'By Invite Only'

Between traveling to Europe for vacation and catching up with business, it’s been a constant hustle and bustle since the start of this past month. Being this my first weekend back, I wanted nothing more than to spend time at home.

For a guarantee of comfort and relaxation with a few of my closest friends, I turn to the following:

Jute cube footrest, bottom right

Sure it’s made from hand-braided jute and looks more like a square basket than a foot rest, but this jute cube ($89) is my favorite living room footrest. This low-lying cube doubles as a coffee table and even as an extra seat when there’s a lack of seating to go around. The woven texture re-energizes the wooden accents and furnishings, creating a sense of warmth.

Lean back and relax thanks to pillows that come in splashes of color and a variety of prints. From watercolor painted pillows in raspberry shades to Byzantine floral patterns, there is a pillow for everyone in my house. This Eliz flower pillow ($19.99 for both) comes in an 18” square size with large flowers in clever color combinations like olive and blue, and yellow and sherbet.

Art Glass wine stoppers

Nothing like a bottle of wine to get the conversation flowing and raise our spirits after a long work week. Once I’m done pouring glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux into my friends' large wine glasses, I like to top off each bottle with one of my own wine stoppers. Who wants dull cork when there are lovely art class wine stoppers on hand? These tear-drop shaped stoppers ($14.99) are a swirl of color, made entirely by hand from skilled artisans.

Emsley Table Lamp in Dark Walnut

Lighting is key. No one wants a guest banging into a floor lamp conveniently located next to a conversation spot. Place the lamps close to the wall and remove table lamps if necessary. A modern table lamp like this one ($95.40) has a sleek design: a white square lampshade and a series of dark walnut circles that form part of the base. You won’t have to worry about this lamp being a get-together casualty with its resilient 10.5 pound weight.

Choosing the right accessories: plush furniture, smart lighting, muted walls and floor coverings create an inviting space for me and a few of my closest friends to unwind.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of westelm.com; decorinnovation.com; lampusa.com

'Easy Breezy'

Keep your house cool as a cucumber this summer with a few easy-to-do changes to your décor. And with Fourth of July sales just around the corner, you can stock up on these easy-breezy options:

Those heavy damask curtains, which work beautifully for winter, must be the first to go. New summer arrivals, including indoor/outdoor curtains are now available at Décor Innovation. And are 25% off starting now until July 4.

Scalloped Valence and Tassels curtain

A blackout curtain with a scalloped valence and tassels around the trim are a classic update to your Old World inspired drapes that lost its luster seasons ago. These blackout curtains ($52.50 p/pair on sale) will satisfy almost any home’s color scheme, available in rich color options from burgundy, green and navy blue. Easy to install and machine washable, these blackout curtains are what results when style meets purpose.

Basket weave Curtains

Looking for something other than mosquito netting to curtain off your porch or line patio doors? These basket weave curtains, besides having its great woven texture, are water resistant and machine washable. This means that you can hang these basket weave curtains indoors as well as outdoors. Each 52”panel ($63.75 p/pair on sale) comes with eight bronzed grommets for easy installation. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Crushed voile curtains

Fall in love with a set of crushed voile curtains. I know I have. Quality like this on a set of sheer curtains (a steal at $18.75 for a pair) is impossible to find. These fluid curtains allow sunlight to filter into the room and add texture to a décor without adding weight. Team with heavier curtains in the fall, but for now, let them lightly dress your windows this summer. Test out the curtains in a lovely jade, a pale blue or plum.

Make sure to measure your window length and purchase new rods and brackets to complement your new set of curtains.

How do you plan to celebrate this Fourth of July?

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of Decor Innovation

'World's Greatest Dad'

It might seem like their female counterparts receive most of the attention, but that doesn't mean that Father's Day is any less special.

This June 20, show your father just how much you care and take advantage of the special Father's Day promotions at Décor Innovation.

From now until Sunday, enjoy a variety of 'buy one, get one free' deals: a faux mink or giraffe throw comes with a pillowcase set to match, or buy an embossed blackout curtain with a back tab and get another one free!

Get your father a gift, and a little extra to go along with it!

Microplush inside of a mink throw

Plush and warm, the faux fur mink throw was not meant to be a present for my father at first. But after showing my father one of my own mink faux throws, it was hard to get it back. Upon leaving the living room, I soon found my father fast asleep with the throw pulled up to the bottom of his chin. How could I resist keeping the throw all to myself?

Considering that my father is such a difficult person to shop for (for he is the man that has everything), a mink faux fur throw in a rich black or brown shade with a free matching pillowcase for him to rest his head is just what he needs.

Giraffe faux fur throw

Want to stray away from dark colors or experiment with an unusual print? The white mink or giraffe faux fur throw options are perfect to gift to your hubby, who happens to enjoy watching late night movies with you on the couch after the kids are fast asleep. A matching pillowcase in giraffe keeps the two of you comfortable and cozy, while giving your couch an instant luxurious update.

Embossed blackout curtains with checker print

Does your father have trouble sleeping? A set of blackout curtains will guarantee the soundest sleep by blocking out up to 99 percent sunlight when drawn closed.

Gift him a set of these embossed blackout curtains for his bedroom and with another set for free, be able to likely finish draping all his windows. Unlike other curtains in floral prints, the checkered pattern in colors like navy, burgundy and beige is masculine-friendly. The curtains work to sound out noise and keep energy from escaping, tripling its benefits.

Your father will thank you for it.

-S.Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of decorinnovation.com

'Fifa Fo Fum'

From cupcakes emblazoned with the American flag to special edition Nike high tops marked with the words ‘France’ on the lip, it seems like everyone has caught a bit of World Cup fever.

Thirty-two world teams will go head-to-head at the 19th Fifa World Cup in South Africa starting June 11 and running until July 11. The selection of teams, including the United States, Japan, Honduras, Italy and France, is the result of a qualification process that dates back to 2007.

The Italians are the defending champions.

This is the first time that an African nation hosts the tournament too. South Africa had beat Morocco and Egypt during the bidding process.

In the meantime, soccer fans and country enthusiasts alike are busy stocking their wardrobes and bookshelves with jerseys, t-shirts, memorabilia and collector’s items. The demand for World Cup-inspired goods is not lost with brands that range from Adidas to Dolce & Gabbana.

Calling all ‘fratelli d’italia,’ Dolce & Gabbana asks its Italian compatriots: “Dov’è la vittoria?” The special edition tee is all black with white lettering, priced at $285.

If you have an affinity for high tops, opt for a red pair of Nike Colab High Tops ($80) with your favorite country team printed at the top. Pair the high tops with your favorite team jersey for World Cup game watching readiness.

Only a true World Cup admirer would spend $150 on a soccer ball; this Addidas soccer ball is the official match ball of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

Havainas for Argentina

Show your team spirit at the beach or pool this summer with your choice of Havaianas sandals with World Cup teams, priced at $24.50. The country flag and name take up both of the shoes, with each foot providing a look at its last win.

Fifa sticker album

Have any young soccer fans in your family? Entertain them and encourage then to learn more about the games from this Official Licensed Sticker Album of the 2010 Fifa World Cup for $5.99.

A Ralph Lauren polo shirt for $135 comes in the country colors of your choosing, with the country flag and player number stitched on the right side and a giant Ralph Lauren insignia on the left.

Crumbs cupcake USA

If you get hungry while watching your favorite team, bite into a Crumbs cupcake for $4.50. Choose a cupcake decorated in the colors of your team.

And let’s see who will be this year’s reigning champions:

“Gooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaallllllll!”

-S. Gonzalez

Photos courtesy of style.com

'Trail Blazing'

It is now 9 a.m. on a Saturday.

I now have less than 24 hours to do the following: recharge my digital cameras, figure out where I last stored my travel converters, sort through my closet and select my favorite warm weather ready clothes and accessories, read through RyanAir luggage regulations, measure my suitcase, pack it and weigh it.

Flying to Europe should already come as second nature, seeing as I have made the trip at least once in the three years since I moved from the south of France back home to the States.

If only this were true.

Constantly changing airline restrictions on luggage, new banking policies with regard to traveling (whose bank wasn’t gobbled up by another during the crisis?), and Mother Nature have made traveling as new to me now as it was before.

And don’t think that I don’t plan to travel – to Milan; then to Paris, Normandie, and Perpignan in France to visit friends; and back again to Bologna and Milan for business– without going style.

Tila March handbag

Starting with my travel bag and accessories, I plan to shoulder a luxurious cream leather and tweed Tila March bag after a visit to the Colette store in Paris. Comfort and style meet at a price of $450 – a bargain compared to other French designer satchels from Louis Vuitton and Hermès.

Tumi Carry-On luggage

Easy to spot luggage is essential if I plan on surviving multiple baggage claims. Wheeled luggage like the Tumi luggage at $495 in punchy shades of cherry red, citrus orange and lemon yellow will eliminate the endless running around the carousel. Plus, who needs black luggage? That’s part of the reason I’m leaving New York City for three weeks to begin with.

Aviator Sunglasses by Marc by Marc Jacobs

Just like the pilot, I consider my aviator sunglasses as important as carrying an iPod and change of clothes for the flight. These Marc by Marc Jacobs shades in a black yellow tint are perfect for warding off the artificial light in the cabin and helping me sleep (eight-hour flights to Europe are tough) and of course facing the blazing sun after boarding off the plane.

Traveler’s Fashion Tips: If on a long flight, bring a set of yoga pants/pj pants so that you may sit comfortably. Denim or pants tend to loosen or wrinkle after eight hours in the air. And also bring a pretty scarf or something that you can fashion into a blanket or pillow while on board. Then tie around your neck once you land.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of style.com and shopbop.com