Wishlist: White Owls

It's common knowledge that I love owls. But lately, I've been seeing a lot of white, ceramic and resin ones in fun yet functional shapes. Clean lines and color minimize the quirky factor and make them easier to integrate into a more traditional space. I love that they're both beautiful and practical. (I confess that I already own numbers 6 and 7.) Got any other white owl ideas? Send them my way!

NYFW: Naeem Khan

This year was the first time I got to cover the tents at NY Fashion Week. It was, in short, thrilling. I won't pretend that filing into our seats, then waiting for 30 minutes for the 15-minute show to start was that exciting. But when the lights dim and the music pulses and the models walk out wearing clothes like these, it's hard to not get caught up in it all. I got to attend about a dozen shows that I may or may not write about, but for now, I wanted to post my favorite show: Naeem Khan.

Khan's clothes have been worn by everyone from Beyoncé to Carrie Underwood, Emily Blunt to Angie Harmon—even Michelle Obama is a fan. The Indian-born designer launched his eponymous line in 2003 but it's taken off in recent years. I don't claim to be a fashion expert, but I appreciate elegance and detail. In those regards, these dresses speak for themselves. Now, if only I had an event worthy of wearing them... For now, enjoy the eye candy!

Hollywood Home: George Clooney

Okay, I am having major lust... over George Clooney's house.

It's also just a great portrait of an actor/activist/director. Enjoy!

Bookshelf: The Hunger Games Trilogy

(Image courtesy of Scholastic)

I will write more on this soon, but we've been working on a special Hunger Games issue at work. To prepare, I read the first book in the series. And then the second... and the third. I devoured them. I was completely sucked in for several days—reading on the subway, reading at home, reading on every break I could manage. 

At the risk of sounding like a teen-lit junkie, I believe they are infinitely better-written than those vampire books. (Probably tied with the wizard ones.) Suzanne Collins' prose is beautiful, eloquent and simple. Her characters are complex, and you actually begin to care if they survive or find any sort of happiness. The three main characters are far from perfect, but they have depth and strength and a certain believability. (I even recommended that my teenage sister read the books, which I never, ever did for the other books. Who would ever want their sister to emulate Bella Swan?) I've been hearing a lot about Team Gale vs. Team Peeta, but to be honest, I have to agree with Isabelle Fuhrman, who plays the tribute Clove: "I'm very much Team Katniss—whatever her decision is. The story is about Katniss,not about the whole love-triangle thing. It's about survival."

And, just for fun, check out this Hunger Games promo that was mailed to writers like Entertainment Weekly's Adam Vary: 

Courtesy of EW.com