When asked to help throw the perfect 40th birthday party for our dear friend Ellie, we jumped at the chance to collaborate with some of our favorite people. Flowers were artfully designed by Jessica Stage and food was prepared by none other than our very own Virginia Mourneaut. We’ve all been a little obsessed with Downton Abbey of late around here, so we decided to use the show as inspiration for the event.

Here’s Jessica wearing a peach silk charmeuse lace dress by Sir (available in custom colors), while showing us the muted palette of her bouquet. Below, Jessica prepares the arrangements at Pasanella & Son Vintners. Her outfit is by Pipsqueak Chapeau, and the dress is available in both brown and black.

Here Virginia serves a hearty meal of beef tenderloin and roast duck breast, accompanied by a fine assortment of wines selected by Ryan, the resident wine guru from Pasanella. A good time was had by all.

We decided to celebrate the first day of the Lunar New Year the best way we know how: by stuffing ourselves with delicious food in Chinatown!  We settled in at our go-to spot, Big Wong King on Mott St, and ordered all our lucky favorites: sam bo fan (three treasure rice), choy sum, and wonton noodle soup.  This week we’ll keep ourselves festive with the colors red and gold while keeping in mind that the 2012 dragon is meant to symbolize empowerment.  Many Chinese people believe that this is the luckiest week of the year.  Gung hay fat choy!

From Goto Horoscopes: The year 2012 of the Black Water Dragon promises to be a very interesting time that will provide plenty of opportunities for all members of the zodiacal circle. This period has many enigmatic, mysterious, unexpected and memorable moments that one can use for one’s own benefit. The new year 2012 by the eastern calendar does not begin on 1st of January, but on 23rd of January. Its stormy start will not cause the slightest doubt among any of the representative of the zodiacal circle – it’s time for change and one should be ready for that.

visit astrology.com to learn about your sign in the Year of the Black Water Dragon.

(thanks Derek Nguyen for Goto Horoscopes)

And she likes us too: NY Times Fashion & Style.

As it gets lighter earlier and the morning’s briskness hurries us out the front door, one of our favorite rituals is to meet at Abraço on 7th St. in the East Village. The darling café, owned by Elizabeth Quijada and Jamie McCormick, easily makes one of the best cappuccinos in the city. Standing in the cozy space with a warm cup clasped in our hands makes us feel like we’re somewhere far off like Milan before dashing off to start our day.

We’d like to give a special thanks to Jane Walentas for letting us use her exquisite carousel before it gets moved to it’s new permanent home in DUMBO. It was a unique opportunity to shoot in such a lovely historic environment. For more info, check out Jane’s Carousel.

We here at Albertine are huge fans of lockets as gifts.  The right locket can come to represent all the feelings that one wants to convey to a beloved.  We often hear about a locket becoming a treasured piece for clients, one that they love to wear everyday.  We’ve compiled a selection for Mother’s Day that we feel hits all the right notes and can become a piece that mom will keep for many years to come.

left to right: Delphine Crescent Moon locket from the 1920′s ($175), Cave Canem Paste Cabochon locket early 1900′s ($245), Small gold filled locket from 1920′s on 14k gold chain ($285), Madam Fortuna locket ($345), Early 1900′s intricately engraved locket on 14k chain ($425).

Lookout for Ariane’s upcoming DVD and visit her at brooklynbridgebootcamp.com. Hope to see you on the Bridge!

Dreaming of the sun in the south of France, Le Fanion (W 4th and Bank) is one of Kyung’s favorite stores. They offer French Country antique and handmade pottery and earthenware, perfect for dinner parties or gatherings with friends while sharing some nice cheese and wine.

Orson is Albertine’s Top Dog.  What he says goes.  These are his picks for the holidays.

right: Orson dreams of chasing butterflies in a big golden field.  He’ll have to settle for these.  Cave Canem silver gilt butterfly pin. American circa turn of the century  (smaller butterfly). $135

Hand painted enamel pin from Spain, 1960′s (larger butterfly).  $85

left: A self-portrait.  If Orson could fly, he’d be a bat.
Ceramic bat with a quartz drop.  14k gold vermeil.  $285

right: Rhinestone Tiger bracelet. The full body is articulated so it looks like it’s napping around your wrist.  Orson does the same thing with round pillows. $275

Orson likes these because his mommy often refers to him as Chunky Monkey.  Hand cast in brass then plated in silver then 24k gold. These lacquered monkeys are made in Columbia.  $85

left: Orson often dreams of visiting the motherland.  He likes to think that he’d find a friend like this over there.  Enameled Rhinestone Zebra pin from the 80′s. Great worn with a one shoulder dress or a blazer. $275

right: Orson picked this piece because it reminds him of football Sundays with Daddy.  Tug of War Enameled Rhinestone Panther bracelet from the 80′s. $185