I don’t even drink coffee or have an espresso maker, yet I would love to own these cups. Stylish, simple, elegant… I adore them
Designed for Alessi by Massimiliano and Doriana Mandrelli Fuksas
Photo: Amazon.uk
Speaking of Fuksas, the world renowned architects recently renovated the flagship Benetton store in Rome. I haven’t stepped into a Benetton since college but I’m very curious about this building.
The design and fashion blogosphere is buzzing this week about the debut of DOMAINE Magazine.
This online publication was created by the same women, Katherine Power and Hillary Kerr, behind another favorite, WHO, WHAT, WHERE.
Sara Ruffin Costello’s, former creative director at DOMINO, living room.
This site is fantastic. There are articles about home décor, fashion, and yes, even recipes (bacon mac and cheese).
Plus, it’s interactive. You can leave comments. Love it.
I enjoyed the article about interior designers Jeffrey Alan Marks and Ross Cassidy. I’ve never met Jeffrey but Ross is a sweetheart. I’m not saying that just because he complimented my skirt in L.A. last year. Ross was very kind to pose in his red pants so I could Tweet the photo to my friend, Erica, a noted Red Pants Pathologist.
Looking forward to checking out the rest of DOMAINE.
Buon Weekend!
I saw this short clip about Jenna Lyons and her shoe collection and had to write about it.
Jenna is the President and Executive Creative Director of J.Crew. She has been with the company for twenty years.
Her aesthetic is deeply embedded in the company’s DNA.
They do take fashion risks but haven’t forgotten their core customers who love J. Crew for its cool take on classic style. It’s the only American store where I can find jeans that fit my body. J.Crew does have killer sales, which is great for some of their pricier items.
In the film, Jenna briefly explains how their shoes evolve from a drawing to the store. The shoes are hand-made in Italy.
Yes, you could buy knock-offs of these shoes at Zara for a fraction of the cost.
While the CEO of Zara is worth 57 BILLION (the third richest man in the world) how much does Zara pay the people who make their shoes? How long would the shoes last?
I doubt they are paid anything close to what the workers in Pisa, Italy are making for J. Crew. The manufacturing sector in Italy, along with other Western countries, is facing serious challenges in a global economy.
However, one advantage Italy has is her artisans. There’s a reason why companies from all over world chose to have certain items, like shoes, made in Italy.
Fast fashion is here to stay, but I’m glad there are companies like J. Crew who care about quality and profits.
I’ve been a fan of these glasses for ages. I saw them in Kathryn Ireland’s kitchen last year and thought to myself, “I need to buy some when I move to a bigger apartment.”
I had to find a new kettle. I decided to go ahead and spend money on a solid one, as the cheap one I bought fell apart way too soon. Off I went to C.U.C.I.N.A.
I try my best to avoid this store as every single time I stop in to buy one specific item, I get sucked into picking up a few things.
It happened again. I walked past the glasses section and somehow two glasses ended up in my basket.
La Rochere French Bee Tumbler.
It’s okay. It makes me happy when I open up my kitchen cabinet and see these two little glasses. Once I move, I’m getting a set.
In the States you can find them at Sur La Table.
As for the kettle, I bought a Le Creuset that was double the price of my old one. However, this one is built to last and very pretty.
Finally, my jet lag is over.
My trip to Los Angeles was fantastic. Those who know me or read my former blog know how I feel about the City of Angeles. However, this trip was different.
Kathryn M. Ireland’s Design Bootcamp had a lot to do with my positive experience. I will post about that later.
While I was in L.A. I met up with two friend friends/colleagues at Farmshop located in the Brentwood Country Mart.
I was a little early so I stopped by what seemed to be a lovely stationary store. Once I was inside, I almost lost my mind. It was Sugar Paper! I’ve read about this store many times but never had a chance to visit it.
Remembering my luggage restrictions (and my budget), I limited myself to just two items. It was very difficult.
Stationary from Sugar Paper
Founded in 2003 by graphic designers Chelsea Shukov and Jamie Grobecker, Sugar Paper makes beautiful letter-pressed stationary. I love their stylish designs.
There’s something really special about handwritten notes. It’s so rare to receive one these these days. Everything is online.
Check out Sugar Paper’s portfolio HERE.
Rainy season will start soon in Rome.
I know Hunter Wellies have become crazy popular recently. However, unlike some other trends, this one is a classic. Hunter’s boots are not just fashionable, they are well made.
This Scottish based company has been making boots since 1856. While I don’t own a country estate in the UK, I do need boots that can stand up to the torrential downpours we get here.
I’m not sure which color to get. I love their Stylish Simplicity.
Hunter Wellington Boots (aka Wellies)
Jonathan Adler is one of of my favorite designers. I wish I could be so bold with my color choices and I loved his store on Melrose Avenue.
Adler started out as a potter. I adore this piece.
Jonathan Adler’s Moko Bulb Vase
It’s stylish, simple, and yet bold. Adler’s vase is perfect for a modern room or for a room with a more traditional décor.
The vases are made by artisans in Peru. Adler found the workshop with help from Aid to Artisans. This non-profit organization introduces designers in America with artisans in developing countries to promote fair trade.
For more information about this vase and about Jonathan Adler, check out his website. It’s full of beautiful things.
Years ago when I was in the middle of hell a Hollywood film development executive, I worked 24/7. I also made no money, but on my birthday I would buy either a bag, shoes, or jewelry.
For a few years (until the production company I worked for shut down) I alternated between which item to get, went go to Barneys, and put down my Barneys credit card. I would pay it off immediately with birthday money I received from my family.
I didn’t go crazy. I would buy, say a pair of Prada shoes (back then the prices were at least $200 lower) instead of Louboutins. That said, I think Marc Jacobs bags were/are completely over priced. Can someone please explain their price points to me?
One particularly heinous year, I doubled down and bought a bag AND earrings.
That year I walked pass the jewelry section on the first floor and a pair of earrings, similar to below, caught my eye.
Me&Ro Silver Multiple Flattened Dangle Earrings
I put them on and said, “I’ll take them.”
For a while I only wore the earrings on special occasions. Then I thought that didn’t make sense. Beautiful things should be worn.
I wear them all the time now.
These earrings are the only Me&Ro pieces I own. I love them and look forward to buying more pieces in the future.
The designer and CEO, Robin Renzi, used to be a dancer and started her company in the back of her Elizabeth Street apartment in the early ’90s. Me&Ro works with recycled materials and their designs are simple and stylish. The company has really grown since the mid 00s but the quality is as high as ever.
Also, I like that they still make and produce all their jewelry in Tribeca, New York City. I’m sure they could increase their profit margins if they shipped those jobs overseas. That they’ve been in downtown NYC all this time says a lot about the company’s values.
The weather is getting cooler. Soon it will be time for me to switch out my summer clothes for my fall/winter clothes.
My winter wardrobe is non existent after living in Los Angeles for ten years. One, it doesn’t get that cold in L.A., two it’s a much more casual place than New York or Rome.
I am slowing adding pieces to my wardrobe. No more fast fashion. It looks like crap on me and never lasts. No more impulse buys. I can’t afford to spend what little funds I’ve budgeted for clothing on items that sit in my closet because I wasn’t sure what I was thinking when I bought them. No more buying items that are just okay. I have to love the fit, the color, the style, everything. I don’t care if it’s a simple t-shirt or a leather bag. If I’m not swooning, it stays on the hanger.
There are so many things I want. What I need however, are tops and dresses.
Jules Dress – J. Crew
I’m a big J. Crew fan. I haven’t had much luck with their dresses. They tend to be too small for me in the chest area, but I have found some great blouses and sweaters.
I adore the simple Jules dress. It could be casual or dressy depending on the accessories.
You can’t go wrong with a classic white blouse.
The neckline on the Beckham dress is AMAZING. I couldn’t find of a photo of it in the graphite color, which is the color I would buy. It’s a pity I can’t afford it. I will have to appreciate this dress from afar.
Before David Fincher was an A-list Hollywood film director, he directed many iconic videos.
“Vogue” is one of my favorites.
Last night was Vogue’s Fashion Night Out in Rome. Once again, I went with my partner in fashion/art crime. It was cold and rainy but the streets were still packed.
We had a great night, ending with an impromptu belated birthday drink at Hotel de Russie. I really need to write a post about that bar.
Buon weekend a tutti!
