Tuesday, February 28, 2012

WHIP IT

I learned to sew the whip stitch in elementary school, using the sideways stitch to make a beloved brown wallet with hot pink stitches in arts and crafts class. I completely forgot about the wallet, the stitch and its magic until recently when I saw the casual stitch making a resurgence on a crop of beautiful shoes and handbags. Fresh and informal, the whip stitch is a beautiful Spring trend lending a handcrafted look to some of today's best luxury accessories. I'm infatuated with the Lanvin "Y" bag, so chic in sunny orange, but might have to settle for a new pair of gold Jack Roger's-the perfect warm weather accessory!  Are you a fan of the whip stitch?
Yves St. Laurent

Burberry
Lanvin
Jimmy Choo
Vanessa Bruno
Jack Rogers
Tory Burch

Burberry
Alexander McQueen
Burberry
Gucci
Michael Kors
Chloe

Monday, February 27, 2012

VICTORIA HAGAN-A CASE FOR PALE BLUE

Soft, subtle, sophisticated: words that come to mind when I envision the perfect bedroom.  For me, the color of this restful cocoon always seems to be a shade in the soft blue category. I am such a fan of the many shades of blue, from the delicate violet-blue to the cultivated blue-grey, that I've used a variation of this palette in my master bedroom forever. I was flipping through the portfolio of one of my favorite designers, Victorian Hagan, this weekend and quickly realized that she also has a penchant for using soft shades of blues in her stunning bedroom designs. It's amazing  how beautiful and dreamy her bedrooms look...
A young girl's bedroom gets a boost from the delicate pairing of light blue and violet--isn't the bubble light fixture fun?
Muted shades of blue and grey bring a classic refinement to this bedroom
A pair of linen club chairs take center stage in this sophisticated bedroom
Layers of soft patterns and textures and that gorgeous bed!
Nature inspired beauty, so modern
Quiet serenity is achieved with muted blue walls and shades of beige
Strong blue and white scheme, very coastal chic
Whimsical blue print brightens a cottage
Classis blue and white never goes out of style
Periwinkle blue paired with a punch of green is fantastic
Soft striped cotton rug seems to be a favorite of Hagan

Are you a fan of the blue bedroom?

Friday, February 24, 2012

FRIDAY FINDS: ESQUE STUDIO


In beautiful springtime hues, the glass blown pieces of Esque Studios  have an organic sculptural bend that brings form, function and fun together beautifully. Based in Portland Oregon, Esque studio is a working collaboration between artists Andi Kovel and Justin Parker. Their unconventional pieces have been named part of Time Magazine’s “Design 100,” for their commitment to ecologically responsible business. Esque relies on wind-power for their electric furnaces, and their excess glass is recycled. I'm captivated with these unique pieces of art, especially the Off pitcher and cup, a bedside necessity at its best.









Have a fantastic weekend!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Closet Confidential Guest Post: The Punctuation Mark


I'm pleased to introduce a new series today, Closet Confidential, where some of my favorite bloggers open their closets and bare their souls answering questions about the state of their closet today and what their dream closet would look like tomorrow. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? I'll admit, I've glanced into a few closets in my day, some with rows of starched white shirts and pants lined up with military precision, others an avalanche of messy tees and sweaters spilling off the shelves. My closet strives for neatness but there are days when it doesn't look as perfect as this!


Today, I'm thrilled to have Elie from The Punctuation Mark inaugurate Closet Confidential.  Elie is an interior designer extraordinaire with fabulous taste;  I'm always inspired by her great design ideas, fantastic food chronicles and the genius photography that grace her blog pages. I always find something fresh and new I can take away from Elie--pop on over for a visit! 

Let's see what's behind Elie's closet doors! 

  • What are the 5 essential clothing items in your closet? Jeans to go from day to night without problem, white tops {any type!}, neutral colored sandals, All Star sneakers for running around, and my jewelry {Tiffany necklace, heirloom ring, bracelet and hoop earrings}
  • The one thing in my closet that I should get rid of but just can part with: all my size 2 clothes… I’m almost there but somehow cannot fit in them again!
  • Describe your perfect outfit: This is a thinker!!! Especially because my style has changed so much from being a student to working and then a student again… I guess it would be the one that allows me to feel comfortable from the moment I get dressed in the morning until I take it off at night… while feeling beautiful!

  • There’s always room in my closet for: more black pants… I have tons but somehow they are not enough!
  • My dream closet would include: a section dedicated to the clothes of the man I’m dating {haha!}… besides that, space for my shoes!
  • I’ve kept all my size 2 clothes hoping (it would fit, it would come back in style, sentimental)
  • I never have enough: white tops {t-shirts, tanks, blouses, etc.} I somehow seem to destroy them no matter how much I take care of them.
  • Designer closet envy would be: I love everything Gucci and have since I was a teenager, I’d love more pieces from Reiss and Max Studio




  • Neat or messy? 40-60… I have all my clothes organized by color and length but I hate folding clothes so the clean laundry stays in hampers for days before they get folded and organized accordingly.
  • My latest addition to my closet is: a beautiful weekender bag my sister gave me from her accessories collection
  • The last thing I got rid of was: very unflattering pants and swimsuits… ugh!!!
  • You would be surprised I have/don’t have: only one pair of designer shoes {and they are Gucci}… somehow the idea of spending my rent money on one pair pains me beyond description
  • I have an extensive collection of: postcards sent to me by friends and bloggers from all over the world… is not extensive but it’s certainly growing!
  • Your organizational motto is: color and style… easier to find especially when one works.
  • What do you like about your closet? Tons of shelving… I even have space for my special linen
  • What would you change? The lighting and a wall in the middle that sort of has no use
  • Best closet tip for organization: think of your lifestyle… there is no right or wrong… the right thing is what really works for you!
  • Right now your closet is in a state of: change… as I expect to find a job some things will need to go and others will be added… will update you on that one later {haha!}
Thank you Elie for your closet inspiration. Neat, organized and plenty of space for new clothes--sounds like your closet is pretty dreamy to me! 
What's the state of your closet today?

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

DESTINATION: LAKE COMO

One of Tina's readers from yesterday's post saw that I had visited Lake Como this past summer and asked me for suggestions for her upcoming trip there. First, what a lucky girl!  My advice, be prepared for sensory overload: magnificent vistas, extraordinary architecture, delicious food and of course, the chance to run into George Clooney. Lake Como is truly a fairytale destination with much to see and do-you won't want to miss:
The Gardens of Villa d'Este
A regal 16th-century lakefront estate on 25 acres of parkland in Cernobbio, Villa d'Este is the most prestigious of the lake's hotels. Take an afternoon stroll through the Villa's extensive gardens, a spectacular blend of Baroque and Romantic styles. Follow the water staircase which runs from the Hercules fountain down through the garden and admire the 500 year old plane tree and 16th century mosaic with its Nympheum. Finish your afternoon with a cafe or cocktail on the lakeside terrace.




A boat ride around the lake 
The ferry system on the lake is surprising efficient and a great way to visit the pretty towns that dot the lake, but for a truly spectacular tour, rent a water taxi for a few hours.  We rented a boat in Bellagio, a sleek teak craft with a pleasant captain who lead us up and down the lake for the afternoon-very la Dolce Vita!


A trip to Villa Balbianello
On your boat ride, don't forget to visit the magical Villa Balbianello which sits on its own little promontory, Il Dosso d'Avedo, and is best reached by launch from Como or Bellagio. The stunning villa is composed of loggias, stone terraces, and palazzini (tiny palaces), all spilling down verdant slopes to the lakeshore. Take a stroll through the gardens and follow the magnificent stone staircase down to an old Franciscan church and a statue of San Carlo Borromeo blessing the waters.  
Dinner at Il Gatto Nero (the Black Cat)
Perched on the hills above Cernobbio, this local jewel is a must for anyone visiting the lake Como area. A spectacular view of the lake can be enjoyed from both the balcony and the cosy interior which provides the perfect setting for local favorites like pappardelle al ragu (homemade pasta with game sauce) and sauteed lake fish.  Make sure you have a designated driver--the road running up to Il Gatto is steep and winding but so worth the trip.


An afternoon in Bellagio
Sometimes called the jewel of Lake Como, Bellagio is an enchanting town with chic shops nestled amongst stone staircases with windows ablaze with hot pink geraniums and bougainvillea. Once you've finished shopping--Como is know for their fabulous silk scarves and ties, make your way over to the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, an opulent 19th century villa hotel on a private Bellagio shoreline. Stop for a cocktail at the magnificent pool or terrace and enjoy the view.



Gelato
Enough said!  


It was fun to revisit my trip with you all today!