If you spend any amount of time in home furnishing stores or gourmet coffee cafes then you have felt the latest trend in interior design.  Possibly, you've enjoyed this phenomenon without knowing.   White washed pine furniture sound familiar?  Heavy linen upholstery and slip-covers ring a bell?  The knotty pine communal farm tables have taken the U.S. by storm.   Two companies were ahead of the trend, and actually helped create the trend.  Restoration Hardware & Le Pain Quotidien.COMMUNAL TABLE AT LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN

The West coast lifestyle home furnishing haven - Restoration Hardware has reset the bar for interior designers from coast to coast.   What once took tens of thousands of dollars to acquire items at auction all over Europe, can now be found for a few thousand dollars at a mall near you.   If you haven't been to a mall recently, undoubtedly you have been besieged by catalogs the size of phone books from the newly re-branded RH.  Make that multiple catalogs - Furniture, Outdoor Furnishing, Children's Furniture, and so on.   While the brand was once synonymous with other stores like Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn, nobody is confusing Restoration Hardware with other brands today.

Le Pain Quotidien also achieved success through furnishing - despite the fact that they don't sell furniture.  That's right, this Belgian baker of daily bread, pastries, and brewers of delicious coffeeRUSTIC PINE MANSARD MIRROR AT RESTORATION HARDWARE has changed the way Americans spend time in cafes.   What was once relegated to the Amish in Pennsylvania, has found it's way all over the United States.  While American suburbia has created communities of people who live life behind fences and gates, Le Pain Quotidien is forcing you to actually see your neighbor - even if you won't talk to them. 

In the late 90's, a THE AUTHOR WITH ANTIQUE RESTORER CHRISTOPHE POURNY AT LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN DURING "BETWEEN THE SQUARES" SPONSORED BY 1STDIBS - PHOTO COURTESY OF 1STDIBSdifferent wave of Belgian influence was the biggest trend in NY Cuisine.  Nothing was trendier than "Moules and Frites" aka Mussels & Fries with your favorite pint of pale ale Belgian beer!  Large beer hall style spots like Markt (Formerly cavernous on 14thst & 9th Avenue - now the home of the Apple super store) and the mini-chain BELGO from the U.K that had opened it's first U.S. outpost in the windowless space that is now known as BUTTER on Lafayette Street.   Belgo made a big splash and fast crash -which basically summed up the brief Belgian food trend of the late 90's.  Certainly Moules and Frites still thrive in many NYC restaurants, but as an overall theme - Belgian cuisine fizzled.  This time around it's light and sweet and really hits the spot.  The furnishings at RH are also no nonsense.   While you can't say the brand is avant-garde, it is relevant and beautiful - two aspects that cannot be faked, and oh-so-hard to get on trend. 

So the next time you find yourself redecorating or craving a ceramic pot of coffee - visit an RH or PQ near you!  The man that most probably influence both companies is Axel Vervoordt. 

This Belgian interior designer has a way to balance intricate details with austerity, creating a sophisticated and soothing space.  If you are not familiar with his work, click the book cover to search this and other collections of his best work.   

Stella McCartney

adds one more check on the impressive list that is her ever evolving media presence.   This Fall, Stella becomes a cartoon character in the popular children's book series Little Miss / Mr. Men by Roger Hargreaves.    McCartney has a long history of incorporating artists and paintersSTELLA McCARTNEY - FASHION DESIGNER & LITTLE MISSin her actual collections, as well as runway staging design, and artwork for campaigns and show invites.   Hargreaves helped design the invite to her show back in 2006.  ( I saved mine!).    Hargreaves realizes Stella in his world of little round characters, as she helps a fellow classmate find her self confidence through her fashion designs!

To celebrate the partnership, Stella created a capsule collection of Little Miss items in her Stella McCartney Kids Collection.  LITTLE MISS STELLA - FASHION DESIGNERThe collection launched in the UK in August, and makes it state side this Fall.   Shoppers who spend $150.00 will receive the Little Miss book with their order!  The limited edition book is destined to be a collectible.

You should buy SM Kids collection for many reasons.   First and foremost - they are adorable.    Secondly, the collection is made from eco-friendly fabrics.   Lastly, Stella is the only fashion designer with the nerve to refuse the use of leather and animal products in her collections.   Considering all this, how can you not shop Stella!  Shop Stella McCartney kids now - click - Little Miss Stella to shop now.

Susanna Salk returns to bookstores this Spring with her latest how to guide to decorating.   BE YOUR OWN DECORATOR published by Rizzoli is really the best interior design book you can buy this year.  The reason is Salk turns to her contacts in the Interior Design world and brings together looks from the biggest designers in the business.  With over 75 talented professionals showcasing rooms that feature their signature style, B.Y.O.D. has an endless supply of inspiration.  Design legends like Jamie Drake, David Kleinberg, Charlotte Moss, & Bunny Williams join recent interior design stars like Nate Berkus and Celerie Kemble in Susanna Salk's most comprehensive design book to date.

Susanna is seen regularly on the Today Show with her segments on design and decorating.  Her contributions to 1stdibs.com and iVillage.com are fun and informative.   AUTHOR & MEDIA CORRESPONDENT - SUSANNA SALKSalk is at her best when she gives straightforward solutions to design issues that everyone has at home.   That's why her latest book is an excellent gift for any recent graduates, newlyweds, or anyone moving into a new home.   Be Your Own Decorator by Susanna Salk should be on the short list for every licensed Real Estate Agent as a gift to any home buyer.   It was on my great  agent's list - I was so happy to receive BYOD from Stacey Matthews when I recently bought a home!  

**Click book image above to buy your copy now**

The Boutique Hotel travel experts known as Mr & Mrs Smith say Ciao Italia with their latest guide.   The land of Tuscan dreams and Roman Empires is any vacationers ideal destination.  From the Northern hills of

Mr & Mrs Smith know a thing or two about ideal destinations for romantic getaways.  The travel series aren't named after the Brad & Angelina film of the same name.  However, they do reference the age old practice of couples lookingBRAD & ANGELINA'S MR. & MRS. SMITH for a secret rendezvous checking into a hotel and signing the ledger "Mr. & Mrs. Smith"!    Having said that, you can bet all the hotels recommended in the guides are first class, intimate, and out of the ordinary when it comes to amenities and service.  One fashionable highlight is the Tuscan refuge of Castiglion del Bosco.. aka the Ferragamo Resort.  OVER 4,000 ACRES OF CASTIGLION DEL BOSCO With 23 luxurious rooms on over 4,500 acres - let's just say privacy is not an issue at this 5 star resort!  With the legacy of POOL WITH A VIEW - CASTIGLION DEL BOSCOluxury the Ferragamo name carries, you can be sure that the accommodations, the cuisine, and the service will be as exclusive as you can imagine. 

It makes perfect sense that Mr. & Mrs. Smith were guests of honor at the recent re-launch of the Ferragamo Flagship boutique in NYC.   The 20,000 square foot SALVATORE FERRAGAMO FLAGSHIP - 5TH AVENUE PH: VT MALINOWSKIpalazzo of luxury is the largest Ferragamo boutique in the world!   The Smiths signed copies of this latest guide book featuring Castiglion Del Bosco.   The latest runway collection from this house of Italian Fashion FERRAGAMO SPRING RUNWAY SANDALwas also on full display.   The colorful and creative designs had every man and woman thinking "tropical getaway".   One of the hottest accessories right on trend are the colorful and sexy sandals that were the star of the Spring 12 Ferragamo runway show in Milan!

With Venice, Florence, Rome, Naples, & Sicily all in one Country - how does one choose where to begin?   Consult the experts of course! Let Mr & Mrs Smith help plan your next holiday.  Arrivederci! 

CLICK IMAGES FOR MORE INFORMATION

Designer John Galliano took the legacy of Dior to new heights during his reign at this legendary French House of Fashion. 

Galliano's career came to a screeching halt after allegations of public anti-Semitism surfaced in 2011.

The new book COUTURE chronicles just that, with photos by Patrick Demarchelier and text by Ingrid Sischy.   The magical work speaks for itself, and this is an excellent gift for any fan of fashion.

The house of Dior remains a legend in limbo as the suits figure out who to name as the next creative director.   The company recently partnered with artist Anselm Reyle to create a limited edition series of handbags, shoes, and maquillage.    Click Dior to see more accessories or Magic Maquillage to see the limited edition makeup!

New Orleans is filled with talented and creative souls in all forms, from the  gifted musicians to the masters of cuisine.  It is impossible not to be inspired at every turn.

One very talented native New Orleanian is a man known by millions of TV fans all over the world.   Bryan Batt starred as Art Director Sam Romano in the Emmy winning series Mad Men.  Set in a 60's era advertising agency on New York's Madison BRYAN BATT AS SAM ON AMC'S MAD MENAvenue, the show became a major pop culture phenomenon.   The fashion world became smitten with the cool retro glamour of the men and women of Mad Men.  Catwalks all over Europe and NY suddenly featured the very grown up tailored look for men, and slightly prim, but retro sexy vibe for women. (Think full skirts and tight sweaters). 

SUNNY SATURDAY ON MAGAZINE STREET IN UPTOWNIn real life, when Mr. Batt is not starring on Broadway or acting on TV,  creating interiors has always been another true passion.  He and partner Tom Cianfichi run home accesorry boutique- Hazelnut on Magazine Street. NEW ORLEANS TOILLE GIFT & TABLEWARE AT HAZELNUT   In the Uptown section of the city, Hazelnut showcases the guys eclectic taste and attitude towards decorating your home. (Also an excellent gift resource).

Mr. Batt's new book big, easy Style has page after page of perfectly styled rooms that are sure to strike a chord with your own personal style.   A play on words of New Orlean's nickname - big, easy, Style is meant to ensure readers to have fun when designing rooms to live in.  If you choose items that bring out your own style, the room will make you happy to be there every single day.   The book is full of photos of Mr. Batt's home and countless others from all around New Orleans,BRYAN BATT & CHRISTOPHE POURNY AT HAZELNUT in just about every style you can think of.  Also, the book has a great list of resources of home furnishing and antique stores.  New Orleans is of course, home to some of the finest French Antique stores in the country.   Balzac Antiques is a great example of just such a store, and it is referenced in the book.   Sarah Scott Thomas has the eye of a curator and the passion of a collector.   Her shop on Magazine street is a favorite of collectors from all over the Country.    In fact, on a recent visit to her store, I met clients from Dallas, San Francisco, and New York - all in the store on a sunny Saturday afternoon.   Many shoppers had stopped by that day to see Antique Restoration specialist Christophe Pourny who was having an in-store appearance at Balzac toTREASURED FINDS AT BALZAC ANTIQUES ON MAGAZINE STREET promote his line of furniture care products.   Bryan Batt is also a friend, and we all caught up over at Mr. Batt's bustling store.   Bryan was having his book signing and Hazelnut was hosting a block party - complete with a Jazz band!   What a fun weekend in New Orleans!

If you haven't been to The Big Easy in a few years - plan your trip NOW!  The hard work and dedication of New Orleanians to restore their beautiful city after Hurricane Katrina has really payed off.  Their perseverance and welcoming spirit will warm your heart.   You owe it to them, and to yourself to visit New Orleans.   The weather is just about perfect at any time of year.   While it is hot and sticky in the Summer, that's when things get really interesting!   

Click the big,easy Style book cover to bring a copy home today.   Click Mr. Batt's photo to visit Hazelnut - they have a HUGE selection of Christmas ornaments that can easily be packed and shipped.   Also, click Balzac to see some truly beautiful French Antiques.   See you in NOLA!

Justin Vivian Bond is one of those unique creative forces that makes NYC what it is.  A staple in the downtown performance art scene, V (as JVB is known) is a versatile artist.   A singer, songwriter, and painter, V has been writing, starring in, and producing- theatrical, cabaret, and art events internationally for over 20 years.   What sets the work apart for me is the sense of comedy that runs through every piece.   There is an angst and a bitterness that just makes certain performers sparkle and stand out, and V has enough to blind you!

In the early 90's, the East Village of NYC was a still a wonderfully funky place.   It was possible to see shows any night of the week that you couldn't find uptown.  It was in this environment that Bond built a following.   One half of the duo -Kiki & Herb (Kenny Mellman) - fictional over the hill cabaret performers that had stayed too long at the party, Bond was lightning in a bottle on stage.  What was originally billed as "a little dowtown drag cabaret show" would come full circle.   The duo set the world on fire and performed everywhere from downstairs at Fez in Greenwich Village to uptown at the world famous Carnegie Hall.  Not to mention all the  international hotspots they would take Kiki & Herb!  Bond was nominated for a Tony in 2007 for "Kiki & Herb Alive on Broadway".  Not many cabaret acts can say that, but Justin Vivian Bond is not your average cabaret performer.  I've seen V perform countless times over the years, in all incarnations, and it is the ability Bond has to seduce the audience in any venue that really deserves accolades.  JUSTIN VIVIAN BOND - IN CHARACTER - OR NOT

To be clear, it's not that Bond goes out of the way to please each audience.   It's that the performance is so true and powerful, that it can reach any audience listening.

"TANGO -My Childhood, Backwards and in High Heels" marks V's first foray as an author.   Published by The Feminist Press, the memoir is as laugh out loud funny as it is touching and poignant.   A coming of age story about a little boy dealing with the confusing feelings about being different from other boys.  Combined with all those complicated issues that every child deals with about gender, identity, and a sense of sexuality.   Little Justin Bond might not have been your average boy next door, but anyone reading TANGO can relate to the feelings of being "different" growing up.   As adults we know there are reasons for peoples actions and reactions,  but as kids, we think we are the only person in the world feeling strange or alone.   The book sheds a light on the struggle that trans gender kids feel from a very young age.    Bond's affinity for his mothers lipstick and why she thought it was not appropriate for a little boy to wear it to school is just the beginning..

JUSTIN VIVIAN BOND - LIGHTING UP THE ROOMFans of David Sedaris will LOVE this book.   Both have a tremendous sense of humor.  Of course the stories are very different, but both authors tell them from outside the box.   I think if Justin Bond and David Sedaris had grown up on the same block, who knows what amazing things would have happened?  The world might have seen some incredible invention like a Gay Google or Microsoft on some cosmic level!  They at least would have had each other to commiserate with - that is if they would have talked to each other.  I'm not so sure.

I hope in addition to all the hipsters, readers, and glitterati that will read this book, that any young mother will also pick it up.   (great gift for any pregnant friend- she could use a laugh right now).    Mothers should remember and take heart in the fact that children are these amazing little independent spirits that come into our lives.   Parents often don't get the child they thought they would, but that is the magic of the experience.   Every child is perfect.   Loving them, guiding them, and keeping them safe until they can take care of themselves is the job of every parent and family member. 

I can't recommend TANGO enough.  But don't take my word for it.  The book jacket is covered with recommendations from MAJOR artists like Yoko Ono, Sandra Bernhard, & Rufus Wainwright to name a few! The New York Times Book Review also gave it accolades.  Buy it now in one of the options below.   Also, buy Justin Vivien Bonds albums.   They are unique and creative, and there isn't much music out today that you can say that about!  click Dendrophile to preview the latest album.

**  For anyone who doesn't know Bond's amazing incarnation as Kiki DuRane .   You should do yourself a favor and buy Kiki & Herb - WILL DIE FOR YOU taped live at Carnegie Hall**

TO BUY TANGO - CLICK -   iBOOK      Nook Book    Paperback

THE WORLD OF GLORIA VANDERBILT by WENDY GOODMANGloria Vanderbilt has been famous since birth.   Born into one the richest families in American history, her life was chronicled in every newspaper and tabloid of the day.   Much of the attention at that time was due to the wicked custody battle (1934) surrounding her life, as relatives were determined to remove her from a mother deemed "not suitable".   The general public was fascinated to read the decadent details of the rich and famous at a time when most were living through economic hardship.   While the details of her childhood are as rich as any novel, it is the life that Gloria created for herself some 80 years on, that is far more interesting.

A bohemian and artist at heart, Vanderbilt would evolve into one of the most celebrated and connected socialites in the world.   There was fame and infamy from her various ventures that included creating designer jeans before any other celebrity had branded themselves.   The Gloria Vanderbilt signature logo and white swan symbol was as famous as any fashion brand and would eventually be taken from her due to unsavory contractual situations.   Vanderbilts life story is a true roller coaster ride of fantastic highs and debilitating lows.GLORIA VANDERBILT AND SON ANDERSON COOPER

This year Wendy Goodman, a true arbiter of style in her own right and New York design world legend has published a tribute to Gloria and all her style.   The World of Gloria Vanderbilt is an incredible collection of photographs and stories of this blue-blood beauty and her one of a kind life.  To this day, Vanderbilt remains true to her spirit as a bit of a shift shaper.   She embraces change and keeps moving.

The foreword is a touching tribute to Gloria written by her son, world famous news anchor Anderson Cooper.  Cooper pays tribute to his mother with great affection, also with a sense of objectivity that one must when describing someone surrounded by fame.  Coopers writing displays a great understanding of his mothers need to be her own person.  

One of the most gorgeous books in print, The World ofDELUXE EDITION AT RALPH LAUREN HOME Gloria Vanderbilt by Wendy Goodman is one to buy for yourself and one to gift to anyone with a great sense of style.   The book is an inspiration for anyone passionate about interiors, fashion, and will give any reader a boost of independence and zest for life.  Ralph Lauren hosted Vanderbilt and Goodman for a book signing in his brand new store on 72nd & Madison Avenue.   This gorgeous mansion was the most appropriate setting to host on of New York's most famous citizens.   Lauren has created a deluxe version of the book packaged beautifully in a purple showcase.   The set also includes an 8x10 print of Vanderbilt.   Click Ralph Lauren Home to purchase the deluxe edition.   A traditional copy can be purchased at fine gift store - William Wayne & Co on Lexington Avenue.  The store is known for amazing customer service and as a destination for finding the perfect housewarming or hostess gift. Click on store name for website info.    To purchase the traditional edition on-line Click GV at AMAZON.