They’ve wowed us at New York Fashion Week, impressed us with their impeccable garments, inspired us to step outside the boundaries in fashion and taught us that anything goes when it comes to one’s own sense of style…

and now…America’s top designers ditch the runway to bring their beloved recipes and family secrets from their dinner table into your home.

Isaac Mizrahi’s Mushroom Truffle Spaghetti, Carolina Herrera’s Pommes Toupinel, Mark Ecko’s “Adults Only” Chocolate Chip Cookies, Derek Lam’s Yellowtail Crudo, John Varvatos’s Calaloo Soup-food can be fashionable too!

Published with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and with a foreword by Martha Stewart, American Fashion Cookbook is a chic objet containing recipes and original illustrations by more than 100 American designers. Brimming with color, flavor, and personality, here are the fashion community’s favorite dishes and preparation tips. From the flirtatiousness of Strawberry Shortcake to the minimalism of Chocolate Ganache to the zip of Andalusian Gazpacho, here are all the recipes a stylish soul needs to whip up a tasteful brunch, a romantic dinner, or simply prepare comfort food, in a collectible volume. Blank culinary-themed Proustian questionnaires that can be filled out by the hostess and guests appear at the back of the book-a fashionable hors d’ouvre or digestivo sure to add spice to any occasion!

The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. is a not-for-profit trade association whose membership consists of 350 of America’s foremost fashion and accessory designers. Texts by Lisa Marsh. Lisa Marsh is a fashion industry veteran. She has worked on staff at Women’s Wear Daily, DNR, and The New York Post, and currently is a freelance journalist.

Pyrrha Design is a Vancouver, Canada based jewelry design company established and run by couple Wade Papin and Danielle Wilmore.  Wade and Danielle met in 1993 and after spending a year of relative isolation together, started creating their own jewelry designs and their own company.  The name of Pyrrha Design is derived from the Greek deity Pyrrha, daughter of Pandora, who is said to be an expert stone thrower.  Wade and Danielle are self taught jewelry makers who construct each symbolic filled piece at their studio in Vancouver by casting authentic 19th century wax seals.  

Danielle and Wade take pride in their company, Pyrrha Design, and have made it a priority to be environmentally responsible.  They make their jewelry without chemical cleaners, use biodegradable bags and containers to package their products and also use reclaimed silver and gold to construct their jewelry.  

Each piece of Pyrrha jewelry carries it’s own symbolic meaning which is depicted from the 19th century wax seals that years later still continue to symbolize the immortal struggles and accomplishments of the world.  The Carpe Diem Necklace embodies the timelessness that is Pyrrha Design.  The wax seal is that of an hour glass with wings, symbolizing the Latin phrase ‘Carpe Diem’ which translates to ‘Seize The Day.’

One of the key attributes of these designs is that they are versatile in today’s fashion world.  Go from drab to fab in a tee and denim with the Pyrrha Design Butterfly Necklace, which symbolizes the ancient Greeks interpretation of the soul as a butterfly.  The Pyrrha Design Five Fleur de Lis Crest Necklace, representing purity and light, is an admirable design that would profoundly compliment either a man or woman.  Or for an on-the-go look, try layering Pyrrha bangles with your favorite watch.

Even the celebrities can’t get enough of Pyrrha and their undeniably magnificent works of art.  Taylor Swift, Halle Berry, Brad Pitt and Reese Witherspoon, just to name a few, wear the symbolic jewelry that is Pyrrha Design.  

It is said that history does repeat itself over the years and while that may be true in some instances, Pyrrha Design has created a piece of history that you can carry with you throughout all of time.  Danielle and Wade continue to look into the past to bring us inspiration into our future.

“Because we live in such a throwaway society, it’s necessary to create some things that can be kept.” -Wade Papin, Pyrrha Design

So, it’s Friday, and as the weekend approaches, my mind drifts off to Tuscany…a captivating countryside with old world sensibilities.  I think back to the times of my life I spent there, how the entire city shuts down so families can eat together, my morning cappuccinos from the ever-so-sweet barista Marcos, and trips to the country for wine and cheese.

This got me thinking… Cheese and wine, so simple, so elegant, so tasteful.  How fun it would be to host a soiree with  my closest family and friends.  And then the wheels kept turning. What would I need to pull this off?  An extraordinary set of wine glasses.  A glass that’s strong, medieval.  A glass that, when held by an individual, creates a mood of opulence as the wine infuses the senses.  A glass like Jan Barboglio’s Goblet Wine Glass.  And just like that I’ve chosen my glasses, which wasn’t difficult, as I have been eyeing them for some time now.  This was just the beginning…

What comes next?  No cheese and wine party would be complete without the perfect serveware for, you guessed it, a selection of the most interesting and pungent cheeses.  For a strong, sophisticated look I adore wooden pedestal trays.  Available in different sizes, they can be stacked one on top of the other for a monumental display within a small gathering or scattered throughout the room with a variety of different cheeses and fruits for a larger get together.  And to top it off, ceramic cheese markers, already inscribed with the names of 6 different cheese varieties.  How simple is that!

To accomplish the Tuscan ambiance I need just a few more things...

A wine chiller.  Which doesn’t have to be a wine chiller at all really.  Instead I opt for Jan Barboglio’s Ballinito Canister set.  With stainless steel inserts, they are a great option for ice and wine and allow for a variety of wines to be chilled at once.  Not only that, but they mesh perfectly with my chosen wine glasses and compliment the traditional wooden trays.  And when the party is over, they can be used to store my favorite snacks!

A memento.  As a hostess, I always recommend a parting gift.  Something that your guests can take with them, to remember the enjoyment and laughter, intelligent conversations, and perhaps inspire them to enter into the world of decanting, a delectable art form.  With a large selection of Stone Wine Coasters available, I could grab a couple of sets and divide them into individual gifts.  Great for use at the party and to be kept as a memento when it’s over.

Wine and Cheese.  Kind of a given, but we mustn’t forget the purpose!  Choosing wines from different regions and offering a wine tasting of sorts seems like the way to go, and perhaps even asking guests to bring their favorite cheese gives an immediate sense of belonging and allows for instant conversation.

And that’s that.  Stemming from an inspiration of years ago and influencing friends and family to be their own connoisseurs; a Tuscan-inspired wine and cheese party at it’s finest!

For a complete selection of wine party gifts and ideas, visit our Wine & Cheese page at RainCollection.com.

“every season we gather inspiration from all over the place - fashion, architecture, travel, flea markets and we post it all around the studio until our ideas become concrete - it’s a visual feast” -DwellStudio

A fresh interpretation to effortless textiles with graphic prints and bold colors, DwellStudio designs for the modern family and for the well-designed, decorative and minimal home.  It’s a company who finds inspiration anywhere from Mexican folk art to an ornate trellis from a European garden and translates it into modern and simplistic home decor and accessories.  We love the way that table linens and kitchen decor can compliment one another while being in simplistic contradiction, such as the placement of color or the intensity of a design.  Or how an artistic, ergonomic placemat is derived from the influence of mid-century Danish art and culture.  And the practical and PVC-free kids collection brings us back to the days of playing with chalk on the sidewalk and baking with Nonna.  How perfect a Paper Dolls Petal Apron would have been.

DwellStudio was founded by Christine Lemieux in 1999, originally known as Dwell Home Furnishings, in an effort to bring modern textile design to the world of the home.  With roots in modern print and pattern, and a strong focus on the environment, DwellStudio has become an established leader and innovator in textile design.  All prints are made using low-impact dyes, packaging uses eco-friendly alternatives and completely eliminates PVC, and an organic line of baby products has recently been introduced.  With a philosophy to create designs that suit you no matter where in life you may be and are as effortless as possible, DwellStudio makes being chic simple - and accessible.

You’ve snuffed out your candle for the last time. So now what? You have this beautiful glass vessel and no wax to burn. This got us thinking - how can we recycle all of these glass candle containers?

Working with the team here at Rain Collection we have come up with a short list of ways you can reuse these beautiful pieces.

• Change jar for coins
• Burning tea lights
• Drinking glasses (especially k.hall)
• Potpourri
• Store seeds
• Candy dish
• Bath salts
• Forks/knives/spoons for outdoor entertaining
• Store cotton, q-tips and other bathroom items
• Vase
• Store nails, bolts, etc.
• Store seashells

This list is a work in progress for us. We are always trying to find unique ways to recycle the luxuries we enjoy. We hope this quick list will help you find ways you can reuse your beautiful glass candle containers too.

The Big Buddha Bags collection is a rapidly growing and vastly stylish line that was established in 2002 by Jeremy Bassan in his home in Santa Barbara, California. Since then, Big Buddha has grown tremendously due to their affordable, fashion-forward and multifunctional purses.

Big Buddha handbags are ideal for women of all ages. They have sophisticated and classic looks as well as fun and playful handbags. Big Buddha Bags are made for today’s women who may juggle their careers, their families and school. Whatever it may be that keeps you on your toes, Big Buddha Bags will help keep your life organized and in style. From totes to clutches, Big Buddha has the perfect purse for any event which makes the versatility of this brand phenomenal. They are not only practical and stylish but they are eco-friendly and will not break the bank.

Here at Rain Collection we have our favorite Big Buddha Bags for every occasion. If it is a day spent running around town the Big Buddha Downtown City Bag will help with keeping everything in its place. On the other hand, if you’re looking to purchase a gift for a woman in your life then the Big Buddha Mia Tote would be the ultimate selection.  The Big Buddha Serena Clutch is essential for a night out and will add radiance to your ensemble.

Here at Rain Collection, just as the seasons change so do our Big Buddha Bags.  Spring is right around the corner and as the flowers begin to bloom, so will our selection of Big Buddha Bags.  Check back often to see our newest arrivals.

Go green with style at Rain Collection.  Be green, save green and stay on trend with Big Buddha Bags.

From the unique and detailed boxes to the fragrances themselves, D.L. & CO. has created exquisite collections of home fragrances that will help set the mood for any occasion.  Established in 2003 by Mr. Douglas Little, D.L. & CO. is a vibrant company that continues to grow into an indulgence for all.

Their Signature Collection is by far an artistic luxury that would admirably add that little something extra to any room.  D.L. & CO.’s Signature Collection candles are a fusion of soy, maple and palm waxes which are placed in a magnificent scalloped glass bowl.  Each fragrance has its own colored glass bowl that, while burning, creates an eye-catching illumination.  My personal favorite is the  D.L. & Co Lady Rhubarb Candle which captivates a sweet medley of Blood Orange, Red Mandarin, Grapefruit, Sandalwood, and Perilla (the rare Japanese shiso which boosts the immune system).  

D.L. & CO.’s Signature Diffusers foster a tranquil setting in which one can relax after a long day.  D.L. & Co Thorn Apple Diffuser  is the perfect blend of applewood, vetiver, oakmoss and patchouli which creates a relaxing ambiance and is favored by the ladies of Rain Collection.

The Art Nouveau Collection recognizes the Art Nouveau movement, meaning ‘new art’ in French, which occurred from 1890-1905.  Although the influence of this movement was global, it was most strongly felt throughout Europe.  In accordance with this collection being named after the Art Nouveau movement, it was inspired by Aubrey Beardsley, whom was arguably the most controversial artist during this movement.  With an abundant amount of inspiration, Mr. Douglas Little created a fierce yet harmonious collection filled with passion and ingenuity.  One of the eminent manifestations of the Art Nouveau Collection is the D.L. & Co Wilde Flower Candle which embraces the very art in which Mr. Douglas Little was inspired.  The detailed frosted glass jar and the essence of blackberry leaf creates an elegant atmosphere while burning.   

D.L. & CO. has taken their prestigious pieces from their Art Nouveau Collection and created quintessential candle and diffuser gift sets. With their striking custom designed diffuser bottles and luxurious fragrances, the D.L. & CO. Art Nouveau Diffuser Gift Set is a savvy token of appreciation for anyone you hold dear.

D.L. & CO. will add a little subtle splendor to your home with it’s captivating aromas and fascinating artistic designs.

As the morning sun rose and out came Punxsutawney Phil I pondered what would happen, if we would be doomed for another 6 weeks of winter, or, if by some miracle chance, spring would arrive early this year. Now although I don’t typically buy into this sort of American folklore, somehow I couldn’t resist the possibility of a miraculous outcome. Could it be that spring may just arrive early this year? Low and behold out came our furry friend Phil - six more weeks of winter before we feel a shred of warmer temperatures and sunny days.

As we enter February I begin to daydream about the hibernation season coming to a close. Anticipation sets in for the upcoming months and I can’t help but to begin acquiring my spring wish list. A must-have every spring is an Archipelago Botanicals Magnolia Candle.  The very fragrance brings me back to when I was just a child playing under the giant magnolia tree blooming in the front yard.

An absolute staple for this time of year is Fruits and Passion’s Baobab Whipped Body Souffle. If you are unable to vacation in the midst of the winter months, then this, my friends, is the next best thing. The luxuriously whipped body butter carries a delicate and tropical aroma that entices the senses and embraces the feeling of the Caribbean. So even if you can’t get away, there’s always the power of illusion.

And as the winter’s end nears and I attempt to dress lighter in this arctic weather we have been experiencing, somehow it just doesn’t seem to be fulfilling. I’ve even introduced my new pair of peep toe Michael Kors sandals into the blistering cold hoping that maybe, just maybe, if my feet can pretend that spring is here, then perhaps so can I. In the meantime, I’ll have to rely on my wish list, daydreams of tomorrow and fresh flowers in a whimsical vase from Fringe Studio.