm planning to celebrate the right way and give this amazing summer a proper goodbye!

xoxo

Images: 1 & 3, 2 All images edited by The Alternative Wife