Sullivan Street Paola Bag (Kate Spade)

As featured in Cookie Magazine. This bag is even more stunning in person, with a chain that can be worn as shoulder strap or tucked inside the bag to wear as a clutch! Love It!

Here Comes 2009!

Every year, right before the New Year, I try to come up with a guiding "Theme" for the upcoming year. Some past themes include "Less is More", and "Don't Dream It. Be It.". Having a theme for the year is better than making a resolution because it is a guiding principle, not a goal that can be either achieved or broken.

For 2009 I have decided to capitalize on the nation's theme (aka Obama's catch-phrase) and make my theme "Change You Can Believe In". I can apply this theme to all aspects of life to which I want to take a new direction and make a change.

What will your Theme for 2009 be? (Post your responses in the comments section)

Glamourous Holiday Door

Crate and Barrel Drinkware for Elegant Entertaining

Edge Flutes




Ona Pitcher




Singles Carafe

Simple. Sparse. Modern. Chic.

Rita Konig's Tips for a Last Minute Holiday Cocktail Party

1. Use unfussy (but real) invites.

2. Set the scene (lighting is important).

3. Don't skimp on drinks (hire a bartender)

4. Pay attention to detail (tiny upgrades like monogrammed napkins etc.)

5. Create a good Ipod mix.

6. Fake the Food (serve store bought snacks that look homemade).

7. Decorate Simply.

Making the Economic Downturn More Manageable

1. Drink Less Coffee
2. Spend Less Money
3. Exercise More
4. Consume Less Gas
5. Waste Less
6. Play Hostess Instead of Going Out
7. Spend Quality Family Time
8. Do More Creative Things
9. Get Rid of Clutter
10. Be a Better Correspondent
11. Learn More About your City
12. Be More Patient

L.C. at the Hills Finale

Hollowed Cabbage Crudite Display from Eddie Ross Blog

My Newest Acquisition - on Super Holiday Sale!

Free Posters Available to Download

5 Great posters with cool sayings are available for download at:http://readymade.com/article/poster_children/P2/

"Color for the Year" 2009 - "Mimosa" Yellow

The Fabulous Kelly Wearstler Designed Bergrorf Goodman Cafe

Monogrammed Drink Coasters from Dabney Lee at Home

Stylish Bar Cart

I have the Pottery Barn Swank Bar Cart, but lately its been looking more "cluttered" than "swank". This bar cart featured in the Nest magazine is what a chic bar cart should look like!

Lilo - Western Shirt and Aviators - Effortlessly Chic!

BR Wilshire Croc Bag - on Sale Now! (I want it!)

Black and Ivory - the Perfect Winter Color Palatte

Perfect Gift for the "Top Chef' in your Life

Dean & DeLuca Spice Rack!

Martha Stewart Simple and Colorful End Table

Perfect for a small NYC Apartment (like mine!)

Maybe you don't have the space for a full tree? Online and catalog retailer Grandin Road offers two good options for space-saving (but still full-height) artificial Christmas trees — a corner tree and a half tree!

Trend: Bedroom as Living Space

Trend - High Gloss Black Interiors

Holiday Art Project - Brown Bag Wreath

Ashley Olsen Casual Cool in Jeans

Another Cool Nicole Richie Hairstyle

LC Airport Style - Casual Cool

Gwyneth Goop Fashion

Nicole Braided Hair Pics

Steps to be Ready-to-Entertain at a Moment's Notice

1. Always be prepared to offer some tea - create a tea tray with cups, saucers, sugar, tea and packaged cookies or tablewater crackers. Just add water and voila!

2. How bout a drink? Use the same principle to create a bar station for guests that prefer something stronger. A minimal bar might include vodka, scotch, a bottle of red and a bottle of white wine. Keep sparkling water, citrus fruit and a juice or two in the fridge. If you entertain frequently, think of creating a signature cocktail to offer your guests. Keep nuts and nibbles in your pantry or freezer that can be accessed at a moment's notice.

3. So, do you want to stay for Dinner? A quick dinner can be as simple as pasta and canned sauce(both of which can find spare space in the cupboard). Add some grated parmesan, which can be kept in the freezer.

4. Sure you can crash. Keep guest bed or area for guests ready at all times - this includes having a clean sheet, pillowcase, and towel handy. (one additional idea - have the guest towel monogrammed "guest" so the person feels special knowing it is just for them).

The Always Stylish Nicole Richie

Entertaining at the White House

Seeing the stylish first-lady-to-be Michelle Obama has made me revisit one of my favorite topics - entertaining White House style! Here is a picture of the "State Dining Room" - wouldn't it be a dream to entertain there? For more pictures and a tour of the rooms of the White House, check out this link http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/whtour/

One of my favorite books on this topic is Hillary Clinton's "An Invitation to the White House: At Home With History"

Did you know that the first lady's first tasks upon entering the White House are picking out China patterns (for 220!) and hiring a calligrapher! How COOL!

Chic Home Designs

Chic Gallery Vignette

Great Costume Party Costume

Dressed as a Greek Goddess you can wear a costume but

still look fabulous! Husband can dress as greek god to match

in toga/bedsheet

Elegant Designs

J.Crew Creative Director Jenna Lyons Living Room

Lauren Conrad

Gallery Wall

Shirt of the Season - J.Crew

Easily the most versatile shirt of the season -its as perfect for work as it is for a party. The design, in silk habotai, features a sophisticated double ruffle micro-pleated collar that makes a chic and unforgettable statement. Layer it or wear it alone. The perfect transitional piece for holiday - under a suit for work, and then alone paired with a clutch and some sparkly earrings for post-work holiday parties!

Also comes in several other colors (check jcrew.com)

J.crew Dress