Closet Envy: Aerin Lauder

Aerin Lauder's closet is the epitome of cool, confident, and feminine. Don't we all just want a place of our own where we can play dress up, work on our creative projects, and let our imaginations run wild!!??

Inspired by similar rooms that her grandmother, icon Estée Lauder, had in all her homes (right down to the Gracie wallpaper), Lauder has created an oasis.

Filled with a vintage Gabriella Crespi desk, a mirror inherited from Estée, a chandelier Lauder picked up at a Paris auction, bouquets of peonies, and oh so many beautiful shoes, the closet is a girly paradise.

Photos via Elle Decor and Bazaar

Sunday Funday

Kick back and relax, there's nothing like doing back flips into the pool with your friends!

Photography via Scott Caan

Helmut for Halloween

I'm thinking of sashaying around town in this little number for Halloween this year, inspiration courtesy of Elsa Peretti by the late great Helmut Newton.

Undeniably one of my most favorite photographers, I was first introduced to the genius at the age of 12, while watching MTVs House of Style. His muse, was my supermodel obsession at the time, Cindy Crawford.

I learned words like "undulate" and was exposed to his style of daringly pushing the boundaries of erotic stylised scenes often of S & M and fetishistic subtexts. Subject probably much too progressive for my young mind, but images that sure made an impression.

He died at the age of 83 when his car hit a wall in the driveway of the famous Chateau Marmont on Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood, CA. The hotel served as his home for a few years while living in Los Angeles.

Mrs. Brightside

I think I'm on hallucinogens after perusing Kelly's new book about color!!! I'm counting down the weeks to pick up my own copy in bookstores this November...it's gonna be a sheer sensation!

Thirsty Thursdays: Scotch Neat

Because Thursday is the new Friday...wear your favorite cocktail ring and throw one back like one of the guys!

Fabric Lust: Perennials Catwalk Collection

I love a good leopard print. Whether it's a little dose on my shoes, a scarf, throw pillows, a guest towel, or over coat (a la Mrs. Robinson), I can't resist the instant feeling of glamour that is associated with leopard. A few weeks ago, I stopped in to see my dear old co-workers at the David Sutherland Showroom and was introduced to their newest collection appropriately named "Catwalk Collection." I was immediately enamored!

Sophisticat is a true classic leopard print! Mix it with paisleys, pastels, florals, prints, hot pink (my fave), modern, contemporary, and traditional rooms. The best part is it's tough, yet soft all at the same time blending masculinity and femininity to any interior or exterior space.

Crazy Cat is just that! I could see this one in a baby girls nursery, kids room, or on chaise lounges by the pool!

Cool Cat is so subtle and calming, I want to see this on a chaise lounge in my bedroom where I can sprawl out, take a cat nap in the sun, and just leisurely lounge around because I can!

Alley Cat suddenly makes a boring sofa a little more interesting! I love a great neutral base for furniture, why not add spots to a versatile black and brown for personality??? Neutral reinvented!

This luxurious velvet is purr-fectly suited for any indoor or outdoor use. Catwalk's leopard-like pattern is not a print. This innovative quality is the first jacquard-woven outdoor velvet of its kind. Made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic, this means that Catwalk is guaranteed by Perennials' 3-year guarantee against fading.

via www.perennialsfabrics.com

Hot Bohemian

I'd like to sip the wine with a bohemian that's mighty mighty fine.

Here's to you Mr. Depp!

Your next suit, courtesy of Albert Hammond Jr.

Albert Hammond Jr.'s new line of suits are smart, sleek, and insanely covetable. Not surprising, the dapper dude is known for his stellar wardrobe, constant ciggy hanging from his mouth, and hair that rivals Slash - es tres chic no? Available at Confederacy, each ensemble will cost you a cool $2000, now that's a price-tag worth considering.

There's a delectable burgundy version...

Snappy three-pieces...

...and a fitted trench to wear into the colder months.

Confederacy opened in October 2008, and is the brainchild of childhood pals actor/DJ Danny Masterson and Ilaria Urbinati. The space, inspired by New York, Americana, and the 1940's, was designed by Ben Shulman. It features original 16-foot ceilings, refurbished brick walls, tin & wood beam ceilings, and includes the "shoe living room", a late fifties/early sixties inspired "Tea Room" for private fittings, and vintage telephone booths as dressing rooms with antique phones that dial the front desk so customers can ask for a size without ever having to leave their room. The soon-to-be-open courtyard cafe will offer Brooklyn favorite Gimme Coffee - a first for LA.

Fashion Obsession: Business Lady

Here's to another dollar, another day! After a 9 month hiatus from the working world, I'm back to corporate America, dressed to kill. There will be no casual fridays, I want to see: fitted and lean dark power suits, mixed with blushing feminine silk blouses, black stilettos (the higher the better), and a new attitude!

It's finally Friday, now go enjoy the weekend, you've earned it!

Thirsty Thursdays: Harvey Wallbangers

I love hearing my parent's old party stories from the 70s and 80s. It seemed our house was always the place that had loud rock music blasting and plenty of friends tying one on - far into the wee hours of the night.

My dad was recently telling me about the time my grandparent's went to Europe for a month one summer. While they were traveling, my parent's and all their friends moved in to "house sit." Being that my parent's were probably no older than 22 or 23 at the time, this sort of behavior was not only normal, but seemed acceptable. They were laughing explaining to me that their drink of choice that summer was the Harvey Wallbanger (because they taste fruity and harmless till they make you bang your head on the walls!) I find the name to be hilarious, so I'm bringing back the 70s concoction.

Mix 1 part Galliano, 2 parts Vodka, and orange juice. Voila! Drinks are served.

Glamorous Profession: Jan Showers

I was first introduced to the fabulous, and I mean really oh so glamorously fabulous, Jan Showers, while working at The David Sutherland Showroom at the Pacific Design Center. Not only was her product line a favorite of mine, but from time to time she and her husband Jim would stop in the showroom, have lunch with the staff, and would share their glamorous stories of travels to far away places, parties, and interesting people they met along the way.

I loved observing and listening to Jan as she talked about furniture, design, and style. I believe the only words to really describe Jan's outlook on style and life is simply her: Joie de Vivre (translated in English: hearty or carefree enjoyment of life.) I am thrilled that she now has a beautiful new book to add to her repertoire called appropriately enough *Glamorous Rooms* The book is divided into 6 rooms ranging from entry halls, dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, private spaces, and outdoor living. Here's a little peak inside:

The foreword is written by Michael Kors where he explains the parallels between exceptional design in the fashion and interior design worlds…

“I think it’s Jan’s great eye for fashion that makes her such an incredible decorator. She always says that people should look great in their rooms, and I love that. Because Jan isn’t creating environments that exist only to be looked at; she’s creating rooms where people want to spend their days and nights. She’s orchestrating someone’s favorite place in the world — not just because of how it looked with that person in it. It’s the same as great fashion design.”

I particularly remember Jan speaking about using personal objects to decorate, especially books. According to Jan, "Nothing adds character to a room as much as a book. There is nothing like a book to truly reflect your passion." In the library above, a wall of books becomes a wall of art.

I am fond of the way Jan uses commodes in entryways. An entryway suddenly becomes more inviting and draws visitors inside.

The Mercer Bench at the foot of this bed is perfect! I just adore the lucite legs and tufting - I want one in sea foam green!

I can't wait to pick up a copy for my own collection and put it on display for all my guests to enjoy!

And now let's take a little tour of my favorite pieces from Jan's Collection...

No. 107

Clark Chair

Every room needs a little dash of zebra - need I say more?

Venetian Series #4 in Turquoise

Turquoise is known for its calming qualities and good energy. This lamp reminds me of my favorite turquoise ring I bought in Ibiza that brings life to anything I wear and strangers are always stopping me asking me where it is from. Like jewelry, this lamp complements many styles and is a statement piece that adds that little punch of something special to any room.

No. 803

Miles Lamp

I mean, are you serious!!?? Just look at the details of of the graining of this gem that has been transformed into a lamp! I can see this piece in my dream vacation home in the foothills of Tucson, AZ. How stunning would this look in a living room with floor to ceiling glass windows with a sunset hitting desert red rocks out the window!!?? All I need are a couple of silk rugs, a caftan (a la Talitha Getty), some Miguel Migs on the decks, a vodka soda with lemon, and I'm set!!!

No. 407

Mercer Bench

Acrylic legs, tufting, 'Nuf said

No. 405

Jan's Commode

Any furniture that is mirrored is a friend of mine!

No. 118

Daphne Chair

I fancy the acrylic legs, but what I love even more about this chair is its size. I want this one for a dressing room or my office. I can just imagine coming home from a night out on the town and throwing my coat and dress on this chair.

*all photos via Jan Showers

Georgia on my mind...

In case being born into rock ’n’ roll royalty wasn’t enough, Georgia May Jagger (I'm writing it down for one of my favorite girl names) —the daughter of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall—inherited her mother’s legs, her father’s lips, and (inevitably) their shared ability to seduce the camera.

Now the new face and body for Hudson Jeans, Georgia is all grown up. If some are born with that certain Je ne sais quoi, well Georgia was born with something else: In Vogue, she explains, "I don't wear perfume. Eau de Jagger. It comes from my father."

All photos via Vogue UK November 2009