FRUIT PUNCH

Want to design a fabulous room? Add a punch of color! No one knows this better than Manhattan's design maven Amanda Nisbet.

Take inspiration from Nisbet's designs (below) by adding a bright headboard, bedskirt, throw pillows and window treatment to an otherwise neutral bedroom to create a classically modern retreat. Or paint a ceiling purple in an outdoor space and carry the color down to the patio tables and bench cushions.

Don't be afraid to mix colors either! Nisbet sure isn't! Check out how she uses lime and fuchsia (last photo below) to make a dining space uber hip and yet so sophisticated!

I've gathered some of my favorite Nisbet examples of how a punch of pink or purple in a space is so TRES CHIC!

NISBET ON HER DESIGN PHILOSOPHY: "A fresh and energetic approach to a traditional sense of luxury. Color, texture and form blend to create a comfortable elegance, balancing function and style, and combining classicism and modernism."

Nisbet (pictured) founded her interior design firm in 1998. Visit Amanda Nisbet Design online.

LONDON CALLING

Teen Vogue chose the gorgeous young star Emma Watson for their August 2009 cover. Watson, 19, made a name for herself in the widely popular Harry Potter flicks, but this stunning British actress may ditch it all (see quote below) as she heads off to Columbia University for some higher learning. Here's hoping she finds a balance between "normal life" and "Hollywood." One glimmer of hope...Watson is the new face of Burberry!


ON ACTING IN THE FUTURE: "There's not, like, a burning passion in me that I have to act and I don't care what I do. Until something comes along that I feel as strongly about as I did Hermione-like, I felt that it was life or death-I don't want to act again." -Watson in Teen Vogue

ON BOYFRIEND JAY BARRYMORE: "The only reason it's 'on/off' is because the papers make up so much rubbish!" -Teen Vogue

ON THE PAPARAZZI: "[At my eighteenth birthday party] they laid down on the pavement and took pictures up my skirt. Now I'm going to wear cycling shorts whenever I get out of cars." -Teen Vogue

Check out Teen Vogue for more behind the scenes photos of Watson's shoot, PLUS how to achieve Watson's style!

POPPY TALK

Coach unveiled its new "Poppy" line today, a mix of vibrant, casual and fun bags and accessories. With the new collection (aimed at a younger buyer than previous lines) Coach launched a full on social networking campaign via Facebook to generate buzz (become a Fan to get exclusive news, giveaways, desktop wallpaper, etc). To keep the fun going Coach is hosting "Poppy Parties" in cities all over the U.S. this July (visit Coach for more details).

The Poppy Page on Coach's site is fun and interactive, so be sure to check it out! I love their new line of sequin flats, graphic tees and rhinestone jewelry. It all feels very XOXO Gossip Girl to me, but in a good way!

LEGALLY CHIC

"Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed."-Elle Woods

PB Teen (Pottery Barn's younger tween sister) has the most adorable line of Legally Blonde inspired bedding, luggage and of course chic doggy accessories- cute enough to make this twenty-something gal want to "bend and snap" up a few for herself!

PB Teen personalized their goodies with Elle's monogram and her pup Bruiser's moniker (so cute!) but any name can be added. What a great gift idea!

Many of the items are on sale so grab them while you can!

Reese Witherspoon as "Elle Woods." Legally Blonde DVDs available at Amazon

VANITY FAIR

Nothing says "chic" like a ladylike vanity in the boudoir. In my recent search for the perfect makeup table for my own master suite, I stumbled along an array of gorgeous sitting tables all chic in their own right. For your own glamour vanity, keep in mind these three features:

1. Ample storage. Whether the table you choose is skirted, mirrored, Victorian or Modern, a functional vanity needs hideaway space for cosmetics, jewelry, chocolates, magic wands. Tiny built-in drawers are perfect, or using baskets hidden under a skirted table works too.






















2. Comfy chic chair. No vanity is complete without a pretty seat to rest your pretty feet. Any chic chair or stool will do, but why not make a statement with a contrasting color or vibrant print fabric. Bring on the brocade!





















3. Mirror, mirror on the wall. Be the fairest by using a unique mirror hung over your vanity to add interest and usability. A tri-fold table top mirror is classic vanity styling, but why not turn a yard sale stunner into chic functionality? Attach a pretty ribbon to the back of any shape mirror and hang it at seated eye level above your table. Voila, instant chic vanity!




















Take inspiration from your room when picking the perfect vanity set up.
Adding perfume bottles and a vase of fresh flowers to the table top adds chic femininity to overall look.


Happy primping!