LERON TURNS TO JULIA B. FOR A CAPSULE COLLECTION OF MONOGRAMMED LINENS

Photos courtesy of Leron and Julia B.

The best design partnerships can come from a chance meeting in the past. This is the case with Leron, the oldest American luxury linen company and Julia B., a fresh, brightly colored monogram-centric line that is less than ten years old.  Both custom brands celebrate the craft of the artisans and handmade, and place a high value on the fact that their designs are meant to be passed on for generations to enjoy. David Forster and Julia Low definitely see things the same way, with an eye on the future, and the hopes of attracting a young clientele that appreciates what goes into the bedding and linens they create.  Old world style and hand embroidery converge with this partnership, one that showcases the greatest hits of Julia B.'s range, it features 3 different border styles, and a choice between 6 monograms, embroidered on her signature linen and cotton percale colors.The work is being created by  Julia's artisans, and will be  offered exclusively at Leron. Her wide designer following is sure to expand with a NYC D and D Building presence, and you can only buy these select designs through Leron. If you visit the Leron showroom on the 15th Floor, Suite 1521 at 979 3rd Avenue, you can see the assortment on a bed in the front. I think you will like what you see.

TRULY GIFTED: 15 GIFTS FOR THE GAL OR GUY ON THE GO

We all have those friends that never stay on the ground for too long. For those with serious wanderlust that can't seem to stay put, lavish them with travel appropriate accessories.  Satisfy their travel bug with the necessities that make their journey one to remember.  Adventure seekers and design divas alike will forge ahead in style this season.

 Photo courtesy of Mrs. Strong

 Getting a little tongue in cheek, the Don't Fuggedaboutit tablet notepad from Mrs. Strong will help the recipient  remember to tackle everything on their to do list before they step on the plane or train.

http://www.katieridder.com/

Everyone loves a crisp new tote to use while running errands. For the print and pattern fan, Katie Ridder's signature fabric and wallpaper prints now come on a cute tote bag. Order by emailing: info@katieridder.com

 Photo courtesy of T. Anthony

I need a new rolly bag in the worst way. The new carry-on Wheeled Duffle from T. Anthony fits in the overhead bin and is a nice addition to give to someone that has their luggage already. Mom, are you reading this?

Photo courtesy of Land's End

For the pal who is always en route to a picnic or party, the Lands End Wine Tote is just the thing.

Photo courtesy of Sister Parish

These little zippered pouches help keep the contents of a bag neat and tidy. Sister Parish printed fabric Cosmetic Bags come in a set of 3, and can keep your charger cords and passport separate and easy to access.

 Photo courtesy of Anya Hindmarch

A tiny bag that can serve double duty as a clutch and hold your camera, Anya Hindmarch's Courtney Moire Clutch will make interior designer friends happy with it's big ol' custom leather hanging tassel. 

Photo courtesy of Turkish T

Super lightweight and easy to pack, a robe is a travel must. Turkish-T's beautiful soft cotton Spa robes have a fringed hem and sleeve with spirited candy colored stripes. They can multi-task from breakfast to the beach.

Photo courtesy of Shop Bop

Mary Green's Sleeping Mask from Shop Bop will make for rested travelers.  Rested travelers are happy travelers.

Photo courtesy of Julia B.

It might surprise you how many people love to have the comforts of home while away. Long-haul flights and hotel rooms are just better with the addition of a pretty boudoir pillow.  Bring the comfort of your own bed with Julia B. baby pillows, she has a variety of  beautiful customized options.

 

 Photo courtesy of Saks

Ward off a chill with Queen of Cashmere's monogrammed travel throw with matching case. You never know when a bit of cashmere may come in handy.

Photo courtesy of Barneys

For those that never leave home without a signature scent, Frederic Malle's highly addictive Carnal Flower perfume comes in a portable spray (case not included).

Photo courtesy of mypressi

On the go and need a pick-me-up? Take the tiny well-designed My Pressi on Safari and always have your caffeine fix close at hand.

Get a game going anywhere. Play to win with Tory Burch's sleek Printed Portable Backgammon set.  Such a luxe version.

Photo courtesy of Momastore

Crisp sound, an FM Radio and alarm clock make Geneva's  bright red XS Sound System from Moma Store worth packing to travel.

Photo courtesy of Clare Vivier

A classic vide poche for a fraction of the Hermes prix, Clare Vivier's zesty red version is perfect and portable for keeping jewelry and other lotions and potions on the nightstand.

SLEEP ON IT: SUMMERY BEDDING

Switching out the warm, winter bed for fresh, new bedding in the summer is part of many people's changeover routine. Away goes the thick duvet and out comes the coverlet and thin blanket. If you are by the ocean, the duvet may be a necessity, so folding it into thirds at the end of the bed looks nice and neat. Perhaps your master bedroom needs reviving, and sometimes the guest linens need a refresher. Block prints, tiny patterns and solids in hot pink, blue and lavender were big spring news.

Here are some colorful new patterns, prints and solids to get you started!

 Photos courtesy of Serena and Lily

The new block-printed Ramona duvet and Euro sham from Serena and Lily is a robust take on a damask, Indian-style.

The coordinating Kerala sheet set in bright and soft pinks is an abstracted Indian floral that looks boho chic without going off the deep end.

 Photos courtesy of John Robshaw
John Robshaw introduced a bridge collection called JR by John Robshaw that is perfect for dorm rooms and the like. At a 200 thread count, it offers a lot of style for an approachable price point.

Perhaps a fresh spring green damask calls to you. Ludoli, all-over bedding pattern from John Robshaw adds visual interest without overwhelming other prints in the room.

 Photo courtesy of Allem Studio
If you can't get enough of block printing, geometrics and fish, then Allem Studio is for you. A varied Sea Green feels right at home with the fish pattern. The bedding is made by Sewa, a women's collective in India.

 Photos courtesy of Matouk
As usual, Matouk's creative collaboration with Lulu DK yields phenomenal results. This spring saw the introduction of Lyford, a white solid fireworks-of-a-floral on perfectly hued Crocus (lavender), Ocean (a French blue) and Geranium (a coral) ground.

The Lyford in Crocus

And as usual, patterns co-mingle together. Here we have from top to bottom: Star, Cove, and Lyford.

And in Geranium with coordinates.

If florals make you happy, this tight bloom called Petals also from Lulu DK for Matouk is a great choice.

The freshness of this Star and Cove combination from Matouk in pale blue and white is wonderful.

Stella, a tiny compass-shaped design comes quilted, also from Lulu for Matouk

Photo courtesy of Garnet Hill

Sometimes adding a ditzy, small pattern can re-invigorate and freshen existing white bedding. This small geo is Frette's Orchidales print through Garnet Hill.

Photo courtesy of Plover Organic

A small undulating pattern, Pink Waves, from Plover Organic is a pattern that also mixes in well with all white.

Bedding designer Katherine Ferran loves her prints and geometrics and this spring was no exception, as she introduced a charming large bloom with climbing stem and leaves.

Another angle

Summer and seersucker just go together, so thank goodness Ferran has their new spring green seersucker with coral edging.

 Photo courtesy of Haute Home

Haute Home also understands the need for relaxes resorty basics, so their seersucker with lace detailing.

 Photo courtesy of Julia B

Details! Bows abound on these darling custom monogram Nice shams from Julia B. with side ties of grosgrain ribbon. 

Photo courtesy of Sferra

If you are in a seaside setting, why not go nautical with Sferra's Orlo bedding with a chic inset wide banding?

Photo courtesy of Haute Home

There's nothing likea bold border to add life. Here, Haute Home pairs orange and turquoise, two colors that speak to summer living.

 Photo courtesy of Sferra

Linen bedding has earned converts for breathability and softness. Sferra's Classico Vintage offers a lived-in look that captures the essence of a European bed. With classic lines and casual appeal, the soft color palette is oh-so soothing.

IN ATLANTA? STOP BY AND VISIT JULIA B. BEDDING AND LINENS AT THE GIFT SHOW

Photo courtesy of Julia B.
If you are planning on attending the Atlanta International Gift Market, be sure to stop by and say hi to Julia B. and take a look at her exquisite hand embroidered bedding, linens and monogram options. Like Skittles, there is a rainbow of color to entice you. Julia can create just about any custom creation you have in mind, and the juicy colors will get you thinking spring.

Here are the details:

If you will not be attending but your bed scheme needs freshening, check out her website.

IN NYC? JOIN US FOR A CHIC HOLIDAY SHOPPING TRUNK SHOW THIS WEDNESDAY

In need of great holiday gifts, like, NOW? Then you must come to a fabulous trunk show this Wednesday, December 15th.
Meet the talented design mavens behind the following brands and shop their products at 26 East 63d Street from 4-8pm:

Julia B custom linens
Robyn Brooks New York Home Accents and Accessories
Tribal Societe Jewelry
Liz Victory Cosmetic Bags, Totes and Accessories

Let all your chic friends know about it and I am looking forward to seeing you there on Wednesday!

ADD A TOUCH OF GRAY

A grey and red interior designed by Mary McDonald

Everything looks better with a hint of grey. As an accent or dominant color, all shades of gray are being used in unique and inspiring ways. From charcoal to dove, no grey is outre.

Oval platters painted with pewter botanical motifs from Caskata.

Photo courtesy of Julian Chichester
The Kelso Loveseat covered in grey velvet from Julian Chichester.

Photo courtesy of Chelsea Textiles
Chelsea Textiles new Lounge Chair in grey.

Photo courtesy of Lee Jofa
For Lee Jofa, Eric Cohler's Mille Fleur Animal Insect print.

Photo courtesy of West Elm
A grey Tall Drum Pendant Light from West Elm in Platinum

Photo courtesy of Schumacher
Ric Rac in dove from Studio Bon through Schumacher

Photo courtesy of CB2
Add a touch of haberdashery with a Bold Grey Stripe Pillow of wool flannel from CB2.


, Photo courtesy of Julia B
Need napkins? A rich charcoal linen with hemstitch border and two letter hemstitch from Julia B.

Photo courtesy of Juliska
The Pewter Square Baker from Juliska is a chic shape and goes from oven to table. Have you even started to think about your Thanksgiving table yet? This will get you there.

Photo courtesy of Dwell Studio
Dwell Studio's new Facet Rug in charcoal and cream

Photo courtesy of Dransfield and Ross
Hidcote Placemat from Dransfield and Ross

Photo courtesy of Tritter Feeder
Tritter Feefer's Madame X Desk

Photo courtesy of Made goods
Made Goods Cara Side Table with a faux shagreen surface.

Photo courtesy of Osborne and Little
New from Osborne and Little, the Maharani Collection's print Balyan channels MC Escher optical illusions.


A charming tufted chair from Zentique upholstered in grey linen.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn
Add a warm glow with the Park Hill Lantern from Pottery Barn for the rustic, worn look.

A new pattern in cool greys from Ferran Bedding