Tired of that elusive search for the perfect party frock? The recently launched Chloe & Reese has a put a stop to it with their collection of timeless customizable dresses and skirts. You get to pick the style (there are over 38 different to choose from) and the color (fabrics in a variety of finishes range from basic black and red to floral and tweed prints). The best part about them? Their high fashion look doesn’t come with a matching price tag. Click here to check them out. (And don’t be fooled by their simplicity, these dresses are all about the accessories) -L

The New York International Gift Fair is taking place January 25-29th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and at Piers 90, 92, and 94 in New York City. It’s an amazing opportunity to see what’s hot now in the home design market. Take a look at some of the vendors and pieces we’re most excited about…

Petrie Point Designs

These framed vintage bathing suits from the 1920s through 60′s are by Petrie Point Designs. How perfect are these for the white-washed walls of a beach house? Petrie Point also frames vintage children’s costumes like Davey Crockett and Annie Oakley, as well as little toys and other accessories. Adorable! Click here to visit their website.

Middleton’s Library

Standing in front of a wall of beautiful antique paper covered books by one of our new favorite vendors. Middleton’s Library saves old library books on their way to the dump, covering them with died vellum. Because all of the paper is antique, none of the books feature their title on the covers or spines. We found old classics like “Little Women” and “Moby Dick,” as well as random scientific indexes published in the early 1900s. They also do custom work, so if you have a collection of books you’d like to add an artful touch to, Middleton’s your man.

Below, a close-up of the books. Visit their website: http://www.middletonslibrary.com/

BoBo Intriguing Objects

We thought these candelabra were really wild. They’re made from found driftwood by Bobo Intriguing Objects. At 33 inches high and 20.5 inches in diameter, they really stand out on a large tabletop! They sell those turtles too, which are actually very beautiful.

We saw a lot of recycled glass in the form of light fixtures and accessories. They have a really cool vibe.

Peddler’s Home Design

Peddler’s Home Design, based in Honey Brook, PA had the most wonderful collection of recycled glass bottles in an array of sizes (round, oval, and tall). These items are not expensive and look fresh on a tabletop or mantelpiece alone, or with some kind of simple foliage poking through the opening.

Design Workshop Inc.

These tables by Design Workshop Inc. are made in a wonderful variety of finishes including ebonized oak, limed oak, naturally aged oak, and driftwood. Our favorites were made with a “ball and claw” foot which is actually a wonderful replica of a traditional form. A great example of blending the old and the new!

Dash & Albert Rug Company

Jewelry designer Katherine Sturgis started out making her pretty-punky pieces as a hobby (to the delight of her girlfriends!). Today, she has her own line featuring her signature glammed-up friendship bracelets, vintage rhinestone necklaces, and sweet bakelite hoops. All of the jewelry is made-to-order and handcrafted by Katherine herself. Bracelets range in price from $115 to $700. Click here to visit the website. -L

We found a collection of truly unique French starburst mirrors while out and about last Saturday. We’d love to see them arranged “haphazardly” above a long sofa or banquet. -S

From left, Current/Elliot, American Eagle Outfitters Vintage Blue Destroyed Wash, American Eagle Outfitters Super Bleach Destory Wash.

The boyfriend-style jean is back and many thank the designers behind the new denim line Current/Elliot. Their super-soft, lightly distressed cropped pant is the number one contender for the most flattering and comfortable of the boy-cut blues. Can’t swallow the $245 price tag? American Eagle Outfitters makes two equally chic pairs that won’t break the bank. -L

Before

After

My guess is that at one time or another you’ve been offered a piece of family furniture to “start you out” in your first apartment or home. This large dresser came from Lauren’s father’s family, two generations ago, and it has served it’s purpose many times over. I used it in my first apartment in White Plains, New York in its original finish, and moved it with me many, many times—from the bedroom to the nursery and everywhere in between. In it’s most recent inception, Lauren and I decided to paint it our favorite Benjamin Moore off-white of the moment, “Elephant Tusk”, change the knobs on the top drawer, and assign it to it’s new purpose as a store everything piece in the living area of Lauren’s first apartment. It serves as both an anchor for the room as well as very functional piece. And painting just about anything a creamy white really ups the chic quotient. -S