Io Adoro - Michelle Dockery and Lupita Nyong'o
We are smack in the middle of the Hollywood awards season. For fans of film, and/or fashion, these are glorious times.Every season, a few people really stand out. Some, unfortunately, stand out for all the wrong reasons and then there are stars like Michelle Dockery and Lupita Nyong'o.These two actresses have been killing it on the red carpet.I wasn't surprised to find out that they share a stylist, Micaela Erlanger. This has been a break out season for her as well.I love that both woman wear clothes that fit their personalities. Sometimes on the red carpet it looks like the clothes are wearing the star.While it's true most of the clothes are borrowed, there's still no excuse for ill fitting garments. One thing I've noticed with both Michelle and Lupita is the fit of their clothes. Perfection.How beautiful is this Oscar de la Renta dress? On someone else it could've seemed too old fashioned but Michelle's make-up and accessories keep it fresh.
Photo: OscarPRGirl
The detailing at the neckline and the color of this Gucci dress is stunning. It's a great color for Lupita's complexion.
Photo: E! online
I'm very curious to see what they will wear for the Oscars.
Weekend Inspiration - Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine
I recently saw Blue Jasmine. Cate Blanchett is so outstanding, you forget the plot holes in the movie.I haven't seen all the other Best Actress nominees' performances yet but if Cate wins the Oscar I wouldn't be surprised.The wardrobe was amazing as well. I read that the costume designer, Suzy Benzinger, had a budget of only $35,000. Most of the clothes were borrowed and every time Cate dropped the Birkin (which belonged to Benzinger and cost more than the entire budget) on the ground, people on set gasped.Beautiful Chanel jacket. Poor Jasmine. She was bananas.
Photo: Collider.com
How stunning is this red Carolina Herrera dress? Love, love, love, it!
Photo: indiewire.com
Stylish simplicity in a linen dress by Façonnable.
Photo: NY Daily News
I have a completely different build from Ms. Blanchett. I'm not sure how any of these clothes would look on my short self, but I can dream about the accessories.
Buon weekend!
My Word For 2014 - Crescere
Happy New Year!Last year my word was, "si."I took some risks (professionally and personally). I learned a lot and I'd like to keep this momentum going. The Italian word for "to grow" is perfect.Other words I considered:Chevron - I don't care what anyone says. This print is a classic and will never be out of style.
Idris Elba - Okay, that's two words.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLFwuCs8IwY&w=420&h=315] Jon Hamm - Two more words. The interview starts at 3:41[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOP9OMmAiRU&w=560&h=315] Do you have a word for 2014?
Merry Christmas - Buon Natale!
It's not easy to be thousands of miles away from my family on this day. While we did celebrate Thanksgiving, it's not a Caribbean holiday or tradition. Christmas on the other hand, is celebrated big time on the islands and my parents brought their traditions with them to America.It wasn't really about the presents. However, I did flip out the year when one of my gifts was an Easy Bake Oven from "Santa" ( those cakes were gross but my family pretended to like them). It was the decorating, the food, the music, and having our entertaining extended family over that made Christmas so fun and memorable.Every year we went to midnight service. Every year after church we would plead with our parents to start the tradition of opening one gift before bed. Every year they said, "no." They were very consistent.I won't be in the Caribbean today saying, "compliments of the season" but I will be there in spirit. Here are few of my favorite Christmas songs.As a kid I watched this special on CBS every Christmas. One of the best Christmas (and jazz) albums ever.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4qe7oLlizs&w=420&h=315] It wasn't Christmas in our home until my dad busted out his Nat King Cole album.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRfLl5OEDy8&w=420&h=315] Love this rendition of Mariah's song, with the Roots and jimmy Kimmel. The kids are too cute![youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWEfszb9h8Q&w=560&h=315] Does anyone else remember the group The Waitresses? This came out in 1981.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARq6uYSsUq0&w=420&h=315] Kirland and Baryhnikov, another yearly staple back in the day, on PBS. So weird that he's better known now for being the uptight Russian dude Carrie dated during the last season of SATC.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6NCE9GlU7s&w=420&h=315] A Motown classic from my first crush.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCEZEOYdfwo&w=420&h=315] Donny Hathaway. That voice. He died way too soon.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkqjjYP53vQ&w=560&h=315] This falls under melancholy Christmas songs. Perhaps I shouldn't have listened to it this year.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g4lY8Y3eoo&w=420&h=315]
"Ornament, ornament, ornament!"
My sister, Daniella, is ten years younger than me and six years younger than our brother, Gerry. We were old enough to remember the day our parents walked into the house with a new baby. She had a fine pair of lungs.Later that night, my ten year-old self was annoyed. Sure Daniella was an adorable baby and everything but hello, I had school in the morning. I couldn't sleep with all that noise. I may have said something to my mom who gave me the classic Caribbean mother "you better stop with your nonsense" face. I stopped.I was in high school when Daniella started kindergarten. Laning Avenue Elementary School had a Santa's Workshop where kids could buy Christmas gifts for their family and friends.Gerry and I would take our gifts from under the tree, unwrap them and say loudly, "ornament, ornament, ornament!" as every year from kindergarten to fifth grade that is what Daniella gave us. My parents still have those ornaments.I think it started with Gerry, who said, "oh look, it's another ornament. Ornament, ornament, ornament!" I have no idea why we found this hysterically funny.Years later during the first Christmas day we spent with my future sister-in-law and brother-in-law, I busted out with the ornament thing (it really was an ornament) and my siblings and I lost it. My in-laws to be glanced at each other, "what's wrong with these folks?"I don't have room in my apartment for even a Charlie Brown tree, but I could buy an ornament or two.Here are a few that caught my eye:Reindeer! Love the scarves. Very snazzy.
A classic bullicante glass ball ornament from Tiffany & Co for those with more champagne tastes.
I don't like mice at all but how charming are these ballerinas at Dédé Maison, one of my favorite stores in Rome.
DéDé Maison: Photos by me
Great matte finish on this silver ornament.
Here are more mice with exceptional artistic abilities.
Stylish Simplicity - Williams Sonoma - Rustic Italian Platter
The holiday season is upon us. Lights have just started to go up in my neighborhood and I saw a few festive window displays this morning on Via Condotti and Via Babuino.I haven't seen any panettone movie commercials. Several friends have assured me they are coming. Excellent.One of my goals for 2014 is to entertain more. Yes, I know it's a little early to think about these things. I can't help it.My apartment is small but I had a friend, Susan, in New York City who lived in a studio that was smaller than my place and yet she had dinner parties, Oscar parties, cocktail parties, let me introduce you to my new spinning teacher parties, etc.Her space had a different layout. However, I can still be inspired by many of her fantastic ideas.My mom, like Susan, has a great selection of serving trays and platters. Some she received as wedding gifts fifty years ago.I actually enjoyed setting the dining room table when my parents had dinner parties. My mom was occupied with cooking, my dad was the bartender, and us kids were "in charge" of the table.Okay, so my mom really had the last word about what was going on the table. When I was old enough, it was my job to iron the tablecloth and the napkins. While I STRONGLY dislike ironing my sheets (it takes forever), this party prep was fine with me.The last time I was in St. Martin, one of my friends (and former boss) was on the island and stopped by for a visit. I looked through my parents' collection to find the right tray for aperitivi and thought about all the fun holiday dinners and parties. I also realized that I need to step up my platter game.This one is gorgeous. It's from Williams-Sonoma and made in Umbria.This shade of blue is one of my favorites.
This platter is stylish simplicity.
Three Thanksgiving Floral Arrangement Ideas From Martha Stewart
I cannot believe Thanksgiving is next week! Where has this year gone?I am loving the autumn color explosion at the flower stands in my neighborhood. I want to incorporate some of those colors into interesting Thanksgiving floral arrangements.I thought, "What Would Martha Do?"Lo and behold I found the ones below on her website.Fantastic!What a creative way to use vegetables, flowers, and herbs. While this arrangement is perfect for Thanksgiving, it would also work all fall and winter. You could swap in whatever is in season.
This arrangement has less of a bounty from the earth vibe and is a little more dramatic and modern. I wouldn't put it on my dining table (it would block guests' faces) but instead on the bookcase in my foyer.
Great colors in this rustic arrangement. So warm and inviting.
I knew Martha wouldn't let me down. To see other beautiful arrangements from Ms. Stewart, click HERE.
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 - La Farmacia
I know people love to talk smack about Gwyneth Paltrow's webiste, GOOP. I don't understand why someone would subscribe to a website they hated. It's not as if anyone is forcing them to read Ms. Paltrow's musings.Yes, some of her suggestions are bananas. However, posts like The French Pharmacy are fantastic.One great about living in Europe are the pharmacies. Finally, some of the skin care products can be found in the States but usually at much higher prices.Klorane is one of my favorite brands. I will be working this weekend, including a very early Saturday meeting with one of my clients. I ran into my local farmacia to pick up one thing and ended up also buying the Energia shower gel and some conditioner.
Photo: Allure.com
I wish I could go to a spa this weekend. Instead, I will do a janky home version. Now, I need to run out to the market to get some cucumbers and limes.Buon weekend!
Weekend Inspiration - A Little Bit Of France In Brooklyn
Design, fashion, and lifestyle bloggers have gone crazy over Miranda Brooks' Brooklyn home which was featured in the January issue of American Vogue.I completely understand why. Brooks, a landscape architect/contributing editor at Vogue and her French husband, architect Bastien Halard, have created a beautiful home. It's stylish but not stuffy.How much do I adore this bathroom?
I would spend a lot of time in this space... all those books! The fresh flowers are a nice touch.
What are your plans for the weekend? I will be staring at Farrow & Ball paints trying to figure out which shade of gray is perfect for a client's upstairs hallway.I'm also going to do some major cleaning and organizing. I might treat myself to some flowers at the overpriced flower stands in Campo dei Fiori. Cranking up some good music and having pretty flowers to look at will make my chores less boring.It won't be all work this weekend. I'm also meeting friends for aperitivi.Buon weekend a tutti! Click HERE to see more pictures of this amazing home.
Io Adoro - Jimmy Fallon, Mariah Carey, & The Roots: "All I Want For Christmas Is You."
I'm not sure why Mariah is wearing a long gown, but I love this striped down version (complete with classroom instruments) of her Christmas song.The kids are too cute.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWEfszb9h8Q&w=640&h=360]
Io Adoro - Aerin Lauder's Jacques Grange Designed Office
Jacques Grange is one of my favorite designers.I adore the work he did on Aerin Lauder's new office. Lauder recently launched her own home décor and fashion company after years of working for the company her grandmother, Estée, founded.It's not easy to create an office that is functional and beautiful. This one is.
All photos: Architectural DigestThis office has wonderful personal touches. I think creative spaces need them. One production company I used to work for had a layout/dècor that screamed, "this is where creativity comes to die."The entrance hall, pictured above, sets the tone the minute you walk into the office with its art, fresh flowers, and that gorgeous chandelier.To read the article and see more photos of this fantastic space, click HERE.
Io Adoro - Sugar Paper - Los Angeles, California
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. 
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.
Stylish Simplicity - Moko Bulb Vase - Jonathan Adler
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.
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.
Io Adoro - Chez Dédé
I've written about Wonderfool the spa and concept store before. One thing I really like about Wonderfool is how they highlight Iocal artisans.A few weeks ago there was an aperitivi at the store and several of the designers were there.I had a chance to speak with the très chic Daria Reina the Creative Director of Chez Dédé, a French-Italian label. She and her partner Andrea Ferolla started the company a few years ago. Inspiration struck the luxury goods communications consultant and the art director while they were on the island of St. Barths.At Wonderfool they sell only their bags, but Chez Dédé also makes scarves and bracelets. Their scarves for men, Les New Yorkaises, would be perfect for my boyfriend, if I had one. The colors are striking and I hope they start to design some for us ladies as well.Each bag is name for an island or a beach they have visited. One of the newest editions is their Grand Tour bag. It's sporty and sophisticated. I LOVE it. It's a perfect bag for a longer trip. You can fill it with mementos of your journey.Another addition to the collection is the Taormina bag. Made with a stunning Sicilian red, this bag inspires me to book a trip to Sicily pronto.
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The craftsmanship is remarkable. Not only are these bags gorgeous, they are well made. Daria said it was important to her and her partner to make the bags in Italy. I'm sure Chez Dédé would make a lot more money producing the bags elsewhere. I appreciate their commitment to pay artisans well.
I'm not completely anti-fast fashion, but I'm doing my best to avoid it. I'd rather own a few things of excellent quality than buy a bunch of things from Zara/H&M/Top Shop that fall apart after two washings. Also, I have the worst figure for fast fashion. What looks cool on my thin and/or tall friends looks, well, cheap on me.
I adore these bags and not just because I'm an Island Girl myself. They are very "Stylish Simplicity".
I was telling one of my friends that I couldn't decide which one to get. One of the bigger totes (Ciao Portofino! Bonjour Cap Ferrat!) or the cute smaller Salina one? I will decide after my birthday next month.
Io Adoro - Wonderfool, A Spa/Concept Store In Rome
Filippo Cosmelli of IF Lifestyle Management suggested I check out Wonderfool when I asked him for some advice regarding one of my personal shopping clients.Prospero Di Veroli, a former advertising executive on Madison Avenue, has created a beautiful space dedicated to well-being and style.I've heard people rave about the spa services. Originally the store was a men's boutique and spa. In 2009 Wonderfool began to offer spa services to female clients as well. While the décor has a luxurious, understated masculine vibe, the prices for the spa are moderate.
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Prospero has a brilliant eye and finds interesting things to sell in Wonderfool. I like that he champions unique artisan designers, like Natusko Toyofuku. Wonderfool is also the only store in Rome that sells Orlebar Brown swim trunks (Daniel Craig, in Casino Royale).The scarves by Rome-based Wilma Silvestri are gorgeous and made with vintage fabrics. I must buy one of the Chez Dédé totes. I will be writing a separate post about those. There is a tailor on site who makes made-to-measure suits and shirts.I'm so glad I "found" this store and look forward to bringing my clients to Wonderfool. However, I need to stay away because every time I walk in I buy something. This is a problem.WonderfoolVia dei Bianchi Nuovi, 3900186 Romewww.wonderfool.it