accessories

Timeless Style: What's Hot and Happening in London Right Now!

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Timeless Style: What's Hot and Happening in London Right Now!

I returned to Brooklyn from London and Paris last weekend and finally feel free of jet lag.  My first stop was in London and during this trip I made visits for lunch and dinner to the recently opened Ham Yard Hotel in Soho, which along with several small boutiques in the courtyard is collectively known as Ham Yard Village...

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Timeless Style: Gucci Ready to Wear Spring / Summer 2016

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Timeless Style: Gucci Ready to Wear Spring / Summer 2016

Alessandro Michele is the recently appointed Creative Director for Gucci and his second collection for Spring/Summer 2016 landed with a bang during Milan's fashion week last September.  At first glance I wasn't so enthralled as it seemed like a random mix of wild patterns, clashing colors and over-the-top flourishes of sequins, chiffon, lurex and grosgrain...

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Timeless Style: Fall Trends 2015

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Timeless Style: Fall Trends 2015

Fall Trends

Browsing through the fashion websites, magazines and stores, the Fall Trends to me seem to comprise of the following:  Rich textured fabrics of paisley, brocade, jacquard and tweed; scarf-tie at the neck blouses (haven't worn one of those in forever!) and lots of black, especially sheer lace - Valentino Couture in particular feels Noir Victorian/Game of Thrones inspired.  

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Design for Living: Finishing Touches

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Design for Living: Finishing Touches

Finishing Touches

I've been decorating a client's Brooklyn brownstone apartment and we're at the final stage of adding the finishing touches.  Her living room bookcase that until now had contained nothing but books presented us with the opportunity to change the dynamic and incorporate some of her favorite accessories and keepsakes among the books.  Decorating bookcases or shelves is a great way to express your creativity and bring an artistic dimension to a room.  Also, as London Interior designer, Kelly Hoppen succinctly puts it, "A beautiful arrangement of accessories on a self is an easy, elegant way to embrace trends and keep your interiors up to date."

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Timeless Style: Kaftan or Tunic?

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Timeless Style: Kaftan or Tunic?

KAFTAN OR TUNIC?

As the temperature climbs during the summer months, thoughts turn to looks that are breezy, loose and relaxed.  Kaftans, thanks to the current '70s bohemia trend are back.  Whenever I think of a kaftan I see Elizabeth Taylor, Queen of the Kaftan, who seemed to me at least, to be wearing them constantly for all occasions, formal and otherwise.  Because they're full length and often billowy, there's scale and proportion to consider, as none of us want to look overwhelmed by yards of fabric and beading.

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Design for Living: Living With Mirrors

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Design for Living: Living With Mirrors

Living With Mirrors

I pay particular attention to mirror placement in my interiors as they have such a significant impact in a room.  Living with mirrors is not just utilitarian, but also adds a dramatic statement, makes a space feel more expansive, reflects light and can be used in place of, or alongside artwork.  My preference is always for larger rather than smaller mirrors as I love the glamor and sense of scale they bring to the room.  A recent post from Jade at LuxDeco, another of my favorite blogs explores several creative ways to successfully bring mirrors into your space. 

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Timeless Style - Hotel Il Pellicano, Tuscany

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Timeless Style - Hotel Il Pellicano, Tuscany

One of my very favorite vacations was at Hotel Il Pellicano,Tuscany, Italy.  Just outside of Porto Ercole, overlooking the Tyrrhernian Sea, at cliff's edge sits Il Pellicano.  It's been the resort of choice for various celebrities and European royalty for over 50 years.  During its 1960's heyday, the society photographer, Slim Aarons  chronicled the guests as they played and relaxed in this tucked away oasis.  Updated in 2006 the hotel maintains its laid-back charm, feeling more like a very well run private home rather than a luxury hotel.  Philippe and I arrived very late one evening at the end of summer and there were no street or house lights for miles around. 

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Timeless Style: Blooming Spring

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Timeless Style: Blooming Spring

Blooming Spring

Spring has finally sprung and blooming spring florals are everywhere!  Minimalism for now is seen in the distance of our rearview mirror.  Typically I'm not one to wear big floral prints however, I've seen such delightful styles this season that I'm willing to at least try some things on.  Dolce & Gabbana caught my eye because they have such a romantic point of view and their clothes are exquisitely made.  The combination of red and black along with richly intricate embroideries and hair ornamentations, enhance their definition of Italy's la dolce vita.  

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