Author: Sharon King Hoge

Before they come to stores, fashions are previewed at trade shows.

The chill in the air is a reminder that nature's glorious show of red, orange and gold autumn leaves is upon us, and now is an ideal time to plan a traditional New England stay at the newly renovated Hanover Inn at Dartmouth College.

Friends of the Paris Opera & Ballet celebrate a new director.

Extraordinary Chinese fashions insured for two million dollars, impress guests at the first annual Chinese Fashion Night Gala.

Purveyors of inventive gifts, novelties, household items and other goodies packed into the Javits Center and Pier for the annual August Gift Show. We walked up and down the aisles and here are some of the items that caught our eyes.

One of the largest horse shows in the country, the Hampton Classic is in its third decade as the "must do" major closing event of the summer out on the East End.

Michael Kors, lauded by well-dressed fans, receives the Couture Council Award for Artistry in Fashion at the kick-off event of the fall fashion season.

As if the lush green scenery of the Berkshires, Catskills and Hudson River Valley weren't soul satisfying enough, each locale offers extraordinary music to complement the views.

MODA, Fame, and the Accessories shows filled up the Javits Center for a few days in August with resort collections and peeks at what's coming for fall. It's fun to wander around and see some of the upcoming trends.

Versailles and the Louvre Tuileries are always thronged with visitors, but they were particularly busy in June with extra events added to the customary tours and visits.

Every summer some spas from around the world come to New York and set up exhibits and demonstrations to give members of the media examples of the services they offer. This month we stopped by Gotham Hall and explored.

It was double duty when this year's 16th annual Tea for Two produced Tea for FOUR Hundred.

Baccarat has expanded its presence on Madison Avenue by moving down the block to a new store with more space and notable features.

Guests gather in East Hampton to celebrate an upcoming exhibit on Yoga and the gala, which will open the show.

While Paris has the reputation of a fashion capital, right now in London styles are all the rage with no fewer than three exhibits focused on clothing designs and trends through the years.

Nestled among the skyscrapers of Wall Street are some enticing green spaces and we spent a recent summer evening enjoying the patches of urban countryside.

It's was almost social chaos in May as New York City rushed to round up the pre-summer season celebrating anniversaries, bestowing awards and partying.