The lovely Holly Hardison recently had a beautiful birthday party in her gorgeous home in Dallas.  Her home is glamorously elegant and of course, very tastefullly decorated!  The party was oh so chic and oh so Holly! It was most certainly a soirée for the books and one to take notes from for fabulous parties to come!

love Holly’s chandelier and mais oui, the cake was as delish as it looks…

A popular place for the night…. !

Jill did a wonderful job on the arrangement above… love the colors!

Paige and Holly <3

It was such a fantastic evening, one that I will remember for a long time.  I am so lucky to have been able to share this special celebration with Holly.  Cheers! (*until next year…!)

Am I the only one having a complete love affair with this color right now?

It feels so fresh and honest.  I want to be wrapped in a lilac cashmere throw while sipping a hot cup of lavender tea, on a simple gray velvet tufted couch. All the while dreaming of the pieces below…

This dress by Roksanda Ilincic … positively stunning and SO flattering!  I love the fabric, gorgeous color, and again … you cannot go wrong with this cut.  So striking and the gathering in the back simply takes my breath away. LOVELY.

THIS - Purple Ostrich Clutch by Asha by ADM … this would be completely charming with a charcoal gray dress…

Shrinking Violet Booties from Anthropologie.  Would love these with some creme tights.  Then, there’s the Vintage Latticework Popover from J.Crew in lavender and gold.. a great price and don’t worry.. it’s basically sold out already!

haha.. totally kidding.  But, LOVE this line from Archie Grand.

This gorgeous ALEXA TUNIC from Calypso.. doesn’t it just make you want to put on a big straw hat and lounge by the sea?

These fleece wellington socks from HUNTER… so cozy!  And, in love with this effortlessly chic top from Elizabeth and James.

And, of course, if you don’t feel like wearing (or carrying) lilac.. you can always bake it:

ORGANIC OF COURSE!

[Love everything baked by Sarah Magid p.s.]

justbesplendid:

some milk

I have been staring at this rug for months. Well, ever since I found it on Anthropologie. I keep going back and revisiting, hoping that I will catch it on the one day that they’ve marked it down to 75% off. There are just so many things I like about it and I find it to be incredibly unique.

First of all, I love the gray background.  Gray is definitely the hautest neutral around right now, modern & clean while retaining a certain sophistication.  I would even call the color gray wise.

There are so many great things going on in this particular hooked and tufted wool masterpiece… the colors, the movement, it’s almost too pretty to walk on.  Anyways, Gloria’s Garden Rug would look wonderful in my living room I can assure you.  I promise to take off my shoes?

As Da Vinci said, “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

But, sometimes, the outfit is in the accessories.  I’ve always been a firm believer in “less is more” and I truly think that taking off that one piece just before you close the door, can completely make an outfit.

However, I also fall for beautiful things, timeless, and elegant pieces.  Things that you can look at now and know that fifty years later, they will be just as interesting and lovely [this includes people too!].  That is why, when I came across this jewelry line the other day on CoCo + Kelley, I knew I had to feature the pieces as well.

Angela Caputi & necklace by Angela Caputi

When I was abroad in Italy, my friends Annie and Meghan introduced me to a costume jewelry line in Florence called Angela Caputi.  The store was incredible.  It was drawers and drawers of jewels and gems, we could have stayed in the shop for hours and sometimes did.

So, when I first saw the Elva Fields Collection, it reminded me of the Angela Caputi mixed with a fifties vintage feel (instead of Caputi’s 80’s glam), but still seemed to serve the same purpose: to completely “make” that outfit.  A few of these pieces are limited edition and already sold out, but for one to simply see the care, thoughtful detail, and inspiration behind each piece, it’s worth taking a peek. I hope this line does well, as I can’t wait to see new additions!

Laduree in Lace: “Very ladylike for an afternoon of tea and macaroons at Laduree. Not headed to Paris in the springtime? The creamy jasper strands and collage of 1940s and 50s ivory enamel, rhinestone, and celluloid earrings and ornaments will hit the mark at any occasion that calls for a bit of prim and proper….”

A Daunting Task Made Simple: this piece would be gorgeous with a simple black cocktail shift (martini in hand).  It’s very Art Deco, love the bloom!

Don’t Wait Up & Eloquence: I love the crystal stones, so striking…

Too Soon To Tell & My Own Personal Fabulousness

You MUST read the descriptions, they are as darling as the pieces!

the EXACTA BOX : what is timelessness without a hint of the equestrian?  Solid, sturdy, and purely classic. And, the pendant?  Vintage of course!  Yes, Elva Fields is most certainly on my “to watch list.”  The necklaces seem to sell out in a snap!  A good thing!

“Firmdale Hotels’ owners, Tim and Kit Kemp believe that ‘hotels should be living things, not stuffy institutions.’”

When viewing the interiors of the Firmdale Hotels, this statement becomes overtly apparent.  On my next trip to New York, I plan to stay (in my dreams) at the Firmdale group’s latest addition, The Crosby Street Hotel in Manhattan.

WOW. Were my first thoughts when viewing pictures of its interior.  First, I will start with: the LOBBY (as if you needed such an OUTSTANDING first impression).

The hotel’s attention to detail is simply spectacular.  The lobby perfected the balance between clean modern sophistication while keeping an organic comfort.  The addition of the greenery and textured patterns and stone against the airy space and stark white, creates an interesting and inviting dichotomy, it relaxes and invigorates at the same time.  The very space of the lobby feels alive.

Did I mention that hotel owner Kip Kemp designed the entire interior?  I could most assuredly LIVE in this place.  To add to the golden ticket, The Crosby Street Hotel is extremely GREEN.

Behold… the Drawing Room & Patio

Essentially British: Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room and below is the hotel BAR.

Aren’t the lights unbelievably cool?  Brilliant!

Characteristic of my favorite boutique hotels, each room is different and takes on varying personalities be it through art, fabrics, or the very essence & style of the decor.

Here are a few of my favorite rooms and suites:

Of course, I love all of the wallpaper and the mix of textures and colors…

This room even has a dressmaker’s form in the corner!  So savvy!

Ok, I think I’m ready to reserve my room.  Fashion week anyone?

Don’t forget to check out the other FIRMDALE beauties in London!  They are all as equally fantastic!

I don’t recall the first time I came across the website of Kim Ficaro.  Maybe I was trying to figure out what happened to all of the extremely talented Editors from Domino magazine (ok, someday, I will stop talking about its demise.. maybe).  But, Kim Ficaro is a New York based prop stylist who has worked for Domino magazine as the Style Editor as well as producing stories for the likes of Oprah magazine, Town & Country, and the New York Times magazine.  Kim is extremely talented and I wanted to share some images from her portfolio as found on her website below. I found them to be extremely inspiring.

still, so jealous of J.Crew’s Jenna Lyon’s closet… a dream!

Voila, the “merged” home of Amy Larocca and Will Frears… I adore the kitchen table.  The wall art is fantastic and I love the mix and matching of the vintage chairs… very “modern vintage” & superbe of course!

These are great shots.  The outdoor patio is so casual chic and inviting.  And, I absolutely love the shoe organization, how relaxed and luxe at the same time!

When you are hoping to rearrange that bookshelf, gaze back upon this photo for  quirky, casual, and charming inspiration! It’s rustic, composed, yet extremely interesting!

Anyone who reads this blog, knows that I am head-over-heels in LOVE with flowers… especially elegant & feminine ones.  I guess that makes me a whole-hearted romantic sophisticate through and through? :) At least I’m admitting such!  I adore the table setting above, from the plates to the floral arrangement.. sign me up!

I love this picture solely because of the little girl’s dress.  After seeing this photo for the first time, I automatically began brainstorming whether I could ever start my own children’s clothing line based up on the impact and aesthetic of this single dress of tulle and silk!  So chic, parisian, and fantastique!  J’adore!!

And last, but again, certainly not least… this photo is just quietly glamorous.  Aged frames, yarn, peonies, old books, simple gray papered walls, and grandma’s beaded clutch…

what more could one ask for? Romantic beauty at its very best.

BEHOLD - my new pink plates!

Today, I took a trip to Ft. Worth with my friend Holly to visit the store SIMPLE THINGS, which my friend Sam Reitmayer has previously written a beautiful blog about.  While Holly was admiring the gorgeous bedding by Bella Notte, I was wandering around trying to decide what I (don’t) need.  I opened a stunning old gray antique Armoire with chiseled and intricately designed handles.  The Armoire was actually labeled “grumpy” because apparently, the piece can be quite temperamental!  Peeking inside, the creaky old gem was found to be a treasure trove of Paris Pink.

Voila- A COLLECTION OF PINK PLATES.

Did I tell you that JUST yesterday I was admiring the February 2010 Issue of House Beautiful and on page 91 in the “Reimagining a Ranch House” spread, they feature the MOST lovely table setting with a romantic chandelier and pink dinnerware from Global Table.  I will honor that plates from Global Table are quite nice, but I was even HAPPIER to find this pink collection acquired by Simple Things from an estate sale!  It’s mixed and matched (and affirmatively ancient), but fits perfectly together.  The pink plates were made in Paris and the gold rimmed mauve beauties in Belgium!

See: the perfect fit, aged with grace and most certainly well preserved.  Sure, there are a few nicks, chips, and scratches, but all that does is strengthen their character!

My cabinet is already in love with them.

INTRODUCING:  reFINEstyle.com

I am so honored + EXCITED to be featured on the Member Spotlight column of the luxe new e-commerce website refinestyle.com!  This is a truly genius new and innovative way to shop *FROM HOME*!

As a seller, you can upload all of your designer goods easily, efficiently, and beautifully!  Just think, that dress you’ve worn twice, but somehow have been photographed in all over Facebook?  Let some other lucky lady have her run in it!

AND, as a shopper (the best part), you can personalize your size and favorite designers and it will actually scour the website for you and present your favorites first!

I told you… BRILLIANT.

Check it out and let me know if you know someone that would be GREAT for the next Member Spotlight!

Friday calls for a bit of Ladurée bliss…

I absolutely love this teapot available on one of my favorite e-commerce decor websites…. 1st Dibs.

My fabulously chic friend Holly is turning 30 next weekend.  I am tentatively planning to write a STYLE blog on the event, as it will definitely be something to be noted in the Dallas SCENE!

As I was thinking about her lovely upcoming day, I remembered an article from a back issue of VOGUE Contributor Lauren (Davis) Santo Domingo’s birthday party.  I was only 20 at the time, but it was worded so wonderfully that it was comforting to know all that I had to look forward to!

Anyways, here’s a flashback May 2006 VOGUE article on Lauren’s fabulous party!  I can’t wait for our very own THREE-OH recap next weekend with Miss Holly!

http://newyorkcitygirl.kaywa.com/default/mon-petit-taylor-warren.html

need some gorgeous flowers like this in such cold weather!

last minute gift ideas (for Haley - kidding!)

BUT, how cute is all of this….

1.) THIS SKIRT.

The to-and-fro skirt… would be SO cute with a black top and big gold belt for new years! So feminine, fabulous, and samba-floor ready to bring in 2010!

2.) THIS TEAPOT.

oh Henri! A Henri Bendel Teapot ++ teacup and saucer to match.

3.) BOOKS YOU CAN’T READ.

Books as HANDBAGS from OLYMPIA LE TAN - like…? NO. LOVE.

“I was thinking there were all these beautiful books around and they were being forgotten with everybody on the Internet, so I made it so that you can carry them around,” said designer Olympia Le-Tan at her Paris fashion week presentation at the Galerie Véro-Dodat.

4.) WALLPAPER.

by Nina Campbell.  This Swan Lake can feel free to take over my ENTIRE APARTMENT!

Cheers!

photo credits: style.com, ninacampbell.com, henribendel.com, anthropologie.com

my blueberry nights.