Coquette

#CoachPreview: Coach Fall Preview 2013

(Photos: Courtesy of Coach)

It's still Winter in NY, so heading to the Fall 2013 Preview at Coach headquarters made we covet even more all of the stylish warm hats, scarves and gloves to help brave the cold. I loved everything in the Fall collection, even the Mens items. The Fall handbags are a diverse mix of new styles and the classic Coach design. I really liked the purple envelope clutch pictured center above, a nice modern update to the classic Coach bags. The 2013 handbags are dressier and would make the perfect bag for a night on the town. Available in both leather and suede and in every fabulous Fall color.

Also featured were items from the Coach + Billy Reid Collection, a collaboration with designer Billy Reid featuring rich leather satchels and soft suede bags. I must have the blue suede bag and the portable bar set would make a great gift.

Here are more highlights from the Coach Fall 2013 Preview:

(Photo: Instagram @Coach)
At the event, there were yummy treats to take home to help cure the Winter doldrums.

~Leigh

Book Review: Happy Home by Jennifer Paganelli

Happy Home: Twenty-One Sewing and Craft Projects to Pretty Up Your Home
By Jennifer Paganelli

I often have friends tell me they have a sewing machine and that they want to learn how to sew. My answer to them always is that they need to find the right project and to just start working on it. The more sew, the more you hone your sewing skills. That's why I love this new sewing/craft book, Happy Home: Twenty-One Sewing and Craft Projects to Pretty Up Your Home by Sis Boom Fabrics founder and designer Jennifer Paganelli (published by Chronicle Books). The book features beautiful home and entertaining projects that each have step-by-step instructions. Patterns for the projects are also included in a special envelope in the front of the book.

My good friend Dolin O'Shea of Lulu Bliss contributed to this book with her technical expertise. She assisted Jennifer in the technical pattern writing portion of the book. Dolin is such an amazing crafter and spent over ten years as a pattern designer at the Gap. Trust me, she knows her stuff! (Check out her knitting and crochet patterns.)

What I love about the book is how inspiring the book can be. With Jennifer's colorful Sis Boom fabrics used in the projects, you also get a dose of inspiration on decor and entertaining. As a crafter myself, I really like the detailed the descriptive illustrations are that go along with each project. This is especially helpful for complicated projects like a quilt. I'm a very visual person and love making quilts but I always forget the steps on sewing on the binding. This book has been so helpful in showing the right way to sew around the corners and get that perfect binding fold.

If you are a beginning sewer, some of the projects I recommend are Project No. 1: Rachel's Ruffle Pillow. It's always easy to start with a pillow project because it's a good-sized project that a newbie can easily accomplish. I also love Project No. 8: Laundry Bag, and the Napkins from Project No. 13. These are good starter projects to get your sewing muscles going.

For you bag lovers, you won't want to miss this simple project called Millie's Market Tote. It's just perfect for sewing a little treat for yourself.

If you can't sew but love pretty things, there are quite a few projects where all you need is a hot glue gun. I love the Pretty Box project above and the Pom-Pom Party Poufs below.

Happy Home does a great job of mixing sewing and crafts with plenty of inspiration and color!

If you love the fabric prints of Sis Boom, pick up other great items like this Sis Boom Notecard Book or the Sis Boom Flexi Journal.

Mattie Luxe Placemats

I'm in major spring decorating mode since I cleared out and reorganized all the closets in the house these last few months. Now I'm looking to add little decor enhancements and these Mattie Luxe personalized mat in lucite tray ($99) are a cute way to brighten up a buffet table or bathroom. Choose from a variety of designs and colors. You can also dress up your dinner table for the whole family or a special event with stylized placemats that are only $15 each.

For more info, visit Mattie Luxe.

Hammocks & High Tea's Colorful Prints

I'm in the process of organizing and sprucing up the decor in my apartment and the colorful prints of Hammocks & High Tea are calling my name! The eco friendly fibers are designed by Karen Young bringing a modern perspective on global textiles. The pillows come in three sizes 12X16 for $90, 14X24 for $140, and 20X20 for $140.

Top Row: Namad Pillow, Namad Tea Towel ($28)
Middle Row: Adana Dopp Kit ($49.50), Adana Pillow
Bottom Row: Sera Pillow, Sera Scarf ($135)

I also love these gold chevron drawer liners ($25) that are lightly scented with organic essential oils.

Calypso St. Barth for Target

If anything could put you in a summer mood, it's the new Calypso St. Barth for Target collection that's available now online and in stores. I headed down to my nearest Target store (Daly City/Seramonte Mall) and was pleasently surprised to find a lot of the items available and in stock. The collection ranges from womens (including swimwear and lingerie) and girls/toddler/infant clothing to accessories (think beachy totes, espadrilles, jewelry) as well as some eclectic pieces for the home. My favorite by far is this turquoise Fan-Print Dress ($36.99) that I am actually wearing now with leggings, my gold bangles, and gold Tory Burch flats. (It's a rare warm day here in SF!) I will mention that the photos online don't do the collection justice at all. They look so much better in person! I was really surprised at the quality and the beautiful dyeing details in the fabric.

See also my picks for babies and girls on Coquette Maman.

Here are more of my picks from the new Calypso St. Barth's for Target collection:

Tie-Dye Braided Neck Tank ($19.99)

3/4 Sleeved Tunic in Khaki/Green ($29.99)

Tiered Maxi Skirt ($37.99)

DIY Color Block Mountain Painting

If you are looking for easy ways to spruce up your bare walls in your home, look no further than this recent CRAFT video by Meg Allan Cole on DIY color block mountain painting. Meg created a five-paneled blue gradient mountain range using only 2 paint cans – one rich shade of blue and mixed with various amounts of white.

twentyfive

Modaspia founder Ursula Dean has teamed up with her designer pal Judah Ross to create a new online shop called, twentyfive. The site features limited edition runs of 25 of both Modaspia clothing and accessories by Judah Ross. I love the arabesque pillow ($100), fiji dress ($160), pintuck blouse ($100), and mosaic scarf ($90).

Cozy Home Accents for a Winter Haven

Stylehive rounds up some great home finds that will transform your home into a winter haven. I am loving all the plush throws and accents that are coming out that makes me want to lie under the covers and sip hot cocoa. These plush Pottery Barn Faux-Fur Hot Water Bottle Covers, complete with pom pom ties are a cute accent to place on your couch or bed.

Orla Kiely Collection at Target

I don't have time to run to Target to check out the new Orla Kiely collection so I'm quite happy shopping online for it, even though some items will up to 6 weeks to arrive.

Here's what I'm drooling over:

Serving Tray ($14.99), Set of 2 Sky Abacus Mugs ($11.99), Melamine 2-Tier Tray ($19.99), 8-pc. Tumbler Set - Pear ($23.99), 4-pc. Salad Plate Set - Brown/Gray ($13.99)