Another perfect wardrobe enhancer -- not to mention a fabulous holiday gift!
Glamorous, limited-edition scarves and shawls in beautiful embellished couture fabrics
This one is a rich, raspberry silk burnout satin print with retrained sparkle placement.
I also have one last piece in a beautiful shade of cognac.
http://www.nathalieseaver.biz/rasispsc.html
Yes, I'm obsessed with fine food and when I find exceptional edibles, I have to share them. When I came across this amazing, organic Balsamic vinegar from one of the best producers in Modena, I knew I had to stock it in the store. Presented in a beautiful, substantial bottle, it makes a terrific holiday hostess gift -- or a great treat for yourself!
Because this is so special, it is best enjoyed simply, drizzled as a flavor garnish over meats fish and poultry before and after cooking, as well as a delicious flourish over all sorts of milder or creamy cheeses and bread, as well as fruit (Pears are great). If you decide to use it for a salad dressing, use another vinegar in quantity and add just a tablespoon or so of Saporoso for the flavor punch.
Here's a link to order. If you need it gift wrapped, just note it in the comment box at check-out. http://www.nathalieseaver.biz/sabavi.html
Beloware a few yummy recipes:
By the way, if octopus isn't your thing, you can substitute grilled boneless chicken pieces -- but the arugula, peach and balsamic are a magic flavor combination.
Charred Octopus with Peach, Arugula and Aged Balsamic
This recipe is from Epicurious | October 2010
Combine the onion, celery, carrot, prosciutto, parsley, garlic and cayenne pepper in a pot with about 8 cups of water. Season the water with salt and boil for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. Add the octopus and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer gently for about 1 hour or until the octopus is tender when gently pierced with a knife. Cool the octopus in the braising liquid at room temperature until cool enough to handle.
Remove the octopus from the braising liquid and drain well. Heat a cast-iron skillet or a flat griddle over high heat until it is very hot. Season the octopus with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill the octopus until it is caramelized and crusted on all sides, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the charred octopus to a cutting board and cut each tentacle on the bias into 4 slices.
Place the octopus slices in the center of 4 plates and garnish with arugula and 3 to 4 slices of the peach. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of aged balsamic vinegar over and around the octopus, and finish each dish with a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately.
A little tableau and fresh color palette inspired by fruit and flowers.
These are hand dyed elastics drying outside before they become what I call, "Hair Candy", a perfect little gift -- and delicious stocking stuffer!
These are a nice little style secret for keeping your hair undamaged when you pull it back and are available here: http://www.nathalieseaver.biz/hahael1.html
I'm a scarf aficionado and never leave the house without one tied around my neck or around my shoulders... and always find new ones to play with
As a result, my shop is known for a great selection of shawls and scarves...
People always ask me for a quick lesson in how to tie a scarf for just the right twirl of fabric around the neck...and now there's this adorable video to demonstrate all the possibilities:
http://jezebel.com/5859327/25-ways-to-tie-a-scarf
Send us a picture with your favorite way to wear a scarf and we'll post it on the website!
I 'm partial to cloth napkins and one of my favorites is classic white cotton damask. My grandmother placed starched stacks of them in her huge linen closet. As a child, I remember feeling very grown up and elegant when I smoothed mine across my lap at her formal Thanksgiving dinner table. I have some of hers now and happily set them out for special dinners and something about their substantial heft is very pleasing and reassuring and makes even the simplest meal that much more meaningful.
I recently scooped up a cache of lovely vintage damask napkins (circa 1925) that are similar and very soft and drapey. I was told they were stored for years and forgotten in a dowry chest. Hard to know for sure but these nicely preserved 16" x 16" squares can be an "instant heirloom" for your own special occasions. We have a few sets of 6 at the shop or on line:
http://www.nathalieseaver.biz/vilidana.html
...I can have a daily smile with this lovely Metro ticket glass tray
At 6" x 12", it's a perfect size for desktop paper clips or for bedroom dispensing of loose change or jewelry.
These remind me of sitting at a Paris cafe in the late afternoon, reading and watching the passersby...
I like that the graceful porcelain cups and saucers have a nice, light weight but seem sturdy enough for everyday use
Also appreciate a smart idea with an elegant design: The delightful cylinder box swivels to open and close which makes for a great gift package and storage.
Isn't this bouquet dreamy? It's from one of my favorite spots in Los Angeles, Rita Flora.
I love flowers and a lush array is such a welcome gift. It can be as simple as handful of sweet scented Lilies from someone arriving at my house or an unexpectedvase of roses as a "thank you" or "congratulations" appearing at the door.
Then there's the uber-elegant gesture of finding a beautiful arrangement delivered in the afternoon before a guest arrives at a dinner party. Flowers are fabulous. You're welcome to use any excuse to give them to me!
If you've gotten out of the habit, Valentine's Day, is the perfect way to get back in practice...
