The September issue of US Harper's Bazaar features the Upper East Side home of Jimmy Choo owner Tamara Mellon. It's filled with tons of rich textures and colors giving the space this very glamorous feel. On my next apartment, I want to achieve the same kind of mood. A perfect combination of uptown and downtown.

Fall Guy Part 2

H&M struck three major fall trends with this look: leather, chunky knit, and brown and blue combo. I cannot wait to attempt this look when the weather cools down. I like H&M more than Zara because the price points are friendlier and they don't aspire to be more high fashion than they really are. It is wearable, disposable fashion that is on trend. You may not be able to wear H&M's pieces next season because of the quality but at least you got to participate on the trend for 1/16 of the designer prices.

I GOT CHILLS

In one of the hottest summers ever, all I could think about is wrapping myself up with this plush and punky cropped fur jacket from Burberry Prorsum. It looks like the warmest little thing on a cold winter day. Though it is not exactly my style, I would still dare and wear it to affect the rebel trend that is big this fall.

But Where Is The Logo?

Is it a Louis Vuitton bag without the ubiquitous monogram? Would people buy it? I would. This is perhaps one of the best Vuitton bags to come out in years. Simple, handsome and best of all devoid of the LV logo that now reeks of a pedestrian's ideal of luxury. The bag, Shako Reglisse Sac Voyage, is made from shako cotton with rich chocolate brown leather trim and handles. It's best feature? The discreet V. Now, that's real luxury.

Beautiful Fall

Now that most of the September issues are out, we can finally see all the ad campaigns that make them so thick. So far, my favorite series is the one from Hermes which has an equestrian theme to it. A horse drawn carriage piled with Hermes boxes. Isn't that everyone's fantasy? It sure is mine.

Riding into the night with a Hermes scarf soaring behind her 

If only we could fish out Hermes Jypsiere bags from a pond/fountain

Chic Reads

As someone who collects design books, I am very much looking forward to the release of these titles come September and November.

I have one of David Downton's sketches, the one used for the cover of 100 Years of Fashion Illustration. This new book, Master of Fashion Illustration, which he penned/edited/curated lists all the greatest fashion illustrators, as well as discusses the time when magazines only had illustrated covers.

More fashion sketches with Manolo's New Shoes

I love Cecil Beaton's work especially his photography. This tome Cecil Beaton: The Art of the Scrapbook should let us into the mind of the creative genius.

Christian Dior's love for America is chronicled in this book by Kate Betts

I am waiting with bated breath for this book: American Fashion Designers at Home

because it is sure to be lush and inspirational. I saw previews of it on the Assouline website and it looks fabulous. I have all the American Fashion books and I can't wait to add this to my collection.

Thierry Mugler: Galaxy Glamour for all the futuristic fashion

These two books on Isabella Blow — Isabella Blow: A Life in Fashion and Isabella Blow — are sure you to be filled with amazing photographs of Isabella Blow and her extensive fashion collection. They would also give us an insight on the life of this tortured fashion maverick.

Chic Finds: Ceramic Garden Stools

About two weeks ago, I became obsessed with Chinese ceramic garden stools and couldn't sleep thinking about them. So I made the decision to purchase not one but two of them (they were on sale) at a store called Indigo at Prince's Building in Hong Kong. I went to the store intent on buying just one, (the blue one above) but then the shop clerk showed me one in metallic silver and as I love silver and shiny surfaces, I had to buy it as well. I think they are the chicest, mutli-purpose little things. They also have that timeless appeal and can fit into all sorts of design styles as you will see from the photos I've gathered below.

I found these at the Lane Crawford home sale. Pretty but I wanted something more classic. Plus, even at the sale price, they were still three times what I paid for the ones I got.

I like how this still feels contemporary despite being so traditional. I think it's the use of colors.

This stool fits perfectly in an elegant setting

Aerin Lauder has the classic Ming blue and white kind

They work great outdoors too

So chic!

So Chic

My birthday — and Coco Chanel's — is not until a couple of weeks from now, but my present came early. And it came in a scarlet box.

Isn't this the most handsome watch ever?

Fashion and Elephants

Sometimes I have the weirdest dreams. Last night, I dreamt of Dovima and the elephants, the fashion photograph of Richard Avedon that is timelessly elegant. One of the photos that really inspired me to pursue a career in fashion. I just love everything about the photo — the gracefulness of Dovima in her classical pose, the long sinewy gown and how all this soigne and even fragility is contrasted against the hulking size of the elephants. The silk and chiffon material of the gown against the wrinkled and weathered skin of the elephants. Brilliant contrasts.

Since then, elephants have been making appearances in several fashion editorials.

Daria for Italian Vogue

Daryl Hannah for Italian Vogue

Kiera Knightley for US Vogue

Naomi Campbell for US Harper's Bazaar

German Vogue

Chanel Iman for German Vogue

Chic Reads: Patterns

I was at a bookstore the other day and chanced upon a small volume of books called Patterns published by the Victoria & Albert Museum. The volume has four books (they are also sold separately) devoted entirely to patterns and prints from designers who had made their names with creating some of the most beautiful, intricate, colorful, riotous, ad infinitum patterns around. The books also come with CDs so you can print out the patterns.

The patterns below are from 19th century architect Owen Jones. I find it amazing how these patterns still work in this modern age.

Fall Guy

I am so over summer. I am done wearing shorts and sandals. Why can't fall come sooner because I am dying to start wearing all my thick camel sweaters and jackets. I am glad that black is not the big color for fall and that camel has taken over the spotlight because it is more my color. Come fall I will be channeling the Prada look above.

And this Gucci. I already have a jacket in a similar shade and cut from Dolce & Gabbana and tons of white pants. I just need a chocolate turtleneck.

And this from Dries van Noten which hits two trends at once: Camel and Military

And this from Michael Bastian. I have a beautiful pair of velvet shoes that I have yet to wear. Fall, come already!

And this from Ralph Lauren