The Tom Ford Coffee Table Book

I love Tom Ford.

Apart from the fact that he has to be one of the sexiest men on earth he is also one of the greatest
designers of my generation.

His years at the helm of Gucci increased the luxury conglomerate's revenue tenfold. He took the company from an accessories brand to one of the sexiest labels in the world.



Every Christmas I get a new coffee table book. I love spending Christmas afternoon paging through my new giant fashion tome.
This year I want to add the Tom Ford book to my collection.

This book is the complete catalog of his designwork for both Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent from 1994 to 2004. It not only explores his clothing designs but also his vision for the complete design for the brand, the advertising, the stores, the architecture. 
It's brilliant, and shows what a brilliant mind Ford is.

There are more than 200 images from photographers including Herb Ritts, Helmut Newton, Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Richard Avedon and others. This giant, beautiful book was published to coincide with his departure from Gucci back in 2004.

You can find the Tom Ford book on Amazon.

Holiday Gift Ideas ~ 5 Fabulous Fashion Coffee Table Books

I love coffee table books. 

They are chic, they make a statement. 
A stack of gorgeous coffee table books not only looks beautiful, but also both serves as a fabulous fashion reference and is a reflection of your personal interests.


Coffee table books make gorgeous and meaningful gifts. Ideal for the fashion forward and the fashion fascinated, they are always much loved! 
If you are looking for a super cool holiday gift idea, check out these 5 fabulous coffee table books:

5 Fabulous Fashion Coffee Table Books

Veruschka: From Vera To Veruschka

Iconic beauty Veruschka was one of the biggest faces of the 60's.
Images of the actress and model still hold us in thrall today, serving as inspiration for makeup artists, designers, photographers and hair stylists alike.
This book has previously unpublished photos of Veruschka living la dolce vita from Rome to Capri, playing in Sardinina and along the Mediterranean coast.


Veruschka: From Vera to Veruschka

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

McQueen's absolute brilliance is celebrated in this gorgeous book that accompanied the Metropolitan Museum of Art's retrospective, and is considered the definitive reference to the career of Lee Alexander McQueen.

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Audrey Hepburn: Portraits Of An Icon

A rich and layered collection of one of the most celebrated actresses of all time, this beautiful book features both rare and iconic images of Audrey. An incredible reference book as well as an absolutely lovely gift.

Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon

W Stories by Stefano Tonchi

W magazine is world renowned for it's avant garde fashion editorials. Wild, whimsical, magical - W editorials can be spectacular! 

This book looks at 10 of the most sensational stories, each in it's entirety, with never before seen outtakes. Each story  was the centerpiece of it's issue.

A special code inside the book gives you access to short films shot durig the shoots of Steven Meisel, Alex Prager, Steven Klein and Tim Walker.

W: Stories

Tom Ford

This book chronicles the career of the incredible Tom Ford from 1994 to 2004 during his Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent days. Not just his clothing and accessories for both brands, but his grand vision for the complete design of a brand including architecture, store design and advertising.

Published to coincide with his departure from Gucci, the book was created with Ford's co-operation, and every page reflects his exceptional taste. It is Ford's testament to a career of singular moments reinventing the boundaries of style and sensuality in clothing.

Tom Ford

The Modern Girls Guide To Hostess Gifts ~ 14 Great Hostess Gifts For The Holidays

It's that time of the year again - the endless swirl of chic soirées, holiday parties, cocktail parties, dinner parties and events that make up the holiday season.

Your hostess has taken the time to plan, put together and now be the ringmaster of the evening (or whatever time the event is happening). Your job is to be the perfect guest, and to show up with an appropriate hostess gift.

What should you not take? 
Don't show up with flowers - she already has her decor for the event planned, and when you are at the door with a bouquet she now has to stop what she was doing and go find a vase, deal with the flowers and find a place for them. 
Flowers make a lovely thank you gift after the event.

Don't show up with wine. (unless asked to) Your hostess has probably planned wine pairings to go with the foods she is serving. A bottle of wine can be awkward too - are you expecting her to serve it at the event or save it for later? It can be easily lost or confused, so opt for something that at least looks like it has been well thought out.

Make sure your gift is wrapped and has a hand written card attached as she may not open it until the next day and will probably forget who gave it.

Here are 15 great hostess gift ideas for this holiday season:

Diptyque Candles

Whether you are gifting a single candle or a set of minis,  a Diptyque Candle is always a win. The fragrances are glorious, and the quality is exceptional. Diptyque is synonymous with chic, classic and luxe. For the holiday season try the Diptyque candle in Feu De Bois for a woodsy, wintery scent.

Macarons

A little touch of Paris goes a long way. Decadent, glamorous and delicious, macarons are lovely to receive. Order online from Laduree

Bath Soaps

Sets of bath soaps or bath gels are always welcomed.

Where possible try to match the fragrance to the girl. If she is a floral girl a woodsy scent might not thrill her. If she is sleek and modern, get her something sleek and modern. If you aren't sure try Aqua di Parma, their products are always chic and luxe.
A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything lavender - it smells like grandma.

A Coffee Table Book

Find a statement piece that matches her interests. A fashionista may love the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

A girl who loves home decor may enjoy Ellen De Generes' Home

A Leather Notebook

In a world that has gone impossibly digital it is still lovely to write notes by hand in a beautiful leather notebook.

A Bottle Stopper.

Lovely wine bottle stoppers make a great gift. I found this Michael Aram Botanical Leaf Stopper 
at Nordstrom

A Picture Frame.

If you don't know her taste get something simple.

A Reed Diffuser From Jo Malone

A Jo Malone Diffuser is a super chic looking gift, and her fragrances are so beautiful - you will win every time.

Coasters

I found these Ben's Garden coasters at Nordstrom

An Interesting Or Exotic Tray.

She can use it to serve food, as a decor accent, to store her perfumes on - the list is endless but the gift is both lovely and original. I love this Rosanna Golden Alphabet Tray

A Throw 

Especially during the winter months a throw blanket is fabulous to curl up with, and they make wonderful gifts. Check out these Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic Throws

A Tin Of Holiday Flavored Tea

Holiday flavored teas in interesting packaging make great gifts. Teavana has tea gift sets, and their White Chocolate Peppermint tea tastes like the holidays.

Drawer Fragrances

Everyone loves fragrances for their closets and drawers. These Diptyque Scented Ovals can freshen up any space, and make your clothes smell fresh and lovely.

A Himilayan Salt BBQ Plank.

Completely random, but what a great gift! I found this one on uncommon goods.com

Christmas Wish List ~ Coffee Table Books

I adore beautiful coffee table books.
In fact they are one of the few things I collect.
This year I have four coffee table books on my Christmas list.
Any of these books make a perfect gift for anyone who enjoys fashion and style, as well as the perfect gift for yourself.

The Little Black Jacket, Chanel's Classic Revisited By Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld

I am pretty much obsessed with Carine Roitfeld and everything she does. My Christmas List is topped with this gorgeous book celebrating Chanel's little black jacket. Her partnership with Karl Lagerfeld always yields the spectacular, and this glorious tome will not disappoint.
Order it here: The Little Black Jacket

Oscar De La Renta, The Style, Inspiration And Life of Oscar De La Renta

Somewhat bittersweet with his recent passing, this updated version of the 2002 book celebrates Oscar de la Renta's milestones in the world of fashion and style.

“Oscar completely understands who he is and who he is dressing… He’s never tried to be avant-garde or difficult. He just does really good clothes, never overtly sexy but attractive, colorful, and feminine,”  Anna Wintour.

Over 160 images in a beautiful hard slipcase.

Order it here: Oscar De La Renta The Style, Inspiration and Life



Valentino At The Emperor's Table
Celebrating the luxe lifestyle of the Last Emperor himself, At The Emporer's Table gives us a gorgeous glimpse into the lavish and stylish entertaining hosted by Valentino Garavani in his five beautiful homes (Gstaad, Paris, Rome, London and New York) and aboard his private yacht.
Showcasing his exhaustive collection of table settings and objets d'arte, with photography by Oberto Gili, the book is written by Andre Leon Talley and features recipes from Garavani's personal chefs.

Order it here: Valentino At The Emperor's Table

Tory Burch In Color

Tory Burch sees the world in color. This book takes you through her world, color by color,
exploring her world of style, home decor, entertaining, travel, art and of course fashion.
It gives you insight into the brand, and also a glimpse at her life.
And it's fabulous.
Order here: Tory Burch In Color