Nonsense & Sensibility

Summer Inspiration - Garance Doré

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:25:54 -0400

I always am inspired by the blog of Garance Doré. I was lucky enough to stumble upon it nearly two years ago - long before she was canoodling the Sartorialist. I think these two looks, though very different, are perfect for summer. Maybe not the heat, but if I were to aspire to a certain level of style at this particular moment in time, both of these looks fill my wishes in some way. Chic, crisp, and with it.

photos from: garance doré

Christmas in July.

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:32:38 -0400

Please?

Yves Saint Laurent Rosette Ankle Sandle.

Airy. Natural. Carine Gilson.

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:20:00 -0400

Maybe it’s due to the fact that I just came back from a long wedding weekend or that it’s so incredibly hot (Texas summers), but my thoughts have ventured to lingerie as of late. I am not a person that likes tight fitting, corset-like clothing, or garments- I prefer loose, ethereal, feminine, and well, comfortable. A lot of the lingerie out there just doesn’t look comfortable to me and as I am one who dresses for myself alone (I truthfully don’t care if people like what I have on or not), comfort is key. I am delighted to have come across the line of Carine Gilson- even if it’s for inspiration alone.

Handcrafted pieces in Chantilly lace & Lyon silk, what’s not to love darling?

The collection is light, airy, delicate, and beautiful at the same time. You just want to be swept away in it, much like the chair below.

Oscar de la Renta chair above in Oscar de La Renta fabric by Lee Jofa- Montespan Satin in Saffron.

Bonne Nuit.

*picture credit: net-a-porter.com, blogathomearkansas

The Falling Garden

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:36:00 -0400

I have never seen anything quite like these images. There are many beautiful things in this world, but it is far and few between when something or someone truly takes your breath away. At first glance, this installation immediately transported me to a different place and I envy those that actually had the opportunity to rest under the installation at the Church of San Stae on the Grand Canal at the 50th Venice Biennial in 2003.

This installation was completed by Swiss artists Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger. It’s graceful, ethereal, and peaceful all at the same time- completely transporting the viewer to a field of floating wildflowers and grace.

So why a garden for the Venice 50th Biennial?

According to the artists:

“The Doge (Mocenigo) needed a church so as to be able to have a monumental tomb built for himself, the church (San Staë) needed a saint so as to be able to be built, the saint (San Eustachio) needed a miracle so as to be pronounced a saint, the miracle needed a stag in order to be seen, and we built the garden for the reindeer.
The visitors lie on the bed above the doge’s gravestone, and the garden thinks for them.”

The exhibit components are:

Plastic berries (India), cow pads (Jura), waste paper (Venice), baobab seeds (Australia), beech, elder and magnolia branches (Uster), thorns (Almeria), nylon blossoms (one-dollar-shop), pigs’ teeth (Indonesia), seaweed (Seoul), orange peel (Migros shop), fertilizer crystals (home grown), pigeons’ bones (San Staë), silk buds (Stockholm), cattail (Ettiswil), cats’ tails (China), celery roots (Montreal), virility rind (Caribbean), wild bore quills (zoo), banana leaves (Murten), rubber snakes (Cincinnati)…

A DVF HOTEL ROOM !!!

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:16:00 -0400

Did EVERYONE else on the planet but me know that DVF was redesigning hotel rooms for a suite at the Claridge’s Hotel in London? It appears so- and on top of that she called it “the most glamorous hotel in the world.” The makeover of the Piano Suite is von Furstenberg’s first design collaboration outside of her stores and… turned out quite brilliantly.

As if her fantastic and flattering dresses, skirts, and well-cut blouses weren’t enough, DVF has, as my youngest brother would put it “really outdone herself this time.”

She is officially the QUEEN of amazing pattern and color combinations. Maybe it’s a prelude to her upcoming home line that I can’t wait to get my hands on?

guess who’s coming to dinner via habitually chic

If perfection could float from a hanger, this DVF suite would be it.

*thanks Hotel Chatter for the images.

oops. i did it again.

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:54:00 -0400

Moments ago, when I saw that it had been two weeks since my last post I physically cringed. Where did those two weeks of my life just go? I remember the night I fought my scanner to post the last piece as if it was just… well, at LEAST last week. It’s funny how the summer season- no matter how sticky - seems to just fly by. Maybe it’s because we are just a little bit off-track, a little bit more lackadaisical, a little bit more… lazy?

Does summer bring the excuse we look for all year? The “out” that the holidays provide, or the cover of having an illness or an unexpected catastrophe.

That being said, I promise my best to stop living like a queen and to try and start posting a little bit more… even if it’s just for an excuse to stay in air conditioning.

I know by now you are as re-captivated by Liz as Cleo above as I am and I am VERY much inspired by this new cuff I’m positively DYING to have. Are you ready to see it?

Kara Ross for Tory Burch. I say … brilliant!

VOILA the RESIN EVIL EYE CUFF to ward off bad luck- and invites good luck.

Sigh. This necklace just needs me and my little black (summer) dress.

a breath of fresh air.

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:27:00 -0400

There are some homes that just invoke a feeling of serenity and ease. This one I recently spotted in Australian VOGUE Living does just that. Located in West Chelsea in Manhattan, I can imagine what a breath of fresh air it is to come into this open light haven. I am sure it is quite the escape from the city and a welcomed one.

I love the Dorothy Draper candle holders on the coffee table, they remind me of seltzer bottles I had to source once when planning a Parisian window display interning at Donna Karan. They were bought one by one off eBay. This is the home of Betsy Morgan, a former Conde Nast Corporate Development Executive. She shares the home with her husband and two daughters.

The skylight is the original from the 1930’s. I love the chanedliers and the modular furniture of the outdoor garden. It’s goregous and zen-like, completely calming and charming at the same time.

The coffee table tomes are organized by color- isn’t this a fabulous idea? I think I need to re-work my ENTIRE bookshelf (or china closet- since that is what it truly is).

And, finally - the bed - this is a little grainy… but the bed is carved all the way around, it’s simply lovely and from La Maison in London.

Dream about it! I know I will - along with this lovely ocean palette of sands, whites, and blues… the sea.

Busy Bee.

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 23:52:00 -0400

My mom finally yelled at me for not posting more often. I know. Sad, but it still has an affect on me. Anyways, I’ve had lots going on this past month. I thought I would go ahead and post a few recent pieces below (and- there are more to come)! Then, I will go ahead and give you a “real” post - or whatever that amounts to at nearly 11pm on a Monday night! Enjoy :)

My JUNE Dallas SCENE society column - “A Toast to Summer”

My new position as Editor of the RSVP Social Calendar reporting on non-profits, philanthropies, charities, the arts, and more in Dallas. Here is the blog. The calendar is owned by lifestyle expert and tastemaker, Kimberly Schlegel Whitman- who has written a wonderful mélange of gorgeous tabletop tomes as well!

Sweetest Kill- Broken Social Scene

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 07:27:00 -0400

Sweetest Kill- Broken Social Scene

Video

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 11:27:00 -0400

Very French Summer Reading: Part 2

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:21:00 -0400

Bonjour! Just as I promised, albeit - a bit late, here are some additional novel recommendations from Dr. Elizabeth New of French Affaires.

One of the additions was Madame Bovary. I have been wanting to read this particular selection, a classic, for some time, so I may bump it up on my list. :)

Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

Then of course, we have another classic: Dangerous Liasons by Choderlos de Laclos. I’m sure most of you know that the 90’s film Cruel Intentions was based upon this book. Her last recommendation was Marie Antoinette by Antonia Fraser, though Dr. New did state that this was more of a history book than a novel.

There! Your summer reading list is complete!

Very French Summer Reading : Part One

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:42:00 -0400

Because I am currently taking a French class review with the fantastic Dr. Elizabeth New of French Affaires, I have been feeling French in many other areas of my daily life. Some of my favorite books I’ve read in the past year, have been French inspired. I absolutely loved The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery and True Pleasures by Lucinda Holdforth, which I spotted ages ago on the Charlotte Moss website. So, I sent Elizabeth an email today asking her if she had any summer reading recommendations for a girl who was yearning for a taste of Paris in Dallas (moi). And, she kindly and promptly wrote me back the following expert list:

1.) Suite Francais - the French Affaires Summer Book Group Reading Choice. I definitely plan to attend this session, so join if you can! Here’s a wonderful review on the novel from the NY Times.

2.) Jean de Florette & Manon of the Springs - a two part novel of which they’ve made an amazing movie (Jean de Florette) .

3.) Gourmet Rhapsody - Muriel Barbery. I was so happy to hear Elizabeth recommend this. I absolutely adored The Elegance of the Hedgehog. And, from the information I can find, though this may not exactly meet the brilliance of her second novel (Gourmet Rhapsody is her first) it’s a short and enjoyable read- parfait for summer!

4.) The Last Days - by Raymond Queneau. This book was originally written in French in 1936 and wasn’t published in English until 1990. The novel depicts Parisian life in the 1920’s and is partly autobiographical. Elizabeth said she has actually not read the piece, but has heard it is very interesting and greatly respects some of the author’s other work. Historical… intellectual.. French - all great things!

Three additional recommendations tomorrow. Start picking out which one you’re beginning first! Bonne nuit.

Thoughts on Mystery.

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:42:00 -0400

“It’s the quiet ones you always have to watch out for….”

I wish I could always remain mysterious.. to everyone! Maybe it stems from my mother’s obsession at a young age (and hence, my later obsession) with Nancy Drew Mysteries. Too many people give everything away at first glance. They are like a bad US Weekly cover, you know what’s there without even opening it - tossing it aside.

I adore mystery in itself. I love a nonchalant glance, a knowing smile, a quick turn of the head, a raise of the eyebrows, and a quick toss of the hair. These gestures make LIFE more exciting. And, to me, mystery equates intelligence— as the intelligent ones will attempt to remain mysterious.

Portrait of Madame X, John Singer Sargent

I think Keira Knightley often exhibits a bit of this look. It’s the glance that she gives, that she knows something you don’t and isn’t going to give it away any time soon. Isn’t that more fun? There’s way too much over-exposure (and I’m not talking about social media, as I’m guilty as charged).

Keira Knightley

But, in addition to a mysterious style, I’m also speaking of a lack of modern chivalry which is replaced with today’s need for a quick-fix. Subsequently, an arrogant laziness seemingly ensues in every day life. Why in the world would an individual work for something when they don’t have to do so? That treasured quiet wait that allows you to truly know someone, the baby steps that it takes to truly fall in love before making rash decisions, seems to be less and less common and undervalued.

With life and love, there is a complete lack of patience. I adore an absolutely beautiful song by Billie Holiday called “All of Me” that serendipidously came on my iTunes shuffle just last week. The lyrics make me just melt (as is custom with all Billie Holiday) and think about the very issue I’m talking about. You can’t just take pieces of someone and establish as a whole, it’s everything or nothing at all.. and to truly understand the complete picture- my sincerest apologies, but you “just have to wait.”

Alice White, from the LA Times

That is where true beauty comes from, understanding that the unknown is much more powerful than writing your autobiography on your wrist. It’s giving a taste of loveliness, but always leaving people with the knowledge that the best is yet to come. That is brilliance.

Jane Birkin

And, when the mystery ends, is the spell undoubtedly always over? Now that, shall remain the real mystery (unless the answers all rest in the book I’m currently reading below).

Tom Ford Lipstick - NUDE PLEASE!

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 01:03:10 -0400

There's Nothing Chintzy about Chintz!

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:53:00 -0400

Maxwell and Williams

I love a great chintz pattern. Not so long ago, I ordered some wallcovering samples from a new collection by Ralph Lauren. They are gorgeous, but a part of me is afraid to cover the entire wall in the pattern. I think it might be great for a small powder room, but then possibly too dark. Isn’t it beautiful?

Ralph Lauren: NEW FEATHERBED FLORAL - VINTAGE BLACK

love this old chintz bedroom, the comfortable elegance of an old farm house

little girls room: a lovely yellow - so charming!

Anyways, short & sweet these are currently my favorite chintz-spirations (sans an incredible picture from VOGUE LIVING that I’m much too tired to scan).

Photo

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 07:00:00 -0400

Sophie Dahl Cookbook.

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:53:00 -0400

So, I am REALLY wanting this cookbook. I know absolutely nothing about it, but fell in love with the cover and pictures. I thought I almost had it at Barnes and Noble tonight. The computer said “IN STOCK,” but as it so happened, it was just taken off the truck and they couldn’t find it in the storeroom.

super cute cover- CHECK.

Charming nonchalance - CHECK.

Adorable Author surrounded by delicious looking health food - CHECK.

Cooking on a chic stove - CHECK.

Buying all of her ingredients fresh - CHECK.

AND, if you still aren’t sold, read this charming review on the Wall Street Journal’s blog. Oh, Sophie, I can’t wait to add you to my unused (but flipped through) cookbook shelf.

Optical Opulence.

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:42:00 -0400

I’ve been dying for a new pair of glasses for some time. However, now that I have PLUM in the picture, extra funds somehow go to her and her new cupcake collar, cupcake id tag, and doggy day care. That’s not even INCLUDING the list of things I want to get her, like this POPPY collar and cabana crate cover.

So, how can I POSSIBLY shop for a pair of glasses for myself with a list like that? However, if I were to treat myself to a pair of eyeglasses, there’s a strong chance I would definitely purchase them on Net-A-Porter.com (yes, THAT Natalie Massanet’s company- the woman who just sold it for $76 million).

These are a few of my favorites:

Love- Love - Love: these glasses from PRISM LONDON. In case you’ve forgotten, PRISM LONDON is the fabulous eyewear company adored by the chic and stylish blogger Garance Dore. Although, Net-A-Porter is showing a few Prism styles, I think I prefer the full collection on the Prism London website. But, it is kind of odd to order such a unique frame without trying it on for size! I LOVE this gray frame:

This is a great tortoiseshell frame from Cutler and Gross, but it could be just a tad on the too chunky side.

If I didn’t take the Net-A-Porter route, I would definitely try out these gorgeous clear frames from A.R. Trapp on J.Crew (below). I think the shape is just lovely.

Anyways, there are LOTS of great things happening in eyewear and it’s no longer odd not to ask for a prescription! I’d definitely wear a pair with my contacts as it would be so much easier to eliminate that extra eyewear swap before going to the gym (noone wants sweaty glasses). I can’t wait to see what is to come for fall!

Jane Wilner Designs

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 09:20:29 -0400

I was recently searching online for a new bedspread. There is so much to choose from now, it is really hard to narrow the options down to one particular color palette or even style! In addition, though I’ve been considering a solid color in a super luxe material (and accenting it with an array of pillows) there are so many gorgeous print selections, it’s hard not to fall head over heels for some of the great designs.

I love the BLAIR Collection in a lovely yellow and gray damask from Jane Wilner available at Neiman Marcus (above). Jane Wilner is also sold at Horchow and I also adore the pink striped toile collection below, although it may be too feminine (yes, it is possible) for the rest of my bedroom style.

Speaking of a solid color, I do LOVE the glamorous white collection below. Jane Wilner has included a mélange of different textures and adornment to create an incredibly luxurious (and simply beautiful) bed set. And, I LOVE the rosette pillows. They remind me of this darling rosette Valentino-esque top I tried on last night at American Apparel.

Because I’m not entirely sold on one particular style, I’m definitely going to keep browsing. But, its great to know that a designer like Jane Wilner, is entirely on the right track and style!

Friday Night Romper & Beach Chic.

Fri, 28 May 2010 10:54:50 -0400

Because I’ve had MORE time than usual to think about it, I’ve been thinking about what in the world I’m going to wear tonight to hear my favorite Motown band play live by the ocean this evening. Thanks to J.Crew, 75% of my outfit was delivered yesterday! Because I am vacationing in the fabulous Seaside, Florida, I knew the ring below would be positively perfect. I’m wearing it right now as I type - and I’m in love!

I’m pairing it with this ADORABLE black silk romper, that I was a little worried about, but it’s flowy, flattering, and incredibly chic!

I’m going to try to wear my hair in a top knot and I’m wearing my favorite nude silk platform heels I purchased last year at BCBG. Paired with my fabulous new natural berry stained “Naughty Berry” RED lipstick from Terry at Barneys New York- I’m hoping the outfit is complete!

I didn’t ever think I could or would wear a ROMPER! EVER!

Have a wonderful weekend!