Galliano rocks a tree

Ah yes, time for a bit of glamour. I don't know about you, but a good dose of something spectacular is just the kind of kick in the pants I need. And today's inspirational kick is courtesy of fashion designer extraordinaire John Galliano, who created his version of a Christmas tree without an evergreen twig in sight. Instead Galliano's tree is smothered in orchids, butterflies and a rather chic leopard, all fashioned from papier-mache and inspired by the Orientalist vibe of his Fall/Winter '09 collection for Dior. If you'd like to take a gander at the tree you'll have to stop by Claridge's hotel in London, where it'll be on display until Jan 6th. Looking around for snaps of the project I discovered Galliano's original sketch, which gives a lovely peep inside the creative process, and just had to include too. Oh, and I have to thank Laird for the tip on this! Via Bornrich.

Every day is a holiday

Wouldn't that be nice? Yes, we're rushing headlong into that busy time of year. So, rather then letting things look like Christmas has exploded in your house why not take a more pared back approach to the whole shebang? Talking of pared back, you should definitely pop in to Ikea to rifle through their Holiday collection. The line this year is simple, fresh and graphic, like the cool Kallt light fixtures below that - I think - are fab enough to leave up all year round. Thankfully they haven't forgotten the nuttier side of things, just take a gander at these hilariously quirky gift bags printed with what looks like a veritable army of elves. I think they'd be just the ticket filled with chocolate covered almonds and tied up with a scrap of red ribbon. There, I just sorted out all the folks on your impossible-to-buy-for list.

More yellow (please)

I was at Holt Renfrew's press preview this morning for Holiday '09 and saw oodles of covetable bits and baubles but one of the things that most impressed was the three main colourways that had been set up - Black (sexy, sophisticated and slightly dangerous), Cream/Pearl (romantic and natural but with a sheen), and then finally my fave; Brights (juicy tints and unexpected combos of pinks, acid yellow and plum). I am loving the Brights since they just have the happiness factor down pat, and the yellows on show made me think of Tivoli Audio's latest iPal radio release that comes in a hi-gloss citrusy yellow. The sound on these little monkeys is beyond fab (we have a Tivoli Model One hooked up to this turntable), but if yellow isn't your bag then it also comes in a glossy black and red. Yum.