Yesterday, designer buddy DeChelle Harris and I took a rather impromptu trip up to NYC. Our visit came on the heels of several design-related festivities—ICFF, Design Week, Blogfest, etc.—and while not on our itinerary, their energy was definitely in the air! New York City: the design mecca of the eastern hemisphere was all a’ buzz, and we only had 6 hours to soak it in. Here’s how:

200 Lex

Our first stop was the New York Design Center at 200 Lexington Ave. Specifically, we headed to the famed (at least in my mind) 1stsdibs showroom, a Shangri-La for all that’s antique and lovely. In less than an hour, we scurried about snapping pics and ogling wares. I couldn’t pick a favorite piece if I tried. Everything was phenomenal.

1960's Italian leather armchair. Loved the pair.

Knoll Platner Chairs. Can't get enough.

More pics forthcoming.

Hooray, Kips Bay!

DeChelle jaywalking her way to the Kips Bay show house

From NYDC, we headed uptown to the Kips Bay Decorator Show House. Eighteen designers, five floors, 5600+ square feet. If the house were completely empty, I could easily fall in love. Add the most luxurious furniture and finishes imaginable, and well…

Of course, we couldn’t take pictures [sad face], but for those interested, check out Curbed's photo gallery.

The Adorable Alex Hitz

While at the show house, we participated in a kitchen demo with Alex Hitz, contributing food editor of House Beautiful. Bless his little heart! Though hot as blazes in that tiny (but well-appointed) kitchen, he kept the smiles and southern wit coming. Between whipping up foodstuffs and periodic respites in the refrigerator’s cooling air, he signed complimentary copies of his book, My Beverly Hills Kitchen.
Merci, Alex!

The Met, Chaos, and Couture

As fashion-lovers, we simply could not leave the city without a quick trip to the Met and its Costume Institute exhibit PUNK: Chaos to Couture. No words really. From the floor-to-ceiling video installations to archival garments from the likes of Chanel, McQueen, and Westwood, it was mind-numbingly good… though, yet another no-photo zone.

The museum itself is an architectural masterpiece; its grand entry hall and stairs stop most visitors in their tracks, ourselves included!

The Mad Dash
With little over an hour to go, we hurried back to our point of departure - Park Ave to Lex, the 6 to the Q, a few more blocks from Herald Square, check-in, grab seats, mission accomplished.
‘Til next we meet, NYC!

Images: Sukio unless otherwise noted

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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)

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

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