Recently, life reminded me how lucky I am to have the people (and dogs!) I love in my life. I am so grateful. One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the chance first to give thanks, then to show those who matter to us how much we care them with a few tokens of affection, and finally to jump into the new year with optimism.

Regarding that second chance up there (the “tokens of affection” one), Ped has quite a few treasures to delight your favorite people, from your best gal pal to your long-suffering mother or mother-in-law (we do try their patience and vice versa—but love is always there at the end of the day). And, needless to say, we’ve got lots of treats you might want to add to the list of hints for your benefactor (Santa or otherwise).

Here are a few of my faves that don’t require knowing someone’s size. First up, this Fossil necklace from Jamie Joseph, which is so unusual with its numerous elements all brought together in a harmonious symphony. Plus, it’s got bit of red, and how can anyone resist red this time of year?

Next, a scarf–but not just any old scarf, a Sophie Digard scarf!! The toast of the crocheting world, our favorite Parisian designer uses the finest yarns to create her one-of-a-kind textiles (they really must be seen up close to be fully appreciated, so be sure to take advantage of the “zoom” feature at the Ped site). We particularly love the openwork of the Pastille Pop design. Here’s a detail of the “Winter” color combination to give you an idea of its complexity (okay, yes, it does have a bit of red, too…):

Finally, if you want to go big with the red (and we applaud that idea), this practical go-anywhere Monica Bag from Jutta Neumann may be just the ticket! The leather is beyond buttery, and, well, it’s as red as Rudolph’s nose (but perhaps a bit more stylish):

Here’s hoping your holidays are the best yet! Ped toasts you with a big gulp of wassail!

How I love Fall (even if it’s not quite the same in Southern Cal as it was in Seattle)!!! I adore when there’s a bit of a bite in the air, and nothing feels better than wrapping one of Sophie Digard’s soft and light wool scarves around my neck. How does she make crocheting so Parisian chic? Here’s one of my favorites from our latest shipment at Ped:

This Edelweiss Scarf is so striking. The way Sophie combines her fine wool yarns is beyond intricate. Whenever I wear one of her scarves, I love to just examine the details because I always find something I didn’t notice before. And her color combinations are to die for.

Meanwhile, Chie Mihara has a bevy of beauties in her Fall shoe line. Truly, you can’t go wrong with Chie, especially if you work in an office where you have to wear heels everyday. Even when her shoes rise 4″, they’re always comfortable because she really understands how to position a heel and pad a footbed for optimal pampering. I can stand for hours while in Chie’s without having my dogs bark for mercy. That’s saying something! This Ote lace-up is one of my faves this season due to its “sexy secretary” styling and gorgeous eggplant color:

And just for fun, check out the dazzling heel on Chie’s Oda:

How great would this beauty look walking amid fallen autumn leaves?? We love, we love.

Okay, more soon, as the temperature dips…

I always feel very Parisian when I wear my Sophie Digard scarf. Sophie is from Paris and has the most wonderful style and color sense. I met with her at the Paris show and discussed new designs, handbags, and colors. So fun! We should be getting our new things any day now. I just love my Sophie scarf and wear it with everything – matter of fact, it’s the only scarf I brought to Paris with me!