There is no question that fashion and design have always been as indelibly linked as Betty and Francois Catroux. (Not familiar? Look them up. The couple is interesting and the ne plus ultra of taste and style and a foil to these Kardashian-drenched times.) We were so lucky to have had the restrained elegance of Annette and Oscar de la Renta and the dash and swagger of the comer Ralph Lifshitz (later Lauren) who distilled the American dream into different cut-glass bottles with silver tags labeled, “Deco,” “West” and “Upper West Side” (among others). Fortunate, too, to have experienced the moxie and irreverence of the late Kate Spade in both the bag we slipped over our shoulders and the inspiring layers of her home.
Just as each of those designers translated their fashion vision equally well into fabrics and furnishings, you too can translate your latest looks into lasting treasures at home
Box It Up
The Flora clutch in rattan at Finefolk is perfect for this season’s emphasis on neutrals. But it’s also a handy piece for your powder room. Stash a nail file, few samples of perfume, and a tin of mints for the occasional wayward guest.
Rock Solid
There are those of us who think hippie chic never goes out of style. Long crocheted vests, layers of beads, and raw-edged leather sandals always have a place at the table/camper. Assemble a collection of crystals from Oracle in the Crossroads to keep the energy flowing at home. Do they work? Well, they’re a whole lot prettier on the coffee table than a collection of prescription bottles.
Prints Charming
Scarf prints may be dripping off our shoulders and over our knees as temperatures heat up, but it’s equally charming to hold them in our hands. Cappuccino cups with prints from Lilly Pulitzer keep mornings light and lively.