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August 31, 2009

Beauty: Summer Dresses in Eyelet

33211_in_l For some reason I fell in love with eyelet this summer. Never before has it held such appeal and an aura of summer chic. Yet this season, I chased down every eyelet dress I could get my little hands upon. It was as if the fabric held a mystical quality beyond measure. I'd put on the eyelet dress and be transformed into a feminine creature boasting powers only a woman could imagine. Any girl who has put on the perfect summer dress knows exactly the feeling I'm referring to right now. The "go anywhere" dress. For me, this summer, it was eyelet.

Here are a few that topped my list. Up first, the Milly Salamina Strapless.  I've not completely given up hope, but as of this posting she is on my "one that got away" list. I still hold out hope of scoring one on eBay, however. _5593822 As if that wasn't pretty enough... Shoshanna rocked out a few stunners of her own. The above dress is perfection. Again, love the scalloped hemline. _5773877 Yellow was a big color this summer. One look at this dress above and I know why - it radiates like sunshine. For those times when a strapless just won't do, I love this pretty little yellow dress. Ruffle neckline...above knee length...cinched waist. What more could a girl want? 70386_white_large Wondering which ones I scored? The Kaylor dress from Lilly Pulitzer was the one for me. (Saks has it on sale if you're looking.) She's even prettier in person, with her double layered ruffled collar, wrap style body and ruffled hem. Love! Img-thing The other dress I'm mulling over in the post-summer sales is the Betsey Dress (also from Lilly Pulitzer). Fits like a dream, and boasts the same scalloped hemline as the Milly and Shoshanna options.

So next summer when you see me, I'll be armed and fabulous with my perfect eyelet dresses. Until then, these beauties are about to be loaded into the back of the closet.

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August 30, 2009

Beauty in Bloom

Picture 12 Almost every woman I know loves flowers. They are delicate, their beauty is fleeting, they range in color from vibrant violets to palest yellow. Men may find it difficult to comprehend the importance of the occasional surprise bouquet. Blooms only last a few days, but those memories... those memories last forever. Picture 27 But imagine if your days were spent creating floral arrangements. What would it be like if your office was a veritable haven for orchids and exotic blooms? That's Jennifer McGarigle's place in the world. She's the Rachel Zoe of flowers. Styling them into unexpectedly pretty pieces of living art. FA68_500x500 While it may be true that all beauty is fleeting, cut flowers are an indulgence and a natural wonder that is perhaps the most evanescent of any of our personal indulgences. And yet - can you imagine a flowerless world? Setting aside the basics of the food chain and the purpose they serve in the world... Can you imagine a world with no blossoms. A wedding with no bouquet? Roses with no blooms? Think of the many color configurations we would miss. Picture 14Do something wonderful for yourself this week...buy an arrangement of flowers for yourself. Yes, I'm encouraging you to order yourself a professionally arranged bouquet. Big. Baudy and bodacious. Walk into a florist. Pass slowly through the store looking at every variety of flower on display. Determine what kind of flower inspires your imagnation. Are you an orchid lover or do those gerbera daisies set your heart on fire? Decide what you love. Then, walk up to the counter and order yourself a decadent arrangement and have it sent to your home (trust me, it's no fun driving home with a water-filled vase in the car). 

Think of this as investing in yourself. I guarantee it will be a mood enhancer many days to come. {If you're pressed for time, visit Jennifer's flower bar for inpiration.}

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August 29, 2009

I feel pretty, oh so pretty...

1c30274c248d6d63113d5c86a2d8ee4456aeaffc_m Bits of Beauty is in the midst of a series of posts uncovering "Everyday Beauty" as seen through the eyes of her fellow bloggers. I loved the entry by Daydream Lily as well as so many of the others. My post will be featured next week, so I'll keep you posted on the link once it goes live.

While sharing my thoughts on the concept, I realized I could go on at length about the many ways I create, define and experience beauty in my life. It's all around us, and in many ways we create it for ourselves. I believe a beautiful mind does indeed produce rose colored glasses. In other words, we are responsible for our own happiness and our own opportunities to see the wonder and majesty in the world around us. I think it's an interesting topic, so I plan to explore it with you next week.

In the meantime, have a lovely and beautiful weekend!

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August 28, 2009

Kasler's Unbounded Creativity

Living_room-033 It's always nice when a designer's style can't be pigeonholed. Such is the case with Suzanne Kasler. Her looks range from gilded Rococo flanked rooms to sleek, studied spaces with pops of modern art. There seems to be no one signature Kasler look.Kitchen-027 I find this very impressive. Especially when you look at the breadth of her work. Many a designer can conquer a living room. But Suzanne can dish up sharp looking kitchens with the best of them. Not every designer can design a kitchen to be both beautiful and functional. 169_70rm-alt While she hails from Atlanta, it is clear to e from her work that she has done extensive travels abroad. She clearly offers a European flourish to her clients. In her Decorati interview she concedes that, "Paris…to me, it is the most beautiful and inspiring place in the world."

Evidence of this Parisienne influence is clear in her work. Some of the spaces are proud for Napoleon himself. Her rich mix of collected pieces could lead you to believe every piece of furniture in a space comes with a rich European pedigree, even if the piece is brand new (like the much sought after chair above from her line for Hickory Chair - drool!).Diningoverall-0010 Like all heavy-hitters, she emphasizes a  singular "wow" factor in every space to achieve a well designed space..."it’s important that each room have one special piece-a fabulous piece of art, a fine antique, a quirky chair-but something needs to give the room personality and style."  That's a much overlooked approach to design with homeowners. Keep it clean, keep it simple, keep it focused. If there's no focal point, there's no impact.1516_23_Back_DW(By the way, here's a better look at that chair for those of you lusting after it.)

Suzannekasler_pg013 While she may credit her observation skills and her ability to accurately assess a client's lifestyle, it's clear Suzanne is a designer who has the Midas touch. The only recurring theme I can pinpoint in the rooms is a skillful blend of playfulness and pretty. Pieces are beautiful and functional, resulting in an overall look that is inviting and warm. I also truly respect how she lets the art take center stage. It's clear she has an appreciation for art and has a great understanding of history.

In her words, "The biggest challenge is keeping things fresh and interesting. I don’t want my interiors to be stamped with my own look, but want them to reflect my clients’ taste and interest. I like to help them create a lifestyle that blends the things they love with beautiful pieces."

Enjoy the rest of her interview on Decorati.

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August 26, 2009

Snapshot

Cls550 Today I am thinking about...this car...Picture 18this pretty Lilly Pulitzer dress...Picture 27the perfect, all-white bouquet of flowers...1516_23_blueand this flawless Suzanne Kasler chair.

 

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August 25, 2009

Animal Instincts

Picture 2 This arrived in my inbox moments ago. Let's ignore that hat for just a moment (if we can) and focus on the text. "One Dress Endless Possibilities." Really? I'm struggling to come up with one good reason to wear the dress. I suppose if I were dressing like Jocelyn Wildenstein for Halloween, I'd most certainly wear this dress. It goes with the whole cat fantasy/animal theme.

But let's assume that you happen to love big bold animal prints and adore the dress. Fair enough.The fact is, this is an item you can only wear once in a city. It is unforgettable and impossible to put "back into rotation" in your closet. It is a DVF, so I can assure you it fits like a dream in her signature form-fitting jersey. It looks like it hugs curves like nobody's business. That being said, anyone bold enough to wear this ocelot print dress is likely to only wear it once. So... endless possibilities? I think not.

Now... back to that hat. It makes me want to visit Russia. Better yet, it makes me want to be Russian. It has all the boldness of a ushanka and screams obscenely wealthy Moscow heiress. This hat should be worn by a woman with enough of a fortune to make her beyond reproach.

I love it and hate it at the same time. It is positively absurd, but it is my opinion that hats are for bold women. If you're going to wear a hat, it ought to be big and outrageous. The meek ought to step aside and let the pros don the audacious head wear. The bigger the better.

So... let's revive an old Venti tradition.... can you think of a good caption for this advertisement?

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App-etizing

Picture 28 Curious...what are some of your favorite iPhone apps? I adore ShopStyle, eBay, Harvest (for billing on-the-go), Tweetie (for twitter) and a handful of others. I find the Facebook app almost useless. Tell me dear readers...what apps do you love?

Posted at 02:38 PM in technology | | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

August 24, 2009

Barbara Barry, Queen of the Chair

Bracelet-chairweb This week's topic is of a personal nature. Chairs. We live with them. We love them. We need them. Unlike so many other furnishings, we'd be challenged to live comfortably in our homes and offices without these workhorses.

One of my my new favorites is the Bracelet Chair by Barbara Barry. It was one of a collection of pieces she designed for Henredon. It is grand and refined at once. I find myself mesmerized by the intelocking ovals that serve as the back. It just looks so utterly feminine.  BB_046-03BB046-04 BB_047-03 Her entire "Realized" collection, as it is dubbed, is a testimony of her unfailing ability to hit the right note when it comes to everyday luxury. The chairs are stunning without being the least bit stuffy. They could easily be added to any home, with their classic silhouettes and strong profiles.

If you are in the market for a new chair, you'd be hard pressed to do better than a Barbara Barry classic.

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I die.

R4qt865x1s0ez68n7v4z8u639azutc9Picture 20 Tonight. RZP. I. Can. Hardly. Wait. Bananas!

Apparently we are in for less makeup and hair this season, but no less of the fabulous Rachel Zoe. Me likey!

Posted at 03:43 PM in beauty, celebrities, events, fabulousness, fashion, life, luxury | | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

August 23, 2009

Change of A Dress

Picture 42 In a closet far, far away, I was a girl who wore separates. My closet was rife with every conceivable combination of neutral. Bisque, beige, cappuccino, ivory, white, black, mocha... call it what you will, I had what seemed an unlimited supply of mix and match basics that could take me from day tonight. No matter how pretty those black and white pieces were, I suddenly tired of every single piece in the closet. Picture 41 Many eBay auctions and charity donations later, I find myself up to my sculpted eyebrows in what I call "the new pretty." Pretty prints, happy pinks, delicious greens. My closet boasts more colors than a Pantone swatch book and I'm a far better person for it. Picture 40 My new "go to" brands are Nanette Lepore, Lilly Pulitzer, Milly, Shoshanna, J. Crew. All brands that boast a happy color palette and a preppy, vocal, feminine vibe. There's something about yellow strapless eyelet dresses and vibrant prints that announces to the world that you've embraced your inner girl and are not one bit ashamed to admit it. That's the new colorful me.

More importantly, I'm a dress girl now. Sure, I've still got a stable of pants and cute tops, but I'd sooner throw on a frilly frock, some metallic sandals and be out the door than work to piece together a smart outfit. It doesn't just simplify the process, it completely changes your approach to shopping. Why fret over "the perfect outfit" when a dress offers so much more mileage?Picture 43 I've even discovered the wonder of kitten heels. Yes, kitten heels. When dressing meant long pants I needed my 4" heels (otherwise the hem would drag on the floor). Now that I'm "dressing" the part, I see the beauty in a lower heel - and I have to admit that I like them.

Today I've added a new brand to the list: Yumi Kim. She might as well call her line "yummy" kim, because her pieces are all so deliciously pretty. Silky dresses with ruffles "just so"...I'm hooked. Positively hooked. So if oyu're wondering what feminine pieces I'm collecting this season, you can rest assured this brand has risen to the top of the list.  

And while I had told myself there'd be no more purchases of black items, I can't help but think that the top dress would be the one rare exception. Ruffles, florals, colors...surely it calls for an exception, right? Yes... I feel certain it does.

Ciao for now. I'm off to find some sweet little kitten heels that would look perfect with my new dress.

Posted at 07:03 AM in style | | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

August 22, 2009

Refuge

 27985_0_4-5799-traditional-bedroom27983_0_4-0719-traditional-bedroom 27984_0_4-5785-traditional-bedroom Home. Unlike any other structure in our lives, our homes are by far the most important of the architectural players in our lives. It should be a place you adore. It should be a respite from the rest of the world. It should prepare you for your adventures, entice you to return and welcome you home with open arms. 

It's no wonder we'll pay embarrassing amounts to furnish and outfit our homes. Whether that means painstakingly restored 19th century Bergere chairs or the latest innovation by IKEA...the items you choose to surround yourself with will in many ways become part of your very existence.

For me that means pretty pieces that make me smile. Be it a chair, a work of art or a silk drapery panel, interior beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. If my interior design speaks, it tells friends and family that I love things of beauty, but I value comfort very highly. I want to live in my home, not view it as a museum. Fabrics are touchable, furnishings are inviting.

What does your home say about you?

{Learn more about this beautiful space above by visiting Coburn Architecture}

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August 21, 2009

Jewel of Denial

Picture 26 Picture 2710942-794153-p  Picture 28New lust objects have a way of sneaking up on you. I've known Zanotti as a luxury footwear brand for some time, but never had reason to think much about them. But this week as I trolled the shoe sites for end of summer sales I kept coming across various pairs of jeweled sandals and thinking "yes!" over and over again. Invariably, I'd look at the price and discover they were still in excess of $500 (on sale, natch). A quick glance at the brand confirmed over and over that Guiseppe Zanotti was cranking out style after style that I adored. And so... an addiction was born.

What I love best about this brand is that it isn't as well lauded as the Louboutins and Choos of the world. The shoes themselves might be showy, but the brand name isn't plastered across the pages of the latest socialite mag of the week. 

At this point, I'm in complete denial that these are out of my comfort zone for pricing. I placate myself by noting that they run small. Surely they'd be uncomfortable. But deep down I look forward to the day I have a Zanotti box in my closet containing a delicate pair of jeweled sandals in all their Italian finery. Until then, I'll cling to the notion that they were out of my size and it just wasn't meant to be

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Colorful Tales

Picture 26 Picture 25 By now you must be thinking I've lost my mind. Versace jewelry? It's exquisite. It's expensive. And it's incredible looking.

Let's not kid ourselves here. Jewelry is not a necessity, no matter how much we covet it. Is it meaningful? Yes. But I can't say that any of it is necessary - other than a wedding ring. And even that is merely a symbol of commitment.

So now that we've agreed this is all about sensation and things we lust and want - simply because we want it. Let's continue. The Maia piece above is 18K gold with diamonds and rose-sapphires. Anyone who purchased from the line in June contributed 20% of their purchase price to Global Action for Children. A little giving, a little taking. Picture 27 Another collection (designed by an Italian, of course) I like is by the ever-popular Ippolita. It's the kind of brand you don't want to like because everyone else does. But you just can't help yourself. The bangles above would drive me crazy to wear (I don't like the constant noise they create), but are a thing of beauty in a photo. And like many of the works of art featured this week, they feature large colored stones and small diamonds. Although I normally don't care for bangles, I imagine I'd suffer for the sake of beauty if these appeared in a box on my lap. They are truly beautiful. Picture 29 Last but not least, I love this Yurman piece. Yes...yes, I know David Yurman went out with Judith Leiber jewel encrusted swan handbags. But I can't deny that I love his work. The twisted metal. The mix of gold with silver. The bold use of color. He is the master of his niche. And while the fashion mags may say he's passe, my local Neimans has an enormous counter devoted to his creations...so he must be relevant. And I'm not ashamed to tell you that one of my absolute favorite pieces from my personal collection is a gold and silver Yurman bracelet, thick as a rope, that my husband gave me. I adore it.

And in the end that's all that matters. You should wear pieces that make you smile. Pieces that mean something to you. Pieces that make your mood shine as brightly as the metal itself. Whether that's Versace for you or just a piece you pulled out of your Cracker Jack box, it shouldn't matter. Jewels, unlike any other accessory, usually come accompanied by story of their origin. Be it an engagement, a trip abroad or personal achievement, they all carry with them a history. These are uniquely personal possessions. It is no wonder that ancient civilizations were buried in all of their finery. It defined who they were.

I wonder... what stories do your favorite pieces tell?

Posted at 06:48 AM in beauty, design, jewelry, luxury, observations | | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

August 20, 2009

Interview with Brent of Card Sharks: Part Deux

Picture 32 It is always a privilege to discover the driving force behind a successful business, a great idea and an active mind. Brent boasts experience in all three areas. Here is part two of his revealing interview:

I'm impressed at the concept of card "collections" rather than just individual designs. I can't say I've seen that anywhere else. Each group is so different from the others. What brought on the idea of the separate collections? Why that approach?

Collections - where do I begin. I have been collecting since I was a kid. i collect everything from Pez to old tin globes.  In our designing of the cards we decided to do them in series, in part because some of the images that we found came in series, and in part because we thought it was conceptually unique and would set us apart. Our hope is that we have created sets of cards and packaging that are cool enough to keep - so collect them all!

Picture 20 You work with a variety of different designers and yet, there's a cohesive design thread that spans every collection. What is that process like?  How do you keep the overall look of the products unified without limiting the creativity of contributing designers or yourselves?

We use a variety of artists but the overall design of the cards and box sets is done by myself and my son. We are the ones who put it all together and so we are able to weave a cohesive look into all the design elements. We have focused a lot of our effort on creating packaging that has a consistent look and feel with the cards. We do most of the writing in-house and try to keep it crisp and clean as well.  We are always open to new ideas but don't want to compromise our design aesthetic.

I love your commitment to "green" by using 10% post-consumer content and encouraging customers to keep the packaging by making it as attractive as the products themselves. How do you see the green movement affecting your business?

The "green movement" is huge and will get even bigger, you can count on it. We felt it an absolute necessity to use recycled and recyclable materials in our product line. We could have printed the packaging and cards on a cheaper paper stock that had no post-consumer content but felt that would limit our options in the long run. We will do more in future offerings to be more earth-friendly and consumer-conscience.

Picture 23 What's next for Card Sharks? Any upcoming lines or new products you want to leak to the press? :)

We have been working on our next round of ideas. We have some wonderful artists lined up and some great ideas in the hopper. We are also exploring other types of partnerships as well. Stay tuned.

You know the drill, kiddos. Save 20% on any purchases using promo code VENTISHARKS and/or enter to win a set of boxed cards on Life in a Sippy Cup. Must enter prior to Friday at midnight!

Posted at 07:57 AM in contest, designers, eco-friendly, graphic design, illustrations, interviews | | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

August 19, 2009

Valley of the Kings

Picture 37 If this collection doesn't make you feel like an Egyptian queen, nothing will. It has that Valley of the Kings vibe to it. The designer is Alex Sepkus who hails from Lithuania, but his pieces scream Fertile Crescent to me. There's an unrestrained opulence to them that relates so clearly to the way many a Pharaoh adorned himself. A certain unbridled luxury that only a king or queen could dare pull off, (I'll blame my art history education for such a strong emotional attachment to the region.) I can almost see the parade of servants falling to their knees as the royal family passed by them, without so much as a glance. Picture 36 Fortunately, you don't have to be a tomb raider to obtain these pieces. (You may feel the need to rob a bank, but that's an inner struggle you'll need to work out on your own.)   Picture 35An article in the Robb report had this to say of his work:
Viewing Sepkus‘ jewelry under magnification reveals surprises. "Under the magnifier, you see the design in a different way, and you will always discover something that is not visible to the naked eye," he explains. In his constant pursuit of the unusual, Sepkus was one of the first designers to bring the briolette diamond cut back into favor. "The briolette has its own personality, since you can‘t find two that are exactly the same," he says.

His latest work in progress highlights colored diamond beads, but Sepkus emphasizes that each design is centered on his innovative metalwork.
While Alex's work is clearly modern, I wouldn't be surprised at all to discover that Ramesses II was himself wore pieces as grand as these. I can tell you this...I'd certainly feel very royal myself in any of the gorgeous jewelry in his collection. Go drool for yourself. Hieroglyphics translation not required.

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Interview with Brent of Card Sharks: Part One

Picture 16 In the midst of his busy season, I was able to score an interview with Brent of Card Sharks. He is both owner and one of the creative designers behind these playful greeting cards. Find out what makes this active mind tick:
Picture 20
Every graphic designer I know (self-included) has at some point thought the idea of designing greeting cards would be a wonderful way to express their creativity.  What inspired you to begin Card Sharks? What's the story behind the brand?

"I have been designing cards for my wife for years. I try to create cards for her that are unique and capture the feelings I have. Our friends and family who would see these cards would often tell me that they would love to be able to buy cards like them. My son began working with me several years ago and we got to talking about greeting cards and thought why not give it a shot. There just wasn't that much out there, in a greeting card kind of way, that appealed so we began working on concepts and designs. We prototyped a bunch if these ideas, showed them around and things just kind of took off from there."


Picture 24 The Card Sharks look is very different from any other card products I've seen. How would you describe the "look" of your products? 

"Well, I have worked with some amazing illustrators over the years. I thought why not see if they would be interested in partnering with us in this business. That was critical in my view. Great art coupled with crisp, clean design. We have been so fortunate to work with these talented artists. They produce beautiful, clever, and unique pieces that capture the attention and tickle the fancy. We design around these images to complete the card and package, hoping to create something that would be just as artistic."  


Picture 25 Creative types are all just a little different. I tend to need to see new things all of the time to draw inspiration. Magazines, new locations, shoes... you name it. Where do you go for new ideas? Are there things you do? Places you go? Sites you visit online?

"Our inspiration comes from the world of art and design - books, catalogs, magazines, web sites, blogs, museums, art events, and our own imaginations. There is so much wonderful art out there that there really is no end to great ideas." 


He's right. There is so much available in our surroundings to inspire great ideas. Never underestimate a stack of magazines, a change in your normal routine or a drive through a new area to spark your imagination. Stay tuned tomorrow for the rest of the interview with Brent to discover how he collaborates with other creatives and how the green movement is impacting his business.
You have until Friday to enter the Sippy Cup / Card Sharks giveaway. Or shop now and save 20% off your entire purchase just for entering promo code VENTISHARKS

Posted at 07:27 AM in art, design, designers, eco-friendly, graphic design, great people, illustrations, interviews | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

August 18, 2009

Natural Beauty

Picture 13   Imagine diamonds so pretty you could almost faint...that were sustainably obtained and had little or no environmental impact. Diamonds in the raw. That's the way Todd Reed likes his diamonds. And after seeing them, so do I. Picture 14 Now before you go getting all bleary eyed thinking I've gone green, I haven't. (Unless of course you count the fact these pixels are recycled every day and no humans or plants were harmed in the process. But I'm getting off topic now.) I just hadn't seen pieces like Todd's before. They remind me of an exhibit I saw on the ancient civilization of Ur. The very first civilization known to man. Once we got beyond the velvet ropes and crowds, we were able to step up the the protected glass cases to see the adornments and jewels created by these Sumerians. Picture 12You might be tempted to think that what we saw was primitive at best. Truly, we were impressed. Ornate headpieces sat alongside heavily jeweled necklaces. (If you think those Vegas showgirls wear heavy headpieces, you should see some of the findings in the Ur exhibit. You'll start thanking your lucky stars your neck doesn't have to hold us such strain - even if the muscles were holding up solid gold.)

Todd's pieces are very reminiscent of these Sumerian works of art. Straightforward, elegant, natural, but completely and deliberately composed. he seems to recognize the natural beauty of the stones and the metal - without feeling the need to polish and buff them into perfection.

Continue reading "Natural Beauty" »

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Spelling Bee

Picture 19 Picture 18 The Card Sharks giveaway ends Friday night. It is a very generous prize package for two lucky winners. But now they've upped the stakes and offered 20% off your entire purchase just for entering promo code VENTISHARKS. Go see the imaginative works available in their online boutique. Oh... and the designer interview will be posted shortly. Stay tuned!

Posted at 07:18 AM in art, contest, coolfinding, designers, graphic design, illustrations, interviews, shopping | | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

August 17, 2009

That's Some Serious Coin

Picture 21  One of my favorite magazines right now is Town & Country. I adore it. They don't weigh themselves down with fussy things like the economy and the Dow. RobertocoinI wouldn't call it escapist reading, necessarily. But if you are looking at the market, look at the market. But please, keep it out of my fashion and lifestyle magazines. T&C cooperates nicely with my desire for compartmentalization. This magazine is for those who take their leisure and their jetset lifestyle seriously. It is, bar none, my favorite glossy. Picture 19A month or so ago the issue was dedicated almost entirely to jewelry. It was there that I discovered Roberto Coin. His pieces are beautiful. What I loved most about him, however, were the things he shared in an interview. 

He is self taught. 

He believes you are either both with creativity or you are not.

He believes that design school teaches oyu to design things you've seen. To produce.

To be a creator, he asserts, is the true gift. The ability to create that which has not yet been seen.

And in true fashion, he credits his Italian genes to much of this innate sense of style and creativity. And while his pieces don't at first glance appear to me groundbreaking designs, there is a certain newness to them. A level of detail you don't quite expect. The trademark jewel hidden or inset somewhere into the design. It's marvelous, really.

I happen to agree with Roberto, by the way. You can't teach someone to have an eye for design. I've been in classes with many who wanted so desperately to be creative visually, but it just wasn't in them. True, they could learn to master certain skills...but the best creativity spills forth like a fountain that cannot be stopped. It comes from the heart, not the hands. 

And I suspect that's exactly the way Mr. Coin designs... from the heart.

Posted at 04:03 PM in coolfinding, designers, jewelry, luxury | | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

August 16, 2009

Stacked

Picture 8 Picture 10 Lately there seems to be a proliferation of innovative jewelry designers. New spins on old classics, exotic accents, over-the-top opulence. Recession? What recession? If recent designs are any indication, the accessories market is hotter than ever.

This week is going to be all about jewelry. Baubles, bracelets, bangles, earrings, pretty things. These beauties? Stacking Rings by Asha and the even prettier Stacking Bracelets. Stunning, no?

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August 15, 2009

High Street Classic

Picture 11 Snapshot Took another style personality quiz. Seems I'm "high street classic" today. Very accurate, I'd say. What about you?

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August 14, 2009

Pull Up a Chair, This May Take a While

Picture 8 This week the topic focus was on beautiful printed goods. Be it paper, posters, artwork, stationary... artistic paper is worthy of celebration.

The image above is a clue as to the two topics I'll be covering before the month ends. It features Barbara Barry's exquisite Bracelet Chair for Henredon. Is that not the prettiest chair you've seen in ages? The photo jumped out at me from this month's MetHome magazine. Deeeelish! And the fabric is actually a Barry-designed textile available through Kravet. (At this moment I'm shaking my head and smiling at the ever-prolific Barry. Designers like her don't come around often. But when they do, we should all stand back and watch her craft her web of fabulousity.)

So... what are the topics? Next week is all about jewelry. Bracelets, baubles, bangles, bling... call it what you will. I've been uncovering some of the prettiest pieces available and I'm itching to share them with you. My advice? Freeze your Amex in a block of ice this weekend, because some of my discoveries are irresistable!

The following week we will go chair hunting together. Armchairs, side chairs, low-slung, outdoor... it doesn't matter. We'll talking fabulous seating and that's all that matters. Get ready to drool over some of the beautiful options on the market today.

Until then... have a fantastic weekend. I'm takinga few days off to play in the sun and rediscover my inner Zen. I'll catch you back here next week. Ciao a tutti!

{I'm not the only one drooling over the Bracelet chair. Check out Patrick's terrific post on the iconic designer.}

Posted at 02:12 PM in beauty, celebrities, coolfinding, designers, fabulousness, interior design, jewelry, leisure, style | | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

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Perfectly Pressed

RoyalPalmDoubleHappinessInvitations Ballet BirthAs much as I love emailing, blogging and texting (and I do love to text!), nothing compares to a handwritten note. There's soething almost magical about getting something in the mail that someone has taken the time two personally write out with ink. Handwriting says something about the person. The words have so much meaning. How was it signed? With a sufficient "sincerely" or with a meaningful "love always" above the name?

Lately it seems some are even too busy to add much more text to a pre-printed birthday card. Just a simple, "Happy Birthday" written beneath the content of the card. Are we really so busy, so self-involved, so disconnected?

Take a moment, make a connection, write a letter, send a card, say thank you, deepen a friendship or build a new one. Just try it. You may even find that you enjoy it.

I might add one more thing... if you feel uninspired to write I am going to assume you don't possess a correspondence set that is pretty enough. Trust me, if you obtain a collection of paper goods pretty enough, you'll be jumping at the chance to show the world how fabulous your paper goods look. On the other hand... those of you still clinging to your ever-stylish Mrs. Strong pieces, I'll give you a pass. Hold on to them... they are most certainly collectors items to be cherished.

{Lovely cards above were found at Thornwillow, which sounds appropriately British but is actually located in New York.}

Posted at 08:22 AM in graphic design, leisure, observations, stationery, style | | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

August 13, 2009

Courage

Vision

Posted at 03:42 PM in illustrations | | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

del corazón

111MeetFreehandIf you believe the hype in most "you can be an artist, too" books on the shelves, we all have the ability to create. While this may be true, it only tells half of the story. Yes, we all have the power to create. Some of us create cakes, others create spreadsheets, others create designer footwear or fragrances. Each of us has unique talents we can explore and exploit, but not everyone is born with the gift of illustration.

I do believe that anyone "can" draw. Professors can teach you the proper method for holding a pencil, how to master specific brush strokes, what paper stock is best for charcoal versus pastel versus ink. But much like salsa dancing and Italian cooking, it either spews forth from the heart or it does not. Anyone can fake the steps or follow the recipe, but unless you add passion and soul to your work it won't spring to life like these samples of hand drawn typographic design have done.

{more can be found here}

Posted at 07:11 AM in illustrations | | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Seeking balance? Keep moving.

KfXxhvd2Upzcv4znJMVqPIBIo1_400 {artwork was discovered earlier today right over here}

Posted at 07:09 AM in life | | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

August 12, 2009

A "Musing"

 Picture 82 Picture 85 Remember when Ron Fiore shared that a muse was essential to good design? He truly believes that the muse is key to creating lust-worthy products. Without the specificity created by the interaction with a real person, the collection or pieces could often fall flat. In other words, he's saying that it isn't enough to just create beautiful things. One must create products that inspire us to want to live the lifestyle that accompanies such products. Whether that means the life of a pampered woman or that of a rugged adventurer...it varies. What is essential and consistent, however, is that the designer retains his focus on the source of inspiration.

It clearly makes sense. After all, luxury design is often predicated upon selling a fantasy. After that interview I found myself wishing I could run into someone who would inspire such visions of grandeur. Don't get me wrong, I see stylish people. Fabulous people. Beautiful people. But no one had that extra...something.

Until today.

I popped into a Starbucks this afternoon tucked away in a low profile yet high income neighborhood. The shop was quiet other a handful of guests. As I ordered my coffee I saw her parking her car. In she walked, dressed in a cheery yellow sundress and the kind of ease about her that only money and good living can buy. There was no question that this was just the type of person Ron had encountered. She was radiant.

And while I could wax poetic about her personal appearance and charm, I want to direct you to the dreamy ride she stepped out of this afternoon. The one and only Mercedes CLS550. Oh. My. Goodness. 

I assure you, my husband will be buying earplugs very soon, because I'm already foreseeing that I'll be unable to stop obsessing about this beautiful car. She was driving it just the way I like it... white with a light tan interior. Absolute perfection. Lucky for me (and unlucky for my sweetie) my current lease is up in a few months and I just happen to be on the prowl for my next ride.

We chatted for a few moments about everything and nothing while we waited for our drinks. She played with my daughter for a moment before wishing us a good afternoon. After we all drove off I wished that I had introduced myself. All that I was able to do was glance at the back of her car to see the gleaming silver numbers on the left rear bumper. After all, it was that fine sculpted metal that originally drew my attention to her. From that moment on it was less about the dress and her je ne sais quoi and more about her impressive example of German engineering.

I'm not going to kid you, I'll be on the hunt for my very own yellow dress while I try to determine what it was about her that made her so special. But in the meantime, I'll be adding this fine formed steel to my vision board. After all... that lease is ending pretty soon.

Posted at 07:19 PM in fabulousness, observations, style | | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

Shark Attack

Picture 68Picture 62 Picture 61  Picture 59 Picture 58 Months ago Card Sharks got my attention. Their cards are edgy, cool, colorful and...well, just different. I can't quite put my finger on what makes these so unique, but they serve as evidence that creativity in our culture is alive and well.

It is my great pleasure to announce to you that they are partnering with Life in a Sippy Cup for a truly incredible giveaway. Two lucky winners will win a box of their wonderfully clever cards. One happy contestant will win a set of Little Beasties and the other proud reader will run off with a set of Animal Alphabet cards.

Swing by Sippy Cup to enter! {At this point I must confess that I'm a wee bit sad I can't enter myself. These are just so impossibly cute!}

Also...Stay tuned for an upcoming interview with the creative minds at play behind the designs.

Posted at 01:51 PM in contest, designers, eco-friendly, entrepreneurs, graphic design, great people, illustrations | | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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August 11, 2009

3, 2, 1... Zoe!

The-rachel-zoe-project-season-2-countdown Thirteen days and counting. Rachel, I love you. Mwah!

Posted at 03:42 PM in fabulousness | | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

August 10, 2009

Birds of a Feather

Il_fullxfull.84222046Il_fullxfull.84222047 Il_fullxfull.84222049Aren't these peacock inspired invitations pretty? When I see these I immediately think of Maryam in Marrakesh and her Peacock Pavillions. There's a certain mystique to both the colorful birds and Morocco. Both conjure images of intrigue, adventure, wonder - and a certain amount of danger.

I often wonder what it would be like to stay on Maryam's property and hear the peacocks outside staking out their territory and letting their presence be known. Unlike Maryam, the birds are not known for their friendliness. It always makes me think that it's nature's way of reminding us that some things - however beautiful - are best appreciated from a safe distance.

So if you're not headed to Marrakesh soon to shop in the souks and enjoy the bustle of the bazaars, you can at least enjoy the beauty of these colorful invitations. I promise... these won't bite you back if you get too close ;)

{Invitation designs by Pink Lily Press...find her on Etsy}

Posted at 02:43 PM in destinations | | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

Gucci Gucci Who?

Picture 27The Dallas morning news announced the following:


"Gucci. DSW. There isn't really much more to say. The coveted Italian label is unloading handbags and shoes and slashing the accessories' prices up to 60 percent at several of the discount shoe stores' nationwide locations."

is this true? I never find anything I like in DSW, Marshall's or any of those discount stores. It just isn't worth my time these days to dig for hidden "treasure" amongst the sea of imperfect or otherwise unsellable merchandise. I have better luck shopping online sales at shopbop and Saks amongst the myriad other choices available. I can't think of the last time I made a purchase at a T.J. Maxx-type store where I left happy with my item. Especially DSW. The handful of times I've gone into one, I walked up and down every aisle, thinking I just must not be in the mood to shop. Nothing looked good enough to buy - even with the $25 gift certificate they'd mailed to me. Nothing.

Gucci has been churning out some bizarre merchandise of late...but DSW? Seems like an unlikely pairing if it is true.

Posted at 02:12 PM in fashion | | Comments (5)

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Not For Squares

Picture 26  Picture 24 These are part of the Coulson Macleod collection of limited edition prints. I have no idea who Coulson is, but these prints have an edgy coolness to them and are produced in very small quantities - 50 of each. Maximum. Once they're gone they are gone for good.

If you're in the UK they'll deliver anywhere on the mainland for free. Those of us living elsewhere will have to buck up for shipping.

Follow them on Facebook or check out more prints on the site. I happen to love the two above. It takes me back to my days of playing with Fashion Plates. Remember those?

Posted at 06:28 AM in art | | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

August 09, 2009

Paper Chase

Invite_low I'm devoting the entire week to marvelous paper products. Invites, greeting cards, posters, thank you cards, glamorous correspondence - you name it. And... I've got an exciting giveaway to be announced in the next day or so, so stay tuned.
Birthday_low But first, I have to give the spotlight to my talented blogging girlfriend Richele. Not only is her letterpress work exquisite, she also possesses far more range than most of the graphic designers I've encountered. Il_fullxfull.78417039 From elegant invites to punchy greeting cards, here's a girl who ventures out and tries on new styles like a shopaholic trying on Jimmy Choos. She's fearless and makes it look effortless. Group Swing by her Etsy store for more, but don't forget to read her blog Richie Designs. You won't be sorry.

Posted at 01:24 PM in style | | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

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In fact, I'm fabulous.

Audrey Loved this image the moment I saw it. Seemed like the perfect, fun photo for this quiet Sunday morning. I hope your weekend is going well!

{Image courtesy of PostSecret}

Posted at 06:53 AM in life | | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

August 08, 2009

Hallelujah, Halekulani

Picture 23Picture 25 Picture 24 Picture 27 Just when I thought I had my Waikiki connection all mapped out, I uncovered this gem of a property. Halekulani is privately owned and has welcomed visitors for almost a century. Lest you think that means this hotel is an aging beauty, take note that they boast a Vera Wang Suite with 2,135 well-appointed square feet plus an oceanside lanai nearly a third of the size of the suite.

Just when you think it can't get better - it does! The hotel was listed on the T+L's 500 World's Best Hotels in 2009. Forbes Traveler lists it on their "World’s Very Best Hotels and Resorts 2008" list and one of a few select properties listed as part of the exclusive Leading Luxury Hotels of the World collection. I'm calling off my search now that I've discovered this Polynesian princess. I have but one thing left to say...Aloha!

{I'll try to get a tour of the Vera Wang suite so I can post photos...sounds divine!}

Posted at 02:45 PM | | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

You Can Keep Your Jack Rogers

As a fan of Bernardo sandals, I thought this video - and the story it tells - was particularly moving. It has been my experience that all truly great creative minds switch careers at some point to pursue - and succeed at - a new creative endeavour. Like Vladimir Kagan, Frank Gehry and countless other successful designers, Bernard Rudofsky was formally trained as an architect before turning his attention to matters of fashion and design that more personally affected his clients. Rather than just altering the face of  civilized landscapes, he forever changed footwear for ladies around the world. The video above tells his story.

Posted at 08:02 AM in fashion | | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

Hawai'i Five, Oh!

Picture 47Picture 40 We've planning a trip to Hawai'i. My challenge in doing so has always been the same: which island? Anyone you ask turns the question around by asking what it is you'd like to do. My Hawai'i dream vacation is fairly straightforward: helicopter ride over waterfalls and lush landscape, see a volcano (from a safe distance), white sand beachfront for as far as the eye can see (preferably the non-molten lava variety), boutique and luxury shopping options, without the feeling that commercialism has overtaken nature and the land has been overdeveloped. To be clear, I want a luxury resort with shopping and cuisine in walkable distances. I need a hotel on the beachfront with a view as far as the eye can see.
Picture 39 Maui sounds dreamy, and we intend to stay at my recent discovery the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua while there. But what of the other islands? Kauai sounds breathtaking..but will we be bored after a day or so? The Big Island boasts an active volcano and eleven different climates. So there's an element of danger there as well as lush rain forests, arid deserts, black sand beaches and snow-capped mountaintops. I should add at this point that we'll have a toddler with us. So while Mr. Venti and I might want to go parasailing over the ocean and traipsing through the underbrush and thick vegetation in the jungle, it won't be happening with her in tow. Picture 38 Picture 37 And then I discovered the Royal Hawaiian on Oahu. Wow. Located front and center on Waikiki beach (one of the best beaches in the world), a short drive from the North Shore (every surfer girl's dream) and boasting what looks like my ideal poolside cabana fantasy...I think I've found heaven on earth!
Picture 51 To some of you tiki hut and grass skirt enthusiasts, choosing two of the best luxury resorts in Hawaii may seem like the easy way out. And it very well may be. But these days when I travel I need a surefire winner. There's nothing wrong with demanding luxury accommodations and wanting to live grandly while you're away from home. Those happen to be my ideal travel situations. Turn down service, opulent lobbies, over-the-top amenities - yes, please! Sign me up. I'll get my thrill seeking outside of the resort. What I don't like doing is hoping that my hotel is up to par. So, yes, I do gravitate toward the more established resorts.
Lux376de_74470 So it seems we're in for a bit of island hopping. Kauai for unparalleled nature, Oahu for one of the best beaches known to man and Maui for getting away from civilization and lazing about on far less populated stretches of coastline. It might make sense to decompress on Maui first and then venture out to the more western islands.
Lux376de_74463 Regardless of the order, I'm already craving the fresh sushi, succulent pineapple and incredible vistas. And you'd better believe I'm scouring the racks for cute little Lilly Pulitzer dresses and skirts to pack for the sunny days ahead. Someone might even use this as an excuse to get a few new bikinis. ;) Expect a fashion post to follow soon as I continue planning!

{Note: any feedback you might have is welcome - I'm a Hawai'i newbie and welcome your input.}

Posted at 07:30 AM in beauty, cuisine, destinations, globetrotting, leisure, luxury, things to do before I die, Travel | | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

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August 07, 2009

Trading Places

Picture 33Looking at the Samantha Browns and Anthony Bourdains of the world I begin to wonder what other courses in life I could have taken. Fashion magazine editor, buyer for Bergdorf, host of Top Chef? Any number of things could have been fun careers to try.

But while eating and shopping your way around the globe for the Travel Channel seems effortless and fun, I imagine it's challenging to travel with a film crew and present your findings in a television friendly format. I don't envy Anthony his job. One culture's delicacy is another's dog food. He's definitely a man of the people and has the "when in Rome" attitude when it comes to local cuisine.

At least Samantha Brown is staying at the Four Seasons when she travels. And since her show isn't food-centric she enjoys the freedom of choice when she dines. I'd love to have her job for about six months. Long enough to see the world and get a sample of what it's like to do so in the public eye.

What about you? If you could perform any career on for size what would it be?

Posted at 03:44 PM in celebrities, coolfinding, destinations, things to do before I die, Travel | | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

August 06, 2009

Coming Soon: Gilt with Less Guilt

Picture 19 I love Gilt. LOVE. IT. All the fabulousness with only 40% of the guilt. LOVES IT. If those deeply discounted prices are still too much for you (and often they are still just a tad higher than irresistible) you'll be happy to welcome Gilt Fuse on August 12th at noon.

Here are the deets:

Gilt Fuse gives you inside access to a new lineup of fashion, exclusively for women. We feature a wide range of styles to mix and match. Dress the way you feel: edgy today, boho tomorrow and preppy the day after. It's your style, Gilt Fuse lets you express it.

Posted at 08:52 AM in shopping | | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

August 04, 2009

Giada-worthy Kitchens

4_closed-slide 1a  25-slide-open Presently I'm drafting up my dream kitchen. What will it be, where will it be, how large will it be. One dishwasher or two in the island? Where will place the range - in the island? Viking or Wolf? So many questions.

And just when you think you've seen every possible configuration of the heart of the home, along comes Mick De Giulio to blow your mind - and your budget. These are kitchens designed by this stylish genius.

Do you want to know what I love the most/ That he has such range. He's not locked into any particular style or telltale signature look. Each one is a fresh perspective on the culinary cornerstone of the home.

Here's what they had to say about him over on Decorati...

There’s a hole in the floor of the 14th Century fortress in Verona, Italy that mid-20th century designer Carlo Scarpa rescued from false, fantastical Victorian renovations into a museum of uncommon architectural integrity. Peer inside the hole, as Mick de Giulio did, and you’ll spy centuries of construction layers. Return to the art at hand, and baroque sculptures appear to float on low contemporary pedestals with negative reveals. Return to De Giulio, and it’s no surprise he recalls this experience when asked about his approach to designing kitchens for interiors ranging from Chicago hi-rises and Wisconsin farmhouses to Caribbean getaways and a Hudson Valley, New York historic home.

There are a few more pieces of eye candy to view if you read the full article. But more importantly, he'll impart some of his wisdom upon you. Trust me, Mr. De Giulio is a man that knows his way around a kitchen.

Posted at 06:32 PM in interior design | | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

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