I’m going to Paris, one of my favorite cities, in the fall with a stylist friend of mine and I can’t wait to check out the Opening Ceremony store there! Opening Ceremony is a “multi-faceted retail environment”, as their site touts, made up of stores, showroom and an achingly cool private label collection. Since 2002, O.C. has been busy establishing a new, global creative forum in locations all over the world, bringing together new and established designers and artists from all over. Opening Ceremony annually represents a visiting country reflected in that country’s consumer experience. They have also partnered with art and style superstars like Chloe Sevigny, Pendleton, Robert Clergerie, and all-American brands Keds and Levi’s.  Places represented include Hong Kong, Brazil, Germany, U.K., Sweden. New York and Los Angeles, Japan and France. In February of this year, Opening Ceremony opened a second NYC location at the very trendy Ace Hotel, bringing together their love for classic American heritage as well as internationalism.

All of their merchandise is carefully curated and comprised of things that will appeal to their clientele of creative professionals and culturally curious tourists. They carry both men’s and women’s items and traditional souvenirs with a twist courtesy of famous designers like Proenza Schouler, Band of Outsiders and Alexander Wang. There is also a U.S. location in Los Angeles, which is equally fascinating and hip from a conceptual design standpoint. Not an LA or NYC native? You can also visit their site which offers some goods online such as Repetto flats, designer goods, Spike Jonze flip books, jewelry, Gaultier sneakers, Ryan McGinley artwork, albums, umbrellas and more. Also take a peek at their blog, which features NYC-centric topics. Recent ones include Keith Haring and yummy local eats.

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As I’ve talked about in other blog posts, during the process of decorating my new salon at the Four Seasons hotel in Austin, I became very interested in interior design. I travel a lot for work and everywhere I go, I make sure to check out the local antique and furniture stores and recently, I discovered Michael Donaldson Antiques in San Francisco. The store is located in the bustling Chinatown area of the city, at 300 Kansas St. and is worth making an appointment to visit, if you’re in the area. While there, I purchased a beautiful chandelier that fits perfectly with the French-style decor and vibe of the salon. Needless to say, I was very impressed with Michael’s selection of international, high-end and rare pieces and I love the elegance and history of antiques, which makes the store a perfect pick for this week’s ShopTalk.

Donaldson has spent the last fifteen years of his career sourcing and designing items for companies like Pottery Barn and Roost, a well-known line of furnishings he co-founded. After years of experience in the field, he decided to return to his roots and love for antiques and open Michael Donaldson Antiques.

Donaldson pays special attention to the condition, rarity and origins of every individual piece in his showroom. He also has each one that needs to be restored done carefully overseas by dedicated craftsmen using traditional techniques. Donaldson does reproductions, prop rentals, and reclaimed wood flooring in addition and his pieces have been featured in prominent interior design magazines, such as Elle Decor, C Magazine and California Homes.

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I like putting my personal stamp on everything that bears my name, whether it’s the salon or my stationery. When I need an impressive wrapping job done for gifts or want to send out thank you notes, I always head to Kate’s Paperie in New York City. Not only do they carry designer brands of stationery, such as Vera Wang, Lilly Pulitzer, and Kate Spade, they also carry their own line of brightly colored items. The store is a mecca of creativity from the inventive and beautiful store displays to their own pleated signature way of wrapping gifts. I know I will always be inspired when I step foot in a Kate’s.

After 20 years of experience in the business, Kate’s is the leading paper store in New York with 5 locations in the city. They also host in store events fairly frequently and have a thriving online business. Their web site is perfectly organized, with a section for gifts by price point and one for of eco-conscious items. Though a bit on the pricey side, Kate’s huge selection, customization options, and unique gifts more than make up for it. Not to mention they place your purchased items in cute green and white shopping bags and the sales staff is known for their  friendliness and knowledge of all things paper!

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Isabel Marant's Spring 09 show.. I know, last year, but still cute!

What do Milla Jovovich, Claudia Schiffer, and Sienna Miller have in common? Not only are they style icons, but all three are fans of the certifiably hip French designer, Isabel Marant. Parisian style seems to be epitomized by Marant’s ineffably cool label, which can be seen on the backs of fashionistas the world over. Women of all ages covet her designs, everyday basics with interesting details that are meant to be collected. Customers not only love Marant’s chic pieces, but adore the fact that Marant herself is an independent entrepreneur who is a great businesswoman while still retaining her individuality. As a result, interest in Marant in the past year has soared.   

Creatures of Comfort, in LA, is just the the kind of artsy boutique I love that carries Marant, among other casual, luxe labels like Repetto. Here, rolling racks are painted neon yellow and Chloe Sevigny’s designs for Opening Ceremony are also part of the lineup. Though they do carry clothing and accessories, Creatures’s specialty is shoes. Oxfords, ballet slippers (which are arranged in arched rainbow order!), and architectural heels abound in the women’s shoe section. Mostly neutral colors dominate the color palette here and the women’s shoe designs feature tough accoutrements such as heavy buckles, gladiator-style detailing, and lots of black. Arty, French label APC, a fave of brainy beauties like Sofia Coppola, is represented as is Swedish fave, Acne, causing understated glamor girls, stylists, and gallerinas alike to flock to the store for it’s cool cache and unique pieces. Have a chat with the lovely sales staff, browse the awesome sale section, or, if you can’t make it to LA for a bit of bohemian Parisian style, take a peek at their popular blog and shop online or check out Isabel Marant’s own website!

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Y’all probably know about my “easy-wear” style philosophy – it’s all about effortless glamor, looking chic without looking overdone. And when it comes interior decorating, my salon and home are no exception.

I’m opening a second salon in the Four Seasons in Austin, TX and as I start planning and designing it, I’ve been looking for inspiration. While I was in New York two weeks ago, I stopped by one of my favorite boutiques. Calypso, a well-known retailer of home goods and clothing with locations from L.A. to St. Tropez (as well as Paris and New York), is always a reliable source of inspiration. 

The bohemian line, based out of St. Barths, is decidedly low key but chic. Earthy colors, interesting prints and fabrics are a hit with their jet setting. eclectic clientele (picture Talitha Getty roaming some foreign beach or Jackie Kennedy in her Greek incarnation and you get the idea). Inspiration for the pieces comes from exotic places as far flung as Marrakech and Bali, but the final result is always current and casually elegant. Additionally, the mostly marine color palette imparts a tranquil vibe, ideal for some one like me who is always on the go and could use a bit of calm in their home and at work. 

If you prefer a non stressful shopping atmosphere as well, I recommend the low-key Brentwood, California location or checking out their online selection. You can also become a fan of Calypso’s on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to find out about upcoming locations, products and sales.

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I’m a busy person, there’s no hiding that. I am constantly running from the salon to doing news segments, photo shoots and making other appearances. As a busy professional like many of you, I need clothes that can go the distance. I’m talking about having pieces that can transition from an everyday/ work vibe to a going out, fabulous look. I can shop for both styles in one place at Downstairs in Austin, Texas.

An offshoot of the suitably named Upstairs, Downstairs manages to hit that sweet spot of stocking classic yet always interesting apparel for men though it does have a small women’s section. The store has a definite urban vibe to it, with owner Jeff Strange focusing on versatile and hip pieces. I love the hospitality at this store and its attention to detail and fit. Additionally, the shop only carries one or two sizes in each style, frequently rotates their selection, and carries relatively unknown labels so you can pretty much be certain you won’t see someone else copping your style. Prices are also in the mid-range which proves that you don’t need to shell out tons for style.

To get a look at their togs, check out their myspace page or read their positive reviews on Citysearch or Yelp.

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