Real wine lovers know that vino isn’t an obsession—it’s a way of life. Trips to Napa aren’t vacations, they’re annual pilgrimages; dinner parties opportunities for fanciful pairings; any and every event to be saluted and regaled by the uncorking of a special bottle. Husband and wife team Taylor Latham and Andrew Major are two such enthusiasts, (nearly) as infatuated with wine as they are with each other: their accessories line Little Barrel is a love letter to what they call the vineyard lifestyle, offering polished and preppy silk ties, belts, scarves and bags patterned with wine glasses and bottles. In lush New England-inspired shades of blue, pink, violet, red and green, the accessories feel fresh and contemporary, the patterns subtle nods to wine fans’ passion for all things vineyard-grown. Because the first Little Barrel samples were created for the founders’ wedding, the company now specializes in orders for like events, coordinating groomsmen and maids through ties and sashes. The full line is also available for purchase through the e-boutique.

Store Adore shoppers save 20 percent on everything at Little Barrel. Use code “StoreAdore” at checkout.

We Adore: The subtle print of the navy swirl tie (regularly $75, Store Adore price $60) means you can pull it off for work (most of the time), and it’s certainly festive enough for a soiree. After a few glasses of merlot, we can barely tell those are wine glasses.

We Adore: As long as you don’t pair it with pinstripes, a scarf belt is chic even for the non country club set. Wear the harvest scarf belt (regularly ) with white wool trousers for a polished wintry look (regularly $65, Store Adore price $52).

Admittedly, all these sales are testing my self-discipline in major ways (especially before the holidays). But I do enjoy the rush of passing sign after sign advertising SALE or 50% OFF as I walk down my favorite boutique-laden streets. With family rolling in for Thanksgiving, I hardly have time to scour the sales at my top shopping spots, which means I’m power shopping my favorite stops online. Thank you, internet.

Naturally, my first online stop was SHE boutique because, well, it’s always my first stop, whether I’m headed to a wedding, an interview, or I just need a little something to lift the spirits. I love their clean aesthetic and their classic clothes with a modern twist. In poring over goods from Jill Stuart, Use/Unused, YaYa, Jodi Arnold and Thayer, I discovered my new winter obsession:

This hooded wrap, by Society for Rational Dress, is going to become my new winter uniform. It’s cozy yet polished and works on it’s own over a tee or offers personality to other cold weather gear, like a dressy wool coat. I plan on living in this all winter.

But the best part of my discovery? It seems SHE is giving their adoring fans something extra to be thankful for. See, when the website asks you for a coupon or code, simply type in SHEsavesnov for an extra 30% off! Which means that I’ll score this $315 coat for only $220.50. Yup, I’m thankful for SHE.

But this isn’t the time to procrastinate: visit the SHE website immediately! The sale runs only until the end of November.

My new apartment has me newly obsessed with home decor. (Who needs dresses when you can have damask wallpaper?) Graphic carpets and whimsical lights will be a central theme throughout the new place—even in the closets. You see, the best thing about these new digs is the walk-in closet in the bedroom. Granted, once you walk in, you can’t walk far. But it’s there … and it’s ours … and my wonderful husband said I could paint it pink. This sweet chandelier (that is really what it’s called) is the icing on the cupcake that is our closet. It’s only $99 from PB Teen, Pottery Barn’s offering for the 12 to 16 set, plus older folks with a youthful spirit.

As the first snowflakes touched down this past weekend in Chicago, the sudden subconscious need to have a warm drink in hand at all times kicked in quickly. Maybe it’s the mere comfort of holding something warm; the memories of hot chocolate post snowman-making from childhood, or the soothing effect of a hot drink seemingly coarsing through the veins. Regardless, the season for hot tea, hot chocolate and hot toddies is upon us, and I took full advantage this week. It didn’t matter if I was working in my office, relaxing with a book or getting ready for a night out, it seemed I was always holding a steaming beverage.

Warmed on the outside and inside, I have vowed to make this my winter of tea. It’s just so good for you! Antioxidants abound, it’s basically zero calories, and green tea speeds metabolism (extra helpful during the unmotivated winter months). But if I’m going to drink tea religiously this winter, my cabinet is going to have to be stocked with much more than just Celestial Seasonings and English Breakfast tea, a task that’s easy now that tea has hit the mainstream.

So as I woke up today to a temp of 21 degrees (wow, it’s getting harder to go to work!), I instantly jumped on the internet to outfit myself with an arsenal of tea supplies.

First off, I’ll need a stash of tea. Naturally. While ready made tea bags are great for on-the-go, to really sip and savor a cup (think Sunday mornings with the New York Times crossword), loose leaf tea is absolutely the way to go. While I’ll always have a tin full of traditional English Breakfast, why rely on one varietal when there’s a whole world of tea to explore?

I found this delish red tea at Porte Rouge. This French-inspired shop is a tea-lovers dream, with an entire wall (see the image above) devoted to exclusive, hard-to-find loose leaf teas. This one (pictured above, $13) is infused with bourbon and vanilla, giving it a powerful yet smooth flavor. Plus it’s caffeine-free, so it’s perfect for that decompressing, before bed cup.

Nothing gets me more in the mood for cold weather than the smell of a wood-burning fire. It instantly brings to mind images of cozying up around the fireplace with friends and family, or warming snow-soaked clothes next to the flames. I’m guessing this is why I love Lapsang Souchong tea so much. The smokey smell is almost warming in itself. It’s nostalgic, and it’s a nice departure from traditional black tea. The Lapsang Souchong offered from the Art of Tea is expertly smoked, and one of the best I’ve tried ($19 per pound).

While the best part of my morning is always having tea while checking my newspapers online (how times have changed, huh?), I also love a cup at the end of a meal, too. While other friends sip cappuccino and espresso, I’ve always enjoyed a soothing cup of tea, choosing black if there’s more on the agenda, or chamomile if the night is coming to a close. I found this tea dessert sampler ($24) at the Art of Tea, which seems like the ideal close to any meal. Not only will flavors like carmelized pear and velvet tea make you feel warm and cozy on the inside, but along with flavors like chocolate monkey and vanilla berry truffle, they just might help to combat that “I need dessert even though I’m too full” problem.

Of course, having hoardes of loose leaf tea and nothing to steep them in will just leave a gal frustrated and cold. So an adorable teapot/steeper is next.

For tea novices, a simple, inexpensive tea infuser works perfectly. Just fill it up with loose leaf tea, dip in your mug, and steep for as long as possible. It’s super simple, and ideal for those who aren’t yet tea fantatics. Find it at Porte Rouge, $4.

A traditional French press is pretty standard for the steeping process. Porte Rouge has this domed, stainless steel version in a variety of shapes and sizes ($35).

For something on the unusual side, check out this glass teapot. The infuser drops right inside, and because it’s clear, you can make sure your tea steeps to your exact preferred hue. It’ll never be too weak or too strong. Find it at Art of Tea for $24 for 16 oz. a pot or $29.50 for a 32 oz pot.

But if your tastes run less modern and more shabby chic, you’ll likely lean towards this simple, classic, stays-in-the-kitchen-forever London teapot ($61) also from Porte Rouge. The infuser is hidden deftly inside, ensuring super fresh tea. I love the curved spout- so elegant!

But for a gal on the go, there’s nothing better than this travel press, which allows potentially messy loose leaf tea to be a neat, organized, travel-friendly beverage. Find it at Art of Tea for $15.

But for those who simply adore tea, who can’t get enough of it, who think that this blog post barely skims the tea-filled surface, there’s the Cadillac—no, more like the Lear jet—of tea accessories: the Zutto Zojirushi. With customized temperature control, one-touch electric dispensing, and automatic shut off, you’re practically guaranteed the perfect cup every. single. time. Available at Art of Tea, $120.

Sure, the Windy City weather forecast is looking grim for the next week or so. Oh, who am I kidding? For the next six months. But with a roaring fire and an array of teas to get me through (of course, there are those to-die sweaters I just scooped up, too), I just might make it– assuming there’s a mid-February trip to a tropical destination in the cards, that is.

Though we already have over 90 stores in San Francisco, Store Adore’s official coverage of the Bay Area will launch within weeks. (Now there’s a newsflash!) Cristina and I flew there last weekend, and I had the good fortune of finding some down time (I mean work time!) to explore the city while she was stuck trying to take Store Adore public (someday!). Perfect weather, time with friends and easy-to-walk shopping neighborhoods made my brief getaway pretty much perfect. Given that I’m in full home decorating mode now, I was thrilled to see the abundance of home stores in the city.

Though I was tempted by zebra print ottomans, Queen Anne mirrors, and mirrored consoles, my take-home was a robin’s egg blue lacquer lamp from Lotus Bleu ($280). A sliver of a shop, Lotus Blue is covered floor to ceiling furniture and fabrics imported from France and Southeast Asia and customized by the company. Pillows, upholstered chairs and bedding pop with whimsical prints that are Marimekko-like, but softer. The lacquer-ware is a new collection for the company, which also provides home design services. Lamps come in a range of colors (as shown), and smaller items like napkin rings and trays are also available.

Though the antler look (lamps, faux stag heads etc) isn’t quite dead yet (heh), in times troubled times like these, we need something a little more, well, alive. Add to that the looming holiday season (60 days ’til Christmas! 35 days ’til Black Monday!), and my latest obsession seems like a no-brainer.

Much better like backyard garden gnomes, glitter reindeer are kitschy in the very best way. These prancers add a bit of Studio 54 pizazz to the season, although I sort of love them year round. They’re available in gold, red, and even purple at Z Gallerie (see below). ABC Carpet & Home has a whole section devoted to them as well. (What could be better than a manger scene in full sparkle?)

So say goodbye to Frosty and Santa. Rudolph’s gone glam, and he’s guiding the sleigh.

As a total Florence Broadhurst junkie, I’m a big fan of wallpaper - I couldn’t be happier about the current trend of fun wall coverings trumping dreary old paint. (Ok, admittedly, painting is easier. But one must suffer for a glamorous home!) So I’m loving the handprinted wallpapers (handprinted, people!) over at Brooklyn-based grow house grow!, where the motto is cute (”a story for every storey”), the website is adorable, and the collection is small but fervent, with names like Nellie and Cottontail, all of which come in different color schemes. Look for ghg to add more papers soon, and in the meantime, if the idea of ladders and glue is just too much to bear, we suggest picking up a couple of sheets ($33 each) to line your dainty drawers. Online purchasing only.

Earlier this week I saw Madonna in her Sticky and Sweet concert in Boston.

When my friend first invited me, I thought I could re-visit teenhood with an armful of rubber bracelets, lace anklets and a pink “Material Girl” tank top. My husband convinced me otherwise. “She’s all about re-inventing herself,” he reminded me. Right. (Note: For pictures of Madonna through the years, see Vanity Fair.)

While I’ve followed Madonna’s romantic exploits as closely as anyone, I admit I’ve been a bit out of touch with her techno-rap-like tunes. So, I popped in her CD in the car. (Who buys CDs you ask? The same friend who got the tickets.) After suffering through over four minutes of dance tunes and Timberlake accompaniment, I decided I preferred the Madonna of yesteryear, at least as far as the music was concerned.

With only one day to go, I did a cursory search on Madonna Style so I’d know how to dress. In this area Madge, is much improved. Lots of shiny black, from track pants with rhinestone stripes and a cami, to satin dresses and lace up boots. OK, I wouldn’t be wearing a bustier bodysuit with fishnets (ever), but this is a look even I could pull off.

While I’ll spare you a photo of myself, here are some Madonna-worthy pieces we can all consider.

PS. She looks (and sounds) AMAZING.

Torn by Ronny Kobo Ann Lace Print Tank (regularly $70) and DVF Silk Lace Cami (regularly $198) both at Intermix, where Store Adore shoppers save $50 on an online purchase of $350 or more by entering “ADORE” at checkout.

LnA Olivia Leggings (regularly, $92) at Blondette, where Store Adore shoppers save $25 on a purchase of $100 or more by entering “storeadore” at checkout. Kova & T Latex Stretch Skirt (regularly, $210) at Intermix, where Store Adore shoppers save $50 on an online purchase of $350 or more by entering “ADORE” at checkout.

Milly Scalloped Pencil Dress ($395 at Shopbop). Lauren Conrad Elizabeth Dress (regularly $190, Store Adore price $152) at Manhattanite, where Store Adore shoppers save 20 percent on everything by entering “storeadore” at checkout.

Giuseppe Zanotti Lace-Up Open Toe Booties (regularly $995) at Intermix, where Store Adore shoppers save $50 on any online purchase of $350 or more by entering “ADORE” at checkout. Dolce Vita Cher Heel with Cut Outs, $152, at Pink Mascara, where Store Adore shoppers save $20 on a purchase of $100 or more by entering “adore” at checkout.

Alexander McQueen Lace-Up Boots ($1,555) and Giuseppe Zanotti Mirror Embelished Ankle Boots ($995), both at Net-a-Porter.

Lorelei Julie Metallic Lizard Emboss & Suede Clutch (regularly $250, Store Adore price $188) at Lorelei, where Store Adore shoppers save 25 percent on everything by entering “storeadore”at checkout). Erickson Beamon Studded Felt Cuff ($465) at Net-a-Porter.

Main photo: Interview Magazine photo from Pop Sugar.

[Editor’s Note: Check out Madonna in these Killer Gun Shoes by Chanel, and the controversy her footwear is causing.

When I was first born, my mother used to have nightmares that she used me as a bookmark and lost me in a book. Perhaps her fitful sleep could have been averted had I worn Bumble Bells, a new line of audible anklewear launched by our friend Jill Katona. The expandable ankle bracelets have tiny bells on them, so wherever your baby goes, you can hear her ringing.

As Jill says, “If any of you know anyone who is having a baby, just had a baby, is giving away a baby, regularly misplaces their baby, or knows people who like to spend money on babies, please direct them to Bumble Bells.”

I’d like to add that folks who like to simply look at adorable babies should check out the site too, as Jill’s baby Maggie functions as Bumble Bells‘ (super) model.

Happy birthday to me! This Store Adorer is a year older, definitely wiser (if a little more unhinged than last October, I blame it on art school), more spoiled, and in way more debt, student and otherwise. Of course, in honor of me, I’m thinking about what I want. It’s actually not all that weird a wishlist, probably because I have no time to do anything like watch new DVDs or go out to eat. And frankly, like most of us, I’m guessing, I need to refresh the essentials. Following is my short list of birthday cravings—minus the cake, cause that’s half-eaten in my fridge already.

First on the list is new perfume: Nectarine Blossom and Honey cologne from Jo Malone ($55). This is the only fragrance I’ll wear, because it’s delicate (read: never brings on a migraine) and layerable, which means I can buy one bottle and make new and exciting scents out of it when I get little samples at Bloomingdales. Right now I’m at the bottom of the Blue Agave, and am looking to this Nectarine scent next, which layers beautifully with the Pomegranate—a sexy smell I like for late nights. Wink.

Last year I got an Alexis Bittar resin necklace as a gift and didn’t wear anything else for months. That last pendant was a green horseshoe, and recently I fell in love with this super weird po-mo wishbone necklace ($155) in more versatile white resin. I love the way it breaks (no pun intended) over the collar bone, and I dig the sorta creepy shape of the faux bones.

I’ve been using the same Marc Jacobs bag I got two birthdays ago this whole time (I mean you have to, when the bag’s worth your rent), and I’m starting to look around at the competition with a greedy eye. I know it’s not a surprising choice, but Rebecca Minkoff’s Morning After Mini bag is just perfect like a circle. I want it in the black patent combo leather ($585). Her site carries them, as does the amazing Lower East Side boutique Shop, where I recently saw them at a slightly lower price point in a combo of black and gold crackle leather.

Today at lunchtime I went to the incredible hidden midtown gem The Pink Slip to treat myself to some birthday underwear. Sure, I’m a dork, but I wanted some new Hanky Pankys and I deserve them! I discovered this new kind, the ruched boyshort panties ($34 each), which have amazing seaming down the front, which made me feel like Dita von Teese, or an Agent Provocateur pinup girl, and which were cheap enough that I bought two. Splurge!