Ralph Rucci & using your fine things

One of my guilty pleasures is to read design books and mags before lights out. I love it! I escape into the beautiful world of design before my dreams. It’s the best! It’s like a holiday every night. So last night, I was reading So Chic and I found what Fashion Designer Ralph Rucci said interesting and directly applicable to everyday life in the world of Design. Actually, I found many things interesting about his outlook, but you’ll have to get the book to find out. The one thing I like to translate across the board is the notion of using fine things. They were created to be enjoyed.

“There is a conception in the country about luxurious things, that we have to save them for a time that’s right. But an object is only luxurious if you allow it to be, if you use it. When you live with beautiful things, you stimulate your mind, you enjoy life a little bit more.”

-Ralph Rucci

So tonight when you’re preparing for an event, bring out the best. If you’re have a weekend in, find a reason to use your silver or china. Break out your 20-year-old scotch or  10-year-old burgundy and use the beautiful tumblers like they were made for you. Burn the candle that smells so yummy, but it’s too nice to use. Wear the earrings you’ve been dying to wear. Pull out your grandfathers  ornate trunk or watch and wear it. Enjoy it!

Clothing Romance in Everyday Life

Check out this line Two out of New York.

With two boys on the run, I am always in need of pieces that are comfortable and chic. The activities are endless around my house, so I need clothing for a flexible lifestyle, but still desire a creative elegant look. Two’s designs are beautifully crafted in Brooklyn and combine an Indian and European influence. I love the chic effortless style. I think her line gives a romance to everyday life.

For more pieces visit Two.

Pinterest Addiction

Because of one of the most addicting, amazing, pin boards right at my finger tips, I feel like I now have Attention Deficit Disorder.

Thank you Ben!!

I was minding my own business yesterday and decided to look for photos. I stumbled upon one awesome image after another. After seeing an enormous amount of amazing pictures. Every time I went back to the computer to look at directions I kept starting another project. I ended up making a banner for my almost 2 and 4 year olds, painting an old chest of drawers, going to town in search of burlap fabric and jute to make a bag, rearranging our bedroom furniture. (I’ll spare you the photo of that one, as it is total disarray). The catalyst for all this productivity is Pinterest and the best part about it is, you can be inspired to get up and change the environment around you.

It has everything! I mean everything! It’s not just for pretty dresses and crafters. It’s for Chefs, Farmers, Techies and Geologist. It’s for Auto Enthusiast and Digital Media Specialist. It’s for Travel Planners, Wedding Planners, Party Planners. If you need to plan it, Pinterest has the idea. Thank you Ben Silbermann for changing our lives one pin at a time!

I have loved Pinterest for months now, but in late January when I attended the Altitude Design Summit, I had the pleasure of being able to listen to the owner and creator of Pinterest, Ben Silbermann, speak. It was truly amazing to hear how his process lead him to the Pinterest world. Thank goodness for his failures and successes because without those, we wouldn’t have not this beautiful, creative avenue connecting the world with photos.

Thank you Ben!!

For your inspirational intel – 10 fash finds under $60

I was out today and walked under this installation. It made me feel good, so I thought I would share it with all of you. Sending a little positive energy to brighten your day.

Color finds under $60

ASOS pencil sequin skirt

EZRA skirt

ASOS anchor sweater

Kate Spade pink studs

Kendra Scott yellow earrings

Butter nail polish

Under $60 For Him

Red Callaway shirt

Blue Mens Tee

Ben Sherman Gingham button down

Taylor Vintage button down

If you senses are overwhelmed, I’m coming at you tomorrow with some soothing vibes.

Coloring your neutrals

I was looking for some style treats and I found this 2010 photo from one of my favorite photographers/fashion bloggers, Scott Schuman. I’m definitely in the market for this look this Spring. I love color, but sometimes a little color statement is good with a more neutral palette.

Here’s where you can get it.

T by Alexander Wang yellow skirt, Urban Outfitters yellow skirt, Michael Kors clogs, Oasis sparkle sweater,  J.Crew sparkle top Ooak white belt, gold bracelet

Men. Airedale’s got it down. images via The Airedale

Another way to throw in some color is with stylish nails. Here are some fun colors for spring.

Try a bright shoe with a neutral tapered pant.

    

Fine Art Fix

I’m in need of an Art fix and I’m sharing it with all of you. I just haven’t had enough Fine Art pieces in my life lately, so I went on a hunt for some pieces that move me. Here are some works that I’m enjoying at the moment.

When I was searching for pieces, I was specifically searching for figurative works. For some reason in figurative pieces, the emotion translated from artist to canvas touches me in way far different from other genres. If the eyes are exposed, they strike me as  windows into the artist emotional state and the movement of the figures body is a direct reflection or a piece of their personality at that moment in time. This is why so many artist wear their emotions on their sleeve, because they have literally dipped a brush and stroked their soul out for the world to see.

 

Charlie Calder-Potts

Valeriy Gridnev

Dale Lamson

Anne-Marie Kornachuk

Terry Strickland

Galley to watch: Miller Gallery, Ohio.

Site seeing street style

A few pics of my street style in Philly.

When I travel I have some must haves. The list includes; My Fendi Spy Bag, Michael Kors watch, leather coat  and cardigan(layers, layers, layers), skinny jeans,  frye boots and my iphone (all pics taken with iphone) All of these items can be mixed and matched for different looks. For me, these are essential to traveling/walking the city and make my site seeing that much more enjoyable.

Rachel Pally Dress

Pink Leather Jacket

Michael Kors Cardigan

Tory Burch Pink blouse

Current/Elliot faded skinny jeans

Michael Kors Watch

Fendi Spy Bag

Frye Boots

Spring Looks

Happy Saturday! A few sneak peaks for Spring.

Open back lace dress

Pants with Kick Flare

Red crochet shorts

Juniper Gloss Ring

Faux or not to Faux – That’s your question!

Sometimes your furniture just gets tired and so do you of ‘it’! An easy trick to make it new again is to throw a sheepskin on it. Nothing makes a home cozy like a little fur. Whether you like the real thing or are with PETA here some solutions for you.

This photo from Chao Camp: Our house does an excellent job cozying up a dining space. I think this idea is brilliant as the sheepskin floor rug is getting overworked these days.

Apartment therapy did a piece on Domino’s, Before & After of Julianne Moore as a designer. The photo above displays a chair, which alone, would be a little raw with the other materials in the space. The sheepskin softens the look and makes the room more inviting.

Wicker is going to outlive us all. We all have a tired piece of wicker laying around. Here is a loveseat with new life.

Sheepskin throw – Floor throw that can be used over a loveseat or chair. Pair with a Moroccan style rug to complete your this chic look. Vintage shops are always good for some fun,funky rugs.

Here is another rug option I love. Lodi Hand Tufted Wool Rug

Frame it

One of my very amazing readers asked about framing, as it pertains to furniture and decorating. One of my rules to framing is, frame to the artwork and not to the room. Buy and frame pieces that you love, and place them wherever you want. It doesn’t have to match, it just has to fit between the molding. If you like your rooms to match for a little more cohesive flow, then match your furniture to your artwork, not the other way around. Don’t buy a piece of artwork or a frame because it matches your upholstery. The work will be ‘out’ the second the fabric is. Think of them as individuals mingling. Treat them like your wardrobe. Mix and match separates for a more vibrant look. Framing is as personal as the pieces which are in them. What I love, not everyone else will, so stick to your guns. You are the one living with it. I like to rotate art around the house and dedicate one space to a gallery look. Some works are meant to stand alone and don’t need a frame. Be mindful of works with a finished canvas, chances are it looks better without a frame.

Here are a couple groupings.

 

I like to mix mediums. Photography, painting, prints and collages can work together.

gallery look