Kelly Wearstler is something of a powerhouse when it comes to the ever-changing world of design.  Having built a name (more like an empire) for herself by creating elaborate and luxurious interiors for both domestic and international hotels, Wearstler’s work is marked by a strong sense of color and the juxtaposition of classic and contemporary elements of design. She is perhaps best known for her work with the Viceroy hotel chain, as well as her re-design of the Avalon and Maison 140 in Beverly Hills. Not only is her resume impressive, but Wearstler’s design know-how is highly sought after by a high-profile celebrity fan base.

Wearstler has been widely recognized in the press for her design prowess, having received accolades from Town and Country, Bon Apetit, Time Style and Design, and Modern Bride.  In 2007, she opened her own interior design boutique at Bergdorf Goodman, showcasing a range of home goods and furniture.

Already having established herself within the interior design community as a force to be reckoned with, Wearstler has set out to conquer an entirely new (but not altogether unrelated) realm—the  world of fashion. Receiving acclaim as one of the year’s best dressed by Vogue, Kelly’s personal style has become almost as celebrated as her interior design. Her first line of ready-to-wear, jewelry, and clutches are set to debut at Bergdorf Goodman.

While many designers make the move from fashion to home goods (think Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, etc.) seldom does it happen the other way around. However, It appears that Wearstler has approached her first ready-to-wear collection with the same sensibilities as she does her interiors.  Predominantly geometric black and white ensembles are offset with bright pops of color, while subtle patterns are mixed and matched for a bold yet feminine effect.

Marie Antoinette, while rather unpopular during her own time, has come to symbolize youth, beauty and a life of luxury and decadence.  It’s no wonder that our society is so obsessed with her–she’s the original celebutante! We idolize Marie for the same reason that we obsess over Paris and Kim–they live a life of style, fashion and opulence–one that we (or most of us anyway) can only dream about. Instead we must content ourselves by reading about the extravagant and privileged lives of others in Vogue or on blogs like TheCoveteur.  It must be said, no one lived a more privileged life than Marie Antoinette! I mean c’mon… homegirl LIVED in Versailles.  While it is unlikely that they’ll let me move into the royal suite anytime soon, I am thinking about channeling my inner Dauphine with some Marie Antoinette inspired home accessories:

1. I think ostentatious ceiling ornamentation was a requirement in each and every room throughout Versailles.  I myself am not partial to cut crystal–but a hot pink chandelier? That I can get behind.

2.  A trademark feature of Versailles was heavy ornamentation, so why not try fancifying your room with some damask wall decals? You know what they say… “If it’s not baroque, don’t fix it!” HA!

3.  No palace is complete without a few good greco-roman busts. This Aphrodite USB hub brings a touch of luxury to your home, while charging your iphone at the same time!

4. I would be remiss if I didn’t throw SOMETHING cake related into this post! But in all seriousness, these individual cupcake stands are absolutely adorable.

5. Create your own Hall of Mirrors with an ornate gold mirror with an antique feel.

Last but not least, I’m obsessed with this “Let Them Eat a Cupcake” Print on Etsy. This tongue-in-cheek piece is printed on an old french dictionary page! So perfect for any modern-day Marie.

It’s the height of wedding season, and you know what that means: ‘Tis the season to max out your credit card on bathmats, flatware sets, and other generic (and frankly, rather boring) home goods.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my friends, but it’s really difficult to get excited about dropping my hard earned money on an energy efficient toaster.  But listen, just because wedding gifts tend to be practical, that doesn’t mean they need to be boring! Take a look at this list of 10 unconventional (yet still useful!) wedding gift ideas.  Why not give the happy couple a gift with a little more personality? Chances are, they aren’t any more excited by the thought of that toaster than you are.

In the Kitchen:

1.  These super modern City Plates are a perfect gift for the urban couple! They come in sets of three, and with twelve cities to choose from, try picking three with some significance to the bride and groom.

2. Who wants a traditional salt and pepper shaker set when you can have a set shaped like ROCKET SHIPS?! The set is perfect for bringing a little whimsy to any dining room table.

3.  This face mug allows you to have your coffee and your donuts too! And most importantly, it’s hilarious.  Instead of a standard set of latte mugs, consider bringing a present with a little humor.

4. Give the gift of good karma (and fresh butter) with this Buddha Butter Dish.

Decor:

5. For couples with an appreciation for function and modern design, an abacus makes for some interesting and unique wall art.  Added bonus–it can keep track of who wins domestic spats! Juuuust kidding.

6. This porcelain hanging wall vase is straight to the point!

7. This handmade hand-shaped coat hanger is DEFINITELY a statement piece.  It comes in 9 different “gestures,” including a thumbs up, a wave, and (for the slightly more alternative bride and groom) a middle finger.

Bed & Bath:

8.  This  zig zag printed cotton duvet cover and pillow case set infuses gives any bedroom a modern look. Plus it reminds me of Charlie Brown, and that’s always a good thing.

9. This bathroom doesn’t tend to be the most stylish room in the house in terms of interior design, but if you ask me, this apothecary shower curtain is a good starting point.

10. The Shower Squid comes with nine adjustable tentacles to firmly grasp your shampoo, body wash, or other various shower accouterments!

Missoni appears to be having a moment. With recent collaborations with brands like Havianas and Converse, and a much anticipated line for Target launching this September, the Italian house seems to be popping up everywhere–proving that “classic” doesn’t have to mean “dated.”

A family run Italian fashion house made famous by its iconic knitwear, Missoni was created over 50 years ago by Rosita and Ottavio Missoni. The brand quickly gained acclaim for it’s brightly colored zig-zag pattern, and while the cuts of clothing have changed to remain constant with evolving trends in fashion, very little has changed about the classic Missoni prints. Today, the name Missoni is synonymous with luxury and refinement.

It’s only logical then, that the brand would create a line of accessories for the home, operating along the same principles as the apparel label. Missoni Home’s housewares are bright, bold and playful; the epitome of glamour!  With Rosita still in creative control, I would expect nothing less. Unfortunately for working 20-something’s like me, these opulent home goods come with a hefty price tag–think $405 a candle!!  While I would love to festoon my apartment with these vivid cushions and rich knit throws, I may have to content myself with knock-offs for a while.  But, the collection certainly gives me something to aspire to.  It’s good to dream, right?

1. Missoni’s iconic print pops up in an unlikely form; The Torta Four-Wick Wax Candle.

2. This floral pillow adds a pop of color to any living room; The Lobelia Cushion.

3. A playful candle shaped like a ball of string; The Gomitolo Wax Candle.

4. Talk about a fashionable way to carry your groceries… Eco-friendly has never been so pretty; The Lipki Canvas Tote.

5. A luxurious beach accessory; The Malika Geometric Print Towel.

If you don’t recognize the name Florence Broadhurst, there’s no doubt you would know her if you saw her. Or at least – you’d know her work if you saw it. Not necessarily consciously, because her designs are often lurking in the background, but you’d definitely recognize her classic geometric, animal and floral patterned fabrics and wallpapers which remain in fashion, season after season. Florence was a larger-than-life designer – but even more bold than her designs was her life – and murder. Read the full story