The Observer ran a story on my home.   I’d like to share  some of my antique hunting techniques and a few notes on home cooking.

I was pleased to see Franny get her picture taken since we just found out that she’s 12 years old.

Last year, I started working with Madonna on her movie W.E. It was an amazing opportunity to work again with a long time friend, Arianne Phillips, who was the costume designer on this movie.

I’ve gushed about Arianne before as one of the most humble and creative people I know. She recently has designed the wardrobe with Tom Ford for An Ordinary Man.

I got the chance to comb through the history of Wallace Simpson and her love for jewelry. Prince Edward had designed many of the pieces he gave her and would write, in shorthand, secret messages on the back. One of his designs was the Cartier Panther.

It was great fun to do the movie! Here are some sketches and images of the jewelry I designed…

Above and below,  pictures of the couple.

Here’s a quick synopsis of the movie:

W.E. tells the story of two fragile but determined women – Wally Winthrop (Abbie Cornish) and Wallis Simpson – separated by more than six decades. In 1998, lonely New Yorker Winthrop is obsessed with what she perceives as the ultimate love story: King Edward VIII’s abdication of the British throne for the woman he loved, American divorcee Wallis Simpson. But Winthrop’s research, including several visits to the Sotheby’s auction of the Windsor estate, reveals that the couple’s life together was not as perfect as she thought. Weaving back and forth in time, the film intertwines Wally’s journey of discovery in New York with the story of Wallis (Andrea Riseborough) and Edward (James D’Arcy), from the glamorous early days of their romance to the slow unraveling of their lives in the decades that followed. This infamous 20th century couple had a reputation for being defiant, audacious, having exquisite taste, and living extravagant lives. “Wallis and the duke both made a lifestyle out of presentation… it was a beautiful façade. He said that because she never got a title he gave her jewelry to make her feel royal,” explains Phillips.

I forgot to post this picture of my niece, Nell. We spent a day in the park in Brooklyn with Jeff and Habibi.

There was a little oil on the camera lens which created this “dreamy” state to the picture.

A designer who was applying to work for AB Inc last week wanted to know what I love most about my job. I answered…

1.) Designing beautiful jewelry that is innovative and affordable. Jewelry that leaves the customer in wonderment.

2.) Meeting amazing women that have amazing stories. Women who don’t need to look like a size 2, not in the fashion business, but who are real people who live full lives. Here are two…

This is Wanda. She is 86 years old. She first came to Saks Fifth Ave. 8 years ago to a trunk show and we fell in love.

She married her sweetheart from elementary school and stayed married until he passed away a few years ago. She has the most amazing blue eys and a powerful will.

Wanda flew up to NYC to spend her 86th birthday with me. While she was here, I took her to see “Anything Goes” on Broadway. She is one of the sweetest and shrewdest women I know. Thanks Miss Peddie!

This is Theresa. I met her at Nordstrom  in King of Prussia.

Immediately I thought she was just as sweet as sugar pie. She came at 10:00am and was one of the first customers to greet me. Over the time I talked to her I found out she was one of 10 children who grew up with loving parents, but parents who were uneducated. She put herself through school and got a doctorate which she then gave to her Daddy.

She is now the Vice President of Temple University and dedicates her life to giving… an unbelievable woman! She blew me away!!!

I’m super excited because almost every movie I’ve been to lately has been amazing. Movies are my number one escape. Here are a few that I’ve seen recently that were unbelievable.

Drive- with Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan

The soundtrack (by Cliff Martinez) for this is incredible. The movie has the feeling of a 1980s film noir, in the vein of Twin Peaks. Nicolas Winding Refn really brought it into the future in a comfortable way. It has this Pulp Fiction like cinematography that’s really beautiful, but violent.

Margin Call- with Kevin Spacey

This movie takes place at an investment bank 24 hours before the financial crisis begins. It’s amazingly acted and gives an understanding to the times we live in.

Lady Gaga has a new rival! I got a kick out of seeing her wearing our cuffs on the cover of Cosmo. We’ve talked about her possibly being a future face of Alexis Bittar…

Ok ladies…here are the dates of my last personal appearances of 2011. In addition, we will be bringing the more editorial pieces as well as the full collection. I will be signing pieces so it makes the gifts that much more special. If you cannot make these dates, we will be having trunk shows at the following locations. Hope to see you there…!

Personal Appearances:

Holt Renfrew Toronto, Canada Saturday, November 5

Nordstrom, Chicago, IL Michigan Avenue, Saturday, November 12

Nordstrom, King of Prussia, PA Saturday, November 19

Saks, Boston, MA  Thursday, December 1

Trunk Shows:

Neiman Marcus Scottsdale, AZ, Saturday November 12

Neiman Marcus Boca Raton, FL Wednesday, November 16

Neiman Marcus, Short Hills, NJ Saturday, November 19

Nordstrom, Natick,  MA Store 531, December 2

Nordstrom, Tysons McClean, VA Store 600, December 9

Nordstrom, Short Hills, NJ Store 527 December 10

I wanted to give you a little back story on some of our Curiosities. Here are 4 of my favorites…

Above is the Bondage Bunny by DFC Mexico. Those guys produce some of the most creative objects in the market. I met them in NY and they’re such an eccentric couple with a taste for the bizarre and some Warhol references thrown in for good measure. This Bondage Bunny is one of our best sellers, so obviously you ladies are a little twisted.

I found this line at the Tranoi Show in Paris. The guy in the booth was completely overwhelmed. The scents are unusual and very attractive. It’s easy for me to get taken over with candles and start a sneezing fit, but not with these. These scents are incredibly sophisticated and fresh. We have both candles and eau de toilettes.

These scarves are designed by Yarnz. These guys have always come up with creative designs. From a Karl Lagerfeld-esque look-a-like to a cross motif (a throwback in full swing on the runway) to a more conservative leopard or even a mix of camo and polkadots.The best part too is most of these are unisex and are either 100% Cashmere or Silk or Cashmere/Wool Blend which means they’re all incredibly soft.

These bags are handmade and have a beautiful sense of color and texture. The sequins create an antique feel with a modern twist. The camo in sequin is super chic.

Sandra Bullock busts out this MH Ring at AMFAR’s Inspiration Gala. We’re adding her to our favorites of our celebrity fan base. The Miss Havisham collection totally suits her.

On a side note, I saw her movie “The Blind Side” and cried. I’m a sucker for a school/race relation themed movie. She was great in it.