Fall Book Brigade

I'm either going to have to build more shelves or move in order to accommodate all the new books coming out this fall. Lots of fabulous design books are about to be published from some your favorite decorators, as well as books by a few first time authors whose names you will definitely recognize.  I'll try to do some more in depth posts once I have my copies but until then, here's a look at what's to come. 

The first book that I have been dying for is by my favorite photographer Francois Halard. It will be published by Rizzoli on October 29, 2013 and will feature tastemaker homes but "the more intimate 'house portraits' that Halard would photograph for himself, where his personal vision shines through."  I can't wait until the New York book signing! 

I knew Aerin Lauder had a book coming out this fall so I was excited to see the cover for Beauty at Home online today. It will be published from Potter Style on October 29, 2013 and will without a doubt be as chic as her new beauty and home collections. 

As I know from my posts, people love to see the homes of fashion designers.  In Beyond Chic: Great Fashion Designers at Home out October 1st, photographer Ivan Terestchenko takes into the private spaces of the late designers Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as Azzedine Alaïa and Vanessa Seward, to name just a few. 

I felt like I won the lottery when Valentino's right hand man, Giancarlo Giammetti approved me to view his private instagram account. It's a view into a world of yachts and parties that most of us only dream about. His new book Private, Giancarlo Giametti, takes us farther back into their elegant and chic world of fashion and friends. It will be released November 5, 2013 by Assouline. 

There is an amazing feature on interior designer Stephen Sills home in Bedford in the October issue of Town & Country. Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld called the chicest house in America so it's fitting that he has written the foreward to Stephen Sills: Decoration.  The book will be released October 22, 2013 by Rizzoli. Oh, and Francois Halard took the photos for the book which ups the chicness factor even more. 

Canadian interior designer Tommy Smythe has already told me that he's coming to New York for Thomas O'Brien's book party for Aero: Beginning to Now and I can't wait. As we've seen from the evolution of OBrien's own apartment over the years, his eye has just gotten better so it will be interesting to also look at the evolution of the store. The book will be released on October 15, 2013 by Abrams. 

Belgian gallery owner Axel Vervoordt is the designer that other designers bow down to time and again.  His style is simple and spare but mixes antiques and modern pieces perfectly.  I can't wait to see what's in store with Axel Vervoordt: Living with Light which will be released by Flammarion on October 22, 2013. 

One book I do have already is Tom Scheerer Decorates, the title of which harkens back to Billy Baldwin Decorates. It's divided into City, Country and Tropics all of which are filled with what I think of as Tom's signature, printed fabrics and wallpaper.  It's definitely one to pick up when it's published on September 10th by Vendome Press. 

When I stopped by interior designer Alexa Hampton's office this past April, the galley of her book was on her desk.  I can't wait to pick up the finished copy Decorating in Detail when it's published on November 5, 2013 by Potter Style. 

You may have seen Jeffrey Alan Marks on Million Dollar Decorators but it's clear from his book that he's more than just a reality star.  I have a copy of the Jeffrey Alan Marks: The Meaning of Home and it's filled with beautiful photos by Douglas Friedman and inspiration for your own home or design projects. 

Suzanne Kasler's book became a favorite of bloggers and designers alike so I can't wait to see her follow up Suzanne Kasler: Timeless Style when it's released October 8, 2013 by Rizzoli. 

If you follow interior designer Howard Slatkin on instagram, you get a little peek into his beautifully designed world.  That's why I am excited to pick up his book Fifth Avenue Style: A Designer's New York Apartment when it's released by Vendome Press on October 15, 2013. Howard is also one of the founders of the home fragrance company Slatkin & Co. so I'm sure his homes smells as good as it looks! 

The October issue of AD has a peek inside Timothy Corrigan's French chateau which makes me even more excited for his book An Invitation to Chateau du Grand-Lucé: Decorating a Great French Country House. It's my dream to move to France someday so I hope I can learn a few pointers from his amazing restoration project. It will be released on October 1, 2013 by Rizzoli. 

And last but not least, I know some of you have still not bought my book Habitually Chic: Creativity at Work .  Perhaps you can add it to your fall book order so I can start working on my second book.  Merci! 

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Chic at Work: Alexa Hampton

Interior designer Alexa Hampton is someone who is as comfortable talking about Corinthian columns and classic architecture as she is RevitaLash and hair care, and that's why I love her.  In an industry that sometimes takes itself too seriously, she is a breath of fresh air and one of the funniest people I know.  Alexa's father was the legendary designer Mark Hampton and after his death she took over the firm that he founded in 1976. She's also written books including a new one that will be out this November and is now designing a very chic collection for HSN.  I popped over to her office to chat about it recently and give you a peek at what to expect.  Alexa had a hand in all the designs including those that carry her signature Greek key motif and made sure it all feels as good as it looks.  The linens are going to be another great item for the summer rental season and beyond.  There are some pieces already available online or you can tune in to HSN on Thursday, May 2nd when Alexa is live on air.  Who knows, you might even get some beauty recommendations while you're watching. 

The blue and white lines are perfect for this summer. 

Just a sampling of what's in the collection that will eventually include furniture. 

Alexa waxing poetic about your new products. 

A headboard slip cover that fits the headboards in the collection. 

This is going to be a top seller I can already tell! 

I need these towels! The 6-piece Turkish Towel Set is only $49.95 too. 

I've never thought of red as a color to use in a bedroom but this collection is changing my mind with her 6 piece jacquard comforter set. 

Inspirational drawing for the Alexa Hampton for HSN collection. 

I told Alexa that I just want to come over once a week and look at all her books.  She doesn't even need to be there but obviously it would be more fun if she was. 

She has duplicates of all her favorite books at home too. 

Tools of the trade. 

Love these plates!

I brought Alexa a copy of my book and she sat down to read it again. 

So jealous that she has a copy of The Givenchy Style! 

The rainy day view from her office.  Not too shabby. 

Schemes. 

Another catalog I don't own yet.  

Bill Blass was a dear family friend and one of Alexa's drawings that she gave to him ended up in the auction as "drawing by unknown 20th-century artist" which she joked could not be truer. 

A drawing of Alexa's father Mark Hampton. 

All photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic. 

I was not compensated in any way for this post. But I would totally take a set of towels as a thank you!

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