cascading sparkle.

To prepare for New Year's, I'm stepping up my favorite new discovery: chunky glitter polish. For the festivities this weekend, I used a darker base color (Essie's Carry On) so the gold would really pop. This has been my favorite color combo since I started playing with trend. 

The trick here - make the glitter cascade down to the tips. Start by painting the glitter polish halfway down the nail. Then add more and more layers as you work down the nail so the glitter gets progressively thicker. The end result, gorgeous. Have a happy new year! -xo

merry little holiday.

The holidays are by far my favorite time of the year. As with most years, the past few weeks have been crazy, but we finally had time to take a breather yesterday and take in the festivities around us. After walking the plaza lights, watching Love Actually, sipping eggnog and eating an obscene amount of sweets, I'd say it's officially Christmas!

Have a merry one. -xo

Having traveled to New York and London in the past few months, I'll admit those two cities are the tops for festive spirit. Yet, there's something about Kansas City and the plaza lights. If you've never made it there when the air gets cold, add it to the list. This is one of many gorgeous shots featured in the Kansas City Star.

My favorite tradition is getting together with mom every year for a day of baking, and then take our work to the local shelters. (While listening to carols full blast, of course. My favorite playlist here). The kitchen was a mess and our stomachs ached, but here was the tasty final product. 

The holiday bake-a-thon line-up (just click for the recipe!):

{Peppermint Chocolate Crinkles}

{Lemon Star Cookies - edited recipe from here}

{Oreo Truffles} 

{The best holiday card I've seen this season. Found here}

best. infographic. ever.

{Courtesy of that's nerdalicious!}

on the record | recent sounds.

{The Head and the Heart | "Rivers and Roads" (Doe Bay Session) | The Head and the Heart}

{The Temper Trap | "Love Lost" | Conditions }

{M83 | "Midnight City" | Hurry Up, We're Dreaming}

{Civil Wars | "Barton Hollow" | Barton Hallow}

{The Naked and Famous | "Serenade" | This Machine }

{Alabama Shakes | "Hold On" | Alabama Shakes EP }

chevron chic.

 

Free People dress, $178

Tank dress, $132
Derek lam, £595
Grayce cuff bangle, $495
Blu Bijoux drop earrings, $43
Chevron ring, $165
Cole Haan Jitney Chevron Print Medium Cosmetic, $55
Target:Missoni Chevron Border Mug s/4, $50
Quarry Zig Zag Chevrons Pattern Iphone 4 Case | Zazzle.co.uk, £24

{Gray + White Chevron Curtain via Apartment Therapy}

{Chevron Duvet from West Elm via Green Your Decor}

{Chevroned Pink Walls via Apartment Therapy}

{Touch of Chevron via Apartment Therapy}

{Chevron Rug via Harmony in Design}

edge of autumn.

Before the frigid months of winter set in, I'm indulging in the last bits of the best season of the year. From boots and scarves to brilliantly colored leaves and pumpkin flavored everything, Fall takes the cake as my favorite time of year. Here's why.

{Fresh baked Pumpkin Snickerdoodles. Recipe by Annie's Eats.}

 

{Boots, Booties, Wedges, Happiness}

Wedge booties, £30
Gucci brown high heels, £695
TopShop leather boots, $150
Proenza Schouler lace up boots, $635
Tory Burch platform high heels, £505
Wet Seal lace up boots, $35
Steve madden booties, $100

{Last Bursts of Fall Color}

{Fantastic Pumpkin Spice Syrup Recipe for Pumpkin Lattes, found here}

{Fall Time Chew Toy}

london times.

After visiting London, I'm almost ashamed I never stopped through the city on my past trips to Europe. Sure, it's as westernized a city as you get, but still carries a classic, regal essence with a heart of 90s punk rock that never left. The main sites are a must, but if you have time, I highly recommend strolling the street markets (Camden or Borough) or wandering vacant streets for those hidden gym cafes and bookshops. For more recommendations, check out Gwynth's GOOP guide to London.

Cheers to the lovely city that gave us the Beatles, Kate Moss, and the possibility of becoming a modern day princess.

{Hello Ben}

{Patriotic taxis}

{Tourist Giveaway}

{Belgian Chocolates galore}

{Classic street sign}

{Tower Bridge}

{Princess Margaret's Crown}

{Rosewater White Chocolate Cake}

{The Aftermath}

{London Autumn}

{The Eye}

{Corner Cafes}

{Bookshop Window}

{Half pint for the lady}

{Princess Diana's memorial, so peaceful}

{The Thames at night}

{'Bentley' in the shop window}

open house.

After an obscene amount of procrastination, the House of Bentley is now open for business! Thank you to my friend Kim, of Kimberlyloc.com for finally pushing me to stop talking about starting a blog, and just freaking do it already.

Stay tuned for loads of shiny, pretty things to come.

And, of course, a BIG Bonjour from Bentley.