COME ON BABY LIGHT MY FIRE

Seven styles of design all with one common thread - fire.

These fireplaces are all chic in their own right, no matter what your design aesthetic. So curl up and enjoy!

Coastal Chic: elements of shells, drift wood and coral in sea-side shades of green, blue, cream and grey.

Contemporary Chic: a mix of colors (either muted or vibrant), textures and time periods, blended together for an up-to-date style.

Sleek Chic: ultra hip, uber modern, super clean lines, natural and man-made elements blended in a no-frills, industrial design.

Rustic Chic: natural texture from stone and wood, warm colors in browns and greens, a sense of being anchored to the earth.

Cottage Chic: a mix of found, antique and weathered pieces, cool colors of crisp white, creamy beiges and muted earth tones.

Whimsical Chic: out-of-the-box design, fearless color, shapes and style, child-like and fun!

Elegant Chic: refined, sophisticated style, classic in styling with a monochromatic color palette.

NINE TIMES THE GLITZ

On December 25, 2009 musical great Rob Marshall, who brought us Chicago in 2002, is back with his latest project Nine. With an Oscar-winning ensemble cast, this 1960s-based Italian musical is sure to be a hit!

"Nine tells the story of Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis), a world famous film director as he confronts an epic mid-life crisis with both creative and personal problems. He must balance the many women of his life, including his wife (Marion Cotillard), his mistress (Penelope Cruz), his film star muse (Nicole Kidman), his confidant and costume designer (Judi Dench), an American fashion journalist (Kate Hudson), the whore from his youth (Fergie) and his mother (Sophia Loren)." -IMDb.com

Hudson's performance is said to be a showstopper. Her costume and swinging dance number (as seen in the film's new trailer, below) seem to channel her mother Goldie Hawn in her 60s, go-go dancing hay day.

Just like Marshall's Chicago, Nine began as a Broadway baby. In 1982 Nine took home the Tony for Best Musical.

The silver screen version of Chicago translated exceptionally well to film, and nabbed 6 Oscars in 2003 including a Best Picture win and a Best Director nomination for Marshall. Oscar buzz surrounding Nine has already begun. Check out the new trailer and tell me you aren't excited to see this!

The women of Nine grace the cover of November's Vogue Magazine.

Watch the Trailer on Yahoo! Movies

TIGHT END

Those Gossip Gals sure know how to work a trend! Textured tights are hot for fall/winter, and everyone's favorite ladies of the Upper East Side are workin' it with "look at me" limbs! Blair, Serena and even Jenny sport this fun look with super short skirts or classic pea coats. Love it!
(Click on images for larger view)

Inspired? Then shop for your own pair! These fun textures are perfect with a LBD (little black dress) for the holidays, paired with jeweled flats, patent leather pumps or suede booties! But remember to keep the outfit simple if the tights are textured, otherwise you'll wind up looking more freak than chic!

Spanx Tights in Black Chain Stripe $42

HUE Tights in Geo Argyle $20

Betsey Johnson Lace Net Tights $20

Urban Outfitters Tuscan Floral Tights $14

Other great sites for tights:

Topshop

Nordstrom

Forever 21

Express

BareNecessities.com

TRICK OR CHIC

Halloween is just around the corner! Forget the same 'ol silly decorations, dress up your space with chic and spooky decor and serve up some haunting treats! Trick or Chic!





This Gothic-chic ribbon wreath is perfect for Halloween in high style! Love this look for a new take on front door decor. DIY directions at CasaSugar





Decorate your entry with super chic spooky decor like this, courtesy of my new favorite blog Life in the Fun Lane. Visit the site for a step-by-step guide!





Serve up some ghoulish cocktails with vodka as dark as night!


Ghost in the Graveyard


Serves 1

• 2 ounces black vodka


• 2 ounces creme de cacao or coffee-flavored liqueur


• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream


• Pinch of finely grated nutmeg, for garnish
  

In a glass, combine vodka and creme de cacao, and set aside. Place a scoop of ice cream in a highball glass, and slowly pour vodka mixture over ice cream. Garnish with nutmeg; serve immediately.

Screwed-Up Screwdriver

Serves 1

• 1/4 cup ice


• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed tangerine juice
  
• 1 1/2 ounces black vodka


• 1 black licorice twist, for serving
  

Place ice in a tall glass. Pour juice into glass. Pour vodka over the back of a cocktail spoon into glass so it sits on top of juice and creates a layer of black. Slice 1/4 inch off each end of licorice, and use as a straw. Serve immediately.

Berry Scary Martini

Serves 1

• 1 cup ice


• 1 ounce black vodka


• 2 ounces cherry juice


• Fresh raspberries and blueberries, for garnish
  

Combine ice, vodka, and cherry juice in a cocktail shaker; shake vigorously. Pour into a martini glass. Thread raspberries and blueberries onto a cocktail skewer, and place in drink. Serve immediately.

Recipes courtesy of Martha Stewart


Love these pom poms in black and silver for over a dining room or buffet table! They add amazing texture. Available at Martha Stewart Crafts online for only $14.99

Add a festive take to fondue with a carved pumpkin holder! Check out the details at Rachael Ray online.

Toast the evening with Spellbound wine from Napa, CA - love the haunting label!

Glittery skull candles and bone accents can transform any space into a haunted happening! Candles available at Pottery Barn

Fake a spooky space with an easy to assemble glittering black chandelier (check out the rat under glass! A creepy touch for the table!) Chandelier available at Martha Stewart Crafts online.