Our Le Labo Rose Signature Detergent by The Laundress was a cool weather find at Chic Luxuries. They think it’s perfect for washing your fall sweaters. We agree!

Your favorite sweater or shirt comes out of the wash clean, with the delicate and ultra-sensual smell of Rose 31.

If you read any of the popular decorating magazines, you’ve probably seen Pine Cone Hill‘s bright bed linens on their pages. We’ve long been fans of the colorful collections designed by Annie Selke, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer them to you.

They have so many wonderful designs. There are duvet covers:

Sheets:

And matelasses:

There is also a collection of bright, cheerful bathrobes and sleepwear.

These bright colors are the perfect antidote to the chilly fall weather that will soon be upon us.

While in Paris earlier this month, we saw a decidedly amusing side of life in the City of Lights.

On Vogue’s Fashion Night Out, Rue St. Honore was filled with beautiful people . . . and a taco truck:

A closer look shows that the Parisians are tres authentique, with “Hand Pressed Tortillas,” “Organic Meats,” and the California bear:

On another evening, also in the otherwise staid 1st Arrondisement, we found a mosaic of Space Invader (from the 70’s video game) adorning the facade of a Parisian building

Apparently there are enough of these invaders spread throughout for a Space Invaders Paris website and book.

Finally, as if to tell us that they can do even the mundane things with more flair, here’s a construction scaffold sporting a trompe l’oeil:

Reminding you that life in Paris may take a little longer, but it’ll always be bright and colorful.

Color is back! We love Anna Weatherley‘s new dinnerware line, Anna’s Palette, for adding a pop of color to the table. The editors at Elle Decor love it too – it was featured in the October issue under “What’s Hot”.

The cheerful dinnerware comes in six bold colors:

It’s perfect for mixing and matching with other Anna Weatherley dinnerware collections, or any other dinnerware.

We loved this behind the scenes look at a L’Objet photo shoot so much, we just had to share it with you:

As you can see, L’Objet puts the utmost care and craftsmanship into everything they do – including product photography! That’s one of the reasons we love their products, and we know you’ll love them, too.

View all of our L’Objet collections here.

Many of our wool products are made with merino wool. We’re often asked what it is, and if it’s better than regular wool. What is special about merino wool?

We asked the experts at Sferra, and this is what we learned:

Merino sheep have some of the finest and softest wool of any sheep. Merino wool has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio when compared to other wools. It wicks away moisture and has superior breathability, which aids in regulating body temperature. Merino wool has an exceptionally soft hand and a strong natural elasticity. It is extremely durable, anti-static, and fire resistant, making it ideal for use in home textiles. Merino is also hypoallergenic, as is most wool.

Merino wool does not have the itchy feel of some wools.  Sferra’s Como throw is made from pure merino wool.

Gracious Style is in the October 2012 issue of Everyday With Rachel Ray.

Our Claus Porto soap pastilles are polka-dot perfect!

The key to setting something ordinary apart is the details. Everyday things, be they simple, affordable, or sublime, take just a little time and attention to make luxurious. – Carolyne Roehm

In the August issue of Veranda magazine, contributing editor Carolyne Roehm shared some thoughts about what makes the little things luxurious. It’s an inspiring read and the lovely photos are just as inspiring, including the setting of Royal Copenhagen’s Blue Fluted Full Lace.

If you’ve ever attended an inaugural ball, red carpet premier, society wedding gala, or a major political fundraiser in the Washington D.C. area, you’ve probably seen the work of Andre Wells. An event planner par excellence, Wells has coordinated more than 4,000 events in the U.S. and internationally. We’re exhausted just thinking about that many parties!

We recently caught up with the busy Mr. Wells long enough to ask him some questions about event planning.

Gracious Style: How did you become an event planner?
Andre Wells: After years as a buyer I found a passion for the event planning aspect of my job. After a quick stint in the catering industry I was compelled to start my own business and create my own visions.

GS: What was the most complicated event you’ve planned?
AW: All events are complicated, because you are essentially bringing to life the vision of others through your own vision. You want to create unforgettable memories and the most positive experience for clients and their guests which takes a lot of foresight.

GS: How do you make an event more memorable?
AW: There are many ways to make an event memorable. For corporate or branding events you want to incorporate your brand through many elements of the event without being overbearing. Being aware of all the senses when you are planning your event is also important. Smell, touch, sight, etc. all have to work in harmony. The most important thing is flow. Having the intuition to foresee the needs of guests is key.

GS: What advice would you give to someone who’s planning to work with an event planner?
AW: Personally speaking, tenacity is key. Event planning is a job that requires you to manage expectations, emotions and most importantly, managing them with a budget in mind.

It is also important to ask questions and find a balance between creative input and the integrity of the company’s vision. Lastly, try to get as much experience and knowledge in every aspect of production from technology, to floral, to the culinary arts.

GS: What advice would you give to someone who’s planning a large event, such as a wedding, without a planner?
AW: Preparation is key. Use lists and make sure you are not too busy on the big day to enjoy it. If you are planning a wedding with no planner I urge you to hire help on the day and free your mind to enjoy your moment.

Thank you so much, Andre …  you are just amazing and we love what you do!

To learn more about Andre’s work, click here.

We were delighted recently when a customer shared with us her beautiful table setting using our chic black Festival table linens. Here’s what she had to say:

My guests thought the table looked lovely; I agreed with them. I greatly appreciate all your help with shipping it to me quickly. The quality of the linen is fantastic. I can’t wait to see how the fabric improves with age. Also, it was sewn on the grain; not all table linens are. It lays so straight and square in line with the table. My husband and I are delighted with it.

But don’t take our word for it; see for yourself:

Thanks for the kind words, Peggy. We think your table looks very lovely as well!

How have you made Gracious Style products your own? We’d love to see how you put your own stylish spin on things. Drop us a line on our website or post to our Facebook page.