Elements of Style Blog

Boston.

April 16th, 2013

I moved to this city a decade ago and I have refused to leave. Not for warmer shores, cheaper real estate or more bustling metropolises. I love this town, and anyone who knows me knows this to be true. It has always quenched my thirst for the city life, the coastal breeze and a quiet safety in it’s smaller size I found enchanting instead of boring. I always said it was the perfect mix. And then all of the sudden yesterday- the unthinkable.

We were attacked. During one of most celebrated holidays special to our little New England state. Senselessly, violently and without warning. Bombs on our sidewalks. I can’t believe it still as I type this. BOMBS ON OUR SIDEWALKS. The kind of attack I have feared since 9/11. People (including a child) killed and others maimed and fighting for their lives. Never mind the thousands of people who have made completing this marathon a life goal, something they worked so hard for for so long- stopped in their tracks; turned away and made to run the other direction, for their lives. It makes no sense to me, I feel violated on such a deep level. This just doesn’t happen in Boston.

Uneasiness pervades our lives today. Sadness grasps our hearts. I am unsure what to do. I have no idea what to say.

It makes my faith in humanity waiver. It does, I don’t deny that. But mark my words, the darkness will not win. IT WILL NOT. There are so many more good people then evil, proven yesterday by the wonderful examples of those running into the carnage to help. Those offering up rides, jackets, food and their homes to those displaced. We Bostonians will overcome this, and we will find who did it.

You attacked the wrong town, cowards.

#PRAYFORBOSTON

Posted in Boston | 64 Comments »

Pinch Me: Better Homes & Gardens Cover!

April 15th, 2013

When I found out that my old bedroom was the cover shot for Better Homes & Gardens I couldn’t believe it. I screamed, of course, but a part of me was like “I’m pretty sure I hallucinated that” and until I saw it I still kind of expected the magazine to arrive and have a cake on the cover instead. Well, it’s TRUE and I am shocked, honored, flattered and flabbergasted. My first cover. On a huge national magazine. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN TO ME????

It’s funny, since not only is this my old place in the city, but I only lived there for 8 months! But thanks to the amazing styling of Stacy Kunstel and the incredible photography of Michael Partenio (also the owners of Dunes & Duchess- check them out) we took some great images. Go pick up a copy! But in the meantime, here is the article:

A lot of people have asked about the bedding- it was from Lands End, but is no longer available! Why don’t more affordable bedding producers make coral banded bedding??? Lamp by Jill Rosenwald, bench from Ballard Designs in Duralee fabric, nightstand and dresser are antiques, bed is Crate & Barrel, wall color is Elephant Skin by Behr (AWESOME color).

Here are some shot that didn’t make the article, but I still think are fabulous!

This one was int he article, but small, and I love it :)

LOVE this shot from the studio!

I had to share what is the best picture every take of all four of us too. :)

And they also filmed a video at the studio of some tips (and Lindsey and I being a little spastic over a magazine). More proof of why I’ll never be a TV star.

All images: Michael Partenio for BHG

Posted in crazy awesome, Element Shops, I die., interviews, magazines, my office, office, press | 89 Comments »

Fashion Friday: Lessons From Madame Chic

April 12th, 2013

When I was visiting my publisher a few months ago, my editor gave me a copy of the book Lessons From Madame Chic after hearing how obsessed I was with Paris and all things French. I devoured the book almost overnight and really loved some of the insight into how the French live, dress, eat and work. I felt particularly inspired by the chapter about the “10 Item Wardrobe”. Now, to be honest, I am not sure I could live on just 10 items of clothing (even if basics don’t count). But I do currently want to throw a lit match into my closet and would delight in watching all my boring, old clothes burn to dust. I hate everything in my closet. Except maybe three things. And those three things happen to be of varying price points- my leather pants (a gajillion dollars- still cannot believe I bought them), some old linen embroidered Indian tunics from J.Crew like 5 years ago that fit me perfectly ($98) and a DVF wrap dress (mid price). While ten items seems so few, I wholeheartedly agree in buying less but buying BETTER. So I tried making a collection of 10 things I’d add to spring into my wardrobe, along with another group of accessories and then what my must have basics are. Lets see what you think…. I think I could probably live all spring in these things! Does that make me French? Oui?

Fashion Items: Some basic but luxurious, others statement. A mix of dress up and dress down.

1. A boho cotton top 2. A silk tank you can dress up or down 3. A black and white stripe top (of course) 4. A gorgeous linen tunic 5. A flouncy summer dress (I tried this on, it’s SO flattering, must get! Also LOVE it in black!!) 6. A gorgeous, sexy jumpsuit (been dying for this for months) 7. A mint silk blouse (gorgeous with white denim) 8. LEOPARD PANTS! 9. A faux leather jacket in spring grey 10. A long cotton maxi dress (so versatile!)

For accessories: These are what can MAKE your outfit. The french are also big on delightful underpinnings, pajamas, scarves and shoes.

1. The perfect black bag 2. Long gold pendant (it dresses up everything) 3. Leopard McQueen scarf (I have this, I am obsessed) 4. Statement gold coin short necklace (totes getting…) 5. Some gorgeous underthings (because it improves your attitude!) 6. One chunky gold cuff (arm parties be damned) 7. A raffia clutch 8. Big classic sunnies 9. Proper PJ’s (must stop sleeping in old college T’s!) 10. Bright red pedicures 11. Gold and nude flats (obsessed) 12. A good eye cream (I love this one- natural too!) 13. HOW SICK ARE THESE BOOTS? 14. Perfect black wedge sandal 15. A good face oil (dying to try this on, but I use this one religiously)

The basics: Jeans, tees and coats. Can’t go wrong.

1. White jeans (this cut is the MOST flattering on earth- I have them in dark denim and love) 2. Destroyed skinnies (C/E has the best washes) 3. Skinny black pants (so Audrey) 4. Perfect grey tee 5. Comfy slouchy white tanks (lots of them) 6. Perfectly cut black blazer 7. Trench. Duh. 8. Denim vest- kinda 80′s but looks great over dresses!

Posted in accessories, fashion, Fashion Fridays | 17 Comments »