STYLISH SHOPPING: FEELING SUMMERY ON BERGDORF GOODMAN'S HOME FLOOR

Bergdorf's has decked out the home floor in red, white and blue-- a patriotic and fresh color combination for summer. Nicholas Manville, the creative maestro of the 7th floor, was inspired by the color palette of a new Porthaut pattern, Demoiselles. This print, in it's original -- first -- coloration of red/blue, designed in June 1970, was inspired by Jacques Demy’s 1967 musical film Les Demoiselles de Rochefort, starring Catherine Deneuve and Gene Kelly. One of the famous songs in the film, ‘You Must Believe in Spring,’ is a lyrical love letter about how people can meet and spontaneously fall in love. Catherine Deneuve was (and still is) a devoted D. Porthault fan, and in the Demoiselles print– with its cheerful French blues and reds – Porthault sought to evoke Deneuve’s coquettish spirit and the intoxication of love at first sight. It has been reprinted for the first time in 40 years. Tying it all together, the fabric upholstered walls match the tablesettings and vignettes where antique and new vases, place settings and objects are paired.

Grab a bunch of huge paper flowers for a cute hostess gift.

Entertaining and summer just go together. Warm weather and farm stand fresh food should mean no fuss, elegant and easy entertaining. By way of example, check out this long pine table with pops of color set for a lingering summer lunch.

A bold new blue and white Prince Blue china pattern from Bernardaud, Baccarat stemware and antique blue and white vase make a fresh combination.

How fantastic are these lucite tropical leaf placemats?

Adding to the selection of new things that coordinate with the color scheme, Tommy Mitchell Tole Botanicals have hit Bergdorf Goodman's home floor in all their blooming splendor. Each potted in a terra cotta vase, the floral arrangements are hand painted to resemble what is in the garden, which they really do!

A freshly painted red pinstripe and antique plates hanging on the wall contrast well with the royal blue and white sitting next to Tommy's potted Hyacinth.

Blue and white Auricula next to sparkly blue Murano glass boxes.

A round table for two, looking ready for summer lunch with a potted Hollyhock.

Pink geraniums with seriously real looking veined leaves in an arrangement of small blue vases on an etagere.

A geranium in detail, was designed especially for BG.

A regal pink Hollyhock sits next to a cluster of antique blue and white vases.

A Charming Lilly of the Valley looks sweet at a place setting. Hmm, good party idea!

STYLISH SHOPPING AT ELIZABETH BAUER DESIGN

While visiting Elizabeth Bauer Design downtown recently, I snapped some photos of her shop. There is a lot of newness to see, and the bright colors and finishes make it a feast for the eyes. Definitely stop in to see for yourself, and to meet her Norfolk, Lilly, shown here recently.

Striped and curvy vintage Italian mirrors with a rainbow of glass bottles with gobstopper stoppers below.

Charming round ikat poufs make a nice perch during a cocktail party.

This killer malachite painted dresser is topped with funny pottery busts and needlepoint journals.

More ikat! An x-bench covered in a hot pink blue and green ikat is fab.

Dorothy Draper benches topped with stone encrusted Eduardo Garza trays and throw pillows made from a cool fabric resembling marbleized paper.

A pair of great antique demi lune tables

A Persian dog bed complete with a satin cushion, Eduardo Garza boxes, and a Suzani wall hanging.

A chic metal mirror with pediment and architectural details.

FASHION AND FABRIC MIX: DIVINE DESIGN FROM OSCAR DE LA RENTA FOR LEE JOFA

Since 1965, when Oscar de la Renta first went out on his own launching his ready wear collection, he has been giving the ladies what they want. Hailing from the Dominican Republic and training with the best couturiers, he understood what worked--feminine ballgowns, understated chic wedding gowns, and day dresses with panache. If you love frilly frocks from Oscar then you are sure to adore his new fabric line that launches in August with Lee Jofa. Elaborate embroidery, animal print velvet, wovens, lush silks and ikats were inspired directly by his couture as well as antique textiles and world travel. The other night, at a party with Elle Decor, it made its debut at his Madison Avenue boutique, where friends, editors, clients and the Lee Jofa design team gathered to toast the textiles. Not one to shy away from gorgeous displays, ball skirts were made for the mannequins and fabric samples were hung on the racks next to coordinating dresses from resort and spring collections. Overall, the fabrics are showstoppers, see for yourself!

Embroidery and overlay in a girly strapless number from Resort 2009.

Fresh turquoise and femme chiffon in a sweet confection.

Photos courtesy of Style.com

Oscar de la Renta Resort 2011 full of clear bright colors and feminine details.

A table at the store entry festooned with a huge white vase and painted coral branches.

A floral woven and a zig zag in shades of blue on a white silk done up in full floor-length skirts.

Embroidered flowers trail down.

The ball skirts will be displayed in design center windows to announce the arrival of the Lee Jofa collection.

Oscar doing a meet and greet. Everyone was swooning for the dresses on the racks.

Miles Redd, Oscar de la Renta Home's creative director works with the design team to turn inspiration into reality.

An abstracted animal velvet woven in gold and black silk.

Zig zag silk on silk applique in an unusual color pairing of yellow, chocolate and pale blue.

A gorgeous Indian embroidery in rich tones.

Intricately detailed flower embroidery in a large scale repeat.

Tara Bonsignore, a senior designer from David Easton admiring the indienne fabric.

JUNE GIVEAWAY! YOU HAVE TO BE IN IT TO WIN IT

Reminder! If you are lacking that special summery item to give your coffee table or mantel some flair, here it is! Tell one tell all to enter their summer transformations at stylebeatgiveaway@gmail.com, showing how you entertain, arrange flowers, style you sofa and outdoor spaces for the summer months. The give is good-- a pretty shell box in an ethereal shade of blue. Can't wait to see what you think of!

MARTYN LAWRENCE-BULLARD FILLS US IN ON THE DESIGN LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Knowing the international man of glamour Martyn Lawrence-Bullard was headed to Venice in May for the Design Leadership Summit, the by invitation gathering of architects and designers, I tapped him as my eyes and ears, to cover every fun filled moment. He proved to be the perfect designer to capture the glam series of events, lectures, dinners and tours. Read on for the full Venice report....

Water taxi gondoliers at the ready

In transit with molto bags

Martyn and Steven Gambrel, the guys in grey

Martyn and Windsor Smith enjoy a boat ride to the islands

A Bernini sculpture against a perfect blue sky

A shot inside the Fortuny Museum

Stephen Drucker, now editor in chief of Town and Country, Kathryn M. Ireland and Windsor Smith

When Keith Granet , the branding wizard who puts designers and manufacturers together, called me to ask what I thought about the next design summit being in Venice I think I literally squealed with delight. "Of course you must do it in Venice , it's perfect" I announced, almost breathless with anticipation. Venice is one of my favorite places on this earth and the idea of spending time there amongst some of my favorite designer friends and partners in crime (namely the divine and delicious Kathryn Ireland and wickedly funny Windsor Smith) was just too exciting. The Design Leadership Conference itself is an extraordinary experience alone, the brainchild of the Design Investors team made up of Waterworks, Rose Tarlow Melrose House and Twill's Peter Sallick, their CEO Meg Touborg and Keith Granet, is an unbelievably valuable think tank that helps you keep your finger on the pulse of all things design. Covering business advice, operational trends, marketing and design awareness, the gathering is a truly inspiring show where industry legends get to meet and greet.

This year the Keynote address was given by Nicky Haslam , the legendary English decorator , gossip columnist, author and general bon vivant. Nicky was so funny , delightfully eccentric and gave the most personal lecture on his distinguished and colorful career. Another legend , Axel Vervoordt , dazzled us with his impact- filled spare designs and philosophy of less is more. He is one of the worlds most interesting designers whose taste has re- shaped design as we know it. We feel his influence in larger brands from the new Restoration hardware to Pottery Barn.

One evening, dinner was hosted by the new owners of the legendary Italian fabric house Fortuny. We had the great pleasure of visiting the Fortuny Museum and got to experience more of Axel's work in his curated exhibition of Fortuny fabrics along with a truly incredible exhibit he put together of Samari warriors armor. It can only be described as breathtaking! I'm sure your going to see many Samari - inspired fabric and furniture collections from designers in attendance....

Not only did we get to learn and become inspired during the daytime lectures at the conference and afternoon guided tours of the best sights the city has to offer , we, of course, got to play at night. My dearest friend Kathryn arranged the first evening. The rarest treat to include a private dinner cooked for us by a genuine Venetian Countess in her Grand Canal Palazzo which had been in her family for 500 years. A delicious experience for all the senses!! And after such a cultural delight we somehow found ourselves in the Bauer Hotel night club where we were over served local wines by the chic countess. We danced till the wee hours so needless to say there were a few late attendees at the first event the following morning!

Another memorable evening was arranged by our lovely New York friend and designer, the talented Steven Gambrel, who convinced his great friend Boris to hijack his dad, the unsuspecting Axel Vervoordt, to host a dinner for 12 of us in their palazzo. I have to say the glamour of that evening will go down in my memory forever. The palazzo itself, a 17th century pile, was decorated in Axel's inimitably chic style, showing a connoisseur's eye in the editing of all the objects and art. Fine Venetian antiques mix with Lucio Fontana art works, 18th century rock crystal chandeliers lit by only candles, and signature tight slip - covered linen sofas sat quietly on intricate terazzo floors. Once again after dinner we danced, but this time in Vervoordt's ballroom.

Yes , I can honestly tell you that great fun was had by all. You could not help but be inspired by the beauty of Venice. It always takes my breath away. The forums and advice you take away from the design conference is so very valuable, as is the quality time we all got to spend amongst our peers, forging new friendships and sometimes future partnerships. This whole adventure for me was very special. I met special people, including Suzzane Kassler, the most delicious person, and the beyond charming Stephen Drucker, the new editor of Town and Country, got to see great friends and bond with industry insiders. The conference location next year will have a lot to live up to, as Venice was an iconic and memorable spot, However, wherever you decide on guys, I will be there.

FINE FROCKS FROM IRVING & FINE

Two girls, lots of travel and editorial backgrounds. When Lisa Fine partnered with Carolina Irving to create Irving & Fine, they took the blouse world by storm, creating something the market lacked. Fun, bright, Indian-inspired blouses with touches of embroidery and a dramatic cut, they were perfect for parties and running around town. They recently introduced dressy jackets in materials like velvet and linen, so you can always have them rotating in your wardrobe. The gals also have their own eponymous fabric lines chronicled on SB in the past.

Silk Patmos 100% light ramie blouse with bands of lace on the sleeves and at neckline. For additional detail, Jali like lace insets replace seams. Shown with a belt sold separately.

The 100% Natural Linen Lamu coat has hand embroidered black raffia and wooden beads. It is paired with hand-blown venetian glass rings by Legge and Braine, gold bracelets by Bungalow 8, Mumbai Wooden bangles with inlaid silver and turquoise by Jaisalmer Arts.

Samarkand Tunics of 100% linen in indigo with creme raffia and red with black raffia has hand embroidered raffia and wooden beads.

They hold trunk shows around the country and team up with Indigare Souk, so watch that space for their next pop up sale...

THE WEEK THAT WAS: TOASTING MARK HAMPTON'S BOOK AND ROOMS WITH A VIEW SHOWHOUSE AT BUNNY WILLIAMS

DUANE HAMPTON SIGNED HER BOOK ON MARK HAMPTON

The other night, Duane Hampton signed her new book, Mark Hampton An American Decorator at the product- filled design emporium, John Rosselli.

Signing away looking so chic in green.

Bunny and John enjoying the huge crowd that came to fete the book.

Gorgeous flowers arranged by Howard Christian, the manager of Treillage, John and Bunny’s store on 75th Street, sits next to a great shot of Mark.

ROOMS WITH A VIEW SHOWHOUSE PARTY

Rooms with A View, the showhouse at The Congregational Church in my hometown of Southport CT is held every November, and has long been supported by Albert Hadley. This November, in its 16th year, he is honorary Chairman, and the vignettes are to be designed by Parish Hadley alums, listed above. This showhouse is not to be missed!

A cut out of Mr. Hadley in all his glory. Honorary degrees were given to the PH alums for attending The University of Albert Hadley.

The diploma (!)

The Parish Hadley alumni include Bunny Williams, David Kleinberg and David Easton.

Beautifully arranged Dahlia's on Bunny's desk.

Peonies, Roses and votives arranged around the table by Johnathan Preece, the uber talented Creative Director at Bunny's is behind the party's flowers and decorations.

Everyone raised a glass to Mr. Hadley and his commitment and dedication to the charity. This shot was taken by THE Dennis Reggie!

Even the star pendants were adorned with candles and flowers by Jonathan.

Even Sampson, Harry Heismann's Frenchie made it to have a drink.