All I Want For Christmas | The Holiday Candle

Say what you will about schmaltzy scented candles, but nothing makes my house smell more like Christmas than Ralph Lauren's take on the holiday candle. The evergreen/juniper scent is not too overbearing, and the red tartan box makes it an easy gift for your neighbor, your boss, or even yourself. Light up one of these and you'll feel like you're stoking the fire and having a scotch with Ralph in Bedford (even if you're sitting in a studio in Bayonne).
Ralph Lauren Holiday Collection Candle, $42 (on sale from $60) at Ralph Lauren

Screening Room | Hotel Gramercy Park

If you missed it at the Tribeca Film Festival, be sure to catch Hotel Gramercy Park when it makes its television debut on the Sundance Channel Monday night. The film profiles the Gramercy Park Hotel at the time of its renovation from rundown boho chic to Hollywood glitz by hotelier Ian Schrager, and gives plenty of screen time to the previous owners, the Weissberg family, who chronicle the legendary New York hotel's storied past.
Hotel Gramercy Park, airs Monday, Dec. 7 at 9pm on the Sundance Channel

All I Want For Christmas | Rub a Dub Dub

Exactly what a gift should be: tongue-in-cheek fun with a dash of luxury (and under $25!). Have the man in your life ditch the Axe (ick) in favor of this indulgent upgrade. The delicious masculine scent is a no-nonsense way to introduce fragrance into his daily routine without getting overly fussy.
Tom Ford for Men Cleansing Bar, $18, saks.com

All I Want For Christmas | The Weekender

J.Crew continues its winning streak with another fab designer collaboration, this time from Canadian leathergoods brand Want Les Essentiels de Vie. They've swapped their traditional leather for organic cotton, making the bag lighter on your shoulder as well as your wallet. This one looks like a winner for the trip over the (Hudson) river and through the (Dutchess County) woods, as it's designed to hold all the plaid and selvege denim you'd need for a long weekend (hence the name - 72 hours).
Want Organic for J.Crew Da Vinci 72-hour bag, $695, jcrew.com (available soon)

Nice Specs

The chilly fall weather may be upon us, but that doesn't mean designers aren't already looking ahead. Getting a slick upgrade for spring are Riley frames from Oliver Peoples, a classic horn-rimmed style I've sported since I was old enough to say "designer eyewear" (by my estimation, age 8). The clip-on addition is retro-chic and surprisingly useful. Check out Elijah Wood modeling them for the Resort/Spring 2010 on oliverpeoples.com. (Via Selectism)

The Magic Flute

There's very little joy in waking up on a Friday morning at 6:45 am to the not-so-pleasant racket of your iPhone going off. Even worse if you're staring at some blinking red numbers oppressively beeping out of some cheap plastic radio. Enter the BeoTime, made by Danish a/v outfit Bang & Olufsen. B&O is like the Hermès of home audio - they both create stunningly beautiful, unapologetically expensive objets of the utmost quality. This piece is no exception. Made to resemble a flute, this combo alarm/remote can act as a sleep timer for all your other B&O products, that is, assuming you have an arsenal of $11,000 CD changers. It also has a clock! Though perhaps at its current price, I'll be sticking to the iPhone for now. (Marimba, anyone?) Oh, and by the way... TGIF.
Bang & Olufsen BeoTime, $375, bang-olufsen.com

Seven Days of Fall | Day 7

The Sneak Peek

Preppy fave Vampire Weekend has made waves since their self-titled debut in 2008, laying Cape Cod-inspired lyrics over African drum beats to create an upbeat sound all their own. Though their new album, Contra, isn't due to be released until this January, they've uploaded their first single "Horchata" for free download on their website. (N.B. - horchata is a milky drink made from the tiger nut, actually the root of a Middle Eastern plant.) If this is a taste of things to come, I'll be drinking horchata all winter.
"Horchata," free download, vampireweekend.com

Seven Days of Fall | Day 6

The Custom Slipper

I'm a sucker for a good slipper. Not the fuzzy kind, mind you, but the velvet variety with a leather sole and grosgrain trim. (You can even wear them out of the house!) It's a great way to express one's personality in a subtle, or not so subtle, way. Stubbs and Wootton, a brand once favored by crusty Locust Valley types, has become something of a crossover hit with a younger generation. They've supplemented the traditional family crests and floral motifs that adorned their shoes for designs a bit more subversive - NYC manhole covers, for instance, and ones that read "Screw You" in clip art (aptly named "College"). Of course, the old styles are still there; we wouldn't want to offend the Upper East Side too much, would we? My favorite new feature, though, is their new virtual bespoke service, where you can pick out your own colors and designs and preview them online. Here are a few of my own designs:

These are probably what Tom Wolfe would refer to as "go to hell shoes" - perfect for Palm Beach:

Stubbs and Wootton Bespoke, $550, stubbsandwootton.com

Seven Days of Fall | Day 5

The Gin

Plenty of people I know, who aren't ordinarily selective about their hooch, take strong objection to gin. (I won't name names.) (Judy.) And I understand why - the vast majority of it is basically Christmas tree-flavored vodka. But then there's Aviation, which has little in common with your run of the mill gin. Batch distilled in the Pacific Northwest, this is the kind of gin you'd actually want to drink with a splash of club soda - it's clean, light, and aromatic. It's also perfect in martinis, with a dry tonic like Q tonic, or simply on the rocks with a lime wedge. Save the Christmas trees for Christmas.
Aviation Gin, around $30, better liquor stores and bevmo.com

Seven Days of Fall | Day 4

The Puffer Vest

A staple on college campuses everywhere, these versatile layering pieces are perfect for the brisk fall air. Countless designers have shown their take on the puffer vest, ranging from Elizabeth and James' navajo-inspired number (Mary Kate and Ashley's debut menswear collection, might I add) to Brunello Cucinelli's classic gray cashmere version. But if you're not looking to drop two grand on this piece (and who is?), I give you Lands' End, a steal at just $29.50. Hell, you can pick up a few different colors at that price. Layer it over a shirt and sweater or under a blazer and you'll be ready for whatever weather October happens to throw at you.
Men's Down Vest, $29.50, landsend.com

Seven Days of Fall | Day 3

The Pumpkin Peel

While the socialites and celebs prefer summering in the Hamptons, for my taste, early fall is the best time to be out there. When the obnoxious hordes head back to the city after Labor Day, the leaves turn gorgeous golden colors, it's a cinch to get a res at Nick & Toni's, and the farmstands bring out the best squash, apples, and pumpkins. And not all of those pumpkins get turned into pumpkin pie and jack-o-lanterns - natural beauty products company Naturopathica harvests them into a face mask. It smells good enough to eat (but don't) and it gives your skin a warm glow that you haven't had since that August tan faded away. Deelish.
Naturopathica Pumpkin Enzyme Peel, $56 for 1.7 oz, naturopathica.com

Seven Days of Fall | Day 2

The Bean Boot + The Ragg Sock

With all the buzz about Red Wing boots the past couple seasons, people seem to have forgotten about my personal favorite foul weather friend, the Bean Boot from L.L. Bean. Handsewn in Maine with a chain-tread sole, this low-cut moc is the same one Lisa Birnbach featured in The Official Preppy Handbook. While it's also available in a high-lacing model, why not throw on a snuggly ragg sock to keep your ankles warm? J.Crew's got a pair from Vermont that should do the trick. With cuffed selvedge denim, you walk the (thin) line between Brooklyn yuppie and New England boarding school alum.
Bean Boots, $59, llbean.com; J.Crew Camp Sock, $16.50, jcrew.com

Seven Days of Fall | Day 1

Considering October's right around the corner and the weather is just starting to change, fall seems to finally be here (even in oft-humid D.C.). Time to break out the tweeds and cableknits! With that in mind, here are the seven things I can't live without this fall.

The Cashmere Flannel

Once-stodgy New Haven shirtmaker Gant has been revitalizing itself over the past few years, reviving classics from their archives and hawking their Americana in upscale stores like Barneys. This year, they're celebrating 60 years with six shirts representing the six decades they've been in business. They're all pretty great, but this cashmere/cotton blend flannel stands out in my book. Pair it with a navy blue puffer vest and you won't even need a jacket.
Gant Cashmere Flannel, $235, available soon at gant.com

Steven Alan S/S '10

5 Medicine Cabinet Essentials

Deodorant, check. Toothbrush, check. Perhaps even a bar of Dove soap. But beyond that, I feel somewhat limited by the product array at my local CVS. Yes, it's cheap and easy, but when it comes to your beautiful face, I think a little more effort goes a long way. Here are my five favorite personal care products that I think warrant the extra buck.
Medicine cabinet, Restoration Hardware


La Roche Posay Effaclar AI
While I'm no longer a four-eyed, retainer wearing teenager, I still get the errant pimple from time to time. Regardless of what anyone says, I think adult acne is most often caused by stress, which then results in even more stress over the breakout, which leads to more pimples...it's a vicious cycle. I've tried almost every spot treatment out there, and I think this one is by far the best. It's effective without causing much skin irritation. I bought the first one in France a few years ago, and while the line is now available in the US (at CVS, of all places), no one seems to carry this particular product. Fortunately, I found it online at Dermstore. $29, at dermstore.com



Dr. Brandt Pores No More Cleanser
Dr. Brandt is a somewhat kooky New York/Miami dermatologist whom I've had the pleasure of meeting on several occasions. He's quite good with what he does in the office, particularly with his pioneering use of Botox. (Not that I've had any. Yet.) He's perhaps better known for his extensive line of skincare products. This one's pretty great - not too drying with a nice fresh scent. $35, at Sephora


Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom
I absolutely abhor styling products that make your hair look too crunchy and Staten Island-y, and yet on the flipside, I don't want to cultivate that greasy, unshowered look. (Some do, it's just not for me.) This product, a longtime Kiehl's favorite, strikes that careful balance. And because it's Kiehl's, it's actually good for your hair. Nice. $17.50, at Kiehl's

The Art of Shaving After-Shave Mask
Found this terrific mask thanks to the good people at Valet. I'm a big fan of the The Art of Shaving's mens shaving products, and yet I think they could have a crossover hit on their hands here. (Girls! pay attention.) This mask is quick and easy, and it makes my skin oh-so-soft. Just 3 minutes of the rose clay and redness is reduced, pores shrunk, skin tightened... yeah, it's that good. And it comes in those cute little vials (n.b., each one is good for at least 2 uses). $50 for 8 vials, at The Art of Shaving

DML Moisturizing Lotion
Okay, so DML doesn't look fancy, or smell fancy, (or thankfully, cost very much), but for me, this moisturizer is as close as you can come to ideal. It's light and oil free, absorbs quickly, and is unscented - great for sensitive skin. Works for your face as well as your body, especially if you're prone to breakouts on your back, etc. (Hey, it happens.) $16.29, at Drugstore.com

Cooking with Coconut

Well, hello there.

It's been a while. I hope you've enjoyed August as much as I did. Alas, fall is just around the corner, bringing with it new opportunities for entertaining... though in this case, of the indoor sort. I attended a dinner party recently, and as always, the question of what to bring the host crossed my mind. A fabulous bottle of wine is always great, if not somewhat expected. (While we're on the topic of expectations, if you do bring wine, don't expect it to be served that night...the host probably has a wine pairing in mind already, or will want to save your special gift for another time.) Flowers, while thoughtful, actually require a fair amount of work - trimming the stems, finding the right vase - things the host doesn't really have time for while he or she is trying to throw together dinner. (Sending flowers the day after or the day before is a better bet.) It's always nice to bring something homemade. This dessert of chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons is dangerously easy to make and a sure crowd pleaser. I adapted it from the now-defunct Domino magazine. Recipe as follows:

Serves 12

• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 2 cups finely shredded coconut (unsweetened works best)
  
• 2 1/2 oz. bittersweet dark chocolate

Preheat oven to 350 deg. F. To a medium bowl, add egg whites and a pinch salt; beat with an electric mixer until stiff. Fold in sugar and vanilla (gently, please), then stir in coconut. Using a small ice cream scoop or a spoon, form cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden, then let cool for 30 minutes. For the chocolate topping: Using a metal or glass bowl, set up a double boiler. (Meaning, fill a small saucepan halfway with water, let it start to boil, and place the heatproof bowl directly on the saucepan. The boiling water shouldn't be touching the bowl, though. It allows the steam to heat the bowl and keeps the chocolate from burning.) Melt the chocolate in the double boiler. Now the choice is yours - either dip the macaroons into the chocolate, making a sort of coconut black-and-white cookie, or simply drizzle the chocolate over the macaroons on the sheet pan in an artful way. Either way, it will taste delicious.

Sunday Cocktailing | The Georgica Grapefruit Fizz

Feeling inspired after a trip to Georgica Beach in East Hampton this past Saturday, I came up with this drink after finding several ripe grapefruits in our kitchen. It's delicious and refreshing... just the thing for a lazy afternoon. You can use store bought grapefruit juice to save time, but be sure to use fresh juice and not Tropicana - it really does make a difference.

2 oz vodka
1 oz Alizé Wild Passion
Juice of 1/2 grapefruit (about 3/4 cup)
Sparkling lemonade (preferably San Pellegrino Limonata)

Pour ingredients over ice, top with sparkling lemonade. Garnish with lime. Enjoy.

BTW - the cups are Tervis Tumblers, great for poolside - they won't break and they keep your cold stuff cold. Get a set at my sister Dina's store, Monograms on Main. Tell her I sent you and you'll get 15% off.

The Lonely Islands

"WILLIAM MCNEIL:

First settler Chippewa Bay
emigrated to this area
from Vermont prior to 1812
His home was a cave and
he lived off the land."

My dad often reminds us of the proverbial "simpler times" as we pass this sign on our yearly trip to the Thousand Islands region in upstate New York. Indeed, things have changed a bit since Bill and his rocky domicile. Chippewa Bay now boasts a U.S. Post Office, a general store, and not much else. And that's exactly how we like it.

While it was settled way earlier (according to the helpful sign), the region became popular at the turn of the 20th century. In the days before air conditioning, wealthy vacationers fled Manhattan in droves and headed north to cooler climes. Daily train service brought illustrious families like the Pullmans and the Astors up to the St. Lawrence, the waterway that runs between New York from Canada and defines the region. In those glorious pre-income tax times, no expense was spared in the creation of castles for George Boldt, proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria, and Frederick Bourne, of Singer Sewing Machine fame, replete with boathouses and ballrooms; secret passageways, seaplane hangars and squash courts. And speaking of secrets...Yale's Skull and Bones maintains a retreat on Deer Island.

Once the Golden Age ended, the area returned to its sleepier summer roots, the sort of quiet atmosphere that it cultivates today. (No one would confuse it with the Hamptons, that's for sure.) There's no real estate market to speak of; instead, houses just pass from generation to generation. Nor has there been much change to those homes--the remoteness makes construction difficult and expensive--so they stay the same from summer to summer, living time capsules filled with yellowing copies of Popular Mechanics and National Geographic and 1960s-era cooktops and fridges (from when power was brought over from the mainland).

The fresh water makes it a haven for antique boats and Jet-Skis alike (no salt, no corrosion, no problem), but the rocks and shoals make it a foe for both (we've got a first-gen Jet-Ski from '91 currently making a nice home for some fish on the bottom...).

Every once in a while, some attention is brought to the area--be it a Singer Castle cameo The Skulls (the horrible Paul Walker movie), or a nod as a preppy summer retreat by The Official Preppy Handbook--but for the most part, it's a well-kept secret.

Let's keep it that way.

The Discovery Channel

If you haven't already, make sure you download Discovery's LP, guaranteed to get you through the last few hours of work before the weekend begins. A collab between Vampire Weekend's Rostam Batmanglij and Ra Ra Riot's Wes Miles, the upbeat electronic sound is a definite crowd pleaser for your next fiesta or as a pump up album for the long car trip to the beach.

TGIF.

Nose Candy

With summer finally in full swing, I can finally focus on something other than the clouds and rain: three delicious scents, for the home and for you.

This classic fragrance, coveted by men and women alike, is perfect for a breezy summer night. Sicilian citrus fruits mellow out the stronger sandalwood and vetiver notes, making for a deliciously harmonious blend. The bottle alone is a studied minimalist masterpiece. One spritz of this and suddenly you're zooming up the autostrada through Tuscany in a vintage Benz.
Acqua di Parma Colonia, $73 for 50ml, available at Barneys

I'm a sucker for a good shaved fennel and arugula salad in the summer, made with fresh ingredients from the Amagansett Farmer's Market or Jim Pike's stand in Wainscott. Somehow this candle from Diptyque captures that essence. I know what you're thinking - I didn't think my house should smell like root vegetables, either. Until I lit this thing. It works, I promise. With notes of fennel, dill, and anise, it's great for a kitchen or a bathroom.
Diptyque Fenouil Sauvage Candle, $55, available at Barneys

This one, as my friend Julio says, is a "no-brainer." New this spring from Hermès, the fresh, bright essence of grapefruit and rose petals is bottled by perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena for the luxury goods house and is selling out everywhere. (I would know - I bought the last bottle.) It smells just as nice as men as on women, and is a good daytime scent for a season that usually doesn't need one.
Hermès Eau de Pamplemousse Rose, $165 for 6.5 fl oz, available (for now) at Hermès.com

Cruel Summer

So those of us in the Northeast have yet to see any semblance of summer weather, and already June's nearly over. Damn the weather forecast - with the solstice behind us, I'm declaring it summer regardless. With the fireworks and festivities of July 4 just around the corner, I'm in a beachy mood. Here are my picks to help inspire the same feeling in you:

Nothing says summer like a bunch of photos of tanned, hunky, shirtless lifeguards. This nicely done book will do just the trick. Added bonus: you can pass it off as "art" instead of something decidedly more illicit.

Lifeguard on Duty, $45, available at amazon.com

When just lying around in the park gets old, break out this pétanque set, the sparkly French cousin to bocce. This gorgeous set is the perfect antidote for a gloomy day (like the ones we've been having), and the solid teak construction will ensure this piece lives to see another summer.

Teak Pétanque Set, $160, available at Design Within Reach

And should you need a refreshment during the game, reach for this. Only recently available in the States, this relative of Campari has a delicious orange flavor. Try an Aperol Spritz - 2 parts prosecco to 1 part Aperol with a splash of club soda. Garnish with an orange wedge. It's quite refreshing, and it's low alcohol content (11%) will keep you from getting sloshed.

Aperol aperitivo, $25.99, available at better liquor stores and BevMo!

And if your travels take you to the beach, make sure you're not bumming around in a baggy pair of board shorts. By no means does this give you license to attempt a "Daniel Craig in Casino Royale" maneuver, but your shorts should FIT. Not too tight, though. If you've got skinny legs (guilty) then wearing big shorts is only going to accentuate the issue. One classic option lies in Birdwell Beach Britches, which come in a variety of lengths (nothing beyond the knee, please) and colors to suit your frame. And the price is right, too.

Birdwell Beach Britches, $50, available at Kona Sports (photo, New York Times)

Cheers to summer.

Saturday Cocktailing | The Southside

Sometimes you need something a little sweeter than a martini. More summery than a Manhattan. Less trendy than a mojito. Fancier than a G&T. And for those times, there's the Southside. Apparently the Devon Yacht Club in Amagansett, New York makes a mean one. Never been there to sample their rendition, but this a drink that's simple enough to make on your own. The key is the fresh mint sprigs and the fresh lime juice (Rose's just doesn't cut it). Here's the recipe:

2 ounces gin (or vodka, if you must)
3/4 oz simple syrup
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
3 large mint leaves
3 drops cocktail bitters (Angostura is fine)

Frost a cocktail glass by putting ice cubes and cold water in the glass, and letting it sit while you make the drink. Place the mint leaves in the cocktail shaker and press them with the back of a spoon to release the essential oils. (You don't have to pulverize them; a few presses will do.) Fill the shaker with ice and add the gin, simple syrup, lime juice, and bitters. Shake until the outside of the shaker gets all frosty. Strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with an extra mint sprig or a lime wedge. Enjoy, preferably by the pool, with good friends and good music.

Cordovan Shoes: A Primer

There's no doubt in my mind that the phrase "Shoes make the man" absolutely holds true, even today. Jeans and a white tee can go from boring to chic with the right pair of distressed wingtips. Conversely, even the most pricey bespoke suit can be completely spoiled with a pair of cheaply made dress shoes. A classic pair of leather-soled lace-ups, wingtips, or loafers, when cared for properly, can often last as long as 10 years. One particular type of leather has been known to outlive even its wearer: shell cordovan. (Not to be confused with the color cordovan - the burgundy hue that shell cordovan shoes are often dyed.) It's tough as nails, and especially water resistant - and for a good reason. It's made from the shell, or hind quarters, of a horse. While it takes time to break these suckers in, once they mold to your foot, they can be as comfortable as wearing nothing at all. Yes, they are quite expensive, but honestly - by using cedar shoe trees, polishing them by hand, and getting them resoled every few years, you're bound to see some return on that investment. Here are a few of my favorites:

Darlton Tassel Loafer (pictured above), $795, ralphlauren.com

In the chukka boot format, cordovan makes particular sense, as it will keep the rain from getting your socks too wet this fall. Alden Cordovan Chukka Boot, $568, aldenshop.com

Who can resist a classic penny? P.S., if you're not feeling the burgundy color, these also come in black. Please, don't put pennies in them. It isn't 1958. Brooks Brothers Cordovan Loafer, $598, brooksbrothers.com

One Dangerous Drink

Forget what you know about needlepoint. Far from being busy work for your grandma in Naples, the stylish accessories from Bethesda-based Smathers and Branson are sure to change your opinion of the once-staid stitch. Their men's needlepoint belts have been an underground preppy fave since 2004, but they've recently expanded to women's accessories (headbands! belts! coin purses!), wallets, dog collars, and my personal favorite: flasks (see above). What started as a homegrown business from their Bowdoin dorm room seems to have taken off quite well for the pair - their fab wares have popped up everywhere from the local country club to Bergdy's. As far as the pirate number you see here, all I have to say is this - scoff if you must about the whole skull and bones thing being so over, but one thing's undeniable: there's nothing as badass as taking a swig from one of these flasks. Make mine a Tanqueray, boys.

Jolly Roger flask, $65, smathersandbranson.com

The Playlist | Dinner Party

Creating a great party playlist is no simple task. A carefully chosen playlist, like good lighting and elegant decor, can create the perfect atmosphere for any event....just as easily as a poor choice can totally spoil the mood. Especially tough is finding the right combination of tunes for a dinner party. (Chromeo and Hot Chip are great, but it's the last thing I want to hear while I'm trying to hold a conversation across the table.) You want something light, unassuming, and unobtrusive, but at the same time, you don't want to put people to sleep. This one I threw together is perfect for an alfresco dinner with friends. Grab a couple of good bottles of rosé, set this playlist to random, and see where the evening takes you. And remember - you can't ever go wrong with Sinatra.

• "Volare" - Dean Martin
• "Coffee and Cigarettes" - Augustana
• "The Way You Look Tonight" - Frank Sinatra
• "Say Yes" - Floetry
• "Stormy Weather" - Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole
• "All at Sea" - Jamie Cullum
• "Life is a Song" - Patrick Park
• "Desafinado" - Getz/Gilberto
  
• "Moondance" - Van Morrison
• "Everything" - Michael Bublé
• "The Space Between" - Dave Matthews Band
• "The Dress Looks Nice on You" - Sufjan Stevens
• "I'll Take Manhattan" - Blossom Dearie
• "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" - John Mayer
• "S'Wonderful" - Diana Krall

New Hamptons Subway Route Map

....no, not really. But a company called Transit Authority Figures has come up with an idea of what exactly efficient underground mass transit would look like on the East End. Probably the best way to get from Westhampton to Montauk on a weekend, when 27 looks more like a parking lot than our main thoroughfare. There's even a Plum Island stop! Looks like this tube is still a pipe dream, though.

Hamptons Subway Map Poster, $20 (pre-order), transitauthorityfigures.com

Saturday Cocktailing | Wölffer Rosé

Well, it's Memorial Day weekend, kids. This kicks off the unofficial summer season in beach towns and backyards everywhere. The pools are open, the grills are fired up, and the summer share folks are leaving the city in droves for greener pastures. This is one of the best times of the year to have a drink alfresco - and what could be better than a chilled bottle of rosé. While rosé had previously gotten a pretty bad rap, in the past few years it's come back in vogue. Just be sure to get a dry variety - too sweet and it tastes like melted candy. One of my favorite rosés comes from Wölffer Estate in Sagaponack, New York. They've just released their 2008 vintage, and it's about to start flying off the shelves for a few reasons - it's mighty tasty, and at $16 a pop, you won't mind if your guests throw some ice in it (hey, it's summer...relax). If you're not in the New York area, you can always order online (link below). Might want to get a bottle (or a case) sooner rather than later - these have been known to sell out pretty quick.

Wölffer Estate 2008 Rosé, $16, wolffer.com

The Perfect Picnic

There's something about coolers that just...irks me. The hard plastic ones are sort of retro-chic but bulky and not so easy to carry, and their softer-sided alternatives are functional but pretty damn ugly. So I was pleased to find this cooler today at an LL Bean shop in Pennsylvania, which deftly combines the best of both (cooler) worlds. Looks just like a classic Boat & Tote, except that it's fully insulated and has a zip top. Sneaky, huh? Comes in a lunch size and a "picnic" size, perfect for a trip to the beach with some sandwiches and perhaps a bottle of rosé.

LL Bean Picnic Tote, $49.50, llbean.com

Come on Baby, Light My Fire

Nothing says "fancy fête" quite like custom-printed matchbooks. They're a great finishing touch for the well-kept home. Keep 'em in the bathroom by your Jo Malone candles or place them on the patio in ashtrays for the smoking set. These also make a fabulously unexpected host or hostess gift. Get them printed with your monogram, your address, or your favorite Sartre quote (disclaimer: "Hell is other people" would not be apropos for giving to a hostess...).

Set of 50, $44, foryourparty.com

Dapper Max

Photo: Stephanie Leondis

Hitting newsstands today: New York Magazine's Spring Design Issue, featuring the fabulous Drew University dorm room of my dear friend Max. Check out the article here.

I remember his first dorm decorating job as a senior at Choate. The walls were wallpapered with nautical charts (from Papa), there was an antique trunk at the foot of the bed full of cashmere cableknits, and part of our hallway was commandeered for use as a dressing room. Max could often be found on the fire escape, starching and ironing his white Frette hotel sheets.

One of our first design collaborations? A set of pink and green china for the dorm, $10 from a local thrift store. Takeout from Wallingford Pizza never looked so good.

Summer Shirts from J.Crew

It seems that, at the moment, everybody loves J.Crew. Even the Obamas. A few years back, I had the privilege of meeting the man responsible for the company's turnaround from plain vanilla mall store to destination of chic, Mickey Drexler. Fascinating guy. I was working at their store in the Hamptons, and he popped in for a visit. He's quite hands on, and was very interested in hearing opinions from salespeople and customers alike about the product and what could be done differently.

Anyway. They have some great mens's shirts right now, which, paired with some great white jeans, give you that casual Hamptons summer vibe. The first, pictured below, is their linen-cotton camp shirt, $98, in cool dusk. Even the color sounds perfect for dinner alfresco at Sunset Beach. The epaulets remind me of that cobalt blue Ralph Lauren number that twink icon Zac Efron was wearing in GQ this month, but this one seems much more wearable.

Next up is this chambray specimen, also $98. Say what you will about the whole workwear trend, but I feel like blue chambray has a certain classicism about it that's got definite staying power. Just please, don't wear it with blue jeans. Every few years someone comes out with a horrible proclamation that says it's okay to wear denim with denim as long as the colors don't match (ie dark jeans with a light denim shirt). I don't approve of this practice; I still think it makes you look like a farmer. I love the way this color looks with stonewashed khakis or white denim.
Then we've got this blue irish linen shirt, $79.50. I really think linen might be the perfect summer textile. The more you wash it, the softer it gets, and I love the way it wrinkles just so. Looks great with a tan. This particular shirt reminds me of a version Brunello Cucinelli did this spring, but J.Crew did it for about $400 less. Simple, classic, elegant, and not breaking the bank.
Grab a shirt in the city, hop on the LIRR's Cannonball, and you're ready for Hamptons cocktail hour.