Here’s a little Valentine’s Day gift for you…downloadable wallpaper for your iPhone, iPad and computer desktop. Made from our signature graphic heart print, it’s sweet for V-Day (but not so sweet that it doesn’t work for the other 364 days of the year too).

“We’re wearing red to show our support for National Wear Red Day, promoting women’s heart health. Whether as a print or a solid hue, a graphically patterned blouse or a vibrant bag, red is the color of the moment!” — Tory

Read more about The Heart Truth, in its 10th year, here.

Tory is carrying her red Robinson Double Zip Tote, above, with our Janeen Top  and Cropped Slim Jean.

To call Sylvia Weinstock a baker is an understatement. For 30 years, her sweet creations, from the petit four to the four-tier cake, are legendary. Here, the native New Yorker discusses her love for this city, pink champagne and good, old-fashioned romance. See the feature…

Mayor Bloomberg, the quintessential New Yorker, is our Cat’s Meow. See the feature…

In Tory’s New York City Guide, see some of her favorite haunts, from browsing the racks at Opening Ceremony to a seat at JG Melon’s bar (she orders her burgers with extra pickles, above). And don’t miss filmmaker Tabitha Denholm and Tory’s collaboration in Tory’s Love Letter to New York.

New York New York. It’s a tune that sticks. So is the new book that shares the title, by famed photographer Harry Benson and writer Hilary Geary Ross. The duo captured some of the city’s most recognizable citizens, including Gloria Steinem, Jackie O and Tory. See the feature…

Jean-Luc Godard or Woody Allen? Macaron or cupcake? The City of Light and Big Apple go tit for tat in Vahram Muratyan’s Paris Versus New York. Below, a take on both from the author. Stop by his book signing and exhibition at The Standard Shop on Februray 2^nd from 6-8pm.  See the feature…

In a word, New York is…fierce.
In a word, Paris is…sharp.
If I had to choose between the two…really I can’t.

“Here’s a collection of songs and artists that capture and channel the great spirit of NYC. Born and raised here, the vibrant music currency never fails to inspire me. ‘New Yorker,’ a point of pride, a badge of honor, a connection to some of the greatest characters to tread the earthly terrain.” — Randall Poster

1. New York Telephone Conversation — Lou Reed
2. The Modern Age — The Strokes
3. Stranded in the Jungle — New York Dolls
4. Hard Times in New York Town — Bob Dylan
5. Words of Love — Patti Smith
6. Sweet Jane — Lou Reed
7. Teen Age Riot — Sonic Youth
8. Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker) — The Rolling Stones
9. Soul Makossa — Afrika Bambaataa
10. Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On) — Talking Heads
11. Rock the Bells — LL Cool J
12. Big Pimpin’ (Featuring UGK) — Jay-Z & UGK
13. Cherchez la femme / Se si bon — Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band
14. Don’t Forget About Me — Arthur Russell
15. In The Flesh — Blondie
16. Do You Wanna Dance — Ramones
17. You Can’t Put Your Arms around a M — Johnny Thunders
18. Lonely Planet Boy — New York Dolls
19. Sideshow By the Seashore — Luna
20. Marquee Moon — Television

London-based filmmaker-DJ, Tabitha Denholm has been influencing music and fashion for years. Her videos for Florence + the Machine arrest and inspire. Here, Tabitha talks about her collaboration with Tory and producers Randall Poster and Gelya Robb on the film A Love Letter to New York. See the feature….

February 4th kicks-off the fourth annual Don’t Walk By campaign, sponsored by the Bowery Mission and seven other New York organizations. Every Saturday in February, from 2:30 to 7:30 pm, volunteers will walk through New York neighborhoods handing out blankets, food and winter essentials to the homeless and those in need. Through Don’t Walk By, over 4,200 volunteers have helped more than 3,200 men, women and children. For more information, visit Don’t Walk By.

See New York City from Tory’s perspective in A Love Letter to New York, her collaboration with filmmaker Tabitha Denholm and producers Randall Post and Gelya Robb.

Q: I’m moving to New York in a few months after college. Any tips on handling the pace? —Catherine, Champaign, Illinois

A: The beauty of NYC is that you can make it whatever you want it to be. Absolutely, one can go at rocket speed but NYC also allows for any tempo you wish. The cultural life is so rich….One can while away hours in museums, galleries and theatrical endeavors and/or attend gallery openings, fashion shows, book signings. Decide what pace you want and go for it. Another NYC plus, you can always change your pace and path. Enjoy it as you wish!

Dr. Barbara Liberman is a psychoanalyst based in New York City.

Polka dots, stripes, color and texture — that’s how Tory channeled Deauville in the Twenties for spring. See the feature…

The big news for spring? A nod to Twenties Deauville with a ton of dots and stripes! See how Tory wears them….

NET-A-PORTER’s Fashion Director Holli Rogers tells us what’s she’s loving right now. Hint: Easy tweed tunics and jewelry that means something. Here, Holli’s Wish List.

A new year is the perfect time to get things in order. We asked Yung Siu, Tory’s Feng Shui master, for some guidance. While he cautioned that all advice is highly personal, he offered up these general tips for promoting good fortune and a renewed spirit.

1. Place fresh flowers around your home — they symbolize new life and new beginnings.

2. Avoid mirrors at the head of your bed (they reflect and exacerbate emotion) and fans or strong lights above it (the electrical currents they generate can be harmful). This will promote relaxation and calm. Make sure your bed doesn’t face windows or bathroom doors directly.

3. Encourage energy and concentration in your office space by positioning your desk so that it is in view of the windows and door, but isn’t directly facing either.

4. It’s a Chinese New Year’s tradition to fill a candy tray with a variety of auspicious treats to share with friends and family — melon seeds aid fertility, sweet candy improve relationships and tangerines bring good luck. Keeping oranges on a desk or table can help empower you all year long.

We were thrilled when Sarah Jessica Parker, the poster child of New York chic, wore our sequined Edna dress from spring at the Smash premiere in NYC. We love this Twenties look— it’s Art Deco meets seaside stripes.

DVRs are set for tonight’s 100th episode of Gossip Girl, the little show that conquered an entire zip code and age group and kick-started an accessory trend or two. We caught up with Stephanie Savage, the show’s co-creator, writer and executive producer, to talk spoilers and Gossip Girl’s 9th character — New York City. See the feature… See the show at 8 pm ET o the CW.

E ho’owaiwai kakou means “to enrich together” in Hawaiian — which is exactly what happened when a group of local businesswomen — from finance to food — came together for Tory Burch Foundation‘s mentoring event in Honolulu. Click through above to see why they love being Hawaiian entrepreneurs.

How are you celebrating this year?
“I usually go home to be with my family, but for the past few years Chinese New Year has fallen during the fashion shows. When I’m in NYC I celebrate over dinner with a few Chinese models at Si Chuan restaurant. I love the food! This is a good year because it is the year of the dragon.”

Favorite childhood memory of Chinese New Year?
“Traveling with my parents to Qing Dao — the Miami of China — and going swimming. I grew up in the middle of China where there is no water so I always loved going to the beach. Also my parents, aunties and uncles always would give the kids in the family money. When you get older you don’t get money anymore!”

Marlien Rentmeester, the West Coast Editor for Lucky and blogger behind Le Catch, shows us how she wears resort LA-style. She was photographed by her twin Coliena. See the feature…

A recent trip to beautiful and vibrant Thailand was the perfect backdrop to some of Tory’s favorite resort looks. See the feature…

January’s weather calls for two things — a cocktail and a warm fire to drink it by. Here, drink recipes from spots with the best fires, some on city-scraping rooftops or built on beaches, from around the world.

“I like quite a bit of color and pattern, which can be harder to wear on the streets of London or New York, but perfect for swanning about Ibiza or St. Tropez.”

We love color and pattern, too! Our Resort collection is all about ultra-bright hues and bold prints, which we think look great mixed together.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Download now: Skinny Love, Birdy’s cover of Bon Iver’s hit. Birdy — otherwise known as Jasmine van den Bogaerde — is the 15-year-old musical wunderkind that Europe can’t get enough of….And she’s on her way to the U.S. soon.

Writer Charla Krupp, who recently passed away from Breast Cancer, had a knack for writing how-to books with a can-do spirit. How Not to Look Old or How to Never Look Fat Again aren’t preachy. Instead, Charla’s tips are down-to-earth and accessible, like how a sexier pair of glasses can make you look younger or a v-neck instantly slims. As an editor at InStyle, Glamour, People StyleWatch and More, she won legions of fans.  Charla’s family and friends have set up the Charla Krupp Memorial Fund for Women in Media at the University of Illinois. Here’s how to give.

Very Classy‘s Derek Blasberg on when it’s ok (and not ok) to use your BlackBerry….

Acceptable
1. Lunch (unless you’re meeting with your boss or your mom): it’s a work day!
2. Trains, taxis and airplanes: but please, never be the obnoxious fool who has loud conversations.
3. Expectant situations: if you have a pregnant family member or a sick friend.

Unacceptable
1. In the big leagues: if you’re with a more senior boss or an elderly family member.
2. At a private home: if you’re having dinner at a friend’s house, focus on them and the party at hand.
3. Funerals, film sets and weddings: it’s mortifying to be that girl who has her phone go off at an inopportune moment.

The snow and stars met at the recent Sundance Festival. We’re thrilled that the Tory Burch collection was spotted a few times. Click through to see more….

Sophie Pera, Town & Country‘s Fashion Market Editor, is one of the chic-est magpies around town. She showed us how she’d style one of our favorite resort jackets — the Hadley — and shared her best advice.

In this photo I am wearing…
Tory Burch Hadley jacket and leather pants (I’ve worn them to death, but they are perfect), my hat, yellow fur, Converse sneakers and a Lanvin bag that fits everything I need, which is a small miracle.

Where would you wear this look?
Anytime, day or night. I’d change shoes for the office.

What are you feeling right now, louche or ladylike?
I never really feel ladylike so definitely louche.

What inspires you?
Anything and everything. Old movies, books, photography, traveling — and my favorite — people watching.

What is your style mantra?
Wear what you like and get on with it. It’s all about confidence.

What is your star sign?
Scorpio

Best piece of fashion advice you ever received?
Be yourself.

Photo by Hanuk

New York band fun. is so fun it deserves extra punctuation. Keyboardist Andrew Dost tells us how Xanadu brought the trio together.

What brought the three of you together?
We had all toured together in different bands. We bonded over things like musicals (we all really love Xanadu), and developed a lot of respect for each other. We kept in touch, and when the time was right we were able to start something new together.

Favorite venue to play?
The Fox Theatre in Detroit. It’s just gorgeous, very ornate, and the ceiling feels like it’s 20 miles in the air.

What are you listening to?
Lately, we listen to a lot of Kanye and Drake. We also always go back to the Beatles, Neutral Milk Hotel…. And nobody complains if Paul Simon is on.

What’s next?
We’ll be touring a lot this year, and our new album Some Nights comes out February 21.

Edith Wharton was born in New York City — a few blocks from our Chelsea offices, actually — 150 years ago. Through novels like The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth, she perfectly captured (and satirized) American bourgeois aspirations. Perhaps Wharton’s greatest passion, though, was The Mount, a home she built in Lenox, Massachusetts, and into which she poured her extensive knowledge of architecture, interior design and gardening. When she wasn’t writing Pulitzer-winning novels or hosting peers like Henry James, she could be found planting cabbages and strawberries in the garden. Here’s to you, Ms. Wharton.

Shun Lee — known as much for the perfect dumplings as the surreally-stylish decor — is our favorite Chinese spot in New York City. We asked them what to order for the perfect Chinese New Year dinner. (If you can’t visit or order in, you can mix up their signature ginger mojito at home.)

We lost two giants last week with the passing of Etta James and Johnny Otis. They live on through their music and the countless generations they have influenced.

Hong Kong’s Geneva Vanderzeil, the stylish diy-er behind A Pair & A Spare, told us what she’s doing on Chinese New Year in our latest Day in the Life…. See the feature…

Happy 4710! It’s the year of the dragon, a symbol of good luck. To celebrate, several of our boutiques in the US, China, Taiwan and the UAE are displaying this dragon in their windows. Here, more about the auspicious sign.

1. The only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is thought to be a combination of the other 11 signs, including the teeth of a tiger, the belly of a rabbit, the body of a snake and the legs of a horse.

2. Joan of Arc, John Lennon and Salvador Dalí were born in years of the dragon. People born under the dragon are thought to be confident, artistic, natural leaders, lucky and well respected.

3. Chinese emperors have long been associated with the dragon. As such, it’s highly disrespectful to disfigure a dragon in any way.

4. Red symbolizes fire and drives away bad luck, and it’s customary during any New Year celebration to wear red and decorate with red paper. Children and unmarried people receive “lucky money” in red envelopes from friends and relatives.

Everyone in fashion has been asking of late, ‘Do you know Warby Parker?’ He is actually a quartet of business school friends doing good and spreading style at the same time. Dave Gilboa, Andy Hunt, Jeff Raider and Neil Blumenthal launched their eyewear company — named after two Jack Kerouac characters — with the idea of “buy a pair, give a pair.” For every pair of glasses or sunglasses customers buy, Warby Parker donates a pair to someone in need or gives funds to non-profit partners in developing countries.

It looks to be a great year for art lovers. Some of the world’s best galleries and museums are gearing up for major shows. Click through above for a preview….

Can color affect your happiness, confidence and creativity? Absolutely, says Dr. Samantha Boardman. Read what she has to say….

Damien Hirst courtesy of Getty Images

On the eve of the annual Winter Antiques Show at the Park Avenue Armory (January 20-29), we asked gallerist-collector-designer Liz O’Brien what to expect and what excites her. See the feature…

Whitewall Magazine’s Katy Donoghue shares her favorite works of art from Chicago’s Institute of Art, one or our must-visit museums.

Q: There’s a lot of tweed coming up for spring…but isn’t it a little too heavy for that? — Sam, Santa Monica

Elin Kling wears many hats — all of them stylish. The Swede writes her country’s most popular fashion blog, Style by Kling; she runs her own blogging community and fashion magazine; she collaborated with H&M on her own collection, and she appeared on Sweden’s version of Dancing with the Stars. Here, the former model cinches a louche blouse and perfectly cuffed denim with our Applique Straw Waist Belt.

With Tory in Hawaii, we’re thinking about ukeleles, palm trees and endless waves. Here, a playlist to suit our tropical state of mind.

1. Blue Hawaii — Elvis Presley
2. Honolulu — Any Trouble
3. Rock-A-Hula Baby — Elvis Presley
4. Tiny Bubbles — Don Ho
5. Lighters (feat. Bruno Mars) — Bad Meets Evil
6. Wipe Out — The Surfaris
7. Moon of Manakoora — Duke Kamoku & His Islanders
8. Upside Down — Jack Johnson
9. Hawaii — The Beach Boys
10. Aloha Ku’u Pua — Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
11. Hula Medley — Gabby Pahinui
12. Let’s Talk Dirty In Hawaiian — John Prine
13. Honolulu — Speedy West
14. Somewhere Over the Rainbow — Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

This week Tory travels to Hawaii to visit our boutiques at the Royal Hawaiian and Ala Moana. To mark Tory’s trip, we asked Mrs. Lilien’s Kelley Lilien, who once called Oahu home, to design her own guide of must-see spots on the islands. See the feature…

Can a single careless act of childhood change the course of your life and that of those around you? Absolutely, posits Robertson Davies in The Deptford Trilogy‘s Fifth Business, The Manticore and World of Wonders.

Aby and Samantha Boardman Rosen hosted an intimate dinner to celebrate French designer Sophie Theallet’s collection of limited edition dresses for the staff at Gramercy Park Hotel’s Rose Bar. Just as the space rotates the contemporary art on its walls, it rotates designer-collaborated uniforms. Theallet, a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner, is known for feminine, easy pieces.

Photos by Noa Griffel

January is National Mentoring Month. In honor, we have pulled together great quotes from the mentoring event that the Tory Burch Foundation hosted recently. See what business leaders like Giggle’s Ali Wing and beauty maven Bobbi Brown had to say.

The American Southwest’s wildflowers provide a bright counterpoint to its earthy, sun-faded landscape. For resort, we channeled this colorful contrast, painting our vibrant Wildflower print against dusky pink, soft white or blue. It’s the kind of print anyone can wear, whether just a hint of all over.

Eva Amurri Martino, the actress and daughter of Susan Sarandan, was her step dad Tim Robbins’ date to last night’s Golden Globes where he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. From what she wears before slipping into her red carpet Lela Rose dress to the after parties, Eva shares her Golden Globes day in the life with us. See the feature…

In honor of the Golden Globes tonight, we’re thinking about old Hollywood (and all those movie stars drinking all that champagne). Here’s a throwback pre-show playlist to set the mood — and here’s to Hollywood…and this year’s winners!

1. Hooray for Hollywood — Doris Day
2. Thank Heaven for Little Girls — Maurice Chevalier
3. I Wanna Be Loved By You — Marilyn Monroe
4. As Time Goes By (From The Film Casablanca) — Dooley Wilson & Piano Rhythm
5. Top Hat, White Tie and Tails — Fred Astaire
6. Falling in Love Again — Marlene Dietrich
7. Somewhere Over the Rainbow — Judy Garland
8. Swinging on a Star (Single) — Bing Crosby
9. There’s No Business Like Show Business — Ethel Merman
10. Hooray for Hollywood — Anita O’Day

Our Resort collection was inspired by Santa Fe. In the southwest state of mind we turned to restauranteur Mark Miller for a lunch menu (with recipes) from his famous Coyote Cafe. See the feature…

We are thrilled to introduce our new Stationery Set — engraved note cards with a striped hammock motif (in orange, navy, pink and pale gold), matching envelopes hand-lined with tissue, all presented in a handmade box. We also created a set of colored pencils as the perfect complement, both available exclusively at Toryburch.com and in our boutiques. What a great excuse to send a handwritten note to your friends and family….

Fans of Haruki Murakami had to wait two years before his much anticipated 1Q84 was translated from Japanese. The intricate story — about alternate realities with two moons, levitating clocks and magical Little People — was worth the wait. Read for yourself….

Tory’s tweed version of the skirt suit — the Marion jacket and Nora skirt — made Vogue.com’s round-up of 10 standout trends from the Spring 2012 runways. (We interpreted it as the easy Curtis sheath dress, too.)

The Tory Burch Foundation salutes women entrepreneurs from around the world. From Italy, there’s Cora de Adamich. A brand-new mother and off-hours race car driver, she’s focused on keeping the Italian tradition of fine tailoring alive through her women’s blouse line Cora de Adamich. We spent 10 minutes with her. See the feature….

Our thoughts go out to our friends and family in Thailand. We designed the Thailand Flood Relief T-shirt — 100% of the net proceeds of every t-shirt will go to the Chaipattana Foundation to support the flood relief efforts. The elephant-print heart graphic was created exclusively to help benefit this urgent cause.

Harry Belafonte has a way of getting people to listen to him, whether it’s because of his smooth voice or through his tireless civil and humanitarian work. Susan Rostock’s moving documentary chronicles the life and career of the King of Calypso in Sing Your Song, which has received honors at Sundance and the Tribeca Film Festival. Watch it on HBO or at special screenings across the country.

Q: I always over-pack, even when I know I’m only going to be on the beach from morning to night. What’s your secret?

A: I edit myself before anything goes in the suitcase. I also pack pieces that I know will go well together. On my recent trip to Myanmar and Thailand, I brought a few simple cotton tanks that worked with anything from colored denim and shorts to a more romantic embroidered skirt…perfect for lazy days on my friend’s junk boat. I also packed lightweight printed cardigans, a few statement necklaces and beach cover-ups.
— Tory

Cheyenne-born photographer, filmmaker and former fashion editor Lisa Eisner is known for her beautiful photography, seen everywhere from W Magazine and French Vogue to Nowness. She also co-founded Greybull Press with Roman Alonso which produces covetable art books. Here, her photo album of what’s inspiring her now. See the feature…

Resolved to travel more in 2012? Mr. Blasberg knows how to beat jet lag, from Very Classy.

1. Be nice to the body before you fold it up like a lawn chair for a gazillion hours. Get a good night’s sleep the night before you travel and drink lots of water. Do not drink alcohol at the airport.
2. Adjust your schedule in advance. In the days before your flight, stay up later or go to bed earlier.
3. Don’t drink caffeine. The point is to sleep on long flights.
4. Come prepared — warm socks, earplugs, sleep mask, scarf….
5. If possible, don’t eat before you fly. When you wake up, have a big breakfast.
6. Soak up some sun — this can trick the body into thinking it’s your usual morning time.

File Massimo Vitali’s evocative photographs under “Wish We Were There.” His images of coastlines in Spain, Turkey and Italy are on exhibit at New York’s Bonni Benrubi Gallery and Brancolini Grimaldi in London.

Pop colors are in Samantha Perry David’s DNA — she’s the daughter of Lisa Perry (known for vibrant designs) and grew up in an apartment full of Lichtensteins and Warhols. Here, the Harvard Business School student shows us how she styles Tory’s volcano red cropped jeans (with Lisa Perry’s “Baby” top and Dries Van Noten wedges).

My favorite way to wear colored denim is…
With as many other colors as I can find. Color makes me smile.

The best piece of fashion advice my mother ever gave me…
I usually get fashion advice from my father.

My style mantra…
Do not listen to dad. Do whatever you can to look like mom.

My favorite song on repeat…
“I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas”

My favorite charity….
The Harvard Stem Cell Institute — groundbreaking research on potential treatments for so many diseases, including cancer and diabetes.

I unwind with…
An endless supply of DVR’d Law and Order reruns.

Photo by Hanuk

Anyone in the design field is more than a little obsessed with Pantone, which organizes and cleverly names every color possible. Every year, the company appoints a Color of the Year, based off trends in fashion, art, film and travel. For 2012, it’s Tangerine Tango, a cheerful, prominent hue in our resort palette. Clearly, it takes Tory to Tangerine Tango….

See London (and our Resort collection) through DJ-filmmaker-fashion provocateur Tabitha Denholm’s lens. The song? “Hold My Baby” by Laurent Lombard. The clothes?  Leigh Flare Jean, Janeen Top, Lane Blouse, Fletcher High Heel Sandal and Meredith Tote.

Q: What’s your New Year’s Resolution? — Charlotte, London

A: My New Year’s resolution is to learn to surf so I can go with my boys instead of being a beach bystander. — Tory

Time to boogie oogie oogie in honor of 2012. Happy New Year!

1. Take Care —  Drake Feat. Rihanna
2. Boogie Oogie Oogie — A Taste of Honey
3. You Da One —  Rihanna
4. How Deep Is Your Love? — The Rapture
5. Shame —  Evelyn “Champagne” King
6. Underneath It All — No Doubt & Lady Saw
7. Super Bass — Nicki Minaj
8. I Got the Feeling — James Brown
9. Gotta Have It — Kanye West & JAY Z
10.  Work Out — J Cole
11.  You the Boss — Rick Ross
12.  Mr. Big Stuff — Jean Knight
13.  Merrymaking At My Place — Calvin Harris
14.  T.S.O.P. — MFSB

As they say in the French Quarter, “Laissez les bon temps rouler!” The good times will roll indeed if you follow Julia Reed’s guide to New Year’s in New Orleans.

Late Lunch
I meet friends at Galatoire’s; it always turns into dinner. I love to drive around the city and look at all the lit-up houses. People really outdo themselves — every neighborhood sparkles like crazy.

Cocktails
The Carousel Bar at The Monteleone Hotel is fashioned like a carousel, and it actually turns while you’re sitting there. It’s romantic and fun.

Fireworks
I usually head to a friend’s apartment building rooftop for some civilized viewing. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art has a fabulous roof terrace and sculpture garden with the best views in the city.

Dream New Year’s Eve Date
It would be fun ringing in the New Year with Oscar Wilde, but I’m usually with exactly who I want to be — my husband and my dog.

New Year’s Day Brunch
Sylvain, a divine restaurant in an 18th Century carriage house in the French Quarte.. The Bloody Marys come with a spear of okra that is pickled in-house and a shot of Schlitz (a weirdly perfect combo). The brunch menu has buttermilk pancakes and biscuits and gravy, omelettes and a fried egg and country ham sandwich swanked up with arugula and a parmesan Mornay.

Illustration courtesy of Galatoire’s

Natalie Joos, casting director and Tales of Endearment blogger, has packed her bikinis and is flying someplace warm. See the feature…

“So many flavors around the holidays revolve around spice so I keep a few rieslings on-hand — Trimbach’s bone-dry Cuvée Fréderic Emileis and Albert Boxler’s gorgeous rieslings from the Sommerberg vineyard. Heitz Grignolino, Napa Valley, CA 2008, is such a fun wine, if you can get your hands on a bottle! Grignolino means ‘the little strawberry.’ One of my favorite champagnes for New Year’s is Saint-Chamant NV Blanc de Blancs. It’s a nuanced mix of brioche, toasted hazelnuts, lemon zest and minerals.”

“Our family loves Harbour Island in the Bahamas for a Christmas holiday. Walking on pink sand (not snow), wearing next to nothing outside, eating turkey in a friend’s garden dressed in a tunic and mini skirt – heaven.”

“I love to be in Sun Valley for New Year’s. It’s the original mountain town and America’s first ski resort. The mountain has the perfect fall line, and I love spending my days chasing my boys down black diamond runs.”

“The Big Island is my family’s favorite vacation destination; it is like a second home for us! The weather is always beautiful, the beaches are pristine, and the water is warm and clear… The ocean is teeming with incredible sea life — you can swim among dolphins every day and are guaranteed to see the most beautiful sunset every night.”

“I’ve been going to Punta del Este for the holidays since I was born, so there is a bit of bittersweetness. The landscape is absolutely gorgeous: you have the sea next to small mountains next to forest of pinos. It’s a beautiful town — really chic, with lots of high buildings along the seawalk. But at the same time, it maintains the charm of the local people — Uruguayans are the nicest! You can hide in a house inside a quiet street, you can ride your bike or you can find the most popular restaurants and beaches. In my case, I prefer to go in the off-season, because it’s when you can get the real tradition of the people and the city.”

Pictured: La Mano by Mario Mario Irarrazabal

“I am going to Cartagena de Indias in Colombia. It’s known as the ‘Latin Venice’ because of its colonial palaces and the incredible town filled with the most beautiful hidden houses and gardens. Going to the island of Baru to rest on the beach during the day is the perfect way to recharge your batteries after a night of salsa dancing!”

In 1995, French Vogue editor Nathalie Kent settled in Santa Fe and opened Nathalie, a boutique specializing in fashion, interiors and art. We asked this Southwestern transplant for her insider’s opinion on everything Santa Fe….

Shop
I might as well say my own! I sell art, incredible Navajo rugs from the ’40s, blankets and a lot of things from Europe. I mix up traditional things from France, where I come from, with the traditional things from here. If you stay traditional, it fits.

Art
Morningstar Gallery for the quality of what they show and the way it’s displayed — antique native pots, baskets, parfleche bags, amazing beading… I also love Shiprock. They have new American Indian artists and vintage pieces.

Eat
Coyote Cafe — sit at the bar and watch them cook. In the summer they open the Mexican cantina on the rooftop. You have a view of the whole town. They have great margaritas.

Spa
El Monte Sagrado in Taos. It’s pretty spectacular. There’s also Ojo Caliente. Very down to earth. You can go from one hot spring to another. In Santa Fe, there’s La Posada — they have traditional kiva fireplaces in the rooms.

Favorite Market Find
I love getting the ristra. It’s a red hanging garland of [drying chili pepper pods]. I put them all over the door of the store. You get fresh tamales too, which are fabulous.

To Do
Tent Rocks is a great hike. When we go on a little drive, we take the “High Road” to Taos, which has all the little villages and churches throughout the mountains.

All Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Director of Fashion at Lincoln Center, needs for a perfect getaway is a little sand, sun and Adele. See the feature…

The Look: Pulling off brightly colored denim whether it’s January or June.

Style Tip: “I love bold, colorful denim. In the winter, when fall-back black needs spicing up, you can wear a pop-hued pair of jeans with a winter white or wool blazer. It transcends the seasons and looks great in the summer with simple white T-shirts, lace eyelet or big prints.” — Zanna Roberts Rassi, Senior Fashion Editor, Marie Claire

For Resort 2012, we were thinking a lot about Santa Fe and the colors of the southwest. See the feature…

Read how Tory mixes prints, one of resort’s biggest trends. See the feature…

“We are going to Albany! We’ll be with my husband’s family, as his brother, NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo, will be hosting us all for his first Christmas in the Governor’s mansion. My kids especially love swimming in the warm F.D. Roosevelt indoor pool that is encased in a greenhouse of glass that Roosevelt built to help his polio back in the 1920s.”

“I step up my practice during the holidays and go to more classes. The classes have such a frantic energy going in but such a peaceful feeling going out. I do most of my shopping online and hide everything in a closet. Since we leave before Christmas Day for Hawaii, we celebrate early and tell the children that Santa is happy to have some families to visit early so he doesn’t have to get to everyone on the 24th. So far, they believe it!”

“I have an ‘orphan dinner’ every Christmas for anybody who’s left in New York and doesn’t go home. I love it. I cook a feast for everyone.”

Yo-Yo Ma has won every major award imaginable (including the upcoming Kennedy Center Honors) for his classical cello work. His latest project? Touring with his bluegrass band The Goat Rodeo Sessions. We asked him about Petunia, his cello.

My cello is… Petunia! I was visiting a school and a young girl named Brittany asked me if my cello had a name. I said she didn’t, but that if Brittany could think of a good name maybe I’d use it. She said Petunia! I think it suits her.

Right now, I’m listening to… Gabriel Kahane’s “Where are the Arms” and Brooklyn Rider’s “Dominant Curve.”

Artist who changed my life… Isaac Stern introduced me to my cello teacher, Leonard Rose, when I was nine, encouraged me to go to college rather than conservatory, and gave me a chance to play at Carnegie Hall when I was 17. He was a mentor, colleague and friend. He taught me that in music, you work for something bigger than yourself and that generosity, curiosity and courage are essential elements of being a good musician.

One day, I hope to play… The accordion!

“I love wrapping paper with vintage maps of Italy, New York, London and the world printed on them. It’s by a company called Cavallini, and you can get them from Touch of Europe. Aimee Bell, the Deputy Editor of Vanity Fair, put me on to them. She wraps gifts more beautifully than anyone else I know.”

Gift wrap from Touch of Europe

Nourish’s Marissa Lippert shares tips on how to eat (and drink) responsibly this holiday.

Sip Strategically — Choose champagne or prosecco, just 85 calories per flute. Or stick with a drink you sip slowly. Pace yourself with a glass of club soda in between drinks.

Build Plates — Fill a small plate with lighter appetizers first (crudite, cheese, olives, a sushi roll). Then choose two or three naughty hors d’oeuvres like bacon-wrapped dates, mini sliders, coconut shrimp etc.

Trim Portions — Scaling back by even just 5 bites will allow you to account for the extra 100-to-300 calories or more that you’re likely downing right now.

Sleep & Hydrate — Stave off hangovers and keep your metabolism strong by getting enough sleep and at least two liters of water a day. Starting your day with a cup of hot water with lemon works like a charm.

Damage Control — Don’t skip breakfast the following morning, which can stall your metabolism. Reboot with yogurt and fresh fruit, a fruit smoothie with almond milk or an omelet packed with vegetables.

Shun Sugar — Don’t stand next to the bowls of chocolate or tortilla chips. Plan a healthy afternoon snack to keep energy levels high and fill you up.

If the peppermint bark is a must — Make it small and work in a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts. Going at least “half healthy” allows you to get both naughty and nice all in one.

“Keep it personal. I like to give gifts that really reflect the recipient, and that includes the wrapping. I always add candy, because who doesn’t like a little sweet? This year I’m embellishing chocolate coins with illustrations and photos. I also always include a card personalized with one of my drawings.”

“Sister Parish was known for the lush, layered interiors she made popular during the latter half of the 20th Century, maintained steadfast holiday traditions. Filling her home with paper whites and scented candles, she kept the fireplace burning throughout the season. She set her holiday tables with special linens, and served her family’s favorite comfort foods, including Shepherd’s pie, creamed spinach, chicken hash, chocolate cake and fruit sorbets. Presents were uniformly wrapped in stiff white shelf paper with and tied with crisp red ribbon.” -Susan Bartlett Crater, Sister Parish’s granddaughter

Interior designer Carolyn Roehm talks about what makes a consummate hostess (and guest). See the feature…

This week from Derek Blasberg’s Very Classy social how-to — being a good guest.

1. The first thing you should do when you walk into a party is thank the host or hostess.
2. Bring something — anything — as a party favor.
3. Do at a party what you would want someone to do at your party.
4. Avoid being cliquish. If you’re holding court, invite wallflowers into your circle.
5. If you spill something, take responsibility, grab a rag and club soda and clean it up.
6. Before you go, you must thank a hostess for having you.
7. Send a thank-you note.

“Trimming the tree is my favorite holiday tradition. I love getting our Christmas tree with my boys. We decorate it with new and vintage ornaments and some that have been passed down in our family, like an antique music box. There are a few peacocks perched on branches around the tree, including the top — I love the way the blue-and-green feathers look against the white lights and ornaments.” — Tory

Former Tory Burch intern Charlotte Hass, also known as blogger Little Miss Magnolia, looks great in the Aloisa dress from our Resort collection.

“More is more this time of year. My son Cyrus and I make a gingerbread house and use it as a centerpiece. We decorate a big, bushy tree with tons of white lights. We layer cheap and cheesy ornaments with expensive ornaments and sentimental ornaments collected on our travels. The key to setting the holiday tone is scent — lots of fresh pine garlands and wreaths and, of course, Vie Luxe St. Moritz candles are the perfect accent. Some homemade eggnog in a chilled silver crock, my super duper Christmas playlist and we are set to go!”

“One of my all-time favorite holiday memories is of my parents reading A Christmas Carol to my brothers and me — a tradition I passed on to my children.” — Tory

Host and judge of Bravo’s Work of Art (finale tonight!), China Chow talks creative inspiration and what she always orders at Mr. Chow’s. See the feature…

“Sexy, electric chic…. Bringing the glam back to Christmas.”

We asked watercolorist Laura Row to paint her ideal holiday dessert table… Click here for more of her work.

Twenty yuletide songs to keep your guests in the spirit for hours.

The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) — Nat “King” Cole
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire) — James Taylor featuring Toots Thielemans
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas — Michael Bublé
Santa Baby — Eartha Kitt & Henri René
Little Drummer Boy — Ray Charles
Frosty the Snowman — Ella Fitzgerald
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow — Dean Martin
Baby It’s Cold Outside — She & Him
Blue Christmas — Elvis Presley
Here Comes Santa Claus — Bob Dylan
Christmas Must Be Tonight — The Band
Feliz Navidad — Raul Malo
Jingle Bell Rock — Bobby Helms
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree — Brenda Lee
Wonderful Christmastime — Paul McCartney
Christmas Time Is Here — Vince Guaraldi
Happy Xmas (War is Over) — John Lennon & Yoko Ono with The Plastic Ono Band
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) — Darlene Love
Santa Claus is Coming to Town — Diana Ross, Jackson 5 & The Supremes
Medley: Peace On Earth/ Little Drummer Boy — Bing Crosby & David Bowie

“The entire family goes to pick our trees — one for the living room, one for the family room and a baby Charlie Brown tree for the childrens’ bedroom. My mom leads the decorating, and we are all assigned jobs. She is very Southern and methodical!”