I have no idea why I love checkered hardwood floors. I am always drawn to them but will never consider incorporating it in my own home. Check these photos out, they are really amazing and will probably work somewhere in the bay area – particularily suburbia –  just outside San Francisco,  in case my international followers don’t know where I am talking about. What do you think, would checkered hardwood floors work in your part of the world? I would love to hear from anyone who has tried the decor.

I love an ensemble of haute couture fashion, it doesn’t even matter that I don’t plan to wear any of them. It’s just the perfect visual as well as mental escape I needed this week  to feel inspired. But wouldn’t it be nice to just indulge in one of these outfits just for the heck of it 🙂 Anyway, breath deep, find your inspiration and escape to it, even if it’s for a few moments from your hectic day. Have a great weekend!

I love walking into a Kate Spade boutique. It is a happy place in my opinion, one filled with color, beauty, order and just pure elegance. What I also love about it the designer’s consideration of fashion  appropriate for most woman at any age. In light of my excitement over Kate Spade’s Spring 2011 collection, I have included some of  my favorite pieces from here. Enjoy: 1. CobbleHill Leslie $425 2. Nera $298 3. The Journal Medium Flat Pouch $65 4. Karolina $298.00 5. The Journal Bon Shopper $145 6. Black Eyed Susan Necklace $195 7. CobbleHill Small Cynthia $345 8. Year of Color January Ring $75 9. Dot to Dot Necklace $95 10. English Tweeded Jacket $475 11. Solid Grace Top $195

First impression is important in most anything we do. Having an impressive hallway to walk into, from the front door of an apartment, is right there on the list, along with physical appearance on a first encounter with most anyone. (Wow, that was a mouthful, but you get the point.) Seriously, in my opinion having a clean and well organized hallway is truly important when making a first impression. So with that I have included some of my picks, which I plan to incorporate into my hallway decor. What do you think?

Finally! this year I have to say I am pleased with the Spring fashion trends, especially ones that a woman over 40 can actually consider wearing without wondering if she is within the  “age appropriate” guidelines. Now, it may look like I keep tooting Badgley Mischka’s horn, but that is really not the case.  I simply like showing off fashion trends, one designer at a time because it keeps me organized and I think it helps my readers  stay focused as well. Now the catalog I have attached here details all of the BM trends, but the photos I have below are my favorites and also suggestions for the woman over 40 to consider. Keep your eyes open, these items will soon appear in your favorite department stores or BM boutique stores.  

My first boutique hotel pick for 2011 is none other than the Hotel Denieli in Venice, Italy.  This particular property is one of my favorites to recommend to clients, who want to plan a romantic holiday and/or are celebrating a special occasion. The hotel is walking distance from San Marco Square, cafes and restaurants  and a quick water-taxi ride from the Rialto Bridge. This boutique hotel with a five-star rating is  one of the most luxurious and glamorous properties in Venice and although the building structure is  a 14th century masterpiece, it has been renovated in 2008 to include modern day amenities for those guests who need to stay connected. Some of the most amazing decors to take note of are, the  Murano glass chandeliers, pink marble columns and stained glass windows and high ceilings. It is truly  an architectural wonder in my opinion and a must stay for sure. Planning ahead is ideal for Hotel Denielli during the high season stay (Late Summer  to early Fall) and rates are the best for off season travel.