TRULY GIFTED: 15 GIFTS FOR THE GAL OR GUY ON THE GO

We all have those friends that never stay on the ground for too long. For those with serious wanderlust that can't seem to stay put, lavish them with travel appropriate accessories.  Satisfy their travel bug with the necessities that make their journey one to remember.  Adventure seekers and design divas alike will forge ahead in style this season.

 Photo courtesy of Mrs. Strong

 Getting a little tongue in cheek, the Don't Fuggedaboutit tablet notepad from Mrs. Strong will help the recipient  remember to tackle everything on their to do list before they step on the plane or train.

http://www.katieridder.com/

Everyone loves a crisp new tote to use while running errands. For the print and pattern fan, Katie Ridder's signature fabric and wallpaper prints now come on a cute tote bag. Order by emailing: info@katieridder.com

 Photo courtesy of T. Anthony

I need a new rolly bag in the worst way. The new carry-on Wheeled Duffle from T. Anthony fits in the overhead bin and is a nice addition to give to someone that has their luggage already. Mom, are you reading this?

Photo courtesy of Land's End

For the pal who is always en route to a picnic or party, the Lands End Wine Tote is just the thing.

Photo courtesy of Sister Parish

These little zippered pouches help keep the contents of a bag neat and tidy. Sister Parish printed fabric Cosmetic Bags come in a set of 3, and can keep your charger cords and passport separate and easy to access.

 Photo courtesy of Anya Hindmarch

A tiny bag that can serve double duty as a clutch and hold your camera, Anya Hindmarch's Courtney Moire Clutch will make interior designer friends happy with it's big ol' custom leather hanging tassel. 

Photo courtesy of Turkish T

Super lightweight and easy to pack, a robe is a travel must. Turkish-T's beautiful soft cotton Spa robes have a fringed hem and sleeve with spirited candy colored stripes. They can multi-task from breakfast to the beach.

Photo courtesy of Shop Bop

Mary Green's Sleeping Mask from Shop Bop will make for rested travelers.  Rested travelers are happy travelers.

Photo courtesy of Julia B.

It might surprise you how many people love to have the comforts of home while away. Long-haul flights and hotel rooms are just better with the addition of a pretty boudoir pillow.  Bring the comfort of your own bed with Julia B. baby pillows, she has a variety of  beautiful customized options.

 

 Photo courtesy of Saks

Ward off a chill with Queen of Cashmere's monogrammed travel throw with matching case. You never know when a bit of cashmere may come in handy.

Photo courtesy of Barneys

For those that never leave home without a signature scent, Frederic Malle's highly addictive Carnal Flower perfume comes in a portable spray (case not included).

Photo courtesy of mypressi

On the go and need a pick-me-up? Take the tiny well-designed My Pressi on Safari and always have your caffeine fix close at hand.

Get a game going anywhere. Play to win with Tory Burch's sleek Printed Portable Backgammon set.  Such a luxe version.

Photo courtesy of Momastore

Crisp sound, an FM Radio and alarm clock make Geneva's  bright red XS Sound System from Moma Store worth packing to travel.

Photo courtesy of Clare Vivier

A classic vide poche for a fraction of the Hermes prix, Clare Vivier's zesty red version is perfect and portable for keeping jewelry and other lotions and potions on the nightstand.

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: DAVID WEBB JEWELS FLAGSHIP

Photos courtesy of Katie Ridder/David Webb

Tucked into a discreet Madison Avenue entrance before you reach 72nd Street and Park Avenue, you will find David Webb jewelers. If you blink you might miss the small awning leading into their understated chic location. Jewels of this stature are probably better off being displayed behind layers of limestone and glass, rather than screaming for attention. They will garner enough of that when worn.

Husband and wife, architect and designer duo Peter Pennoyer and Katie Ridder set about designing the salon for David Webb the same way they go about creating a home.  No design detail or comfort was overlooked. The ever-important New York flagship, as part of any stylish re branding, sets the tone for any brand on a global scale.  The company, bought in 2010 from the founding family that has owned it since its 1948 beginnings, is trending hot for starlets and those that love rather large stones and gutsy settings.

The seating area, with icy blue walls, crystal chandelier and yellow, chartreuse and teal accents sets the opulent stage for the gorgeous gems that live there. Like a gracious living room, the space instantly makes one feel at home for a relaxed un-retail experience.

The viewing room, with vivid custom chartreuse lacquer tables and chairs.  A classic Ridder color, it is used in ways that sooth, never vying for center stage. The brightness is toned down by the use of a neutral wall color, in Philip Jeffries popular rivets - studded wallpaper.

Framed archival designs mounted above a long table inspire today's designs while acknowledging the creative spark of the past.  By framing past design renderings as artwork, rather than hanging a tranquil scenic, the brand heritage is enforced with flair.

The mix of delicate and tough make give the space a fresh twist.  Fluid Baques crystal sconces against a graphic geometric wallcovering merge soft and linear. Display cases have subtle lighting to enhance the setting, rather than  detract from it. Because when you feel at home, you are more likely to enjoy a shopping experience., and warm to the idea that you may be wearing these baubles in your living room.

Magnifique, non?

THE NEW HARBINGER ARRIVES

This...

led to this!

Nantucket Red doors painted in a custom Lucas Studio color for Portola Paints look sharp! A custom sized zinc Cosy pendant in a red powder coat finish was designed by Michael Amato for Urban Electric (it launches early January 2012) hangs above the front doors.

Joe Lucas and Parrish Chilcoat are design partners in Lucas Studio and Harbinger, their home furnishings and accessories store. They outgrew their charming Almont Yard digs and have migrated nearby to a new home, at 752 N. La Cienega Blvd. in West Hollywood. Here is peek at their shop, a true destination for interior designers, gift seekers and stylish and savvy. A well-edited mix of antique and vintage finds, small batch imports and an array of the best boutique wallpaper and fabric vendors set Harbinger apart. They carry top notch special lines from Katie Ridder fabrics and wallpapers, Italian Idarica Gazzoni's exotic prints, John Stefanidis prints charming, Pintura Studio, Prints Etc, Sister Parrish, to Holland and Sherry and more.

Welcome!

A Colleen and Company Blue Tortoise Coffee Table anchors a seating area with their neo-wing chair, Swedish and floral four panel folding screen.

The eclectic mix of styles makes the thrill of discovery a shopping adventure. Their Plaisir Relax Chair with a white frame sits to the left in a Prints Etc. fabric.

The custom Vreeland Settee in a small geo for big style. The small rolled arm is a classic yet contemporary touch.

A pair of Oslo painted armchairs in front of the Walnut bed made up in Hillary Thomas bedding.

The armchair is upholstered coordinated pale green fabric and green frame can be done in COM like most of their custom pieces.

A work table where samples can be mixed and matched with a plaster chandelier hanging above. A fancy silhouette is taken to a casual place with the finish treatment- chic!

Fine thin walled porcelain tabletop with color-lined teacups adds an artisanal, handmade allure.

Get to work! The work table in a dark wood doubles as a desk for display and productivity. The Large Oak Bamboo Chair in a bright pomegranate fabric adds some zing. Low bowls with a wash of color inside provide an unexpected color surprise.

The Harbinger-designed Oyster Bay Console Table in the window with plaster and ceramic watering cans from Italy and a swirled Brushstoke Lamp from Beeline Home. A Katie Ridder on the wall ties the lamp to the palette.

Their Antwerp Sofa with channel tufted back and tight seat done in a deep apricot velvet.

A super chic four poster bed dons bed custom embroidered hangings of Holland and Sherry fabrics.

Striking and graphic, these black and white bowls are handmade in Italy.

Beeline Home has a new home in Harbinger. Their wood-framed armchair is covered in a geometric fabric from Idarica Gazzoni.

A Beeline Home Chair flanks a seating arrangement.

Boldly hued fabrics from Amanda Nisbet light up the fabric area. Displayed on easy access hangers, full widths make viewing a snap.

BEHIND THE SCENES: KATIE RIDDER'S KIPS BAY ROOM

Kips Bay is taking shape, so spring is not far off! I decided to get the scoop from master colorist Katie Ridder, who is doing a hallway this year. She generously shared her color scheme and inspiration with me. Katie is sitting in one of her color-filled interiors, surrounded by vibrant pillows that match her sweater's trim. Her fashion sense and interiors often go hand in hand, as she tends towards brights in her wardrobe as well. Her new collection of wallpapers and fabrics capture a certain joie de vivre, and will grace her space in the showhouse.

The Scheme- A sophisticated color palette used in unexpected ways

She explains her design process-- "I have an affinity for things Moorish. My wallpaper, Moonflower, I hope is not identifiable in terms of Turkish, Moroccan, Japanese but it has an exotic bent to it. I've always been drawn to crescent moons - I have one in almost all of my wallpapers and fabrics.The colors are coral and mole gray on a natural linen. I wanted my little hallway to stand out so I am painting the trim a deep gray/brown and the ceiling coral. I’m going to paint all the trim very dark and then use my Moonflower fabric upholstered on the walls placing mirrors over the 3 doors.The gold chip is the finish on the pair of lamps and the trim will be a lampshade detail. I wanted fancy, sparkly light fixtures to accentuate the space. I am using a pair of console tables with gold Spitzmiller lamps and pagoda-like shades trimmed in coral rick rack with coral lining, with the corners turned up to see the lining. I was going for elegance and a little drama."

The goods-

A pair of tables on which the spitzmiller lamps will sit. The George III mahogany side tables are from Michael Pashby Antiques.

Christopher Spitzmiller Sophie Lamps

A set of 3 circa 1940s Beaded Crystal Light Fixtures from Carlos de la Puente

WHAT'S NEW WITH YOU KATIE RIDDER? FABRICS!

A lot! Katie Ridder just launched a follow-up to her dynamite wallpaper collection and added fabrics! The fabrics are full of the charm and appeal. The printed patterns allude to the best things in life: summer sailing, travel in far off lands and lazy vacations. Just think, now you can upholster everything and paper the walls in these darling prints! They can be found in New York and DC at Holland and Sherry and in LA at Harbinger. Samples will be available in a month. The papers have been doing so well those samples are flying out of the showrooms. Peter Pennoyer, her architect husband, told me one of the papers will be featured in the new Sex in The City movie, yippee!

Seaweed in Lime

Peony in Poppy

Moonflower and Tangerine

Oiseau in Robin

Leaf in Plum

Beetlecat in Apricot

Attendants in Indigo