For as long as I’ve known Carlos, I’ve always been impressed by his knack for putting together a bouquet–be it for a cozy Hamptons lunch with friends or a swanky downtown gathering of fashion’s elite. Carlos, one of fashion’s most colorful characters and editor-at-large at Elle Décor, knows a thing or two when it comes to designing polished floral arrangements. Finally–he’s sharing his secrets for you to achieve the same effect. “Nothing really matches, but that’s the whole idea,” says Carlos of one of his favorite pastimes: combining flowers of clashing hues. “Don’t be afraid to mix.” I love out-of-the-box thinking: two dozen cheap roses from Whole Foods are perfect for a graceful bouquet when the stems are cut short, arranged tightly. The full color images of his DIY book are a delight to flip through, as are his witticisms. Sometimes all you need is a little nudge from an expert to get started down the right path. Consider Carlos your flower prince.
$25, available at bookstores nationwide or at Amazon: Flowers Chic and Cheap: Arrangements with Flowers from the Market or Backyard