Home Design with Kevin Sharkey

Ralph Rucci, Martha, Calvin Klein, and Tory Burch. Photo by Anna Ross

With its elegant high ceilings, classic chandeliers, and smooth marble floors, Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal provided a glamorous backdrop for our first panel of the 2012 American Made Awards: The Makers of American Fashion. Sharply dressed attendees, myself included, piled in to see Calvin Klein, Tory Burch, Ralph Rucci, and J. Crew CEO Mickey Drexler speak with Martha about the changing state of American fashion.

I had a front-row seat. Photo by Anna Ross

I listened intently while Mickey told us about the future of J.Crew: "[We] keep doing what we do, better."

The designers also gave advice to young creatives trying to make it big in the fashion industry. The legendary Calvin Klein had this to say: "You have to know what you’re good at and how you’re different from the crowd. You have to have drive and work hard, but you have to be special -- give them something they don’t have." I think this is true in almost any career you pursue.

Martha and Makie on stage. Photo by Anna Ross

We also had a mini fashion show with moms and their children modeling the clothing of Makie Yagahagi, an American Made Fashion honoree. Her sweet prints and sophisticated color palette look good on all ages. Martha is a big fan and even showed off photos of Jude wearing Makie outfits. I had so much fun meeting the designers and hearing what they had to say; it was a terrific start to our first-annual American Made workshop. I can't wait until next year!

From fashion spreads to home goods, one of the hottest trends this season is fur. However, in favor of our furry friends, I shop strictly for faux versions. You don’t have to sacrifice the decadent feel or look of the “real” thing in my picks below.

1. This blanket is snuggle worthy all winter long. Choose from Fox, Chinchilla, Lynx, Mink and Coyote. (Restoration Hardware, $249).

2. Work in a textured pillow like this to easily elevate a room.
(Nordstrom, $58).

3. I'm loving this winter coat from the buzzed-about line Carven. With a faux shearling collar and sleek double breasted front, this is sure to be a staple piece.
(Mr. Porter, 590).

4. I’ve rarely ever seen a fur bag that’s chic but leave it to Stella McCartney to nail it this season in her signature animal-friendly style. The beloved “Falabella” bag works as a tote and shoulder bag -- the perfect companion for the season. (Net-A-Porter, $1335).

5. You can never go wrong with a fur vest's traditional nature and versatility. This plush version is a great investment piece. (Bloomingdales, $295).

When it comes to winter coats, I'm in a bit of a Goldilocks situation. The weather in New York is so erratic, and most coats I own are either too heavy or too light to actually keep me comfortable around town. (Basically, the climate refuses to cooperate with my closet).

I spied this cropped bomber jacket in the Fall 2012 Burberry campaign, which was shot by Mario Testino and stars up-and-coming actress actress Gabriella Wilde and musician Roo Panes. Watch it steal the scene in this video clip:

I love the foggy, poetic moodiness of the campaign ... but doesn't that coat look like it would be as functional as it is fabulous? It's down-filled, not-too-fussy, and would stand up to a slush-filled winter day. Perfection.

Lucky people can buy it here.