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

Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

The Holiday Gift Guide for him. This season's tools, trinkets and toys for him to try on and try out.

"Keep Calm & Carry On" Print and Wooden Frame. Shop here.

Tom Ford Pablo Aviators. Shop here.

Acaso Dream Polished Espresso Machine. Shop here.

Paul Stuart Cashmere Lined Lambskin Gloves. Shop here.

J.Crew "The trouble with jogging is that your ice falls out of your glass" Flask. Shop here.

Tiffany's Engine-turned Money Clip. Shop here.

Billy Reid Woven Check Scarf. Shop here.

Ghurka Travel Holdall. Shop here.

Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera. Shop here.

Orvis Field Watch. Shop here.

LEGO Architects Guggenheim Museum. Shop here.

Kelt Cognac VSOP. Shop here.

Levi's 1967 505 Dark Jeans. Shop here.

Equinox Gym Membership. Shop here.

Paul Smith Ties. Shop here.

Nike+ package to track your runs (sneakers and armband). Shop here.