Thanks to Turquoise Chic for posting the photos of Monique Lhuillier's home from the new January/February 2008 issue of Elle Decor. I'm very jealous that her issue arrived today and it just serves to confirm my theory that my mail carrier has been hijacking my favorite magazines. See why I end up buying them on the newsstand! So until he decides to finally deliver it, I shall keep checking out Turquoise Chic's blog.
Word on the street is that the home of fashion designer Monique Lhuillier will grace the cover of the January/February 2008 issue of Elle Decor. Ever the multi-tasker, Ms. Lhuillier was perusing vintage wallpapers and interior design books while planning her new home that would make room for her first baby, all while continuing to create beautiful fashions, a china collection for Royal Doulton and a future home furnishings line. I for one can't wait to see inside the home of the woman behind some of the most beautiful dresses in the world! 
Even though fashion week isn't until February, the designers were presenting their Pre-Fall collections this week in New York. Now, I consider myself to be pretty fashion savvy but even I didn't know about Pre-Fall until recently. These are the clothes that will arrive in the stores at the same time that you are just getting out your summer clothes and starting to sweat. It used to be just a low key affair for buyers and editors but now it's becoming the bellwether for what we will expect to see on the big Fall runways.
One of the best albeit small collections was designed by Peter Som for the house of Bill Blass. I used to think of Bill Blass as "old lady" clothes but not any more. In his inaugural collection, Peter Som continued Mr. Blass' sportswear inspired looks but invigorated them with a more youthful exuberance. Something that had been seriously lacking in recent years.
"My starting point was Mr. Blass' sketchbooks circa 1969-1970. I wanted to update Blass classics with luxury and whimsy," explained Mr. Som. I always loved the simplicity and elegance of some seventies fashions and these are a perfect homage. I wish I could afford to buy the whole collection but I may have to at least save up to buy that plaid coat! It's tres chic!
Photos by Kevin Sturman
There was such a great response to my Favorite Things post from the Fall that I would create a new one for Winter. It also seems like perfect timing considering the ice storms in the Midwest and the snow we are supposed to receive tomorrow in New York. I thought it could also serve as a mini gift guide since I never had the time to write a full one. Maybe some of my favorite things will become some of yours! 
If there is one product that is pure indulgence, it's Laura Mercier's line of bath and body products. I love using the ladies lounge on the beauty floor of Bergdorf's because they stock it with all of her products. The Creme Brulee scent is my all time favorite. It's almost good enough to eat! I will warn you that I didn't love the Chocolate scent so much. Funny considering how much I love to eat it. There are also some great gift sets available now if you want to indulge someone else this holiday!
There is nothing worse than dry flaky skin in the winter but moisturizing it alone is not the answer. You must exfoliate and Kiehl's has one that will appeal to men and woman. Their Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish smells amazing but it also leaves your skin silky smooth. Kiehl's never tests on animals so your PETA friends will love it too!
I hate winter. There I said it. I feel like I'm allowed to hate it since I lived in Boston for many years. I'm honestly not quite sure how I survived. I might have enjoyed it more had I known about Hot Chillys. In order to wear my cute little outfits and walk around without getting hypothermia, I will add a base layer from their Peppers Collection. But they make products for all levels of warmth and performance. It's perfect for fashionistas and hard-core athletes. Now there's two types of people you'd ever suspect of having anything in common. Who knew?!
I don't care if you're a size 2 or a 12, everyone wants to look thinner. There is also nothing worse than saggy tights. Spanx has solved both of these problems. Gotta love that! They stay put, they create a smooth line and keep you warm. And we know how much I hate to be cold! Buying Spanx also let's you support a woman owned business. Beth Blake's success story should be an inspiration to any woman with a dream. Carpe Diem!
Anyone who's ever lived in a New York apartment with steam heat knows how toasty warm they can get but I'm not complaining. There is nothing I love more than free heat! But for those rare occassions when the heat's not on, I wear my Banana Republic Cashmere Chalet Slippers. They are soft and warm and actually quite chic. They are also on sale now! Woo hoo! Buy a pair for yourself and as a gift. Your feet will thank you!
If none of those other things are enough to warm you up, why not check out Town and Country Travel Magazine and pick out a tropical destination and book yourself a trip, 'cause baby it's cold outside! 
Bye Bye Blueprint. According to a memo sent yesterday from Susan Lyne at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Blueprint is folding. First House and Garden and now Blueprint. Am I going to have to start my own shelter magazine just so we have something to read?! Jeez. Good thing the UK and Australia continue to publish fabulous magazines, otherwise, my local newsstand might have to go out of business soon.How come I never found an internship that sent me to Paris?! Good thing I can live vicariously through Lauren and Whitney! I can't wait until these shows air in the spring! Until then, I guess I will have to make due with Gossip Girl.
There are certain places that stay with you long after you visit them. Biltmore House in Ashville, North Carolina is one of those places for me. I visited it when I was about 11 years old and it has made a lasting impression. I even wrote a paper about it in college for my architectural art history class. My visit was in the summer but I dream of visiting Biltmore House again someday at Christmas when the house is filled with spectacular decorations.
Even though, outside decorations were rare at the turn of the 19th century, the lions are now decorated for the holidays with fresh wreaths.
A 35-foot live Fraser fir is placed in the Banquet Hall of Biltmore House every holiday season and takes 45 people to raise the tree since they must be careful not to damage the priceless tapestries or chandeliers. The tradition of having a tree in this room goes back to 1895 when George Vanderbilt first opened the home to his family and friends.
When George Vanderbilt first welcomed guests to Biltmore House on Christmas Eve in 1895 his guests were treated to lavish and festive holiday decor. Today that tradition is kept alive each year and it is the only time when visitors are allowed in the house at night.
During Christmas at Biltmore tall trees line the 90-foot-long halls of the Tapestry Gallery As guests enter the Library a warm glow from the room's large fireplace is cast upon the bookshelves and the Pellegrini ceiling canvas.
The Library is particularly inviting during Candlelight Christmas Evenings with a fire in the massive fireplace throwing dancing shadows across more than 10,000 books.
The Grand Staircase is twined with live evergreen, filling the 250-room Biltmore House with the scent of Christmas.
The black marble fireplace surround and walnut overmantle in George Vanderbilt's impressive library are decorated with garlands made by the Biltmore floral staff during the holiday season.
During Candlelight Christmas Evenings, the Oak Sitting Room glows in the light from candles and matching fireplaces at either end of the room.
During Candlelight Christmas Evenings, Biltmore House is lit by luminaries outside creating an even more beautiful tableaux. I hope those who can visit Biltmore House will make the pilgrimage no matter the time of the year and for those who can't, I hope you are inspired to create a magical Christmas at your own home. Happy Holidays! 
