NO MUMUS HERE

With so many of my close friends becoming parents I was inspired to seek out chic maternity clothing and baby outfits. I stumbled upon a UK magazine for parents called Junior. The glossy featured hip clothes for moms-to-be and the most adorable baby threads!
Pictured above is a halter maxi dress by DKNY.

Floral silk dress by See by Chloe; Brown shoes by Stuart Weitzman; Brown necklaces by Lola Rose (above).Floral dress by Paul Smith; Necklaces by Lola Rose (above). This one reminded me of my mom when she was pregnant-so groovy.

And for when the little one arrives...

(Above) a woven romper suit by Missoni (ages 1-18 months).

(Above) a mustard woolen cardigan by caramel Baby & Child (ages 3-18 months); denim knickers by D&G Junior (ages 3-24 months)-so cute!!

YESTERDAY'S ELEGANCE

Everything old is new again. French and English antique baths are an elegant way to re-design a Master Suite or Guest Bathroom. I came across the Water Monopoly recently and loved their antique designs. The Paris bath is a reproduction of an early twentieth century French tub (above).

The Bateau is a reproduction of a late 19th century French doubled ended bath (above). I love the silver finish. Stand inside this Needleshower reproduction (above) for an overall body shower experience.
Or get lost at sea with this sweet Porthole clawfoot tub in blue lacquer. Wouldn't this be great in a nautical Kid's Bath?

TIME FOR MY CLOSE-UP

Marilyn, Eat Your Heart Out!
Enokiworld.com is a fun destination for vintage jewels like these. This sampling is all from the 1950s- I love the classic and girly feel to them!
This Rhinestone Necklace with Teardrop Tassels goes for $205. Happy Shopping!

AQUAFINA

Let's call it a Blue Period, but I am loving teal and aqua and turquoise and robin's-egg blues for cabinets lately. Even doing just the island in blue (like the Plain & Fancy kitchen pictured) mixed with cream cabinets is so chic. The laundry room (pictured left) is a Ben Moore paint color Cabico color-matched to make the cabinetry we feature in the showroom at work. One of my favs! I'd do laundry in a room like that!

FASHION RX

John Galliano produced some stunningly romantic pieces for the Paris Haute Couture Fall 2008 show as design director for Christian Dior. Galliano was inspired by the "first supermodel" Lisa Fonssagrives (b/w photo below) who graced the glossy covers in the '30s, '40s and '50s. Despite what the critics say, I love the throw-back style of his collection with the cinched waists, a trend all over the runway again for the upcoming seasons. Plus, these hues are so yummy.

JUST ADD WATER

Consistently classic, effortlessly cool, painted white kitchen cabinetry with an inset door (the door sits flush with the face frame of the cabinet) is the chicest style going in kitchen design. Our design center makes over hundreds of kitchens each year and this is the most popular style we sell. It fits perfectly with New England's architecture too.

The photos at the top are of our York Harbor Kitchen on display at Atlantic Design Center. The cabinetry is by the family-owned, custom cabinetry company Mouser out of Kentucky. I was lucky enough to visit Mouser last fall and see for myself how their beautiful inset, framed and frameless cabinetry is made. The other two photos are more examples of how white inset kitchens can be traditional or contemporary, but still feel timeless.

ARTHOUSE

I couldn't help but smile and fall in love with the work by Leesa Leva when I first saw it this week. The 37-year-old Texan creates such chic watercolors. I love the two-headed Olsen monster (top) and ultra hip rendition of the model titled "I ♥ Lydia Hearst!" Check out more of Leva and shop for prints at www.leesaleva.com

FEATHERED FOCUS

Bird silhouettes are everywhere in design today from bedding and rugs to handbags and stationary. But don't you just love these designs? The lamp is from designer Thomas Paul (a huge bird motif guy), the clock is from UK designer Diana Paisis and the adhesive wall decor is from the UK company Brume. Those Brits love their birds!

HAMPTONS STYLE A LA BLAIR

Blair Waldorf and the gang may not be back to the small screen until September, but actress Leighton Meester's Gossip Girl summer looks are popping up everywhere! I especially love her Alice + Olivia floral dress paired with the woven Kate Spade bag (above). TRES CHIC!

SUMMER CAPE STYLE

The Cape is a must for summer. For a relaxing spot to rest your head try a B&B like this one, The Little Inn on Pleasant Bay. I fell in love with this inn the moment we drove up. From the white beadboard lining the walls, to the blue hydrangeas in bloom, the details of the inn are quintessential New England. Not to mention the innkeepers make an amazing breakfast you can enjoy on the front porch with the water view or in the backyard's Victorian garden. HEAVEN.

INSIDE OUT

My current obsession is outdoor living spaces. They can look just as formal/cozy/elegant/decorative as indoor spaces.

And with the weather so nice, why not entertain under the sun! This fabric is from one of my favorites, Thibaut. I love the mix of patterns in the white and teal, the contrast it has against the black and the texture of the wicker-it's so classic.