GLAMOROUS ROOMS Glamorous Rooms has been released!! After working on this project for almost 2 years, it's finally here. Of course, I have really been working on it for the past 25 years as you will see when you look at all of the images in the book. Here are three of my favorite images from GR...... For the rest of the 170+ images taken over the past 20 years including more than 75 new ones, you'll need to buy the book! There were over 100 images that were not included---maybe some of them will be in the next one..... The name of the book is what it's all about......ROOMS......most design books over the past few years have been formatted project by project. One of my favorite books from the past was a book Conde Nast published about living rooms that had appeared in House and Garden over 25 years ago. The entire book was just living rooms and I loved it. So, if you are designing or redecorating a bedroom, then turn to that chapter in Glamorous Rooms and read what I have to say about how to start - what to do and what not to do, etc. Then take a look at the images that show examples. I got an advance copy at the end of May and I was so happy to see my daughter, Elizabeth, looking at it and getting ideas for her guest room. The book is very accessible and I hope, inspiring. Here are a couple of examples: "Beds should envelop, feel warm and cozy, and have the best linens one can afford." "Make the living room into a place where people want to spend time. Imagine ways to seduce and lure family and friends into using these typically neglected spaces, such as books stacked high on tabletops along with filled magazine racks, which never fail to make rooms appear more layered and welcoming." There are 208 pages of rooms and detail shots----it is my wish that readers will look at these images and use the ideas, colors, mix of fabrics and woods in their own interiors. BOOK SIGNINGS There will be book signings in Dallas, Houston, New York, L.A., Miami, Palm Beach, San Francisco and Atlanta. For specific dates on these signings, we will post them on my website www.janshowers.com as well as on www.twitter.com and www.facebook.com. Hope to see you soon and sign your copy of Glamorous Rooms!! *Glamorous Rooms is available wherever books are sold or online.

ITALIA If you've never seen "The Talented Mr. Ripley" or even if you have, buy it or rent it if you want to see almost every city or locale in Italy. The sets, costumes (it is set in the 50's) and music are masterful and the movie reminds me so of a great Alfred Hitchcock movie though much better in many ways. Anthony Minghella adapted the screenplay from Patricia Highsmith's book and created a masterpiece in my opinion. An earlier version was made in the 1960 with Alain Delon called "Plein Soliel"---check it out as well, but for costumes, sets and mood, Mingella's version is mesmerizing. This is one of Gwyneth Paltrow's best performances along with outstanding ones from Matt Damon and Jude Law. Watch for her costume when she meets with Dickie's (Jude Law) father and Ripley (Damon) in Piazza San Marco. I also love the gardens that are like interior rooms as well as the interiors. This movie in on my mind this month because we are in Italy and everything around us is like a film. Take a look!! View from Al Valuu restaurant in Tremezzo on Lake Como Bellagio Verenna on Lake Como Entrance to our garden Lunch on the terrace                       Matthew looking cool in Ray Bans Our Villa More to come with a big announcement on September 1!! CIAO!!