FAVORITES

I don't normally toast the end of summer, as it's my most favorite season. Everyone has a smile on his or her face, layers aren't needed and the rosé is flowing....all day (I couldn't resist). There's just something about the warm weather, languorous days and constant gatherings.

However, this year we have the chicest ice buckets you've ever seen. Inspired by a mid-century, top swinging acrylic design I picked up decades ago, we've updated it to accommodate the fashions of today. Of course, we're doing it in crystal clear acrylic but we've also added polished marble bases with clear acrylic tops. So, it's also the perfect vessel for blush colored M & M's or whatever your guilty pleasure. Knowing I can still keep toasting in style is making the transition to fall just the tiniest bit easier.

Cheers!

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Bottom line... it's all about the details. Your outfit is not complete without that final touch, be it a piece of jewelry, a distinct belt, a purposefully messy updo or a glossed lip. Fashion stylists have their tricks, as do Interior Designers; I never tire of hearing them.

I know I've told you Carl and I recently moved and I've been working on that top layer. The jewelry for the home. Whether it's a perfectly placed knot on top of stacked coffee table books, a brass tray on the bar or a multi-textured sculpture, it's the objéts that attract the eye. It's not easy, and I'm super meticulous (or crazy, as Carl would say), but I'm just obsessed with curating that perfect trifecta of adornments.

Here are some of my favorites, and I live for my Gucci Belt too.

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Mirror, mirror on the wall… It’s all about the “mirror-selfie,” according to my stepdaughter, Hannah. Honestly, upon embarking on any excursion we can’t get very far without a cry to “Wait!”, and I turn around to find her snapping away into some indiscriminate mirror she spotted. I get it; they’re all doing it. Random, baseless activities need to be cataloged and archived into the social media queue for all to witness. I mean, we NEED to know what everyone and anyone is doing at every given moment… Ok, so you can detect a bit of sarcasm here, but honestly, I get it. It’s fun, often funny, and provides an outlet for a bit of creativity (at least this is what I tell myself).

So, in order to step-up the mirror-selfie inclined, here are a few sophisticated pieces and statement mirrors to up your game.

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This month of celebrating was a blast. Which, for my waistline wasn’t so great, but for enjoying myself, was sublime. Carl and I recently moved into a new apartment, which we’ve been renovating for about a year. (I can’t wait to show you more in future posts…) That being said, our kitchen is a bit away from our living room, so I realized in about two seconds how important trays are when carting hor d’oeuvres back and forth…in high heels nonetheless. I’ve always loved them placed upon an ottoman with a sprinkling of beautiful objèts or books, but honestly, true practicality was never my focus. That is, until now.

So, I divided trays into two categories for future development: 1, usability, portability and design and 2, purely decorative (ie: heavy or low sides). For sure there’s a need for both, but for serving you need them to have both form and

As the Thanksgiving kick-off is now behind us, the holidays are rapidly approaching, which, depending on the type of person you are, either stresses you out OR you start singing. Personally, I love to entertain, so the holiday season gives me an excuse to fill our home with family and friends.

Ahhh, and what to wear... Well, this season it's ALL about velvet, so I treated myself to a few new pieces. I'll rotate my black, three-quarter sleeve blouse with of-the-moment cropped, flared jeans, and Aquazzura Sexy Thing heels (really, tha's what they're called) for the more casual, yet festive evenings. And for dressier occasions, I'll pair the sleek pair of black velvet trousers with an ivory, silk, ruffled blouse, and slip on the same Sexy Thing heels. Add some jewelry and a smoky eye and I'm ready to go.

That being said, back to the fabric du jour... I

Although our inspiration comes from many different sources, fashion is our driving force. I just can't help it. First of all, it's my background, secondly, I love it and lastly, I have a crazy admiration for designers and their creative passion. It is just endless and boundless and the opposite of risk adverse. The use of leather is a perfect example, especially this season. It was seen all over the runways and is bursting into every category.

While I'm spouting about leather, let me share a secret bespoke belt source in the city of light. And, who doesn't want to go to Paris? These tiny boutiques are called Losco (20 rue Sévigné or 5 rue de Sèvres) and they're designed to look like apothecaries with little drawers, cabinets and surprises everywhere. First, you choose your belt, color, and design from the myriad of choices, next, pick your buckle, and then stumble through your mediocre French to have it assembled, sized and voilà! A unique, perfectly fitting and of course, c