Get Your Pong On

Atari's classic Pong - a favorite growing up

So I just finished having a great debate with some of my closest cohorts… could one say that table-tennis is making its graceful comeback as the sport of choice for chicsters and those well-in-the-know? Well… if you currently reside in The NYC and consider yourself amongst the stylish social set, then I’m most certain you’ve heard about the recent opening of SPiN New York, the newest, and I must say, ultra-creative venture in the world of private social clubbing. Invested by Susan Sarandon and co-designed by Todd Oldham, this state of the art gaming club is certain to bring the world of ping-pong to a whole new level. Complete with 15 Olympic-quality tables and a full size bar, one can sip and hit as the DJ du jour spins the latest beats. If that’s not swank enough, try your backhand out in the private room complete with a mirrored table, so ping-pong luxe. Private club memberships cost $1,000 a year or $100 a month, though table time is open to the public for $15 per half-hour. Next time I’m in The NYC you can certainly bet on seeing me kick’n it courtside. – KL

SPiN New York - www.spinyc.com
48 East 23rd Street, New York NY 10010

My table-tennis lace-up loafer of choice – suede bootie by Christian Louboutin

Pong it at home - Dining Table by Hunn Wai and
“Bettina” Ping Pong Ball Lamp by Studio Kleefstra

Lonny

How excited am I!!! Last week I received word (a joyous one at that!) that Michelle Adams, former editor of Domino magazine, is in the works of launching a new online-only magazine filling the empty void that’s been left in the wake of many shuttered shelter publications. Teaming up with Patrick Cline, who Adams met a few years back at a Domino photo shoot, the first issue of Lonny launches this Thursday, October 1st. The name alone, derived from a mix and play of New York and London, stands for what will indeed be a site full of incredible chicness. The online format will be broken down in similar style to traditional print publications (front of book market pages, art and culture, fashion and features) and already has an a-list lineup of design star talent as collaborators and/or feature material, Jonathan Adler, Celerie Kemble and Eddie Ross, formerly of Martha Stewart Living and more famously known from last seasons show Top Design. Beyond the amazing eye candy and stylish tips that are sure to be featured within the flip format, you will actually be able to shop the pages by clicking on product that’s featured, how brilliant… and what could become very dangerous to one’s home décor and shopping budgets. I’m sure come Thursday I’ll certainly be flipping and clicking. - KL

Here’s a sneak peak of Lonny launching online this Thursday, October 1st.
www.lonnymag.com - bookmark it today.

Magnificent and Macabre!

"For the Love of God: The Making of the Diamond Skull" by Damien Hirst

book available at http://www.amazon.com/

For those of you that know me, this post doesn't come as a surprise that I am mad about the macabre, the dark and stormy, the rock and roll punk princess look that has been softened by pretty skull motifs and sometimes adorned with crowns. I love skulls! I love crowns. But I digress. Crowns will be in another post. For now...it's all about the gothic glamour and my immense passion to acquire most things donning a chic skull. To some, skulls are passe, which I get. I am beyond the trend of skull and bones and have fully accepted it as "my thing." But to clarify, I am not a lover of ALL skulls. For instance, there's the visual of the biker who O.D.'d on ink with tats all up his arms of skulls/roses/hearts/snakes intertwined while wearing a heavy sterling silver skull ring with tarnished eye cavities. Vigilante-style, though it works for some, it's not my look. Halloween decor is rich in skulls, bones, and other gruesome elements, but again, the fact that it's for a holiday brings the motif down a knotch and so it really doesn't resonate with me. I like skulls in small doses. I prefer to wear the skull cufflinks with a crisp white button up shirt, or a skull ring with colorful stones and a crown with a cocktail dress, jeans,etc. I love the mystery and dichotomy of a subtle skull feature juxtaposed with a serious outfit or the whimsy of a bold cashmere sweater emblazoned with a cranium! Here are some of my favorite items that I either own or wish to own! Note: that knuckle duster ring will be mine very soon! So GLAM-goth-biker babe-done my way, of course!-BH

Skull Heel Boots by Gianni Barbato available at http://www.luisaviaroma.com/

Poncho (A/W 09/10) by Lucien Pellat-Finet at http://www.lucienpellat-finet.com/

Black Double Wrap Leather Skull charm bracelet http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/

A La Vie Minaudiere by Sylvia Toledano at http://www.vivre.com/

Crystal Skull Necklace by Made Her Think at http://www.vivre.com/

Crowned Skull Ring by Jessica Kagan Cushman at http://www.vivre.com/

Skull Knuckle Duster Ring by Alexander McQueen at Bergdorf Goodman

Skull Notebooks by Assouline at http://www.vivre.com/

Noir Skull Cameo Cufflinks at http://www.etsy.com/

Paul Frank Sugar Skurvy Silicone I-Phone Case http://www.store.apple.com/

Be Italian!

The song being operatically sung during the noir-ish trailer to musical, Nine, has been running through my mind with the occasional soprano verbrata of my own theatrical faux-singing that I can pull off in small notes! My dog goes running into her cage when I start singing like I am in the theatre...my husband says, "Wow, honey, that was pretty good..!" Thanks dear, but pets don't lie. Guess I'll stick to my day job (and blogging) for now. Producer Rob Marshall's Broadway hit, Chicago garnered six Academy Awards which only leaves me with the same anticipation and high hopes for the November 25th release of Nine, the five Tony winner based off of Fredrico Fellini's 1963 classic movie, 8-1/2. Nine is a story about a young film maker, Guido Contini who lives in Venice and is faced with his own crisis of art imitating life. His personal life and creative life are in flux as he struggles to come up with a plot to a film he has to write along with undergoing a nervous breakdown. The tangled web of women that contribute to Guido's torn soul leads us to a world of incredible passion, song, and dance. With a cast like Daniel Day-Lewis (Guido), Marion Cotillard (his wife), Penelope Cruz (his mistress), Judi Dench (costume designer and mentor), Nicole Kidman (his muse), Sophia Loren (his Mamma), Kate Hudson (a fashion journalist) and Fergie (slut who taught Guido a thing or two about love) - this star-studded film has Academy Award written all over it! Here are a few stills from the movie... -BH.

Mix-Master Of Style

Reese Witherspoon shot for Harper's Bazaar April 2007 on location at Tony Duquette's home "Dawnridge" located in Los Angeles
Photo courtesy of Harper's Bazaar

Within the various forms of design, whether it be fashion, interior or architecture, I’m always inspired by the play of the unexpected mixed with the traditional. For me, Tony Duquette is the mix-master of this exact concept of artfully combined style. His creations exemplified the epitome of a seamlessly chic and exotic lifestyle expressed with the very thought that more is much superior then less. Duquette, a master at mixing the unique with the common to create luxe and fanciful, is being celebrated yet again with the new book More is More, by Hutton Wilkinson. This latest coffee-table tome pays homage to the eccentric design icon’s inspirations, personal life and everlasting influences through the presentation of archival interior shots and imaginative vignettes. Wilkinson, a former apprentice and colleague of the internationally acclaimed artist and designer, is keeping the Duquette vision alive through a series of projects and collections. Here are a few of my mix-master must-haves that I’m envisioning for my own personally inspired Duquette look. – KL

Tony Duquette multi-tourmaline necklace – www.tonyduquette.com and Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Beach

I first fell in the love with Tony Duquette jewels when I attended the opening party for the in-store Duquette boutique at Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Beach. The mix and play approach of combining various stones and gems, perfectly demonstrates my personal style of what a statement making piece should be. These special jeweled creations are truly one-of-a-kind and will always be timeless, chic and on my must-have list for added enhancement for any in vogue ensemble.

Here are three trés chic fabrics from the recently launched, The Tony Duquette Collection, by Jim Thompson www.jimthompson.com

Gemstone - The famed 'Malachite" pattern, a favorite of Duquette's which he showcased on dishes, floors, tabletops and within his jewelry creations. A personal favorite of mine as well, always the epitome of grand style

Golden Sunburst - I'm envisioning this updated "California Sunburst" pattern, recreated and repeated in a large scale, perfect for additional pillows for my sleek and graphic daybed.

Spinach Leopard - everyone knows I love a punch of leopard, so amazingly chic and fresh showcased in green. Duquette created the original spinach leopard print for his own personal use in the 1960s.

Biomorphic Console Table – The Selected Works of Tony Duquette by Baker. This recreation, circa 1965, is a prime example of a perfect juxtaposition of organic and luxe, and perfect for my loft. www.kohlerinteriors.com/baker/1_0_0_baker_home.jsp

More is More: Tony Duquette
By Hutton Wilkinson, Foreward by John Galliano
Preorder: www.amazon.com/gp/product/0810957027

That's the Spirit!

Even though there is no evidence that autumn has arrived in South Florida except a loss of daylight, there is no denying that seasons change continentally with or without us! As we near the fall season, our food and beverage palates are willing to forego the light, effervescence of spring/summer freshness and venture into heavier, more complex flavors that represent the holiday harvest and seasonal spices. While crisp, minty mojitos and refreshing vodka drinks spiked with citrus cool us off in the summer months, herbal infused cocktails, pumpkin spice and fresh apples remind us that cocktails follow the same food trends. Sipping these seasonal sips just may get you in the spirit to celebrate your tricks or treats,reflect on being thankful, or realize that it's better to give than to receive! Cheers! -BH

Pumpkin Martini

1/2 oz Sylk Cream Liqueur

2 oz Vanilla Vodka

1/2 oz Pumpkin liqueur or pumpkin spice syrup

1 tsp whipped cream

1 cinnamon stick for garnish

Pour all ingredients into a shaker w/ice. Shake well; pour into chilled martini glass. Top with dollop of whipped cream and garnish with cinnamon stick. Another option: garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds!

Black Truffles Martini
2 oz Vodka
8 Black Truffles
1 oz pear nectar
1/2 oz pear brandy
1 spray of truffles essence

Infuse vodka with black truffles for one week at room temp. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake all ingredients and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with shaved truffle flakes.

Pom & Tonic

In a rocks glass, combine Charbay or Van Gogh Pomegranate vodka, tonic and garnish with a sprig of rosemary!

For those of you that prefer beer to liquor, try New Belgium Brewing: Blue Paddle Pilsener Lager. This czech-style pilsener from an eco-friendly micro-brewery in Colorado has a crisp and malty flavor finished off by pine and citrus. http://www.newbelgium.com/

Photo credits: Top Beer: Photography by Stephanie Foley for Gourmet Magazine (8.27.09); Truffle: Photography by Poisson D'Avril/Corbis for Gourmet Magazine (2.12.08); Pomegranate: monkeymagic2 on flickr.

Reading Wish List Deux

The First Reading Wish List posted on Monday seemed much enjoyed, so I thought that a part deux should be in order. Here are 3 more luxe books that are making my current must-have reading list. – KL

Specially designed plexiglass edition

Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture
This fashionable tome is another MUST-have on my wish list. Compiled of 3 things that are much loved by me – art, fashion and architecture, well 4 including Louis… This book is a celebration of Vuitton’s continual creative success. Featuring LV’s collaborative works of art, in various expressions and mediums, from the visionary likes of Jacques-Henri Lartigue, Philippe Starck, David la Chapelle and Rei Kawakubo, this is a must-not to be missed. Added bonus, it will look so amazingly chic displayed on my coffee table next to my copy of Louis Vuitton’s limited edition Stephen Sprouse book.
www.amazon.com/Louis-Vuitton-Art-Fashion-Architecture/dp/0847833380

Anna Della Russo featured in the Italian Touch

Italian Touch
Diego Della Valle, founder and ceo of Tod’s, commissioned this latest limited edition photo book capturing the luxe lifestyles and Italian heritage of some of Tod’s chicest clientele, ranging from family and friends, to aristocrats and jet-setters. This stylish tome, complete with gorgeous pictures from cover to cover, is perfect for any chic coffee table. It also made my must-have looking list as one of my dearest friends is currently traveling Italy to learn its poetic language and experience its ultra-luxe lifestyle.
Available Oct 20 – Preorder - http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Italian-Touch/Paolo-Leone/e/9788857201474

The Prince of Wales with the Duchess of York and Prince Henry of Gloucester circa 1922
Photo: THE ROYAL COLLECTION

The Queen Mother: The Official Biography by William Shawcross
This soon-to-be released book is on my must-read list. Some of my favorite downtime is spent reading biographies and this one will introduce me to Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, the impassioned young woman who would go on to become one of Britain’s most beloved royal figures. Having read biographies on Marie-Antoinette, Ann of Boleyn, Queen Victoria and Juana of Castille, I’m quite interested in seeing how this queen’s life might be parallel to fellow royals before her.
Also available Oct 20

Reading Wish List

Here are a few new and soon-to-be released books that are on my must-have reading, looking… and cooking wish list. - KL

The Marchesa Casati: Portraits of a Muse
This lavish coffee-table book is an absolute MUST on my wish list. I was completely captivated and inspired by Infinite Variety: The Life and Legend of the Marchesa Casati, so I’m highly anticipating the fall release on this latest edition featuring new text written by official Casati biographers Ryersson and Yaccarino, and more than 200 images of this iconic style muse. Added bonuses, preface written by Diane von Furstenberg and a stunning portfolio of Casati-inspired photo-portraits and sketches by Karl Lagerfeld.
Available Oct 1 - Preorder at - www.abramsbooks.com/Books/The_Marchesa_Casati-9780810948150.html

American Fashion Cookbook (100 Designer’s Best Recipes)
How chic does this fashionable recipe wonderment sound… Isaac Mizrahi’s Mushroom Truffle Spaghetti, “Crowd Pleaser” Cocktail Spread by Steven Stolman, Le Panier de Crudites by Catherine Malandrino, Croissant French Toast by Edmundo Castillo, and Derek Lam’s Yellowtail Crudo! This is my kind of cooking.
Available now - www.assouline.com/books-assouline/American%20Fashion%20Cookbook_722-newtitles.html
(I also recently spotted it on the shelves at Neimans Marcus)

Olivier Theyskens: The Other Side of the Picture
J’Adore Olivier! Loved him at Rochas and Nina Ricci and am anxiously awaiting word on what his next couturier step might be. I’m also anxiously awaiting this must-have literary delight, a 186-page tome based on a collaboration between the Belgian designer and photographer Julien Claessens, who documented the backstage scene for over a decade.
Available January 2010 - www.assouline.com/index2.php

I Love Your Style by Amanda Brooks
This book dishes out the 411 on how to define and refine your personal style. I’m most looking forward to seeing how Ms. Brooks, a chic NY fashionista herself, highlights style innovators and their signature trends, Kristen Dunst's plaid shirt, Sofia Coppola's minimal tuxedo and Mary-Kate Olsen's sequins. Also included, another forward written by Mrs. von Furstenberg, she’s one busy lady.
Available September 15 - www.amazon.com/Love-Your-Style-Define-Personal/dp/0061833126

Dream a Little Dream of ...Missoni

This summer, famed Milan fashion house, Missoni opened it's first hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland. The five-star hotel comes complete with 129 rooms and 7 suites, along with a bar (Bar Missoni), restaurant (Cucina) and conference rooms. Quintessential Missoni resonates throughout the hotel with playful, colorful hues layered with ubiquitous retro floral and chevron zig-zag patterns that we've come to associate with the label. Since my summer travels have come to an end, I'm eagerly awaiting my next travel destination which may be wherever a new Missoni hotel is slated to sprout up! Keep your eyes open for the following Missoni Hotels: Kuwait 2009, Cape Town 2010, Brazil 2012, and Oman 2012. For now...check out what Edinburgh has to offer! -BH

Lobby

Lobby

Guest Suite

Bathroom

Bar Missoni

Cucina

Conference Room

Photos courtesy of: www.edinburgharchitecture.co.uk, www.hotelmissoni.com,

Hotel Missoni Edinburgh

1 George IV Bridge

Edinburgh, U.K.

www.hotelmissoni.com