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Authored by designer Franki Durbin.
Your stylish guide for living a glamorous, adventurous life.

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Franki Durbin Interiors.
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by yours truly.

June 17, 2013

Barbie Girl...

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Maybe you noticed... Barbie just got a little endorsement from the likes of Trina Turk. Soon (but not yet!) you'll be able to have your very own Trina Turk Barbie. Sure to be a collector's item. And note: you can doll yourself up in the very same super cute outfit. Thank you, Trina, for celebrating the little girl in all of us. 

Wanderlusting: Southern California...

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The Durbins are on the move. We're planning trips far and wide. Southern California is always calling my name. Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Coronado... the usual Venti suspects. Why? Because nothing puts the wind in my sail better and faster than sweeping views of the Pacific and palm trees. 

Naturally, we like going a few spots for variety. Palm Springs - while suffering from beach deficiency - has undeniable charm & appeal.

And while I'm a St. Regis Monarch Beach girl at heart, the two properties I'm currently stalking are The Huntley in Santa Monica in and the Westin Mission Hills in Palm Springs.

All have their perks. The Huntley is a boutuque hotel I've long had a crush on. The Westin in Palm Springs is a bit of a classic (though not nearly as infamous as the nearby "Wesrtler-ized" Viceroy). But of course the siren call of a homerun like the St. Regis is probably the most appealing for a family of four. 

Which would you choose and why?

Wanderlusting: La Posta Vecchia...


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Dreaming of luxe on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea? Than makes tow of us. This 5-star luxury property is just 45 minutes outside of Rome and worth every euro it might cost you to get there. La Posta Vecchia awaits...

Horchow F&F...

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It doesn't get much better than Horchow, and the deals don't get much sweeter than this... shop now

June 13, 2013

Necessary Treasures

Aerin
Oh, Aerin. How is it that we are SO obsessed with you. Yes, I've posted these amazing objects before. And repeatedly swooned over each new launch of your all-encompassing lifestyle brand. It is clear you are here to take over the world one gilded accessory at a time. And we than you for it. Between your fabric line, your stunning line of home accessories and your beauty collection, I can't help but admire your vision, your aesthetic and your ability to be a design powerhouse. Your "organic luxe" vibe oozes easy Saint Tropez glamour. Thank you, thank you, for continuing to dish out sleek, chic, fabulous objet trouvé. We adore them.

And like all great brand builders, you've made us see these luxuries as necessities. Do I need a trio of brass bowls shaped like hearts? Apparently I do, since I can't stop ogling them. And what of an agate geode that has likewise been dipped into that lustrous metal? Do I "need" it as I need water and food. My aching desire to own such things is a nod to your powers as a seductress. You've made luxury seem as essential to life as the air we breathe. Which, it should be notes, you've also scented with your line of fragrant candles. The better to faint upon the chaise in a fabric covered in your new textile line wearing kitten heels designed by you. Brilliant, my dear. Brilliant! You've wrapped it all up in a neat & tidy (gold) bow.

More importantly, this sudden, seemingly silent and all-consuming expanse of your luxury lifestyle brand has given me new vision, new goals and a new model from which to base my own success. Previously I've been keen to watch the rise of successful brand builders like Barbara Barry, Richard Branson and others. But having someone so much closer in age and aesthetic has given me renewed energy and a more laser-like focus on what I intend to achieve. So than you for that, and for enabling my obsession with all things brass and gold. We heart you for it. Geode // nesting bowls // three gilt-lined porcelain bowls // heart bottle stopper

June 11, 2013

Escape...

Summer is officially here. It's hot as blazes down here in Texas. Too hot to enjoy the pool during the day. Yes, that hot. But... that doesn't mean I can pinterest my little heart out and plan my next trip. As usual I'm focused on the Cote d'Azur and all things French Riviera. No surprise there, but then again... you can't improve upon perfection.

From megayachts to itsy-bitsy bikinis, this stretch of waterfront European land is amazing and never ever bores me. Thank you, Pinterest, for my daily mental vacation. ;)

Asking "Why Not?"

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A silk covered bergere, a chandelier, a gilt framed mirror and a massive architectural relic on the counter. This is a design that asks "why not?" and laughs in the face of practicality and predictability. And I absolutely love it. Believe me, practicality and "playing it safe" are boring and overrated.

{via House Beautiful}

June 03, 2013

Make a Wish...

As many of you discovered, today is my birthday (thank you, Facebook, for your best quality!). My day was amazing. Love from friends and family, the sunny Texas weather and a full appreciation for my lovely life. I'm raising my imaginary glass of bubbly to all of you with one wish: that we all learn to cherish every day as if it were a holiday made to shamelessly and selflessly celebrate. Life is too good and too brief to let these special moments pass without a little fanfare. ;)

June 02, 2013

Featured Boutique: Anthology House

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Into every life (or home, as it were) a little patina must fall. In my opinion, something with a little age and history makes a room so much more interesting. Though I don't consider myself a typical fan of vintage wares, when I stumbled upon Anthology House on etsy my appreciation of the genre was immediate.

The team behind this boutique, Amy & Alyse, have an eye for bits of glam and unique finds. From brass cranes to disco ball ice buckets (yeah, baby!) these "objets" ooze the Regency glamour of a Trina Turk photo shoot in Palm Springs.  

I'll be posting more of their chic finds throughout the month of June and digging in deeper with an interview with this talented duo. We'll uncover their treasure hunting secrets as well as learning more about what inspires their entrepreneurial drive. 

In the meantime, follow their daily style adventures on Instagramtwitter & like them on facebook. But don't miss their fabulous blog where their style mojo really shines. 

Featured: Ram Bookends // Roman Centurian Bristle Brush  // Chinoiserie Ginger Jar // Brass Swan Planters

June 01, 2013

When Only Rome Will Do...

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{via Jetsetter}

May 31, 2013

Weekend Getaway...

Even if you're staying at home for the next few days, may your weekend be the mental vacation you deserve. Enjoy your time off! xoxo Franki

Escape...

Escape...

It's Friday. More than that...I'm "this" close to finishing up a major months long project. So close to the finish line that I can already imagine the victory lap. And yet, my mind wanders.

As I press on and try to wrap up my design, my mind can't help but plot out places it wants to visit. Surely Monte Carlo sounds great, as does Portofino. Maybe the rush of Vespas whipping by in Rome, or perhaps the quiet beaches of Seychelles are calling.

All I know is I'm armed with an active passport, a tiny army of bathing suits and the biggest sunglasses I can find. The rest is up to Mr. Venti...

May 30, 2013

Dreaming of the Côte d'Azur...

May 29, 2013

Order in the House...

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By now you likely know I'm obsessive. I like things neat, tidy and... well, perfect. And a closet is no exception. In fact, since moving into our current home I've never been more closet-happy. Now that everything has a "place" and my wardobe on display it makes dressing a snap. It's not Lisa Vanderpump level of amazing, but that's what discussions about "the next house" are for... right? 

So... since I love you and I know you like pretty things like I do, I thought I'd share some dreamy photos of the divine Mrs. Vanderpump's closet (again) since I personally think it shines and sparkles like a jewel. Which is fitting since she has an abundant supply of those as well. Enjoy! 

May 28, 2013

Andare...


Andare...

Andare...

Andare...

Andare...

Andare...

Take the Leap...

Take the Leap...

I am experiencing one of those moments in life where major things are happening simultaneously. Since this life is self-driven its no surprise that this "activity concerto" is by design. As I wrap up a major design project and button up a handful of smaller ones I'm beginning to see the bright light at the end of the tunnel.

And it couldn't be happening at a better time. This weekend marked the kickoff of our American summer. We hosted a houseful of friends and family, grilled like Bobby Flay, entertained like Martha and pumped up the jams like Tiesto.

It's time for maxi dresses and mini-bikinis... Al fresco meals and evening swims. Armed with a small handful of fabulous bathing suits, much more free time and a laser-like focus on enjoying life "in the moment" I'm ready for what summer holds in store.

In preparation for these projects wrapping up I've been defragging my life. Closets have been purged, drawers are organized to Pinterest-like perfection, donations have been dropped, books returned and thank you cards written.

It's as if I've been on hyperdrive heading towards this idyllic moment when my "new life" begins. And although the cast if characters around me remains the same (husband, daughters, friends, family...) the main character in this story (moi) has undergone a dramatic, albeit private, transformation. I have renewed purpose, restored passion and specific focus on the exciting future ahead.

All that's left to do now is hold summer's hand, peer at the sparkling waters below... and leap.

May 24, 2013

Piscine

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My husband asked what my ideal swimming pool looked like. Well, maybe I'm remembering that wrong. It's entirely possible I took it upon myself to tell him what it should look like. Either way, these images tell the story for me...

I hope you have an amazing weekend and find yourself lounging by a sparkling pool of water this weekend. I certainly aim to do the same! 

{thank you, Google}

May 20, 2013

Happy Monday...

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May your week be inspired and unforgettable... 

{image via House Beautiful}

May 19, 2013

Affogatto

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We're all fascinated by coffee culture. Even the most timid of souls can confidently order a non-fat skinny latte from a barista. The more enlightened amongst us order coffee more like I do, with specifications that often befuddle those behind us in line.

So how much do you, yes you, really know about espresso-based drinks? If you've been looking for an infographic to clue you in, I've found just the thing. A cheat sheet for what I deem to be the coffee purist's guide to the perfect crema.

Wondering exactly how you'll pull those perfect shots and foam the milk just so? I've got you covered. The Nespresso system can't be beat. Trust me on this. 

{via FastCo Design}

May 18, 2013

Today's Obsession...

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It's a hot, muggy day in Texas. Normally Dallas benefits from our dry climate and lack of humidity, but not this weekend. So what does that mean? Sundresses and sandals. And since I hover at the five-foot tall mark it's all about adding a little height. These Jimmy Choo cork wedges hint at safari-chic with their tan leather but the woven metallic accents steer it right back into the glamour zone. Venti approved. Now... go out there and enjoy what feels like the first real weekend of summer, ladies. Enjoy!
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