Stylish Gals Report - Margaret Russell

Last night I attended a special event at Anthropologie at Rockefeller Plaza (my favorite store in pretty much the entire world). The event was a meet and greet with Margaret Russell who is Editor in Chief of ELLE DECOR Magazine. Yep, she's responsible for bringing to you pics of all those lovely rooms you covet as you drool over the magazine pages from your tiny loveseat in your overpriced 200 sq. foot, fourth floor walk up apartment in the East Village. (Um, okay maybe that's just me.) Ms. Russell is promoting her new book Style and Substance: The Best of ELLE DECOR, which, as the title suggests, is a beautiful collection of decorated rooms (i totally want to live in) that have been published in the magazine over the last 20 years.

During a break in her book signing, she was kind to answer some random questions for your hostess as said hostess balanced a flute of champagne.

Note: Since this a "vintage style" interview (in that it's not videotaped), I've provided some photographs (taken by Guerrilla Stylist) for visual reference.

Michelle Bonfils: Hi, Ms. Russell.
Margaret Russell: Hi.
MB: I'm Michelle Bonfils and I am the hostess of a Lifestyle blog and was wondering if I could ask you a few questions?
MR: Sure!
MB: First question is, What's a style/trend you hope does not come back?
MR: Oh God!
MB: For example, the whole Southwestern thing in the 80's?
MR: I actually see no purpose whatsoever in Shag carpet. There are no redeeming qualities to Shag carpet, and anyone who wears high heels KNOWS!
MB: Because you get caught and fall over!
MR: Yes, and it's yucky and musty, and Shag carpet NO. And Flokati, not even into Flokati.
MB: What's the biggest design mistake you find when you walk into somebody's home?

MR: (laughing) You're very negative!

MB: No, it's just a fun thing, we like to make people laugh!
MR: The biggest design mistake, and I have done it, so i'll be honest, furniture that is too big for the space. People need to measure, like, if you are shopping for furniture, you need to have a little measuring tape in your bag at all times.
MB: And now a positive question. With the holidays coming, what kind of pie would you bake for the family?
MR: I'm not a big pie person.
MB: Oh, okay, what's your favorite dessert?
MR: I like frozen, Ice Creamy things. I like frozen desserts even during the Winter so i'll probably do something that would involve ice cream.
MB: Thank you so much!
MR Thank you, you're so sweet!
Yep, there you have it, Margaret Russell is totally one of our favorite stylish gals!

Style and Substance: The Best of ELLE DECOR is available at Anthropologie and bookstores along with the latest issue of Elle Decor.