I'm not quite certain who said, "Looking for a job is more work than having a job," but whomever it was, they were incontrovertibly correct. Since being laid-off from my job in the mortgage industry (the second largest bank failure in US history), I've been on the hunt for new employment.  Even though my background has been in banking (first, at a financial institution and then in mortgage banking) I'm at a crossroads as to what I want to do for a second act. While I'm willing to, once again, take a job in the banking industry (since bills never seem to cease), how lucky would I be to now be able delve into something that I'm truly passionate about? The question, of course, is what exactly will that be? Become a vintner? Seek a job for Ralph Lauren? Finally venturing forth with an idea I've had for a start-up since before Moses parted the Red Sea? Whatever I decide to persue, what better way to take along my resumé than in this Louis  Vuitton envelope that I purchased nearly 15 years ago? Long gone are the days of the bulky, hard-sided briefcase and since I'm well past puberty, so is the thought of using a backpack, or worst yet, a plastic folder to ferry around my professional life on paper. I also have a black crocodile embossed attaché from Aspinal of London, as well as, a chocolate-brown, croc embossed document carrier.


(Note: I've never actually worn the vest on an interview, since that would be a tad much, don't you think?)

Speaking of Nate Berkus, his new line of accessories for Target debuts on the 21st of this month. I made this collage to showcase a few of the 150 pieces. Whether you've just graduated college and are moving into your first apartment or just looking to add a few key pieces to your existing decor, you are bound to find something in this collection. I really like the tortoise shell wall accessory in cream, as well as, the lamp. (Which should look sophisticatedly sexy with a black, lacquered shade.) Maybe, I'll be asked what I want for Christmas... early! 

1. Lacquer Tortoise Shell Wall Accessories in green and cream, ($40)
2. Khaki Herringbone Sheets ($45-$65)
3. Brass vases $25 & $20
4. Indigo Star Ikat Pillow ($25)
5. This Oval basket ($17) ~ great for magazines or to stow a throw.
6. Hammered Brass Bowls small ($8) and large ($15)
7. This Sculpted Branch Lamp Base ($25) and the Drum Shade ($25).

His new book, The Things That Matter, comes out tomorrow (October 16th, $35.00) and will not only offer further details about his own home, but the homes of twelve others, as well.

(All images & video via Target.com)

e first came to know him as Oprah’s home-makeover guru: beautifully transforming neglected spaces once deemed hideously outdated and cluttered. That’s been more than 10 years ago and until recently, we welcomed him into our homes as the host of his namesake daily talk show. But, most importantly, over the years we’ve come to know and trust Nate Berkus as our go-to-guy for all things house & home: interior design, interior decorating, furniture, paint, lighting, etc. You name it, he could transform it. For the uninitiated (or the uncertain), he’s shown us how to live in such a way that our home "rises up to greet us." 

Practicing what he's preached over the years (“I believe a home should be lived in”), in the November issue of Architectural Digest, he has opened up his three bedroom, 19th century Greenwich Village duplex to allow us a peek inside his sanctuary. Designed with the help of architectural designer, Carlos Huber, the originally painted parquetry and stone tile floors were replaced with white oak boards. It is indeed a home reflective of the style that we've come to appreciate from Nate: welcoming with obvious attention to detail. And it was done in true Nate fashion - all in three months! 

(click here for before image)

I think that I am most impressed that he turned what was once a gym into the above skylit dressing room. (Maybe, because this is definitely something I would do: I may not exercise like I should, but I do need a place to house my clothing and shoes.)

I realize that this is very last minute, but if you're looking for something to do this evening, stop by the Santa Monica Pier to enjoy a free movie under the stars. Music starts at 6:00pm, with the movie starting at 7:30pm. So grab your date, a blanket (or lawn chair) and head out to the beach. Oh, and did I mention that's it FREE?  (Directions)

Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-458-8901