Happy Weekend!

Remember to smile ... you never know who may be watching.

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Quilters Club

My mom was a collector of quilts, but that's not the type of quilts I'm talking about. This popular motif is showing up in haute couture, hunting gear, and even home decor. Check out these surprising takes on this old (new) trend.

West Elm Nomad Coverlet & Shams

Advertisement for Michael Kors Quilted Studded Hamilton tote

Quilted leather jackets (and romper)

Quilted flatware by Hampton Forge

Excalibur cabinet by Philippe Delzer for Elitis 

Kara lamp by Roche Bobois

Leopard Quilt wallpaper by Brett Design

Barbour and Jeffries (Steve McQueen collection) quilted jackets

Chanel Quilted Denim Sneaker

What's Trending: Merlot

Merlot, burgundy, oxblood … it's right in between a bold poppy-red and deep chocolatey brown on the color wheel. But no matter what you think it should be called, it is already in the closets of the top trendsetters. First seen last fall on runways, this richly-hued shade can a stand-out shade. 

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It flatters all skin tones and has the ability to act as a neutral that can be paired with just about every other color. To offset its sultry tone, you can experiment with different textures in order to keep it from looking too regal. Fur, leather, tweed or silk can all help give this shade it's edge - or softness.

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You may see retailers pairing it this summer with brighter shades like cobalt, tangerine and golds. Incorporating this color trend in smaller doses is also an option. Wine-hued accessories such as shoes, handbags and belts can have just as much of an impact to your ensemble.

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Or, for a more temporary option, you can always paint your wine on ...

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I do enjoy a robust glass of merlot. Now, I can be guilt-free and wear it instead. How will you incorporate this hue into your wardrobe?

Product Profile: Warby-Parker

After years of wearing glasses (since 7th grade, people!) I have decided to take the plunge and get LASIK this Friday. Can you hear the terror in my voice? While I'm a little nervous (ok, a lot) I have a great doctor, and I know everything will be fine. (Insert pep talk.) Most people who I have talked to say they would do it again in a heartbeat. Regardless, any good vibes you can send my way will be greatly appreciated. Please and thank you. 

For those who are familiar with LASIK know that I have been wearing my glasses for over two weeks now prior to the surgery, and I've actually gotten very used to them. I guess I'm getting my money's worth before I never need them again. Thank you, Tom Ford - you're not cheap. 

I only purchased expensive frames because that was all that was available ...and chic!. Back in those olden days, the stellar Warby Parker, the popular online destination for affordable eye glasses, didn't exist. Warby Parker launched in 2010 and sold out of 15 styles in four weeks, accumulating a wait list of about 20,000 people in the process.

With frames starting at $95, Warby Parker has revolutionized the eyewear industry. According to their website, they believed that "The industry is controlled by a few large companies that have kept prices artificially high, reaping huge profits from consumers who have no other options. By circumventing traditional channels and engaging with customers directly through our website, Warby Parker is able to provide higher-quality, better-looking prescription eyewear at a fraction of the price."

How does it work? You select any five pairs of glasses. They ship them to you for free. You have five days to try out the new frames. Ship them all back (for free), and then buy your prescription frames online. They even have experts on Facebook for that second (or 49th) opinion. Those who have bought glasses know how hard it can be to find the frames that compliment your face. 

Since their opening in 2010, they have added sunglasses, started a "buy a pair, give a pair" program, and added showrooms in multiple states. Worry, Texas not included - yet. However, you can get your Warby Parker fix because they are IN DALLAS RIGHT NOW!  They are touring the nation, visiting nine cities in six months to bring their showroom experience to life. And check out their ride:

It's a real-life school bus re-imagined as a professor’s library, complete with leather sofas, wood paneling, vintage books, and more. Today is their last day parked at 2323 Henderson Ave. but they will re-open on Thursday at the Shops at Park Lane. 

According The Wall Street Journal, the business keeps prices low by designing its own geek-chic frames, cutting out licensing fees, working directly with suppliers and eliminating markups by selling directly to consumers, who submit their prescriptions online

Click here for more company background.

photos via WarbyParker.com.

Trends of the 2013 Golden Globes

I can't resist posting about awards shows. Especially because the recent Golden Globes was the most watched since 2007 when Dreamgirls won big. Tina and Amy killed it. Why didn't someone think of this earlier? I mean, just look at these two!

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There were several #winning looks in my book when it came to the FASHION. And since color trends from the runways and red carpets have a way of making their way into home decorating style, here are my favorite inspirations from the night as I continue to tackle my own home (photos coming, I promise)...

 Tom Ford can do no wrong. Bravo, Julianne! And did you know that she's 52!?!?

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Black and white never goes out of style. Crisp, clean and timeless in nature. Don't be afraid!

Shades of red and coral were all the rage and Ms. Jessica was nothing less than spectacular. Her hair and bright lipstick pulled the entire look together. At first, I thought the necklace was a little much, but it has grown on me. I guess $5.8 million worth of bling will do that to ya! A Brad Goreski home run (sorry, Rachel).

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Layering red, orange, coral, peach and pink in one room can look overdone, but these two are spot on.

Emily was in my top 2. The cut-outs of this Michael Kors takes this dress to the next level. And John on her arm was the perfect accessory too.

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This is the lobby of the Tides Hotel in South Beach done by Kelly Wearstler. Warm, buttery yellow tones throughout the space with brass accents throughout. Too much?

If anyone can pull off this Miu Miu creation, it’s Kerry Washington. Loving her bangs too! While I personally wouldn't have chosen this hemline, it looks fantastic on her (and only her). 

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A nude palette is generally soft and can range from white and crèmes to taupe and espresso shades. These colors tend to induce calm and relaxing feelings, making them perfect for a bedroom or bathroom.

And then there was Kate. She got some flack for what some called the 80's neckline and accused of channeling her mother in Overboard, but I gasped when I first layed eyes on her. Kate could wear a Snuggie and still be perfection.   

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More brass please! Silver & black geometric wallpaper, gold, black, convex mirror, Robert Abbey brass with oyster linen shade accent lamps, asian, black, credenza, cabinet, buddha, statue, black, studded, leather chair. Fierce!

Who were your faves and worst dressed this year? There was lots of spray tanning and Angelina leg to go around. I was wishing to see some cobalt or sage green this year ... especially on Jessica Chastain who would have looked much better in one of these numbers.

Oscar de la Renta

Zac Posen

Guess I'll just have to wait for the Oscars.

It Takes A Village

I re-discovered the Novogratz family as I was channel surfing on a recent Saturday evening (apparently I have nothing better to do on Saturday nights!) and came across their show on HGTV. I used to watch them religiously on Bravo - my how their kids have grown! They are hugely entertaining and I forgot how much I missed their (dare I say) unorthodox family and style - from their eclectic taste in decor to unconventional child-rearing and best friend marriage. Caution: this family has the potential to make you feel like a (ahem) slacker.

If you aren't familiar, here's a little background: Husband and wife team Cortney and Robert Novogratz are the hip parents to seven (that's right, seven!) children. And these kids are cool with a capital C. For more than twenty years, this young and artsy couple has developed and designed many unique properties in Manhattan and beyond, rebuilt (from the ground up) entire blocks in the city, and turned those buildings into fan-tabulous spaces.

The family (who formerly called themselves Sixx Design) took shape in 1995, where Cortney and Robert were married in Georgia. Both are from large families and both had parents who were decorating enthusiasts, the couple picked up and moved to New York. They currently live in an amazing townhouse - designed by themselves of course - in West Village. You could say it's a famous renovation project documented on their old Bravo TV show and it's now for sale for $17.5 million (and that's the reduced price).

They are the parents of Wolfgang, 15, twins Bellamy and Tallulah, 14, Breaker, 12, twins Five and Holleder, 7, and the newest addition to the family, a son, Major, 3. You find out how they came up with those names here.

To say the Novagratz family is busy is an understatement. There's the Novogratz for Stark line of paint, a line of rugs with Stark, a deal with Gilt Group and Soundfreaq speakers, they're  in talks with several home shopping networks, and are "very close to a huge retail deal." Not to mention spokesmen for Bing and Bounty paper towels. They're doing all of this while raising seven kids, and shooting thirteen 30-minute episodes. Not a small feat. 

HGTV show: Currently in it's second season, Home by Novogratz, shows how the power couple juggles seven children and dozens of clients - believe good taste and deep pockets have nothing to do with each other. In each episode, Robert and Cortney take on a new design project and create totally unique, wildly original spaces that showcase their funky, downtown-chic aesthetic, their unpretentious design sensibility, and their self-taught, drop-dead gorgeous style. They'll learn on the job, pull together an eclectic mix of shopping finds and, in the end, present their client with a spectacular and totally customized room that surpasses every expectation.  

CB2: Their first ever furniture line, produced in partnership with CB2, hit showrooms, shelves, and web browsers in October of 2012. The couple lent their creativity to the line of home accessories and furniture centered on "family." The collection is best described as affordable modern and downtown chic; from sturdy dining room furnishings to loud pops of color, exactly like them!

Paint line: From Stark, the paint line is called Novogratz. Check it out on Pinterest. It's low VOC paint that comes in a number of finishes, and they're even working on some metallics. A lot of the colors are named after their kids, like Bellamy Blue! The colors in the collection are the family's absolute favorites and the selection isn't overwhelming, but focused and edited to make finding the absolutely coolest color easy and fast.

Book: Get the "Novogratz" look in this "Home by Novagratz" book by design duo Robert and Cortney with an inside look at twenty of their favorite projects to show us how to achieve their signature "vintage modern" style. See how they effortlessly mix contemporary furniture with thrift-store finds, and learn all sorts of tricks for creating a stylish home no matter what the obstacles: seven children, small spaces, or a tiny budget. 

Tell me, are you a fan of the Novogratz family? 

Photos via thenovogratz.com.

Lagerfeld (and His Gloves) Are Headed to Dallas

Today's post comes to you courtesy of Lisa Petty of dfwstyledaily with a big (even for "Big D") announcement from Karl Lagerfeld himself.

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Excited would be an understatement.


Via British Vogue, today comes Karl Lagerfeld’s announcement that Chanel’s next Metiers d’Art show will be staged in Dallas. The designer revealed his plans to Bridget Foley at the WWD Apparel & Retail CEO Summit in New York.

There, he commented on his desired locale to follow last month’s stunner in Edinburgh. He stated, in no uncertain terms, “To do the opposite, next time, in a year, I will go to Dallas.”

Further sending our pulses racing, Lagerfeld also declared, “I love Texas. I love Texans.”

And here we thought he likely saved the L-word for Choupette.

But seriously, Lagerfeld cited his appreciation for the support of the American press as a contributing factor to the decision.


Chanel’s Metiers d’Art productions are hallmarked by their grand scale and intense attention to detail. To wit, December’s Scottish show by the iconic design house took place in a breathtaking palace, complete with whiskey refreshments, bag pipers, and an exclusive dinner overlooking a loch (see image above).

Click here for the full scoop via British Vogue. We eagerly anticipate developments in this story, but for the time being, we’ll take Dallas location and catering suggestions for Mr. Lagerfeld in the Comments section below. Surely, he’ll be calling us for tips soon.

More coverage by Style.com, Huffington Post and WWD. 

New Year, New You?

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Now that I've written "2013" a few times, it's starting to really sink in. The new year is here! I spent a few moments today putting my new year's resolutions on paper. This is one of my more honest posts, as I tried to make real, honest promises to myself.

1. Take more risks. I have been flirting with a lot of ideas lately that involve my professional future. While I'm not quite ready to divulge yet, just putting that little something on paper makes it more real. I am working on the confidence to do something on my own. And stick with it. 

2. Entertain more at home. And don’t be stressed if everything isn’t PERFECT. 

3. Invest in fashion classics but take some risks. No more crappy clothes just because they're on sale and I want something new.

4. Be in the moment. Worry less about EVERYTHING: what others think, expectations, saving money, my “life plan,” the world, my health, my sanity! Be more present on a daily basis and reap the rewards of focusing on the now and not the later. 

5. Don't be judgmental. To elaborate on #4's "what others think" - it's a two-way street.  

6. Laugh more. And laugh at MYSELF more. 

7. Take the time to read (not just the few moments before I dose off to sleep). I love to read. I'm a fiction girl. I resolve to take some time for myself to curl up with a good book and get lost in a story - without falling asleep. Book recommendations welcome!

8. Get back to swimming. I love to swim and its great exercise. Getting TO the pool is a different story. 

9. Be thankful. I am blessed. Enough said.

What have you decided to work on this year?

Quotable Cards

Planning Machine in 20 Thirteen

I’m in need of a desk calendar. Not one that lays flat over my desk (circa 1992), but a chic, decorative one. Maybe one with a little stand. 

I’m a very visual person, so I need to SEE things, especially the entire month. None of those daily or weekly crap. I’m a planner to the Nth degree so seeing far in advance is a necessity. 

Confession: I send myself emails... LOTS of emails. And I’m one of those people who doesn’t move an email from my Inbox until everything within the email has been taken care of - check! 

I prefer that all of my clothes are hanging up so I can see them – not in drawers. Otherwise, I forget what I own. 

I wish I had invented Post-Its. I think I single-handedly keep them in business. I also write on my mirror with dry-erase markers. I do some of my best thinking in the shower. 

And what did we do without Notes in the iPhone? I think I have more than 25 notes at any given time. 

Oh! Lists. I love lists. I organize my grocery list by store section (produce, dairy, frozen, bakery, etc.). 

OK, I’ll stop now before you call me crazy town. 

Check out these calendar cuties! 

pixelimpress / etsy

union street papery

rifle paper co.

tory desk calendar

ideachic / etsy

office with a view (foil embossed perfection)

mademoiselleYo / etsy (printable pdf)

little things studio / etsy

alexwijnen / etsy

kate spade

virginia museum of fine arts gift shop