'This Just In'

Can’t decide between the Victorian armchair or the klismos? Don’t know whether to go neutral, or be a bit more daring with the color of your living walls?

Hear what the experts on msn.com dictate as the new décor trends for 2010. I will tell you which trends I agree with, and others which are, well… off the mark.

Mad for ‘Mad Men’ - In

The 1960s New York drama has made tweed pantsuits and floral dresses a thing of the present when it comes to fashion. According to design consultant C. Davis Remignanti, it is a matter of time before the ‘Mad Men’ effect takes a hold of interiors.

Look for retro, sleek, low-lying furniture that is minimalist to its core, he says. Personally, I think the trend towards retro furniture has been around since the Ikea revolution. Except now we can expect other big-time retailers to get in on the trend.

All Natural - In

Spring-Summer Collections witnessed a surge in tribal and aboriginal influences. From the Sahara to the Native American woodlands, it won’t be long before ethnic-inspired textiles and rich, earth tones will eventually turn up in the home.

Colors like amber, deep red, sand colors and even teal, a director of color marketing named Jackie Jordan predicted, will appear in African-inspired designs and crafts. The décor world has long-awaited this trend, which in my mind has shied away from depth and character and looked to a more inexpressive and characterless design aesthetic.

Go Klismos – In

I am bit skeptical that this reported trend will take off, being that the ancient Greek style chair (going back thousands of years) is not the most comfortable for your keister. Modern klismos chairs (above) with an upholstered seat, however, can be quite comfortable. But the design consultant on msn.com is certain the design ‘is really taking off.’ Perhaps at trade shows, is what I say.

For those unfamiliar with the klismos, it is a classic chair with a semi-circular backing. The director’s chair is a modern adaptation of the klismos chair, which makes you feel as if you are being cradled in your seat.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photo courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com; msn.com; www.buffaloah.com

'Got Ink'

Ever thought about getting a tattoo, but were too afraid of what it would look like in 50 years?

And the only temporary tattoos you could find were suitable for children under the age of 12?

Well, temporary tattoos have now gone designer.

Remember the set of temporary tattoos at the Spring-Summer 2010 Collection for Chanel (below) shown last fall that generated all the buzz? The transfer tattoos are due in Selfridge’s stores March 1st, and are way better than any dragon or angel tattoo you would find in a toy dispenser.

Just so everyone knows that these tattoos are clearly Chanel, expect to see the floral and chain link bands inscribed with the signature Chanel logo. (Would it really be a Chanel tattoo without it?)

Other designers like Jean Paul Gaultier and Rodarte turned to temporary tattoos or sheer hosiery with a tattoo-like effect, proving that body art is the ultimate accessory this season.

Clad in corseted denim overalls and military drab, models donned tattoos on their faces, arms, stomachs and necks at Gaultier’s Spring Collection (above). It was Gaultier’s fighting stance against an embattled economy. When times get tough, Gaultier gets… denim and tattoos.

The Mulleavy sisters of Rodarte cannot start their Spring Collection without some dark undertones and garments crafted from a mixed selection of plain, leather, cheesecloth, plastic, etc. But no tribal-inspired collection would be complete without some body paint. Bare arms were covered in thick, black tattoos in geometric shapes and patterns.

As the Mulleavy sisters told style.com, it is possible to “be scarred and still beautiful.”

Not so sure how I feel about some‘bold and the beautiful’ temporary tattoos, but I am admiring the ultra-sheer hosiery at Marchesa (above). The hosiery – worn with some of the most exquisite dresses I have ever (still swooning since the collection debuted last fall) – looks as if it’s been painted on.

So I now ask you this: Got ink?

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of stylecaster.com; style.com; fashionablymeg.files.wordpress.com

'SJP Does Halston'

CONFIRMED : Everyone’s favorite Sex and the City star plans to work under the creative wing at the revived Halston fashion house.

Yes, I know what you’re thinking. We all saw how Lindsay Lohan fared as a creative consultant at Emmanuel Ungaro last fall. “Debut Deemed Disastrous” was one headline at New York Magazine. “Pasties and Poor Fashions” was another at BlackBook magazine.

But Lindsay Lohan is in no way like SJP, who has capitalized on her ‘Carrie Bradshaw’ alter ego, successfully launching her own clothing and fragrance line. The latest SJP NCY fragrance arrives just in time for the release of the second Sex and the City movie.

As for Halston, the fashion label now headed by creative director and designer Marios Schwab, has been trying to regain its strength since it fell from the fashion radar after the seventies.

The iconic American designer created the pillbox hat that Jacqueline Kennedy wore to the presidential inauguration in 1961. Halston's partying ways and lack of authority eventually led to his demise (he lost control of the company and died from AIDs in 1990) But Halston was and is still noted for its exquisitely draped jersey dresses and clients like Bianca Jagger, Anjelica Huston and Elizabeth Taylor.

Reports say that SJP will be more involved that other said ‘celeb consultants’ - going as far as earning equity stake and being named president of the company. The contemporary collection takes riffs from archived Halston creations, sold at a slightly more affordable price point (pieces range between $325 to $825), according to WWD.

Not sure if SJP's relationship with the brand will have a more democratizing effect on the line's affordability. Will it be like that of Miu Miu to Prada or J+ Collection to Jil Sander? Let’s hope for the latter if the Halston Heritage is any good.

And although I am as big a fan as the Carrie Bradshaw character and the SJP who plays her, I’d like to give most of SJP's fashion credit to stylist Patricia Field – not just because Field rocks, but because she put the actors on the fashion map by styling the cast and giving Bradshaw her distinct Manolo-loving, New York City charm.

Maybe SJP wouldn't mind if Field instead took her place? Just an idea.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of harpersbazaar.com and the glamazonediaries.com

'Baby, It's Cold Outside'

Temperature : 27 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds between 10 to 15 mph.

This was what the online weather channel reported back to me as I braced myself for the walk to my friend’s apartment after catching the subway from the office.

“Brrr, baby it’s cold outside,” I thought, as a gust of wind plowed into me like a tractor in a corn field. It could have easily been -10 degrees as I crossed 7th Avenue towards 34th Street.

It was much better once as I got to the apartment. But as I sit here now, on a couch with a panel of windows behind me, I’m starting to feel like that nagging cold has followed me inside.

Quick search on the Internet and I’ve already found more than 10 ways to insulate your windows – the key to keeping your heating bill low. (Did you know February is the coldest month out of the year?)

1. Can’t stress it enough, but blackout curtains are the no. 1 option to reduce heat by 25 percent and reduce noise pollution by 50 percent in your home. It is the most inexpensive way to insulate windows and with so many options in colors (from camel to mauve), fabrics (from linen to jacquard) and styles (grommet, back tab or tie-up shade) – the most visually pleasing.

2. A DIY project, draft snakes will insulate your windows at the seam. However, they will not insulate the glass or frame of the window. Buy draft snakes at a local hardware store or create your own by sewing some fabric around a tube of rubber (I prefer rubber over filling a tube with rice).

3. Weatherstripping. I have never tried this method, but low-end weatherstripping (see below) reportedly runs under 20 dollars with the cost of supplies. Could save up to 20 percent on your annual heating bill, but it’s recommended that you go for a professional weatherstripping if you want to really effect change. And that could be pricey.

4. Install energy panels. This requires some installation, weatherstripping to seal the panels, and a the more expensive option out of the four. The panel has two layers with space in between, creating a protective layer between the exterior window and the outside. I suggest taking the energy panel route as an option to replacing drafty windows.

Because baby, it’s cold outside. And honestly, I'd like to keep it that way.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photo courtesy of www.planetgreen.discovery.com; www.decorinnovation.com; www.apartmenttherapy.com