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Interiors: A Designing Duo's Moroccan Getaway

2013-05-20T14:00:28Z

Shoe designer Bruno Frisoni, of famed fashion house Roger Vivier, and furniture designer Hervé Van der Straeten create an eclectic retreat in the medina of Tangiers, Morocco.

I’m absolutely enamored by the Tangiers residence of Bruno Frisoni and Hervé Van der Straeten. The home, appearing in the June issue of Vogue, exudes the French modern aesthetic that I love while maintaining its classic Moroccan features. In addition to France and Morocco, the couple used finds from around the globe—from Mexico to the Middle East—creating an eclectic retreat that mixes colors, styles, and textures.

Framed fragments of Warhol’s 1974 Mao wallpaper

The design was inspired by varied sources including works by Matisse, the city palaces of Damascus, and nearby homes of French expats.

The walls of a guest bedroom are upholstered in colorful, striped carpet from Aleppo

"In an ever-expanding city where clumsy construction continues at a relentless pace, the Frisoni and Van der Straeten house seems untouched by the frenzied activity outside the medina’s walls." - Vogue

Images: François Halard, Vogue

Friday Fashion: Chanel Resort 2014

2013-05-17T16:00:00Z

With most distracted by the frenzy that is the Met Gala, Karl Lagerfeld and crew headed to Singapore for a fashionable affair of their own. The tiny island nation served as both setting and inspiration for Chanel's 2014 Resort show. And while Karl's designs usually leave me lukewarm, I like what this collection has to offer. The references to Coco’s aesthetic are unmistakable and some unexpected twists kept the show interesting.

Unexpected Twists. Amidst all the old-school glamour, Karl introduced some whimsy and wit, i.e., schoolboy uniforms, cricket bats, feathered capes... I was particularly tickled by the batik-inspired, sporty look worn by Joan Smalls. Her hair, makeup, and styling remind me of a 90s-era, hip hop diva. Yeah. She's working it.

Joan Smalls channeling T-Boz in Look 20

The unexpected. Models in schoolboy uniforms with cricket bats and shin pads

Overall, the collection provides the jet set with a range of looks for every occasion and appetite. I think Coco would approve.

Images: (1-3, 5-7) Yoshi Okamoto, Style.com, (4, 8) Chanel News

Interiors: Jamie Drake’s Swank New Digs

2013-05-15T04:00:00Z

With sweeping views of the Hudson, fabulously tall ceilings, and a car elevator, Jamie Drake’s new apartment could easily be deemed spectacular before design work even began. But leave it to Jamie to up the ante with luxurious finishes and his trademark use of color. The result is a swank pad perfect for entertaining.

As a non-cook, Jamie designed the kitchen more for hanging out than food prep, "What I really wanted was for the kitchen to be a very glamorous wet bar." And so, the designer created a two-tiered island with gold-leafed cabinetry, an overlapping Corian table, and plenty of space for cocktails.

The master suite is just as glam in shades of gray, coral, and peach – a quiet place to unwind after a long night's affair.

Images: William Waldron, Architectural Digest

Interiors: Mid-Century Modern Monday

2013-05-13T18:00:20Z

After a night of Mad Men, a girl can’t help but be in a mid-century modern frame of mind. And so, today’s post features this shaggy chic master bedroom by Jamie Bush. While the room is fairly neutral, it has just enough spunk to keep it interesting.

Now, you’ll never hear me call it Mad Men Style. After all, you can’t name an entire period of history after a TV show. But there is something to be said in how the era is presented… sexy, sophisticated, and always unapologetic.

Images: Jamie Bush & Co.

Weekend Reading

2013-05-11T16:00:02Z

Happy Saturday! If you’re in the mood for some light reading to cap off a long work week, this post is for you! Both Lonny and Rue Magazines recently published their May issues. Each is filled with season-appropriate eye candy, so head on over and be inspired. You may even find some cool entertaining tips for your Mother’s Day soiree. Speaking of…

I'd be remiss if I didn’t send a warm and fuzzy "Happy Mother's Day" to all the mommies out there. Mothers are the glue of the universe! Where would we be without them?

Read: Rue's Pacific Northwest Issue & Lonny's Spring Entertaining Special
Image: Lonny

Friday Fashion: 2013 Met Gala Fave

2013-05-10T14:00:00Z

For those who follow on Twitter, my pick for the Met Gala’s best dressed was probably obvious. Although I tried to remain objective, reviewing slideshows and opinions in the days following, I keep coming back to the gut reaction elicited by her red carpet interview. In that moment, I simply tweeted: SJP #metgala. And honestly, what more needs to be said???

Gold Painted Ball Gown by Giles Deacon and velvet tartan boots by Christian Louboutin

Fishtail braid updo with Philip Treacy headpiece

Ok. Perhaps, I should add a few more words to explain why SJP's look is so fabulous. Monday's gala celebrated the new Costume Institute exhibit, PUNK: Chaos to Couture. Sarah not only embraced the theme, she embodied it – high fashion punk pieced together in an unexpected way. Her choices were chicly subversive and anti-pop-establishment. In fact, some didn’t get it at all, which only makes the look even more perfect!

Jewelry by Fred Leighton

Images: (1,3-5) Getty, (2) Rex Features

Interiors: Catherine Kwong’s Rock ‘n Roll Hideaway

2013-05-07T16:00:00Z

When pics of the 2013 San Francisco Decorator Showcase began to surface, this room by designer Catherine Kwong immediately made my short list of favorites. It has all the elements I love. Mixing old with new, streamlined with ornate… it's modern glamour done right! Catherine took inspiration from Mick and Bianca Jagger’s wild days, mixing luxe materials and rock-inspired accessories to create a super chic living space.

"I wanted the room to be just like Mick and Bianca: luxe and decadent, but with a rock 'n roll edge." - Catherine Kwong

Created by Stancil Studios (kudos, Stancil!), the painted floors were inspired by Cy Twombly's iconic work. They add edge, drama, and a contemporary counterpoint to the ceiling’s intricate detail. Needless to say, I love the look. If this floor was a canvas, it would be hanging in my living room.

Is this room not fantastic?!

Images: Bess Friday (see more)

Interiors: A Pink and Purple Palette

2013-05-06T14:00:00Z

Although pink and purple are the stuff of little girl dreams (mine included), the combination can also work well in adult-friendly spaces. The colors are used prominently in this design by Angie Hranowsky, whose Charleston home is featured in the April issue of Lonny. Throw in custom textiles, vintage furnishings, and a mix of artwork for an eclectic-but-cozy living space. The young Desiré would approve!

Angie raised the glamour quotient in the master bedroom with a gleaming canopy bed and floor-to-ceiling drapes. The muted colors provide a "soothing break" from the boldness found elsewhere.

Image: Julia Lynn, Lonny Magazine

Friday Fashion: Best Dressed of the Week

2013-05-03T16:00:00Z

Zoe Saldana masters two top trends in one look by Calvin Klein, a midi skirt and crop top. Alone, this wool ensemble may be just average, but with Zoe's hair, makeup, and radiant attitude, it becomes très chic! And besides, aren’t these pictures simply gorgeous???

Images: (1) Calvin Klein Collection, (2) Getty Images via Red Carpet Fashion Awards

The Darkroom: My Favorite Store That I’ve Never Visited

2013-05-02T16:00:00Z

I’m sure that I’m not alone in my love for the Darkroom, an itty-bitty design shop in London’s Bloomsbury neighborhood. I’ve never been, but that doesn’t stop me from being an adoring fan. I even sent a scout back in December 2010. "I stopped at Darkroom in London," he wrote. "Very cool spot. We should chat about it." The chat revealed that he too was smitten, making a $300 impulse buy in the process.

The overall concept is tricky to describe - modern, graphic, artisanal—all tied together by a strong undercurrent of worldly, tribal flair. While it may be hard to find the words, the visual cohesion is unmistakable. It’s like that indefinable mojo. Darkroom has got an It factor, and I, for one, can’t get enough!

I subscribed to the Darkroom newsletter shortly after my friend’s report, and review it with great detail whenever it enters my inbox. This morning was no different – a perfectly curated grid of eye candy that begs to be bought. In fact, it was the Tweedmill Picnic Blanket that inspired today’s post. Summer in DC means lots of outdoor activities (i.e., sitting on the grass), so it seems like a perfectly justifiable purchase. This may be the moment I finally shop the Darkroom (even if it’s only a virtual visit)!

Images: The Darkroom