My favorite items from Zara . . .

I took the kids to the mall last weekend which I never do since I'm really not a fan of malls and let me tell you, it was like the kids just entered the Taj Mahal! They were in awe. My oldest daughter said, "It must have taken them years to build this place." And my youngest daughter could have just gone up and down the escalator for hours. We were their to find some so cute (non traditional outfits for our Christmas photo) and spent some time in Zara- they have the most adorable kids department. I found so many cute things and wish I had more time to shop for myself which is nearly impossible with kids. So, I just went online and they have a great website (where have I been?) and I just put together some of my favorite items! Check it out: http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/home/us/en/zara-us-W2011

Scarves!

We love when the weather gets a little nippy and the scarves come out! Scarves are a great way to add a little something to any outfit! We just brought in a new vendor that we've loved for years. They are called Love Quotes and they make gorgeous scarves in luscious colors. We have the scarf with an eyelash edge in two different weights. The linen / viscose blend is a perfect year round scarf that can keep you warm on chilly summer evening and will look great inside, at the office or a party. It won't overwhelm you. The size is perfect at 36 x 72." I'm a small person and these don't take over my outfit. The Rayon / Poly blend is a bit heavier and great to wear with a winter coat to keep you warm.

Worn by Sarah Jessica Parker, Angelina Joile, Halle Berry, Kate Hudson and Reese Witherspoon and many others, you'll want to be among them knowing that 10% of all the profits benefit international children's charities. Watch the video above to learn more about their charitable giving.

We think these are the perfect gifts for just about anyone on your list because really, just about anyone can use another scarf!

Introducing Waylande Gregory!

Note: the orange elephant salt and pepper shakers are on the way!

I have been an admirer of Waylande Gregory for quite a while and I'm thrilled to be able to offer it on Orange and Pear!

After the discovery of an immense treasure trove of work in the basement of the Gregory Estates Philanthropic Foundation, Waylande Gregory Studios was founded by Gregory's great-grand nephew Bryan Downey and fashion entrepreneur Mickey Rosmarin. Waylande Gregory Studios creates decorative porcelains and ceramics designed by one of the greatest modernist of the 20th century. From large-scale commissions for the Works Progress Administration and 1939 World’s Fair to delicate porcelains and ceramics, Waylande Gregory’s creations reflected the beauty and simplicity of his mid-western upbringing while pushing the technical boundaries of craftsmanship.

Beginning with his early life as a child prodigy, he was constantly striving for perfection. He invented and patented firing and glazing techniques that revolutionized the world of sculpture and would later be used by NASA to put man on the moon. His works, both the grand and the intimate, have been exhibited in over 170 shows in 11 countries, including the New York Metropolitan, Smithsonian and Whitney museums. Designed, glazed and sculpted using the vast library of Waylande Gregory's work. Each piece is produced by trained artisans in Peru according to the highest standards. Hand crafted from high-fired porcelain and stoneware using rich matte glazes, 22k gold and platinum. Waylande Gregory pieces resonate beauty, simplicity and perfection.

We are so thrilled to be selling this collection. We love the bold designs, the rich colors, the gold and platinum accents and the look that is both retro, glamorous and timeless all at the same time. We feel that they make perfect gifts for that special person. These are collectors pieces that you will cherish for years to come.

We fell in love with their bullet bowls, trays and salt and pepper shakers because we felt that were just the right size for gift giving. The bullet bowl has a tapered base which was thought to aid in stabilization in the ground. These originated during the Jomon period in Ancient Japan and lasted until roughly 300 BC. The bullet bowl has a spherical or polygonal, bullet shaped body. The design was revived in the 19th century.

I just love the retro, glam look about the pieces. The animal designs are sweet and beautiful and the colors are so rich. The holiday dear and cranes are pieces you'll want to keep out all year and don't they make beautiful holiday hostess gifts? These are the kind of pieces that when you open the box, you swear you heard angels singing. Trust us. It's true! Click here to check out the collection.