The September Issue: Vogue Paris

Vogue Paris got a new look with it's September issue, on newstands now.

WWD says "Some sections have been renamed to put forward the Vogue brand. The editor’s letter now reverts to its former title, “Le point de vue de Vogue” (“Vogue’s Viewpoint” in English). New features include a fashion opinion column penned by blogger Garance Doré."

“Zoom,” a section spotlighting Vogue editors’ favorite accessories, has been renamed “C’est Vogue” (“It’s Vogue”), and “Livres” (“Books”) has become “Les Livres de Vogue” (“Vogue’s Books”).

The French Vogue features a crisper, more airy look, and even an updated typeface. The magazine also changed its white paper to a brown-ish background making it look like craft paper almost.

If you notice, all the other Vogues are named by their country. Only Vogue Paris carries the name of a city.

Did any of your favorite magazines get a new look this September? If so, what do you think?

Photos courtesy of WWD/Courtesy Photo.

What's Tweeting

While I haven’t fully caught on to the 24/7 Twitter craze (sometimes, it’s just all too much) and I don’t tweet (yet), I do enjoy the occasional Twitter rendezvous when I browse through the latest postings. So I thought this would be a fun blog entry every once in a while. “What’s Tweeting” will include tweets from various people I follow on Twitter. Here are a few that caught my eye today …

Barneys New York (@BarneysNY): “Goodbye summer! Goodbye calories! Hello self control, hello tiny portions, hello no thanks, I’m not hungry. Hello fall!”

Khloe Kardashian Odom (@KhloeKardashian): “Woohoo @DashBoutique: Who doesn’t love a shopping party?! JOIN US! Xo.
She’s referring to the Hollywood Dash store's Fashion’s Night Out event on September 6. More on that soon!

Sorry, another one…(she tweets A LOT!) Khloe Kardashian Odom (@KhloeKardashian): “At the dentist… If only I could get Lamar to come back here. I thought we conquered his fear but he keeps avoiding coming LOL he’s so silly.”

Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews): “In Dallas fed. court, man alleges big online travel agencies & hotels are engaged in price-fixing conspiracy”
Interesting.

Lady Gaga (@ladygaga): “some things never change…here’s a photo of my in highschool in the schoolplay (set that wig + did my own makeup!)”
This is a truly beautiful photo of Lady Gaga when she wasn't Lady Gaga.

DailyCandy (@dailycandy): Better late than never: Estuaries swimwear launches.”

Lea Michele (@msleamichele): “Morning! Back at work getting ready to shoot with @chriscolfer @CoryMonteith and @DarrenCriss today! Super excited!”

Katie Couric (@katiecouric): Big news today about our @KatieShow guests – how psyched am I!?!?!”
Are you going to watch Katie's new talk show? Her first guest is Jessica Simpson (who hasn't talked to the press since baby Maxwell's arrival in May!).

Scott Schuman (@Sartorialist): On the Street….Thompson St., New York”

Images via barneys, eurweb, E online, and the Sartorialist.

Fashion Conversations: Impossible

Although it did not repeat the success of last year's McQueen exhibit, which shattered attendance records and was so popular the museum extended its run twice, the "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations" exhibit at the Met was exquisite in my opinion. It closed August 19, so I just made it in the nick of time when I visited NYC for an extended weekend.

I had never heard of Elsa Schiaparelli, whose relatively short-lived fashion house closed in 1954. However, the similarities in their designs, approach to fashion, and attitude were unmistakable. The clothes on view were fun and whimsical, while the video element of Schiaparelli (played by Judy Davis) conversing with Prada added a fascinating and technological touch. Watching as these two alpha females sat at a long, dramatic table and listening to them compare life stories was like being a fly on the wall.

There is no question both have (and still are) leaving their footprint on the world of fashion. You can read more about both designers in this NYTimes article.

Rugs in Kitchen: Pretty or Practical?

I want to put a rug in our kitchen to liven it up a little and add some color. However, as much as I enjoy cooking, I'm known to be messy... and clumsy (not graceful). All the rugs I like are NOT cheap. Let me repeat: not cheap. Makes me think twice (well, three times) before spending that kind of money because I WILL drop the entire jar of spaghetti sauce in the middle of the rug on the third day I own it. Problem. But I really like the idea of having a rug in the kitchen. D-lemma!

Elle Decor

The runner idea is growing on me. A lot. But would they work in an open kitchen with no island? I'm beginning to think an indoor/outdoor rug would be the way to go. Practical is good. Have I convinced you yet? Me neither.

Elle Decor

 (Sigh.)

Traditional Home

It goes without saying that a flat rug is needed in this room. I already trip over my dog who loves to lay in the middle of the tile floor. No need to create more hazards.

High Gloss

I think my first choice would be an oushak or kilim rug. Naturally. Talk about pretty! But I like to enjoy wine while I'm cooking. Hmmmmm.

unknown

wood floors + white cabinets = heart

Lonny

Does anyone actually COOK in this kitchen!?  I would be terrified. Me and all the professional rug cleaners in the city would be on a first name basis. Seriously people.

Are you brave enough to put a rug in your kitchen?

City Escape

After visiting New York City this past weekend (more photos to come), it got me thinking which neighborhood I would live in if I were to move there. It's remarkable that you can descend down the stairs at Times Square into subway oblivion and emerge in a completely tranquil, green, quaint, lush neighborhood lined with darling townhouses. All within this island of less than 470 square miles. Where would you live in NYC?

Notable for being home to many artist's lofts and galleries, Soho also offers a wide variety of stores and shops ranging from trendy boutiques to national and international chain stores. Cast iron architecture is incorporated into much of the architecture. Soho is named for SOuth of HOuston St... a little trivia for ya!

Park Avenue, known for it's luxurious residential housing, runs north and south with a median down the middle.  The flowers and greenery in this median are paid for by the Fund for Park Avenue. Begonias are a flower of choice in the median because there is no automatic watering system and they can cope with the hot sun.

Central Park West (CPW to locals) forms the western edge of Central Park, as well as the eastern boundary of the Upper West Side. Central Park West is the address of several famous residences including The Dakota where John Lennon lived with Yoko Ono (who still lives there) and outside of which he was murdered in 1980. Jerry Seinfeld, Demi Moore, and Steve Martin do, or have called this area home.

Often referred to as just "The Village," Greenwich Village is mostly all residential. Roughly centered around NYU, Greenwich Village encompasses West Village. Emma Stone, Julianne Moore, Uma Thurman, Anderson Cooper and designer Marc Jacobs call Greenwich Village home.

Also known as the birthplace to NYC and the nation, downtown is the southern most tip of the island. Consisting of high rises, you will find the Financial District and most of New York's court buildings. Talk about a view!

All photos courtesy of Architectural Digest.

Prepping for Houseguests

A bedroom by Mary McDonald.

Expecting houseguests soon? Here are some tips from Bunny Williams of Country Living.

1. Set out throw pillows. You can never have too many! On the couch, on the bed and on the floor. Pillows put forth an aura of comfort and can instantly make your guests feel more welcome.

2. Offer light reading. Magazines or short stories next to the bed encourage guests to take some time for relaxation. There is nothing better than dozing off after reading a few pages.

3. Keep lighting dim. Bright lights can make guests feel vulnerable. Everyone looks and feels better in dim or warm lighting, especially in the dining room.

4. Offer storage space. Closet space, hooks for hanging coats and towels, and a bench for placing suitcases are a nice touch for travelers making them feel less intrusive.

5. Place furniture strategically. Sofas and chairs should be facing each other to generate conversation. Ensuring furniture is the same height is integral for making communication effortless.

6. Conveniently accessorize. A pretty water glass next to the bed, check. Flowers next to the sink, check. Shampoo and body soap in the shower, check.

7. Create comfort. Extra blankets on the bed prevent guests from having to search in the middle of the night. A fan in warm climates, and delicious smelling candles create a welcoming environment.

8. Nightstand goodies. Providing treats for your guest either before they arrive, or offering something different each night is a nice, extra touch. Tea bags and a pitcher of hot water if your guest enjoys tea in the evening, a small box of chocolates for those with a sweet tooth, or even just a box of tissues if allergies are present.

Olympic Fever

I have Olympic fever these past few weeks and have been glued to the "telly" every evening (even though all the websites spoiled so many endings for me, they are still fun to watch). With only a few days to go (they end on Sunday), let's look back at the beginning and take a world tour of the opening ceremony outfits. There were some spectacles, some very predictable, some outrageous, and some bor-ing uniforms.

Regardless, I have such admiration for these athletes - their sacrifice and dedication to be able to attend the Olympics and perform at the highest level. As the U.S. takes the lead ahead of China in the medal count, it is a joyous time to be an American! And congrats to London for being the hostess with the mostess. Despite a rocky start, they have redeemed themselves (putting Kate and Wills in the spectator stands hasn't hurt either!). Go Team USA!

Photos from styleite.com.

Belgium. Loving that the ladies wore kitten heels for all that walking!

Colombia. Are those boat shoes?! South American cool.

Estonia. Space suits anyone?

Germany's pink and blue. Huh?

Stella McCartney previewing her 2012 Olympic uniforms for Great Britain. Home run for her, of course.  cbsnews.com photo.

Latvia. A country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. Bet you didn't know that! We will excuse them for those hats.

Liechtenstein, bordered by Switzerland and Austria. How do they get to wear jeans and the U.S. doesn't!? Casual cool.

Macedonia (a region of Greece) was one of the only teams to wear shorts.

An island in the Northern Pacific ocean, Marshall Islands, stayed true to their heritage with grass skirts.

Great pick of orange and cobalt blue by The Netherlands.

Nigeria's headdresses are beautiful.

Who's this dapper gentleman? Why its,  Horia Tecau of Romania, ranked #8 in the world in doubles tennis.

For some reason, South Africa reminded me of legos...

Rugby shirt and stripe overload by the Swedish.

Stella McCartney had to reiterate that she did not design Great Britain's outfits for the Opening Ceremonies. The white and gold Elvis track suits were created by high street label Next.

Vanuatu, an island in the South Pacific, stayed true to their country's colors. Stunning against their dark skin.

Nothing more American than Ralph Lauren!