Chic in Chicago: Art Institute

The first thing on my "to do" list on my book signing trip to Chicago was to visit the Art Institute of Chicago.  I still can't believe I've never visited before and it was a treat to see the famous George Seurat painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte from 1884. The holiday decoration were also worth the visit.  

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Happy Hanukkah

I'd like to wish a Happy Hanukkah to all my Jewish friends and readers. Hope you have a wonderful eight days and nights with your loved ones.  Don't forget to have a latke for me! 

Books, Books, and More Books

While in Toronto, I was part of an interesting conversation about design and books led by the founder of Indigo Books, Heather Reisman.  She said there are two types of book lovers.  The first are voracious readers who always have a book with them and buy a new book before they finished with their current book.  The second are book collectors, people who love books because they are beautiful and remind them of certain times in their life.  Clearly I fall in the latter category as I think most people do in the worlds of design and fashion. I admire books not just for their content but their beautiful covers and history.  I love to display them so I can see them each day.  This was definitely something I thought about when working on my book Creativity at Work.  It's rare that people sit down to read coffee table books but I'm thrilled that so many are doing just that and also love its orange cover.  In honor of all the book collectors out there, I've put together a compilation of my favorite libraries and bookshelves.  Enjoy. 

via Elle Decor

Kelly Klein Residence

Julia Leach via Lonny

Estee Stanley via Lonny

Minnie Mortimer

Minnie Mortimer

via Nuevo Estilo 

Stefano Tonchi

via Elle Decor

via Domino

Diane Von Furstenberg

Blair Voltz Clarke via Lonny

via Lonny

Veere Greeney

via Domino

Julia Leach

Lorenzo Castillo

Nigella Lawson

Thank you!

As I embark on my last book signing for Creativity at Work until the new year, I want to take the time to thank you all.  Thank you to everyone who has bought the book and sent me kind messages and thank you to all the showrooms and stores who have hosted signings.  They include, Design Legacy, Archivia Books, Indigo Books, Hudson Grace, Jayson Home, and Flair Home.  

My friend recently told me the story of a book signing he attended for a fashion designer.  He was told that the designer would not speak to anyone.  What's the point of scheduling a signing if you're not going to be nice to your fans?!  The best part of book signings is meeting people in person whom I've only interacted with online.  It's fun to meet long time blog readers and those who just found the site.  I love asking what everyone does and I enjoy talking to those who work in design and those who wish they did. Hopefully, the book will inspire some to take a leap. 

It's also been very exciting and surreal to see my Creativity at Work on the shelves of two of my favorite stores in New York, Bergdorfs and Barneys. The response has been great and I'm so thrilled that so many of you are enjoying it.  If you haven't picked up a copy yet, I hope you will check it out or consider it for a holiday gift. The ability to photograph and write a second book depends on how well the first one does, so I hope you will support the book and me. 

I will announce book signings for 2013 as soon as they are confirmed. 

Thank you and Happy Holidays! 

HC