I'm calling on your super powers, oh fashionable readers and friends. I am desperately seeking these Tory Burch Tanya sandals in a size 6. Can't find them anywhere. If by some great chance you have them, know if a store that has them, or "know a guy" who ca get a pair, let's talk. Pretty please?
July 29, 2009
July 28, 2009
Fishing for Compliments
Those clever illustrators at Hermès are having way too much fun. Here's the catch... it can't just be the designer that has the idea. The company as a whole has to be on board with such playful branding. Here they are, purveyors of the world's most coveted handbags... and their email marketing has an animated sketch of a man in his boxer briefs with a snorkel. Who does that?!
Can I just say to the creative visionaries and the executives who entrust them with their messaging: bravo, team! Bravo!
July 27, 2009
muy bastante
Spanish Illustrator Sandra Suy's brilliant versions of runway looks from Paris fashion shows. (via Un Nouveau Pop Ideal)
July 26, 2009
July 25, 2009
Model Citizens
Cleaning up my desktop I came across some candid shots taken during Paris Fashion week. Before I tossed them I thought I'd post them here. If I recall, these were all found on The Moment, one of the NYT blogs.
Candid shots tell such stories, don't they? True or not, I can usually craft a possibly storyline surrounding each candid photo.
Let's take that final photo for example... what do you suppose she's thinking and what are the throngs of stylists, media and fashion directors standing around saying to her as she fidgets with the belt on her fitted top? Any takers?
July 24, 2009
I'd Always Suspected I Was Royalty
Do you remember my results when I last took the MyDeco StyleFinder quiz last July? It told me my taste in interiors was masculine. Listen honey... if there's one word that does NOT describe me, it's masculine. No way. No how. Not happening.
And then it dawned on me... online I tend to choose photos of spaces so clean they are almost spartan in their design. Super clean, super mod, super...manly? (I think not, but you get my drift.) One look around my house and you'll see lush damask fabrics, silk dupioni draperies, curved legs on tables, rich reds, deep oranges and a host of other decidedly glamorous and (I'll just say it) feminine touches.
The closer I looked, the more I recognized a disparity between my real world possessions and style versus the spaces that I gravitated towards online. Do clean rooms and mod surroundings photograph better? Possibly. Do I lean towards uber-clean designs online because they offer visual order? Maybe. It's hard to say. And it likely doesn't matter. What does matter is that I was always bothered by those test results.
So much like a kid who is unhappy with his SAT scores...I tested, tested, tested again. And this time (some 12 months later) I keep coming up as "Home Queen" (didn't they mean Homecoming Queen?...hard to say, but at least Queen is in the title).
What's the Queen like? According to the site:
You have an almost theatrical approach to interior design, dressing up rooms just as you yourself would for a glamorous night out (or in). The look is opulent and luxurious, but can be equally sexy and sophisticated - just like you!
So far so good... what else does the good doctor, er, test have to say?
You are drawn to all things that combine beauty with adventure. This is a high-octane, unabashed, sensual look that encompasses everything that's luxurious, voluptuous and curvaceous. Think rich fabrics, textured materials and glossy surfaces. While glamour makes a big, bold statement, it also smacks of total comfort and fun. Vibrant, jewel-like colours command attention while shapely and harmonious prints add a polished sense of style. After invigorating exercise, your living room's the perfect place to relax and unwind.
So far I'm seeing vibrant, sexy, fun, glamorous, bold, polished....I like those words. I like them a lot. And so we continue the analysis...
Your bedroom has that classic look that never goes out of style.
Sleep is fundamentally important to our well being...
Elegance and relative simplicity are keynotes in your bedroom, using
classic, neutral colours and textures to create an oasis of calm.
Almost accurate. I definitely have punches of vibrant color in the bedroom. But I do balance those bright feminine touches with a neutral base palette and classic elegance in my furnishings. Besides, this modern girl shares her bedroom with her modern husband. If I femmed it up too much he'd be wildly uncomfortable.
You're a modern maverick, a supremely elegant entertainer. At home, you have a fresh, contemporary dining style that is versatile and achievable on almost any budget... When it comes to entertaining, you're a real foodie who loves eating out in the best restaurants.
I like the word maverick (always have) and do enjoy fine restaurants. I'd say my dining room style is more plush than the results indicate, but again the results aren't terribly unfavorable.
It summed me up by stating quite simply:
Glorious and gorgeous, your home affirms your love of life.
Not bad. Not bad at all. I'm happy I took the test again. Truth be told, I suspect we all love learning about ourselves and our personalities - whether or not the results are perfectly accurate. It gives us a reason to indulge in a bit of "me" time and gain a sliver of an outside perspective on our ever-changing selves.
It seems to me that quizzes like this are comparable to modern day SAT scores for adults, and we're all curious to see how our peers have scored. Only in this case SAT means Style and Taste. So what about you? In the mood for a bit on introspection this afternoon? Can you spare a few moments for the sake of style and self indulgence? Yes. Yes, I think you can. What does your SAT score say about you?
Brown Chicken Brown Cow
You see this image? Jimmy Choo sent out an email yesterday advertising their fall line, which apparently includes the red hobo bag and black leather boots seen in the photo. Immediately my mind goes to the movie Pretty Woman. Hooker with a heart of gold. Julia Roberts and her 44" long legs (how is that possible?). This campaign photo is sending a message. And it isn't a good one.
Thigh high leather boots come in and out of fashion. Me? I won't wear them for the reasons mentioned above, regardless of their current trendiness. To me they say "streetwalker" or at the very least, someone who is trying way too hard to gain attention. Then again, I'm so petite that these would probably envelop my entire leg.
Realizing I might be in the minority on this, it prompted me to ask my twitter crew their opinion of above-the-knee boots. Here's how it all went down:
July 23, 2009
Prized Possessions
Still lusting after these? I happen to have a pair to sell. Brand spanking new in the lovely lavender Choo box. If you wear a size 37 (that's a 7, stateside) and are interested, please email me immediately before I return them. (I paid less than half price for them.)
Oh, and one more thing. I also have a pair of Keltons...it's either a 6 or a 6.5. I'll have to check. Prices so low you won't believe it. If you want them, email me soon before I send them back to the store this weekend.
Puttin' on the Ritz
If you follow me on twitter, you no doubt know that I "outed" myself last week as a viewer of the Bachelorette. Yes, yes...it's true. I do enjoy a bit of low-brow television in the evening. I'm not ashamed (okay, maybe I am) to admit it.
In my defense, they do travel the world, stay in posh hotels, skydive, picnic on the rim of volcanoes, and essentially live it up before our very eyes. It's an adventurer's paradise, and you can craft a fairly good itinerary for your next trip if they happen to visit a destination you enjoy. Most recently, that was Hawaii.
Is Jillian going to find love? I have no clue, nor do I imagine any of these relationships have long-lasting potential. (Reid is the only normal one, and he's not ready to commit...or is he?) What I do know is that she's been on some incredible dates throughout Spain, has a world-class tour of her homeland Canada, seen some amazing things in Hawaii and can easily say she's seen some of LA's better hotspots. All on someone else's dime. Talk about a savvy businesswoman.
So when it comes time for me to do my helicopter tour of Hawaii and wake up to the sweet smell of fresh pineapple and ocean surf...you can bet I'll be staying at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on Maui. No bachelors, no camera crew, no Chris Harrison (although I'd enjoy a bit of dramatic narration in my life, so he's welcome to accompany us during dinner some evenings). Just posh surroundings, my husband, the glamorous beaches, breathtaking views and the chance to stay at one of the best luxury resorts in Hawaii. Now that's my kind of reality.
Apparently, I'm a Cheryl...or maybe Victoria
"If you want to keep up with Colleen and Chezzer, put down your glass of Asti and listen up. Glamour means lethal weapon nails, gorgeous (fake) hair, and tango'd skin that shimmers. Add a little leopard print but avoid looking like Bet Lynch by adding a classic but crippling black heel. Maximize your style with plenty of bangles, bling rings and a massive tote that will make your arm ache. Complete the look with your own 10 page HELLO spread and a table down the Ivy - perfection!"
I didn't exactly love the results (fake hair? lethal weapon nails? Sounds very Real Housewives of the OC.) so I retook the quiz. At which point it was determined I was actually a Victoria. Hmmm...
"Spending your life daydreaming about your next designer tote as you live on the breadline is of course a sacrifice, but alongside restrictive pencil skirts it's par for the course for any fully-fledged fashionista. You remember the 80s only too well and often see Alexa Carrington staring back at you in the mirror as you plump your shoulder pads. The only thing to make you drop your shades and fashion pout would be the sight of God himself... Karl... Coo eee!! "
There. That's better. Wondering where this came from? I took this quiz which determined which model my personal style matched. How about you?
July 22, 2009
Mid-Week Drool Session
Something about a plate full of work makes me go out and scour the web for beautiful things. One piece of furniture I've been unable to erase from my mind was the cabinet in the top image. The Cleo cabinet from Hickory Chair. Isn't she pretty? The mirrored panels, the subdued color of the wood. It almost looks like jewelery for a room. I want one of those in my next home. Maybe two. One as an armoire, and possibly another for the dining room.
So long as we're making a list of lovely things... I'll also take that glam little ottoman in front of her in the photo. Oh...and let's add this chair while we're at it. It will give me something comfortable to sit upn while I gaze at the beauty of my Cleo. I'll tell you what...I'll get two chairs so that we can both sit and admire her beauty.
July 21, 2009
Let it Pour Forth
Today...whether you are a writer, designer, illustrator, developer, architect, office worker or bean counter...let the creativity pour fourth from you today. For most, the challenge is getting your wrists and fingers to properly execute the visions in your imagination. Those who can, are occasionally handsomely rewarded for their creative skills. Those who can't are often labeled "uncreative" - which is rarely true. I believe we are all very creative creatures. Some are just better at expressing that talent. So my wish for you today is that your skill matches your creativity. This stunning illustration just might help you achieve that harmony.
July 20, 2009
July 19, 2009
You've Got Some Verve
When the whole world is turning "green" it only makes sense that we'll continue to see the rise of the virtual greeting card. Hallmark may reign supreme in the holiday making empire, but I'm noticing quite a few boutique brands creeping up on them. From niche brands of chic paper cards (you remember those, right?) to hip new lines of digi-greetings, it's clear that even in our age of information overload, we still crave ways to show we care by sending cards to those we love the most.
Enter: VerveCards, boasting the tagline: wry and snappy, never sappy. And it's true. Even their belated birthday cards don't venture into begging for forgiveness territory. Make no mistake...these aren't for everyone. But if you need a quippy card for that smartypants sister of yours, I suspect you'll find just the message you seek in their card catalog. Consider yourselves warned...the messages are just as punchy as the colors!
July 17, 2009
Do They Make Pink Vespas?
Having thought about it, I don't actually want a pink one (although it's adorable!). I
am just curious was just curious as to what that might look like. In fact...I know what color I'd choose: white. Alpine white. And Mr. Venti can have a black one. What about you? What color would you choose?
**much thanks to Avian for pointing me in the direction of the myriad shots of pink Vespas on Flickr**
July 15, 2009
Yadda, yadda, yadda, blah, blah, blah
First, let me apologize for this post. It is part of my campaign to entice (coerce?) unblab into inviting me to be a beta tester for their (presumably) awesome email application.
You see, I'm a visual girl. But even within that personal categorization, I'm an images girl. Look around this blog. Look up, right, left. You get the gist. I like bits of copy broken up by informative and (hopefully) attractive graphics.
And yet, email applications by their very nature are anathema to this need for "visual" order. Text upon text, folder upon folder, yadda, yadda yadda.... Why can't someone revolutionize the way we communicate? Especially when so many of us are in the creative fields where imagery dominates? Well....unblab just may be the solution I've been looking for all my email-ridden life. Like your desktop (and your home) you can arrange it as you see fit. You can color code items. You can sort them without feeling like you're hiding them. You can flag things and even resize them to make them visually dominate your vision so you don't forget to follow up, or make the post, or respond.
You see, traditional email is my organizational downfall. No application - until now - has solved this dilemma. So please, unblab...I'm knockin'. Won't you let me in as a beta tester? Pretty please?
July 14, 2009
Flip Flop, Hooray, Ho!
I for one am partial to my FitFlops for my summer fitness activities, and the incomparable (and bizarrely cheap) Slim Havaianas for chilling in the summer heat. But, hey, who knew Hermès was in the flip flop game? And rather than being made of rubber and foam, these bad boys are calfskin. But you'll have to buck up $330 for these golden beauties.
July 13, 2009
Rub-a-Dub-Dub
Is it just me, or do these rooms remind you of some of the resorts in Arizona? It's got that spartan appeal of a Scottsdale day spa. I can almost imagine the cacti outside and the blazing sun over the crystal blue waters of the pool. It's as though I've just had my Hot Rock Body Massage and my vichy shower and have been told to step into the spa area until they call my name for my next treatment.
Quick, bring me my cucumber eye mask! I'll be in this tub for a little while between while I await my Tahitian Body Wrap. Time for some shut eye ;)
July 12, 2009
The Sincerest Form of Flattery?
There's "inspired" design and then there are blatant knock-offs. Seems to e that Steve is encroaching on Jimmy's designer toes with his boldfaced imitation of the beloved Jimmy Choo Prize sandals. Unbelievable.
I've seen enough impostors of the YSL Tribute platforms...and the other day I could have sworn I saw a fake "Prize" sandal as I walked past a Bakers shoe store. My eye caught what looked to be a surefire knock-off. I was in a hurry, so I didn't investigate. And yet.... I discovered this little phony today via an email.
If imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery, Steve likes Jimmy very, very, very much. And so do these other brands. I'm holding out for the real prize, thankyouverymuch. Accept no substitute.
July 11, 2009
Shake It Up
For those of you who watch Project Runway or (God help you) The Fashion Show and find yourself atop your chaise saying, "I could do that!"...now you can. Born of the idea that fashion can indeed to be created to your specifications without requiring a trip to Savile Row, we now have Style Shake.
Ladies (and gents, if you prefer) you can design your own dress using this very easy to master online tool. Click here, there, choose a fabric there, a silhouette there, select a collar, the perfect color, the ideal length, the waist, the details. It's a dress - your way.
Psst....Venti Cup readers: I'll let you in on a little secret... enter code "blog10" to receive 10% off if you order by July 20th. Now go forth and design!
Get it Together, Honey
Dig deep enough into the background of any Nancy Neatnick and she'll ultimately confess a harrowing tale of her formerly disorganized self. A dirty bedroom, disorganized closets, chaotic schedules. But after missing one birthday, one office visit, one deadline she was likely cured for good. If for not other reason that sheer embarrassment and the desire to never feel that way again. In one single moment, Nancy transformed into the modern day do-it-all woman.
As a business owner, I prize organization
above many other noble qualities. It allows me to live in a clean home, juggle what seem to be dozens of tasks, complete projects on time, keep appointments, and generally live in an orderly and happy world. I thrive when there is structure so that my creative mind can run free with ideas.
It is a learned behavior, no matter
what "experts" tell you. Yes...you can be organized. You just need to do one thing: DECIDE to be an organized person. Once you raise your standards and declare that quality as a "must" in your life you'll be cured. It certainly was true for me. If the appeal of never missing a deadline again can't sway you to join "our team" then maybe the cool journals, stickers, notebooks and pretty paper accessories we use will convince you. After all, a Disorganized Debbie just wouldn't look right carrying around such a fetching little journal or brandishing such a pretty little dayplanner. And she might... (can I say this aloud?) lose it. Tsk Tsk.
You see, the Nancys of the world feel a certain tension with the Debbies. Because as much as Debbie might complain about her missing to-do lists and missed appointments, she could easily fix these thngs. She could absolutely pull it together and turn her life around as Nancy did.
Anyone can make a decision that forever changes the trajectory of their life like once-disorganized-Nancy. She can now tell her husband she'd like him to grab the the third white shirt from the back of the closet. She can tell you that the kitchen shears are in the utensil drawer and the paper scissors reside in the utility drawer. She's a civilized version of her former self, surrounded by colorful notebooks, attractive wastebaskets and fabulous journals that have become a part of her very essence. She's a changed person. Has been for as long as she can remember. And
you can be too. So....if you're a Debbie I'm asking you to join our team. Make a decision and get it together. Your life will be far easier. You'll accomplish so much more. You'll find order in your chaos.
Besides...It's a whole lot prettier over here thanks to all of our cool office accessories.
{images courtesy of See Jane Work...catch the 20% off offer by using code '20lifeorg' at checkout}
July 10, 2009
Form+Function=Perfection
Do yourselves a favor....pop over to Edward Ferrell / Lewis Mittman to see some incredibly chic furnishings. I'm partial to this lovely chair from the Pure collection.
Better yet? The company founders are proud to be members of the Sustainable Furnishings Council. Good looking and good for you. Perfection.
J.Cruel Intentions
Just got the email....the fall collection has arrived. Gird your loins!
Oh, Cut it Out!
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in your InBox - blammo! Yet another platform sandal for fall. The Miu Miu cut-outs are the latest incarnation (get yourself to Barney's if these are calling to you). They are a bit too heavy-handed for me. I like a bit less "shoe" and a bit more "me" in my footwear. Me no lika deeza so mucha.
As for me, I'm laser focused on only one fall shoe...the Tory Burch Luke. I need it. I want it. I must have it. It will be mine Fairy shoe mother, if you're reading my blog (and I like to think that you are) I still wear the same size. This is one pair of "3.75" covered Brazilian-made heels with screw-head stud detail and multiple straps, with double buckled ankle straps and zipper closure at back" that I'm not willing to miss. So let's see those pre-fall sales start up soon enough for my size to still be available. Okay? *sigh*
Yes...this shall be my chosen pair of shoes for fall. It is perfection.
July 08, 2009
Restraining Order
There's got to be some great irony that on the morning after watching Confessions of a Shopaholic I find myself staring down the stacked heel of a Louboutin platform bootie from the upcoming fall '09 collection. (Please tell me you a re dying as I am over these bizarrely gorgeous, yet slightly s & m wonders! Yowza!)
Wasn't the point of that movie that (spoiler alert) Isla Fisher turned her life around by letting go of her material possessions and discovering the difference between cost and worth? I'm fairly certain that this was the message behind this cautionary tale. But I personally found it hard to concentrate on anything but her astonishing wardrobe. Yves Saint Laurent, Prada, Gucci and Lanvin....it was almost too much to handle, people! Can I get an amen? Pair that with her incredible hair, gorgeous face and undeniable cuteness. This movie veritable feast for the eyes.
But back to reality (slap! slap!). The point of my post is that I really related to her penchant for doing whatever it takes to partake in a sale. We (or at least I) certainly do covet things. Shiny things. Pretty things. But (at least in my case) a select number of quality things. I don't tend to buy "disposable" clothing. I invest in the best I can afford. And if you adhere to the "two for one" edict I employ you won't find yourself in in this situation.
Two for one is this: for every item you buy, you must get rid of two things you already own. Buy a new cashmere sweater? What two items that you already own can you part with? Trust me...you start whittling your wardrobe down to the quality items fairly quickly. It will show you what you truly love and what you simply wanted to possess. Focus on fit, quality and "cost per wear" and you'll keep yourself on track. And this is only a small part of my approach to investing in fashion and intelligent wardrobe building. And yes, you did just read the words "investing" and "intelligent" in the same sentence with shopping. Let me explain...
July 05, 2009
Bits of Beauty
Ms. Jenn turned me on to these stunning designs by Christina Drejenstam. And lest you think the artist's creations are all about glitz and glam, think again. She's got quite a bit of range in her collection, even managing to make asparagus seem quite chic. But I think I can comfortably speak for Jenn and I both when I say, we adore her the most for these decidedly more feminine. I've tucked a few more or her illustrations below the fold...
July 03, 2009
Poolside Party
Still trying to determine what to wear tomorrow? Much of it will depend upon your plans. If you're headed to your family's estate for croquet and cucumber sandwiches, I'd recommend this lovely Milly dress I've been lusting after for quite some time.
If your weekend is a bit less country club chic and a bit more relaxed, I like this Ella Moss halter dress. Personally, I'd wear this over a black bikini with gold sandals and a big hat (J. Crew stores have some fantastic ones right now).
And because I can personally never have enough white in my wardrobe (it's a weakness I'm not ashamed to admit) I would wear something along the lines of this delicious Milly maxi dress. I'd top it with a colorful sweater to pick up the beading (turquoise would be perfection but I might just opt for a white-on-white situation), simple gold hoop earrings and these Tory Burch flats.
By the way....all of these are an additional 30% off at ChickDowntown.com (just through tomorrow). be sure to add "JULY4" promo code during checkout to get the discount. Now that's a cause for celebration.
Happy holiday, everyone! Catch you here next week!
July 02, 2009
Nap time, Anyone?
For some reason I can still clearly recall that first day of kindergarten. At some point we were all supposed to magically fall asleep at designated "nap time." Naps? I didn't take naps at home. Why would I sleep here?
And so a battle ensued every day at "nap time" between myself and our forceful teacher. I found myself in trouble with Mrs. King (aka "meanest kindergarten teacher ever") constantly for talking with my girlfriends and fidgeting while most of the other (incredibly boring) children slept. "Who were these lazy kids? There's so much to DO. How can you possibly want to sleep?" I thought.
Fast forward years later...the modern me adores the idea of a midday siesta. Brilliant idea! I try to take one as often as life allows. I'm convinced it is the secret to higher brain function and increased beauty. I'm not kidding. Some of the greatest minds in history were proponents of the mid-afternoon nap. (If it's good enough for Albert Einstein, it's good enough for me.)
Even if you're just powering down for a few moments, it helps you gain perspective and recharge. Especially on these long lazy summer afternoons. Admittedly, I like to tell myself I am emulating my stylish Italian brothers and sisters, not those lazy bums from Mrs. King's class years ago. (Something tells me those docile creatures never amounted to much.) At the very least I need to catch up on those naps I missed at the ripe old age fo five. Mrs. King, if you're reading this: I don't talk any less these days, but I'm always ready for nap time.
July 01, 2009
Balustrade & Bitters
Life is too short to think small. So live large. Live with style. Live with adventure. Live venti. Written by Franki Durbin, the blog discusses style, design, modern culture and travel.
- 2 Ciaos
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