Life In Rome - Interview And Photo Shoot with Gina Gomez
I do not like having my photo taken. Correction, I'm game when I'm in a group shot.It's not just because the camera adds ten to fifteen pounds. It's because I feel like a big dork standing there while the photographer snaps.Thanks to social media, I had to get over my discomfort. That said, I still get salty when unflattering photos are tagged on Facebook. What the what? Does the tagger need new glasses? Good friends don't let folks tag bad photos.Gina wanted to take a few head shots during our terrace photo shoot. I was sweaty and wiped out. So even though Gina is a talented photographer I thought, "no good can come of this."She convinced me to at least try a few. I did and this is what happened:
I did a brief interview with Gina and she has posted more photos from the shoot on her blog.To see more of Gina's gorgeous work, please visit her website here.
Photos From My Trastevere Terrace Project
My client travels frequently overseas for work but, like most of the native Romans I know, he enjoys hosting aperitivi and dinner parties when he's in town.He saw the work I did for another client and asked me to take a look at his terrace.We wanted to make the space flow better, redo the landscaping, and buy new furniture to add to some of the pieces he already owned.I think it's important for the outdoor areas and indoor areas to be cohesive. I kept my client's interior spaces in mind as I looked for furniture. My landscaper and I had a long conversation regarding which plants would work best for the terrace.I wrote about photographer Gina Gomez (aka Warm Pears) on my former blog three years ago. Earlier this year, we discussed collaborating on something.The terrace was that perfect something.Below are a few pictures from the shoot.
Resources:Furniture: UNOPIU'Lantern: FlamantCenterpiece: Bloemen Florist - Via Terenzio, 37 (zona Prati), Rome, +39 06 6892901
Weekend Inspiration - A West Village Townhouse
The much missed DOMINO magazine is back. This time it's a quarterly publication with a strong online and e-shopping presence.I'm very curious about this new version of the magazine. It's $12 in the USA. It is worth the price? I wonder how much a subscription to Italy costs.In the meantime, I will enjoy these photos.
I would love to have a kitchen that opens up to a yard.
For more on Ali Cayne's home and to check out DOMINO click HERE.Buon Weekend!
Weekend Inspiration - Architectural Digest Showcases A Castle In Umbria
I cannot wait to pick up a copy of the November issue of ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST (USA).One of the stand out articles is about the restoration of a castle in Umbria. The architect was Domenico Minchilli and the interiors were decorated by Martyn Lawrence Bullard. The two were brought together by the client, Evgeny Lebedev.I wrote about Domenico and the project we're working on in Tuscany HERE.Domenico showed me a few before pictures of the castle. As I looked at the photos I thought,"the word ruins doesn't convey what I'm seeing. Perhaps a pile of rocks would be a better description."I was floored by the transformation. It is truly inspiring.The November issue is on newsstands (Stateside) now.Buon weekend!
My Fall/Winter 2013 Wish List
I know there is a huge difference between want and need. Many times I catch myself making statements such as, "that skirt needs to be in my closet."Hello, no it doesn't. I would like it to be there. That is a want.I have written before about my lack of clothes for cold weather. Now that I no longer spend the majority of my working hours in my house writing scripts, I really need to step up my fall/winter wardrobe. I cannot meet with clients or vendors looking bananas.Thank god I live in a city that is not as casual as Los Angeles. If I wear a dress or a skirt to a meeting in Rome, nobody asks me why am I so dressed up. Sometimes, wait for it, I even wear thigh-high stockings!There are many things I would like to purchase this year but have narrowed down the list to five.Long leather gloves. I'm thinking black or chocolate brown. Why does Olivia Pope look so sad here?
Photo: ABC/Danny Feld
Ankle boots with heels that can handle cobblestone streets.
I have a pair of ankle boots with a narrow heel. They have been destroyed. RIP.
A LBD.
Love the cut of this dress from J. Crew.
A camel hair coat.
i do need a new winter cloth coat but I think I can get another season out of my current one. This will go in the want column. Max Mara's coats are classic.
Photo: People
Last but not least, I do need a short winter sports jacket. I look like the Michelin Tire Man in puffy jackets. I like the lines of this one.
What's on your list?
Stylish Simplicity - Stone Candle Holders by Tom Dixon
I was looking through Tom Dixon's website when I saw his Stone Candle holders.These candles would work well with a traditional decor or a modern one. I think it's because of the material, marble. The lines are very minimal but the marble gives the holders warmth.They are fantastic. Stylish and simple.
Photo: tomdixon.net
Weekend Inspiration - Dolce & Gabbana - S/S 2014
Dolce & Gabbana had one of the outstanding collections during Milan Fashion Week. Folks are still talking about the last look.It's funny, Dolce & Gabbana is a house I've appreciated for it's tailoring, marketing, and red carpet looks, yet for some reason I never paid much attention to their RTW.Unlike most houses that are expanding like crazy, especially into the cash-cow lower priced lines, Dolce & Gabbana closed down their very profitable D&G line in 2011. They said one reason was the desire to get back to basics.In getting back to basics, they've also returned to Sicily. The island has had a strong influence on the designer's work (Dolce is Sicilian and the two have a house in Stromboli).When I finally made it to Sicily, I understood how and why the island drives their creativity. I cannot wait to explore more of it.This collection has convinced me to at least think about adding some florals to my spring/summer wardrobe.I never wear florals. I like to keep things simple and clean. I'm short and don't want to look like Great Auntie Gertrude's sofa.This dress is so not my style. I cannot stop looking at it. Is it the color, the cut? I don't know but I'm loving this Sicilian almond blossoms dress.
Photo: Style.com
Buon weekend!
Stylish Simplicity - Paola Navone for Crate & Barrel
One of my favorite American stores has recently announced their collaboration with the incredible, Milan-based architect/interior designer, Paola Navone. To say I'm a fan of her work is a huge understatement.I would like to buy so many things in this collection. The darker blues remind me of Rome at dusk or the color of the sky above the mountains in St. Martin.I wonder how much it would cost to ship a few items to Rome. Okay, I need to stop. I once had to pay €40 to get a pack of Girl Scout cookies out of customs that my sister had sent to me. I love Samoas but come on, that's bananas.I will have to appreciate this collection from afar. It's the very definition of Stylish Simplicity.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXCQo62VWXs&w=420&h=315]For more information about Paola and to see the entire collection, HERE is the website.
Stylish Simplicity - Allaire Desk Fan - Restoration Hardware
I saw a very cool old-school fan when I stayed at the lovely Baur B&B in Piemonte.I don't know where they bought it, but I finally found something similar.
Restoration Hardware's brushed nickel Allaire desk fan is gorgeous.It's functional, simple, and stylish. Plus, it would work with a variety of interiors, modern, rustic, contemporary, etc.Speaking of fans, I've been running mine pretty much non-stop for the past week. I cannot wait until fall. Seriously.
Rhapsody In Blue - Using Wallpaper To Open Up A Small Kitchen
The latest issue of HOUSE BEAUTIFUL features designer Sheila Bridges' New York City kitchen.
This is a very striking and unusual blue for a kitchen. Bridges' Torino Damask wallpaper is gorgeous and does make the space seem larger.
I love how the silver in the wallpaper works with the stainless steel appliances.
It's funny to me how this is described as a small kitchen. True, it is much smaller than the kitchen in Bridges' Hudson River Valley home, but by NYC standard, this kitchen is pretty decent size.
To see more of the kitchen, the HB slide show is HERE.
Weekend Inspiration - Tuscan Wrapping Paper
I really enjoy choosing gifts for family and friends.To me, the wrapping paper is for said gift is just as important.
Love this print and the color.Buon weekend!!
Buon Viaggio - Bologna, Italy
I've been to Bologna once before for a very quick day trip with friends. This time I went for work.Bologna is consistently rated as one the most liveable cities on the planet. The cuisine is amazing, there are many companies based in the area in a variety of sectors, and a well educated population (the oldest university in the Western world was founded in Bologna).I knew this before I started researching my trip. I didn't know, however, that there were so many fantastic stores for interiors. I was in décor heaven and I could not get over how friendly everyone was.My sister's former colleague, John, is in Bologna writing his dissertation and we had lunch at Drogheria della Rosa. It was just as delicious as I remembered and it's one of John's favorite restaurants in Bologna.John was kind enough to bring me a bunch of shelter and cooking magazines from the States. Later I met up with the lovely Tina for an aperitivo before catching the Italo train back to Rome. It was a nice way to end a long but productive day.I hope I will be able to return to Bologna soon.Here are three of the showrooms I adored:
BORGO DELLA TOVAGLIE
Housed in a former furrier's workshop, this store blends design, art, and fashion.Borgo delle Tovaglie began as a tablecloth manufacturer in the early '90s. In 2005 Valentina Muggia and her husband Giuliano Di Paolo bought the company. Today the brand is internationally known for it's quality and style. This is their first store and it's a beauty. They carry a variety of brands in addition to their own. There was so much to see (and buy). I loved their plates in a bucket. Very clever and useful.Borgo delle TovaglieVia Farini, 10+39 051-330938www.borgodelletovaglie.com
CAMERA CON VISTA
This store is located in the very pretty Piazza Santo Stefano. Owned by Matteo and Rebecca, here you find one of kind objects from Italy, France, Spain, Sweden, and other countries.They carry jaw-dropping antiques and stunning modern pieces that have been refurbished into furniture.There are always new pieces coming in. You never know what you might discover during your visit.Camera Con VistaVia Santa Stefano 14/2a+39 051-22468www.cameraconvista.biz
FABRIZIO COCCHI
Interior designer Fabrizio Cocchi's showroom has an elegant, glamorous vibe. It's bold and full of color. The photo below is of the neutral section. When I first walked in, there was a lot of orange and red.Cocchi also had quite the collection of design books. I would have gladly sat on one of his custom sofas and read for the afternoon.Okay, that would've been weird and rude as it's a store not a library.
Photo: Fabriziococchi.com
Fabrizio CocchiVia Castiglione, 17d+39 051-264358www.fabriziococchi.com
The Hallway/Il Ingresso
Recently I re-read "Rose Cumming: Design Inspirations."This book, about one of the pioneers of a "new" field called interior design, was a gift from my friend Erica for my birthday last year.The following quote from Ms. Cumming jumped out at me: "I feel that upon entering a house one should at once be made conscious of the dominate note pervading its scheme of decoration."I was just speaking with a friend regarding how sometimes hallways are neglected spaces.I agree with Ms. Cumming. A hallway shouldn't be a dumping ground for keys, shoes, etc.If you live in a small space you could create a hallway that's functional and stylish.Here are three fab hallways:
Photo: Veranda
How gorgeous is this staircase? I love the contrast of the very dark wood with the white paint.
Photo: The Kitchn
Designer Rita Konig's kitchen is a perfect example of a hallway serving more than one purpose.
Photo: Remodelista
A hallway is a great space to showcase art.
Weekend Inspiration - Relais Monaci Delle Terre Nere - Sicily
No words are needed explain why this new hotel in Sicily is inspiring.
For more pictures of this stunning place, please click on their website HERE:Buon weekend!(I'm going to dream about the bedrooms. I know it.)
Stylish Simplicity - Alessi E-LI-LI Espresso Cups By Fuksas
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
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.
Weekend Inspiration - DOMAINE Magazine
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.
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!
Il Tennis
It's time to hit the courts.There are a lot of things I enjoy about playing tennis. It's fun, it's outdoors, it's a sport you can play for life, and the clothes.I'm dead serious. From a very young age, I've LOVED tennis outfits. I like to keep my clothes simple, no lace or crazy patterns. I'm there to play a sport not to go clubbing.Below are some of my favorite old school photos. It's interesting, you could wear any of these clothes now (perhaps not the headbands) and they would look contemporary even though they are from the 70's and the 80's. Classic.
Photo: Guardian UK
Photo: World In Sport.com
Other photos: Google
Stylish Simplicity - Pera Vase - Crate & Barrel
FINALLY!Winter is gone. Over the weekend we had highs in the low 70's/20's. It was glorious.This morning I jogged past my favorite flower stand and I was compelled by this amazing weather to buy some tulips.I think they would look perfect in this vase.
Photo: Crate&Barrel
The lines of this vase are simple yet elegant. Crate & Barrel proves once again that great design doesn't have to be expensive.
Weekend Inspiration - Let There Be Light - A Family Room Designed by Peter Dunham
A new Pope was elected this week. We still don't have a Prime Minister. It's kind of nuts but I digress.The determined sun fought its way through today's stubborn clouds and after a week of horrendous weather, we finally had a few hours of sunshine. The angels sang.Perhaps it's a little early for Spring cleaning (the horrible weather is scheduled to return on Sunday afternoon) but I would like to get started on some projects this weekend.Thoughts of Spring brought me to the photo below.How lovely is this space designed by L.A. based, British born, Peter Dunham?
Photo: Architectural Digest
We had a chance to visit Peter's showroom during Kathryn M. Ireland's Design Bootcamp. His showroom was filled with beautiful things and Peter was very charming.I think those chairs need to be in my home.Buon Weekend!
J.Crew - "Shiny Ponies" and Italy.
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.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EKTx5on6U8&w=560&h=315]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.