I would like to have this house. A lot. Thanks.
I am sporting a slight tan and a VERY full inbox and to do list after almost a week away in Florida. I spent the vacations amongst the babies and kids of my family and friends- I don’t think I ever realized how much GEAR is needed with kids! Like, an unholy amount of stuff to keep them fed, clean, happy and mobile. High fives to all you moms out there! That said, some of that gear can be pretty damn cute, as in the nursery designs of Rikshaw Design and Javis Davis. A lot of you ask me for nursery decor ideas and these two sources are fabulous!
Rikshaw makes amazing, Indian inspired bedding and clothing that I simply adore. I cannot get enough of those elephant pillows.
Javis Davis makes custom nursery decor, with crib sets starting at just 4250. the bold patterns and modern styling is really fun and unique. plus, they makes custom kids bedding AND matching doll bedding for those who really want to spoil the little ones. :)
I assume most of you know about this site by now, but just in case you didn’t I wanted to post a out it because I think it’s pretty damn genius. Rent the Runway acts like your most stylish (and loaded) best friend’s closet, allowing you to rent dresses for special events that you may not be able to afford purchasing. Perfect for weddings or formal black tie affairs, this new concept is allowing all of us to feel a little more like movie stars. I for one know that I’ve bought many dresses for weddings that I never wear again just because I wanted something new to wear that no one had seen. This may be the solution to that money-sucking problem! Here are my current favorites available on RTR- join here to start browsing! I think I will give it a try for a big event I have coming up and will certainly report back on how it works!
This polka dot number from Prabal Gurung is AWESOME:
This Yigal Azourel gown is TO.DIE.FOR.
A couple gorgeous Lela Rose numbers:
Curious about the whole Herve Leger dress fad? I am! I assume it’s like full body Spanx! This one is my fave (with a nice summer (faux) tan)…
Ladylike frocks from Tuleh and Doo.Ri
Black tie gowns from Badgley Mischka:
Bold blue hues from Temperley London and Christian Cota:
Be a golden goddess in Yigal Azourel or Alice + Olivia
Loving this party dress by Matthew Williamson- retails for $2,5000, rent for $250
Nude is a big trend for spring, rock it out in this amazing Nicole Miller gown or sassy Christian Siriano number!
I personally am quite enamored with this one shouldered Catherine Malandrino piece- love the leather and chain strap playing of the sweet floral print fabric!
SERIOUSLY? This is so friggin’ scary and pathetic. Makes women look insane. This video is of the stampede that occurred at H&M opening day of the Sonia Rykiel line. I mean, maybe if they were giving away free Laboutins and kisses from Rob Pattinson inside I’d be a participant in this kind of hysteria, but over a $35 shirt that will unravel as you leave the store? COME ON LADIES! Get a grip!
I always get questions from clients about placing beds in front of windows. In some rooms, there is no alternative to putting a bed right in front of a window. So I thought I’d show a couple examples of how to make this work along with some other random thoughts on treating the wall behind the bed.
If you hate the idea of a bed in front of a window, you’ll want to conceal it. One way to do this is to layer window treatments to make it as cozy as possible. This image from Lonny below is a great example- by having a roman shade made of bamboo (kept down) flocked by long panels of curtains with tall, statement bedside lamps makes that wall feel purposely designed– not as though you are trying to hide something (even though you are).
Another thing to do is to embrace the window. Treat the window like a headboard itself, or better yet, a work of art hung above the bed. This picture is a perfect example. again, long drapes are KEY here- you need to frame the window to make it look like the placement of the bed is on purpose, not a last resort. Also, the curtains then give you a solid background to place the lamps in front of.
This might be my favorite treatment of a window behind a bed! This person installed a floor to ceiling sheer on a ceiling track to only slightly conceal the window, but also making a very ethereal, cool backdrop wall for the bed! I absolutely love it! The curtain makes the ceiling seem so much higher and filters beautiful light into the space (that baller chandy doesn’t hurt either).
Sometimes the bed is JUST wider than the wall in between the windows in a bedroom, but the does not mean you can’t still put it there. The picture below shows how balanced it can look even if the proportions are a bit off.
Another great way to conceal a window is by using a large folding screen behind the bed. I adore folding screens and think this is a great use for them, window or not! The genius DIY queen Jenny over at Little Green Notebook made this one from scratch all by herself (learn how to do it here).
Some more screens as headboards:
And just because we’re talking about this area of the bedroom, I have to mention my new favorite composition of hanging art or tall mirrors behind each nightstand instead of over the bed! I just used this on an e-design project (yes, I do remote e-design) hanging framed tall panels of wallpaper beside the bed, behind each nightstand and the using a sunburst mirror ABOVE the bed. LOVE LOVE LOVE. :)
One last thought- large art as a headboard. Just love it. Modern, clean and cool. Just sayin’.
And this just because it’s ridiculously awesome and genius- bookshelves surrounding the bed? Duh.
I am currently blogging from Boca Grande, Florida- looking over the ocean as I write this! I felt inspired by summer clothing and rooms so I took one of my favorite images from Elle Decor that captures the feeling and turned it into an outfit for you. Clothing and interiors are so closely connected, you can’t help but find inspiration in both!
I found the work of Alex K. Mason while looking at the new site Fyndes and fell in love! I adore the buoyant colors and patterns that are at once whimsically ethereal and yet fiercely modern. I especially love seeing them installed in various spaces. Art has such power to make or break a room- and in these cases I think the works only add to the feeling of each room. With works on paper and paintings on canvas there is a wide variety of price points, making it possible for just about anyone to invest in an original work of art (there is nothing like purchasing original work, let me tell you!)
The Oscars, to me, seemed really friggin’ long, awkward, sometimes funny (Steve and Alec, Tiny Fey and Robert Downey Jr., Ben Stiller), predictable and heartwarming (Jeff Bridges, you are awesome). But of course I stayed up for the the whole damn thing. But beyond the show and awards themselves, there is first and foremost the fashion. Here is my totally random review of who wore what:
First of, my call on best dressed. The second I saw her I said “that’s it”…but then to see her come out on stage to present only confirmed it. This is how you do nude- perfect for her skin tone, gorgeous fit, just enough ruffles, loose hair, beautifully understated jewelry….perfection. All cougars should take a page from her playbook (hello Miley Cyrus’ mom, are you listening?)
A VERY close second in best dressed- Rachel McAdams. Absolutely breathtaking! She looked youthful, unique, classy yet totally high fashion with her printed gown and statement earrings. And most importantly- she appeared comfortable and PRETTY! I simply adore this girl, and this whole look. Major girl crush.
This pains me, because I cannot stand Miley Cyrus. But I loved her look- the dress is beautiful as are the accessories and easygoing hair. But STAND UP STRAIGHT for goodness sakes! It’s the Oscars, young lady!
Anna Kendrick wore Elie Saab, which was what I picked for her. I read that this was a last minute change because the custom dress she was having made ended up looking awful (I feel for her, thats what happened with my wedding dress) But I think she looked GORGEOUS!
Queen Laitfah killed it in this gorgeously beaded one shoulder gown. Her hair and makeup were also totally perfect!
One of my other big girl crushes- Tina Fey looked lovely in this Michael Kors. The hair is terrible, but I forgive her for it because she is so awesome.
Elizabeth banks looks like a true movie star in this ruffled gorgeousness. Absolutely beautiful fit and detail with just the right amount of accessories.
I think Maggie Gyllenhaal is such a cool chick…. and this Dries Van Noten dress is as cool as her. The color looks beautiful on her and the print is fresh and unexpected. I’m loving the trend of big earrings and no necklace, I think it looks so elegant.
…and Maggie’s best accessory- JAAAAAAAAAKKKEE! I love this man. He is too flipping adorable. Reese, what were you thinking getting rid of this hunk of man candy?
And since we’re talking about my boyfriend, when he came on stage with Rachel I couldn’t help but say “dream couple!” (since I’m not in contention, that is). They are so adorable together, no?
Oh Sandra. I love Sandra, and I’m so happy she won, but to me this whole look was so stiff and unlike her. It was a bit “olympics ice dancer” too. She looked like she was trying to dress like the award she won and that lipstick was simply too harsh and the hair to proper.
Carey Mulligan wore a dress somewhat like the one I picked for her- a black ball skirt number. Not totally loving the short in front hemline and box pleats- but from the waist up she looks adorable.
Mariska is such a babe, which isn’t hard when you are 50% genetically Jayne Mansfield. I LOVE this dress on her and the hair and jewels are gorgeous too!
Kate Winslet always tends to pick slightly too structured dresses for me, and this one falls into that category. It’s a gorgeous color and her hair and makeup were one of the best on the carpet (she GLOWS), but I wish she’d loosen it up a bit once in a while. Those pleats are pretty awful too.
SERIOUSLY CLASSY. Helen Mirren is such a ridiculously awesome movie star, no? She always looks so fabulous.
Something was up with Cameron. Her dress is gorgeous and her hair and makeup looked lovely- but it felt OFF somehow. Did she change stylists? All the elements of her look were fabulous, but it felt forced on her.
I much prefer her after party dress on her (actually, I LOVE this dress)- she looks more Cameron here!
Kristen Stewart drives me up the wall (and not just because she’s dating my other boyfriend Rob), but I have to admit this dress is awesome. I was pretty shocked at how cleaned up she got and how classically beautiful this dress was! But her awkwardness when presenting? UGGGGHHH.
Penelope wore red, which was one of the colors I hoped she would wear, but this dress kind of bores me. Her hair looks too messy as well (what was UP with all the frizzies on so many people?)
While I loved what I picked for Meryl to wear, this is pretty damn awesome too. She looks classy, cool and confident. Love it.
Attack of the ruffles!!!! Big fat no for me, it’s just too much. Blech.
Zoe Saldana wore just about every trend on one dress- sequins, ruffles, ombre color. Overkill on such a gorgeous, gorgeous girl.
This might be an unpopular opinion since I know quite a few bloggers loved J.Lo’s dress, but I did NOT like it. I thought the top was unflattering and that big, giant ruffle on the hip just looks silly to me. I know it’s high fashion, but I much prefer when a woman looks comfortable yet gorgeous and not like they can’t possibly sit down.
“SJP, WTF?” That’s what I said as soon as I saw her. Way too tan, way to much frizz in the hair and a dress that could not be less flattering. Now, I love the detail of top of it and the color, but it looks like a big ol’ yellow Chanel garbage bag to me.
I did love the silhouette of the dress Nicole Richie wore but this close up of her makeup will give me nightmares. Yikes.
Such a big night for Kathryn Bigelow, but what a boring dress!!! She is so gorgeous with such a rockin’ figure and with all the amazing gowns available out there, to pick this one is confusing to me!
MY EYES!!!! Charlize, holy crap. What was she thinking? Cinnabon boobs! She is such a stunning woman and I know she loves haute couture, but this one will go down as one of the strangest Oscar dresses ever.
I can’t get behind the new trend of the stiff, molded bodice. I just don’t think it’s pretty or flattering on anyone. I think Amanda Seyfried is such a beautiful girl, but this dress is simply too much. She wasn’t nominated and yet she wore a huge white bridal like ball gown. Not a fan.
Diane Kruger can totally pull this Chanel off, but it falls short for me. Again, I just don’t think it’s pretty. I feel like dressing to look pretty instead of fashion forward is so underrated!
Oh hi Ryan Reynolds. Call me. xoxox
YOWZAS! Hilary Swank brought it to the Vanity Fair party. What a body and what a daring dress! You go on with your bad self Hilary. High fives.
How damn gorgeous is Natalie Portman? She could wear a Snuggie on the red carpet and I’d still think she was stunning. This dress isn’t my favorite, but the hair in makeup is flawless.
These guys are like 5 years old, but they look amazing! Like real honest to goodness movie stars! Way to represent, little ones.
I saw this picture of Rachel Bilson leaving her house and had to post it because she is just so hot. That dress is amazing and fits her like a glove- the cape I could do without, but she really looks awesome!
And I can’t sign off without commenting on the jaw droppingly horrendous red carpet coverage by Kathy Ireland! What WAS that? She was practically yelling into the mic, her right arm was constantly ramrod straight and sticking out to the side and every word out of her mouth causes me to shove pillows over my ears and moan “make it stop!!” What a terrible choice by ABC!
What did you think??
I am desperate to attend this Mass General Hospital panel at Harvard Business School featuring Anna Wintour, Michael Kors and Natalia Vodianova speaking about eating disorders and the fashion world. As you know, I am recovered from a battle with an eating disorder (which I’ve written about a few times and do volunteer work to help educate and inspire those suffering from them) and this is like a dream opportunity to be a part of! I am on the wait list and shamelessly using my blog as a call to any readers who might have a connection that could get me in a seat at this panel! I promise to blog the crap out of it if I go! :)
Happy Friday,
E
The Oscars are this Sunday and since I am such a fierce critic of what comes down the red carpet, I thought I’d give styling a try. It is SO much harder than I thought…. but I gave it a go!
I’d love to see Sandra Bullock rock out this Monique Lhuillier number with big gold/amber chandelier earrings and cocktail ring.
Carey Mulligan would look divine in this Lhuillier gown with understated, ethereal detail (paired with a bold necklace)
Anna Kendrick in Elie Saab
Penelope Cruz in Elie Saab OR Oscar de la Renta’s hot red number (sans jacket). I can’t decide.
Maggie Gyllenhaal in Naeem Khan (I adore this dress to DEATH. Ok, I adore just about everything he makes)
Director Katherine Bigelow in J.Mendel (she is so pretty and I’d want her to look bold and confident when going up against her jackass ex James Cameron- Avatar was awesome, but he’s such an ego maniac.)
This Carolina Hererra on someone like Anne Hathaway
More Monique Lhuillier- this one for Mo’ Nique (She’ll win and winners need happy color!)
Nicole Kidman would be perfect in this Alberta Ferretti number:
Zoe Saldana would kill it in this sparkly violet grey Badgley Mischka!
Melanie Laurent from Inglorious Basterds in Badgley Miscka
Marion Cotillard in this ridiculously dramtic and awesome Christian Dior.
Amy Adams in this deliciously detailed J. Mendel
Diane Kruger in Badgley Mischka
Angelina Jolie in nude Donna Karan (paired with blinding statement necklace and killer shoes).
Meryl Streep in Donna Karan (plus tons of multistrand cream pearls!)
Julianne Moore in Donna Karan (paired with big emerald green earrings)
Kate Winslet in Carolina Hererra
Helen Mirren in Naeem Khan
Sigourney Weaver in Oscar de la Renta
Halle Berry in Naeem Khan
SOMEONE in this killer Valentino???? I know- ME!
