Happy Halloween

Hope you all have a wonderful Halloween weekend! Thanks for being patient as I settle in to my new life. I hope to be back to blogging regularly very soon. In the meantime, check out this picture of me (left) with baby sister Catherine and my beautiful mother Christy. Yes, I was always the child that went as some sort of princess, fairy, or ballerina. In this picture I'm pretty sure I trumped them all and went as a queen!

Moving Day

Ok, so I'm not actually bringing a car, but my two suitcases and I will be leaving for the Big Apple on a train tomorrow at 5 am! I absolutely can't wait! Until then, I will be frantically trying to fit all of my belongings into two bags. So be on the lookout for a longer post when I get to New York and wish me luck, because I definitely need it!

xoxo

Ellie Gray

(Photo from Em and Ernie's photo stream)

Welcome to the World {well-worn}!

Well folks, you’ll be glad to know that the blogging community has just become a little bigger and better… one of my bestest friends in the whole world, Nicole Noble Warren, has finally launched her own blog (about time)! Nicole’s blog, {well-worn} is the documentation of the thoughts and ideas of a self-proclaimed “media and textile and visual arts addict.” And having worked with her (at Charleston Weddings magazine) in the past, I know for a fact that this girl is full of great ideas. Recently married (I was honored to be a bridesmaid in her beautiful ceremony), this US ex-pat is now living in London-town with her super sweet English husband and has promised to keep us updated on all things fabulous happening on the other side of the pond.

Nicole and me at her bachelorette party in DC

Not surprisingly, she is living in a teeny tiny “flat” and has already posted some great tips on decorating for small spaces. {well-worn} needs to be a one of your daily reads (along with Lady Gray of course) not only because its written by a sophisticated sweetheart, but also because “she is dedicated to bringing you a mélange of design and dalliance.” What more could you ask for? Check it out!

Reason # 29,837,947 Why I'm Excited to be Moving to NYC...

I'm crossing my fingers that this guy (from Swagger 360) will be my neighbor... or at least my friend!

Timing is Everything...

Not to bring up the dreaded “E” word again (yes, economy), but I know in “times like these,” we are all concerned about pinching our pennies just a little tighter. I don’t know about you, but when people start talking that way, I start getting depressed – I like my life the way it is thank you very much and I don’t feel like changing it all around just because the economy has a mind of its own. (P.S – I’m aware that just sounded very spoiled…) However, thanks to Mark Di Vincenzo, author of Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon, and my super chic friend Amanda Munn (who recommended the book), we finally have some hope!

Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon is “a guide to the best time to buy this, do that, and go here.” So in other words, it helps you to save money by focusing on the time of day, month, or year that you do things. I love the concept (thought up by the author’s wife in the middle of the night) that you can get a deal by doing things at different times – he gives us all of the insider tips we always wanted to know, about everything!

You definitely need to check out the book yourself (at $14 you can’t afford not to), but in the meantime, let me share a few snippets from my favorite tips. (Not all of them are about money, but all of them are an insightful guide to the world around us – see for yourself!)

1) When is the best time of the day to go to a garage sale to find a real treasure?

Before it’s scheduled to open. That’s when antique shop owners and other store owners get there, and they know what they’re looking for and how much it should cost.

2) When is the best time to buy Broadway tickets?

A few hours before the show starts, when theaters are most desperate to fill their seats and may offer deep discounts.

3) Which is the best month to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? (just in case you were planning a trip…)

January, February, August, and September are the months when the weather in this part of Tanzania is mildest and climbing is safest…

4) When is the best time of day to cold-call a big shot?

Between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Many top executives – the real decision makers – rose in the company because they work a lot of hours, and many of them get to work early to catch up on paperwork and answer e-mails. So call then, before their secretaries arrive, start answering their phones, and block you from talking with them.

Seriously though, you need a copy. How else will you know when is the best time to buy shoes, write poetry, or see the Mona Lisa? Yes… it’s all in there!

(Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon is written by Mark di Vincenzo, and published by Harper Collins; image from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/)

Easy Option for the DIY-Challenged

I have always been so jealous of people that have the capacity to take a quick glance around a flea market, find something hideous, take it back to their home, and magically turn it into one of the finest pieces of décor I’ve ever seen. I would say that I have a fairly good eye when looking for pieces that have already been finished, but I have a hard time seeing the potential in furniture, accessories, and even clothes.

This is obviously something I need to work on, but in the meantime, I’ve realized that if you just paint things red, people think that you actually know what you’re doing. “Genius,” they say, “How bold!” Little do they know, that this is the only way I know how to update a piece of furniture. Now something does need to be said for the power of paint when redecorating, as it is one of the cheapest ways to completely change the look of something. However, as I’m quickly becoming aware, it’s not the only way. So, I promise to try to see the potential in future purchases, if you all will check out how super chic these red paint re-dos are (I told you it looks fabulous)!

This painted red credenza was part of little green notebook's office makeover.

Beautiful painted red chandelier that graced the pages of Elle Decor

Sweet side table from Country Living magazine

Red rattan chair from kimhas7cats (for now)'s photo stream

Sophisticated Souvenirs

On every trip I take, I am constantly trying to think of ways to bring back souvenirs that I will actually end up displaying in my home without making everything look too “knick-knacky.” It’s my hope that I can proudly exhibit my amazing finds rather than come across them in a dusty pile a few years later, which is why I loved this post by coco+kelly about layering textiles from all over the world! I adore how these rooms combine elements from so many places while still looking sophisticated and pulled together. She mentions that you can pick up similar textiles from The Loaded Trunk, but I challenge you to see what you can scrounge up on your next adventure – you might be surprised!

Images via coco+kelly (originally from Elle Décor and Lonny magazines)

Moving to NYC!

I was trying to think of a post that wouldn’t be too personal, but I just can’t help it… I’m so excited to tell you all that I’m finally moving to New York! It’s been a dream of mine for a while now, but the time is finally right. Although I have spent a lot of time in the City in the past, my visit there last week only confirmed that that’s where I needed to be living. So, I’m going for it, and by this time next week I will be frantically stuffing a few more belongings into my two suitcases before my 5 am train leaves the next morning.

I feel a little cliché (in a good way) – moving up with no job, no apartment, with only a dream to keep me going. I plan on eating lots of peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti, and ramen noodles. One thing I do not plan on having however, are pity parties. I could not be more thrilled about this opportunity and I don’t think I have been this excited about anything in a long time!

Some of my friends think I’m crazy, some are very encouraging; one even said that all I was missing was a guitar strapped to my back…

It can take a lot of sacrifices to make a dream come true. I know this first hand – I will be sacrificing job security (at my previous job) including benefits; the perks of living near family, and for now, any sort of income. But all of these things are worth it in order to pursue something that you are truly passionate about, (and a little motivation never hurt)!

So yes, if you were wondering, I will be job searching (as I have no trust fund to fall back on) every day, even in this crazy economy to try to find something that I love. At first, of course I will do anything (OK not anything) to make ends meet and to be able to stay in New York once I arrive. But then, I hope to find a job that I fall madly in love with – that will help me find a creative outlet for all of my random thoughts and tangents, and that I can get excited about being a part of. I guess my biggest dream then would be to find a job that is so revitalizing, so imaginative, and so stimulating, that I wake up every morning thrilled that I get to go to work.

In the past, the publishing world has been that source of excitement for me, and I would love to continue working in that field. The collaborative process that took place to put Charleston Weddings and Charleston magazines together, was incredible to be a part of, and seeing the finished product on the newsstands thinking “I helped with that!” is an irreplaceable feeling.

But, as a recent college grad, I’m still learning the ropes – I’m open to anything as long as I get a chance to be a part of a creative process.

This is an exciting time in my life, and I hope to update you soon on all of the wonderful adventures I’ve had in my new hometown! In the meantime, I’ll leave you with this quote I snatched from Lauren over at Undeclared Panache – or really, I guess it was actually from Mark Twain…

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than by the things you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

L'Aprés Midi Date Book

I love my sister for a million reasons, but one main reason is that she keeps me in the know. Thanks little sis for pointing out this super chic date book from Paper Source (maybe now I can keep my life organized)! I like the fact that you can start it at any time - because unfortunately date books seem to fall apart long before December 31 every year. I also adore the artwork – it might actually make your chaotic life look somewhat pleasant. Enjoy!

New Website!

Hey everyone,
Just a quick update - I have finally registered my domain name so ladygrayminimag.blogspot.com will now be www.ladygrayminimag.com! For now you can go to either site, but eventually you will be redirected to the new one. If you see any kinks on the page, please let me know, but also be mindful that this is part of an exciting new transition. Thanks for your patience!

-Ellie Gray

(Photo via Vašík pašík's photostream)

Choo Shopping

I don’t know about you guys, but I have always been a girl on a budget. These days, I would even go as far as to call myself a “recessionista.” But not one to let a little cash flow problem get in my way of being fashionable, I am always seeking out ways to look chic for cheap. Once, after finding Michael Kors brown leather ankle boots at the thrift store for a whopping $4 I wore them so much that the heels were down to a nub in a matter of a few short weeks!

Solution? My local tailor and shoe repair man added brand new heels for only $12. Grand total of my stylish designer ankle boots - $16. It was definitely one of my biggest fashion victories.

But, (almost) more exciting is the line that Jimmy Choo will be doing for H&M starting this fall (November 14 to be exact)! Products will range from clothes (women’s and men’s), shoes, bags and accessories. Although some people are questioning how a luxury brand will translate to a more affordable store, it’s exciting to see a world-renowned designer getting behind something we can all get excited about. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see!

Plastic vs. Cashmere...

Margy listens with disinterest

(Photo via houseofmirthandmovies.wordpress.com)

The other night I curled up on the couch to watch the 1945 Oscar-winning film “State Fair.” The romantic musical follows the Frake family as they prepare (mince meat pies, pickles, and even one giant hog named “Blue Boy”) for competition at the Iowa state fair. The Frake’s sassy daughter Margy is my favorite character (probably because she reminds me a little too much of myself) and is in a lackluster romance with a rather dull young man that will probably lead to marriage if her parents have their way.

In an effort to woo Margy, “the boyfriend” (so dry that I’ve actually forgotten his name altogether), begins telling her about the house he wants to buy for them when they get married. All about the latest technology, he goes into great depth about the pre-fabricated plastic siding the house will have, and the linoleum floors “so the whole house will seem like a bathroom!” he cries. He could barely contain his excitement, but before he could tell Margy about the garbage disposal, he was shut down.

“Then…” Margy drones in a sarcastic voice “when we have children we can put them in cellophane rompers so we can just hose them down along with the plastic house and floors when it gets messy!”

It was a great moment in the film, and honestly (I know), it may have been something you had to have been there for, but Margy did have a point. The textiles, layers, colors, and materials that we bring into our house are the things that make our house a home. When we come home at the end of the day, we want to relax into our giant arm chair wrapped up in a super soft butterscotch-colored cashmere throw with our favorite book and a glass of nice red wine. I don’t know about you but the idea of a “whole house that seems like a bathroom” just doesn’t sound comforting to me. That colorful rug you brought back from India makes you happy every time you walk in the door in a way that linoleum never will (as much as it may try). And seriously, how personal is pre-fabricated plastic siding?

F. Schumacher does textiles well!

(Photo via Michigan Design Center)

For this reason alone, I want to give a huge shout out to all the textile, wallpaper, paint, and even furniture companies that help to make our homes feel like they belong to us. Thank you guys!

P.S. Margy found a new boyfriend at the fair – a journalist, who knew better than to suggest linoleum floors ... “Blue Boy” found a girlfriend too.

All Aboard!

(Photo from glassgrrl_ok's photo stream)

Exhausted from a day of train travel - but even with all of the delays, there is something so chic and exciting about taking a train. Now if only people got as dressed up for it as they used to!

Maybe this super cute "upcycled" vintage suitcase from ReadySetGO's Etsy shop would put them on the right track (no pun intended)...

Lonny Launch!

By now you all probably know what a huge fan of Lonny magazine I am. So how excited was I when I had the opportunity to show my support at the Lonny launch party last night?! The party was held at Ochre in SoHo and on such a cold rainy night, everyone was happy to step into such a beautiful store packed with warm smiling faces. Guests munched (okay… feasted) on delicious bread from Sullivan Street Bakery, and glowing glass chandeliers dangling from the ceilings only added to the celebratory mood.

Packed house at Ochre (Photo by Vanessa Garver)

The Lonny team (including founders Michelle Adams and Patrick Cline and many of the Lonny contributors) were the proud hosts of the event, and guests included interior designers, fellow bloggers, and lots of supporters from the publishing community, all eagerly feeding their curiosity about what this new magazine will become.

“Michelle and Patrick are doing something really innovative with Lonny, and are bringing together all kinds of creative people.” says guest Vanessa Garver, “The party last night was a celebration of that collaborative spirit and I think everyone there was really excited to be a part of it."

Vanessa and I show our support!

A projector revealed images from the premier issue on one of Ochre’s white walls, and the music (barely audible over everyone’s excited chattering) put us all in festive spirits. It was incredible to see more than 200 people come out in support of Lonny and the work they are doing (especially on such a dreary night), and I’m sure the fan base will only continue to grow. Great work guys – keep it up!

Paul Robinett's Sweet Smell of Success

If you have never heard of Paul Robinett candles, it’s about time you did. (I have to give my former roommate credit for this one since she was the one that brought these scrumptious smelling soy candles into our home.)

Based in my roommate's hometown of Columbus, Ohio, Paul Robinett has 70 fragrances in his shop and in his online store ranging from “Gardenia,” to “Rain,” and even “Pipe Tobacco.” But here’s the thing – not only does he have 70 amazing and innovative fragrances, those fragrances (even ones like “Grass” and “Cotton”) smell so real and last for so long (a burn time of around 60 hours!) that once you start buying Paul’s candles you will never go back.

Each candle is hand poured in Paul’s studio and is meant to have specific aromatic qualities. For example, the “Mango” fragrance (one of the top ten sellers) is to signify love, and “Hazlenut” represents hospitality. Not only do they make great gifts because of their quality, and beautiful packaging, but the fresh scents and the extra symbolism mean they are even more personalized.

Unless you live in Columbus, you will have to plan ahead for things like hostess gifts, or birthday gifts, as you will need to order them online, but the smile on your friend’s face as they get a whiff of the “Fresh Baked Bread” candle will make it all worth it, and at $13 bucks a pop – you’ll be smiling too.

Almost even more amazing is the fact that you can have your very own design or logo printed onto the candle’s label – making them perfect for gift bags, wedding favors, or any other special event!

P.S. Check out this super short video by the man himself...

Big news for Rubie Green (and for me)!

Ok, let me start this post by letting you all know that I never win anything. I’m not talking about anything big, I’m talking about anything period. Even at Chucky Cheese as a little girl, I never won any prizes – not even a pencil eraser! But, finally after all of these years, I’m excited to tell you that my luck has changed…

Last Thursday I noticed a blog post on coco+kelly (one of my favorites) letting all of their loyal readers know about a FANTASTIC giveaway! They were offering seven tickets to a party hosted by Michelle Adams (co-founder/ editor-in-chief of Lonny) to celebrate her budding eco-friendly textile design company – Rubie Green. To win a ticket, you had to leave a comment describing your favorite tip “for designing and entertaining in a stylish, eco-friendly way.”

I was so excited that I was the first one to comment! I advised that “Rummaging through your local thrift store is a great way to be fashionable, save money, and save the planet! By recycling old clothes and home items, you aren't using the resources and energy to make new ones. I recently found some great vintage black and white Guess ad posters in my local thrift store that have added some much needed style to my bedroom.”

And guess what?!!! I won a ticket! As a huge fan of Michelle Adams and the work that she has done with both Rubie Green and Lonny, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet her. She couldn’t have been a more gracious host! Calypso Home in SoHo was filled with her eco-fabulous designs and the "East Village" pillows in gray (of course) were some of my favorites. I wanted to take home one of everything!

From left to right: Vanessa Garver (intern extraordinaire), Michelle Adams, and ME! (with beautiful Rubie Green pillows behind us)

The gift bags were to die for and included everything from hot pink Butter “London Underground” nail polish to a raspberry colored makeup bag made from Rubie Green’s very own "East Village" print. What a wonderful way to celebrate a truly inspiring company. Job well done Michelle – I can’t get enough!

Daybed Dreaming...

Living in a small space is hard enough – finding ways to decorate a small space without it looking cramped, is even harder. As I was searching for ways to infuse a bit of panache into my tiny abode, I came across an article in Vogue Living’s September/ October Australian issue that was truly inspiring. Diane Bergeron has an eye for style that is beyond compare, and the way she made use of the small space in her daughter Anna’s room has me ready to start sprucing! This daybed is one of the classiest I’ve seen yet, and I love the way the curtain turns the space into a secret hideaway. I think my guest room/ office may have big plans in its future…

P.S – Loving the “East Village” raspberry pillows by Rubie Green!

Let's Be an Opera

Garrison Keillor of "Prairie Home Companion” fame, recently came out with his own collection of “Love Sonnets” – 77 of them to be exact. Some of the poems are sweet, some more erotic, and some about the heartbreak that can come along with love, but all of them have a narrative story line – making them easy for anyone to read and understand. One of my favorites in this collection is called “Bizet,” and goes like this…

George Bizet was born in Omaha. He was Lutheran bred,

His real name was Duane. He was in 4H.

He earned a blue ribbon for building a shed

But felt “different” from a very young age.

He walked around town in a black beret.

Something French in him needed to be expressed,

He felt, and one fine printemps day in May

He told his mother, “Maman, I’m leaving the Midwest.”

She cried, “It would break our hearts if you leave!”

He said, “Maman, I am not cut out for farmin’!

My je ne sais quoi is joie de vivre” –

And that night he said to his girlfriend Carmen,

     “Darling, it’s cold here and the water tastes like copper. A

      Plane leaves for Paris at midnight. Let’s be an opera.”

(Photo via The Sunday Best)

Daycation?

How glamorous is this picture from Le Love? Maybe for my next daycation I will put on my fanciest dress and go see Niagara Falls all by myself - sounds magical!

Early Morning Luxury

On this lovely crisp October morning I am sitting in a big cozy chair at a friend’s beach house, wrapped up in a blanket, and every time a cool fresh breeze comes whispering through the open door, it brings a smile to my face. I am in my happy place.

Every morning (not just when I’m on vacation) I love to listen to Swing/ Big Band music as I sip my piping hot coffee. This has been a fairly recent development in my morning routine but one that I quite enjoy I have to say.

In the November 2008 issue of domino, Editor-in-Chief Deborah Needleman wrote about the “the new luxury.” She writes “If the old notion of luxury relied on status symbols like of-the-moment handbags and private planes, ours celebrates experiences – being more instead of having more, or caring less about what others think and more about just what makes us happy.”

For me, drinking freshly brewed coffee at my kitchen table, listening to swing music, and writing about what inspires me is my version of luxury. Doing all this with a cool salt-water breeze blowing through the house only makes my morning more lavish.

There might be some people out there that don’t agree with my idea of luxury (but dear God I hope not). Even so, to me, luxury is the idea of doing the things that make me happy. I feel most relaxed in the early hours of the morning - happy in my own little routine, without a care in the world.

At the end of her editor’s letter, Deborah Needleman writes “With this issue, we’re reclaiming the L word from its advertising-driven reputation. It’s about pursuing what you love and desire – trusting your instincts and convictions and transforming your life into what you what it to be. In the end, luxury is personal.”

What’s your idea of luxury?

(Photo via RedHead Art's photo stream)

Members Only

Don’t you hate it when you see “that friend” – the one who always looks impossibly chic, wearing something absolutely gorgeous and when you ask her where she got it she says… oh just this little shop in Paris… or a friend got it for me in L.A… or at this sample sale in New York… It’s so obnoxious to hear her answers, because somehow you are never lucky enough to find things that amazing, making it incredibly hard to look as pulled together as she does.

Burberry goes boho chic

Well my friends, you now have a one up on her. Gilt Groupe, started in 2007 is an invitation only website, offering up to 70% off of your favorite designer goods, ranging from Marc Jacobs to Oscar de la Renta. Essentially Gilt Groupe has brought us what we never thought would happen – an ongoing sample sale – completely online. Now you’re thinking, “well yes, having access to an incredible online sample sale would give me a one up on her, but I don’t have an invitation.” Fear not – Lady Gray has you covered. If you would like an invitation, just shoot me an email at ladygrayminimag@gmail.com, and I would be more than happy to personally invite you to this wonderful website.

Six Senses Hideaway in Samui Thailand

Hotel Negresco in Nice

Each sale lasts 36 hours, so the selection is constantly changing. If you don’t like what they have one day, just keep checking back. Additionally, Gilt Groupe has recently started their own travel website – Jetsetter, which offers “exclusive access to insider travel deals by invitation only.” The travel destinations vary from “Tranquility in Thailand,” to “Palace Living” in Nice. Even if you only visit Jetsetter to daydream, it’s well worth it. And guess what? I can send you an invitation to Jetsetter too!


So, happy shopping and Bon Voyage my dears! (And let me know about any fabulous finds.)

Chanel in Old Paris!

For the past few days, I have been about this tired…!

But today, even though it’s not yet 6 am (oh the glories of a 9 to 5…), I am up and ready to go. C’mon, it’s Friday! And on this fabulous Friday I am reliving Paris Fashion Week through Garance Doré’s wonderful blog documenting street style around the world.

(Photo by garance doré)

Karl Lagerfeld takes a well deserved bow (Photo by garance doré)

This season, the Chanel show took place in the Grand Palais (it may every season, I’m not sure), and Karl Lagerfield and his team of geniuses transformed the glass-roofed building into a farm fantasy. The Grand Palais was built for the World Fair of 1900 and because of its enormous glass roof, is one of the most recognizable buildings in Paris. I know this because I (just Googled it) – no, actually because I had the opportunity to visit this summer with my sister Catherine. We met up with my friend Sam and went to see LA FORCE DE L'ART – an incredible modern art exhibit that blew my mind, although I think the space was half the allure.

LA FORCE DE L'ART

Sister Catherine takes it all in...

Looking back at the pictures of the Chanel show, it is amazing to think not only that I have been in that same building (yes, I am that obsessed), but also to see the transformation from a modern art exhibit to a fashion farm fantasy. Oh, if only walls could talk!

Escape Fantasy 289

On stressful days like today, I try to do all the proper things like breathe deeply, exercise, journal, etc., but no matter what I do to try to manage my stress well, I can’t keep my mind from wandering to far off places. (I actually looked up one way tickets to Sydney today - $2000 sounds like a steal right about now.)

(Photo from murplejane photo stream)

Anyway, in today’s escape fantasy (number 289), I’m selling juicy figs and wildflowers at a roadside stand in Santorini, Greece. Of course I’m not worried about money in my fantasy, so if no one buys my figs, I just eat them all myself – they are one of my favorite fruits. After “selling” figs all day (aka basking in the Mediterranean sun while eating all of my profits) I leisurely walk home to my calico kitty and my white terra cotta house overlooking the sea.

(Photo from alessio grazi photo stream)

For a while I sit and read in my window seat. I don’t know what I would read – anything really. I’m sure that whatever I would be reading would sound five times more inspirational if I read it while overlooking the Aegean Sea. Then just at sunset, I would head up to my rooftop pool (yes, selling figs brings home the big bucks) and take a nice long soak as I watched the sky turn deep shades of red, orange, and pink.

(Photo from cmgramse photo stream)

After my sunset dip, I would head off to get showered and changed. I would put on my fanciest dress and my favorite gold snakeskin heels for a night on the town. I would be picked up by a tall dark and handsome Greek man and off we would go into the night… drinking ouzo and shouting “Oompa!” with the locals. The night would last forever – one of the best nights of my life. I would sleep late in the morning and then… get back to my fig stand. Can’t keep my customers waiting!

(Photo from cris photo stream)

Gourmet Folds, but Tatler Holds Its Own

A few days ago I was telling you the exciting news that Lonny magazine had arrived – now I am here to share the not so exciting news (from the New York Times) that four of Condé Nast’s magazines folded today after a three-month in depth study of their finances by McKinsey & Company. The titles that folded were two bridal magazines – Modern Bride, and Elegant Bride; a recent addition to the Condé Nast family – Cookie, a parenting magazine started in 2005; and finally and probably most missed, will be Gourmet magazine.

Gourmet has been around since 1941, and with editor Ruth Reichl taking the reigns, had made a secure (or so we thought) place for itself in the food world. The magazine will be sorely missed by me, and by its loyal readers. Comments on the New York Times article included “This breaks my food loving heart. I have subscribed to Gourmet since 1982,” and optimistic Edna writes, “Gourmet will be back. It has to.”

At least not all hope is lost – Tatler, the British lifestyle magazine, also published by Condé Nast is doing quite well. Another New York Times article, “Tattler Roars into its 4th Century,” asks “Are the print media history? If so, someone forgot to tell Tatler, the glossy magazine diary of London’s great and good at play, which celebrates its 300th birthday this month.” They go on to say “Tatler seems to have decided that the Internet is a passing fad,” and the quote by Patricia Stevenson, their publishing director only affirms that belief – “I’m rather tired of all this business about the Internet,” she says. “I think Tatler is going to be around for another 300 years.”

Tatler’s 408 page anniversary issue out Thursday seems reason enough to believe it. With the publishing industry always up and down, I just want to say congrats to Tatler for holding their own – keep on rocking out guys! Also doing surprisingly well is Vanity Fair Italia a weekly publication that is actually Condé Nast’s best selling international magazine – “It’s our No. 1 magazine in terms of revenues and profits,” says Jonathan Newhouse –chairman of Condé Nast International. “It’s bigger than any international Vogue.”

Happy Monday!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and that these flowers (from a street market on my trip to Paris this summer) will brighten any "case of the Mondays" you might have!

The September Issue

Last weekend I finally had the chance to see the long-awaited September Issue, a documentary starring the infamous Anna Wintour and the rest of Vogue’s very chic staff. The film went behind the scenes of the magazine’s production and showed the ins and outs of what it takes to put together the most fashionable issue of the year. While Anna Wintour was clearly meant to be the star of the film, it was Grace Coddington, Vogue’s creative director that stole the show. Her playful personality matched with her sheer genius were a breath of fresh air compared to Anna Wintour’s steel cold edge, and her fashion spreads were something out of a fairy tale.

 I loved this one from the twenties photo shoot: (Photo via www.style.com)

However, my favorite part of the movie was the photo shoot that the Vogue team did with Sienna Miller in Rome. Just having been to Rome this summer, I had fun trying to recognize all of the monuments, streets, and attractions in the background. The shot in Saint Peter’s Square was my absolute favorite and I so loved watching the priests taking direction and participating in the shoot. Old world… meet high fashion! (Photo via www.dayoldnews.com)

If you haven’t seen the movie yet, I highly recommend it. It’s an amazing piece of insight into a generally very mysterious world. And speaking of Rome, check out this cute little travel guide I picked up from a used book store today (for only $5!):

It was printed in 1965 and comes with a pull out map that I think I might frame for my bedroom! There are a few for sale on amazon.com if you're interested...