SUMMER GIFT GUIDE - COVER YOUR BASES

Now that we finally have some great summer weather here in NYC, I thought I would give some quick gift ideas to all of you heading to a friends weekend house anytime soon.  With many of us watching our budgets more than ever this year - you might not be renting that Hamptons share you have in the past.   If that is the case, I'll bet you will be a guest of your friends who has a weekend retreat to call their own!    If you are a guest for the weekend - don't forget that you must bring a small token of your appreciation for your host or hostess.    While many people are favoring more practical gifts this year, don't forget that you should think of something your friend might not buy for themselves - but would really enjoy.

I have three companies that have very chic products that will appeal to a wide range of tastes.

KRIGLER -ESTABLISHED COGNAC - $59.00Krigler is a 5th generation perfumer that I have written about before.   The collection of candles, parfum, and soaps are made in small batches in the company workshop near Grasse, France.   The same techniques and formulas are employed today that were created by the Patriarch of the family over 100 years ago.    The company re-launched the collection earlier this year in The Plaza Shoppes in New York City.

You can also order products on the company website.    One of my favorite things in the  collection is the Established Cognac Candle pictured.   There is a great balance between sweet and musk in the cognac scent.   You might think a candle is a cliche gift - however - these are so luxurious - they are unlike any your host has ever burned!

Visit the website www.Krigler.com or call 212-371-1122   to order your items today.

Next up is a collection of gifts that covers everything from platters to coasters to waste bins.   John Derian is an interesting guy.  JOHN DERIAN PAPERWEIGHT -$30.00 He has transformed the arts and crafts technique of decoupage into a designer application that can hold its own with any high end decoration.   Celebrating 20 years, Mr. Derian has two shops in NYC on East 2nd street and also has a large selection available at Bergdorf Goodman on the coveted Decorative Home floor on 7.    His stores are full of such unique items it is worth the trip downtown - even if you are visiting NY and located mid-town.  When I left a very busy position last year at Chanel - a friend gave me my first piece from the collection - a paper weight that sits on my desk and inspires me every day!   Click on John Derian above to visit the website.

Last but certainly not least, is a collection from the South of France that is guaranteed to charm any host or hostess the minute they open the package.   Travaux En Cours  (TEC for short) is a collection of home/ garden accessories that are chic and colorful and not covered with logos.  TEC - HAND WOVEN STRAW TOTE - $150 AT B.G. What is so different about these aprons and totes are they are made from the finest fabrics from France and Italy, offered in bright happy colors, and are durable - as home products should be.   Designed by two women living on the French Riviera who wanted chic accessories that they could wear while cooking, gardening, or running to the market.

Bergdorf Goodman has a selection of the super chic stone-washed aprons and this beautiful hand woven tote- perfect for a day at the beach or running to the market.   The totes are available at BG in Blue, Pink, Chocolate, & White.   A great gift for your hostess - giving her an excuse to grab her favorite magazine and beach towel and head for the surf!     Call Berdorf Goodman at 212-558-1855 and ask for the Decorative Home department. 

Remember, no matter which items you choose - your host will appreciate the gesture and that you gave him or her something they didn't know about already.  Also keep in mind, you can spend a little more since you are saving money on that rental you didn't do!  See you in the Hamptons!

COCKTAILS, ART, & FASHION - OH MY!

KATHERINE FLEMING SIGNATURE BAGNow that summer has officially arrived in NYC - Hello SUN, I have a great idea for a cool evening where you can sip a cocktail, be wowed by great art, and fall in love with one of the hottest handbag collections around.   The name Katherine Fleming is quickly becoming an important label for those ladies who have discriminating tastes - and don't want to have the same bag their friends have 5 of!    Don't know Katherine Fleming?   You do, even if you think you don't.   Fleming is the girl behind the bag at Tory Burch!  KATHERINE FLEMINGSo if you have carried and obsessed over the TB bags like so many women have the past few years - you have Katherine to thank.

Inspired by art and architecture, Fleming designs bags with miminal ornaments and clean lines.   Understated luxury is her credo and her non-logo- logo is as chic as she is!   Custom made hardware and the finest raw materials from Italy make these bags future keepsakes.  While they are designer price point - you won't find any obnoxious, inflated prices happening here.   With most of the bags ranging from $900 to $2500 , there is no higher quality or crafttmanship available in this price range anywhere.

The collection burst onto the accessory scene last fall at super chic department store  Barneys NY all over the country and at cool kid specialty store Opening Ceremony in N.Y. and L.A. (that's where Rihanna snatched up one of Fleming's bags the day they hit the floor in NYC!)

JANE CLUTCH - PATENT/ CALFSKINI met Kate last year and right away I loved her whole approach to fashion.   Raised in Miami and a resident of NYC, Fleming is one of those people you meet and want to be friends with immediately! 

I"m looking forward to having a cocktail with Kate at the Fall Trunk Show this week at the Renwick Gallery.   RSVP and join us!  email :  info@katherinefleming.com  to join the party.

The Renwick gallery is located at 45 Renwick Street - NYC.  

July 8th 6-9pm  

It should be a perfect night to stroll over to the waterfront after the party.  If you haven't seen the Westside parks under the moonlight - you are missing something special!  The gallery is located in West Soho, just below Spring Street. 

SWAROVSKI DAZZLES BROADWAY IN SOHO

The first name in sparkle opened the first of a new concept store in Soho last week.   The Swarovski Crystallized boutique on Broadway is the first of its kind - but is likely the first of many to be dazzling the world of retail jewelry.  To see more - click- SWAROVSKI

POP UP STORE FOR POP BY JOHN BARTLETT

CLAIBORNE BY JOHN BARTLETTFather's Day is just around the corner and John Bartlett is giving you a store full of options for the perfect gift for dad!

John Bartlett is one of a small group of American designers that have made a name for themselves while retaining their creative edge and independent spirit.  For years John has been known for pushing the envelope in Menswear.  While his runway collection might be too fashion forward for some dads out there - his collection for Claiborne is perfect for sprucing up any guys wardrobe.   Bartlett is responsible for the redesign of the  Claiborne brand.   An American classic, Claiborne by John Bartlett has so many items that your boyfriend or your dad will love.  Now you can buy classic American styles with a little John Barlett edge.  CLAIBORNE BY JOHN BARTLETT

The most exciting thing for New Yorker's is that John Bartlett is transforming his namesake boutique into a pop up shop of the Claiborne collection for father's day.

Where: John Bartlett Retail Store - 143 7th Avenue South at Charles Street.

When: Thursday June 18th - Monday June 22nd

***  DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND - THE POP SHOP HAS BEEN EXTENDED - NOW OPEN THROUGHT JULY 5TH***

Hours : 11am - 7pm daily

Get there early before the coolest stuff is gone... and pick up something for yourself while you shop for dad!

KAMALI IS COOL!

NORMA KAMALILooking for that perfect summer swimsuit?   You are not alone.   Memorial Day came early this year and if it snuck up on you - don't worry - there is an easy way to find that perfect go-to swimsuit.   Norma Kamali has been making swimwear that could double as day-wear for decades!   Kamali has always been ahead of her time and her approach to active-wear is just one example of how she always thinks outside the box.   While the fashion industry is full of clones and copy cats, Norma Kamali has followed her own path since the mid-70's.    Every aspect of her business is unique - from her independent shopping parties across the country - to her partnership with Everlast in the 90's , long before designers were thinking of lower priced lines.   Kamali has been able to float between price points and brand positioning by never being afraid to try something new.  This native NY'er was thinking GIRL POWER long before the Spice Girls!NORMA KAMALI ONE PIECE

Innovation is also a strong suit for this former Studio 54 staple.  After all, her sleeping bag coat designed in the late 70's has inspired countless designers of runway to contemporary to design puffer coats ala Kamali.NORMA KAMALI BLACK & WHITE

Her namesake boutique title "OMO" Norma Kamali  really says it all..  OMO - On My Own  seems to sum up her business and design philosophy.  The flagship is located at 11 West 56th Street and houses all categories including unique pieces not offered at wholesale.   In an industry where most big 7th avenue houses are always looking over their shoulder to see what other designers are doing - Kamali is looking in the street and around the world for what her women want to wear.KAMALI & SHORT SLEEPING BAG COAT

Swimsuits are a staple in the collection and are really an investment.   The fabrics and cuts will be as relevant 10 years from now as they are today.   This lady is a unique bird.   Part Bohemian, part kitten with a whip - Kamali is like a free thinking Earth mother at heart with a Bettie Page exterior.   Her ageless appearance is a testament to her discipline when it comes to exercise and diet.  Her own interest in wellness products led to the launch of NORMALKAMALIWELLNESS, a collection of products inspired by the Olive Tree.   Items range from clay masks to olive oil!

While her RTW collection is designer price point, Norma has also introduced a fast price point for the masses at Wal-Mart.  While I can't endorse anything at the  Wal-Monster.. the prices are amazing.. and utilize some of the same fabrics as Kamali's RTW collection.VINTAGE SHARON STONE IN VINTAGE KAMALIa

Visit her website to find NK for Wal-Mart or her signature collection pieces.  (There are also killer vintage pieces regularly offered on Ebay).

One of the best parts is - (again being ahead of everyone) Kamali introduced "TRY BEFORE YOU BUY".   Shop her website and try things for 48 hours before she charges you for them!  If you don't like them, send it back - no charge.  I told you she was cool!

click -NORMAL KAMALI - to shop