FUR IS FLYING: 6 COZY WINTER WHITE PIECES FOR A WARM WINTER

With temperatures still plunging into the 20's in New York, walking one block becomes an Arctic Expedition. In an effort to stay sane and cozy, there are ways to combat the cold while bolstering thoughts of a happy warm place, with anticipation of spring flowers.

Photo courtesy of West Elm

Wrap yourself in a cozy ivory sheepskin throw, slung over this ash wood-framed armchair with leather seat and back from West Elm.  I love its casual spare nordic appeal.

 Photo courtesy of Lee Industries

Every time I see this chair in the Lee Industries showroom in High Point, I have to sit in it. The diminutive armchair in the style of a French club chair embraces you with its cozy shearling finish.

Photo courtesy of Atelier Demiurge

Distantly related to a shag-haired Cousin It, Atelier Demiurge's Baby Jane Slipper Chair, covered in Mongolian Lamb fur, provides a plush slightly-disco perch from which to watch the Olympics or general nesting.

 Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler

Upholstered in a sheepskin fabric, the low-slung retro Maxime Chair from Jonathan Adler with brass details is feminine for more of an Auntie Mame-in-winter situation.

Photo courtesy of DWR

Whether you place it on the floor, or cover a chair with it, the New Zealand sheepskin throw from Design Within Reach with its deep pile and soft touch will warm even the most severe minimalists hearts.

 Photo courtesy of Monc XIII

Handwoven of Llama and Marino wool in Buenos Aires, Pehuen's chunky Cloud knit throw from Monc 13 has dramatically long fringe to emphasize the cozy factor.

 Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home

Ok, so maybe its more teddy bear colored than winter white, but what's not to love about Ralph Lauren Home's Alpine Lodge Shearling Pillow, especially when used in multiples?

NY NOW GIFT SHOW GREATS: HARMONY IN CHAOS- THE BOLD ECLECTIC MIXED PRINTS FROM AUSTRALIA'S BONNIE AND NEIL

The designs from Australian newcomers, designers and partners Bonnie Ashley and Neil Downie are carefree and fun. Sun-saturated bright prints with an artisanal touch are inspired by the flora and fauna of their native lands.  The duo, Bonnie and Neil combines Ashley's floral arranging skills with Downie's love of Australian culture, and  provides a fresh take on hand screen printing and watercolor prints with just the right dose of playfulness that comes across in their pillows, bedding, kitchen towels and ceramics. Well-known through Australia and Europe since they began in 2010, they are poised to make a big impact here. You can find their designs at Anthropologie and additional small boutiques.

Mix and match florals and geometrics with pop.

A stack of more pillows in saturated brights.

A wide array of kitchen towels feature painted geometric patterns and digitized floral motifs

Watercolor splatter plate in black and white

Watercolor splatter plate in blue and white

And my favorite, the pink and white

Check pillow in coral

Big Waves in orange

Watercolor in orange

Daintree in orange

Porcelain in orange

Stripe in orange

Major Mitchell in orange

Big Waves floor cushion in pink

Garden Flora floor cushion in garden

Check floor cushion in lilac

SARA BENGUR GOES BACK TO HER ROOTS WITH TURKISH- INSPIRED DECORATIVE HOME ACCESSORIES

Photos courtesy of Sara Bengur

Inspired by organic forms and materials, New York-based interior design Sara Bengur's new collection of decorative home accessories stems her interest in bringing the beauty of handmade products to her fresh, modern designs. Celebrating her love of ethnic craft as well as her Turkish heritage, the array of globally made goods, from soft throws to colorful plates, combines unique artisan talents with modern sophistication. The palette, ranging from earthy to rich colors, adds a bit of Bengur's artistic aesthetic home.  Here are some of my favorite pieces from her collection.

Saturated color in Merino wool and Mohair, Dolcino throws woven in Italy

Organic 100% cotton Hand-Woven Peshtamal Yazlik Towels with soft alternating stripes and long fringe. They get even softer with washing.

Peshtamal Scarves, with a crisp stripe and short fringe, woven in Turkey.

With a rustic appeal, the soft colors and striated weave on the OK pillow come from wool spun on hand-woven kilim looms.

Rust and cream form a geometric linear pattern in Kuytu.

 Eggplant is a color so well suited for this weave, especially when paired with yellow and cream.

Screen printed on linen, Ay napkins feature an organic circular shape.

Made on Malta, ceramic dinnerware. has a playful edge. The Nokta platter, made of ceramic with a dot border in jewel tone colors.

Incorporating symbolic graphic designs, The Para dessert plates.

Set against a solid, colorful ground, oversized dots adorn the surface of the Bonjuk dinner plates.

A circular drip pattern at the bottom of the Ecrou nut bowl is off-center for a  playful touch. I love these colors together.

In another zingy color grouping.

A circle holds rectangular forms in the tiny Saliere Salt and Pepper servers.

In the pink and orange color.

2013 GIFT GUIDE: 5 STYLISHLY STRIKING BLACK AND WHITE GIFTS

In the right setting, the punchy combination of black and white can be just right. Mixed in with tons of other colors, or used harmoniously with a singular additional hue, there is no telling what black and white can do. Here are 5 gifts, some humorous, some serious, that capture the magic of this striking combination.

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

This gift will go over really well if the recipient possesses a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at themselves. I love that they saying on Levtex's pillows are written in this My Three Sons font with retro overtones. Husbands, this pillow will win you major points!

Reinforcement helps. The Mr. Right version.

Photo courtesy of Vista Allegre

The graphic punch of Vista Alegre's latest collection with French fashion couturier Christian Lacroix integrates a watercolor stripe in a daring black and white linear pattern. The Sol Y Sombra dessert plates set the stage for a beautiful presentation.

Photo courtesy of Kelly Wearstler

With a dash of whimsy, Kelly Wearstler's glazed white and black ceramic bowl has a playful presence.

Photo courtesy of Alexander Wang

Having a spot near the front door to throw keys and business cards can alleviate the stress caused by a mess. Fashion darling Alexander Wang recently debuted a line of sleek home accessories, including this super chic black and white marble Junk Bowl.

Photo courtesy of Tozai

Hand-inlaid bone and ebony pieces make Tozai's delicate looking jewelry box a prized place for special baubles.

Photo courtesy of Natural Curiosities

What is more striking than the positive negative space captured in a graphic black and white piece of artwork? Playing off this natural yin yang, Natural Curiosities Geometric Study: Circle, White can hold its own or compliment a gallery wall.

WAYLANDE GREGORY'S ANIMAL MAGNETISM

The new hand-loomed wool and Alpaca pillows adorned with animal motifs will please Waylande Gregory fans.  Known for their stylized animals and graphic motifs that appear on ceramic bowls and vases, their latest foray is in soft goods. Their new animated additions feature wild and wooly creatures that will add a dash of whimsy to a cozy sofa or chair. Available through Horchow, vivid brights that won't bite.

A tiger gives it's fiercest stare down

Two orange elephants face off on grey

A single elephant taking  stance on a kelly green color field

A regal zebra dancing across a red and white zebra background