elements of style

Brown Baggin' In Style.

2009-07-15T12:53:00.004-04:00

With the economy the way it is a bet a lot more of you are packing your own lunches to bring to work rather than spend $8 on a sandwich at the local deli. Well, brown baggin' it just got cooler thanks to chef Mario Batali and his fabulous purse-like Marguerite Satchel lunch bag! Perhaps not as cool as your old Thundercats/Barbie lunchox of yesteryear, but a heck of a lot nicer looking than a paper bag or old shopping bag- plus it'll keep your goods cool and the planet a little greener.

Found! Vintage Wallpaper Nursery Cutouts

2009-07-15T07:01:00.008-04:00

I remember seeing this nursery in Domino and just FLIPPING OUT about the vintage wallpaper giraffe silhouette. Well, I've found it- and a menagerie of other creatures as well, in various cool vintage prints! Inke Heiland crafts them and you can buy them through Romp in Brooklyn.
(p.s. also loving the window shade fabric and the sheepskin rug- I try to put a little sheepskin rug in almost every nursery I do- babies love the feel and I love the look!)

You can even buy birds to put in your tree- and add a birdhouse light fixture for some glow!

You can also get crafty and make one yourself- I still have tons of vintage wallpaper (more here) I'm selling! :)

What I'm Loving:Discount Designer Flatware!

2009-07-14T13:10:00.004-04:00

Loving the silver ware available today on One Kings Lane by Ricci- especially the Rivets style with subtle "nail head" look and the Imperial Trellis inspired Labirinto!

Click.

2009-07-14T08:06:00.041-04:00

Photographers have the most amazing way of turning simple spaces and groupings of objects into magical vignettes of life. James Merrell is one of those people. He's shot for Anthropologie, Domino, J.Crew and Town & Country, among many others. I love the effortless feel these rooms and objects possess. (You may recognize a few shots from some of our favorite Domino spreads too...) Porfolios like these are such fantastic sources of inspiration!

Scenes from The Ranch...

2009-07-13T13:07:00.025-04:00

Finally got to downloading some pics from the holiday weekend off my camera- more time spent at my parent's house aka "the ranch", aka "my country house". Had to show off Dad's new purchase- a vintage Ford tractor that was purchased, I'm sure, as a "barn accessory". True to dad's aesthetically gifted designer roots, he's a tad bothered that the red on it doesn't match the barn. :) I totally understand.

Ingredients for a perfect "man barn": 1 part vintage convertible, 1 part tractor, 50 parts tools. Mix and hear the grunting begin.

See. Andrew can't resist.

More eye candy from the weekend:

This place is just HIDEOUS. Hurts my eyes. ;)

And from the "Why I Love My Family" files- my brother Mike pulled the tablecloth off the table and velcro-ed it around his neck and said "Hey Erin, you should blog this. The "man shawl". It's the hottest new thing"- and then jumped for joy for the camera (possibly fueled by 4 or 5 gin and tonics. Possibly.)

It's nice to have weekends when your abs are sore from laughing, no?

Design Crush: Robyn Karp

2009-07-13T07:16:00.028-04:00

Some yummy visual imagery from the portfolio of New York designer Robyn Karp, who has a streamlined yet fun look...and a signature wallpapered bulletin board in many of the bedrooms (a great way to add pattern without spending lots of $$$)!

Fashion Fridays: Wild Child.

2009-07-10T07:57:00.003-04:00

One thing I learned this week is to stop taking life so seriously. This lesson is one that I myself need to really embrace. I tend to be a total Chicken Little type who, when things go a bit wrong, tends to run round screaming "the sky is falling, the sky is falling"-- and then things almost always work out fine anyways and I wonder why I wasted so much time getting so stressed out. Life is way too short to freak out about things that are inconsequential and unimportant. And it's too short to not have fun with it. Especially when it comes to dressing (wow, I didn't think I could link deep life lessons and fashion in one swift sentence...go me)
Like I've said before I want to stop playing it so safe and try new things out- why not? I saw this DVF tiger dress the other day and it made me smile. It's so not something I would typically buy (tiger print yes, an actual TIGER on a dress, no). So last night I saw it again online and thought I'd put an outfit together using it. Why not? And I actually love it!

Wild One by elementsofstyleblog featuring Diane von Furstenberg dresses

Have some fun this weekend- don't think too much and just do something silly that you've never done before (or wear something you never thought you would).
Like I said, life's too short not too.

Flowers for Steven.

2009-07-09T13:44:00.017-04:00

I'm having a tough time getting back into the swing of things after being away for the holiday and then in North Carolina for a pretty heartbreaking funeral for my nephew/godson Steven. So until I have my thinking cap back on straight (tomorrow, I hope) I'll leave you with the alarmingly gorgeous work of San Francisco florists Rosenow Floral Design.

Be Back Tomorrow

2009-07-08T09:09:00.001-04:00

Sorry for missing some posts- I am out of town and will be back and posting tomorrow.

Labor of Love

2009-07-06T08:15:00.033-04:00

I am simply enamoured with the wedding/portrait photographers Our Labor of Love. Creativity, artistry and fun permeate each image this group shoots- just try not to spend an hour going through their portfolio here. What lucky people who get to have their important life milestones captured by these creative geniuses... (and some fantastic wedding ideas for those who are planning too...)

This wedding below looks like it was spectacular! Tulips hanging from mossy "chandeliers"?
I die.

Loving the richness of the bold colors...

..and even the quiet moments sing with beauty!

OLOL also offers a "smilebooth" when they shoot weddings which looks like a perfect way to capture the silliness and exuberance of guests- filled with props and fitted with a remote to take the shots you're guaranteed some hysterical images...

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-02T07:04:00.013-04:00

As all of you head off to celebrate summer this weekend (here in Boston it's hardly looking like summer) I wanted to leave you with a little patriotic themed post- a great weekend outfit and some images of flags and red, white and blue in design and entertaining!

4th of July by elementsofstyleblog on Polyvore.com

Try this refreshing cocktail this weekend while your relaxing at a BBQ or at the beach:

PINK SALTY DOG

Coarse salt, for rim of glass
Grapefruit slice, for garnish
1/3 cup freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice
2 tablespoons vodka
1 tablespoon Campari liqueur, or grenadine
1 to 1/2 cups ice cubes

HAPPY 4TH!
xoxo,
Erin

photos courtesy of country living, domino, martha sewart, pottery barn, nantucket historical society, jasper johns

Fantastic Foyer

2009-07-01T08:30:00.007-04:00

I have always loved this foyer re-do from Cottage Living (still harbor resentment that it is no longer). I think it's an accessible, easy to understand re-do that came out a fabulous mix of unexpected and traditional. Let's break it down...

Here is the foyer before:

Here it is after!

The trim, woodwork and door were all painted a glossy rich grey, which is totally surprising and makes quite the impact! Since this is a long, high ceiling entryway the wallpaper chosen is the perfect compliment- large scale brick pattern with a hint of metallic silver. I love it (and the zebra pillows- of course)

The sofa was re-upholstered in faux cream ostrich- kid friendly and not something that will get ruined when you throw a wet umbrella on it upon entering! Faux leathers have come a LONG way and I bet you'de never be able to tell the difference visually. And nailheads make everything better. It's a fact.

Chrome hooks with name tags add spunk and storage.

Classic smoke bell lanterns, a silver mirror, ceramic gourd lamp and sisal runner complete the look.

No matter what the size of your entryway, consider it's impact on visitors when entering your home- it intriduces people to your style and should be a space for you to have a little fun!

Stray Dog Light for Sale!

2009-07-01T08:01:00.004-04:00

Adorable, brand new Stray Dog Designs Birdcage light fixture for sale from a recent project in which it did not work size wise. Retails for $625, this one available for $350!
E-mail me if you are interested!
erin@element-interiors.com

Element Shops: Tonic Home

2009-06-30T07:47:00.031-04:00

I was so excited when Tonic Home contacted me about being a blog advertiser since they are one of my favorite online stores for designer goods! Impeccable taste reigns supreme in this shop, and I think you'll agree with me after taking a gander. From Bungalow 5 to Oly Studio to Arteriors Home lighting, you can't throw a rock without hitting something fabulous. Here are some of my favorite items from their online shop!

Awesome artwork that makes a statement:

Bold throw pillows:

An amazing selection of lamps:

And some of my all time favorite pendant fixtures:

Lots of ceramic garden stools:

Need an imperial trellis fix? This pair of chairs is on sale!

You know I can't resist zebra- especially on an Oly Studio piece. A new favorite- O'Brien Ironworks chinese chippendale garden furniture:

More Oly Studio:

Stylish side tables:

Mirrors to add interest to your walls:

Amazing buffets and dressers:

I adore a grouping of natural horns on a mantle, these are particularly lovely. And while you're at it you can snag this sleek shagreen clutch!

Welcome to the E of S family Tonic Home!

Surfin' Turf

2009-06-29T08:02:00.027-04:00

It has been raining here for what feels like months. This June has been so unbelievably grey and depressing it feels like New England has morphed into London, Seattle and Forks, WA rolled into one. I sit here and wait for the Cullen family to descend and set up residence in this gloomy, sun-free land of ours. I need a little visual uplift before I send myself careening into the Charles River. This month's feature of The Surf Lodge in Montauk, NY in Coastal Living is the kind of colorful, happy inspiration I need to focus on. Designer Robert McKinley opened this space as a homage to good ol' laid back surf culture. He, along with his partners and hippie chic designer Tracy Feith, created spaces that feel like surf camp meets Jonathan Adler's The Parker Hotel. You can practically smell the Banana Boat sunscreen and salty sea air in these pictures, no?

There is an onsite Tracy Feith shop, full of his bright, hippie, happy clothes and the entire staff is outfitted in his designs.

This picture below is of his NYC location (equally as cheerful!)

The first lady has worn one of Tracy's dresses (a slightly more subtle number). While I'd pick a long tie dyed number to sport after a day at the beach...

He recently even did a Go International line for Target (which sold out in a split second).

What I wouldn't give right now to be hanging in this hammock at the Surf Lodge in a Tracy Feith number sipping on something fruity.

Perhaps the sun will come out tomorrow.

Fashion Sunday?

2009-06-28T10:00:00.012-04:00

I saw this and simply HAD to alert you on a Sunday morning since this sale is only for 40 more hours! Haute Look is another designer sale site like Rue La La, Ideeli, etc.- this sale is for all the moms and moms-to-be out there that need a stylish new diaper bag that looks more like it came from Hermes or Tory Burch than from Babies R Us! Liz Lange has knocked it out of the park with these amazing bags- I kind of want some of them just as a purse! Yummy linings and hardware details make these really fashion forward and special!

Fashion Friday: Pretty Young Thing-A Fashion Homage to MJ.

2009-06-26T07:14:00.045-04:00

We were at a charity event last night when we heard of Michael Jackson's passing. I was, and still am, in shock over the loss of such a huge global icon at such a young age. While his death is not totally surprising (something was obviously quite wrong with Michael), it's still devastating to those of us who grew up to a soundtrack of his prolific hits. I was a HUGE MJ fan, in fact my mom tells me she would put the Thriller album on all the time when I was a baby and I learned to dance (well, bounce) to it. I remember shrieking with glee every time the "Thriller" video would come on MTV and trying to learn the moves. Or trying to moonwalk across the floor with no luck. Not matter how you feel about him and his very troubled, sad life, he was the world's biggest pop star and changed music forever.
My love for MJ began at a young age, as referenced above, and continued throughout my life. One of the coolest Christmas gifts I ever got as a kid was a Michael Jackson Ken doll from my brother Sean, complete with the Thriller red leather jacket and sparkly glove (he and Barbie were hot and heavy for quite some time). The red leather jacket was such an iconic symbol of cool. In fact I just read an interview in the most recent Elle with actor Ryan Reynolds who talked about buying a copy of the jacket (in pleather, of course) in middle school and wearing it every single day he loved it so much. While I giggle at the thought of that, it speaks volumes to the extraordinary devotion of his fans and the influence he had over them.

(really pissed I did not keep this)

Most recently we've been seeing a resurgence of the "MJ" look in fashion- particularly from Balmain's Spring 09 collection which was a direct reference to Michael's famous jackets.

3.1 Phillip Lim's Spring 09 collection also had an MJ feel to it- hardware, sippers, frog closure vests and sequins....

Back in 2007 Givenchy had a very MJ inspired look- so perfectly "Michael" that Michael himself even bought it! Talk about fashion coming full circle!

And speaking of Michael's jackets- how about all the sequins? He certainly loved to shine and his look was the influence for today's shimmery sequined jackets seen by Dolce & Gabbana, Gryson, Chanel and even J.Crew!

And how about the white pantsuit look with black accents from the Thriller album cover?

Celebs love this look for the red carpet- and Angie's is especially "MJ" with her one big earring (an homage to the one glove, perhaps?)

Pop stars who's careers are so strongly influenced by Michael also love the white pantsuit look for performing...

JT even copied the face scarf/hat ensemble so often sported by Michael (and, and his dance moves and sound too). :)

And that whole aviator trend that resurfaced? Yeah, MJ's been wearing those non stop for YEARS...

Beyonce looked very "Moonwalker" in this photoshoot with the classic fedora and suit and tie...

So on this sad day, try to remember the great and wonderful things Michael Jackson contributed to this world. Yes, he was a very complicated, sick man in his adulthood, but he was a true pioneer and I fear, a very misunderstood man.
Listen to this tribute and try not to dance. Or even better, maybe do a little dance in his memory...and put on a little sequined something! :)

** Sorry, I had to remove the playlist b/c of some code errors! :(

Up, Up and Away!

2009-06-25T08:12:00.003-04:00

Am frantically busy today climbing up my mountain of work, but thought I'd leave you with this enchanting pic of some of the most gorgeous stairs I've ever seen. Be back soon....

And the Winner Is....

2009-06-25T07:02:00.004-04:00

Even Martha approves of these beauties- spot the seafoam on the bed above?

Holy comments, Batman- you guys really dig these pillows, huh? I knew you would! I wish I had 179 pairs to give away to you all, but alas, I only have one pair- and they are going to
Melissa from Fire BugDesigns blog! (Just to be fair, I used random.org to generate a random number for the winner)
Melissa, please e-mail me your shipping address ASAP to erin@element-interiors.com! CONGRATS!!!!
The good consolation prize is that these pillows are only $50 each, so it won't break the bank to pick one up! You can buy them here.

Thomas Paul Sale on Gilt Group.

2009-06-24T08:39:00.003-04:00

Just a heads up, at noon today Gilt Group is having a Thomas Paul sale! For all those who love his quirky, modern designs here's your chance to get some kick ass throw pillows for cheap ('cause only one of you can win my pillow giveaway)!
Join here if you haven't already, it's an incredible site!

Twinkle Living Throw Pillow Giveaway!!!

2009-06-24T06:51:00.006-04:00

Have I got a giveaway for you today! Who wouldn't love a pair of my favorite Twinkle Living zig zag throw pillows from All Modern? I have a pair of them in navy in my office and I still love them to death and get so many compliments! Read a bit about them below and the leave a comment describing where and how you'll use the pillows and a winner will be selected at random tomorrow! (Oh, and bonus- you get to choose between the brown and seafoam!)

You can never have too many pillows; that is a given in any home! Colorful pillows with intricate, fun designs that are whimsical and peculiar in every way, can truly liven up any room. Since its founding in 1999, Twinkle living has become a leader in women’s fashion, the vision and the direction of Twinkle’s products coming straight from the imagination of its founder, Wenlan Chia. Wenlan takes her inspiration and applies it to her work through her experiences in Taiwan, her love of contemporary lifestyle and her widespread travel around the world. Overall, her work reflects her influences and experiences, with the beautiful designs and patterns that go into Twinkle Living products. The Zig Zag pillow fits right in line with Twinkle Living’s overall philosophy on design. The 100% cotton, silk screened fabric adds comfort to this modern, yet quaint design making this the perfect accent to your modern furniture. Even better, Twinkle Living offers the Zig Zag product in two different colors-brown or sea foam, for your choosing. Don’t miss out on a chance to add some Zig Zag décor into your life, be sure to enter the giveaway!

Expedit Love.

2009-06-23T06:32:00.024-04:00

The IKEA Expedit bookshelf is one of my favorite items to use in designing a home. I have one in my own office (the green room below) and I love how each cubby can be left open for books or binders or be filled with a drawer or basket to conceal clutter. I spec this item all the time in both small condos or apartments to big million dollar homes- they are sturdy, clean, great design that blends in with traditional or modern decor and is easy to make your own...

You can attached particle board or foam core to the back covered in a wallpaper or paint or perhaps put one up on a console table (be sure to attach it to the wall somehow!)

It makes an excellent see through room divider...

It's the most perfect storage unit for children's rooms and nurseries...

and offices...

This entire wall was crafted from various sizes of Expedit shelves! Amazing!

My set-designer cousin Mark used stacks of them to dress up Stacy London's set last year- and filled them with shoes! LOVE!

The Expedit come sin three finishes and various styles and sizes to suit your needs. I am loving the new "uneven" shelving unit below:

This workstation is genius for creating the maximum amount of storage and workspace in a small area.

They've started making Tv units, coffee tables and side tables that match and I think their clean leans are very chic and modern:

images via IKEA, Domino, Flickr, Apartment Therapy

Finger Lickin' Good

2009-06-22T15:55:00.006-04:00

I like to share just about every great find I can with you all (furniture, fashion, cocktails...), and this little gem for today pertains to cooking! My mom served us up some grilled chicken that had been marinated in Salamida's State Fair Chicken BBQ Sauce and can I just tell you- we all went wild. It's not your typical thick red BBQ sauce, more of a southern style vinegar based marinade. My hubby said it reminds him of North Carolina barbeque. Mom ordered a bunch of the stuff for me online and I have some chicken marinating right now in the fridge for tomorrow night (24 hour marinating is key here). I am going to order the sampler set of all their marinades (particularly excited to try the Rosemary Balsamic). Give it a try!

What I'm Loving: Vintage Seaside Accessories

2009-06-22T07:18:00.007-04:00

These framed vintage bathing suits from Battersea would look amazing in a hallway or above a sofa in a beach home. I am simply obsessed.
While you are there why not pick up some vintage industrial lights to go in said beach house? :)

Add to Your Bookshelf: Weekend Retreats

2009-06-22T06:41:00.011-04:00

I was lusting after the weekend homes on display in Susanna Salk's newest book target="_blank""Weekend Retreats" this weekend. It's a great collection of varied interiors for those of you looking for more inspiration (or motivation to save up and someday have your own weekend home!)