Bohemian Boudoir

I am in the process of turning my office into a guest bedroom. I tend to utilize my dining table for most of my work, so I thought this would be a great way to get more use out of a room. I love this blue desk from Found San Francisco, so I decided to design the room around the desk....or in this case, my new vanity. The room isn't very long, so I can't use a headboard as there isn't enough clearance at the foot of the bed. I have decided to go with this beautiful antique mounted tapestry above the bed to serve as a focal point and add some interest to the room. Here is what I have so far, although it is far from complete! Enjoy!

Painted blue desk from Found San Francisco.

Pair of lucite lamps from the 1960's.

Blue/Gray and ivory striped rug from Ruby Beets.

Mirrored tables from Coup d'Etat. They are beautiful, but a bit too pricey so I am looking for something similar. When I inquired on the price I was told they made a pair for Gwyneth Paltrow. Not sure if that was to entice me or deter me. You be the judge.

Swedish tapestry from the 19th century. Again, I am looking for something similar to hang above the bed.

Kartell Victoria Ghost Chair by Phillipe Stark from The Conran Shop. Not only is it really cute but it is the perfect size to fit the narrow width of the desk.

I have had my eyes peeled at the flea markets for a chair similar to this one from Jayson Home and Garden.

This is my initial crack at it. While reviewing this post I realize I am in desperate need of an amazing mirror. I will keep you posted as to my progress! 

Iris Apfel, Fashion Darling.

Click HERE to read a great article by Gaby Wood about my personal style icon, the legendary Mrs. Iris Apfel. Love, love, love.

Photo by Martha Camarillo.

The Great Coffee Table Debate

I have been looking for the perfect coffee table for as long as I can remember. The images above serve as inspiration for what I ideally want...something chrome and glass that is 70's funky and a little off-beat. Oh, and within my budget, rectangular and a bit on the small side. There is nary a flea market stall I have left unturned. The hunt continues, but it has left me considering other options. Lucite for instance. I know, it's a bit over at this point, but it is a very fun and quirky way to spruce up a traditional space AND it suites my space constraints. Here are a couple that I have come across.....thoughts?

Image credits in order: (3) Domino Magazine, (3) The Paris Apartment, (2) Alexandra Von Furstenberg.

Pippa Small

Everytime I walk into the Union Square Barney's I go to the jewelry counter and try on the double stone opal Pippa Small ring pictured above. Pippa Small is a Canadian jewelry designer who grew up with a love of gems, shells and minerals. She started making jewelry to fund her education in anthropological studies in which she received a masters degree. Her designs caught the attention of the fashion industry and led to collaborations with Gucci, Nicole Farhi, Chloe and Christina Kim of Dosa. Her own line of jewelry is earthy, eclectic and organic. Every piece is made by hand and is therefore 100% unique. I am partial to the pieces with opal and labradorite because I think they have this very feminine ethereal quality. The double stone opal ring is definitely on my someday list, but as a good friend told me while trying to calm my consumerist urge, "you don't need to possess something to enjoy it's beauty." Hmph. Sadly, for now, I enjoy from afar.

Photography by Bill Batten.

Yellow Perfection

Last night Diane Kruger looked absolutely gorgeous in Jason Wu on the SAG red carpet. It reminded me of when Michelle Williams KILLED it at the 2006 Academy Awards in a canary yellow Vera Wang number. Let it be duly noted that they both glammed up their yellow gowns with a strong but utterly chic red lip. I myself am always a little wary of yellow even though I love it. I'm never sure that my porcelain complexion will look it's best next to such a strong color, but these ladies have given me courage. Maybe I will buy that neon yellow cashmere Vince cardigan I have been eyeing after all? Stay tuned.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

10 Things I Can't Live Without...At The Moment

I always look forward to seeing who Elle Decor is going to spotlight each month in their 10 Things I Can't Live Without page. I started to wonder, what are the 10 things that I can't live without? It is a list that is constantly changing, so here are the things that I can't live without at this very second....

Spiewalk Whitman Coat in Brown Tweed. Who can resist a ruffle?

Dior Show mascara in noir. Nuf said.

Chez Panisse dinnerware line by Heath Ceramics. If it's good enough for Alice Waters, then it's good enough for me to save up for years to complete my set.

Panama fedora a la Keira Knightly. I'm a sucker for a jaunty hat.

Kai roll-on perfume oil. Gardenia makes me swoon.

Bobby Long's album Dirty Pond Songs. I adore acoustic guitar.

Lloeffler Randall Matilde boots. A serious investment, but a classic wardrobe staple.

Vintage Suzani pillows. They add life to my living room and they make me smile.

What is life without Champagne?

Black and white striped area rug from Ruby Beets. Photo by Melanie Acevedo via Style Curator.

Black Saarinen table. Mine is a side table, but you get the idea.

Burton Wheelie Cargo bag. I live to travel, and I can fit A LOT in this bag.

Young Victoria

I went and saw Young Victoria last night and am here to report that it is AMAZING. True, I am a sucker for period pieces and have been a huge Emily Blunt fan since The Devil Wears Prada, but this is really worth seeing. This movie chronicles Victoria's ascension to the throne and courtship with Prince Albert, who is played by Rupert Friend. Perhaps even more enthralling than the storyline are the gorgeous costumes designed by Sandy Powell. The dresses are intricate masterpieces in silk and velvet pastel and jewel tones. Powell gathered much of her inspiration from visiting the archives at Kensington Palace and viewing Victoria's own clothes. Powell notes that the most difficult piece to construct was the coronation robe, which was made completely from scratch including the fabric. I have a feeling that the ladies ball gowns that are covered in jewels, embroidery and flowers were also quite complicated to make. These costumes are now on display at Blenheim Palace, a fitting location as the majority of the movie was filmed in it's interior as well as the gardens. If you love a movie with a brilliant female lead, gorgeous back drops and costumes, and a touching love story, then this is a must see! I loved it.

And because Emily Blunt was on my best dressed list at the Golden Globes....

Photos courtesy of Young Victoria and Getty Images.

My New Mantra

Don't you just love this? I do. It makes me smile. This untitled work is by Mike Monteiro and is acrylic on paper.

What's My Style?

I was perusing my inspiration files this morning trying to pick out some of my favorite images that most define my style. I find this task particularly difficult because I am drawn to so many different styles from all different eras and regions. I just can't seem to pin point where I fit in. I can design for others with an accute sense of who they are and what they like, but when it comes to myself I am a jumble of everything I love. Where does this leave me? Maybe that is the definition of my style. Eclectic, boho-chic, flea market modern, traditional bohemian....who knows what to call it? I think personal style is something that is constantly evolving so why limit yourself to a label? A common thread through the images I chose was a pop of turquoise, whether a painted wall, door or piece of pottery. Coincidently, Pantone has named turquoise the color of 2010. Pantone says that turquoise is "believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky." I love that. I was just going to say it's pretty, but there you go. I aspire to be turquoise....at least this year.

Images courtesy of: Domino Magazine, Peter Dunham, "Philip Street" by Amanda Stone Talley, Raymond boozer, Schuyler Samperton, Massucco Warner Miller, Domino Magazine, Unknown.