After much anticipation and speculation, Tom Ford has finally released his luxe cosmetics collection (a division of TOM FORD BEAUTY). I attended the launch at his flagship on Madison Avenue (where he also unveiled some recent additions to his fragrance line) and was excited beyond belief, mainly because I am mad for Tom Ford. This man is not only a talented designer, he’s also a fashion celebrity, a style icon and…well, he’s simply very cool. I’d visited the store when it first opened, but at that time, everything for sale was just for men: beautifully-designed and fun to look at, but nothing for me.

It’s time for sun, the surf and strappy sandals–with Summer’s official start date just around the corner, most women are well into their summer nail-care regimens. For my hands, I usually stick to a simple French manicure (which goes with everything), but for my toes I sometimes like to experiment with bright colors. And these four vibrant hues are perfect summer pick-me-ups. I’m not typically drawn to yellow–so perhaps it’s the name of Chanel ‘s newest shade, Mimosa (I’ll take one!) that makes me want to try it. I can’t decide between Dior ’s Aloha or Paradise, probably because both names bring to mind a lovely beach vacation. And Dolce & Gabbana ’s Midnight suggests nighttime glamour. Break away from traditional nail colors and add excitement to your next pedicure. Your toes–and shoes–will thank you!

Dior Beauty recently named Bil Donovan as their very first Artist-in-Residence.  His duties will include illustrating at special events, consulting on new products and acting as a brand ambassador.  Donovan has worked at Vogue and Italian Elle and he also lived in Paris many years ago as a designer.  Currently, he teaches at the Fashion Institute of Technology here in New York, but he will always maintain an affinity for Paris.  French fashion journalist Charlotte Wiedemann interviewed Donovan on my behalf, and here’s what he has to say about his bohemian days in Paris, his style icons, and how his favorite place in New York is in a taxi…