"Life is in the details. Style accordingly."

Fashion does translate...

Stella McCartney's stores are just as fashionable as her clothes.





Mayfair, London





New York, NY





Paris, France

Another Anna

I love this project by Anna Spiro of Black & Spiro in Australia.

The house feels so fresh and clean- it is filled with memories and 'life' but is uncluttered. Even though the home was recently constructed, there are historic touches that make it comfortable... that make it a home.

Luxuries in Life

Schweitzer Linens has been in New York City for over 35 years and remains a family business. It is really tough to top this luxury. The style is timeless, the colors classic and you can personalize each piece.

Does thread count really matter? Yes and no- it depends who is counting and how...

Thread Count

A term used mostly in the USA to establish a quality of fabric. A high thread count often means a softer "feel" and greater "pill"resistance. The number of threads counted in one square inch of fabric determines the "thread count" But, there are different ways of "counting" the threads. While most cotton fabric is woven from a thread using a single cotton fiber, Schweitzer cotton sateen and damask are made from a pair of fibers twisted together. This means that Schweitzer products often have TWICE the cotton fibers - for the same thread count - than other competitors products. Some people double their thread count because of this, Schweitzer never does. This means that a claim of 600 thread count is equivalent to a Schweitzer 300 thread count fabric. Most Schweitzer products are over 300 thread count with some reaching an unbelievably soft 1180 thread count fabric-the finest available. The superior 100% Egyptian cotton fabric that Schweitzer uses in its products has a smoother, softer feel, is a stronger fabric with a greater 'wearability' and enjoys a longer life.

Remember Marimekko?

Marimekko was founded in 1951 by Armi and Viljo Ratia, when Armi asked some artist friends to apply their graphic designs to textiles. In order to show how the fabric could be used, the company then designed and sold a line of simple dresses using their fabric.

The fabrics were made famous in the United States by Jacqueline Kennedy.

In the mid 1960's, Crate and Barrel began a relationship with Marimekko, which continues to this day, utilizing their designs on textiles sold in their stores. Crate and Barrel also uses Marimekko patterns as display backdrops in their stores to add color and seasonality.

In the 90's Marimekko was seen on Sex and the City when Carrie Bradshaw wore a Marimekko bikini & dress. On the fifth season the series also introduced tablecloths with Marimekko prints.

I have vivid memories of climbing into my colorful sheets in my Pennsylvania bedroom with yellow walls and my 'Unikko yellow' bedding by....Marimekko.

Yum and fun!

From across the pond, Crumbs and Doilies of London, delivers some of the best cupcake design!

Valentine's Day is just 2 weeks away!

Some ideas for HIM,

Monza Solo Temp watch, $425.

Ralph Lauren horseshow cigar stand, $295.

paperweight from Iomoi, $68.

And some ideas for HER,

Love Minaudiere clutch, $1,400.

The Monogram Shop cashmere blanket, $325.

Jo Malone Candles, $65.

"Knowing ones' china pattern is more telling than their horoscope."

from "The Help", a novel by Kathryn Stockett

Great find...

I found this chic secretary at Tonic Home . This retailer does a great job of featuring pieces that are tough to categorize- they have modern, retro, traditional-twist and eclectic pieces. Great curiosities, transitional case goods and fun lamps.

Chris Mead of English Country Antiques is a great gatherer of both new and old treasures. His shop in Bridgehampton and Southampton, New York is stuffed with wonderful finds. With a staff of 15, new products are consistently filling their shops and they will ship across the country.

This 'dollhouse' armoire functions well as a closet, but the charm is so dreamy. Someone has to place this in a little girls bedroom! Find it now at English Country Antiques.

The best of the best

As I begin to set my table for a birthday party tomorrow night, I dream of all the pretty place-settings out there... William Yeoward, Alberto Pinto, Saint Louis Crystal, Michael Aram, Phillippe Deshoulieres or Sabre. Michael C. Fina, is a great resource and a fun shop to visit in NYC.



Many years later, I still love my own china and add to it every year!

I never tire of seeing great kitchen design!

I have used the same layout for my past 2 kitchens- our current kitchen is all white- but in the last house I had black cabinets which seemed a bit glamorous. The two rooms look so different but look closely and the layout is the very same.