Ottoman Empire!

Right now I am currently on the hunt for ottomans for a client and what better way to add a splash of pattern or personality to a space without a lot of committment! Large cocktail ottomans are great for kicking your feet up, placing a tray upon, or setting other fabulous accessories to create excitement. But if you'd like to leave your options open and allow the fabrics to speak for themselves...these ottomans need little adornment but a perfect environment to be set! Here are a few of my latest obsessions...-BH

Altai Ottoman - crewel fabric w/turned wood legs!

http://www.anthropologie.com/
So chic! The Yves Ottoman in tufted leather and elegant french leg.
http://www.jaysonhomeandgarden.com/

A favorite among many these days...the Kilim Ottoman.

http://www.restorationhardware.com/

For the whimsical modernist - the Sheepskin pouf! I love sheepskin anything!

http://www.westelm.com/

When tight on space, joining two cubes, square tables, or stools is the perfect antidote to the traditional ottoman!

http://www.plantationdesign.com/

A Tisket, A Tasket, A Delicious Holiday Basket!

http://www.zabars.com/

A NYC fave...great kosher baskets and MORE!

Time is running out to send last minute food baskets to loved ones during the holidays. Act fast...as many of my favorite websites are still offering free shipping depending on their ordering deadlines! These delicious ensembles are well worth putting it in "the basket"! Happy check out!
-BH

http://www.zingermans.com/

The weekender basket offers amazing variety!

http://www.manhattanfruitier.com/
For the fruit sophisticate


http://www.deandeluca.com/
The options are endless at this gourmet food emporium!

http://www.harryanddavid.com/

The simple and scrumptous old faithful! Can't go wrong here!

Sister Act

Over the weekend here in Palm Beach I experienced a high school reunion of sorts. Fellow Bolles alums and sisters Danielle and Jodie Snyder, the designing duo behind the very hip collection {Dannijo} jewelry popped into town to set up shop at Eye of the Needle. Unfortunately Danielle and Jodie didn't make the trip, however the very chic Michelle Fawbush (yet another Bolles alum and Dannijo sales director) hosted the trunk show and graciously introduced me to the very trend-on collection. Danielle and Jodie who grew up in Jacksonville, got their design start early by teaching themselves wire work with their father's medical instruments. After a small boutique stint in Jax, college educations and a move to NYC, the sister's went at it again officially launching the company in Spring 2008. With a devoted fan base, celeb following and point of sales at major upscale boutiques and stores, these sisters are well on their way. What I love about the collection is the rough luxe aesthetic mixed with various elements of fancy. And you can practically pair up any piece with any element in your wardrobe creating various looks, whether it be rocker, dressy, classic, boho chic or everyday cool. These are definitely two girls to follow and a collection worth checking out. And I might add, perfect bauble pieces for holiday gifting. -KL

Jodie and Danielle Snyder featured in New York Magazine

Kelly Wearstler featured in Town & Country Jan 2010 wearing a Dannijo cuff

Michelle Fawbush rocking out a necklace, bracelets and ring from the collection

Mixing it up, various bracelets paired up to perfection

Thayer earrings, a personal fave of mine at the trunk show

Evelyn earrings, a perfect gift for any en vogue girl

Griffen necklace, think fashion forward, this statement necklace will be trend-on for spring. A great way to update your wardrobe now and carry on well into the summer

Check out the Dannijo website to view all collections. www.dannijo.com

A Single Man

This December there are so many movies on my "Must See" list that I wonder when I will get around to seeing the limited release of designer-turned-filmmaker Tom Ford' s A Single Man. Set in Los Angeles, 1962, British college professor, George (Colin Firth) is torn over the death of his longterm lover and partner and struggles to find if there is meaning to his life after Jim's death. The movie takes place over the course of a day where several events unfold that keep George questioning his existence and searching for the meaning of his life. He seeks comfort from his dear friend, Charley (Julianne Moore), who is also pondering similar relevance to her life post divorce. The movie sounds deep but I am looking forward to seeing Colin Firth in Tom Ford suits and somewhat representing an autobiographical glimpse into Tom Ford's meticulous, perfect life. While George is falling apart on the inside but keeping it together from hat to polished shoe on the outside, there is hope and a profound understanding to cherish the important things in life sans materialism. Some stills from the movie... -BH

Post Basel

At Art Basel standing with my desired above-tabletop decor

My destination weekend an hour south was quite the getaway. Full of luxe accommodations (Setai), stimulating art (Art Basel), exclusive parties (LaChapelle at The Raleigh) and people watching galore (LaChapelle at The Raleigh), it offered up just the right amount of mix for anyone looking to be en vogue. As the international stylish social set descends upon Miami every December to celebrate Art Basel, I take it as the perfect time of year to get inspired. The art itself was beyond, my favorite being the flying gold-limbed skeletons in which I would absolutely adore to hang above a dining room table, what would make for a more perfect dinner party conversation piece? But what I really love Art Basel for is the discovery of all things new, and this trip lead me to up-in-coming designer Altuzzara who was hosing a trunk show at The Webster on Saturday. Joseph Altuzzara, the man behind the name, born and bred in Paris and has a design pedigree working with the likes of Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, and Richard Tisco for Givenchy, was showcasing his latest collection for Spring/Summer 2010. And indeed did I enjoy. Here are a few of his chic pieces that were on display and will most definitely be on my s/s wardrobe wish list. -KL

The Altuzzara collection was also just featured on Sarah Jessica Parker in the December issue of Elle magazine. A definite creator of the stament dress.

Check out the {Altuzzara} website to see a list of US retailers

Art Basel

Au Revoir my dear friends, I’m off to Art Basel to view, mingle and get inspired. Kicking off the weekend’s festivities sipping and shopping at my fave Miami boutique The Webster, celebrating a creative collaboration with design innovators Viktor and Rolf who’ve created wearable art through a limited edition tee designed specially for the hipster boutique. Also being unveiled is the The Roof at The Webster which is sure to become the chicest elevated spot in town by day or night. Check back in next week for post weekend coverage on what was seen, experienced and inspiring. - KL

The Roof at the Webster
1220 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-674-7899
thewebstermiami.com

Decking the Halls!

What happened to the two damsels of Deux Luxe? Did they fall into a deep slumber after taking in too much turkey? Did they purge all their pie, never to return to their ol' trusty laptops to write any more prosey posts? No silly sallies, we're alive and well. We haven't jumped the blog ship and are back on track...slowly but surely. Tis the season : Galas, parties, store openings, tree lightings, birthdays, dinners, flu season (but I got my shot!), photo shoots, travels, holiday decorating, and throw in a little work and a few hours of shut eye (read: beauty rest), and there you have it ~ December at it's best, er, worst. Sorry to be dormant lately. We promise to give you the goods of the season. XO -BH

*Holiday decor project I've been working on to soon follow!
Photo courtesy of www.huttonwilkinson.com