Chic at Work: Aerin Lauder

As I sit at my desk trying to work while workers across the street peer into my window, I dream about the day when I have my own office.  Until then, I'm going to continue to drool over Aerin Lauder's new Jacques Grange designed oasis of chic featured in the June 2012 issue of Architectural Digest.  I better start working harder. 

Photos by Pieter Estersohn

DIFFA Dining by Design: Part Deux

Since there were so many lovely tables and I took so many photos, I'm going to split by DIFFA Dining by Design coverage up into a few posts.  Since it's spring and the Architectural Digest table is full of flowers, I thought I would begin with them.

The chairs are from Restoration Hardware and the tablecloth is Marais fabric by Suzanne Kasler for Lee Jofa. The chandelier is from Oly Sudio. 

Glassware is from ABC Carpet & Home. 

Flatware is from Design Within Reach.

Poppy decoupage plates from John Derian.

Since Alfredo Parades of Ralph Lauren is being honored for his work with DIFFA, the Ralph Lauren team pulled out all the stops on their table within a cabin. 

The firewood is actually only a few inches thick. 

Love the throw blankets and cozy details. 

I hear that Ralph Lauren himself will be on hand for the gala dinner Monday night to toast Alfredo.

I didn't get a shot of it but there were faux icicles hanging off the roof of the cabin. Ralph Lauren thinks of every detail. 

There was even a fire burning. 

Alfredo Parades also had a table that he is hosting that was designed by Mark Cunningham Inc. 

Benjamin Moore created an amazing book wall which set the tone for the table inside designed by David Stark Design. 

Each guest has a pashmina on the back of their chair. 

All the paper cut outs were so cute. 

The table was created with books in the same color as the paint color on their spine. 

Part of the backdrop was an open book.  So creative!

Another place setting. 

A better view of the book backdrop. 

More creative cut outs. 

My favorite part of their table was the bookshelves. 

A place for Dan. 

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Epitome of Chic

It's always fun to see a home featured in a magazine in which you've actually seen in person.  I was lucky enough to be invited to a charity event that was held in the home of Alfredo Parades and Brad Goldfarb that is the cover story for the April issue of Architectural Digest.  Many people in the design world know Alfredo but if you don't, his official title is Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Creative Officer for Ralph Lauren.  His position encompasses not only store design but also special events and other projects.  Needless to say, his home is the epitome of chic not only inside but out.  If I had that amazing terrace, I would probably never go anywhere else. To find out all the details and read the entire story, click here. 

Alfredo is also being honored by DIFFA in New York this upcoming Monday at their annual Dining by Design event.  The event is open for public viewing all weekend and I'm headed over there today for AD Home Design Show and Cocktails by Design this evening which is in the same location.  I hear the Ralph Lauren table this year is larger than ever to celebrate this wonderful honor and I can't wait to see it.  If it's anything like Alfredo's apartment, I'm sure it will be amazing!

UPDATE: Those of you who viewed this post earlier will notice that it now contains less photos.  I was contacted by Architectural Digest and informed that they only allow bloggers to post five images from any story.

Photos by Miguel Flores-Vianna for Architectural Digest

Double RL and O

I have appointments and client shopping to do today but I hope I can make it home by 4:00pm to watch Oprah.  She'll be interviewing Ralph Lauren at his Double RL ranch in Telluride, Colorado, pictured here.  Apparently, it's his first television interview in 20 years and quite a coup for Oprah's final season.  Enjoy!

Photos by Gilles de Chabaneix for Architectural Digest 2002