You work for a prominent NYC interior designer and likely have access to the private interiors of myriad fabulous people. What role do you play in designing chic interiors? Any memorable spaces you can't stop thinking about? Any plans to have your own firm one day?

It is pretty exciting but also mundane at times.  I work in an office of about 15 people including architects and project managers and assistants.  The designer I work for creates the first plan and usually has most of the fabrics, wallpapers and finishes in mind that he wants to use but not always so we go to the D&D (Design and Decoration) Building and pick out fabrics and create schemes, source furniture and accessories.  I read an interview with one interior designer who said that they should warn all students in interior design school about the amount of paperwork involved with this job and boy was he right.  There is so much paperwork.  There has got to be a better system!  That's the part I hate! 

I remember standing in Kim Cattrall's living room once while waiting for the movers to pick up some chairs and texting my friends to tell them where I was.  It was so surreal.  The designer I work for is very well connected so you never know who you might meet! (that has to be the part of the job that you love the most.  It makes every day an adventure.)
 
We have one client, a finance type who also happens to be gay, not that it matters, but I think it's funny that I LOVE all of his homes.  He has a great apartment downtown, a house in the Hamptons and another in Florida and I could easily move into any one of them and be extremely happy.  We designed them but obviously, he has great taste!
 
I was just talking to my friend at lunch about what I want to do with the rest of my life.  I love writing my blog and exploring the link between design, art and fashion.  I might think about pursuing that line instead of opening my own firm.  I've also thought about opening a fun shop like Nina Griscom.  We'll see.  I think it's a little too soon to tell. (We'll be anxiously awaiting your fun little shop in the future! ;)

New York is one of a handful of influential cosmopolitan cities in terms of its design influence. Who are your style icons and why?

I have so many style icons.  In terms of fashion, I think no one can top Carolina Herrera.  I've had the opportunity to meet her a few times and she is always so gracious and elegant.  She is so well mannered and nice to everyone.  She is a true lady.  I also think Jackie Kennedy Onassis was also the same way.  I love the photos of her on Capri and later the shots of her in New York by Ron Galella. She always looked impeccable. (so true)
 
But then I have design and architecture and art style icons.  Too many to mention!  I am always influenced by anyone who is doing something they love and who has great style.  (I completely understand!)

You launched habitually Chic in part because you noticed the need for a local voice to observe art, fashion, culture and life up close. It was clear to you that a genuine New Yorker perspective was missing. Your instincts were proven right by your run-ins with cultural and design icons shortly after launching the site. Why did you feel it was important for there to be a New York-centric blog and what has surprised you most about blogging?

I really started my blog because I felt that I was like all the other bloggers in the sense that I am obsessed by design.  I read all the magazines and collect all the books and I wanted an outlet plus I thought the fact that I live in NYC would be an advantage.  While people were talking about a new store like Charlotte Moss, I was walking by it everyday.  I go to the parties and get to meet other designers and always have a personal side to what I'm writing about which I think makes it fun. (Absolutely. It makes the topic so much more real, and that radiates through your blog. You on-the-street encounters are marvelous to those of us not living in the area!) 
 
I guess I was surprised that there was such a tight knit blogging community.  It's fun to read what others are writing about and get excited for them and then I get excited to post something that I think they might enjoy as much as me.  Everyone definitely feels like friends now which I never knew would happen! (I have to agree from my own experience, I was surprised at how gracious all of the design bloggers are. What a lovely bunch to be a part of!)

Your proximity to the rich and fabulous gives you unique access to many of today's trendsetters. Who would you most like to meet and interview?

That's such a hard question!  I'm working on Albert Hadley at the moment but I'd really love to go on a design shopping trip with Kelly Wearstler.  I think she has such a great eye and she knows all the best places to go.  I think that would be fun!   (I think so too!)

Are you originally from NY?

No, I grew up in Pennsylvania and went to school there, then I lived in Beacon Hill in Boston for a while before New York.  I actually moved here a month before 9/11 so that made me a real New Yorker right away!

If you didn't live in NYC, where would you most want to live?

I think about this a lot.  I would live in London in a heartbeat if the weather didn't suck.  I always dream about moving to Paris or Tuscany though.  I was talking to a friend recently about how much better and relaxed the quality of life is in other countries.  I wish we would work on that here in the US.   (Sad but true, this is why I love vacationing in Europe. They truly understand how to relax and enjoy life itself.)

What would your readers find most surprising about you?

Hmmm...maybe that I own a sewing machine and actually use it!  My friends jokingly call me Martha Stewart because I'm good at crafts and can cook.  I'm a sophisticated New Yorker who also knows how to run a household which is more than I can say about some of our clients, like the one who didn't know what a Butler's Pantry was!  

Most of us with style blogs appreciate life's luxuries. But luxury means something different to everyone. What are some luxuries you would rather not live without?

My books!  I really should stop buying so many but I just can't help it.  I get drawn into the stories of literature and the beauty of art and design books.  I also collect vintage watercolors.  I like to think I give them a good home.  And then there are the superficial luxuries of cashmere sweaters and good shoes and lovely necklaces. (good answer!)

And last, what would you be doing if you weren't involved in the field of interior design?

I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was growing up.  I used to draw and sketch all the time.  I don't really know why I didn't pursue that.  Sometimes, I think I might have made a good publicist or gossip columnist.  I always have great stories.  My friends are amazed at everyone I know and recognize.   But I don't like to be mean so I don't think that is an option.  (You'd definitely need to up your snark factor to be successful in the gossip rags! ;)

Anything else you'd love to share?

I'd just like to thank everyone who reads my blog and takes the time to leave a comment.  I really love writing it and talking about things that I love that I think everyone else will love too or at least appreciate.  It's been so much fun having a project that is all my own and getting such a positive response and getting to know all the other bloggers.  It's been such a great experience so far!

What a doll. I love her daily observations and amazing brushes with greatness even more. Habitually Chic, we are delighted you've found blogging as rewarding as we have. We eagerly look forward to your next Habitually Chic adventure!