I’m the kind of person who would have liked to have lived at the Plaza Hotel. I love crystal chandeliers and gold leaf, velvets and mirrors, Oriental rugs and marble. I love things that are old and glittery, things that come with layers of glamour and history. Like most of the people I know, glamour never sits still. Just as fashion design and fashionable decorating constantly move on, our definition of glamour has evolved to embrace the mood of the moment. And what a moment this is!

We’re fascinated with both eclecticism and novelty, objects from faraway lands and cultures, new materials and textures, comfort and perhaps most glamorous of all, personalization. So glitzy! Instead, I almost instinctively gravitate toward the kind of glam that’s a little more active, considerably less forbidding, and tons more fanciful. And even though glamour has never been a quality possessed by all, we at the Hot Report believe that this Fall 2008’s definition is much more democratic than the arch version Hollywood projected in the ‘40s and ‘50s. Modern glamour embraces elements available to all: imagination, discipline, and a desire to go those extra 20 yards to pull together something truly out of the ordinary. “Basic” is the antithesis of glamour. So is “expected.”

As for cost, the trust-fund set doesn’t have an exclusive. Just as style and chic are universally attainable, a cleverly devised game plan to please and impress can nurture a major case of glamour. Is glamour ever easy? Rarely. Is it a process that demands a little over the top flair? Often. Do maintenance and grooming play a part? Absolutely always! There is no such thing as a truly glamorous person or room without a rock-solid foundation of immaculate clothes and upholstery, clean hair and windows, manicured nails and lawns…considerate manners and seating!

As for specific examples of modern glamour, we’ve pulled together a little something for your humble abode. From Swarovski crystal encrusted throw pillows to luxurious rabbit-fur blankets embroidered with a glittering crab, and decadent furniture, just imagine your feet resting on a tufted vinyl ottoman in brilliant white while enjoying drinks this holiday season with your very own personalized cloth napkins…deliciously glamorous. And with an anticipated slight chill in the air, what better time than to hurry home, slip off your shoes and slide onto a plush velvet sofa and relax. Glam is back! Welcome Home!

Glossy White Ottoman. Upholstered in tufted vinyl in brilliant white with metal base. Stunning! $999.00. Horchow.

String Shade Chandelier. Dazzle and Delight! Dancing glass teardrops will make any room glamorous. $595.00. Neiman Marcus.

Fleur-de-Lys Pillow. Exclusive to Vivre, and why wouldn’t it be? The fleur-de-lys is one of history's most pervasive multicultural symbols, found in ancient Mesopotamian artifacts, Indonesian motifs and European heraldry. Carry on the tradition in opulent style with this Swarovski-crystal encrusted throw pillow. Hand-made of linen with cord trim and crystals. $595.00.

“Jonah” Tiger Chest. When we say, “truly out of the ordinary,” we mean it! This Asian hardwood chest makes a modern statement with a hand-lacquered, tiger-print finish and an inlaid broken eggshell interior. Wild! $1,199.00.