The run up to Christmas has been incredibly busy, and between Xmas and the New Year, I took the time to do... Nothing! It was just wonderful to put the feet up, read, listen to music and spend time with my family.
Under the Christmas tree there were a few surprises which were just perfect for these blissfully cosy days... some new cashmere socks, books, a long knit cardigan, a pyjama..
Life has become busy since then, but hope you enjoy some home comfort pictures, some with new and others with old companions.
Faux fur ankle slippers with ecru cable knit socks and a Toile de Jouy pyjama
As above, but with a Brides de Gala Dip Dye 90 carré instead of the fur collar (tied into a cowboy knot.
Same
tracksuit bottoms, but with a black sweater and an 'Ex-libris'
cashmere GM (in the basic bias fold, wound once around the neck and
secured in a Cross-Slide.
As the first picture, but with a cream tank top instead of the mocca sweater, and a long cardigan in bordeaux
Toile de Jouy pyjamas with a long knitted cardigan
Long knitted coat by Rue du Faubourg
Grey cashmere socks from Harrods
Tracksuit bottoms by Prego
Brown sweater by H&M
Cream tank top by Zara
Bordeaux cardigan by American Vintage
Faux Fur ankle slippers by Pilus
Cashmere shawl 'Ex-Libris' in noir/naturel and 'Brides de Gala' Dip Dye by Hermès
Toile de Jouy pyjama ('Engraving') from the Biggest Blanket Company (click here)
Oh, happy days and New Year,darling friend! I have been doing much of the same! Switching gears is so necessary and feels sooo...good! I love your lux lounge wear...my idea of staying in and being warm and cozy,too;-) I am going to look up your source for the slippers...necessary on a cold day,and the long grey knitted coat<3
ReplyDeleteNow the trick is to harness that cozy feeling as real life pulls us back in! I am sure going to try!
Love this post! Mwahs, T xx
Happy Days to you too, darling Trudye! Glad to hear you spent much time doing the same... Rien!! The slippers are fabulous, hope you can track them down. I bought mine in Bordeaux last autumn, and they kept my feet very happy last winter too (and still look like new). Cosy mwahs xx
DeleteOnly you can make casual attire look so classy and elegant! Glad you had a peaceful break and were able to spend time with your family. Bonne Année and all my best wishes for the new year.
ReplyDeleteAnna x
Thanks so much for the lovely compliment. Hope you had a lovely break too, and wishing you all the best for a fabulous 2015!
DeleteDear MaiTai, lovely pictures (as always). Wish you a healthy, happy 2015, for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteBest regards and thank you for this inspiring, interesting blog. Izabela
Thanks so much Izabela, so happy you enjoy the blog. Have a most wonderful and happy 2015 too!
DeleteI have done the same thing this year - it is so healing, relaxing and refreshing. It had not been known to me earlier, as my life had moved in the super-fast circles...
ReplyDeleteJust felt I needed rest...I don't know how "trendy" it is, but my body needed rest.
I love your gifts and outfits...they take me back into the relaxed mood :)
Best, Lea
So glad you were able to step out of the fast moving circles, and had a wonderful restful time, my dearest Lea! As Trudye said so well, hope we can all retain that blissful and cosy feeling for a while! Hugs x
DeleteBeautiful, MaiTai! Especially love the black sweater and 'Ex-libris' combination x
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Roses of Paris!
DeleteOh, elegant one, I failed to mention that you put the 'glam' in glamorous...seriously! xx
ReplyDeleteA glass of champagne would have made a nice and glamorous accessory, don't you think! Chin chin xx
DeleteI think you coverd all of the bases, but a glass of the bubbly always ups the glam factor and adds a little color to the cheeks;-) xx....I may have duplicated the above comment, so please delete if it comes thru<3
DeleteDarling Trudye, I just got diagnosed with Bell's Palsey (after 3 wks of the flu) It's not, but the right side of my face is paralyzed (temporarily) and I'm being a big baby about it, I told DH that I intend to drink Champs every day until I'm better. DH obliged by buying me a case of my fave. Have you ever tried sipping Champs with a paralyzed face?! Most of it ends up on me or the floor!! But I'm determined to "booze it up" until I don't look like the "Joker" from Batman!!
DeleteHaverfordgal, I love your spirit. Your post just made my day. I am picturing you slurping up your favorite champers with a straw. I think you are quite wonderful.
DeleteWarm aloha for a speedy recovery,
Fifi
Oh, dearest haverfordgal, I am so sorry to hear that! But, I love your can do attitude and your DH indulgence! How about sipping the champs thru a nice long straw! Exercise for that part of your face,too;-) Wishing you a most speedy recovery! Then we can all pop a cork or two to celebrate with you!
DeleteWarm hugs,
Trudye
I'm so sorry to hear your news, haverfordgal, and in my opinion, you have every right to be a "big baby." It's scary but, fortunately only temporary, and I'm sure that the champagne prescription will work wonders.
DeleteTake good care (and try not to waste too much of that great champagne medicine. You have a very sweet DH.)
Jerrine
Thank you ladies! (She say, slurping the bubbly) It has taught me a bit of humility for sure!
DeleteThe kicker is that the nurse in the hospital kept commenting on what she said is "your beautiful skin". Poor dear, she probably felt as though she had to compliment me on SOMETHING after seeing my contorted face LOL. Hey lady, you have nice.....earlobes :)
With champagne, humor and your attitude, haverfordgal, you'll have this licked in no time.
DeleteAnd congratulations on your beautiful skin . . . and earlobes!
Best,
Jerrine
Yay, another thing to add to the growing list of champagne's benefits! Champagne facials anyone?
DeleteHope all in Le Salon will enjoy a cozy weekend in the comfort of home! God knows we all need that given the events of the world this past week.
Peace and love,
T xx
Haha, champagne facials, yes! Don't forget to slather it on the earlobes too! A wonderful weekend to all, and to all a good night!
DeleteAloha,
Fifi
Joining in the good wishes for a speedy recovery, dearest haverfordgal! High five to your good spirits and wonderful humour <3 Trudy and Fifi, please sign me up for the champagne facials (earlobes et all). Hope they'll include some sipping of it too!
DeleteThe scales have fallen from mine eyes...Tracky bottoms MaiTai?
ReplyDeleteLovely cosy 'shmere-sock/jim-jam combo!
Dear MaiTai.
DeleteSo pleased you had a wonderful relaxing festive time I think you just needed it, your lovely warm and cosy post look fab as usual.
Look forward to all 2015 has in store from all your wonderful fabulousness
Best Jane xx
Si Je Veux, more scales to fall...I have a matching tracky top ;-)
Deletehttp://www.maitaispicturebook.com/2012/12/capsule-wardrobe-81-ice-scating.html
Have a fabulous 2015!
Dear Jane, Thank you so much for the warm and lovely comment, and you are right, the time off was very much needed! Wishing you a very happy New Year! xx
DeleteMaiTai, you always make everything look stunning!
DeleteSo kind of you, Si Je Veux, thank you!
DeleteWonderful post! We have a wind chill today of 30 degrees below zero in the Midwest! You are a role model for how to stay warm and cozy on a day like this! All the best as we look forward to a new year of fabulousness!
ReplyDeleteHope the weather has improved in the meantime, dear Annie! Stay warm x
DeleteA very Happy New Year to you, my dearest MaiTai!
ReplyDeleteSo very wonderful to see you again, looking simply divine in your beautiful, warm and cuddly coziness! So glad and relieved to hear you were able to spend some quiet and happy restful time with your family. Thinking of you lots and sending you big January hugs and kisses xox
A wonderful and happy New Year to you too, my dearest Scarf Enthusiast! So very sweet of you to think of me <3 Sending you much love and big kisses right back xx
DeleteI'm with Darling Trudye: very lux lounge wear MaiTai; those jammies, cardy, and ankle slippers are 'da grenade' (GSL only uses heavy artillery for day and evening wear) and a big HNY to you!
ReplyDeleteObviously I wasn't aware of what happened in Paris and Sarcelles when I commented. I'm afraid we're all going to be seeing more of this savagery by small groups.
DeleteOh GSL, you are da bomb! HNY to you too. Terrible re the events, and I fear you are right.
DeleteHappy New Year, dear MaiTai! You always look so elegant!
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Irina. All the best to you for 2015!
DeleteHmmm . . . I do not look like this when in relaxation mode! I will not describe my usual attire for fear of shocking all the ladies of the salon. But, you look wonderful - so cozy and so relaxed but still chic. I'm glad to hear that you took some time for yourself and enjoyed the best part of the holidays - family and friends . . . and time.
ReplyDeleteWe are cashmere socks cousins. I got some for Christmas, too (truth be known, I "requested" them of sister and then sent her the catalog page!) There's nothing quite like the feel of cashmere on one's feet, is there? It seems so decadent, but there's nothing worse than cold feet, and nothing warms like cashmere. Little luxuries are simply the best.
I may try and wear two pairs tonight and tomorrow. We have another Polar Vortex blowing through, and the wind chill will be a -1.
Stay warm and continue in relaxation mode for as long as possible.
Warm hugs,
Jerrine
PS - Even that adorable heart-shaped cheese is chic!
Jerrine, I promise I would not be shocked by your at-home attire! Since starting a new life on my own recently, it's difficult not to slide into slobdom. I actually have some nice PJs but end up wearing sweats and a t-shirt more often than not. Dear MaiTai inspires me to step it up a notch!
DeleteMuch aloha,
Fifi
P.S. - Received my plum necklace just in time for New Year's! It is lovely.
If you get too cold, try to wrap your feet in one of the MT fur collars;-) That should keep your tootsies warm! I love any and everything cashmere,dear Jerrine! It is my favorite color!!!! No such luck with finding the slippers,so a girl may as well wrap her feet in fur;-)
DeleteHope all in Le Salon that live or work in the vicinity of this latest terrorist attack are out of harms way! Prayers for everyone's safety!
Hugs, T xx
Well, Fifi, here goes. I love to cook, and I especially love to cook in my nightgown or robe, and the usual food stains just mysteriously jump out of the pot and plop onto whatever I happen to have on. So, the usual relax mode attire is pretty grubby - clean but grubby!
DeleteI do save the cashmere robe and a few other nice pieces for company . . . or nights when I'm not cooking.
So happy to see that you received your necklace in time for the festivities. My cold hung on to "entertain" me New Year's Eve, but I'm so happy to report that I think I've finally licked it, and it has surrendered.
Trudye, I will go home tonight and practice taping MT's fur collars to my feet. I, too, love cashmere. Wouldn't a cashmere bra be divine?
I'm really disappointed that you didn't find those slippers, as I was going to order a pair too. Oh, well, get out the fur and the tape.
I haven't even read about the latest attack yet, as it so disgusts me, but I join you in sending prayers for the Paris members here. We know all to well how it feels to be attacked. We sympathize.
Stay warm and safe everyone,
Jerrine
Oh Trudye, we are safe but we are all crying today : guns against pens, extremism against democracy.
DeleteJe suis Charlie, I am Charlie.
Catherine
Catherine, I am sending love, courage, and many hugs across the sea to you. Jerrine, you need a show on the Food Network. We'd all watch you sling cuisine all over the place in your robe. I knew I was getting over the sads when I began to cook again. After I moved into my little apartment last November, I ate frozen food for over a month (not in its frozen state, I wasn't that far gone!). A cashmere bra does sound lovely. Perhaps dearest MaiTai could have those made for us. I'd like one in lavender cashmere, please!
DeleteHugs and aloha,
Fifi
So glad you are safe Catherine.
DeleteI hold up my pen and join in the refrain, Je suis Charlie.
Let freedom ring!
Trudye
Fifi, I'm sorry. I didn't know that you went through a life-altering event lately, but you definitely seem to have recaptured your joy. Cooking is great therapy, isn't it? And cooking in one's robe and slippers is pure indulgence . . . mixed with joy.
DeleteA lavender cashmere bra? Doesn't that sound decadent. I hope La Perla is paying attention.
Good things to you now and tomorrow,
Jerrine
Catherine,
DeleteI am so very sorry for you and your fellow countrymen. What you are going through is unspeakably sad and so difficult to wrap one's mind around. 911 nearly brought my country to its collective knees. The grief, fear and disbelief and then the insuring anger were palatable, and after that terrible day, we've never been quite the same - we never will be; we never can be. But, for a time, it brought us closer together as a people. We were kinder and more compassionate. We were frightened, but we decided to go on with our lives, as that is the ultimate victory over terrorism.
You must do the same. You will grieve for the victims, offer what comfort you can to their family and friends and always commemorate their sacrifice. You will never forget, nor should you, but you won't let them win. You will continue to love and laugh and live in freedom. In that way, we win.
With deepest sympathy for you and your friends and for Paris, a city I deeply love and admire,
Jerrine
PS - And, of course, Je suis Charlie. Toujours . . . Je suis Charlie.
Dearest Fifi, I join in support with our Jerrine, of your life challenges as of late! It certainly appears as if you have the right spirit to move forward and I am very glad to hear that you are back in the kitchen at the stove instead of the microwave!
DeleteSense of humor, in all aspects of life ,is so important to help see us thru no matter what the stress or stressors;-)
Lavender cashmere bra, La Perla...you have definately got my interest piqued...oh boy!
it really is hard to get any work done lately as I have visions of cashmere loungewear dancing in my head and I just want to hurry home and get cozy!
All good things in 2015,
Trudye
Chère Catherine,
DeleteMe too, I am choked with what happened and my thoughts and sympathy go out to all the French people. Moi aussi, je suis Charlie. Love, Manuela
Dear Jerrine,
DeleteYou are absolutely right and said it so very well! Very true words, indeed. Sharing you thoughts and sympathy for Paris. Friendship hugs, Manuela xx
A big hug right back at you, sweet Manuela. At times like these, friendship and hugs are extra important.
DeleteLove,
Jerrine
Thank you, dear Jerrine and Trudye, for your kind and helpful words. Happy to report I'm getting my mojo back. 2015 promises to be a year of adventure! Yes, humor is essential, couldn't do without it! A little cashmere and champers doesn't hurt either...add some Hermes and MaiTai Collection and I'm ready to rock!
DeleteAloha,
Fifi
Dearest MaiTai and Ladies in le Salon ,
DeleteThank you for all your warm-hearted words and thoughts. Friendship, tolerance, , solidarity, humor and this lovely touch of refined frivolity have always been the keys between us in this beautiful blog. All of us, in our up and down lives, know that we all stand together.
There’s not a shadow of a doubt, one day I’ll buy of one of these cashmere socks ;-)
Hudge hudge hugs to all of you.
Catherine
In the face of tragedy, the people of France will triumph! This is a scary world we live in. I hope dearest MT was not close to any of those who were slaughtered.
DeleteAnd to my cohorts here, I hope that your trials and tribulations will last as long as your New Year's resolutions:) (for me, that equals a very short time)
Hugs and warmest wishes to wonderful ladies.
Dearest ladies, in terrible times it is so comforting to have each other and share. Jerrine, you said it so well, and yes, we will win. We are all Charlie. Fifi darling, I hope 2015 will be a stellar year for you!! Catherine, special hugs to you. You decribed the essence of Le Salon so beautifully, it is just wonderful to be here with you all. Trudye, your good cheer will get us through anything, and Manuela, your kindness puts a glow on our special place. haverfordgal, you are such a trooper. Hope you are better! Warmest friendship hugs and kisses to you all xx
DeleteLove all this elegant cozy inspiration! The ankle furry slippers are too cute I NEED those:) And I got a fur collar for the holidays and am having fun trying it with so many things....love it with your long charcoal cardigan....very chic! All the best to you in the new year.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much~ Loved the pictures of your holiday decorations on your blog! All the best to you in 2015 too!
DeleteDear MaiTai, I feel relaxed just looking at these cozy photos! The slippers may be hard to find; Google keeps trying to give me "plus sized slippers" when I search for Pilus. I consider this a challenge to my super-searcher skills! Love love love the tracksuit and toile PJs. Thanks for taking a moment out of your hectic schedule to share the cozy with us. Champagne pajama party, anyone?
ReplyDeleteWarm aloha,
Fifi
Count me in Fifi! What fun we would all have and looking pretty darn elegant, MT style of course!
DeleteI tried to find the slippers, too, to no avail! Perhaps we can persuade our stylish leader to add those to the collection;-)
Warm hugs,
T xx
Yes indeed, Trudye -- snuggly slippers and the cashmere bra that Jerrine mentioned! Although if we tried to model the latter for a MaiTai Collection collage, it would be perhaps not so elegant...
DeleteMuch aloha,
Fifi
Yea, definitely no bra modeling, Fifi. We don't want MT's lovely haven to even slightly resemble something like the Victoria's Secret website. Well, on second thought, if I modeled my bra, there wouldn't be the slightest chance that mistake would be made anyway!
DeleteCheers,
Jerrine
You girls made me laugh.. plus sized slippers and cashmere bras! So sorry re the slippers though. Trudye, what an idea ;-) Fifi, I am definitely in for the party! J
DeleteOh MaiTai, you even look elegant in pjs, definitive proof that elegance comes from the wearer not what is worn! And now I remember, I want one of your beautiful fur collars...how did this slip my mind. So glad you had a relaxing Christmas, must admit, I have been checking in on this blog and going away folornly when there was no new post...
ReplyDeleteI'm laughing, Blighty, as I had the same response - forlorn at the lack of a new post, thinking to myself, "she doesn't love us any more." Of course, I knew that wasn't true, but I was so happy to see her back when I checked last night.
DeleteJerrine
Dearest Blighty and Jerrine, love you both! I am really very sorry about the less frequent and regular posts. I promise that I am doing my very best, and I will look into cloning too ;-) xx
DeleteNice pyjamas ;) Glad you had a relaxing holiday time and best wishes for the New Year. THose socks looks fabulous- will investigate soon!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much again for the PJ tip, dearest tara. Absolutely love them!
DeleteThank heavens you've returned! It's felt like a parched desert with our dearest MT!!
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I'm SO happy to see you wearing the cashmere trackies. I LIVE in them in the winter, and pair them with a white tee and sandals in the early days of summer. PLUS I can't button up my traditional pants apres holidays!!
If ladies Le Salon are interested, Neiman Marcus makes terrific cashmere lounge pants in oodles of colours.
BTW, As you know I ordered some goodies from you, right before the holidays, Must say that they are so beautifully made, I love the travel scarf "books" so much, I may store all of my scarves in them, so keep your eyes out for a new order.
Sorry to ramble, but MT you are truly a joy, and inspiration, and a brilliant stylist!!
I will join in the praise of NM cashmere, haverfordgal, in all shapes and forms! They have exceptional sales ,too! So, ladies of Le Salon, they will have you in lux loungewear in no time...MT style of course!
DeleteMe too! Neiman's has the best cashmere lounge-wear line, and I always make a point of heading over there after Christmas to scoop up a few bargains.
DeleteI especially love the long cashmere lounge robe - no buttons, no ties - just pure, simple heaven. It was so cold here last night that I actually slept in one!
Jerrine
I just ordered a couple of cashmere cozies from Nieman's. It was so hard to limit myself, there were so many lovely pieces at good sale prices! There's a lot of winter left here in the Seattle area, so I will live in those lounge pants! Thanks for the recommendation, ladies!
DeleteWarm aloha,
Fifi
Fifi you will not want to get out of your cashmere, I am sure!
DeleteIf you recall, I have been singing the praises of The Laundress products! Their wool/ cashmere wash is da bomb! You can use it in the washing machine or hand wash. I have been using it in the machine and it works wonders. Just put your clothing in a mesh bag and wash on delicate,dry flat...softer than new and drys quickly! Promise!
Enjoy your goodies!
Warm hugs,
Trudye
I'm so happy I listened to your Laundress song, Trudye. I ordered several products before Christmas and love them, including the wool/cashmere wash. And, I just love the surface cleaner. It smells wonderful, does a great job, and I can use it on everything.
DeleteI've recommended The Laundress to several friends who are ordering, so they owe you a commission!
Best,
Jerrine
Oh, Jerrine, I am so happy you are loving your Laundress products! They really are marvelous and I am still amazed at how the cashmere comes out softer than new!
DeleteYou stay warm and toasty this weekend in your MT fur collar slippers and NM cashmere<3
Warm hugs,
T xx
I agree - they are wonderful. I used the cashmere wash again this past weekend to hand wash the cashmere socks, and they're as soft as butter.
DeleteI even love the packaging - so simple and so clean looking (I guess that's appropriate!)
A good week to you and all the ladies,
Jerrine
I ordered the cashmere wash - can't wait to try it!
DeleteAloha,
Fifi
I'm hooked on the Laundress products! Thank you Trudye! The Whites Detergent and the Stain Solution are superb. The fragrance is gorgeous, and the cashmere wash is heaven!!
DeleteOh, I am so glad everyone is loving The Laundress...since I promised here that you would! They have good promotions often so if you you signed up for emails you will see the discounts! The cashmere wash has been seeing a lot of action at my house as of late given that the cold weather has me living in my cashmere loungewear! Plus, saving a ton on dry cleaning bill,too;-) Win, win...
DeleteHappy cleaning all and continued cozy thoughts!
Nothing better than tips shared by girlfriends! haverfordgal, my trackies don't even come close to cashmere lounge wear, they are merely thick cotton! Hope everyone got something fab at Neiman's, and that you are having fun with the Laundress products too (Trudye, I hope you'll get a life long free supply!).
DeleteChic as ever MaiTai! Your impeccable style even (especially) in lounge wear continues to amaze me.
ReplyDeleteSo kind of you, thanks so much!
DeleteDear ladies,
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful post again. I always love, love love the new posts of MaiTai. It is kind of therapy for me with my three daughters (13,11 and 3 years old)it is giving me a nice rest. I just would like to thank MaiTai for all her effort, her inspiration and her kind words whenever needed. THANK YOU. She often is sunshine in my life. And thank you to all you ladies with all your delightful comments.
I guess I watch this page longer than a year but this is my first comment.
Cheers
E
Welcome, E. We're happy to have you join us. And, I agree with you. MaiTai is, indeed, a ray of sunshine in our lives.
DeleteBest regards,
Jerrine
Dear E,
DeleteI join you in the love for our wonderful Mai Tai! I have been around this blog for some time and my daughter is already 17 but you know what? The love for the Mai Tai Picture Book just increases and the sunshine gets brighter and brighter!
Welcome to our Salon! Hugs, Manuela
Welcome, E! MaiTai is a blessing to her lucky family and friends and all of us here at Le Salon. Her blog is an oasis of elegance, camaraderie and cheer for me. When life is not so kind, I come here for a "beauty rest" and am rejuvenated and inspired to make my inner and outer world as lovely as possible. I am glad your daughters like it, too!
DeleteWarm aloha,
Fifi
Dear ladies in Le Salon,
DeleteI can only agree with all what you said regarding sweet MaiTai being such a great joy and sunshine to all of us - this place is really more than a beauty rest, it makes me feel so good and inspired immediately!
Dear MaiTai, you doing nothing between the years isn´t quite true - you took so lovingly care of me and my almost lost parcel... and how happy am I now with my Pico insert and my travel pochette - so many thanks!
A Happy New Year to all of you ladies out there, and especially to you girls from France...
All the best from Germany
Barbara
So lovely to see you here, dearest E! Hope you'll be joining us in future too <3 Jerrine, Manuela and Fifi, thank you for giving E such a warm and lovely welcome, you are the bestest! And Barbara, so glad it all worked out well in the end :-)
DeleteDearest Mai Tai,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to know that you had a very well deserved break between Christmas and the New Year! Nothing better than a long sleep and the possibility of doing nothing or of doing it when one pleases.
I love your pyjama and in the last picture you look so relaxed and lovely! <3
The cashmere socks and the slippers are sooo cosy!
I had a look at Rue du Faubourg´s web page and find their items very attractive! I will definitely get back to them to order a a pyjamas. They seem to be so soft!
Wishing you and all the ladies here a Wonderful 2015 and looking forward to great fun and joy in our fabulous Salon, Manuela xx
Your words glow with such warmth, my dearest Manuela! Those days were heaven, and I long to skip back into the cosy zone, if only for a short time! A wonderful 2015 to you too, filled with happiness, joy and many beautiful moments xx
DeleteDear Mai tai. So elegant, so beautiful even at home.
ReplyDeleteIt encourages me to be better looking for my man when at home! You are the perfection dearest.
Wishing to all your ladies an excellent 2015 a bit later.
Dearest Monica, you certainly don't need any encouragement.. I still can't believe how glamorous and chic you looked just one day after an eye operation! Have a great 2015 x
Delete