Merry Merry

I'm home in Connecticut with my family for the holidays (see above for the lake view from our porch and our puppy, Parker!) and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. I hope you all have a very merry Christmas!!

J.Crew Women's Collection

The J.Crew Women's Collection on 79th and Madison in New York City features a limited-edition line with designer detailing. The line is updated seasonally and features finds like vintage Rolex's and books.

The interior design is the brainchild of the brand's Creative Director Jenna Lyons, who draws her inspiration from old Manhattan and downtown inspiration. The reclaimed hickory floors from Pennsylvania were the first renovation made in the space, which were arranged in a herringbone manner. They were left unfinished so the clothes would pop against the neutral palette.

The store entered the Upper East Side without much of a stir, and Lyon explains, "We always try to draw on the immediate community to create relevance and a connection."

J.Crew Collection
1035 Madison Avenue (at 79th Street)
New York, NY 10075
212-249-3869

All photography credit to Lonny Magazine

Film: Broken Embraces

Official Selection of the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, Pedro Almodovar’s new movie, Broken Embraces, is now playing in New York and L.A. The film was shot in the 1950’s style American noir and stars Almodovar’s muse, Penelope Cruz (love her). Can't wait to see it!

Christmas Letters

I found these images from one of my favourite blogs, katie did. For her holiday party in Brooklyn, NY, she cut out letters, put together long strands of bakers twine (or any thin string will do). Using scotch tape, tape the letters to the string, folding each piece of tape from the front of letter, over the string and to the back of the letter. Secure string of words to walls. Done!

Hermes Enamel

I noticed these Hermes enamel bracelets on my boss recently and fell in love. She wears them stacked, three or so at a time, and they look incredibly chic. I love that they are inconspicuous (with no branding) and can be mixed and matched for any outfit. Check out all of their enamel bracelets, sorted by colour, HERE.

Ithaka

C.P. Cavafy
Translated by
Edmund Keeley & Philip Sherrard

When you set out for Ithaka
hope your road is a long one,
full of adventure, full of discovery.
Laistrygonians, Cyclops,
angry Poseidon- don't fear them:
you'll never find things like that on your way
as long as you keep your thoughts raised high,
as long as rare excitement
stirs your spirit and your body.
Laistrygonians, Cyclops,
wild Poseidon- you won't encounter them
unless you bring them along inside your soul,
unless your soul sets them up in front of you.

Hope your road is a long one.
May there be many summer mornings when,
with that pleasure, what joy,
you enter harbours you're seeing for the first time;
may you stop at Phoenician trading stations
to buy fine things,
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
sensual perfume of every kind-
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
and may you visit many Egyptian cities
to learn and go on learning from their scholars.

Keep Ithaka always in your mind.
Arriving there is what you're destined for.
But don't hurry the journey at all.
Better if it last for years,
so you're old by the time you reach the island,
wealthy with all you've gained along the way,
not expecting Ithaka to make you rich.
Ithaka gave you the marvelous journey.
Without her you wouldn't have set out.
She has nothing left to give you now.

And if you find her poor, Ithaka won't have fooled you.
Wise as you will have become, so full of experience,
you'll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean.

Golden Glitz & Glamour

The tiniest of details can make all of the difference. All three of these pieces could be worn together with a blazer, rolled jeans and sky-high heels, or separately to spruce up any old outfit. I personally can't wait to curl my golden locks and pop on this headband from Plaza Too. Earrings and cami from HERE.

Lonny Magazine Update

Watch Michelle Adams, Editor-in-Chief of Lonny Magazine, discuss holiday decorating tips and eco textiles as she reveals the next issue date of the newest online magazine HERE.

Liberty of London

The British luxury department store, Liberty, will be partnering with Target for a new collection hitting shelves on March 14, 2010. The collaborate collection will encompass home, fashion, and “other categories”, according to WWD. The fashion line will include apparel and accessories for women, men, and children. I can't WAIT to check it out!

Christian Cota and Doc Hendley's "An Evening for Charity"

Nate Berkus, Ana Ortiz, Christian Cota, Doc Hendley

Women's clothing designer Christian Cota was kind enough to personally invite me to the launch of his e-commerce site and his 2009 eHoliday capsule collection, “An Evening for Charity” on December 1, 2009.

The event benefited CNN’s 2009 Heroes nominee, Doc Hendley, and his non-profit aid organisation Wine to Water that began in 2004 and focuses on providing clean water in developing countries around the world.

Guests sipped Taittinger champagne while Mr. Cota himself signed the limited edition men’s and women’s hand painted t-shirts. The 2009 Christian Cota eHoliday capsule collection features dresses and separates that are being sold exclusively during the month of December on christiancota.com. 25% of the online sales will go to the Wine to Water charity along with proceeds of the limited edition hand painted t-shirts.

After graduating Parsons School of Design in 2005 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, Christian Cota launched his company in February of 2007. In 2007, Style.com named Christian Cota one of their “Ten Newcomers to Watch”. In January of 2009, he received Fashion Group International’s "Women’s Ready to Wear Rising Star" Award.

C’H’C’M’

C’H’C’M’ (Clinton Hill Classic Menswear), is an online men's shop that has an impressive collection of American and European brands that all have strong heritage, incredible attention to detail and keep basic function in mind. Their booth at this past November's Pop-Up Flea here in New York created tons of buzz and anticipation for their next pop-up in January in the East Village where they will roll out their Spring 2010 line.

Sweetu Patel founded the company in March 2009. A former furniture designer, the selection includes names like Gitman Brothers, Saint James, Mackintosh, Drakes, Northern Waters, Jack Spade and Rogues Gallery. Shop C’H’C’M’ here.

Cheers To The Holidays

Nothing is as festive as a great bar at a party, and these bar trays are an inviting and functional way to serve drinks in your home without taking up too much space.

Images from Lonny, Domino and New York Magazine

Object of Desire: Grey Jersey

This grey "Flipside Blazer" from Anthropologie is crafted from soft jersey and would be the perfect accompaniment over a simple black dress or just jeans and heels (and the price is definitely right). Shop here.

The New Moment

Starting this Friday, 4 December 2009, The New York Times Magazine's "The Moment" style blog (one of my favourite daily reads!) will be revamping their site. There will now be access to all of the content from the past 15 annual issues of T, as well as exclusive videos and web-only features. There will also be a new culture section. Read "The Moment" here.

John Derian Company

This is one of those stores you just have to visit. Moroccan rugs, Hugo Guinness original and signed prints (every May they have an exhibition for Hugo’s one-of-a-kind drawings on paper), Rogues Gallery vintage tees and all of the odds and ends that your home would ever need. This cozy antique/vintage shop can outfit your home and accessorize your life with handpicked French and American flea market goods by Mr. Derian himself. Click here to read more.

John Derian

6 East 2nd Street (near Bowery)

New York, New York 10003

212.677.3917

L.L. Bean Signature Collection

L.L.Bean, Inc., the classic American label that was founded in 1912 and originally only sold the Maine Hunting Shoe, is now coming out with a Signature Collection in March 2010.

The company hired designer Alex Carleton, the founder of Rogues Gallery, as its creative director. In March, it will introduce the line including light-weight tailored linen blazers, buffalo plaid and madras shirts, nubby shawl-neck sweaters and a new version of the field coat for men. The women’s collection will feature a belted camp jacket, a denim line, madras shirtdresses, wrap skirts and new chino styles. Carleton will also create a new twist on L.L. Bean classics such as the Boat and Tote Bags. They released that the Signature Collection will not be priced much higher than the basic product line.

Images from the above launch party credit to L.L. Bean.

Holiday Decor: Gilded Pinecones

This is no big news, but Martha Stewart has some really classic and chic holiday decor ideas. I love the way these pinecones have the perfect Midas Touch and the bow that holds them together is just as stylish. Easy to make and elegant to look at:

1. In a ventilated area, line a surface with plastic and then paper. Secure a rod across an open cardboard box.

2. Insert a screw eye into base of each pinecone. Attach a 10-inch-long wire to each screw eye.

3. Stir gold paint. Wearing gloves, dip pinecones to coat; hang on rod in box. Let dry (at least 1 day).

4. Remove wire; thread with a thick silk ribbon

All photography credit to Martha Stewart Living

The Sartorialist: Alessandra Colombo, Milan

Alessandra Colobo, an Italian fashion designer, poses for Scott Schumar's Sartorialist. I love the way her style is completely androgynous yet still so chic. Not much of what I wear is very girly and trendy (I just can't pull it off) but I admire those who can! I would definitely wear any of these pieces Alessandra has on.

Personal Style Quirk?:
"I always buy trousers (with creases) at least two sizes bigger than my size - in order to style them my own way."

Your Next "Must-Have" Purchase?:
"A vintage yellow gold Rolex Chronograph."

Favorite Book?:
"Alice in Wonderland."

All photography credit to The Sartorialist.

Before and After: A Manhattan Bedroom

"Your bed should always be ready to

catch you as you fall into it."

Sunday mornings are for spending in bed (and then running off to brunch with friends). But until then, I can be found with The New York Times Online, my laptop, coffee and books. Rita Konig, a decorator based here in New York who has written about style for British Vogue, The Telegraph and Domino, agrees.

Her New York City apartment rental is very similar to my previous apartment- room for a queen-sized bed and not much else! Beds are obviously the center of bedrooms, but this bed is even more so, since it takes up most of the room. The bedroom above only measures 6.5 feet by 8 feet, which doesn't leave much room for the imagination.

The window makes a world of a difference when it comes to not feeling so claustrophobic, but she notes that the feminine wallpaper made an enormous difference, as well. She adds that when looking for a place to live, use the windows as a guide. If they are good, and the room is a good shape, you will always be able to make it lovely. Click the image above to enlarge.

Konig's tips and necessities for making your bedroom a dreamy haven:

1. European (square 27") pillows are a must for a complete look
2. Standard down pillows for sleeping, plus a few decorative ones
3. Mix textures and weights. It gives everything a longer life because if you can mix things in a slightly different way each week, you won’t tire of what you have so quickly. The main thing is to keep everything soft. Anything that spends too much time on the floor, like heavy bedspreads, or cushions, really belong on a chair or sofa
4. Most importantly, sheets. Your sheets and duvet cover should feel crisp and clean and gentle on the skin. Collect them over the years so you have your favourite styles and fabrics. Look at them as a collection. Once you have many sets, it's fun to mix and match to make the room truly your own (favourites include D. Porthault, Yves Delorme and Leontine)

All photography credit to The New York Times, The Moment

Elizabeth Gilbert on Nurturing Creativity

Does artistry always lead to anguish? Elizabeth Gilbert asks this question in her 20-minute TED talk. She confronts the issues of managing the inherent emotional risks of creativity and the relationship we all have with our creative instincts. This is a funny and humbling video that is worth the watch.

Libations: Pinot Noir

My family loves good wine, and this Thanksgiving holiday "week" has been no exception to tasting and trying out what we love. I was recently on a Malbec kick, but I've listed below the Pinots I've been faithful to for some time now (that are nicely priced). The new addition to the list, Aquinas, was tonight's libation. I can't wait to try it again!

Aquinas

2007 Napa Valley Pinot Noir

(Earthy and juicy cherries)

Au Bon Climat

2007 Santa Barbara Pinot Noir

(Plums and strawberries)

Clos du Val

2005 Napa Valley Pinot Noir

(Black cherries and spices)

Artist Spotlight: Sally King Benedict

I recently came across Sally King Benedict's artwork after reading about her in Coastal Living and I ran to her site to learn more about her. Her work can be described as chic and beautifully relaxing. It's no wonder why most of her works are sold out on her site!

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, SKB received her BA from the College of Charleston in December 2007 with a concentration in painting and printmaking. Her preferred mediums are oil on canvas, linen and paper, and ink and guache on paper.

It is enlightening to see an artist that is my age doing what she loves- and doing it so well. I've recently been contemplating trying my own hand at painting- working out colour schemes, sizes and the approach I would like to take. I think SKB's paintings below will serve as my inspiration!

The artist's statement:

"Loose lines, layered color, and spontaneity have taken precedence in creating my most recent works. Recollections of simplistic thoughts, scribbles, and feelings have begun to dictate the palettes’ intensity or perhaps the lack there of. The lines are varied, intersecting, and contrasting with great influences ranging from organic forms from nature and found objects to the collection of text from the old letterpress in my studio. I rarely start a piece with a plan because having the liberty to be free and to experiment makes the process that much more meaningful and unexpected. With this latest approach, I hope to portray energetic compositions that are approachable and relevant."

Learn more about Sally King Benedict here.

"Peace Piece"

Oil and charcoal on linen, 40x40

"Secret"

Oil and charcoal on linen, 17x17

"Orange Draw"

Oil and charcoal on linen, 14x14

"Finch"

Oil and charcoal on linen, 54x54

"Acid"

Oil and charcoal on canvas, 48x60

Gift It: Book Guide

Below are some of my favourite coffee table books that would all work as great gifts this season. Whether it be fashion, interiors, cooking or art, all of these publications would be the perfect addition to any design-minded home.

All of the books listed below can be found on Amazon.com, but if you're here in New York and in the mood for a fruitful adventure, head over to Ursus Books in the Carlyle Hotel for rare books and prints, or try old faithful Rizzoli Books.

Angelika Taschen's New York: Hotels, Restaurants & Shops

Scott Schuman's The Sartorialist

Ralph Lauren

Pierre Passebon's Jacques Grange Interiors

Sarah Magid's Organic & Chic

Richard Mishaan's Modern Luxury

Matt Albiani's Lifeguard on Duty

Suzanne Kasler's Inspired Interiors

Kelly Klein's Horse

Robert John Thornton's Temple of Flora

Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc At Home

Nick Brandt's A Shadow Falls

Walton Ford's Pancha Tantra

Phaidon's Coco: 10 World-Leading Masters Choose 100 Contemporary Chefs

Peter York's Dictator Style: Lifestyles of the World's Most Colorful Despots

Phaidon's Atlas of the 21st Century World Architecture

Phaidon's Sempe: Panic Stations (Jean-Jacques Sempe explores some of his favourite themes, such as unspoken truths, failed communications and hidden talents.)

M. Sasek's This is London

Jean-Philippe Delhomme's The Cultivated Life: Artistic, Literary and Decorating Dramas

Taschen's Keith Haring 25th Anniversary Edition

Phaidon's 30,000 Years of Art