D~LuxeList

Umbra Magtable

My fellow magazine mavens will appreciate this functional piece of furniture. If I had room for a coffee table in my living room, I would definitely consider this innovative piece from Umbra. I think it's a cool idea to slide magazines in the slots along the surface of the table, rather than letting them pile up on top. It would be a step in the right direction for those of us with multiple piles of magazines that are ready to topple over. And you can file this under affordable luxe because it's only $158. Buy it here. photo courtesy of Umbra

Deener Swing Jacket in Blue Blush

Currently, I don't own a denim jacket. But I really have no desire for a classic jean jacket at this point in my life. Instead, I'd prefer a modern take on this wardrobe staple. The Deener Swing Jacket fits that bill to perfection. I fell in love with this adorable piece when I first perused the Spring 08 lookbook (months ago). I adore the checkered print and the flattering pleats that give shape to the swingy silhouette. Three-quarter sleeves are fantastic for layering, even if it's a simple long-sleeve white tee showing. Despite being a contemporary take on the jean jacket, I believe this design will weather the test of time. Its versatility makes it wonderful addition to any casual chic wardrobe this season. Pre-order the Deener Swing Jacket here. photo courtesy of Couture Candy

Billy Lowe Gloss & Toss

I've yet to have my tresses styled by Billy Lowe but my expectations of his hairstyling services are high after sampling and becoming addicted to his Gloss & Toss treatment serum. With thick, wavy locks the only products I use on a regular basis are leave-in conditioning sprays, detanglers and shine/defrizz serums. In fact, I consider myself a bit of serum snob connoisseur. Lowe's concoction does everything you'd expect from a gloss: speeds up drying, fights frizz and unruly hair, helps resist humidity, boosts moisture, and protects color-treated hair while providing weightless style and control. Enough said, right? But I must add that the consistency of this product makes it a winner in my book because it is thicker than most and not the least bit greasy. It's no wonder the four other glosses and shine serums I had been using have been pushed to the back of the beauty cabinet. Buy it here.

Heidi Merrick's Janie Coat

The new Designer Q&A feature on D~LuxeList is a mini interview focused on one particular piece within a collection. To kick things off I chose Heidi Merrick. Here, I give you the scoop on my friend Heidi's fantastic Janie overcoat. The design was introduced for the Fall '07 collection and demand for the beautiful design prompted Merrick to create a lighter fabrication for Spring '08.

D~ What inspired this design?
HM~ For that collection I was really trying to answer my constant query, "What do I really want to wear?" And, Dena, you know from the Traveling Dress that I love the attitude that comes with a high collar and I love a fitted sleeve top that finishes more belled. I also think 3/4 sleeves are always chic. I was stepping away from my fitted waist for the first time. The dominant trend then was uber-oversized tent dresses, which I dread, so this was my answer to that.

D~Where do you wear it?
HM ~I wear the black at night when I want to look put together but I'm secretly in jeans and an undershirt. For example, last week that was to Cliff's Edge here in Silverlake. I never take it off when I wear it—I wore it at the table. The collar is so gorgeous to me and it makes me feel swanky. The camel I wear with high boots during the day and the army green I pretty much wear the rest of the time right now.

D~ What do you wear it with (besides jeans and tees)?
HM~ I love to wear it with one of my long-sleeve bells so the sleeve's volume hangs out. It's very Gigi to me.

D~ How did you modify the look for Spring 08?
HM~ It was originally in camel wool with copper silk habutai lining. For Spring I chose navy linen lined in my signature kelly green habutai.

Preorder the Janie here

vedaPURE Splash Soothing Bath

I have written about vedaPURE's luxurious products many times before for various publications, and I've become an avid user as of late (see vedaMAMA collection). The vedaPURE Splash Soothing Bath product is designed for babies, but I think it's well-suited for anyone in need of a relaxing soak in the tub. That means all of us, right? Safe for all skin types and specially formulated for sensitive dry skin, this therapeutic bath powder contains aloe vera powder, lavender, german chamomile and roman chamomile essential oils. I also love the fact that the container is quite nice and certainly suitable for leaving on the bathroom shelf or countertop. Buy it here.

Sari Gueron Ruffle Front Dress

I'm very much looking forward to the return of warmer temperatures for the simple fact that I miss wearing dresses sans jeans or leggings. This fashionable frock from designer Sari Gueron exudes casual elegance, with a simple silhouette made stunning by a ruffled placket and cuffs, front patch pockets and beautifully textured stitched wool. Fully lined in silk, this dress is the perfect blend of comfort, style and timelessness. Buy it here. photo courtesy of shopbop

Boyy Striped Summer Serge Weekender

This bag has me dreaming about a mid-winter trip to some place tropical or a simple summer jaunt to Santa Barbara for some shopping and beach time. I adore the resort collection vibe of this tote and know that it would fit in quite nicely with my SoCal summer wardrobe. The striped canvas weekender with leather trim boasts short detachable handles and a detachable shoulder strap. The main compartment has a drawstring closure—perfect for throwing all your stuff in at a moment's notice. Buy it here.

Miu Miu Patent Leather Flats

I have plenty of ballet flats and even a pair of the black patent leather variety. But these beauties from Miu Miu are different from anything in my shoe arsenal. I adore the criss-cross open toe—so chic! And in black patent leather they are incredibly versatile. We're talking a wear-with-practically-any-outfit shoe. A girl can never have too many black shoes. These are a fantastic option for the transition between spring and summer. And might I also add that they are pedicure-friendly? Buy them here. photo courtesy of net-a-porter

Dwell Studio for Target

The rumors have been confirmed: Dwell Studio is indeed launching a line for Target. The fab collection includes bedding (such as the Regency Collection shown here) and reversible pillows, as well as a baby line. I've had a tearsheet from Domino Magazine on my fridge for weeks now with the new changing table/dresser from the baby line. Sneak peeks around the blogosphere have revealed an adorable collection of nursery furniture, linens and bedding for the stylish bambino. So file this one under affordable luxe and get thee to a Target store. UPDATE: The line is now available online. Shop here

Dutchy B Tote

File this under "must-have bag" because the unique shape and beautiful brandy-hued leather make this one too cool to pass up. I became a fan of Dutchy handbags when I lived in San Francisco. My first Dutchy bag came from Doe boutique and after learning that the stylish satchel was from a local designer I went into work mode and pitched a story about San Francisco handbag designers to CA Apparel News. I met Dutchy designer Audree Halasz while working on that story and years later she still manages to impress me each season with her new totes. The B Tote is my top pick from her current offerings. Buy it here. photo courtesy of Dutchy