Jingle belles: Snowflakes, diamonds, more muffs

The Passage closes briefly after today's post, reopening Tuesday, January 4. I thank and appreciate each person who strolled through in 2010, and wish you a joyful, relaxed, delicious holiday.

First, more muffs!

As I was leaving a party last evening, a handsome man entered the vestibule, stepped aside to let me pass, and said, "Nice earmuffs!" Something is happening, head-wise: earmuffs are having a toasty moment.

Readers sent in such good ideas that I wanted to show them.

Park City by 180s

Mitten clap to blogger Rebecca Mielke of The Space Between My Peers, who reminds us about the behind-the-head style, beloved by skiers. 

180s.com offer many funky versions; I especially like this snowflake pattern called Park City, $35.

Snowflakes in crystal: William Sharp's Swarovski crystal and cashmere earmuffs in mid-brown (shown) or black; $198.26 (but free delivery worldwide now) from Asos. Model looks about twelve but never mind; these would look chic on her grandmother.

Earpops bandless earmuffs

Commenter Kristine wrote to introduce me to Earpops, a bandless version.

Super-easy to carry, and available in an enormous range of colours, including some crazy "fur" versions and leopard, which could change my whole outlook on winter!

Yeah, baby!

Price, $8 per pair, plus shipping. Check Earpop's site for size measurements and a tutorial showing how to put them on.




Cashmere hat sale

Fair Isle beanie

Superb choices for icy morning dog-walking, when hat head is not an issue.  

Pringle have a posh Fair Isle cashmere beanie on sale; price, £65 (reduced from £95.)

Their handsome hand-knit cabled style is also on sale; price, £70. Available in four shades including a rich berry and a hue they call camel, though it reminds me of heavy cream.

Let it snow... diamond snowflakes

"Oh the weather outside is frightful, diamond snowflakes, so delightful"– isn't that the song? I find them a chic way to 'holiday' your ensemble and a pleasure all winter. ( I'm wearing a pair in the photo.) Should the last-minute shopper need a gentle hint, forward this post and add that express shipping is a beautiful thing.

Though some big flakes fall from fabulous clouds (hello, Harry Winston), you could wear the selection below with jeans and a sweater or a skirt and your favourite top.

A tailored, discreet pair of flakes; seven small diamonds on each, set in 18k white gold. Price, $1,350 from Reinstein/Ross at Twist.

Twist snowflakes

Diamond snowflakes from Tiffany, classically graceful, set in platinum; price, $2,250.

Tiffany snowflakes

You must see this Tiffany pendant, an exquisite celebration of the snowflake's natural beauty. (Price, $45,000; may also be worn as a brooch.)

Tiffany pendant/brooch

Delicate snowflake dangles, set in white or yellow gold, from Heavenly Treasures; price, $795. Heavenly Treasure have a whole section of snowflake jewelry.  

Heavenly Treasure dangles

Today, I'm headed for the real thing: off to Montreal to look at a house, walk snowy streets where Christmas lights make diamonds in the snow and catch the train home with son Etienne.

However you define sparkle, I wish bright moments for you, and thank you for adding to mine.