Aerin's World

Aerin Lauder seems to be quite the topic of conversation these days.  I don't think you can open a magazine that she is not in right now.  Bloggers, editors, and writers alike are buzzing over her life style branding tour.  Look out Ralph Lauren, soon we will be living in Aerin's world.

A lot has been mentioned about her new store or concept boutique in East Hampton, the first of many I am sure, that will bring together many of Aerin's product lines, summer essentials (in this case), and lines that Aerin likes that fit in with her brand.  It is a "must see" for me next month when I am in town!  I wouldn't be surprised if we see a little pop up shop in Aspen next year??

Aerin explains that she has always been in love with decorating.  The enthusiasm generated by the publicity of her magnificent homes in shelter magazines had people always asking where she got this or that.  That prompted her to seriously think about recreating pieces she or loved ones owned or were inspired by her travels as part of a bigger life style brand with a real person standing behind said brand.
Estee seems to be waving an approving wand over her granddaughter.  The obvious 1st introduction to the AERIN lifestyle brand was a notable line of make up in a natural palette.

Tabletops and objects d'art came next.  Each piece has meaning and an inherent beauty that exudes the message that is Aerin:  classic with a traditional twist.  Geodes, shagreen, pyrite, shell, lacquer; It seems everything she touches turns to gold.

Shoes, candles, sunglasses, and jewelry soon followed.  Her collaboration with Erickson Beamon is based on pieces either her grandmother owned or have a tropical, vintage feel.  Bold baubles that translate from day to night.  Glamour and femininity ring throughout each collection.

I mentioned previously (when I got a sneak peek) the excitement surrounding her newly launched fabric and rug line with Lee Jofa.  Elegant wovens, classic florals, sumptuous velvets, strong graphics, and rich embroideries present a well thought out and complete line; again indicative of Aerin's effortless look.  Her belief is to live beautifully but comfortably.

And this Fall Aerin is unveiling a furniture line with EJ Victor as well as lighting with Visual Comfort.
Aerin has taken cues from the places she loves the most.  From the chic, relaxed beaches of the Hamptons and Palm Beach to the rustic simplicity of her mountains hideaway, her classicism translates to an understandable lifestyle brand that affords everyone equal opportunity to "have a little piece" of Aerin's world.  Everything she rolls out has an effortless, easy going feel that speaks to one another whether it's a lipstick color or a fabric on one of her chairs.

In this month's AD magazine, Aerin's soon to be released furniture line made with her fabrics was set in a few pretty spectacular little vignettes.  You can really get a feel for the luxurious life style brand with a sense of ease that is AERIN.

A book is accompanying all this is to be released in October.  The furor surrounding Lauder will not be quieting any time soon.  There are many more chapters to be written!

Is it purely a coincidence that Aerin is so damn photogenic??



Most photos courtesy of AERIN, room vignettes in AD by Peter Estersohn

Home on the Range

Much discussion has been given to the  Stark antelope pattern carpet.  I have loved it for as long as I have known of its existence.  It's sexy and cool, but is it durable enough for the steps?  I sometimes wrestle with the practicality of some of my choices.  The kids are grown so I don't have to worry about little muddy feet (oh how I miss those little feet), so what if it takes a little extra care?

and ~Animal print is ALWAYS neutral.  I have never seen an animal print I have not been drawn to.  Therefore it matches everything I have, or hope to have, BUT this particular one happens to be 100% wool and a little pricey.

But damn it looks good!  It has the perfect shades of gold, beige and brown.

Jan Showers

Amanda Nisbet

There's no question, I love it, in all its manifestations.  It looks sharp anywhere.  The only problem is, my house is beginning to look like a hunting lodge.  SO BE IT!

I have an L shaped landing so the challenge will be to lay the carpet with a mitered corner.  Do I dare?  I like the look of the stripe running length wise in all directions.

A few to consider that are more "price friendly"

This feels a little too taupey

Karastan

Hmm... funky color

Glen-Eden

I think this is the clear winner ~

and it is 100% nylon which will be able to withstand a little more wear and tear.

A good thing to consider on steps.

Rosenfeld Carpets

 I think it is a good compromise.

Soon, my home will be like where the deer and the antelope play...and the zebra... and the mongolian lamb...

Shell Shocked

Fisher Weisman

Call it cliché, but a shapely shell looks quite appealing in a summer home.  I am not one for tchotchkes, and shells can quickly look like dust collectors if scattered randomly about, so make it bold.  Go big, or it's a bust.

The above design duo created a magnificent collection of shell encrusted case goods ~

Sea shells can look perfectly sophisticated or naturally organic, as determined by their counterparts.  Fanciful or simple, a statement is made either way, and the tactility WOWS!

One piece in a room POPS and can't help but be a show stealer.  A chest like this would look equally at home in an all white cottage with linen slip covered sofas or in a heavily patterned looking bungalow.

 The color of these shells sets off the Buddha head collection and demonstrates that shells (and coral) make a good backdrop for a chinoiserie theme as well.

Whimsical in nature, they may be unexpectedly adorning something surprising, but then the mollusks make clear a little levity or frivolity lightens a too serious space.

It blurs the lines between indoor and out, bringing the outdoors inside as if the just collected treasures were woven into something magical.

The beauty and gracefulness of this console table is sculptural and visually arresting, more of a piece of art than a simple table.

If a statement piece is too much, show a carefully curated collection, but remember, keep it together.  Shells scattered about just don't cut it.

If your so inclined this could be a DIY project you may want to think about. (You, not me)

I'll nevet forget the impact this bathroom made on me when I saw it in Met Home.  Barry Dixon, one of my favorite designers commissioned this room covered, like a grotto, in shells by Cathy Jarman for a Palm Beach client.

Mimi McMakin,ph Eric Piasecki

Lovely, just lovely ~