SETTING HEARTS AFLUTTER

LOVE, Robert Indiana, 1967.

While I'd never turn my nose at a box of Valentine chocolates, there are so many stylish gifts that celebrate the day of love, why stop at salted caramels? Get creative--toast the holiday with a delicious glass of rose champagne and present your loved one (or maybe yourself!) with one of my favorite gifts for the Valentine's Day-

Sweet Tart--whimsical Peron Hearts peep toe pump give a stylish nod to the holiday and beyond.

Sugar, Sugar-Inspired by those yummy Necco wafer candies, the ultra thin Waif Coaster set is made of French enamel coated copper and comes in a delicious palette of sweet pinks and dark colas.

Circle of Love-a darling needle made macarame lace heart bracelet from Cruciani, the renowned heritage Italian lace making house, the perfect gift for your little sweet thing.

Shaken, not stirred-The James Bond Archives, the ultimate book on all things Bond for your dashing guy; enough said.

Red Hot- spice up your LBD or white tee and jeans with these whimsical double rose earrings from Oscar de la Renta.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA-SPRING FRESH

Springs color of the moment?  It must be evergreen, the deeply saturated, perfect for spring hue that Oscar de la Renta has masterfully interpreted in his stunning 2013 Resort Wear Collection. The timeless silhouettes are bursting with delicate blooms-I love the sophisticated, garden fresh glamour!

IRISH SPRING

The weather forecast for this Thursday is expected to be a balmy 60 degrees.  If I could do a back flip and not seriously injure myself I would. Not that it's been a terribly difficult winter, it's just thats its been winter:  cold, depressing, grey, winter. Frankly, I'm over it and anxious for a taste of spring.  My impatience was exacerbated by the gorgeous Carolina Herrara windows on Madison Avenue. I've passed the chic shop several times recently and caught my breath each time. Floaty spring dresses in Herrera's flattering silhouettes grace the windows, all in beautiful shades of green. Tiny birds with emerald wings, delicate pistachio hues--so fresh, spring can't be far away!

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

REBECCA TAYLOR

PETER SOM

JAY GODFREY

REBECCA TAYLOR

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

RACHEL COMEY

RALPH LAUREN

MILLY

MICHAEL KORS

PIAZZA SEMPIONE

Are you ready for a bit of green?

WASP STYLE

Whether perched on a jacket lapel or dangling from a delicate earlobe, the insect motif seems to be a strong design trend this fall. Oscar de la Renta's Resort jewelry line is awash in gorgeous beetles and bugs and Luxuria Jewellery's jaunty men's Wasp silver cufflinks are oh so chic. I'm smitten with the trend of insect inspired accessories-a celebration of nature without the sting! 

Matthew Campbell Laurenza Spider Ring

Me and Ro butterfly ring

 Oscar de la Renta Beetle Cuff

Ileana Makri Beetle Ring

Vernissage Imperial Moth ring

Kenneth Jay Lane Flower Bug Ring

PRETTY AS A PEACOCK

On a recent visit to the Bronx Zoo, I became mesmerized by a flock of peacocks strutting in a nearby field.  Fanning their gorgeous plumes for visitors, the peacocks were a sea of deep blues and greens;  delicate eye candy. This fall the peacock's jeweled blues and greens are inspiration for a host of vibrant fashion and home accessories, fabrics and paints-pick up something peacock and strut your stuff!

Oscar de la Renta's stunning jeweled interpretation

Chic chapeau in leopard and peacock from Barneys

Benjamin Moore's Bermuda Turquoise paint is luxurious and intense

Cappellini Peacock chair could ruffle a few feathers 

Flirty peacock pin from Kate Spade

  Turquoise and chocolate brown-delicious winter combination

 Stylish hair plumes from Etsy

Blue Gioia feather lambsuede clutch from Vivre 

features  blue feathers beneath a gold grille

 Ultimate fall accessory-Louboutin pump in peacock blue

HOLIDAY WINDOW DRESSING-OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Photo from The New York Times

As I strolled down Madison Avenue yesterday, I took time to appreciate some of the spectacular window dressing that appeared in many of the fashionable shop windows.  My favorite--Oscar de la Renta's spectacular "fir" Christmas tree created by cutting edge interior designer Miles Redd. The whimsical ball grown was fashioned from Douglas fir branches and splashed with a smattering of peacock feathers- topped with a plain white tee, the look was uber holiday chic and fitting for the always in style Oscar de la Renta.