ORANGE ALERT

Orange seems to have incredible staying power. The Pantone Color forecast of Tangerine Tango being THE color of 2012 is showing few signs of letting up. Perhaps that's because it is such an uplifting color that complements a variety of schemes, when used sparingly.  Chevrons and ikats in this color du jour have hit critical mass, but hey, I can't say I mind.

A three box Vanity Set from JM Piers in glass-covered orange faux lizard keeps odds and ends at bay.

Chelsea Textiles Furniture added a Jetson-would-like-this  Wingback Chair with contrast trim and button tufting along with a simple arm. So good looking.

Lacefield Designs has many new patterns to add to their stellar assortment, like these orange and white printed beauties from the gift show.

Photo courtesy of C. Wonder

The oversized scale of this C. Wonder Chevron Pillow makes it a cozy addition to a sofa.

Sandra Morgan's HP Designs laminated placemats are easy to clean and always look crisp. Her new ikat pattern was especially striking.

Photo courtesy of C. Wonder 

A lacquered orange bamboo bowl from C. Wonder incorporates shiny and matte for a nice contrast.

Dana Gibson launched travel bags, including this one with her cheetah pattern that can also be found on pillows

She also launched a zig zag pattern that's also great.

If you want to use a chevron in a bigger way, Dana Gibson's new Pagoda lantern is divine. She sold out at the gift show, so I hope new stock arrives soon as I have it earmarked for my apartment freshening.

But wait, there's more! A painted bombay dresser is petite charmant.

I am constantly amazed at the endless assortment of great pillows out there now. V Rugs and Home does unusual things with appliques that add a bit of texture.

One question I get a lot is where to find nice shower curtains that are reasonably priced. Jonathan Adler's new Arcade Shower Curtain is trimmed in grosgrain ribbon adding a nice, dressy detail.

Carnaby Street dishes from Jonathan Adler have a tight graphic geo and work well as catchall trays.

Adler's new Arcade bath towels come in all white with an orange border or a geometric all-over diamond pattern. Towels add a lot of zip to an all-white bath.

Arteriors Cassidy Porcelain Lamp in orange resembles something that lives 10,000 leagues under the sea, adding a breezy island touch to any table.

Photo courtesy of World Market Cost Plus
With a chic double ribbon border, World Market's orange lampshade looks like a bigger investment than it is.

After it's debut at High Point, bloggers can't get enough of Lexington Home Brands Aquarius collection orange dresser.

STYLISH SHOPPING AT BLOOM, MONC XIII AND ROBERT STILIN IN SAG HARBOR: PART II

 The natural beauty and old charm in Sag Harbor is undeniable. It's whaling town history, weathered captain's cottages, and always flying American flags celebrate all things historic and wonderful. Like a fly in amber, the town is a place time stands still. But, the shopping makes it a destination for the most current items and antiques as well.

 A whaling boat at The Whaling Museum.

 A perfectly restored home with stunning stately trees.

 The pharmacy.

The movie theater.

Now, back to the shopping.

BLOOM: 

Mona Neremberg has expanded her minimal chic home store Bloom, adding the tiny ivy-covered structure next door to her perfect microcosm. Her unerring eye is famous.

White is the name of her game, and you can find all sorts of useful objects in natural or white with very little color.

Gourmet olive oils and salts for the foodies.

More to cook with.

High end cookware and dog bowls on rustic wood shelves.

Sunlight floods the space from a wall of windows.

Natural woods and more white.

A courtyard connects the new location to the original one. A curvacious antique bench looks especially terrific against the stark white walls.

A long farm table set with modern placesettings and super clean streamlined chairs.

Shallow white shelves support a collection of striking black and white art photography that encapsulates the perfect summer of sand surf and sea.

A high backed curved bench around an aged demi lune table.

Gotta have a bit of woven texture to add to the mix.

The patina of the door is perfection.

MONC XIII:

Former LA gal Natasha Esch opened Monc XIII in town, bringing a sophisticated mix of European pieces and worldly imports. The name, an acronym from the first letter of her family's names adds a bit of mystery. The space is visually stunning, with reclaimed wood, a metal spiral staircase and wide wooden floorboards.

To give a sense of the ceiling height.

Fusing clean lined furniture and warm accents the vignettes are filled with things you can't find out East.

Since entertaining is a big part of Hampton's life, tablesettings are always needed.

Another angle of the store.

A modern vintage brass pendant fixture hangs above Biedermieier chairs.

Leather looks good.

Chairs, tables and serene white accessories.

The ultimate hostess gift for rainy days.

Chunky woven knit pillows and throws in a leather trimmed wheelbarrow from Spain.

Tablecloths look enticing hanging from a clothing line in front of french doors.

Even their kitchen is styled to the hilt.

ROBERT STILIN: 

Photos courtesy of Joshua McHugh

If you know designer Robert Stilin's work, then you know his impeccable eye, and ability to select singular objects that say so much. He lives and works in East Hampton, and has clients all over. Be it showcasing collections, working with a richly layered neutral palette, finding the perfectly aged wood chair or capturing a relaxed sense of place, Stilin's work is sophisticated, warm modern. His new shop, housed within his office, shows off that subtly luxurious bent. Stop in on 74 Montauk Highway for a rotating selection of utilitarian, beautiful, decorative and richly textured vintage finds.

Hmm, looks like he's mastered the art of arranging shelves.

Many of his projects out East embrace Americana with the utmost sophistication.

His office, where the magic happens. When I stopped in for a visit with senior designer Rajaie Khoury, he showed me how they create their scheme boards. Let's just say the most gorgeous palette of the palest hues of camel and cream in every imaginable texture from cashmere to hemp were on them.

The power of a single thing is so clear here.

A shelf in Stilin's office.

A work table in the shop/work/meet space.

COME SAIL AWAY WITH KIPS BAY!

Photo courtesy of Kips Bay

If you are looking to extend your summer and support a great charity, get onboard for Summer's Last Blast Cruise with Kips Bay designers on September 12th. It is a fun way to catch up on summer adventures on the high seas (ok fine, river waters). If you want in on the fun, including cocktails, dancing, and dinner, sport your best festive attire and get your tickets here. Be sure to arrive at the dock by 6:30pm for they set sail at 7pm from Pier 81, West 41st St at the Hudson River.