thankyou, Thank You, tHanKYoU, THANKS

Were it at all feasible, I would compose a handwritten thank you card for you. Artfully penned on linen paper and protected with vellum. I, your note, and an exquisite pastry would arrive at your door step for a tète-à-tète regarding the repercussions of your philanthropy.

But as my powers over time and space are sadly inadequate, I posted rote congratulatory announcements on each of the latte-versary gifts. If you listed your e-mail address, I sent you a paypal invoice. If your e-mail contact was unavailable, please contact me at nierecovery@gmail.com at your earliest convenience. If you respond with payment by 10 am, Friday, December 19th, I will ship your treasure priority for Christmas arrival.

Thank you for exhibiting goodness, niceness, wonderfulness. I wish you an emotionally decadent holiday and the prettiest of Christmas frocks.

Now please, go get yourself an edible pleasure, preferably with a seasonally appropriate twist, and come back later for Fitting Room Friday.

Latte-Versary Launches!

Christian & Stephanie at Log Haven where we spent our joint anniversary in 2007

Welcome Latte-Versary Guests-

Thank you for coming, below are the party ordinances:

• Following are separate posts for each treasure up for auction*
• Please bid in the comments section on the post featuring your item of interest
• Please bid in whole-dollar increments
• Please include contact information (e-mail addresses are preferred)
  
• Auction will close on Thursday, December 18th, 2008, at midnight Arizona Time (aren't you all jealous that your state doesn't have it's own time zone).
• Upon auction's close, the winning bidder will be announced.
  
• The winner shall then be contacted to negotiate shipping details.
  
• Following confirmation, a Nie Recovery donation invoice will be sent to the winner.
• Pending successful payment, items will be shipped by Saturday, December 20th. Expedited shipping is available for those interested in Christmas delivery. Local pickup is available to Arizona residents at Blissful Living Studio in Mesa.
  

* I am not a reseller of Anthropologie merchandise. The items below represent gifts to Nie Recovery supporters who I wish to thank for their generous support of Christian & Stephanie Nielson.

Phoenix Fashion Holiday

If you are going to visit Arizona, now is the time to do it. (By now I mean sometime starting after Halloween through March, April at the latest). It was . . . rainy yesterday, but that's actually quite unusual, appreciated, but unusual. Psychic weatherman are forecasting 66 degrees for Christmas Day. And we Arizonians have wished each other Merry Christmas in the high seventies.

What I'm recommending with all this talk about the weather, is a lovely stay at the sparkling new Phoenix, Downtown Sheraton. You can enjoy a weekend for two* away from the snow, away from your kids, or just away from your visiting in-laws. Breakfast each morning is included, as is a 2 hour shopping excursion at Fashion Square Mall with your personal stylist, Reachel Bagley.

Value: $700 *Expires October 31, 2009

Allison Tyler Jones - Fashion, Family, Fabulous Photography

A sultry modeling headshot, an idiosyncratic image for your acting portfolio, or perhaps a stately family portrait. Whatever your needs, the creative, convivial ATJ Photography has bestowed a wish answered. The talent behind my profile shot, Allison Tyler Jones, has graciously donated a $500 gift certificate.

Value: $500

Reverie in Leather Satchel

This colorblocked satchel is betwitching, and to be totally candid, I have a crush on this bag. It is no longer available, anywhere. If you receive this lovely handbag, please do not put cap-less ball point pens in it or spill mysterious liquids on it. Instead you should probably stroke it and tell it pleasant things. I guarantee it will be nothing but nice to you. It will convoy your indispensables and complete any ensemble you choose to couple it with.

• Two interior pockets
• Zip closure
• Leather outer; poly-cotton lining
• 13"H, 13"W, 2"D
• 7" strap drop

Value $188

Traditional China

4 pretties in the original 2000, orange latte bowl hue. According to Claire, it's Christian's favorite color. This set comes compete with a Tea Towel inspired by vintage produce signs.

• Latte Bowls
  
• 3"H, 5.5" diameter
• Porcelain
• Dishwasher/Microwave Safe
  


• Tea Towel
• 28"L - 21"W
• Cotton
• Machine Washable

Value: $30

I Love Vintage: Frilly Cuff

Nie is an anachronism. In her own words,

"I think I was born in the wrong time.
1940's please.
It has got to be the most feminine, romantic, and flattering years ever."

This frilly cuff, handmade by Beth Quinn at Blissful Living Studio, does the delicate wrist of any antiqui-phile justice.

Value $30

Savon (Frenchy for Soap)

If I've declared it once, I've posted it as my blog mantra. Fashion is ubiquitous, even the practicalities of soap can be divine. Each colorful bar is smartly wrapped in vintage French illustrations and scented with loveliness. Use them for your next bathing.

• Florent: a citrusy blend of mandarin orange, guava and amber
• Minetta: tart spikes of grapefruit, jasmine and cedar
• Delicia: a fresh mix of lemon, orange and geranium
• Key ingredients: water, fragrance, sodium chloride
• 3 bars, 5.3 oz each

Value: $21.00

Bake & Bond

The Clark sisters and I have discussed this in extensive detail: aprons are appropriate for all day wear, yes even outerwear. Join our domestic demonstration and enlist your posterity to help.

Your uniforms include a full apron of loopy stitches filled with bold stripes for your pint-sized helper. A half apron bedecked in toile and embroidered flight for you. You'll also need what Claire & Jane call "cookery" tools. This sweet little bake set was donated by Dan & Kristin Alber, hosts of Blissfest, and owners of Domestic Bliss/Blissful Living Studio. If you haven't been in there lately, I pity you.

• Children's Apron
• Cotton
• Machine wash
• approx 17"W, 24"L, 16" ties

• Adult Apron
• Cotton
• Machine Wash
  
• approx 20"L, 19"L, 32.5" ties
• 19 Piece Toy Bake Set
• Mixing Bowl
• Mixing Spoon
• Pastry Cutter
• Basting Brush
• Cookie Cutters
• Measuring Cup
• Measuring Spoons
• Whisk
• Apron
• Oven Mitt
• Oven Pan
• Rolling Pin
• Pastry Brush
• Cutting Board
  

Value: $68

Toasty Toes

(cupcakes not included)

Imagine yourself in an isolated ski chalet, cuddled up under a hand-knit afghan, gazing at the quiet flutter of snow flakes. Keep that feeling tangibly pulled up to your knees everytime your feet are snuggled into these slippers.

The day Stephanie's plane crashed she was wearing a similar styling of moccasins. Because of these leather lovelies, Stephanie's feet remain pristine.

• Acrylic, PVC
• One Size Fits All
  

Nie Mini Ornament

This precious signed mini print is from artist Christine Alvarado. In her own words: "This print is printed on archival quality canvas paper with Epson archival inks. The ultra lightweight frame is a warm taupe/silver color with red accents. It has a red and white candy striped satin ribbon attached for easy hanging. Just like the original painting, the back includes Artist's signature and date with a quote from Khalil Gibran. Comes with decorative hook (pictured)."

Hang this charming trim on your Christmas tree. And remember what the season is really all about.

• Print 2.5" x 3"
• Frame 4" x 4.5" (warm taupe/silver hue with red accents)

Value: $30

Mr. & Mrs. Mugs

In 2008, Wizard (Andrew) & Fairy Godmother (I) marked the birthday of each godchild with a drinking glass, embossed with each child's initial. By the end of the year, both Claire and Jane needed a new "C" and a new "J". Now that the children have been provided for, let us honor the need for parental hydration. The recipient may select appropriate monograms for the masculine and feminine heads of their family. (S & C shown for Stephanie & Christian)

• Masculine: 4"H, 5" diameter
• Feminine: 4"H, 3.75" diameter

Value $12

Christmas Pajamas

Because you should feel eternally adorable, even in your sleepers. Especially considering the high possibility of an early morning photo shoot at dawn December 25th.

• Size Medium
• Cotton
• Machine Washable

Value: $48

The Art of Nie Set 1

8.5 x 11 illustration with matching brooch (okay more accurately a pin, but it is adorable). From Star Prim of my tiny star

The Art of Nie Set 2

8.5 x 11 illustration with matching brooch (okay more accurately a pin, but it is adorable). From Star Prim of my tiny star

The Art of Nie Set 3

8.5 x 11 illustration with matching brooch (okay more accurately a pin, but it is adorable). From Star Prim of my tiny star

Styling Session

Prior to your session, I will contact you to determine your fashion cravings. We will then rendezvous at the Dana Park Anthropologie (Mesa, Arizona: Baseline & Val Vista) on your date and time of choice. In your fitting room, you will find a selection of ensembles to accommodate your body type, personality, and lifestyle, as well as a customized fashion look book. Then for the next 60 minutes, I will be at your beck and call, helping you find your inner empress.

Value: $116

Sneeky Peeky

Tomorrow is Christian & Stephanie's Latte-versary. Which means you are invited to celebrate with Cardigan Empire. Below is a preview of things in imminence. But don't think you know everything, because what would a holiday be without some surprises. Come back tomorrow and bring a bosom friend.

Latte-Versary

Mr & Mrs Nie have been celebrating anniversaries at Anthropologie since the beginning of this millennium. Each year is marked with the addition of the uniquely feminine purveyor's brightly colored latte bowls.

As the Nie's celebrate their eighth year and begin a brave journey into recovery, you are invited to celebrate with them.


On December 16th, I will be throwing Christian & Stephanie (parents to my godchildren and favorite personal shopping clients) a virtual soiree. There will be auctions, giveaways, celebrities (well maybe we can get cJane to show up). A sprinkling of nouns and adjectives that could accurately glitter your imagination are: apron, sparkle, holiday, and charming. Mark you virtual calendars, because this is going to be nothing short of lovely.