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 - Felicia Sullivan's Dispatch From Florence
Felicia and I met a few years ago through a friend in NYC. She's wicked smart, funny, and has a killer sense of style. Along with being a ridiculously talented writer, Felicia is also a gifted photographer, baker, and cook.Felicia recently left her high-powered/profile job and is traveling in Italy and France for three weeks. It's not easy to walk away from something that looks great on paper (especially in this economy). It takes a certain kind of fearlessness to step toward the unknown.I love her blog. The way Felicia writes about life, love, food, etc. is extraordinary.I just read her Florence dispatch and I all I have to say is, "I need to book a train ticket pronto." I hope her writing and her photos will inspire you.Buon Weekend!
Weekend Inspiration - Audrey Hepburn In Rome
Audrey Hepburn's son, Luca Dotti, has edited a book about his famous mother."Audrey In Rome" has over two hundred photographs, many of them never published before, taken during the time Ms. Hepburn lived in the Eternal City.Ms. Hepburn was a resident in Rome for over twenty years after marrying, Dr. Andrea Dotti, an Italian psychiatrist.I cannot wait to buy this book filled with photos of Rome and of fashion from the '50s to the '70s. The release date is April 16th.Hope you have a stylish and fantastic weekend.
Thinking About Walk-In Closets During Cambio Di Stagione.
Me: "What are you doing this weekend?"Friend: "Cambio di Stagione."Yes, it's that time of year... we have to swap out our Winter clothes for our Spring/Summer clothes.My friends in Italy who are fortunate to have enough closet space to avoid under-the-bed boxes, still do Cambio di Stagione. Clothes that need to be dry-cleaned are dropped off. Boots and other other Winter shoes are taken to the cobbler.My closet is tiny. I guess one benefit is even if I could afford to buy the clothes I want, I would have no place to put them.As I get ready to Cambio di Stagione, I dream about more closet space.
Photo: ELLE DECOR
Photo: Architectural Digest
Photo: Jodi Foster
Go Ahead And Waste Some Time
I was reading one of my favorite interior design/lifestyle blogs, FROM THE RIGHT BANK, and Ally's post about making time for your passions really struck a chord with me.It's important to recharge and to be inspired, especially if you work in a creative field.I know in our culture (American) we have this thing about "not wasting time." We live to work and don't take vacations. For some, they feel pressured not to use their few measly vacation days because they don't want to be seen as slackers. When you have a CEO barely taking maternity leave, it sends a very clear message, "You have no life outside this office/job. Don't even think about taking a vacation."I know many people who work for themselves and they brag constantly about NEVER taking day off.I used to do that. I felt guilty if I wasn't always working or doing something "productive." I was going to out work everyone and move up that ladder.I don't know if it's getting older, moving overseas, or getting completely screwed over at a former job, but I don't think it's great to never take a day off.If I go to a museum one afternoon how is that wasting time? Maybe a color in a Caravaggio would be perfect for a client's dining room. Maybe that painting will inspire me in a way that won't be clear for years.For my mental and physical health, my creativity, and my soul I must waste more time.I love the Bertrand Russell quote in Ally's post. "The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time."I agree.
Weekend Inspiration - Helmut Newton Exhibit At Palazzo delle Esposizioni
Last week my friend Courtney and I went to see the new Helmut Newton exhibit at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni.There are two hundred photos covering three legendary books by Newton. This blockbuster show runs until July 21st.Newton forever changed fashion photography and is considered one of the most influential photographers of the modern era. Many copy his style, but few have his talent.It was incredible to see all these iconic photographs in person. This one was shot for VOGUE in 1975.
Photo: Vogue.com
My friend and I left the show very inspired. Newton was passionate about life and his work. He was shooting until the day he died at age 84.His first book of photography wasn't published until he was 56 years old. By Hollywood standards that's close to 100.I've worked for years in culture that was/is obsessed with age and making it. I had friends in L.A. who started getting Botox in their 20's and I'm not talking only about actresses.It's hard to be in that world and not lose your sanity. Once I moved to Rome, it was a little easier. However, there were times I still woke up in the middle of the night in a panic because I haven't "made it" yet and time is running out. I thought, "I'm done. It's a wrap."Last week I walked out of that exhibit thinking,"later for that nonsense, I'm just getting started."Buon weekend!
Thinking About Orange.
I'm seeing a lot of orange for Spring.I do like the color but I don't have any of it in my home and very little of it my wardrobe. I went to Syracuse University. Trust me, I have worn my share of orange in the past.
Photo: Syracuse.com
Every time I jog past the Hermès store on Via Condotti, I sigh. One day.It's time to bring some orange back into my life. For my home, I'm thinking pillows with a pop of orange. Like this Moroccan style one from D.L. Rhein.
Photo: D.L. Rhein
I like how subtle the orange is in this room. I will buy some fresh orange flowers to help brighten up these rainy, cloudy, March days.
For my closet, a pair of Repetto Ballerinas would be perfect. I'm trying to add more color to my wardrobe.
Photo: Repetto
I did see an orange wrap dress in a store window the other day. Hmmmm, that might be too big of an orange commitment for me!
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.
Stylish Simplicity - Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour - Ballerina
We had some sunny and warm weather here in Rome on Saturday (only to get slammed with more rain yesterday, today, and apparently for the next three days).On Saturday all the outdoor cafes were packed. Everyone was rocking their sunnies and most of the heavy winter coats were packed away. Of course, some Signore insisted in wearing their furs as it's only mid-March.During the Winter I give my nails a break. With the change in weather, it's time for a professional mani/pedi.
Photo: Chanel
My favorite neutral is Chanel's Ballerina.This color looks great on almost any skin tone. That's one reason why so many manicurists and beauty editors rave about it. Another reason is the quality. Yes, it's more expensive than the drugstore brands, but the polish doesn't streak, lasts a long time, and is formaldehyde-free, toluene-free, and DBP-free.One coat is very sheer. Two coats gives you a little more pink, but not too pink. It's a sophisticated, yet fun color.I know many people like to wear outrageous colors on their hands. For me, it's not practical. On my hands, I like to keep it simple and stylish. Ballerina is everything.
Weekend Inspiration - A View From Positano.
Seven years ago I traveled to Rome for the second time.The first time was a revelation and I fell hard for this crazy city. It didn't make sense. Nobody in my family is Italian and I was not an Italophile by any stretch.I loved London, Paris, and Amsterdam. When I was in junior high and high school I just KNEW I would live in Paris or London one day. I wasn't thinking about Rome or Italy despite living in a town called Verona .I thought maybe I had responded to Rome that way because of what was, or wasn't, going on in my life at that moment. I had to find out why that one trip had unsettled me so much.I returned the following year and took a short trip to Florence and Positano.
It was a pain in the butt to get from Rome to Positano. First the train to Naples (not bad), then the train to Sorrento (an hour on a local train with many stops), and then finally a bus to Positano.
I walked down the steep hill, followed by a million steps, to reach my hotel. Once I stepped into the room and opened the large French doors, I saw that view. My heart skipped a beat. It was so beautiful it felt unreal, like a movie set.
There is a great hiking trail/path way up in the mountains, Sentiero degli Dei/Path of the Gods. Early one morning, I went up the mountain.
It was quiet. I saw two German tourists hiking and that was it. For the first time in years, my mind wasn't racing a mile a minute, overwhelmed by the things I had not accomplished.
That walk changed everything.
I realized I had to make some serious changes in my life for my mental and physical health. I wasn't sure how at that time.
Eventually, I figured it out and moved to Italy two years later.
Buon weekend!
Weekend Inspiration - Shower - Monteverdi, Tuscany
What a week.Just when you think Italian politics couldn't be more confusing or bizarre, they are. I have no idea what is going to happen now. Maybe we'll have new elections.The Pope said good-bye yesterday. The city is packed with tourists who came to see him for the last time. Cardinals are flying in for the conclave and there are journalists in town from all over the world.Work-wise, things were hectic. I'm not sure how it's Friday already.Yesterday, Domenico and I drove up to Tuscany to visit the job site and to meet with our client who flew in from Germany. Normally, we would stay overnight but we decided to make it a day trip and left Rome at 6:30 a.m.It was a very long day. At one point my brain said, "BASTA!" and refused to cooperate. It was around the time I was asking the contractor questions in Italian and then translating his answers into English.On the drive back home, all I could think about was taking a long shower, getting in my PJs, and then watching Law and Order SVU reruns on Fox Crime (I have a thing for Detective Stabler).I wish I had a shower like this:
Unfortunately, I do not.The shower in the photo was designed by Ilaria Miani for Monteverdi. Monteverdi is a group of rental villas and a hotel in the small village of Castiglioncello del Trinoro in Tuscany.Stunning. I hope to check it out sometime later this year.In the meantime, Stabler and I will be relaxing this weekend.Buon Weekend!
Weekend Inspiration - Kate Spade + Bicycles + Shutters On The Beach = Stylish Fun
It's a cloudy, rainy day in Rome.To be honest, I'm so over the rainy season it's not funny. Perhaps living in sunny Los Angeles for ten years has ruined my ability to cope with normal winter weather.I went to college in Upstate New York. I'm from the East Coast. Now all of a sudden I'm a big wimp when it comes to the weather? I really need to stop complaining about the cold because in a few months it will be too hot.It's Oscar weekend. One of the most fun events is the Independent Spirit Awards, which were held under a big tent in Santa Monica with the after party at Shutters On The Beach Hotel.The last time I went to the party, a friend and I kept following bumping into Daniel Craig. It was a glorious day.Unfortunately, the upcoming forecast is not so glorious... rain for the next five days. Clearly, there will be no stylish bike riding for me this weekend.Buon weekend a tutti![youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XNfVoVhc7M&w=560&h=315]
THE DOOR by Ava DuVernay - Film, Dècor, and Fashion.
In 2011 the Italian fashion label Miu Miu started Women's Tales, a series of short films about women directed by female directors from all over the world.Their most recent short was directed by Ava DuVernay. Ava won the best director award at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.Here is more information about Ava's short from Miu Miu:The Door, by Ava DuVernay, the fifth Miu Miu Women's Tale, is a celebration of the transformative power of feminine bonds, and a symbolic story of life change. The symbolic centre of The Door is the front entrance of the protagonist's home. As she opens it to greet a friend in the powerfully framed opening scenes, she is shrouded in an oblique sadness. "In the film, characters arrive at the door of a friend in need, bringing something of themselves," explains director DuVernay. "Eventually, we witness our heroine ready to walk through the door on her own. The door in the film represents a pathway to who we are." Clothing is also a symbol of renewal, each change of costume charting our heroine's emergence from a chrysalis of sadness. In the final scenes, she takes off her ring, pulls on long, black leather gloves, and walks, transformed by the emotive power of the clothing, through the door. Not a word was spoken, but Ava told a beautiful story. For some reason, I didn't recognize Gabrielle Union at first!The Door combines three things I'm passionate about, dècor, film, and fashion. Several of the pieces in the short need to be in my closet and hello, that house!I've seen many films with "a glass house in L.A." set design but this one really captured that L.A. loneliness vibe. I loved it.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNM0ha87eU0&w=560&h=315]
Weekend Inspiration - Nathan Turner Gets Us In The Mood.
People ask me all the time what is the difference between a mood board, an inspiration board, or a presentation board.The terms are used interchangeably, but a presentation board is the one that you would show to a client.A mood/inspiration board might be used only in house as you brainstorm design ideas. The presentation board shows the client the actual materials/furniture you plan to buy for the space.I prefer to do these boards the old-fashioned way (I like to touch and feel everything) but with clients who live overseas or travel a lot, a digital board is the way to go.I finally bit the bullet and bought Photoshop. Of course I was on a killer deadline for a project and had to turn around my boards pretty quickly.Did I mention that I had never used Photoshop before? It was straight up drama trying to get these boards done. Fortunately, I have talented friends like Nicolee Drake who are also patient teachers.Mood boards are very popular with interior designers, fashion designers, and graphic artists.I love what interior designer Nathan Turner says about the Picasso inspiration in the short clip below. It's for Pottery Barn and Nathan breaks down the process in a way that's fun and accessible.If you're in L.A. check out his store on Melrose. It's filled with beautiful things.I hope you have an inspiring weekend.http://youtu.be/wgks_wekMIU
Weekend Inspiration - The Mix - Modern Meets The 16th Century.
In December, I attended the AWAR holiday cocktail party at Palazzo Farnese. The construction of the Palazzo started in 1515 and it has been the home of the French Embassy since 1874.I've been inside the building before to vote (I have dual citizenship, American and French) and went to an exhibit they held a few years ago. However, this time there was a tour from the Ambassador himself.I had a blast that night with my friend Gillian. AWAR raised money for charity, we saw amazing art and architecture, and we had a chance to drink Champagne.One of the highlights for me was walking into various rooms by myself to study the interiors. I'm still shocked they let us take pictures (a big no-no at the American Embassy. You have to turn in your cellphones and cameras at security)."The Mix" is important. It's also difficult to do well. A room with furnishings from a mix of eras gives off a different energy than a room where every single piece of furniture, all the vignettes, art, etc. etc. are from the exact same time period and/or store. When the mix is on point, it's so exciting.
I was surprised when I stepped into this room and saw the modern iron table and chairs.I think a traditional table from that period with very ornate detailing and decked out with ivory would've been too much.Instead this table compliments the room. You really notice the drop dead gorgeous proportions, the floors, the walls, everything. Most conference rooms are zzzzzzzz. This one is a stunner.Buon weekend and cin cin to mixing it up.
Stylish Simplicity - Bee Still, My Beating Heart - La Rochere Tumbler
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.
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.
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.
Work In Progress - Country House - Tuscany, Italy
I was recently hired by the very talented architect Domenico Minchilli to work on the interiors for a home in the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy.Words cannot adequately express how excited I am about this project.
We have a mid/late Spring deadline.
Early on, I started to pull images for an inspiration board on Pinterest. Some of the images came from books in my library, photos from my travels, or from my favorite websites. Originally, I had over sixty-five images. It was a great visual tool and helped me see the big picture. I kept that version of the board private so I could show Domenico what I was thinking.Once I had a clearer idea of what the client wanted/needed for their home, I put together a mood board in Photoshop for each room. There has to be a separate post about Photoshop... DRAMA.
I had written a much longer post but deleted it. It was way too sappy.However, I will say I'm thrilled to be working with such an incredible group of people and that 2013 is off to a great start.
Reading, Writing, And Decorating.
Mamma mia, what a week. It's been non-stop since the Italian holiday season officially ended last Sunday with the Befana.There was a lot of running around picking out fabrics, butchering the Italian language when I met with the drapes/sofa maker, writing budgets, and following up on a million things that were put on hold before the holidays.My siblings and in-laws asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I have a bunch of design books on my wish list. The first batch of the books arrived last week (thanks fam!). I cannot wait to dig in.
Now I just have to find the time to sit back with a ice-filled glass of Coke, some San Carlo Rustica chips and start reading.