Anne Harwell McElhaney 10/28/15 Anne Harwell McElhaney 10/28/15

PALM BEACH CHIC

This room with gorgeous lattice-work detail is just one example of hundreds of sumptuous color photos in the sparkling new Vendome Press volume "Palm Beach Chic" by Jennifer Ash Rudick with photos by Jessica Klewicki Glynn. This book is chock-full of eye candy and gives some of the best examples of Palm Beach's diverse style I have seen yet.

Pretty sweet view at designer Lisa Perry's oceanfront residence

If you're a fan of Palm Beach Style or beautiful books in general, you will be very glad to acquire this truly beautiful book. Featuring both stellar interiors and breathtaking outdoor shots, it does a fine job of encapsulating Palm Beach style both old and new.

Over 300 pages of lush photos and descriptive text, this would make a perfect gift for a loved one or a great acquisition for your very own design library.

Anne Harwell McElhaney 7/21/15 Anne Harwell McElhaney 7/21/15

WRIST CANDY

I don't know if you're like me, but I never feel fully "together" without my watch. Even though most of us habitually carry phones everywhere that keep precise time, there's something super appealing about wearing a watch you love. It somehow takes your outfit up a notch and unique details and high quality craftsmanship can separate the everyday utilitarian from a piece that you really want to wear all the time! Being an artist and designer, the visual side of things is pretty important to me......This sustainable wood watch from the "Cora" series by Jord caught my eye the first time I saw it. It's made from real Maple and I love the way the lavender face with real Swarovski crystals compliments the light wood grain. Each piece is completely unique because of the grain on the case and band, add to that a sapphire crystal face and a 6103K automatic movement with 21 jewels and it not only looks stylish but also functions flawlessly. There are so many styles - both men's and women's - and all are a refreshing departure from the generic watches everyone else owns....so definitely check them out here.

Anne Harwell McElhaney 11/12/14 Anne Harwell McElhaney 11/12/14

ROWING BLAZERS

This new release from Vendome Press was fascinating from both a sartorial and athletic perspective. Having never rowed myself and having limited exposure to the lengthy tradition, I learned a lot from reading this. I guess I never had considered the roots of the "blazer" and how it came to be in both England and America.

Rowing has a rich tradition and the author of "Rowing Blazers", champion rower Jack Carlson covers a lot of history of the sport AND the dress as well. It's not just a pretty picture book (though it IS visually very pleasing) for preppy coffee tables - you will definitely learn a good deal!

With principal photography by F.E. Castleberry, this is a richly illustrated tome that will make a nice edition to your library or a great gift for a lover of rowing, fashion, history or all three. I also got a kick out of the fact that the cover photo shows a champion rower in the blazer of my Dad's alma mater. Pretty cool!