PREPPY AND PROUD

Photo courtesy of True Prep
Preppy redux: Lisa Birnbach and Chip Kidd take a tongue in cheek look at the evolution of preppy style and social mores in True Prep.

Neo prep, as I like to call it, combines vibrant color and pattern, tinged with a 7o's vibe. Today's brands are combining what they loved from the Preppy Handbook's heyday and putting their own spin on it.

Photo courtesy of Iomoi
Fore! Monkey Golf Balls from Iomoi will keep you smiling when your shots end up in the rough.

Photo courtesy of Trina Turk
California girl Trina Turk worked with two other Cali girls over at Alice Supply Co. on a Ping Pong Set. The colors are divine.

Photo courtesy of Target
Change out your ho hum bed linens for summer. This boldly printed DwellStudio for Target Tulips Comforter Set is just the thing. The pattern is old Palm Beach and the price is right.

Photo courtesy of Preppy Cards
Get in the game with a customized backgammon set from Preppy Cards.

Photo courtesy of Preppy Cards
Is that my gin and tonic or yours? Make identifying your libation easy with these new monogram stirrers from Preppy Cards.

Photo courtesy of Target
Get a dose of color with a new version of old school enamel- the Zirconite Multi Colored Stretch Bracelet from Target resembles Jean Schlumberger.

Photo courtesy of Two's Company
Herringbone frames from Two's Company are geometric prep.

Photo courtesy of J. McLaughlin
The zig zag pattern makes its way from the sofa to the skirt-- J. McLaughlin has this highly wearable Austin Print canvas skirt inspired by interiors.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler
Carry stuff in style with Jonathan Adler's Blue Arcade Dutchess Tote in chic coated canvas. It is not just a rainy day bag, it is an every day bag.

Photo courtesy of Stubbs and Wooton

Tassels are a prep staple- from curtain tie backs to keychains and loafers, they are pretty much a staple. Stubbs and Wooton does an embroidered tassel that looks like the real thing. You never have to worry about them falling off.

Photo courtesy of West Elm
Love this. Whales and Nantucket go hand in hand. If you can't get to the cobblestoned streets of the Gray Lady, get nautical prep with these adorable hand - screened silk whale pillows by Lourdes Sanchez for West Elm.

TEMPTINGLY TROPICAL

If you are headed someplace warm for spring break, taking a well deserved respite from a long winter, or just dreaming of an escape, here are some sunny colors to get you though till the arrival of spring. Next week, I am off to LA for Westweek, so I have tropical hues on my mind. I will be attending fabric launches at The PDC, a Lars Bolander book signing at Nathan Turner's, and catching up with LA's amazing designers. I am looking forward to checking out new shops and checking in with everyone from Kathryn M. Ireland in West Hollywood to Windsor Smith in Brentwood.

A chic J. McLaughlin red linen and turquoise leather trimmed tote is my bag of choice for a week in Los Angeles. It is called The Melinda.

Photo courtesy of Anya Hindmarch
Trinny, this slip of a sandal from Anya Hindmarch has cute little pom poms on the t - strap and comes in a great fuchsia metallic.
Photo courtesy of Robyn Brooks
An armful of shiny bangles from Robyn Brooks are sure to banish the winter doldrums

Photos courtesy of Guru
Guru linen tunics are a wardrobe staple. Aqua yellow and white makes for a fresh combination that is beach ready.

A red, navy and fuschia linen dress from Guru is another great combination. Come to think of it, this would be an amazing room scheme as well.
Photo courtesy of Anya Hindmarch
Sun protection is a must, especially if you are headed to the Carribean. Keep a cool head in this woven Italian topper from Anya Hindmarch. It has a tri color band of red, white and natural straw making it a showstopper.

Cotton scarves from See Design work well in highly air conditioned areas

Photo courtesy of Target
Casablanca, a fresh light blue, white and green quilted geometric bed from Dwell Studio for Target is a bold new design that embraces spring hues.

Hand towels with little embroidered palapa huts from Lulu DK Matouk captures the life of leisure- if you can't board a plane to Maya Tulum.

Embroidered pillows from Trina Turk sit in a hanging chair in her Gansevoort Street store where they are ready for spring.

Mod geo ceramic trays from Two's Company in a bevy of contrasting colors are great for holding jewelry and adding a hit of color to a dresser.

FROM BLOCK PRINTS TO FURNITURE INDIA AWAITS YOU

There is no denying the influence of India in interior design trends right now. The presence of block printing, rich vegetable dyes and inlay is welcomed, as the addition of ethnic details can add layers of history and visual impact to interiors. From Eat, Pray Love to Aman resorts, the lure of India old and new pulls us in a global direction where commerce and culture collide.

A traditional bone inlay chair made in Rajisthan has been reinterpreted for today by Made Goods with just enough ornamentation.

A gorgeous Moorish Garden Seat of alabaster from Belle Chasse Home has cut outs of architectural arches.

If you are too shy for a palm reader and would rather create your own destiny, you can always opt for these golden Gallicus Hands prints from Natural Curiosities.

The Gorka Mirror from Made Goods has a shimmering surface with hammered brass and reflective mirror that will add a touch of glamour to any setting.

Bright block printed bone picture frames with contrasting borders from Two's Company take the ethnic patterns to accessories in a new way. These are a nice way to bring a pop of color to a shelf or desk.

Printed fabric frames take me back to my Pierre Deux - adoring days in the early 1980's. These John Robshaw frames make great gifts and have a casual look to them, making them a welcome mix with more traditional frames.

Hand blocked bedding in pretty hues from Nandini Textiles are handmade in India

Creative patterns line the wall in Nandini prints.

Little hand drawn marching elephants make this Simrin Tray charming. The soothing green is a great color- not too bright not too pale.

Be seated! John Robshaw created new patterned mats and napkins for festive indoor and outdoor entertaining. He also used that wonderful shade of light green.

Vintage Indian textiles have been made into blankets at Vagabond Vintage. Choose from muted neutrals

or bold brights.

Tote your stuff around on the beach or city in this graphic canvas tote back from John Robshaw. I love this and wish I had it to cover the show!

NATURAL INSTINCTS: MORE GIFT SHOW GREATS

This winter, the natural world will inspire you from the great outdoors to the adorable animals found there. One thing I know for sure-- antlers hung in groupings is still a trend I'm seeing and it is not going away. The rustic look is everywhere, in aged finishes, handmade details and darker metals that capture the beauty that comes from age and wear. French country is making a comeback, as I saw tons of great baskets, striped linens and Louis XV cerused furniture. Animals of all kinds added a veritable zoo to the mix. Bringing the natural world inside, designers are still working with botanical themes and celebrating the personality and imperfections of animals life, flora and fauna.

Perhaps the walls in your game room need some filling. Cody Foster created papier mache animal heads. A way to get the look without taxidermy.

Driftwood deer heads add character to a rustic holiday from Roost.

For a more refined version, highly detailed ceramic deer, antelope and rhinos in crisp white contrast are hung against on grey wall at Tozai.

You may find these intriguing if all things dark and brooding appeal to you. Bird feet candlesticks from Vagabond Vintage.

Laura Zindel Ceramic vases and bird plates rely on beauty of objects found in nature. Capturing the randomness and natural beauty of vegetables, chickens and feathers, her black and white palette is artistic and serene.

Schools of lifelike fish pass across the surface of Caskata's pewter and ceramic plates.

Adorable brush woodland creature ornaments from Roost will bring the forest to your tree.

Shake it off! How fun is this recycled paper shred dog? Roost captured the sweetness of this breed.

Scary bottle openers to make Halloween a fright, from Homart.

Jonathan Adler's playful brass sculpture of a hippo has personality plus. The marble base takes it to the level of high art.

Sculptural hinged wooden animal boxes by Karl Zahnat at Areaware are more for the kids, but their nostalgic retro Swedish feel is can be appreciated by all ages.

Grand Prix showjumping took center stage at Two's Company. Want to create your own tack room? Now you can! Two's always goes to town, styling their booth with the most superb attention to detail.

Blue and white transferware and a bridle help tell the equestrian story.

SHORE THING

If you are somewhere near the sea these days, here are some nautical interior inspirations that make great summer hostess gifts and vacation home accents. Land ho!

Photo Courtesy of Natural Curiosities

A framed Brethellier Watercolor from Natural Curiosities means you can escape to the sea any time.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren Home

Ralph Lauren's Navigator Novelty Wallpaper with signal burgees and anchors captures nautical in a whimsical watercolor print.

Photo courtesy of Pierre Frey

Sail wherever the wind takes you with Pierre Frey's Les Voiles print.

Photo courtesy of Lee Jofa

Diamond and Baratta's Mayport at Lee Jofa is an adorable check woven to liven up banquets or pillows.

Photo courtesy of Two's Company

The triple thick rope in this Two's Company Mirror makes a statement, and is super chic.

Buy Arts of The Sailor if you really mean business and need to tie a Bowlin fast.

Hang stuff in style with rustic Jack and Lulu's Anchor Wall Hooks.

Photo courtesy Fred Flair

Go nautical chic in style with this little tootsie roll of a tote with anchors on it, through The Daytrip Society.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn Kids

Instead of Carvel's Fudgy The Whale, get the kids the Honey Whale Basket from Pottery Barn Kids to stash their toys and games.

Anchors away! Jonathan Adler's Llama wool Anchor rug will have you wanting to set sail.

Photo courtesy of Jack and Lulu

If you like paper as much as I do, then you will want to snatch up these beautiful gold foil embossed notes from Jack and Lulu.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Tie the knot with Anthropologie's Coiled Rope Drawer Pulls.

Photo courtesy of Stair Ropes

Nautical ropes make for great, rustic decorative elements in a summer or seaside home. Stair ropes are a great option for tight spaces where a traditional banister might not work. Available through Stair Ropes.

Photo courtesy of Design Public

Hopefully you will not get attacked by a giant octopus while in the shower, this one is really more decorative....from Thomas Paul at Design Public.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

If you recall 10,000 Leagues Under The Sea with fondness, then you will love these From The Deep Salad Plates from Anthropologie.

Photo courtesy of Design Public

With an assortment of Thomas Paul sea life pillows, you can feel beachy anytime. From Design Public.

Photo courtesy of Best Buy Home Decor

We'll leave the light on for you. You don't need a lighthouse to guide you home, this Rope Lamp from Best Buy Home Decor will do it for you.

Photo courtesy Circa Lighting

Prop up nautical maps and books on this Estelle Display Lamp from Circa Lighting.

The Orange Life Jacket Wine Bottle Cover from Nautical Seasons is insanely cute-- the perfect gift.

Are you a luddite? Get low tech while being high tech with this faux- scrimshaw case that can fit your ipod or phone from Thomas Paul at Design Public.

Photo Courtesy of Two's Company

If things get cold on the island and a storm comes up, light a fire with Two's Company Nautical Fireplace Matches.

Photo courtesy of Stonk Knots design

The Manila Kringle Rope Mat from Stonk Knots looks great by the kitchen sink.