Books for a Bad Day

Last week was one of those weeks. You know the kind; they go from bad to worse. When I found myself playing Morrissey on my ipod one too many times, I realized that it was time to, in the words of Cher, "Snap out of it!" But how? Well, a few fun books always help, so that was the first course of action. (By the way, see Morrissey there at top? I totally know how he feels.)









Thank goodness for Rebecca Moses new book, A Life of Style. When you're blue, this is the kind of book you need to read. Fashion designer Moses is a natural to write a book about style, or rather, a life of style. Her charming watercolors illustrate Moses' thoughts on Style DNA, Playing the Color Cards, Scent, Crystal Chandeliers, and everything else under the stylish sun. Speaking of scent, Moses writes "Scent can send a bad mood running." I think the same thing could be said about her book, too.





Then it was on to shoes. Manolos, that is. Of course, what would really help me add a little spring to my step would be a new pair of Manolos. Alas, not this week. But the second best thing might be Manolo's New Shoes. Again, another book filled with wonderful illustrations, only this time depicting Blahnik's most fanciful creations. The only problem was that I realized that this baby needs a new pair of shoes.







I was feeling immensely better. But books alone don't banish the blues or even the mean reds. It takes a few other things, like candles. My new favorite ones are by Matouk. They smell divine, but I'm not sure what I like more- the scent or the packaging. Burn one, or a few, of these and, as Rebecca Moses said, it will send your bad mood running.




And of course, looking at this little guy on his brand new bed makes me very happy. It was a gift from Chelsea and Sabina at Fleabag Bed, and it's perfect for the both of us. Alfie likes it because it's comfy, and I like the glam metallic silver print fabric.



Wow, I feel like a new woman!

(Moses images from A Life of Style: Fashion, Home, Entertaining ; Manolo drawings from Manolo's New Shoes)

Todd Romano Candles

Todd Romano Antiques & Decorations is one of my favorite stores in New York. For me, no trip to the Big Apple is complete until I pop into this stylish mecca of design. Romano has such an amazing eye, so it's no wonder why he is such an in-demand designer. Everything in the shop- deGournay wallpaper, antique porcelain, Christopher Spitzmiller lamps- is perfection!

And now, Romano has added candles to his repertoire. The candles, available through his shop, come in two fragrances: Thé and Tige de Bambou. Thé (the brown candle) is a fitting name as it does smell a bit like spicy tea- the scent is really unique and totally intoxicating. Tige de Bambou is a bit lighter and is redolent of Spring flowers and freshly cut grass (at least to this nose). The added bonus is the chic yet discreet "TR" monogram on the votive.

So if these crazy gas prices have cut into your design budget and the de Gournay wallcovering and porcelain have been put on the back burner, why not indulge in one of these candles? What a great way to add some Todd Romano flair to your home!

(To order candles dial 212-879-7722. Retail price is $50. And make sure to stop by the store on your next trip to New York.)

Estee Lauder & Kazumi Yoshida

A few months ago I wrote a post about artist and fabric designer Kazumi Yoshida. The creative mastermind behind many of Clarence House's most inventive prints, Yoshida has recently partnered with Estee Lauder to design a limited edition candle and bottle for Lauder's fragrance pleasures. Aerin Lauder is obviously a fan of Yoshida as she says "Yoshida's consummate artistry is evident in Clarence House's beautiful decorative fabrics, some of which I have in my own home. Yoshida's designs are elegant, luxurious and timeless."

I just got my pleasures candle, and it smells divine. The packaging is so sweet and perfect for Spring. And, it's just another way to add a bit of Kazumi Yoshida's imaginative artistry to your home.

(By the way, you can buy the candle from your Estee Lauder counter. I also know that you can purchase it online at Bloomingdales.com)