My favorite Aerin Lauder story does not involve me. My friend Patricia, a huge beauty zealot since she was a ‘tween, spotted Aerin at Boyd’s Pharmacy in New York City. This was pre-Sephora, circa 1988, and she and Aerin were the same age (still are…), all of 18, when this happened.

“There I was, playing with the makeup and making mental lists of what I’d love to own, when in walks Aerin Lauder. As I remember it, she seemed to float into the store,” recalls Patricia. “She was immaculately dressed and groomed. She just had an air of someone who was someone.”

It’s true. Not every someone has an air of being someone–especially in this current world we live in, but Aerin has always personified elegance. I’m pleased to report that her style is only superseded by her humor. She is quick to self-deprecate, loves sharing mom stories and gets a kick out of whatever occasion she happens to be a part of. Growing her brand from a beauty collection to an uber-chic lifestyle empire has been awe-inspiring to watch (and as it grows, so does my shopping wish list), so I was utterly beside myself when she agreed to cast her House Votes for this.

Favorite wallpaper: AERIN for Lee Jofa.

 

Favorite seasoning or herb: Fresh mint

What is your kids’ favorite dish to eat at home? They love when we do BBQ in the summer

What foods in the kitchen do you splurge on? Truffles

Napkin brand: Leontine Linens 

Dinnerware brand: Alberto Pinto plates

If we don’t have _______ in the fridge, I freak out: milk.

If we don’t have _______ in the pantry, I am not happy about it: crackers.

 

 

Favorite room in the house, and why: I love our library. I love spending cozy family time in this room.

Rainy weather activity when you’re out there: I love watching old movies, like “To Catch a Thief” or “Gone With the Wind.”

What you love to do most when you’re at the house and its region: I love the change of seasons.

Favorite season out there, and why: Fall. I love watching the leaves change color.

Do you have a dream house? My home in Aspen.

Favorite furniture designer? Royer. We have two of their chairs in our living room in Aspen.

Dream designer? Jacques Grange (left)

Favorite home store? John Derian. I love his trays and round dishes.

Cherished piece of artwork at the house? My children’s poems. I framed them and have them throughout my kitchen.

One thing you can’t seem to get right in your house or its décor: Our coat closet. It is forever disorganized!

What is your quick-fix meal? Cheese & Crackers

 

What’s the best hostess touch you do or have experienced? Or stolen and made your own? I love to put bowls of candy around my house and in a guest bedroom. Nothing better than comfort food.

Bed linens brand? E. Braun

Towels brand? Lori Jayne in Palm Beach

Favorite paint brand and shade: A pale pink by Donald Kaufman that is in my bathroom in NYC. It’s the color that inspired my beauty brand. 

What’s was your worst dinner party debacle? For one of my first dinner parties I wanted to serve steak and french fries. I forgot to specify what type of steak I was serving. It was strip steak instead sirloin, which was not what I was expecting! 

What do you listen to on the drive out or back? Podcasts? Music? Books on tape? I like to listen to music. Currently listening to? Maroon 5.

Early or late riser? Early riser.

How do you spend your first 15 minutes in the morning? I spend the first 15 minutes of my day washing my face.

How do you take your coffee? Favorite coffee brand? I drink French Roast with milk.

Is there a coffee place or bakery that you always go to out there? Why do you love it? What do you order? Sant Ambroeus.

How do you spend your last 15 minutes of day? Looking at Instagram.