style & grace

London Calling

2008-07-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

Photo from flickr

I'm off to London for a little holiday.......looking forward to all the usuals, and I sure hope Topshop lives up to its reputation. Hopefully I'll also run into my favorite Brits...

The August Domino is out....

2008-07-10T22:33:00.001-07:00

and it's good....really good!!

Cottage Living Goes Hollywood

2008-07-09T12:30:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited that Cottage Living magazine chose West Hollywood as the location of their new Idea Home. According to the mag, the 2008 Idea Home is all about color, character and California style. I can't wait to see it in person. If you live in LA, I suggest you do the same!

Tag You're It!

2008-06-22T13:55:00.001-07:00

I'm most certain I'm the last person to be tagged but thanks So Haute! I can't resist.....

1. What did you do 10 years ago?

Well I was 19 years old, going into my Junior year at San Diego State. I was probably at a Sigma Chi party doing a keg stand wearing a hideous outfit from Bebe. I was also an intern at KNSD, the local NBC station, with dreams of being an anchor woman.

2. Five items on my to-do list today:

Today is Sunday and there is ZERO on my list......except the pool and barbecuing.

3. Snacks I enjoy:

Cracker Barrel w/crackers and a glass of Chardonnay......Tuscan white bean hummus from Trader Joe's with pita chips........Guac with anything!!!

4. What would you do if you were a billionaire?

What wouldn't I do??? Tell my husband to quit his job. Then buy major real estate..... a house on the water in my hometown (Newport Beach), wine country estate in Healdsburg, and then a penthouse in NYC for my husband. Buy my parents and his parents a home of their choice. I would of course donate money to charity, focusing on education and women's health. Buy a private jet and travel the world. I would create a closet that would put Mariah Carey's to shame, and fill it with obnoxious amounts of designer clothes. Throw fabulous parties for all of my friends. Buy my way into hosting a TV show on Food Network where I travelled the world eating and drinking my face off. Then pay for the best trainers and plastic surgeons in the world to help keep my body in shape. Shit I'm vain....ahahaaaaa.

5. What places would you live?

California is it for me!!!!

Birthday Picnic

2008-06-16T20:13:00.001-07:00

It's my husband's birthday today and what better place to celebrate than the beach! We love Zuma Beach and on the weekend we usually tie in brunch at The Sunset.

The Sunset at Zuma!!

Today I thought it would be more fun to pack a picnic. I thought I'd share the menu....

Orzo salad with fresh citrus and red onion, T.M.P (tomato, mozzarella and proscuitto) sandwiches, and Tuscan Kettle chips (they are so addicting!). No birthday is complete without booze so of course we snuck a bottle of Rose onto the beach (in fraternity style plastic red cups). You guys must try the pasta salad I made! I saw Giada make this on Everyday Italian. Giada used fregola pasta which I couldn't find at Whole Foods, so I used orzo. So refreshing and perfect on a warm, sunny day. The birthday boy was a big fan :)

Whatever you decide to eat, there is no better setting for a picnic! Happy Summer.

One Hip Baby Momma

2008-05-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

I feel like something is in the water, I have four girlfriends who are pregnant and another friend who just had twins!! Whatever you are drinking ladies I need some, I'm not having any luck yet. But this blog is about fluff not fertility so back to it.......I just attended a baby shower for one of my most stylish friends. She is having a boy and they are naming him Cash....so cute. Her theme for his nursery is yellow and black which in turn was also the color theme of the shower. Instead of the usual baby gifts, books were requested instead to fill Cash's future library.

The place card can later be used as a bookmark, part of the "library" themed shower.

Isn't the bartender cute?

This is where the magic happens.....ahahaaa

Baby's wardrobe. I LOVE the pig.

The sofa turns into a bed, just in case. It is from DWR. I really love how the room doesn't scream "I'm a boy" and doesn't look babyish.

The playroom. The books she received have a lovely home on her PB kids bookcase!

Garages Are So Overrated.....

2008-05-06T07:55:00.000-07:00

When you can turn it into a pool house instead!!! Okay, first off I know I have been M.I.A. and I apologize. Hopefully one or two of you still read this occasionally. Maybe it is because on my days off I am by the pool instead of in front of the computer. Which inspired this post....

The backyard that first inspired me, featured in both C Magazine and Bazaar (I threw out both mags but I believe Mary McDonald or Ruthie Sommers decorated the home this pool belongs to). A lot of homes in LA that were built in the '20s have detached garages.... so I love this conversion and it is so much better than a musty garage!

Tia Zoldan featured In Cottage Living

Cottage Living has a major crush on Tia Zoldan and so do I! She has a fabulous eye and great taste. Aside from living in the same neighborhood, we share a love for starting with white walls/sofas and letting accents be your pop of color. Changing throw pillows is a hobby! But back to the post....

Cottage Living featured Zoldan's backyard (her third appearance in the mag) and it brought me back to the pool house/garage idea. (It also includes some great recipes for a backyard bash, I'm dying to try the Southern Godfather recipe.......it sounds like a great cocktail).

I love the chairs and umbrellas!

My favorite combination of colors....

Tia you are going places! I can't wait for your website to be up and running. If I run into you on Larchmont and invite myself to your next poolside soiree, don't think I'm a wierdo, haaa :)

Katie Lee Joel - BFF Material

2008-03-25T22:38:00.000-07:00

Katie Lee Joel, wife of Billy Joel, is my new favorite! I had heard of her of course, but never really paid attention until I watched her on Oprah this week. She is gorgeous, chic, seems very down to earth.....and loves to cook. She has a great closet too, not that it matters.....but......

She was on Oprah promoting her new cookbook, The Comfort Table.

She also gave us a tour of her West Village home, decorated by Oprah fave Nate Berkus. She is like a hot, young, hip version of Paula Deen...... without the excess butter. I can't wait to add her new book to my collection. I may even have try her M eat Loaf recipe on my husband this week!

Mindy Weiss in O @ Home

2008-03-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have ever picked up In Style Weddings or watched any celebrity wedding special, you have heard the name Mindy Weiss. She is the super-talented party planner to the stars.

I was at the airport recently and thought I'd buy a few magazines I don't normally read. I was ecstatic to find Weiss' home in the new issue of Oprah at Home. There are so man elements of her home that inspired me, especially in her dining room! A lot of the furniture in her home can be found at Grace Home Furnishings in Brentwood, one of my favorite stores in Los Angeles.

Her dining room is to die for! It is the perfect mix of traditional and Hollywood Regency. I love her Elkins chairs (covered in KWID's Emerald Cut in mink/ivory). And every home should have a touch of blue and white Chinese porcelain.......in my book anyway!

Weiss spends her free time scouring flea markets and e-bay and she has amazing collections. My favorite is her collection of "lady portraits" from the '50s and '60s. I love how the room isn't overtly feminine, despite the pink chairs and portraits.

One room that should be feminine - the closet! There have been some pretty amazing closets featured in magazines, but Weiss' is my new crush. The tufted ceilings are so luxurious. She also used vintage brooches as drawer-pulls. What a great idea! You could also go to Anthropologie and pick out a mix of vintage-inspired pulls. Hmmm new project perhaps!

April 21st kids......

2008-03-11T20:04:00.000-07:00

I am totally obsessed with Gossip Girl so I can't wait for new episodes!!!! One of the main reasons I love the show is the wardrobe. I adore the outfits; each character has a distinct style and I often recognize pieces they wear. My fave by far (perhaps it is my age, haha) is the character Lily Van der Woodsen. She always looks sophisticated and polished without appearing dowdy. This video is a good one if you are a fan of her character. For a little style inspiration, I picked out a few items Lily would approve!

An Hermes belt is a must!

Lanvin flats in multiple colors

the Cashmere tee - grey always works

Sweet Bling

2008-03-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

Image from Bazaar March 2008

Here is a cupcake that won't make you fat.......from the Spring 2008 Leiber collection. I don't own a Judith Leiber handbag nor do I have any need for this extravagant item, but how friggin' cute are these? Available at Neiman Marcus.

Peep Show

2008-02-22T16:01:00.000-08:00

Don't you just adore Easter colors?? I do!!

Mom and Daughter Chiang Mai

2008-02-19T17:08:00.000-08:00

I know Schumacher's "Chiang Mai" has been blogged before, but I thought it would be fun to share a few pictures of how my mom and I used the fabric. We both used it for pillows, but that is where the similarity ends. I love how well it works in both of our rooms.

MOTHER-

My mom's living room. This a really bad picture taken with a camera phone. Hard to tell in this shot, but the fabric has beautiful shades of blue and green. Along with other turquoise accents (not shown) in her living room, it really pops the blue and white scheme. I love her home, she did such a fantastic job decorating it.

DAUGHTER-

My version.....in the master bedroom. I am obsessed with the colors in this version of the fabric. It adds so much character to the room. Thanks to this pillow, I love making my bed in the morning!

XOXO

2008-02-14T13:49:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Tinsley Mortimer @ Home

2008-02-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

Photo © PatrickMcMullan.com

Maybe it's because I too have a fetish for dresses, but I love NY Socialite Tinsley Mortimer's style. She always looks polished and feminine. So it was no surprise that her apartment, featured in the new March issue of Bazaar, is no different.

Below are a few highlights.......already clipped and added to my favorites

The fabric is Scalamandre, and the headboard is designed by Joseph Hercules

I love the wallpaper in the dining room, I'm guessing it is de Gournay or Gracie?

The Louis XV chair in the back caught my eye (another Scalamandre fabric!) and white hydrangeas are always perfect in my book

All above photographs of Tinsley in her home are by Douglas Friedman, Bazaar March 2008

Get to Work

2008-02-07T21:13:00.000-08:00

Mary McDonald's office, the ultimate!! Image from Style Court

I am contemplating a job that would require me to work from home. That means a commute across the hall......and an excuse to decorate a work space! I thought I'd post my favorite offices for some inspiration. Even if you work in a cookie-cutter cubicle, there is no reason not to carve out a space at home for bill paying and late night blog reading ;)

Actress Sarah Wynter's office...In Style magazine

From Domino, designer Jenni Kayne's home office. Totally messy-chic. But can Hermes boxes ever look messy?

From one of my favorite spaces featured in House Beautiful, a study any woman would covet!

By Ruthie Sommers; image from Pink Wallpaper. I love everything about this room.

Celerie Kemble's office, as seen on M.A. Belle...so many elements are perfection

From Cottage Living, I love the desk and rug!

Aerin Lauder in Bazaar.....She had me with the Gracie wallpaper!

Please Mr. Postman.......

2008-02-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

Browsing Domino.com today, I noticed they are "teasing" the March issue already! Please Postman sir, can you deliver it before the newsstand gets it this month so I don't end up spending an additional $5. It isn't fair and frankly just mean.

If this chic pillow is any indication, it should be a great issue!!!

My Spring Bag Crush

2008-01-28T13:00:00.000-08:00

Valentino - Spring/Summer 2008

Handbags and shoes are always worth the splurge because they can make any item you wear look expensive. Stores are getting new Spring merchandise in and while it may be too chilly for dresses and sandals, wearing this won't be a problem........

The "Couture Braided Tote" from Valentino

This bag is stunning in person and comes in a multitude of colors. There is so much to love......the beautiful braided detail, the lack of a tacky logo, the fact that the straps are long enough to go over the shoulder.....yes I already tried it on. Plus, the fact that this is Valentino's last season designing for his namesake house, I can justify that it will be a collector's piece! Now the only question is, what color?

Miami Dreaming....

2008-01-24T08:44:00.000-08:00

Will it ever stop raining? I feel like it never will. Living in Southern California I rarely dream of escaping the elements but I need some sun!!! I'm going to be Vitamin D deficient. I think I need to get on a plane back to South Beach ASAP....

Beachside at the Raleigh....all I need is a Pucci bikini, US magazine and a mojito........

After a long day by the beach, one of my favorite spots for dinner is Casa Tua. You feel like you are dining in someones chic beach cottage and the food is outstanding. There is also a private club on the second level and an adjacent boutique hotel. Casa Tua is run by Leticia and Miky Grendene, a gorgeous couple, who have backgrounds in the fashion industry. Even more than the food, I love the decor. I took a few snapshots last time I was there (I'm no pro, so don't judge!).

I love the zebra mirror! It adds some glamour to the coastal cottage feel.

You must go there the next time you visit Miami!! For now, I'm putting on my trench coat and wellies.....

Design S-O-S

2008-01-22T20:56:00.000-08:00

My sofa (taken with my iphone camera, so forgive the awful lighting!)

It's been rainy and gloomy here in LA, so I've started some "pre-Spring" cleaning. I won't bore you with my entire list, but here are a few things...... I took a yard of fabric, that I've had in the corner of my bedroom collecting dust for 6 months (yes it was still in the packaging), to the upholster to finally get a pillow case made. I cleaned out my fridge and my closet (okay, part of it!). The one thing I didn't accomplish was fixing my cushion situation. Ugh.....

My "naughty" cushion......

.......how it should behave!!

I ordered the circle cut-out chairs from West Elm as a budget alternative to Chippendale chairs (I wish I had just waited and ordered the WS Home or Jonathan Adler ones, oh well). The cut-out chairs actually look great in person. I even put them together all by myself (woo woo) but then opened the cushions to discover that they don't even fit the darn chair. Did I call up customer service to complain or return them to the store? No, of course not!! Instead, we've been sitting on ill-fitting cushions for months now. I take them off when guests come over, so no one notices them. This is just ridiculous. I'm done. I know I need new to have new cushions made, but I can't decide on a fabric for the cushions. I've toyed with plain turquoise but is that boring?

So now I ask your help, dear design experts........any fabric suggestions for my new cushions??

My dining room and living room are adjacent so the colors need to flow. The only graphic in the space is the KWID fabric on the pillows above and other accent colors are orange and turquoise. I feel like I need something traditional to neutralize the modern elements. Can't wait for your insight!

Who doesn't adore Giada?

2008-01-17T21:13:00.000-08:00

Giada in Town & Country magazine - January 2007

I love to cook....but it wasn't always this way. When I first started dating my future husband, I was terrified of the kitchen. I didn't even know how to make hard boiled eggs. My mom and dad cooked, but I never paid attention or cared how the food ended up on my plate. It wasn't until 2001 when I discovered Nigella Bites on the Style Network that I became motivated to be a "domestic goddess." I was mesmerized with how easy and natural she made it look. I went out and purchased all of her books published in the US. I graduated to Saturday mornings spent hungover with my roommates watching "cooking school" on the Food Network. I loved Sarah Molten and Bobby Flay!! But it wasn't until I started watching Everyday Italian with Giada de Laurentiis that I truly felt inspired. Not only is Giada bubbly and adorable, her food is really doable! Her show always has a stylish theme and the recipes are fantastic! I went to one of her book signings in NYC a few years ago (when I lived there) and she was even better in person. I have all of her books and they are great. Below is one of my favorite recipes, I've made it a dozen times and it is always a crowd pleaser!

Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops
Recipe courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis

2 large eggs
1 cup dried Italian-style bread crumbs
3/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan
4 (1/2 to 3/4-inch thick) center-cut pork loin chops (each about 10 to 12 ounces)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 tablespoons olive oil
Lemon wedges, for serving

Whisk the eggs in a pie plate to blend. Place the bread crumbs in another pie plate. Place the cheese in a third pie plate. Sprinkle the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Coat the chops completely with the cheese, patting to adhere. Dip the chops into the eggs, then coat completely with the bread crumbs, patting to adhere.
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a very large skillet over medium heat. Add pork chops, in batches if necessary, and cook until golden brown and the center reaches 150 degrees, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer the chops to plates and serve with lemon wedges.

Foo Frenzy

2008-01-12T19:35:00.000-08:00

Lamps from William Sonoma Home

This Foo is available from Jayson. Get the right and the left for chic bookends.

Foo Dog statues are an ancient Chinese tradition, typically found guarding temples. Fast forward to 2008 and they've become a must have in stylish homes everywhere. It's hard to open a magazine or catalog without seeing them in some form. I have a pair of Foo Dogs in a brilliant shade of turquoise and I adore them. I purchased them from Plantation Home here in LA. They work in a myriad of looks. I especially love them in a blue and white scheme, for a pop of color.

My Foos! As seen in Domino......

From the latest Pottery Barn catalog (image originally on Turquoise Chic)

Ivanka's infamous apartment, she has multiple Foos in her place. I also noticed them on her window sill when she was on Oprah. (image from Style Court)

I want everything in this hutch!! So jealous....(Image also from Style Court)

27 Dresses

2008-01-10T07:41:00.000-08:00

I have been fortunate to have escaped the hell of wearing a god-awful bridesmaid dress. My friends haven't been so lucky. In fact, two of my closest girlfriends have been in over 15 weddings since college. One sorority sister even made them do a dance routine (in their hot pink and be-dazzled dresses no less) for the groom. I don't think I could have stomached that one, unless I had the liquid courage of a good bottle of Champagne. Anyway, they have a tradition of leaving the frock in the hotel room, never to be seen again! I like to think the dress I chose for them was not left in the W Hotel on Union Square, but I have a feeling housekeeping opened the closet to a sweet surprise. Oh well!! They paid for them :)

My bridesmaids wore the above dress but in beige (with pearls and cute gold Jimmy Choos), from Jenny Yoo collection

We all can't wait to see 27 Dresses when it comes out next week. For all of us ladies in our late 20s and up, we can definitely relate to wedding nightmares! Check out the Web site for more info on the movie.

My Chiang Mai!

2008-01-09T19:09:00.000-08:00

Image courtesy of Style Court

My first official blog comment was about Schumacher's Chiang Mai Dragon fabric. I had just ordered it to have throw pillows made for my bedroom. I knew Courtney over at Style Court would love it, so I suggested it for a headboard project she was planning. It is truly one of the most beautiful fabrics I've seen.

Chair available at Hudson, a very chic home decor store in Boston

From Domino, another great use of this beautiful fabric

From O at Home, love that lamp!

I've noticed a few blogs knocking Pottery Barn recently, so I couldn't wait to check out their catalog and investigate myself. To my horror, I opened to page 26 and discovered this..........

.....looks very familiar doesn't it??!! Way too similar to my beloved Chiang Mai!!! They basically replaced the dragon with a bird! It was like seeing a knock-off of that coveted Chanel bag you waited months to get.

Don't get me wrong, I am not a retail snob. I mix my Marc Jacobs with my H&M. But for some reason, this depresses me! I guess I can take pride in the fact that I know and have the "original." Sniff, sniff....

Vanity Fairest

2008-01-07T21:52:00.000-08:00

Aerin Lauder as seen in Bazaar - June 2007

I dream of having a room dedicated to dressing. Not just a walk-in closet, but a walk-in ROOM. Being that I am married and also not an heir to a cosmetic empire, a vanity is the next best alternative. There are many options when it comes to vanities. Whatever your decorative style may be, they absolutely must be all out girly!!

Cottage Living Jan./Feb. 2008

One of my all time favorite tear sheets, from Cottage Living. That chair is to die for!

As seen in O Magazine....a great option if you have a small space! How cool is a wallpapered closet?

Does it really get better than Jennifer Marsico's vanity? One of my favorite Domino moments! Chic, chic, chic!