Time always seems to speed up between the months of November and March. One minute you’re polishing off that last bite of pumpkin pie, and seemingly the next minute you’re “atoning” for our extra-long holiday season, perhaps by swearing off sweets altogether for Lent. We are about to embark on a festive journey through the season, and I always find that the colorful magic of the city during this time of year is energizing. And that is how I feel about this issue: energized and inspired.

One of my favorite highlights is “Fashion Fixtures”. Designer and decorator Valorie Hart and fashionista Lisa Tudor worked together to find complementary clothing, fabulous furniture and glamorous accessories for both your wardrobe and your home. They scouted out some amazing local boutiques and shops, and the result of their collaboration is stylish and stunning.

We also present to you two women who are gaining recognition in the art world. Associate editor Lauren LaBorde interviewed Sarah Killen, a new mom who is inspired by her surroundings in New Orleans and her young daughter. Under the brand name of Saint Claude, Killen creates some truly outstanding works of art, from eye-catching jewelry to adorable sparkly baby shoes. (We hope that one day they come in adult sizes.) Lee Cutrone gives us the scoop on Amanda Talley and her latest venture as a painter who is exploring new media with high-resolution photography translated onto wallpaper and fabric. Talley’s enthusiasm is evident in her work, which pops with color.

Our featured home this month is an Uptown shotgun owned by Seph and Pamela Dupuy with rooms that have been creatively converted to suit their needs. After purchasing a dining room table, the couple transformed a former “walk-through” room into a spacious dining room that can now generously accomodate 20 guests. Their passion for the arts is evident throughout the house, which is filled with literature and paintings.

We are thrilled this year to partner again with the Preservation Resource Center on their 38th annual Holiday Home Tour. The PRC is vital to New Orleans, as they work tirelessly to sustain architectural integrity and a sense of community. The home tour kicks off with a patron party on Dec. 13 and the tour takes place Dec. 14-15, leading guests through seven gorgeous Garden District residences.
Even though this season will fly by, we hope that you will savor this issue and that it benefits you and your home!

Addendum: Floor and Décor provided the backsplash material in Sen. John Alario’s kitchen; the company also provided the mirror surround and waterfall in Deborah Taylor’s bathroom. Both homes were presented in our Fall 2013 issue in an article titled “Counter Fit” by Jenny Peterson. Floor and Décor is also responsible for the floor tile in the Gowland home, which was showcased in our Summer 2013 issue in “A Family Builds a Dream Home” by Lee Cutrone.