All-American style...Ali MacGraw

Movie magic

There is something about a great movie poster. Like the best album art, it instantly conveys a mood and can transport you back to the actual experience of listening/watching. This is also the place where the art of editing really matters and the editor becomes the author for the briefest, memorable moment.

Shiny, happy things

Every room looks good with a little shine in it. These items are from the new West Elm catalogue, but similar things can be found high and low. Something sparkly always catches the eye and brightens up everything around it.

This is glamorous

Ladies and gentlemen, Tony Bennett

Frank Sinatra called him "the best singer in the business." He is an accomplished artist whose paintings are in demand. He works constantly, spending most of the year touring all over the world. But to see him perform live is get at the what drives all of that. It's joy. When you see him onstage it's soon clear that doing what he does, surrounded by the musicians whom he never stops acknowledging, it is with true joy and wonder that he feels lucky to be doing what he does for his audience, not the other way around. He has the face of a man who has lived the life he was meant to live.

Jackie blue

I love this portrait of Jackie Kennedy by Andy Warhol. It is one of many images in the extensive series the artist did following the assasination of President Kennedy. Although some of the portraits were shown individually, most were exhibited as a series and mimiced the obsession most of us had (and still have) with wanting to really see who these people were. I think it says so much about how little Mrs. Kennedy revealed of herself that we just can't get enough of observing her.

Pizza!

I didn't think Andiamo! restaurant could be improved upon after the addition of Frankie & Priscilla and their delicious cheesteaks, but they found a way to make the experience that much more complete by adding Andiamo Red, a smooth, rich chianti, a perfect accompaniment to the food. The wine is produced expressly for Andiamo! in Italy and nicely commemorates their 10 year anniversary.

Fishnets? Yes, fishnets.

The nude fishnet is the new black. It is the best option when you need coverage or even when you don't. They are so subtle that the effect is your own skin, only with air-brush quality enhancement. So much more modern than any hose. Go for the Wolford brand, pricey but worth it.

What goes around...

I love a round table. They are so much cozier for dining and they are the perfect piece for the middle of a large foyer. I love to see them stacked with books and a nice size lamp and a huge vase of branches or hydrangea. And a mini Saarinien tulip table as a side table in the bedroom or by a reading chair is just the right size; useful and chic.

Paint it, white

Clean, fresh, bright...white is right. White furniture, particularly modern tables and chairs look amazing with wood and stainless steel; they go rustic or contemporary. That welcoming white entry says "happy home" and white-washed brick covered with ivy is instant tradition in a family home.