STORAGE OBSESSION- NATURAL BASKETS

I've finally got around to Spring cleaning my tiny office this week, and found that after I returned the embarassingly large pile of fabric samples I had accumulated, I actually had some room. Not wanting this little slice of storage space to disappear,  I ran over to my favorite go-to store, West Elm, and shopped for baskets for storage. They have a great selection of storage options, beautiful baskets crafted from rattan, felt and seagrass in a variety of shapes and sizes.  My favorite- the tall, rainbow colored baskets created by craftswomen in Senegal from millet grass and recycled plastic, perfect to hide construction documents or my latest collection of fabric samples!

 Take a dip! This classic rattan basket has been updated with a dip in white paint.

 I love the shape of this classic seagrass basket.

 Wire mesh adds a note of industrial chic to your office space.

 Bold moves with a color block basket in stylish natural seagrass and black lacquer

A soft touch-woven felt makes a pretty catch-all for papers.

KIPS BAY SHOWHOUSE

 The first day of Blogfest 2013 started with a much anticipated visit to this year's Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse located in an elegant limestone townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side. The roster of talented designer's had a mere 4 weeks to transform their rooms into inspiring, enviable spaces, which they did with great success!

 Some of the highlights include: 

 Andrew Suvalsky created a modern and welcoming Foyer space through the use of bold color and interesting mid-century furnishings.

 The Lounge Suite was created by the design firm Garcia/Maldonado.

 A beautiful urban sanctuary was created with soft leather walls, custom bookshelves and a stylish neutral palette punctuated with bursts of orange.

 Art work plays a pivotal role in this room creating drama

 Finishing touches-the silk drapes feature beautiful beaded trim which add a subtle sparkle

A nature inspired chandelier was a highlight of Designer Kristen McGinnis dramatic dining room.  Saturated colors intermingled with an elegant hand painted ceiling and streamlined dining table.

The delightful Barbara Ostrom took me through her elegant Sitting Room and Home Office. Note the gorgeous hand painted ceiling which gives the room a modern yet sophisticated focal point. Barbara mentioned that she had to add a decorative element to the ceiling because it had been covered in tar which was impossible to remove. Brava! 

 A close up of the chic office area 

 Eve Robinson used soft greys and lavenders to create a sophisticated game area suitable for both kids and adults.

 Note the luxurious leather carpet and touches of gold in the sitting area.

 Fun and whimsy rein in Sara Story's Bamboo Room which features a funky modular sofa and graphic black and white bamboo wallpaper.

MISSONI HOME-SPRING PICKS

Just in time for a little spring spruce-up, Missoni Home is opening its doors in Southampton with a shop brimming with Missoni's iconic zig zag prints and spirited florals on pillows, luxe beach towels and stylish home accessories. The pieces are perfect for a beach house. I can't wait to pick up a vibrant pouf for the family room and have my eye on the Borsa Vase, a stylish take on a quilted handbag just waiting to be filled with a bunch of garden flowers.

Borsa Vase

Onley Bag

 Lobelia Cushion

Glazed wrap vase

Aeonium Pouf Ottoman

Nerja Throw

Narboneta Pillow

Bouquet Ottoman

CHERRY BLOSSOM BARRAGE

If there was ever a time to strolling through Central Park, it's now, when the Cherry Blossom trees are at their most spectacular.  Delicate pink blossoms bursting with gorgeous color-

Can't make it to the park?  You can still bring a little Spring bling into your wardrobe with these fabulous Cherry Blossom inspired pieces that celebrate the season.

Submarine cherry blossom print swimsuit

Hand painted cherry blossom stilettos

Floral fantasy clutch

Field Day whimsical necklace

YSL

Alice and Olivia  platform pumps

Wishing you all a Happy Mother's Day!

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!

Beardmore Mortice door knob in brass with polished silver finish

A beautiful door knob performs more than just a function, it can enhance the design of your room bringing style and fashion right to your door step! My top ten includes glamorous knobs topped with semi-precious stones and smart geometric designs.

Malachite and gold trimmed doorknob

Reeded beehive brass knob

Gothic inspired knob

Classic basketweave

Semi-precious oval knob in rose quartz

Geometric estate knob

Old Town amber knob

Daisy door knob

TIFFANY BRINGS GREAT GATSBY TO LIFE

 The long anticipated movie opening for The Great Gatsby is right around the corner and I can't wait!  Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan are dressed to the nines in this Baz Luhrmann remake of F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel and homage to the decadent roaring 20"s. Who wouldn't want to be Daisy for an evening, dripping in diamonds and swathed in stands of pearls, dancing with the dashing Jay Gatsby? Sign me up! To celebrate the movie opening,  Tiffany and Co. recently unveiled windows at their NY flagship store inspired by "The Great Gatsby."  Lots of bubbles and "bubbly" are interspersed with Tiffany's new Great Gatsby Collection, featuring beautiful Deco inspired pieces--can anyone say Mother's Day wish list?

 The Savoy headpiece was created by Tiffany and Co. especially for the movie. The headpiece worn by Carey Mulligan features a detachable diamond and pearl brooch. 

Deco Fan Bangle in black lacquer and diamonds

 Tiffany covered the boutiques facade with a 45 foot high Art Deco Fountain applique

 Ziegfeld Collection cuff links in black enamel and sterling silver.

Tanzanite and diamond cocktail ring

 Daisy brooch of white and yellow diamonds