October Inspiration

Photo: Patrick Cline for Rubie Green

As the weather starts to cool down in New York and the moon is appearing earlier every week, I cannot help but get excited for my favorite season! Thick wrap sweaters, rich autumn colors, outdoor flea markets and fresh organic produce are enough to make a girl giddy, but this fall I'm adding a few more things to my list!

1. The highly anticipated domino The Book of Decorating hits bookstores this October and I literally don't think I've ever been more excited for any book release in my entire life! domino Editor in Chief Deborah Needleman commented, “We’re creating The Domino Book of Decorating for a new generation of homeowners and renters, and hope to make it the new décor bible--a source of guidance, inspiration, and excitement.” A source of obsession is more like it ;)

2. On October 10th the New Museum will open its doors to the "Live Forever: Elizabeth Peyton" exhibit, displaying more than 100 works made over the past fifteen years! Peyton is one of my absolute favorite artists, so I'm basically counting down the days on a paper chain in anticipation...


3. Also occurring on October 10th is the grand opening of New York's first Williams Sonoma Home store at the Shops at Columbus Circle! You may wonder why I find this exciting, but trust me, the minute you see one of these stores in person you will understand. I visited the Palo Alto location last year and was so wowed that I found myself whispering instead of speaking at a normal volume! It looked very similar to the stunning JK Capri with seagrass wallpaper, layers of framed photography, potted orchids, and chic white furniture.


4. Last but not least, I'm totally pumped for the release of Influence, Mary-Kate and Ashley's newest book! Ashley says the book will feature “the most interesting, challenging, creative people we know — the ones who helped pave the way for us and our generation.” For those of you who are brave enough to handle swarms of crazy teens and long lines, the Olsen's will be signing books at Barnes and Noble in Union Square on October 28th at 12:30pm! Pretty cool if you ask me ;)

Thank you JA!

About a month ago I entered Jonathan Adler's Happy Chic Home Contest, and was completely blown away to recently win third place! Wow! I'm incredibly flattered and thought I'd share some fun pics from the contest :) Above is the signed copy of Jonathan's decorating book (which is hysterical by the way!) and above that is an image of the tray and candle that I bought with my prize :) Below are some awesome entries from the contest, and if you'd like to see more of my apartment you can check it out on the Blogger's Home Tour at the Love List ;)

Fashion Week

Photo: Craig McDean for Vogue, 2004

Today marks the official start of New York Fashion Week, and the city is alive with cocktail parties and fancy dresses! So I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite fashion illustrations with you, and also to fill you in on what I've been up to...

To bring a little fashion into the home, I love the idea of framing fashion illustrations and placing them on a gallery wall, or leaning them on a bookshelf, in a powder room, on a vanity, or even on a bar cart! The illustrations above are from my all-time favorite fashion illustrator, David Downton. While an original will cost you thousands, I was lucky enough to find a series of postcard prints that he licensed to Ikea back when I was in college! I think I spent $4 on a pack of 6 images, and I still treasure the one framed below in my living room today. From time to time they pop up on ebay, so if you're interested keep your eyes peeled ;)


Etsy is also a fantastic resource for inexpensive fashion prints, and sometimes even originals! Here are a few of my current favorites from redheather, all of which are limited edition 11x14 prints, modestly priced at $29 each. I'm really intrigued by the print on the far right, titled Seamless. (click the images to enlarge & see their full glory;)

As for my fashion week plans, I'll be headed to the Lela Rose and Cynthia Rowley shows! I'm incredibly excited for both, and curious to see what surprises Cynthia will have in store this season! Last year her models rode down the runway on Cynthia's Beach Crusier bikes (available in January!) which I also spotted last Monday on the season premiere of Gossip Girl.

I also recently hosted a little pre-fashion week soiree of my own! The Rubie Green launch party was (finally!) held last Wednesday at Lather Spa in Midtown, and it couldn't have gone better if I do say so myself ;) I partnered up with jewelry designer Samantha House who also previewed her Spring '09 collection, and together we co-hosted the event with editors, close friends, and some pretty amazing people from both the fashion and interiors worlds :) Lather Spa was even kind enough to give our guests free manicures while they sipped their cocktails and chatted with friends. My good friend, and fellow textile designer Michael Devine posted some great party pics here, as well as the images below which were graciously provided by events photographer Natalia Peters.